Meet Our Current Residents
We are so proud of our residents! These incredible physicians have created a collaborative, supportive culture in our program. From birthdays to holidays, and social events to study sessions, they celebrate with one another, teach each other, and work together day in and day out. We invite you to meet them and hear a bit about why they chose TriStar EM. We've even included some bonus "facts" about a few of them for your entertainment.
PGY3 - CHIEF RESIDENT
Rudy Acosta, MD
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Medical School: Ross University
Why Tristar EM: "To be a part of something new and amazing, building the foundation of a successful program that will lead the way in emergency medicine"
When I'm not at work, you can find me....at work.
PGY3 - CHIEF RESIDENT
Hayley Blend, MD
Hometown: Bradenton, FL
Medical School: St. George's University
Why Tristar EM: "The amazing faculty, who each offer unique expertise, the diversity of patient exposure between the facilities, and being a part of a new program"
When I'm not at work, you can find me...roller blading at corneal airpark, basking in the sun at Percy Priest or eating Mas Tacos
PGY3 - CHIEF RESIDENT
Lauren Polan-Couillard, MD
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
Why Tristar EM: "The attendings seemed to be genuine friends and have fun every shift! I wanted to go to a brand new program where I could make my mark, and work with people who are pioneers at heart, like me!"
When I'm not at work, you can find me...putting maple syrup on my poutine.
PGY3
Vince Binondo, DO
Hometown: Bradford, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University
Why Tristar EM: "This program provides the opportunity for community-based EM training at a high volume, high acuity trauma center in Music City. The program faculty genuinely aim to develop this new residency with a humanistic, compassionate, and supportive culture.
When I'm not at work, you can find me...hiking, exploring, and honing my photography skills.
PGY3
Anthony Dikhtyar, MD
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Medical School: St. George's University
Why Tristar EM: "Dr. Wolfe's commitment to excellence and academic rigor, with training at a designated stroke, STEMI, burn, and level I trauma center."
When I'm not at work, you can find me...building my own house, one nail at a time, completion eta 2036.
PGY3
Kaitlin Ferrell, MD
Hometown: Fort Payne, Alabama
Medical School: Ross University
Why Tristar EM: "I really bought into Dr. Wolfe's goals and ideas for the program. I also wanted to help build this program into the amazing opportunity I know it will be. Skyline is an excellent place to see a wide variety of patients and prepare me for life post-residency."
PGY3
Sarah Green, MD
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
Why Tristar EM: "When searching for programs, I was not only looking for an amazing training opportunity, but for genuine support from faculty. The PD is so passionate about this program, and her excitement is contagious. We are exposed to a wide range of pathology between Skyline and Centennial. It has been an amazing experience so far; there's nothing like it!"
PGY3
Katelyn Heaton, DO
Hometown: Spurgeon, Indiana
Medical School: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "Skyline is such a positive and nurturing environment. I did a rotation here as a medical student and I had an amazing experience! I learned so much during my time here, and had the opportunity to do so many things. The PD, faculty, and staff were so welcoming - it just felt like home."
PGY3
Mark McMullen, MD
Hometown: Bryant, Arkansas
Medical School: Ross University
Why Tristar EM: "The physicians at Skyline are phenomenal clinicians who are passionate about growing the new EM program into a world class training program. Skyline has the advantage of HCA academic resources while maintaining a community atmosphere. Training here is an honor!"
PGY3
John Pawlik, MD
Hometown: Denver, CO
Medical School: Ross University
Why Tristar EM: "I love the state of Tennessee, and when I found the Tristar program I was immediately interested. After interviewing, I learned there is an immense amount of opportunity that all of the staff believes in and contributes to and I am very excited to be a part of it and help lead this new program to great heights."
PGY3
Erik Porter, DO
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "I was really impressed by how open and honest the PD was regarding questions during the interview process. On top of that, I loved every attending that I had the opportunity to interview with. They all seemed like amazing physicians to be able to learn from and grow with during my time here."
When I'm not at work, you can find me...playing adult league hockey at Centennial.
PGY3
Olivia Travis, DO
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University
Why Tristar EM: "During my interviews, the faculty were all so wonderful. It was important to me that I trained at a facility where I saw sick patients and had opportunities for advanced procedures, which Skyline definitely has. But it was also important for me to be at a place that would support me through all things outside of residency as well. After my interview, I knew this was exactly the culture they want to provide. They look for kind, caring, and genuine people, which is what I believe can transform a good doctor into a great doctor."
When I'm not at work, you can find me...spending time with my husband and kids.
PGY2
Brendan Black, DO
Hometown: Champaign, IL
Medical School: University of Pikeville Kentucky
Why Tristar EM: "I chose TriStar for the amazing faculty that we have here. Dr. Wolfe was so welcoming during my second look visit, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the family here after seeing Skyline. Working in a level 1 trauma center also provides an excellent training environment for residency."
PGY2
Abby Bogard, DO
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Med
Why Tristar EM: "During my audition rotation here, I enjoyed working with the residents and attendings. The PD was very supportive and caring about my journey. I believed this program offered a great learning opportunity for me to grow as a resident into a great ER Physician! As a bonus, it is in Nashville!"
PGY2
William Brown, MD
Hometown: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "The training opportunities, academic standards, and variety of patients at this program are unmatched. Not only will I leave this program as the best EM physician I can be, but I also get the opportunity to help shape the program for the classes to come."
When I'm not at work, you can find me...doing something active. Whether it's lifting at the gym, playing volleyball on Sundays, or running around Germantown, I love to keep moving. We just started a residency volleyball team and I'm involved in a softball league with Dr. Sheedy. Lots of opportunities to stay fit within our program!
PGY2
Nick Caputo, DO
Hometown: Northbrook, IL
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University
Why Tristar EM: "I was extremely impressed with the culture, the seasoned faculty, and the strong didactics. The incredibly diverse population of patients and pathology makes it a great place to train."
When I'm not at work, you can find me...hanging out with my new puppy and fiancé.
PGY2
Austin Davis, MD
Hometown: Clinton Township, MI
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "Because it the faculty were amazing and so supportive. I felt like there was the perfect balance between community EM and a high volume, high acuity trauma center. It was exactly what I was looking for."
When I'm not at work, you can find me...out on the lake.
PGY2
Ian Parker, MD
Hometown: Evansville, IN
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "My top priority when looking at a residency program was finding one with high acuity patients and being close to my hometown. Excited does not even begin to describe how empowered by co-residents and I feel about helping build this blossoming program"
PGY2
Eddie Parrella, MD
Hometown: Sedona, AZ
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "I’m proud to be at Skyline because the amazing people and the excellent learning environment!"
When I'm not at work, you can find me...combing my moustache or writing Twilight fan fiction.
PGY2
Taylor Petty, DO
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University
Why Tristar EM: "I wanted to be a part of a new program and help instill a culture of hard work and dedication. Experiences with the residents prior to match were fantastic."
PGY2
Luis Rodriguez, MD
Hometown: Davie, FL
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "I chose TriStar because the program puts resident education and wellness at the forefront of everything they do. Dr. Wolfe and all the faculty truly care about every resident and want us to be the most successful emergency medicine physicians we can be."
PGY2
Jessica Winchell, MD
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "I chose TriStar because I loved the culture they were working to cultivate, and the great patient exposure. I think it's an amazing opportunity to be involved in developing a new residency program. Everyone is so eager to teach you and help you become the best physician you can be!"
PGY2
Dimah Zayed, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: "I chose Skyline, because it was a well put together program with lots of opportunities excel. Dr. Wolfe and faculty have made this place a great and comfortable learning hub. Also, I love living in Nashville!"
PGY1
Alexandra Balsamo, MD
Hometown: Middletown, NJ
Medical School: St. George's University
Why Tristar EM: From the moment I interviewed with Dr. Wolfe, I knew I wanted to be a part of her team. I idolized her passion for education, transparency, work life balance of being an EM physician and opportunities she would help provide me with to grow individually and professionally.
PGY1
Bryson Cowden, DO
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
School: Lincoln Memorial University
Why Tristan EM: There aren’t many residencies where you get community-based training while still having the acuity and patient load that Skyline had to offer. Adding in the phenomenal staff and facility, there really wasn’t much of a decision on my end. Skyline was home.
PGY1
Blake Cromie, MD
Hometown: Leesburg, Georgia
Medical School: Mercer
Why Tristar EM: After my audition rotation, I knew this program was the right fit. The training is strong, the academic standards are high, and the variety and acuity of patients are unmatched. It’s the kind of environment that will challenge me daily and push me to become the best EM physician I can be.
PGY1
John Edens, DO
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Medical School: LMU DCOM
Why Tristar EM: During my audition rotation, I was impressed by the knowledge and commitment to teaching shown by the faculty. I believe this program will help me become a great physician while allowing me to serve the community I grew up in.
PGY1
Joey Hamilton, DO
Hometown: Kingston Springs, Tn
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University
Why Tristar EM: I chose Tristar EM because it felt like home. The residents and faculty truly care for each other like a family. I knew this would be a place I'd be supported, challenged, and valued -- a place where I could grow to be the physician I dreamed of being.
PGY1
Scarlett Kass, DO
Hometown: Aiken, South Carolina
Medical School: Rocky Vista University
Why Tristar EM: Tristar had everything I was looking for in a residency program: a strong emphasis on resident well-being, hands-on emergency medicine training, and a supportive yet challenging environment to learn and grow as a physician. During my interview, Dr. Wolfe showed a sincere interest in getting to know me both personally and professionally. I truly can’t imagine a better program to support my journey toward becoming the best emergency medicine physician I can be!
When I'm not at work, you can find me...exploring East Nashville's food scene and taking my dogs to the park!
PGY1
Virginia Smith, MD
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Medical School: St George's University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: I realized I would truly thrive learning from these people—the residents, faculty, and especially Dr. Wolfe—who all came across as incredibly genuine, enthusiastic, and deeply committed to the program and to teaching. I was impressed by the high acuity at Skyline, the engaging didactics, and the empowering dynamic between residents and faculty. I also valued the broad clinical exposure across the two hospital sites and the unique learning opportunities in EMS, Toxicology, and many other areas. And living in Nashville just felt like the perfect bonus!
PGY1
Amanda Staser, MD
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Tristar EM: The program offers incredible academic opportunities with high-acuity, hands-on training and cutting-edge education, all supported by a team of genuinely passionate, down-to-earth faculty who are truly invested in your growth and success.
When I'm not at work, you can find me...hanging with my fellow residents or checking out Nashville's music scene!
PGY1
Grady Stewart, MD
Hometown: Piqua, Ohio
Medical School: St. George’s University
Why TriStar EM: TriStar has a culture of both professional and academic excellence that is evident from the first moment you arrive. The faculty take a vested interest in the resident's educational and personal growth as not only EM physicians but as an individual. I know I will leave this program as the best version of myself both personally and professionally.
When I'm not at work, you can find me...at the gym or watching a movie.
PGY1
Daniel Vazquez EScobar, MD
Hometown: Columbia, MD
Medical School: St. George's University
Why Tristar EM: I chose TriStar because I wanted to be part of a program that offers the perfect balance of high-volume, hands-on training and a team of genuinely passionate, supportive physicians. From the start, I knew this was a place where I could grow both personally and professionally.
PGY1
Kate Wester, MD
Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
Why Tristar EM: I was looking for a program with hands-on learning with early autonomy that would challenge me while supporting my growth—Tristar offers all of that and more. Even my initial interactions with faculty/residents felt very genuine and welcoming, reinforcing my belief that this is the right place for me!
When I'm not at work, you can find me...somewhere in the sun, tanning or grilling with friends and family.
PGY1
Tim Younker, MD
Hometown: Irma, Alberta, Canada
Medical School: St. George's University
Why Tristar: The people. From interview season, to the second look and now at the start of residency it is clear that Dr. Wolfe and all staff truly care about your wellbeing as a person and development as a physician.
When I'm not at work, you can find me...in the climbing gym.