SGMC Health is pleased to welcome its newest classes of resident physicians as they begin their training this week, marking a major milestone in the continued growth of its Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. This year, SGMC Health introduces an expanded cohort of 10 Internal Medicine residents and its inaugural class of 10 Transitional Year residents.

Now in its fourth year, the GME program, developed in partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM), continues to provide exceptional training opportunities for future physicians while enhancing healthcare services across South Georgia.

“This is a proud moment for SGMC Health as we welcome our largest group of residents to date,” said Joseph Hayes, MD, Designated Institutional Official at SGMC Health. “These physicians bring energy, compassion, and a deep commitment to learning. We are honored to support their journey and excited for the impact they will have on our patients and our community.”

The Internal Medicine Residency Program, led by Gregory Beale, MD, is a comprehensive three-year training experience that prepares physicians to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of adult medical conditions. Residents gain hands-on experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including SGMC Internal Medicine, where they build long-term relationships with patients while managing complex and routine cases.

The newly launched Transitional Year Residency Program, under the leadership of Megan Gallagher, DO, offers a one-year, broad-based clinical curriculum designed for residents pursuing advanced specialties such as anesthesiology, dermatology, radiology, and more. This flexible program provides exposure to internal medicine, emergency medicine, critical care, and other key disciplines, equipping residents with strong clinical skills and leadership capabilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented physicians to Valdosta,” said Dr. Beale. “Their presence not only strengthens our health system but also enriches the entire region with increased access to high-quality care.”

The 2025 residency class was selected from a highly competitive pool of over 1,400 applicants. SGMC Health’s GME leadership conducted more than 200 interviews to identify candidates who exemplify clinical excellence, compassion, and a commitment to serving diverse communities.

Residents benefit from close mentorship by experienced attending physicians and access to MUSM’s academic resources. Their training includes rotations across various specialties, ensuring a well-rounded foundation in medicine.

SGMC Health’s incoming class of Internal Medicine residents includes:

Zoha Allahuddin, MD

Issac Brian, MD

Anna Margaret Jazayeri, MD

Mafaz Mansoor, MD

Julio Morciego, MD

Genesis Munoz, MD

Jan Perez Cajigas, MD

Srujitha Ravuri, MD

Rawa Salih, MD

Shaleekha Sharma, MD

SGMC Health’s inaugural class of Transitional Year residents includes:

Amal Akhtar, DO

Zubair Akram, MD

Irina Barbone, MD

Brigita Eichler, DO

Ardalan Oraee, MD

Jay Patel, DO

Karamvir Randhawa, MD

Byron Reese, MD

Sarah Sabol, MD

Eunice Yakubu, MD

As SGMC Health prepares to launch its Family Medicine residency in 2026, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a culture of excellence in medical education and deliver outstanding care to the people of South Georgia.

For more information, visit sgmc.org.

Back row: Jan Perez Cajigas, MD; Mafaz Mansoor, MD; Julio Morciego, MD; Rawa Salih, MD; Issac Brian, MD Front row: Shaleekha Sharma, MD; Zoha Allahuddin, MD; Srujitha Ravuri, MD; Anna Margaret Jazayeri, MD; Genesis Munoz, MD