Family Medicine Residents

 

John Bissett, DO

Hello! My name is John Bissett and I am excited to be part of the Coastal Family Medicine team. I was born and raised in Wilmington, NC and I am glad to be back home. I attended UNCW for undergraduate training and then graduated from Nova Southeastern University medical school in 2016.

As a recipient of the Navy’s Health Professions Scholarship, I was called up to active duty after finishing medical school. Upon completing my Internal Medicine internship at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia I served as a Naval medical officer (GMO) until 2021.

Having practiced in many roles and lived all over the map, I could not be happier to start my new journey in Novant New Hanover’s family medicine residency. I am honored and humbled to treat patients here in my hometown and know that I am among like-minded, passionate leaders at Coastal Family Medicine.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy fishing, reading, movies, and hanging out with my family.

Education:  Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Alston Enz, DO

Hello! My name is Alston Enz. I am originally from Burlington, NC but have spent most summers of my life visiting Wilmington and its surrounding beaches. I attended undergrad at Liberty University where I met my wife Sally. We just had our firstborn son Quin and he brings so much joy to our lives!

Outside of work I enjoy going to the beach, traveling, trying new foods, movies, and kayaking and I’m excited to learn to surf while here in Wilmington.

I feel so thankful to be a part of Novant Health Family Medicine because of the sense of family and community within the practice. This residency program is a full-scope family medicine and places emphasis on evidence-based medicine, equity in medicine, and a holistic approach to care.

My personal conviction is to serve and help others in need. I know that my time with Novant Health Family Medicine will better equip me to do just that! 

Education:

    Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Carolinas Campus

 

Jack Foley, MD

I’m originally from the Midwest, where friendly faces abound. Since moving to the North Carolina coast, I quickly learned of the welcoming nature here - warm weather and warm hearts. I seek to meet patients where they currently are at and enjoy using shared-decision making. My hobbies include exercise (it truly is one of the best medicines), indulging on a quality steak, and being with my family.

Education:  University of Arizona College of Medicine

 

Tina Langley, DO

I grew up predominantly in Wichita, KS for most of my youth and migrated during college to St. Louis, MO to be with my family.  I went to Kansas State for undergraduate and met my now husband, Tony. Right after graduating college, I began medical school in Joplin, MO, where I have lived for the past four years. When I have free time, I enjoy baking, hiking, and going to the beach. 

Education:

Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Andrea Singleton, DO 

Hi! My name is Andrea Singleton and I am originally from NJ but grew up in Greensboro, NC. I attended undergrad at South Carolina State University and then went on to get a Master's degree from Wake Forest University. After graduate school I worked as a Microbiologist and Chemist before beginning medical school.

I attended NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine in Jonesboro, AR. Becoming a physician has also been one of my childhood dreams and have been enjoying this journey thus far.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, collecting plants, and painting. I look forward to exploring Wilmington and spending time at all of the beaches!

Education:

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Sophia Theodos, MD, MPH  

Hello! My name is Sophia Theodos. I am mostly from the Atlanta area but have moved around a lot throughout life. I went to an all-woman’s college, Wesleyan, for undergrad, where I earned a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies before going to UAB for my MPH. I then worked abroad in Eswatini and Thailand and in Birmingham, AL, focusing on healthcare initiatives specific to HIV-positive populations.

After working for a while, I decided to go back to school and earn my MD to continue to address the health care disparities of vulnerable groups. What I love most about our family medicine program is that this is truly a home for advocacy.

Our program is focused on bettering the lives of all people from a medical standpoint, but also all the factors we know impact health: education, food security, transportation, etc. This is something central to our education here at NHRMC, and something I came to our program specifically looking for.

My interests include women's health, reproductive health care advocacy and justice, global health, gender-affirming care, and preventative health. Outside of medicine, I have a mini goldendoodle named Summer. We love hiking, spending time on the beach, trying all the outdoor activities and amazing food NC has to offer.

Education:

University of South Alabama College of Medicine

 

 

Sydni Barras, MD

Hey y’all! My name is Sydni Barras, and I am from rural south Louisiana. I grew up raising rabbits and chickens and taking in stray dogs and cats. I always thought I would be a vet but changed my mind and decided I liked my patients being able to talk to me!

My husband and I met in high school and went on to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge for undergrad where I majored in biochemistry with a minor in psychology. I stayed close to home for medical school graduating from LSU-New Orleans. This is my first time living out of state and above sea level, but we have loved Wilmington so far. 

I’m looking forward to being able to follow my patients through all stages of life from delivering babies to taking care of patients in the nursing home and everyone in between!

Education:  Louisiana State University School of Medicine- New Orleans

 

Alexandra Goetjen, MD, PhD

Hello, all. My name is Allie Goetjen and I was born and raised in New Milford, CT by a fiercely strong single mother who ignited a love for education in me and my two younger sisters. I am a quadruple UConn Husky, having concurrently completed a BS/MS in Cell Biology in 2013 and almost 10 years to the date later, an MD and PhD. My PhD studies focused on genetic and epigenetic factors that may predispose individuals to developing alcohol use disorder, which led me to complete a certificate from the UConn School of Public Health in 2021 in addiction science.

This research prompts my future goals of completing an addiction medicine fellowship and focusing on prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in the patient population I eventually become involved in.

My MD/PhD was funded in part by an F30 predoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and I was graciously given national and international opportunities to share my work at conferences and in a TEDx talk.

Education:  University of Connecticut School of Medicine

 

Jessica Goldstein, DO

Hi! I'm so happy to be at CFM! My name is Jess Goldstein and I'm from Pittsburgh, PA. I've always been extremely active and did gymnastics for 14 years as a kid. After one too many concussions, I transitioned to rowing in high school and then further got recruited to row D1 at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

When I was struggling with mental health during my rowing career, I found a love for the peace and strength I felt when I did yoga. So, after college, I went to Costa Rica for 3 weeks and became a 200-hour registered yoga teacher. Once I was able to exercise on my own terms after college, I fell in love with lifting and running and pretty much any way I can move my body. Needless to say, I can't sit still! Being surrounded by athletics my whole life, cultivating a healthy lifestyle including exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness, was so crucial to my physical and mental health throughout all of my schooling.

Along with teaching yoga classes for my classmates, I found myself fascinated with nutrition and how to use food as medicine. So, while in medical school, I ended up getting my master’s in nutrition to learn more about how to direct my patients on healthier food choices, cooking techniques, and certain diets to help with chronic diseases.

Along with nutrition, I fell in love with osteopathic manipulative medicine and healing patients with my hands before I could write a prescription! I am so interested in so many aspects of medicine, which is why family medicine made the most sense to pursue. I crave the variety in patients and diseases that only family medicine could provide. I'm so passionate about healing patients using modalities such as OMT, nutrition, and mind-body medicine.

I am so excited to be here at NHRMC in beautiful Wilmington to learn and absorb as much as I can in order to care for, heal, and connect with all of my patients!

Education:  Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Megan Maar, DO

My name is Megan Maar and I am so excited to be here at Novant Health Family Medicine- Wilmington. I am originally from Valparaiso, Indiana but have been fortunate enough to have lived in many places across the country.  

I obtained my undergraduate degree at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania and from there I lived in Atlanta, Georgia for a couple of years before making my way to both St. George and Salt Lake City, Utah for medical school at Rocky Vista University.  I have always loved living in the southeast and I am excited to call Wilmington my home for these next three years at the very least.  

Outside of the clinic, you can usually find me reading a book on my porch, hiking with my Blue Heeler and spouse, or cooking or baking something new to try (rarely do I repeat recipes.)  

I am very much looking forward to exploring North Carolina and cultivating my passions in family medicine, women's health, and osteopathic therapy during my time here.

Education:  Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Austin Morgan, MD

Hello! My name is Austin Morgan and I am excited and grateful to be part of the NHRMC Family Medicine team. I am originally from Jacksonville, Oregon, which is a small town in Southern Oregon, not to be confused with the various other Jacksonville. I attended the College of William and Mary where I majored in music, and met my amazing wife, Lindsey.

Over the years I have played a number of instruments including Viola, Trombone, Piano, Organ, and voice. After college, I spent two years at Duke University earning a master’s in global health. I am passionate about global health and have done global health work in Tanzania and Uganda. After earning my master’s, I attended medical school at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. Within medicine, my interests are broad (which is part of the reason I was drawn to Family Medicine).

Some of my interests include studying health disparities and working towards health equity, improving population health through public health interventions, health policy, and addressing the social determinants of health, addiction medicine, and global health.

Outside of medicine, I love spending time outdoors, running, hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and skiing. I also love gardening. My wife and I have a Brittany Spaniel named Opal who has a lot of energy and loves adventures.

I am looking forward to serving my patients during residency and beyond and feel honored to be able to take care of patients from across the lifespan!

Education:  Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine

 

Sierra Smith, MD

Hello! My name is Sierra Smith and I am originally from Alexandria, Virginia! I attended undergrad at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Go Deacs! At Wake Forest, I received a BA in philosophy, focusing on ethics. In addition, I received minors in chemistry and music. Next, I attended medical school in the breathtaking islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and completed my clinical rotations in Georgia.

Throughout medical school, I often explored topics of public health including healthcare disparities, health literacy, and patient education. I quickly developed a passion for holistic and preventative medicine. I am grateful and thrilled to be back in North Carolina and train at an excellent program.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, cooking, fitness, gardening, exploring the vast Wilmington culinary scene and walking on the beach! 

Education:  Trinity School of Medicine

 

Lauren Askew, MD

Hi! My name is Lauren Askew, and I am from Ahoskie, North Carolina. I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both my undergraduate and medical degrees. My clinical rotations in medical school brought me to Wilmington where I had the privilege of learning at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Novant Health Family Medicine. I fell in love with Wilmington, and I am thrilled to be here for the next three years to complete residency. Moving with me are my wonderful husband, Nathan, and our dog, Kiwi. Outside of medicine, I enjoy going to the beach, reading, spending time with family and friends, and checking out new restaurants and small local businesses around town.

I chose Family Medicine because I want to be able to care for patients of all ages, each with their own unique health goals and concerns. I am looking forward to serving and connecting with my patients!

Education:  University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, School of Medicine

 

Avery Bernstein, DO

My name is Avery Bernstein. I’m from Richmond, VA and went to undergrad at Virginia Tech (go Hokies!!) where I studied Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise. After VT, I did a master’s program in Biomedical Sciences and then started med school at VCOM-VA. I ended up living in beautiful Blacksburg, VA for about 10 years! Although I miss my mountains and bluegrass music, I am (very quickly) learning to love calling Wilmington home!

I chose family medicine because I am a strong believer in holistic medicine and focusing on the whole body, mind and spirit while caring for my patients. Family medicine allows me to really get to know you, understand where you’re coming from, and take the time to come up with an individualized care plan that best suits your unique needs. My interests in medicine include (but are not limited to!) preventive care, nutrition and wellness, women’s health, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Outside of medicine, I love to practice yoga, do anything outside (BEACH!, hiking, walking, farmer’s markets, etc), see any and all live music, and travel with my fiancé, Travis.

Can’t wait to meet you!

Education:  Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Campus

 

Walker Coughlan, MD

I am from Wilmington, NC. I am so excited to be able to stay here for residency and hope to never leave! Before med school I worked as a medical assistant in a primary care clinic, which is where my passion for family medicine started. I love being able to treat patients of all ages with a variety of conditions. I hope to provide the care for my patients that I would want for my loved ones. I attended UNC for medical school and did most of my rotations here in Wilmington, and I know I will have many excellent role models during my training.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I met my wife here in Wilmington over a decade ago, and we are blessed with a son and a daughter.

Education:  University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, School of Medicine

 

Claire Namboodri, MD

My name is Claire Namboodri (she/her). I'm from Cary, North Carolina. I studied undergrad at Tulane University, where I earned bachelor's degrees in public health and neuroscience. After graduating, I spent a few years completing a MedServe (Americorps) Fellowship at Granville Vance Public Health. I then attended UNC for medical school and did my rotations here in Wilmington. I'm so excited to be staying here for residency!

What I love about family medicine is the emphasis on education and shared decisionmaking between patients and their providers. I believe knowledge is power and I hope to empower my patients with the knowledge I've gained from my training so they can make informed decisions that best align with their health goals. My specific interests in medicine include advocating and policy-work (I'll be serving as a resident member of the NCAFP Foundation Board of Trustees in 2025), practicing addiction medicine, understanding the research that underlies evidence-based medicine, and addressing health disparities at an individual and community level.

Outside of the hospital, you can find me playing volleyball at Capt'n Bills or dancing salsa in various places around Wilmington. I love reading and am always looking for good recommendations for books (no specific genre). I will use any excuse I can to travel to new places; some of my favorite places have been India, Cape Town, and Slovenia. I also have two cats, Bellatrix and Leo, and a dog, MadEye.

Education:  University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, School of Medicine

 

Danielle Nerber, DO, MPH

Hello! My name is Danielle Nerber and I grew up in Buffalo, NY. I lived in Western New York most of my life but also spent some time in Long Island during medical school. My husband had childhood ties to Wilmington, and I feel in love once I got to see it with my own eyes! We decided this beautiful place would be perfect for residency, being surrounded by sunshine, beaches, and wonderful people.

I am very passionate about health equity, especially as it pertains to women’s health. I spent my undergraduate time studying Anthropology and getting involved in community development projects abroad. During medical school I decided to also pursue a Master’s in Public Health and focus a lot of time on reproductive justice and learning what I can do as a physician to be an advocate for my patients.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my amazing husband and two dogs, staying active, and trying new foods! I am so excited to be a part of this community, and if you ever see me around, send the restaurant recommendations my way!

Education:  New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Abby Nicks, DO

My name is Abby Nicks and I am from Orlando, Florida. I received a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida Go Knights! While attending UCF, I worked as an EMT and developed a deep love for medicine. I attended Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Monroe Louisiana and completed my clinical rotations in Shreveport Louisiana.

Family medicine has always interested me because of the wide breadth of medicine we get to practice, it is unlike any specialty! I found it difficult to choose just one part to focus on and family medicine allows me to do it all! I am particularly passionate about providing care to underserved communities, women's health, LGBTQIA+, and emergency care.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner Leigha and our greyhound Fig. We love taking him downtown and seeing all Wilmington has to offer. I also love reading fantasy books as well as art, antiquing, and tattoos!

Education:  Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Louisiana Campus