Residency Videos
 

34 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 Tel: 978-725-7410  Fax: 978-687-2106 EMail: residency@glfhc.org

Jessica Barnhill, M.D., Ann Arbor, MI University of North Carolina School of Medicine (MD) Duke University (BA) Jessica wants to find new and innovative approaches to the delivery of health care in the U.S. and abroad. She has many interests within medicine, including complementary and alternative medicine, palliative care, women's reproductive health, mental illness and medical anthropology. She is a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and believes that her path within the medical world is still unfolding in mysterious ways. Her favorite pastimes include hanging out with her husband and two children, shopping at thrift stores, and trying new restaurants.

Lilia Cardenas, M.D., Pihuamo, Mexico University of Utah (MD) University of California (BA) As an immigrant from Mexico, Lilia knows what it is to be new in America. Latino health and education is of particular interest to Lilia, who has spent time working on Latino population specific projects with goals such as; decreasing teen pregnancy, increasing high school retention rate, and a study on inter-parental conflict and it’s affect on family dynamics. Lilia has spent time in a clinic in Tlacoapa, Mexico, as well as a clinic for victims of Hurricane Katrina. She is very active in promoting women’s reproductive rights. Lilia is fluent in Spanish. She enjoys gardening, reading, hiking, cooking and practicing yoga.

Ron Chacko, M.D., High Point, NC Northwestern University (MD) Northwestern University (BA) Ron’s time spent working in two Memphis and Chicago city clinics opened his eyes to the challenges underserved populations face. This experience, as well as time spent working in a rural clinic in Southern India, affirmed his desire to create a career where he could care for his patients throughout their lives while also helping to improve the surrounding community. Ron has spent time volunteering at a veteran’s hospital, delivering blankets to the homeless, and as a tutor with inner city children. Ron is planning to work in Northern India this Spring. Ron enjoys running, playing guitar, and participating in group musical performances.

Jean-Paul Dedam, M.D., Huntington, WV Dartmouth Medical School (MD) Dartmouth College (BA) Jean-Paul’s experiences during clerkship on a Navajo Reservation, and a fellowship in Nicaragua, allowed him to appreciate the importance of understanding the culture, values and customs of a community in order to treat the members of that community. These experiences exposed him to underserved populations, and showed him the promise of what can occur when like minded individuals, keen on affecting change, work together. Jean-Paul founded the Dartmouth International Medical Supplies Program, whose goal is to supply medical groups going to work in Central America, Africa, and Asia. Jean-Paul’s long term goal is to work in a predominantly Native American community. Jean-Paul is learning the Navajo language, and is moderately proficient in Spanish. He enjoys hiking, swimming, tennis, squash and rock climbing.

Will Kaufman, M.D., Albuquerque, NM University of New Mexico (MD) University of Chicago (BA) Translating health issues for individuals into health policy changes for a community is a driving force for Will. He has worked with the underserved in Chicago, as well as in Mexico. During his time on a New Mexico Navajo reservation, Will saw how physicians can affect positive change for a community. Testifying about the negative health impact of uranium mining before the New Mexico State Water Commission, Will helped a consortium of physicians convince the state to ban all uranium mining on Navajo land. Will is fluent in Spanish. He enjoys playing soccer, and exploring health care access and policy for the underserved.

Samantha Mekrut, M.D., Providence, RI Georgetown University (MD) Fairfield University (BS) Samantha believes in the empowerment cultivated by patient education. Her desire to educate and help create change in underserved communities has led her to gain experiences on several levels. Her experiences include; composing a policy brief and conducting research regarding the Ryan White CARE Act, working in a clinic for a predominantly Spanish speaking underserved population, and coordinating volunteers to provide fresh produce to a community with no grocery stores. Samantha knows medical Spanish. She has participated in the IronMed Triathlon and enjoys classical piano and painting.

Rollin Oden, M.D., Redlands, CA University of California - San Diego (MD) Boston University (MPH) Cal State Polytechnic (BS) Rollin’s life has been dedicated to the practice of medicine. He has worked for 10 years as an anesthesiologist, 6 years as a psychiatric technician, and 1 year as a registered nurse. Throughout his career Rollin has felt a desire to work with the underserved. His time in a clinic in Lesotho, and at an HIV/AIDS clinic in Harlem Hospital have confirmed to Rollin that his calling is as a family physician in an underserved community. Rollin has also worked as a consultant to the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative in Lesotho. Rollin has completed internships in Internal Medicine as well as Anesthesiology. Rollin speaks some Spanish, but does not consider himself to be fluent. Rollin enjoys traveling, photography, and community activism.

John Raser, M.D., Upland, CA Dartmouth Medical School (MD) Dartmouth College (BA) John’s experience caring for patients in Honduras allowed him to experience practicing medicine the way he truly wanted to practice it: Just the patients. Their life, family, stories, and symptoms. John’s goal is to become a family physician that provides for the underserved. He wants to know that his work has a truly meaningful impact on the community. John has been a counselor for families affected by HIV/AIDS, a Hepatitis C educator at health fairs, a nutrition instructor on a Navajo Reservation, and public health education in rural cooperatives in Honduras. John speaks Spanish proficiently. John is an active participant in triathlons. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and Nordic skiing. John also enjoys cooking and gardening.

Sanam Roder, M.D., Zurich, Switzerland University of Pennsylvania (MD) University of Pennsylvania (BA) Sanam’s first word was Africa, and from that moment on she has made caring for the underserved residents of Africa her goal. Sanam’s volunteering efforts center around the health of Africa and its people, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment. Her work has taken her to 5 African nations. She is the founder of an organization that addresses the unique medical needs of the African population in Philadelphia. Sanam’s goal is to be a change maker in Africa through medicine, policy, and designing interdisciplinary interventions in underserved communities. Sanam is fluent in German and Swahili and is conversational in Farsi and Spanish. She enjoys hiking, camping, martial arts, reading short stories and Iranian film.

Darcy Thomas, D.O. West Allis, WI University of NE College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Bowdoin College (BA) Darcy sees medicine as a valuable gift. One she hopes to share by improving access to medical care for countries whose populations are underserved. Her interest is in becoming a family physician with a flair for eastern medical techniques. She has studied Tibetan, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine to further this knowledge. She has volunteered at a free health clinic for two years. Darcy hopes to practice family medicine in a Spanish speaking country. Darcy is fluent in Spanish, and knows basic French. She enjoys yoga, running, snowboarding, sea kayaking, and hiking.

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