Psychiatry Residency Greer - Residents

Hometown: Chicago

Medical School: October 6 University Faculty of Medicine

After I came to the United States, I encountered numerous individuals intrigued by my name, pronounced Sha-Dee, in Arabic, meaning "the knowledge seeker who sings beautiful melodies." What strikes me as ironic is how this name perfectly aligns with my deep-seated ardor for knowledge and music. These twin pursuits have propelled me on a remarkable journey, where I have pursued the study of medicine alongside the mastery of several musical instruments.

Following my graduation from O6U medical school in Egypt, I embarked on a journey as a primary care physician in Saudi, serving underserved and marginalized communities. Through this experience, I witnessed the discrimination these communities faced. Going beyond medical care, I provided counsel and support, working to empower individuals to overcome their challenges which deepened my love for psychiatry.

During the turbulent period of the Arab Spring, my passion for human rights and advocacy blossomed, driven by a deep-rooted desire for positive change and the establishment of democracy. Inspired by my advocacy work, I embraced the opportunity to come to the United States. Alongside my dedication to human rights, music, and culinary arts have remained steadfast interests. Music, a universal language, connects people through enchanting melodies, while cooking allows me to share the flavors of my culture.

Looking ahead, my primary goal is to give back to the embracing community that has enriched my journey. As a cultural ambassador, I aspire to foster unity, celebrate diversity, and promote understanding. Through my passion for psychiatry, commitment to human rights, appreciation for music, and culinary skills, I aim to make a meaningful contribution to society, eradicating the stigma of mental health and leaving behind a legacy of positive change.

Hometown: Lyndon, Kansas

Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

My name is Gabe, and I am looking forward to working with you. I am originally from Kansas. I grew up in a small town of about 1,000 people. I went to Wichita State University (Go Shockers!) for my undergraduate degree. For medical school I packed up my bags and moved out to southern Utah to St. George. When I am not working, you can usually find me playing videogames (League of Legends, Pokemon, and anything Nintendo), traveling the world, and cooking. While I am here at Prisma I hope that I can expand my many interests in Psychiatry with the amazing faculty and my fellow residents here!

Hometown: East Lyme, Connecticut

Medical School: Medical University of the Americas

Hi everyone! My name is Tasmia Khan and I am from East Lyme, Connecticut. I attended Boston University where I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in deaf studies. I went on to pursue my medical doctorate at Medical University of the Americas.

Over the years I volunteered at Deaf Inc. in Boston and became proficient in American Sign Language. I developed a passion for advocacy work during medical school with the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing. I had the opportunity to work with CT Association of the Deaf and teach at various hospitals regarding advocacy for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing patients. I also developed a love for neuropsychiatric research. I helped found the Brooklyn Brain and Mind Institute where I worked on papers discussing various topics in neuropsychiatry.

In my free time I enjoy playing the flute, hiking, trying new restaurants, playing video games (both PC and PS4), and playing basketball. The Greer Psychiatry program stood out to me because it is located near South Carolina School for the Deaf and offers opportunities to work within the Deaf mental health space in our elective rotations. I am so grateful to join the Greer Psychiatry program because it has wonderful faculty, a cohesive community, and a compassionate mission.

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Hello! I’m Emily. I often go by Laff. I was raised in Maryland’s horse country, received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Emory University, worked in many different fields of medicine before earning those shiny new letters of M.D. from Ross University School of Medicine. Eager to begin our next adventure with our family, my husband and I were thrilled when I matched with Greer Psychiatry. At my second look, we fell in love with the area and the prospect of raising our family in the Upstate. Now that we are all settled in, we are soaking in everything that the Greenville area has to offer, from excellent southern cuisine to stunning walks in Falls Park on the Reedy, to exploring the great outdoors with our kids and Newfoundland. With Greer Psychiatry, I have found my professional home. I’m thrilled to be training in a program with such a strong emphasis on psychotherapy, outpatient practice and resident wellness. The longitudinal curriculum will keep us sharp in all aspects of our psychiatric training and the warmth of the learning environment is nothing like I’ve experienced elsewhere. Here at Greer I feel well supported in the exploration of my professional interests, such as CAP, reproductive psychiatry, different psychotherapeutic modalities and mindfulness based practice.

Hometown: Navasota, Texas

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Howdy! I’m Diego. I was born in Moroleon, Guanajuato, Mexico. I moved to the US halfway through 1^st grade. I lived in in Florida for about 6 months, and then lived in Texas for the rest of the time. I graduated in 2018 as a biology major from Texas A&M University (Whoop!) and graduated from TTUHSC in 2023. I enjoy playing all types of video games. My favorites are God of War and High on Life. I also enjoy building Legos, watching UFC, and practicing kickboxing. Currently trying to learn how to play guitar, so we’ll see how that goes. My interests are addiction psychiatry, neuromodulation, and working with the Hispanic community.

I ranked this program as my number 1 because I really liked the positive, friendly vibes that I got from the residents and attendings while interviewing. This program really emphasizes resident wellness, which was a high priority for me. I also really like the longitudinal curriculum since it fits more with my learning style. I’m super happy to be a part of this program and get to meet such amazing people.

Medical School: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Hi, I’m Kelsi! I grew up in Las Vegas and attended UNLV for my undergraduate and medical education. I relocated to upstate SC with my beloved cats, Luna and Starling, to continue my medical training in psychiatry and pursue a new adventure! 

The Greer residency program is exceptional in its supportive and open-minded nature, offering a range of programs dedicated to enhancing our physical and mental well-being. The attending physicians' unwavering commitment to teaching and patient care inspires me. My co-residents and I fuel our camaraderie by working hard and playing harder. We pair our daily PRITE review with hilarious memes or a leisurely walk along the hospital’s tranquil trails. This culture of support is truly invaluable, as it allows me to approach each workday with boundless enthusiasm.

I look forward to continuing my training here and having exposure to specific areas that interest me, including psychotherapy, sports psychiatry, reproductive psychiatry, and interventional psychiatry. While Las Vegas will always hold a special place in my heart, it is amidst the lush greenery and alongside incredible colleagues that I have found a second home.

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Medical School: Kansas City University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Hello, my name is Vidhur, and I am from Raleigh, NC. I majored in human biology and minored in criminology at North Carolina State University and completed my master’s degree in physiology from the same university. I have always been interested in psychiatry, even before starting medical school. One of the things that I did not know about this field of medicine is how broad and ever expanding it is. I am mainly interested in addiction medicine but would like to learn more about procedural fields in psychiatry like ECT and TMS. I chose this program because it fostered a learning environment that was best suited for me.

Hometown: Boca Raton, FL

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – South Georgia

Hello! My name is Jessie Youssef. I am from Boca Raton, Florida and graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Moultrie, Georgia.  I enjoy art, musical theatre, nutrition, spending time in nature, exploring new places, and getting lost in a book. I have a Yorkie and highly encourage the sharing of pet pictures at any and all times. My passions include incorporating wellness and brain breaks into our daily lives in a practical manner. I am very pleased to be at Prisma Health and am looking forward to providing a listening ear to my patients. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me!

Hometown: Miami, FL
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

My name is Marjorie Addonizio. I am originally from Miami, FL. I went to LECOM in Bradenton, FL. I moved to Greer with my family to join Prisma because of its longitudinal curriculum. Every interviewer at Prisma gave me a great conversation. Prisma seemed to have a very open environment and residents seemed happy. As a current resident, I am very happy to say this is true. Aside from my professional life, I also enjoy traveling, going out with current residents, and spending time with my family. I have traveled to many countries and lived in Spain for a bit, but I have mostly stayed in Florida. South Carolina and Prisma have been very friendly and welcoming. I enjoy the easy access to nature and new restaurants. I look forward to seeing you all one day and hope you join Prisma!

Hometown: Charleston, SC
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi, I’m Kate and I am originally from the D.C. area. I went to medical school in WV and most recently moved here from Charleston SC. I absolutely love the Upstate and am so happy to be doing residency here! When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and exploring the area.  I consider myself very fortunate to have this opportunity to train in a residency program that truly prioritizes resident education and well-being in such an amazing location.

Hometown: Palm Beach, FL
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine

Hi, I’m Gina and I’m from Palm Beach, Florida. I graduated from Florida State University (GO NOLES!) and later graduated with my medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. My personal interests include Orange Theory Fitness, weightlifting/nutrition, skincare, traveling, college football, and watching endless reruns of The Office. In psychiatry, my passions include child and adolescent psychiatry, women’s mental health, telepsychiatry, and serving the underserved communities. I chose the Greer Psychiatry Program because of its unique longitudinal curriculum, genuine faculty, and exceptional mentorship. Although the Sunshine State has a special place in my heart, I am loving what the community in Greenville/Greer has to offer!

Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Hi! I’m Cat and I lived in quite a few different states growing up, including Colorado, New Jersey, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Indiana. The last few years I have lived in West Virginia, where I completed my undergraduate education, graduated from medical school, and married my high school sweetheart. I brought my husband and our numerous fur-babies to the Upstate for residency and we have fallen in love with the location. We’ve enjoyed taking our golden retrievers, Winnie and Ellie, on adventures around the area and have found many dog-friendly amenities. Our cats are not ones to be left out and have enjoyed having their own room in our new house as well as plenty of birds to watch from the windows. Some of my interests include reading, anime/manga, and watching movies (especially horror).

I ranked Greer Psychiatry as my top program due to the longitudinal curriculum, emphasis on resident wellness, and the passion for comprehensive psychiatric care the faculty displayed on my interview day. I look forward to being a part of this growing program and honing my skills as a psychiatrist.

Hometown: Marietta, GA
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia, Athens

Hi! My name is Grant and I’m from Marietta, GA. I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Care Management and Policy at Georgetown University in Washington, DC before returning home to Georgia for medical school at the Athens campus of the Medical College of Georgia. I am excited to move to the Upstate and explore all the area has to offer. In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants and playing basketball. I also enjoy spending time on the screened porch with my wife and our two cats, Elvis and Lilly. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to explore my many interests in the field of Psychiatry with the fantastic faculty and my compassionate colleagues in this program!

Hometown: Denver, CO and Salt Lake City, UT
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine

As a native of the Intermountain West (Colorado, Utah), I’m a recent transplant to South Carolina and still trying to figure out how everyone survives the humidity! Thankfully, the hospitality, southern cooking, and the goodness of the people – especially those in the psychiatry department – have made the transition well worth it. My family and I are loving our new lives as South Carolinians.

My journey to psychiatry began in middle school when, on a whim, I picked up two Steven Levenkron books at the local Barnes & Noble, and it has led me through an undergraduate degree at the University of Utah (Go Utes!), medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine, and, finally, to Greer, South Carolina for residency. All physicians wish we better understood the complexities of mental wellness and, certainly, mental illness. It’s important not to understate the 100+ years of research into the mind, but it’s equally important to be humble in the shadow of how much we still do not know. In that spirit, my vision of modern psychiatry echoes that of Nancy McWilliams: to alleviate or mitigate the symptoms of mental illness, to develop insight and a sense of one's agency, the securing or solidifying of a sense of identity, the building of self-cohesion, and improving the ability to recognize and handle feelings -- all in the service of expanding one's capacity to love, to work, to experience pleasure, and to experience serenity.

It is the realization of a lifelong dream to be living here and serving the people of South Carolina. The psychiatry team is dedicated to your wellbeing. Whether you see me or any of the residents or faculty at the clinic, I can promise you’ll be in good hands!

Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Hello! I’m Zainub, I was raised primarily in Greensboro, NC and went to undergrad at NC State University where I majored in Biology and minored in Psychology and Genetics. I went on to receive my medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. I currently live in Greer, SC with my husband and labradoodle, AJ.

I chose this program because of the close-knit culture that prioritizes resident well-being and education. Coming here, I continue to be in awe of how humble, kind, and supportive the faculty are.  I was also intrigued by the longitudinal curriculum and integrative learning with family medicine and neurology. I knew that this structure would allow me to build a solid, comprehensive foundation in my training as a future psychiatrist.  Regarding my professional interests, I am extremely passionate about child and adolescent psychiatry. I also have a strong desire for serving the community, addressing healthcare disparities amidst the marginalized, and women’s mental health. Giving a voice to the vulnerable is something I see as an integral part of my future in this specialty.

Outside of medicine, I’m giddy about the idea of cozy book shops, locally brewed coffee, interior design, calligraphy, a good mystery-thriller, and a warm bowl of pho. Though I consider myself a homebody, I have been experiencing some pretty neat outdoor adventures with my husband and look forward to exploring the state parks and trails of beautiful Greenville!

Hometown: Columbus, OH
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathnic Medicine

Hi all, I’m Krishna. I’m from Columbus, Ohio, where my wife and I met while we were undergrads at Ohio State. From there I made my way to north east Tennessee, where I received my master’s and medical education at Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, TN. Outside of psychiatry, I have a lot of hobbies and interests including playing golf, watching Formula One and college football, traditional English tailoring and shoemaking, baking (yes I picked up making sourdough during the beginning of COVID and never stopped!), working out on my Peloton, cooking, barbecue, third wave coffee brewing, and bourbon and wine collecting. When we’re not spending time with our three Shih Tzus, my wife and I love to explore Greenville-Spartanburg and the surrounding area.

Moving to the Greenville/Greer area was a great transition for us, having previously lived in downtown Columbus. There is somewhere to live for every preference, whether you want to live in the country on a farm or downtown in the city or anywhere in between. We love going to the farmers market in downtown Greenville on Main Street every Saturday from May to October and having many excellent bars and restaurants available to us.

I was drawn to this program for the outpatient focus and the unique longitudinal curriculum. Regarding my professional interests, I plan to practice general outpatient psychiatry with a hope to provide an integrated care experience with primary care in house, as well as provide interventional psychiatric care for my patients. The Greer Psychiatry Residency program provides a great basis for me to achieve my goals, and the longitudinal curriculum keeps my medical knowledge sharp on all aspects of psychiatry and medicine in general.

Hometown: Framiningham, MA and Marietta, GA
Medical School: American University of Antigua

Hi, I’m Anita and I’m Nigerian-American born and raised in Massachusetts/ Georgia. I received my undergraduate B.S. in Psychology degree from the University of Massachusetts and my medical degree from the American University of Antigua. My professional interests within psychiatry are numerous however with a specific passion for Child and Adolescent population, Mental Health Care in marginalized communities, and talk therapy modalities. My personal interests include the thrill of planning trips, traveling, trying new cuisines, and expanding my extensive hot sauce collection.

Hometown: Ipee, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Medical School: University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences

I grew up, attended medical school, and served as a community physician in rural Nigerian communities before transitioning to the United States where I completed PhD in Epidemiology at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Thereafter, I started my residency in Psychiatry in this program. My long-term career goal is to be an outstanding community psychiatrist and an independent physician scientist in health disparity research with impact on reduction of racial health disparities. I was attracted to this program for the opportunities to combine training with research, clinical care, teaching, and leadership in rural areas. It provides the opportunity to care for an under-served rural population which has been the focus of my research and medical service over the past years. Working in rural, underserved communities is a career path that I have chosen, and it gives me great pleasure as I continue this journey as a resident in this program. I cherish the longitudinal training model, spirituality components of the training, and the diversity in this program. The goal of training and retaining psychiatrists to address shortage especially in rural area is one I easily buy into given my desire to help address healthcare needs through evidence-based medical practice and research.

Hometown: Lexington, South Carolina
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

My name is Andrew Browder. I am from Lexington, SC, where I enjoyed growing up in the 1980s, complete with bikes, boats, woods, and sports. I had many jobs after college at USC (2000) and was inspired to return to medical school soon after marrying my lovely wife, Mani, in 2013. Eight years later, we completed that journey by way of Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, emerging with a new career for Dad as well as three sons, ages 2, 4, and 6. We live in Simpsonville and enjoy hiking Paris Mountain, playing in the yard with our poodle, Dolly, and visiting our family throughout the state.

Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA
Medical School: Marshall University School of Medicine

I’m Cooper and I grew up in Southern California. I went to Brigham Young University – Idaho for undergrad where I majored in neuroscience and double-minored in Spanish and dance. When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my wife, kids, and co-residents. I like pretty much anything that rolls, slides, or floats. I also like write music and collect records.

I ranked this as my top program for multiple reasons: I was interested in the longitudinal curriculum, the in-depth training in psychotherapy, and the emphasis on the spiritual aspect of patient health. Having now started my training, I am so glad that I did. We love The Upstate, love the curriculum, and love all the people that make up this tight-knit program.

Hometown: Meriden, KS

Medical School: Touro University Nevada

Hello, my name is Travis Morstorf. I was born in rural Kansas and got my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Kansas. After undergrad I attended medical school at Touro University Nevada. I chose this program because of the great faculty, the longitudinal curriculum and the chance to be part of a program from its beginnings. In my spare time I enjoy basketball, board games and coaching youth sports.

Hometown: Ormond Beach, FL and Pontiac, MI
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

I am incredibly excited to have couple’s matched at Greer Psychiatry with my wife, Krishna, who is attending Greer’s Family Medicine Residency!  We both moved to the area from Daytona Beach, FL, and Atlanta, GA, have recently bought our first house together, and are in a constant process of adding finishing touches to our home!  In my free time, my favorite hobbies (pre-Covid) include basketball and spike ball.  However, following the onset of Covid, I have begun taking up mountain biking and have gotten much more into hiking. Outside of school, and the time I put aside for myself, a lot of my day is spent raising our dog – his name is Duke, and he recently turned 1-year-old!  At times, Duke’s been a lot of work, but both my wife and I are extremely happy to see him enjoy all of what the area has to offer! We couldn’t be happier to have matched in such a supportive program and fun area.

Hometown: Kansas City , KS
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center

Hi, I’m Abi. I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal but grew up mostly in Nebraska & Kansas City. I am new to the Upstate so during the weekends I enjoy sightseeing, hiking, and being outside. Some of my other favorite activities include fitness and trying out all the different cuisines that Greenville/ Greer have to offer. The upstate has started feeling like home in the short amount of time I’ve been here. Currently, my interests include women’s health, mental health policy, college-age mental health, and pts experiencing first break psychosis. If you’re looking for a community-based program that values comradery between its members, provides one-on-one mentorship, has a collaborative learning environment, and is in a town with a lot to do in and around the city, I think this would be a good fit!