Graduation held for new physicians, allied health professionals

  • Published
  • By Pamela Piccoli
  • 88th Medical Group Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Graduate Medical Education Program at Wright-Patterson Medical Center recognized 59

Airmen during its annual graduation ceremony May 25 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

“Every one of you will play a key role in the future of the medical service. Know how important you are to the mission,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Miller, Air Force Surgeon General and keynote speaker. “You all are part of something much bigger, we are all a part of the greatest Air Force and Space Force in the world.”

During the ceremony, Dr. Randy Woods, associate dean, graduate medical education and designated institutional official, at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine, acknowledged and thanked the students for their care of the Dayton community during the 2019 Memorial Day tornado and Oregon district shooting.

“Although your journey to Dayton was all about training, your heroic efforts in the care of our Dayton community have not gone unnoticed,” Woods said. “Your presence impacted greatly the care of our patients and our community. If the past is any indication of the present, you are ready and you will do great things.” 

Col. Dale Harrell, 88th Medical Group commander, praised graduates for their dedication and desire to helping others.

“You chose a lifelong commitment and responsibility of being a medical professional devoted to the health, welfare and care of others, but even fewer take on the commitment and the responsibility of wearing the Air Force uniform,” he said. “Your pledge of selfless service to our patients and our country is impressive to watch and see, to say the least.”

Miller shared his three main points of focus to the graduates:

  • Do your clinical job really well.
  • Being mission ready, always build on top of your clinical skills.
  • Choose to be a continuous learner, make yourself better by filling in the gaps.

“Enjoy every step of the way, cause it really is an amazing journey,” he added.

Harrell urged “You will have the chance to impact one’s life greater than ever before, and many of you will have the chance to save someone’s life one day, but most importantly, you will have the ability to leave a lasting impression on your patients, your staff and your peers.” 

“Practice medicine with empathy, compassion and hope,” he said.

Wright-Patterson Medical Center’s residency training offers six physician and six allied health programs.  Sponsored by Wright State University, military residents spend up to 95% of their inpatient training at area local hospitals, including Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kettering Health Main Campus, Miami Valley Hospital and Dayton Children’s Hospital.

WPMC is the second-largest Air Force Medical Service provider training platform.

2023 GRADUATING RESIDENTS (88TH MEDICAL GROUP)

PSYCHIATRY

Capt. Alyssa L. Arena, M.D.

Capt. Victor A. Beals, M.D.

Capt. Michael S. Hatesohl, M.D.

Capt. Andy C. Hur, M.D.

PEDIATRICS

Capt. Raegan L. Austin, D.O.

Capt. Catherine J. Bernal, D.O.

Capt. Rachel H. Carlson, D.O.

Capt. Spencer E. Hart, M.D.

Capt. Mitchell A. McClellan, D.O.

Capt. Caitlin M. Meyer, D.O.

Capt. Matthew S. Rasch, D.O.

Capt. Michelle J. Towers, M.D.

CHIEF RESIDENT

Capt. Lauren E. Clark, M.D.

Capt. Yejin Yoo, M.D.

GYNECOLOGIC SURGERY & OBSTETRICS

Capt. Samantha K. Brenner, M.D.

Capt. Meghan S. Dawson, D.O.

Capt. Brandon D. Harvey, D.O.

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Capt. Dominic A. Bracero, M.D.

Capt. Jon Elliott D. Brubaker, M.D.

Capt. Yonatan P. Dollin, D.O.

Maj. Joseph M. Duren Jr., M.D.

Capt. Lisa V. Dykes, M.D.

Capt. Nicholas Y. Eisenberg, M.D.

Capt. Nathaniel D. Ford, M.D.

Capt. Marc R. Gutierrez, M.D.

Capt. Jeanette K. Klamfoth, D.O.

Capt. Bunnarack Kuch, D.O.

Capt. Luke M. Meyer, D.O.

Capt. Cody A. Minor, M.D.

Capt. Nathan D. Mullen, D.O.

Capt. Rohan A. Papaly, M.D.

Capt. Matthew L. Silverman, M.D.

Capt. Grace E. Smith, M.D.

Capt. Nicholas P. Symons, M.D.

Capt. Elizabeth A. Willis, M.D.

Capt. Austin T. Yang, D.O.

CHIEF RESIDENT

Capt. Brian P. Elliott, M.D.

Capt. Joseph M. Glendening, D.O.

GENERAL SURGERY

First Post Graduate Year

Capt. Karly R. Kindoll, D.O.

Capt. Taylor M. Nunn, M.D.

Capt. Lea M. Trush, M.D.

Graduating Residents

Maj. Micah E. Ancheta, D.O.

Capt. Samantha G. Brock, M.D.

Capt. William A. Pinette, M.D.

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Capt. Michael P. Frein, M.D.

Capt. Christina M. Grimsley, M.D.

Capt. Joseph W. Inhofer, M.D.

Capt. Charles J. Mears, M.D.

Capt. Rebecca A. O’Neill, D.O.

Capt. Matthew D. Oram, M.D.

Capt. Jonathan D. Shecter, D.O.

Maj. Taylor J. Travers, D.O.

Capt. Max A. Waldrup, M.D.

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHESIA

Maj. Kelli D. Gruss, DNP, RN

Maj. Tammy Huynh, DNP, RN

Capt. Shannon Nunnery, DNP, RN

PSYCHOLOGY

Capt. Amy L. Overpeck

Capt. Blake C. Savage

Capt. Hallie S. Tannahill

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Capt. Makenna P. Basore, D.M.D.

Capt. Nicholas G. Grennell, D.D.S.

Capt. Kaysee L. Ishman, D.D.S.

Capt. William L. Niermeyer, D.D.S.

Capt. Kendall A. Polk, D.D.S.

SOCIAL WORK

1st Lt. Emma M. Black, LCSW

1st Lt. Jennifer M. Magnuson, LMSW

1st Lt. Lauren M. Riddles, LCSW

1st Lt. Vanessa L. Robinson, LCSW

1st Lt. Adam J. Taylor, LCSW