Family Medicine Residency Greenville - Residents

I was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. I majored in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology at the University of Central Florida for my undergraduate career. I attended the University of Florida College of Medicine for medical school. Go Gators! Within medicine I am interested in Women's Health and Pain Management. I love going to the movies, singing, painting, dressing up and spending time with my loved ones (Being an aunt is my favorite job outside of medicine). I chose Prisma because in every interaction I felt the love that they have for their people (patients, residents, staff, etc). I wanted to be a part of a program that taught me how to wholistically care for others and appreciate and support my whole being as well.

Hello my name is Ellen Averill, or Dr. Combs. Confusing right? I am from Ft. Mitchell, KY where I was born and raised, but moved to Lexington, KY for college and medical school at the University of Kentucky. My passion for entering a profession in the medical field started with a need to want to be with patients in some of their most vulnerable moments. I love the intricacy of humanity and art in medicine. Currently my interests in medicine are very broad. I enjoy hospital medicine, academics, lifestyle medicine, working with underserved populations and global health.

I love all things outdoors including camping, hiking, skiing, cycling, running, or traveling. I enjoy live music, performing arts, farmers markets, and art festivals. I love reading, drawing, and writing and strongly believe literature can bolster a physician’s empathy. I love trying anything new whether that be food, a sport, an activity, or anything in between!

I chose Prisma’s Greenville Family Medicine program because it aligned with my values of what kind of physician I wanted to become. The staff and residents were beyond welcoming and encouraging of my ambitions in medicine. The culture and strife for high achieving excellence throughout the program was enthralling. I was ecstatic when I found out I matched at this program knowing I will come out of it as a proficient and well-rounded physician.

Hello, I'm Dr. Jennifer DiFelice (Dee-fell-lease)! I was born and raised in Lawrenceville, GA, and then I moved to Atlanta, GA to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology. After graduating from college in 2017, I chose to work in the medical field as an emergency department scribe and then as a medical assistant at a family medicine practice, which ignited my passion for primary care. I realized that practicing family medicine is an exciting challenge that allows one to adapt their practice to fit their interests, so I went to medical school at the Medical College of Georgia already planning to become a family medicine physician. Through my rotations, I discovered even more aspects of family medicine that I love, including women's health and in-office procedures. I am passionate about providing multi-generational care and building long-lasting relationships with patients and their families. When I am not taking care of patients, I make time for my family, friends, and hobbies. I love spending time with my husband and our golden retriever. I enjoy trying new restaurants and playing disc golf, too!

I chose Prisma Health Greenville Family Medicine because the program has crafted a great balance between academic-level training and resident wellness. After my interview with this program, I knew that I would have the support I need to accomplish my goal of becoming a community's primary care physician in whichever setting I choose. The smaller size of our program makes it feel like a family, and it allows me to have a more personalized training experience as well. There are different focus tracks a resident can follow, like the Women's Health and Obstetrics track, to gain more experience in certain areas of interest. The hospital also houses multiple other residency programs, which allows family medicine residents to learn from many other experts in an academic setting. Greenville itself is a gem, and I encourage everyone to visit the area and see what I mean! I am thrilled to be a resident here at Prisma Health Greenville Family Medicine!

I am from Greenville, South Carolina and attended medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. I have a strong interest in Lifestyle Medicine, Sports Medicine, and finding holistic and personalized ways to maximize each patient's health. In my free time, I love trying new styles of cooking, fishing, playing golf, and going on hikes in the Upstate with my wife and black lab, Ollie!

I chose Prisma's Greenville Family Medicine Residency because I found the close-knit community and personal approach the program takes towards residents fosters an environment that allows each resident to meet their own personal goals and career aspirations. Additionally, I have loved the emphasis on wellness and maintaining a healthy and balanced life that is shared by both the faculty and residents.

Hi everyone! I grew up in Zionsville, Indiana and completed my undergrad in Biology at DePauw University. Post-graduation, I moved out to Boston to complete my Master's in Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University School of Medicine and worked for a year at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I attended medical school at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis.

I knew I wanted to practice family medicine because I love working with all ages, developing long-lasting relationships with my patients and their families, and the ability to practice full-scope medicine. I chose Prisma Health Greenville because of the incredible faculty, staff, and residents. I was lucky enough to complete my AI rotation during my fourth year and had the opportunity to see firsthand how committed and dedicated everyone was to creating the most compassionate, well-trained family medicine physicians. I knew I wanted to train at a program where the residents weren't just coworkers, but were also friends. It was evident from day one that the residents and faculty are one big family. My husband and I were also drawn to the amazing city of Greenville. There's so much to do right here, but you also have the lake, beach, mountains, and everything in between all within a few hours.

My interests in medicine include lifestyle medicine, mental health, wellness and nutrition, and pediatrics. Some of my interests outside of work include spending time with my husband, family and friends, Pure Barre, trying new restaurants and breweries, and water skiing on Lake Keowee!

I was born and raised in the beautiful Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, Arizona. My undergraduate studies brought me to the University of Arizona in Tucson, where I met my wife and later served as an AmeriCorps VISTA. I returned to my home city for medical school at the UA COM–Phoenix. There, I was heavily involved with the Primary Care Scholars Program and Culinary Medicine Program.

My interest in medicine started as general curiosity about the health problems of loved ones. As I progressed through my education, I watched the complex and often reciprocal impact of society and environment on individual wellbeing. These experiences fueled my professional interests, which now include disease prevention, lifestyle medicine (especially nutrition), behavioral health, advocacy, medical education, and working with underserved populations.

The Family Medicine Residency Greenville was not only a great fit to further explore my interests, but a vibrant and welcoming program in a thriving city. After visiting Greenville, I was convinced! My wife and I are loving our adventures in this part of the country. The warm interactions I had with faculty, staff, and residents throughout interview season are now part of my everyday life, and I am so happy to have matched here. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two dogs, playing guitar, cooking and exploring local foods, staying active, and learning how to care for our growing collection of plants.  

I grew up in Kennesaw, Georgia, and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for my undergraduate education. I completed my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and then moved to Augusta, Georgia, to attend the Medical College of Georgia for medical school.

I chose family medicine because I was drawn to the idea of being able to care for individuals of all ages. I also wanted to be able to build lasting relationships with my patients and the outpatient setting would allow me to have the continuity of care I greatly desired.

I chose the Family Medicine Residency program here in Greenville because I knew I would have amazing, supportive faculty and staff to help me thrive throughout my training. The environment is more welcoming than I could have ever imagined. The residency also provides a diverse curriculum that includes lifestyle medicine and POC ultrasound training along with unique clinics for LGBTQ and refugee care so I knew there would be so many opportunities for me to find what I loved.

And lastly, Greenville itself is a beautiful city! It has everything you need from great food to art and entertainment but still has the feel of a homey small town. It’s the best of both worlds!

I grew up outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, and then moved to Columbia, South Carolina to attend UofSC for my undergraduate years. Following that, I went to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville for medical school.

I chose family medicine following my M3 family medicine rotation, because it showed me how beautiful caring for whole families can be. I love the diversity of pathology, the in-office procedures and the long-lasting relationships with patients. By my fourth year of medical school, I knew I wanted to stay in Greenville. The residents and faculty were so supportive of one another and dedicated to their patients. My husband and I also love the city itself – one of the coolest cities I know that still has free parking downtown!

My professional interests include pediatrics, outpatient medicine, medical education, and gynecology. My personal interests include hiking, running, playing sports, spending time with my husband, being involved in my church, and trying new restaurants and breweries in Greenville!

Before medical school I worked in public health for three years with a focus on substance use, harm reduction and sexual wellness, including STI prevention and education. I then attended the University of North Carolina School of Medicine where I was able to further my passions for applying a health equity and social justice lens to population health and primary care. I also fell in love with the field of integrative medicine, having a passion for exploring all healing modalities a patient might seek to address any aspect of physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. I was seeking a program that would allow me to continue developing these skills throughout residency and prepare me to practice full scope upon graduation. From my first interactions with this program, it was apparent the Greenville Family Medicine Residency would be the right fit. Our program director, Dr. Emerson, described the culture of the residency as a “fun environment” and having a “joyful spirit” and I could not agree more, it shines through.  

It was clear to me why this program is designated as an AAMC High-Functioning Primary Care Residency Clinic with a comprehensive and innovative curriculum, high quality teaching faculty, and interprofessional team design. I was most excited by the Lifestyle Medicine and Behavioral Science curriculums, as I have a strong interest in prevention and helping patients maintain a healthy lifestyle. I loved that we participate in psychosocial rounds inpatient and have designated SIM sessions to practice using a biopsychosocial approach. Additionally, I was impressed by the efforts in place to ensure a culture of wellness is embedded into the residency program itself, from the narrative medicine and Balint Group weekly reflections, utilization of resources from the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, Wellness Wednesdays, and access to the Life Center Health and Conditioning Club. After all, we can only care for our patients when we as a team are able to take care of ourselves. The definition of physician wellbeing outlined for the program shows that the Family Medicine Residency Greenville does “walk the walk.”

Outside of a strong academic foundation in inpatient medicine, outpatient clinical care, and procedural skills, I am thrilled at all of the opportunities to practice in the community and participate in service learning here. My public health roots will continually keep me grounded in community-based practice with a focus on cultural humility, equity, and social determinants of health. I appreciated the opportunity to do hot-spotting work through the Mobile Health Clinic and complete home health visits with patients who face barriers coming into the clinic. Furthermore, I was excited about the LGBTQ+ clinic and ability to provide PrEP, HRT, and gender affirming care. This is a population I have extensive experience working with and will continue serving as a historically vulnerable population, especially in the South. This program meets everything I was looking for in my training and in my approach to caring for self and others in a healing profession. Lastly, Greenville is an amazing place with the diversity, dynamic culture, and recreation of a city that retains a sense of southern hospitality and charm. It is ranked as the South’s top city on the rise for 2022, so please join us!

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville

What drew me to the program: Hi, I’m Caroline! I grew up in the Greer/Greenville area and attended Clemson University for my undergraduate education, where I majored in Health Science and Psychology with a minor in Sociology. After graduation, I moved back home to Greenville to complete medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville. From the beginning of my medical training, I knew I wanted to be equipped to serve patients of all demographics and to be able to provide help for any sort of issue in or outside of the office, and it became very clear that being trained in family medicine involves exactly that. At the same time, I love the emphasis placed on prevention and the importance and value of a healthy lifestyle, and I’m excited to be able to come alongside patients to help them to achieve and maintain whole health. I am very thankful and excited to continue my training at the family medicine residency program with Prisma Health here in Greenville and to have the opportunity to use my training to serve the people and the community that has been my home. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, physical activity, nutrition and healthy eating, neighborhood adventures with my dog, being involved with my church, outdoor activities, and spending time with my family and friends.

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Carolinas Campus

What drew me to the program: Hey, y’all! My name is Kaitlyn. I grew up outside of Asheboro, NC. I got a B.S. in Biochemistry and minor in mathematics from High Point University and attended VCOM-Spartanburg for medical school. All of my interactions with the program residents and faculty have been nothing short of wonderful since the beginning, and I knew I would be surrounded by love and support if I matched here. I was particularly interested in the Lifestyle Medicine curriculum and ability to enhance my teaching skills with students of all kinds, including patients–teaching and preventative care are passions of mine! In the future, I am interested in serving underserved populations, including rural patients and international medical missions. In my free time, I enjoy reading various genres. My husband and I also enjoy going on trips, seeing family, and hikes with our rescue husky, Luna.

Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences

What drew me to the program: Hi, my name is Kim Nguyen! I am from Southern California where I finished my undergrad in Microbiology at California State University, Dominguez Hills. I then worked at chemistry and microbiology labs for couple years before earning my medical degree at University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Why family medicine? The answer is simple. My reason is in the name itself: Family. I believe patients are family. I would love to be their family member from the first day we meet till their passing. In addition, family medicine is a flexible and versatile field which allows me to enjoy many aspects of medicine. I would love to provide a comprehensive and compassionate care to my patients from prevention to any acute conditions. But what really drives me at the end of the day was the long-lasting relationships between family physicians and patients.

I chose Prisma Health Upstate-Greenville based on many factors. During the virtual interview, I was so impressed on the cozy, family-like vibes among residents, faculty and other staffs. I also enjoy the unique lifestyle medicine curriculum, point of care ultrasound and the opportunity to collaborate with other residencies. Moreover, Greenville itself is a gem. It is young, energetic and has everything I need within driving distance.

I enjoy a full-scope of family medicine with specific interests in lifestyle medicine, preventative medicine, urgent care and women’s health. My favorite hobbies are crafting, origami, cooking, floral arrangement, hiking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

What drew me to the program: Hello, my name is Batare Okivie! I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I received a B.S in Biological Sciences from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). I then worked as a Research Assistant with the Cellular Biology Department at UGA and received my Masters in Medical Sciences from Drexel University shortly after. I attended medical school at Ross University School of Medicine. Some of my hobbies include traveling, outdoor nature walks, photography, and recently I have started to love painting! A few of my interest within Family Medicine include women’s health, preventive medicine, and global health.

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville

What drew me to the program: Hey, I’m Shiv! I grew up outside of Atlanta in a suburb called Buford, GA. Afterwards, I attended the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where I earned my BS in Biology with a minor in Spanish and where I met my now wife. I then moved to Greenville, SC, where I completed medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. During medical school, I fell in love with Greenville and am so excited to call it home for the next few years.  Within medicine, my interests include Lifestyle Medicine, preventative care and caring for underserved populations. When I’m not at the hospital I love to spend time with my wife and dog, play trombone, cook plant-based meals, watch sports, play video games, watch documentaries, explore Greenville’s restaurant scene and spend time hiking the beautiful trails the Upstate has to offer.

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

What drew me to the program: Hi, my name is Erick Woltz and I am very excited to be completing my Family Medicine residency here at Prisma Health in Greenville!

Though I was raised in northern New Jersey, I called Charleston, SC home for over a decade prior to beginning my residency.  I studied marine biology at the College of Charleston, worked in clinical research for a few years, and then proceeded to study medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina.  All the while, I enjoyed the many wonderful things the Lowcountry has to offer, such as the diverse food culture, surfing, fishing, and evenings on the creeks.  After several trips to the upstate over the years, I developed an urge to begin a new chapter of my life in Greenville.

While growing up, my whole family was fortunate to have a terrific Family Medicine physician.  So, beginning at a young age, I experienced the benefits that a strong patient-physician relationship can have in a family practice setting.  As I studied medicine, my goal was to develop the same type of relationship with my own patients while providing a comprehensive, preventative, and individual-based approach to their healthcare.  I appreciate that every patient is different in many respects and their medical care requires unique tailoring.  The Family Medicine Residency program at Prisma Health in Greenville excites me not only because of the impressive and compassionate faculty and staff, but also because of our shared emphasis on lifestyle medicine and research-driven, patient-centered care.

When I’m not in the hospital or clinic, you may find me walking around downtown Greenville, reading alongside the Reedy River, or biking, hiking, and camping in the nearby mountains!