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2023-2024 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Brock Benedict, DO

Dr. Brock Benedict was born in raised in northwest Pennsylvania. He completed undergraduate education at Gannon University and graduated medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA. Upon graduation he was commissioned in the US Army and completed Family Medicine Residency at Dwight D Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, GA. He remains on active duty and is honored to have the opportunity to attend fellowship at UNC; after which he returns to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg).

He is a father of 4, husband to a wonderful wife, and spends most of his free time coaching and attending youth sports. When he is not on the baseball diamond, gridiron, soccer field, or basketball court he is an avid outdoorsman and triathlete.

 

Travis Bryan, DO

Dr. Travis Bryan grew up in Horsham, Pennsylvania, right outside of Philadelphia. He completed his undergraduate education at DeSales University where he studied biology and played basketball. He went on to complete medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia campus.  After medical school, he traveled to the great state of NC, where he trained and served as chief resident at Wake Forest, recently finishing his residency in Family Medicine.

In his free time, Travis enjoys participating in almost all sports, traveling to the beach, spending time with his wife and son, pelotoning, and watching his beloved Philadelphia sports teams. Go birds!

 

Melissa Le Roux, MD

Dr. Le Roux was born in Pretoria, South Africa but moved to the US at a young age. She was lucky enough to grow up in San Diego, CA and attended UC San Diego for her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology. She competed on a competitive collegiate triathlon team during these years.  She then traveled to the Midwest to attend The Ohio State for her medical degree, before returning to complete her internal medicine residency at UC San Diego, where she was part of the primary care pathway. She is excited for an adventure in the South!

In her free time, she stays active by running, hiking, and surfing (while home in San Diego). She is also currently trying to get better at climbing. She enjoys coffee, craft beer, and is slightly obsessed with dogs.

Hazim Moustafa, DO

Dr. Moustafa completed a combined 7-year BS/DO program at NYCOM in New York, earning his undergraduate and medical degrees. Following that, he pursued residency training in Family Medicine at CHRISTUS Spohn/Texas A&M, where he served as the curriculum chair and chief resident. One of his most memorable achievements was being selected as a finalist for the oral case presentation contest at the 2023 FIFA Isokinetic conference held in London.

In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, engaging in recreational weightlifting, exploring woodworking projects, tending to his garden, and embarking on adventures through travel.


2022-2023 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Landon Irvin, MD

Dr. Landon Irvin was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Georgia State University and went to medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine. Most recently, he completed a three-year residency in Family Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident. In his free time, he enjoys trying new local restaurants, going to concerts, running, spending time with his wife and dog, and rooting for all his Atlanta sports teams!

 

Nevin Vijayaraghavan, DO

Dr. Nevin Vijayaraghavan completed his undergraduate training at the University of South Florida and graduated from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to fellowship, he completed a four-year residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UNC-Chapel Hill. He has interests in musculoskeletal ultrasound, non-operative sports and spine medicine, concussion management, adaptive sports, and medical education. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, basketball, traveling, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

 

Tim Zimmerman, MD

Dr. Tim Zimmerman grew up in Southeast Texas before moving to Utah to complete his undergraduate studies in Psychology at Brigham Young University. He then returned to Texas to obtain a medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Most recently, he completed a three-year residency in Internal medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Zimmerman is married, and he and his wife have 3 children. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family and enjoying all the outdoor activities that beautiful North Carolina has to offer.

 


2021-2022 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Alyssa Heinrich, MD

Dr. Heinrich is originally from the Chicago area and received her bachelor’s degree in Human Biology with a minor in Business from the University of Kansas. She graduated from Trinity School of Medicine. She has close ties to North Carolina and completed her residency in Family Medicine at East Carolina University/Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC. She was chosen by faculty to serve as a Teaching Chief resident both as a second and third year resident. She was involved in quality improvement research involving food insecurity screening in Eastern NC. She was also a part of the Brody School of Medicine Community Preceptor Program and was recognized by the Brody School of Medicine’s Gold Humanism Honor Society for her teaching.

In her free time she enjoys riding her Peloton, needlepointing, and spending time with her family and friends.

 

Akash Patel, DO

Dr. Patel was born and raised in Middlesboro, Kentucky. He attended Emory University for his undergraduate studies and graduated with a degree in biology. Dr. Patel went on to complete medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Georgia Campus and then migrated to Chapel Hill for his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation here at the University of North Carolina.

In his free time, Dr. Patel enjoys playing basketball, tennis, table tennis, and spending time with his family.

 

Catherine Ellis, DO

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Ellis received her undergraduate degree at Presbyterian College where she played Division I Lacrosse. She received her medical education from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in South Carolina. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency at East Carolina University/Vidant Medical Center.

While in residency, Dr. Ellis served on the ECU Physicians High Value Care and Quality Committee, the ECU Resident and Fellow Council, and the Vidant Medical Center Root Cause Analysis Charter. She also participated in the Brody School of Medicine Community Preceptor Program.  At the completion of her residency, she received the 2021 Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Resident Teacher Award.

In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, hang gliding, traveling with her golden retriever Jack Sparrow, and is currently working towards her pilot license.


2020-2021 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Adam Willson, MD

Dr. Willson is originally from Manchester, England and moved to Cary, North Carolina at the age of 10. He received his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering at North Carolina State University. He went on to receive his medical education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and stayed at UNC to complete his Family Medicine Residency.

Outside of work Dr. Willson enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, hang out with friends and family, watch and play soccer, run and binge Netflix TV shows.

 

Mike Boyd, DO

Dr. Boyd grew up in Southwest Missouri and received his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri in Biological Sciences. Dr. Boyd went on to complete medical school at Kansas City University and then came to Chapel Hill for his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation here at the University of North Carolina.

In his free time, he loves taking part in all of the outdoor activities North Carolina has to offer.

 

Naima Stennett, MD

A native of Jamaica, Dr. Stennett received her undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry at North Carolina Central University while also playing Volleyball at the university. She went on to pursue her medical education at East Carolina University then relocated to Miami, Florida where she completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Miami.

In her free time, she enjoys cycling, exercising, and cooking.


2019-2020 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Colton Wood, MD

Dr.Wood received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Georgia. While in Athens, he was a percussionist on the UGA drumline and went on to receive his medical education from the Medical College of Georgia at the University of Georgia. Following medical school, he and his wife moved to Charlottesville, VA to complete his Family Medicine residency at the University of Virginia.

Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Morgan; they love to go on walks and hikes together. He enjoys reading the Bible, running, recreational weightlifting, UGA and UNC athletics, playing the drums, going to live concerts, exploring new restaurants and eating tons of food, deep-sea fishing, studying U.S. history, and war documentaries.

 

Justin Lockrem, MD

A native of Woodbury, Minnesota, Dr. Lockrem received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. A collegiate quarterback, he later served as the Quarterbacks Coach & Offensive Coordinator at his alma mater. He then pursued his medical education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. After completion of medical school, he returned to MN where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine & Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota.

In his free time, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, singing, coaching, and baking chocolate chip cookies.


2018-2019 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Marcia Newby-Goodman, MD

A native of Virginia, Dr. Newby-Goodman received her undergraduate degree in biological sciences from the University of Georgia. While at UGA, she was able to win 3 NCAA national championships in gymnastics. Dr. Newby-Goodman received her medical education from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX where she graduated co-valedictorian. After completion of medical school, she moved to Daytona Beach, FL where she completed her Family Medicine Residency as Halifax Health and was able to serve as chief resident her senior year.

In her free time, she enjoys working out so that she can eat dessert and enjoy great food at local restaurants.

 

JD Hales III, MD

A native of Live Oak, Florida, Dr. Hales received his undergraduate degree in Integrative Health Science at Stetson University in DeLand, FL. Dr. Hales received his medical education from Florida State University College of Medicine. After completion of medical school, he moved to North Carolina where he completed Family Medicine residency at UNC Chapel Hill.

In his leisure time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Joanna, one of the UNC Pediatric Chief Residents and their daughter, Leila. He enjoys mountain trips and family hikes in local state parks with their dog Penny.


2017-2018 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Crystal Higginson, MD

A native of Michigan, Dr. Higginson received her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at Central Michigan University. Dr. Higginson received her medical education from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. After completion of medical school, she moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she completed her Family Medicine residency at Wake Forest.

In her leisure time she enjoys playing or watching any sport, especially her beloved Detroit Lions. She has a knack for finding nearby tacos and giving exceptional high fives.

 

Kenzie Johnston, MD

A native of western Maryland, Dr. Johnston received her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. She received her medical education from University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. After completion of medical school, she moved to North Carolina and completed her residency training in Family Medicine at UNC.

In her free time she enjoys hiking, trail and road running, biking, and swimming with her husband as well as spending quality time with her dog.


2016-2017 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Jason Boothe, MD
Jason Boothe, MD

Jason Boothe, MD

A native of Carol City, Florida, Dr. Boothe received his Undergraduate degree in Athletic Training / Human Sciences from Florida State University. Dr. Boothe received his medical education from Florida State University School of Medicine. After completion of medical school, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he completed his residency in Family Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center.

Dr. Boothe has received a number of awards during his medical career. Specifically, he received the Altruism in Medicine Award, James H Filling Scholarship, EC and Tillie Allen Scholarship and was a part of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

 

Christopher Felton, DO
Christopher Felton, DO

Christopher Felton, DO

A native of Pittsburgh, PA . ,Dr. Felton received his undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sports Science with Emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of Georgia. He received his medical education from Nova Southeastern University School of Medicine. After completing medical school, Dr. Felton completed his residency at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Dr. Felton then served a year as Chief resident in the Department.

Dr. Felton received the American Academy of Osteopathy Award in Osteopathic and was a Pre doc fellow in Osteopathic Practices and Principles


2015-2016 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Nailah Adams, MD
Nailah Adams, MD

Nailah Adams, MD

A native of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Adams received her Undergraduate degree in Biology from Howard University. She went on to receive her Masters in Nutrition from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Adams received her medical education from Duke University School of Medicine. After completion of medical school, she moved to Miami, Florida where she completed a three-year residency in Family Medicine at the University of Miami.

Dr. Adams has received a number of awards during her medical career specifically she received the Duke University Deans award for service, President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, Presidents Volunteer Award 2011, Greensboro Medical Society Foundation Scholars Leadership Award as well as the Albert Schweitzer Fellow Award.

 

Joshua Berkowitz, MD
Joshua Berkowitz, MD

Joshua Berkowitz, MD

A native of Pittsburgh, PA raised in Chapel Hill NC, Dr. Berkowitz received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received his medical education from the University Of North Carolina School Of Medicine. After completing medical school, Dr. Berkowitz completed a four-year Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency here at UNC. Dr. Berkowitz then served a year as Chief resident in the Department.

Dr. Berkowitz has received numerous awards during his medical career. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor societies. He also received the Robert Cefalo House officer of the year award, Janet Fischer award, Floyd Denny Alumni Society Resident Award and the Med Peds Program Doctor of the people Award. Dr. Berkowitz is an active member of AMSSM. He has presented several years at the conference.


2014-2015 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Emily Krodel, MD
Emily Krodel, MD

Emily Krodel, MD

A native of Jasper, Indiana, Dr. Krodel received her medical education from Indiana University School of Medicine. After completion of medical school, she moved to South Carolina where she completed a one-year surgery internship with Palmetto Health at the University of South Carolina. While at Palmetto Health, Dr. Krodel also completed a three-year residency with Family Medicine.

Dr. Krodel’s sports medicine experience includes coverage with the Columbia Marathon, Columbia City Ballet, SMART-physicals, University of South Carolina Athletic Department-sideline coverage for Cardinal Newman, Brooklyn Cayce & Keenan High School Football, Orthopaedic Student Interest Group and the Governor’s Cup Half Marathon.

Dr. Krodel is an active member of AMSSM, with presentations presented in 2012, Collegiate Athletes with Chest Pain; 2013, poster presentation of Tailback with wrist Hyperextension; 2014 Pedal to the Metal; Putting the Brakes on Calf Pain.

During her leisure time Dr. Krodel, enjoys running, playing kickball and volleyball with her leagues, reading nonfiction and playing the piano.

 

Lauren P. Porras, MD
Lauren P. Porras, MD

Lauren P. Porras, MD

A native of Atlanta Georgia, raised in Miami, Florida, Dr. Porras received her medical education from the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine, Miami Fl. After completing medical school, Dr. Porras completed a three-year Internal Medicine Residency at Duke University with interest in sudden cardiac death in athletes. Dr. Porras is an active memebr of AMSSM. In 2012 she presented a case presentation of doxycycline sclerosis of a Morel-Lavallee lesion of the knee.

Also while at Duke, Dr. Porras was involved with ongoing research, mentored by Dr. Blake Boggess, in Economic Analysis of Images-Guided Intra-articular Hip Injection. The results were presented at the North Carolina American College of Physicians Conference and the 2013 national meeting of American Medical Society of Sports Medicine.

Dr. Porras sports medicine experience includes sports coverage with C.E. Jordan High School Football , Club Hockey and Club Rugby concussion screenings, Duke University Student Athlete Physicals, Coconut Grove Regatta and the Chicago Marathon.

During her leisure time Dr. Porras is an amateur photographer and enjoys traveling with her husband Juan.

 


2013-2014 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Brent Fisher, MD

A Bowling Green, KY native, Dr. Fisher completed his family medicine residency at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in Spartanburg, SC, where he was chief resident.  His sports medicine experience includes coverage of local high school football, USC-Upstate women’s soccer, the Eye Opener cross country meet, and the 2012 Shrine Bowl High School Football All-Star game.  He also spent time at Self Regional in Greenwood, SC, working with Dr. Dave Sealy.

Prior to residency, Brent spent a year with the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Louisville, working on musculoskeletal trauma and sports medicine research with Dr. Craig Roberts and John Nyland, PhD. He completed medical school training at the University of Louisville and obtained bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Kentucky. He played club and high school soccer growing up and when not working now, he enjoys cycling, distance running and spending time outdoors.  He is a member of CMDA, AMSSM, SEACSM, and SCAFM.

 

 

Zachary Sandbulte, MD

Dr. Sandbulte was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He attended the University of Washington, where he majored in Economics.  After completing his undergraduate degree, he spent a year in Bolivia, installing water wells in remote communities.  He subsequently attended medical school at the Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia.

After medical school, he traveled to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill for his residency in Family Medicine.  During that time, he covered high school football at East Chapel Hill High School, as well as the training room and some games at North Carolina Central University.  Zach was also active with the AMSSM during residency, including a podium case presentation at the national conference in 2012.

Zach is married to Dr. Jenny Sandbulte, an OB/Gyn resident at UNC.  They have a daughter named Harper.  With his free time, Zach enjoys golf, running, barbequing, and spending time with his family.

 


2012-2013 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Kyle Pope, DO

Having received his undergraduate degree in Biology from UNC, Dr. Pope is happy to be coming home again. As stated in his residency bio, “After [attending] my third ACC School, I’ve decided that it’s almost impossible to cheer for anything but your first love…” Kyle completed his specialty training in Family Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.  He received his medical degree from Edward via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Pope made his decision for residency as testament of his strong interest in sports medicine. He sought out opportunities for coverage with high school football, wrestling and minor league baseball. He also completed rotations with sports medicine professionals within Wake Forest as well as with Dr. Fields at Moses Cone Sports Medicine. Kyle has covered an event with the North Carolina School of Arts Ballet.

He attended the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Annual meeting in 2011 where he delivered a case report on Atypical Left Foot Pain.

 

Aaron Vaughan, MD

Dr. Vaughan completed his residency training in family medicine at the University of Virginia where he was chief resident.  Dr. Vaughan attended Wright State University’s School of Medicine where he received his Doctor of Medicine.  His undergraduate studies were completed at Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

His sports medicine experiences include local high school football, collegiate rugby, multiple mass running events, and athletic training room coverage. Dr. Vaughan has completed sports medicine rotations at Indiana University with Dr. Kevin Gebke and internally at the University of Virginia in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, MSK Radiology, and a non-operative sports medicine rotation with Dr. Thomas Webber.

Aaron attended the 2011 and 2012 American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Annual meetings.

In his spare time, Aaron is comfortable in the kitchen and loves to spend time outdoors.

 


2011-2012 Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellows

 

Natasha Harrison, MD

Dr. Harrison completed her residency training in family medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.  Dr. Harrison attended Duke University’s School of Medicine where she received a Masters in Public Policy as well as a Doctor of Medicine in a dual degree program.  Her undergraduate studies were completed in Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Spanish at Wake Forest University.  While completing her undergraduate studies, Natasha volunteered at the Special Children’s School, Meals on Wheels, with her sorority and as a mentor on campus.

Dr. Harrison’s sports medicine experiences include two-one month rotations Dr. Rahul Kapur and Dr. Nicole Otta at the University of Pennsylvania and a one month rotation with the Pediatric Sports Medicine Department at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Natasha has also covered the University of Pennsylvania gymnastics team, Penn Relays, Penn Spring Football, the Keystone Wrestling Classic and the Penn Relays Distance Classic. Dr. Harrison attended this year’s American College of Sports Medicine conference and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine conference in Salt Lake City. She is also a published author and has two pending chapters for publication that are sports medicine related.

In her spare time, Natasha enjoys improving her talent in piano, voice, and dance.

 

Mark Sakr, DO

Dr. Sakr’s undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Michigan in Microbiology and he received his medical degree from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Sakr concluded his specialty training in Family Medicine at Duke University where he was chief resident. Dr. Sakr has had an interest in sports medicine since medical school. He used his time as a student to volunteer with sports medicine physicians at local high schools.   His interests continued and shaped his learning experiences while in residency. His sports medicine rotations during residency included a longitudinal sports medicine clinic at Duke Family Medicine Center from June 2009 – July 2011, Duke University Sports Medicine, and UNC Sports Medicine with Harry Stafford. Dr. Sakr has also provided physician coverage with Holton Community Center, North Carolina Central University Athletics, Jordan High School Athletics, Duke Athletics, and the Coastal Combat Circuit in Elizabeth City. He has attended the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and American Osteopathic Academy for Sports Medicine Conferences for the past two years. Mark has presented research at both meetings.

In his spare time, he plays basketball and tennis and enjoys running. He is also fluent in French and Arabic.