Twenty-three physicians were recognized at the 50th annual graduation ceremony of The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program and Fellowships held June 29 at UA’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The 16 graduating residents completed three years of specialty training in family medicine through the residency program. Many will begin their medical practices this summer in Alabama, as well as in other states and countries. Some of them will enter fellowship programs.
The seven graduating fellows, who are already family medicine physicians, completed an additional year of training in other specialties, including behavioral health, obstetrics and sports medicine.
The College of Community Health Sciences operates the residency and fellowship programs.
The Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program is one of the oldest and largest family medicine residencies in the United States and provides graduate and post-graduate medical education through the three-year medicine residency and through year-long fellowships for family medicine physicians.
“Our residents have shown dedication and commitment to patient care, a clear reflection of the impact of family medicine,” Dr. Tamer Elsayed, residency director, said in welcoming remarks to the graduates and their families. “As you move forward, I encourage you to pursue diverse leadership roles within your communities. The future of medicine is bright because of you.”
Dr. Richard Friend, dean of CCHS, said teaching the residents was an honor for the College.
“You’ve done a wonderful job and the road ahead will be challenging, but exciting,” he said. “Stay true to yourselves and your profession. Be great physicians, lifelong learners and supportive colleagues. We look forward to seeing you again as alumni.”
2025 Graduating Residents
- Dr. Omar Bilbeisi
- Dr. Austin Brooks
- Dr. Rachel Bulter-Sarvaunt
- Dr. Hunter Cutlip
- Dr. Madeleine Deviney
- Dr. McKenzie Donald
- Dr. Roland Mestayer
- Dr. Madison Peoples
- Dr. Dorcus Ruhigisha
- Dr. Morvarid Sanandaji
- Dr. Victoria Smith
- Dr. Aaron Stuber
- Dr. Andrew Thomas
- Dr. William Wallace
- Dr. Mary Wilson
2025 Graduating Fellows
- Dr. Stephanie Smith – Behavioral Health Fellow
- Dr. Gabrielle Cordaro – Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellow
- Dr. Paloria Hills – Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellow
- Dr. Kyle Johnson – Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellow
- Dr. Colton Eubanks – Sports Medicine Fellow
- Dr. Dustin Marshall – Sports Medicine Fellow
- Dr. Joshua Washington – Sports Medicine Fellow
Residency Award Winners
- William R. Willard Award – Dr. Elizabeth Lanier (first-year resident)
- Internal Medicine – Intern Award – Dr. Asha Meilstrup
- Internal Medicine – Best Resident – Dr. Austin Brooks
- Pediatrics Award – Dr. McKenzie Donald
- Psychiatry Award – Dr. Andrew Thomas
- Psychiatry/R3 Award – Drs. Victoria Smith and Morvarid Sanandaji
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Award – Drs. Rachel Butler-Sarvaunt and Melissa Deviney
- Willaim F. deShazo III Sports Medicine Award – Drs. Hunter Cutlip and Victoria Smith
- Recognition of Rural Medical Scholars – Drs. Austin Brooks, McKenzie Donald and Madison Peoples
- Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors Award for Scholarship – Dr. Aaron Stuber
- William W. Winternitz Award in Geriatrics – Dr. McKenzie Donald
- Society of Teachers in Family Medicine Resident Teaching Award – Dr. Austin Brooks
- Clinical Competency Committee Awards – Drs. Andrew Thomas, Callie Hillman (second-year resident) and Elizabeth Lanier and Luis Gonzalez Anguiar (first-year residents)
- William Owings Award for Excellence in Family Medicine – Dr. Rachel Bulter-Sarvaunt
- Sandral Hullett Award for Rural Health – Drs. Austin Brooks and McKenzie Donald
- 360 Award – Dr. Austin Brooks
- Robert E. Pieroni, MD, and Family Compassionate Care Award – Dr. Morvarid Sanandaji
Chief Residents
- Dr. Austin Brooks
- Dr. Rachel Butler-Sarvaunt
- Dr. Andrew Thomas
- Dr. William Wallace