Harnett Health Family Medicine provides residents with many opportunities to develop their skills as clinicians, researchers, and educators. Along with our sponsoring institution, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, residents cultivate skills through simulation activities, osteopathic manipulative medicine sessions, and other educational events. Our busy and robust clinical settings offer training in a rural environment, but still afford opportunities to work with various healthcare professionals, facilitating a team-based environment in which to both learn and provide patient care. Our patient base is diverse, and both medically and socially underserved. The core of our family medicine training experience will be provided by our hospital-owned family, pediatric, and OB/GYN practices and complemented by outstanding sub-specialties and inpatient family physicians. Our program is osteopathically recognized, and our philosophy centers on treating patients and communities as a whole.
Program Director – Regina Bray-Brown, MD
Associate Program Director – Varshaben Songara, MD
Dr. Varsha Songara has been Core Faculty at Harnett Health Family Medicine Residency since July 2017 and was made Associate Program Director in June 2021. Dr. Songara received her undergraduate and graduate medical education in India and completed her Family Medicine residency training at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio. She is board certified in Family Medicine since 2012 and certified with a Focused Designation in Hospital Medicine since 2018. She has been living in the Triangle area with her family since 2013. Besides teaching, she enjoys outdoor activities.
Director of Osteopathic Education – Marta Bringhurst, DO
Marta Bringhurst has been the Director of Osteopathic Education at Harnett Health Family Medicine since 2021. She is an assistant professor of OMM at Campbell University, where she directs the first-year OMM courses, and is also core faculty at the Campbell University ONMM-3 Residency. She is a graduate of Kansas City University School of Osteopathic Medicine, and is board certified in both family medicine and osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine. She completed her primary residency in family medicine at Firelands Regional Medical Center, and her ONMM residency at Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital. She is also a graduate of the Campbell University Masters of Health Professions Education program. As core faculty in the family medicine program, she precepts in the clinic two days per week. Marta Bringhurst is passionate about primary care, osteopathic medicine, patient and physician wellness, and adult learning strategies. During her personal time, she enjoys reading, doing yoga, and participating in local community theater.
Core Faculty
Jennifer Hill, DO
Dr. Hill is a board-certified Family Medicine osteopathic (DO) physician. She earned her medical degree from Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) and her completed residency training at Harnett Health Family Medicine Residency where she now serves as Core Faculty. Dr. Hill is also the Director of Student Medical Education (DSME) for the Harnett region at CUSOM. She enjoys mentoring both medical students and residents. Besides teaching, she enjoys running, quilting and raising two spirited daughters.
Emily Ghassemi, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, CPP
Dr. Ghassemi has been on faculty with the Harnett Health Family Medicine Program since 2022. She is a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist (BCACP) and certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). Dr. Ghassemi is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Campbell University and practices as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP) in the family medicine clinic. In this role, she serves as a drug information resource to residents as well as provides pharmacotherapy services and education for patients with chronic disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, and coagulation disorders. Dr. Ghassemi precepts ambulatory care student pharmacists and pharmacy residents. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trivia, and crossfit.
The curriculum is structured to prepare each resident for Family Medicine in a rural or underserved setting. Throughout the three years of training, residents will receive increasing responsibility throughout didactic and clinical experiences.
Rotation Schedule
PGY-1 (12 months)
- Orientation Month – July
- Adult Inpatient Medicine – 3 months
- Night Float – 1 month
- Continuity Clinic – 1 month
- Community Med – 1 month
- Pediatrics – 1 month
- OB/GYN – 1 month
- ED – 1 month
- Elective – 1 month
- Cardiology – 1 month
PGY -2 (12 months)
- Adult Inpatient Medicine – 1 month
- Night Float – 1 month
- Continuity Clinic – 1 month
- Pediatrics – 1 month
- OB/GYN – 1 month
- NICU – 1 month
- Psych – 1 month
- Surgery – 1 month
- Sports Medicine – 1 month
- Obesity – 1 month
- Elective – 2 months
PGY-3 (12 months)
- Adult Inpatient Medicine – 2 months
- Continuity Clinic – 1 month
- Orthopedics – 1 month
- Practice Management – 1 month
- Outpatient Pediatrics – 1 month
- OB/GYN – 1 month
- Geriatrics – 1 month
- ED – 1 month
- Elective – 3 months
Elective Options
- Hematology/Oncology
- Palliative Medicine
- Infectious Disease
- Neurology
- ENT
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Emergency
- Population Health
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- Wound Care
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound
- Endocrinology
- Integrative Pain Management
- Rheumatology
- Quality Improvement – PGY2&3
- Hospitalist Medicine – PGY2&3
Coats Medical Services, Harnett Health Family Medicine Clinic – Coats, NC
The Harnett Health Family Medicine Continuity Clinic is located in Coats, NC, approximately 15 minutes from Betsy Johnson in Dunn and 12 minutes from Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, NC. Our Family Medicine residents see a diverse patient population with varying medical conditions. Interns start building their patient panels from the first month. Our system EMR is Epic, allowing notes to be viewed from both the inpatient and outpatient settings. We believe patient continuity in incredibly important, streamlining patient care between our outpatient clinic and our inpatient family medicine team at Central Harnett Hospital.
Our residents are trained in the importance of promoting literacy from birth. We are the only clinic in Harnett County, NC to participate in Reach out and Read. Our Clinical Pharmacist, Dr. Emily Ghassemi, who is also Core Faculty for the program, runs our Anti-coagulation clinic as well as our Diabetic Education visits. She is available daily for resident consults. Our second and third years run the procedure clinic, which serves our continuity patients. We perform routine clinic procedures, such as, biopsies, LARC placement and removal, joint injections, and toenail removals.
PGY-1
- 1 half day of clinic per week;
- 2 patients per half day in July
- 4 patients per half day August – December
- 5 patients per half day January – June
PGY-2
- 3 half days of clinic per week;
- 6 patients per half day August – December
- 7 patients per half day January – June
PGY-3
- 4 half days of clinic per week;
- 8 patients per half day August – December
- 9 patients per half day January – June
PGY-3
Zulaikha Ghani, DO
Medical Education:
NYITCOM in Long Island, NY
Why did you choose Harnett for your residency training?
I love that it is a small program in a rural area. It is a close knit community which is ideal to creating a good rapport with patients and making an impact in their life.
What are your plans after graduation?
Outpatient medicine, possibly staying in the triangle area.
What is your past work experience?
I have worked as a medical assistant and scribe.
Coolest thing I’ve done:
swim with dolphins in Punta Cana
My hobbies:
varies from being coach potato to exploring the natural landscape. I like outdoor walks. I’m a big foodie.Advice to new residents: Believe in yourself, you know more than you think you do. This is the best place to be!
Ming-Tse Kao, DO
Medical School:
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Ming-Tse Kao graduated from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. One of the primary reasons why he chose this program was because of its diversity. He was attracted to the idea of learning and working alongside residents and attendings from different backgrounds and cultures, which Dr. Kao believed would broaden his perspective and deepen his understanding of healthcare and the world at large.
In addition, the program offered many different experiences, both inside and outside of the hospital. Dr. Kao was excited about the opportunity to participate in various clinical rotations and research projects, which would not only help him develop his skills but also expose him to different specialties and career paths.
Moreover, Dr. Kao believed that attending this program could help them further develop his research project, which focused on Osteopathic medicine. He is eager to learn from experts in the field and gain access to the latest technologies and resources to advance his research.
Since enrolling in the program, Dr. Kao has thoroughly enjoyed his experience. One of the things he likes most is the opportunity to work with patients from underserved areas. He finds it rewarding to provide care and support to those who may not have access to healthcare otherwise.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Kao has also taken advantage of the program’s location, which offers a lot of places for outdoor activities. He enjoys hiking, biking, and camping in the nearby parks and wilderness areas, which provide a much-needed respite from his rigorous studies.
Finally, Dr. Kao appreciates that the program is relatively inexpensive for cost of living, which has allowed him to focus on his studies without worrying too much about financial burdens.
Overall, Dr. Kao is grateful for the opportunities and experiences that this program has provided him and is excited about what the future holds.
Michael McGeagh, MD (Chief)
Medical School:
Virginia Commonwealth University
I live in Cary with my wife, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and parrot. I’m interested in primary care and staying local while raising a family and a large garden. Harnett has been a great learning environment for training physicians and it has been a great experience for us!
John Pidakala, MD
Undergraduate Education:
McGill University
Medical Education:
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Why did you choose Harnett for your residency training?
Training in a rural community as a stepping stone to medical missions in the future.
What do you like most about the program?
Family-like community with one another.
Hometown:
Montreal, Canada
If I weren’t a doctor I would be:
Entrepreneur
Favorite Dessert:
Apple sauce
Hobbies:
Reading, hiking, sports, spending time with family and friends
Career Interests:
Hospital medicine, medical missions
Favorite Movie:
The Departed
PGY-2
Sarah Lassiter, DO
Undergraduate Education:
Campbell University
Medical School:
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
I wanted to come to Harnett Health because I grew up 20 minutes down the road and spent 10 years studying at Campbell University which made this program and this area feel like home. I love the location and patient population. In addition to this I want to practice rural medicine in the future, and I felt like coming to Harnett Health prepares me for that best. We see, triage, and manage a wide variety of pathology and that has already proven to be beneficial in my residency career.I’m a twin mom and love spending my free time with my family or going on runs.
Bonnie Page, DO
Undergraduate Education:
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Medical School:
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hey, I’m Bonnie Page and I’m from Presque Isle, Maine. I went to undergrad at University of Maine at Presque Isle and medical school at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. I moved to NC for medical school with my husband and we immediately fell in love with the area and warm weather. I did my third and fourth year medical school rotations at Harnett Health and loved the patient population, residents, and faculty, so I knew this was where I wanted to do my residency.
My favorite thing about this residency program is how supportive the environment is between both co-residents and attendings, and how we have such a great work life balance.
In my spare time, I enjoy getting together with friends and family for game nights. I also like anything outdoors, especially disc golf and skiing at Beech Mountain.
Shelby Rhyne, DO (Chief)
Undergraduate Education:
NC State University
Medical School:
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Harnett for your residency training?
Smaller community-based program, awesome program faculty, location (NC native), curriculum
What do you like most about the program?
All of the above, very thankful to have matched here!
Morgan Woods, DO
Undergraduate Education:
University of South Carolina
Medical School:
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
I am a North Carolina local growing up on a farm in Eastern North Carolina. I went to University of South Carolina for a degree in Finance and then went to medical school at Campbell University. I aspire to be a rural family medicine physician and impact the health of my community. I hope to stay in North Carolina and work with my community on preventive care in medicine. I chose Harnett Health because they train me in the environment I want to work in. I love feeling that my work each day in the clinic leaves a positive impact in our small community.
Hobbies:
woodworking, beekeeping, motorcycle rides
Hometown:
Four Oaks, NC
Guilty pleasure
plant shopping!
PGY-1
Ashley Bailey, MD
Undergraduate Education:
University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
Medical Education:
St. George’s University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Harnett for your residency training?
Coming from a small Caribbean island, it was important to find a residency program that would help in achieving my career goals while being in a comfortable environment during my time away from home. The Harnett health residency program boasted great relationships between residents, faculty who are approachable & passionate about education and strong ties to the surrounding community. I’m so happy that I have found that and more here at Harnett Health. The people here are truly the highlight of this program.
My hobbies:
cooking, journaling and volunteering
Irina Balan, MD
Medical Education:
State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu”, Republic of Moldova
Why did you choose Harnett for your residency training?
Undoubtedly, Harnett Health provides a supportive work environment and holistic approach to evidence-based healthcare delivery. The professional growth and success will be inevitable with the guidance of such dedicated faculty members.
My hobbies:
usually spend my leisure time hiking, travelling locally, or reading books. I have been interested in exploring the origins of words and names, and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history.
Edwin Burgos Rossy, MD
Undergraduate education:
Industrial Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez
Medical Education:
Ponce Health Sciences University
Why Harnett Health?
Joining Harnett Health felt like becoming part of a family composed of wholesome individuals that support each other and pride on delivery of interdisciplinary patient-centered care.
My hobbies:
I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, camping, road trips and hunting for swimming/wading spots. I prefer rivers but enjoy the ocean a lot too. I also enjoy board and video games as well as getting together with my family and friends.
Loren “Ray” Flageolle, DO
Undergraduate education:
B.S. Biology
Graduate Education:
M.S. Human/Functional Nutrition
Medical Education:
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Harnett for your residency training?
Since moving to Lillington from Louisburg, KS for my medical education, Harnett County has become home to me and my family. While in medical school, I had the privilege of completing my clinical rotations at Central Harnett Hospital, Betsy Johnson Hospital, and surrounding outpatient clinics. My husband and I are deeply committed to pursuing the Lord’s will for our lives, and we believe it is our calling to continue serving our community here. I consider it a great honor to live in and serve the residents of Harnett County now as a resident physician, and it is my prayer that the Lord will use me to His honor and glory to minister to the needs of my patients.
My hobbies:
Family: my husband, three daughters, and I love playing golf and going to the beach
Christian Literature: reading books and listening to sermons, lectures, and podcasts
Communication: researching educational philosophy, team dynamics, and business development
Cooking: meal planning/preparation, nutrition research, energy optimization, and food ministries
Music: amateur enthusiast of jazz, bluegrass, folk, classical, and everything in between.
Recent Graduates
Amber Brewster, MD, MPH (Chief)
Undergraduate education:
California State University, San Marcos
Medical Education:
American University if the Caribbean, School of Medicine
Originally from Southern California, I moved to North Carolina for residency. I received my undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology at California State University, San Marcos with a minor in Anthropology and Chemistry. Attended medical school at American University if the Caribbean, School of Medicine in St. Maarten and completed clinical education in Bronx, NY, Bakersfield, CA, Miami, FL and a global rotation in Nakaseke, Uganda. Prior to residency, I received a Masters of Public Health at California State University, San Marcos with my thesis focused on health disparities in the homeless population in San Bernardino County, CA.
What are your plans after graduation?
Plans after residency are to join an outpatient family medicine practice to practice full scope family medicine.
Padmini Channamsetty, DO (Chief)
Medical Education:
NYITCOM
After graduating from NYITCOM in 2020 I joined Harnett Health Family Medicine Residency. The reason I came here was due to the community vibe. While being a smaller program it does not matter what level you are because we get to have a lot of interaction with the faculty. The faculty is extremely welcoming and encouraging. There is a lot of emphasis on wellbeing and progress. We have a supportive program director, if any concerns or issues are brought to her, she tries to address it right away.
We have variety of community out reach programs which include Migrant Farm Clinic, Free Campbell Health Clinic and visits to Falcon’s Children Home.
Hobbies:
Cooking and shopping.
I will continue my next phase of my journey at Uconn/Hartford Hospital where I will be training as a Headache Fellow for the year 2023-24.
Alex Herring, DO
Undergraduate Education:
NC State University
Medical Education:
CUSOM
Why did you choose Harnett for your residency training?
I wanted a small program in a rural setting.
What do you like most about the program?
The people!
What are your plans for next year?
To be the best family doctor in the area!
Ruo Yi Wang, DO
Undergraduate Education:
Pennsylvania State University
Medical Education:
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Harnett for your residency training?
I enjoy the southern hospitality in North Carolina. People here are overall kind. I also enjoy Harnett Health’s affiliation with Campbell University. It is great to have an osteopathic medical school affiliation so I can be involved in teaching and continue to practice my osteopathic skills. When I was interviewing in person at Harnett Health, I was impressed with the hospital and the clinic.
What do you like most about the program?
I like how all of us are like a family and willing to support each other.
What are your plans for next year?
Business and private practice
Our Family Medicine inpatient team is located at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, NC. Every month, we have a Family Medicine senior run the team of 2 interns, which includes residents from both Family Medicine and Transitional Year.
Central Harnett Hospital – site of our FM Inpatient Team
Resident Photos
