Hi there, I'm Jessica! I'm originally from metro-Detroit and grew up in the Clinton Township area. I spent my undergraduate years at Albion College, a small liberal arts college in Michigan, studying biochemistry and political science. I graduated from Albion in 2019 and spent a year working and traveling (before COVID) and then matriculated to Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2020.

Continuity of care is what first drew me into Family Medicine. Having the ability to get to know patients and their families is one of my favorite parts of clinic. FWMEP checked all the boxes on my list for residency programs: unopposed, a strong OB curriculum, and a great learning environment.

Outside of medicine, I love spending my time with my family, especially my two younger sisters. You can often find me out for a walk with my rescue pitbull, Nugget. I also enjoy crochet, yoga, kayaking, anything that involves the lake, and reading (I started a book club with friends in Michigan!). I am excited to move to Fort Wayne and explore all the city has to offer! 

Hello! My name is Karissa Barela. I was born and raised in Southern California approximately 30 miles from the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. I have an identical twin sister/best friend who equally shares my love for Mickey Mouse. 

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine in 2016. I then completed my Master’s Degree in Anatomy from the George Washington University in Washington, DC in 2018. While applying to medical school, I had the opportunity to work for an OBGYN who subspecialized in chronic vulvar pain. My desire to practice medicine with excellence, compassion and integrity was further fueled to dismantle the disparities in women’s health care.  

I attended medical school at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. I explored my many interesting including obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, preventive medicine and mental health. I served as the vice-chair for the Finding Inspiration and Resilience in Medicine committee to reshape the culture of medicine and empower my colleagues to advocate for their own health and wellness. 

From the start, my dream residency program was unopposed, full-spectrum, community-based and located in Indiana. The Fort Wayne Medical Education Program is quite literally a dream come true. Even before the match season began, the FWMEP was my top choice for residency. After I rotated with the program for a month, I found myself comparing every other program to this one and wishing I was back at the FWMEP where my eagerness to learn was met by attentive faculty and residents who were intentional to teach throughout the day. Right away I could see that this program would help me become a competent, confident physician equipped to care for pregnant women, speak up for vulnerable patients and give back to the community. 

Outside of medicine I enjoy reading historical fiction, biographies, or murder mystery novels. For me, a night out on the town includes swing dancing, a live band, and good friends. More likely than not you will find me at a local church listening to sermons, teaching Sunday school or volunteering in the nursery. 

Hello! My name is Ava Lamm and I am grateful to call Fort Wayne my home. I earned my Bachelor of Sciences in Health Sciences at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. I also worked briefly as an EMT prior to pursuing medical school at A.T. Still University in Arizona. FWMEP was my first choice because everyone was incredibly welcoming and seemed to have a life outside the hospital. Beyond the desirable location, I was happy to find a community program that would help me learn full scope family practice. In our spare time, my husband and I enjoy gathering friends and family, hiking with our dog, attempting new recipes, traveling, gardening and tennis. 

Hey! My name is Adam Newport. I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN. I went to Homestead High School here in FW and was active in baseball and football. I went to Manchester University for my undergraduate studies of Biology/Chemistry before working as a wastewater technician/chemist for 2 years before medical school. For medical school, I went to VCOM in Spartanburg, South Carolina and completed my clinical training at Cleveland Clinic Indian River in Vero Beach, Florida (which I have come to call my second home).

I am happy to be in my home community and serving the people I grew up alongside. It is my goal to follow my passion of eventually working in a sports medicine setting.

I have many passions outside of medicine! I love playing pickleball, baseball, football, sand volleyball, video games, and fantasy sports. I love watching any sport (and I mean ANY sport) with my favorite being Formula 1 and my collegiate team being Notre Dame. I love to keep up with current events with friends and family, spend days in the sun, and be as active as possible. My golden retriever dog, Maui, would love to meet you. I am excited for this journey in life!

Hi, I’m Lucie, and I am so grateful to be returning to my hometown for residency!  I graduated here from Bishop Dwenger High School and studied Science Pre-Professional Studies and Theology at the University of Notre Dame.  After college, I attended Indiana University School of Medicine and pursued a combined MD/MA degree in Philosophy with a concentration in Bioethics.

I couldn’t be happier to have matched into FWMEP.  What most draws me to family medicine is the ministry aspect of the work we do.  Through relieving physical suffering as well as accompanying individuals and families through moments of hardship and joy, I hope to participate in Christ’s, the Divine Physician’s, healing work.  I have particular interests in developmental psychology, end-of-life issues, and lifestyle medicine, and hope to practice broad-scope outpatient medicine in the future.

My husband and I just had a beautiful baby girl, Josie, who has been a great joy in our lives.  In my free time, I like being a wife and mother as well as singing (mostly to my baby), playing piano, enjoying good films, and learning the secrets to a fulfilling life.

Hello! My name is Riley Spencer and I grew up in Paris, IL. I studied biology in undergrad at Lincoln Land Community College and MacMurray College in central Illinois, where I also played four years of basketball. After undergrad, I attended Ross University for four years where I traveled the entire country for clinical rotations. My first two years of medical school were in Barbados, followed by rotations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. 

I was interested in the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program because of its location and everything it has to offer in Family Medicine. My wife attended Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne and we were already located here, therefore it was ultimately my number one choice and a perfect fit for the both of us. Fort Wayne possesses a unique blend of rural and suburban medicine, which is something I felt strongly about in regards to my own career aspirations. 

Outside of medicine, my hobbies include hunting, fishing, playing basketball and hanging out with my family. 

My name is Drew Swing. I am incredibly grateful to continue my medical training in the place I have called home for most of my life. I grew up just east of Fort Wayne in the small city of Woodburn. I was homeschooled until my freshman year of high school when I started to attend Lakewood Park Christian School. There I met my wife Naomi and started on my path to becoming a doctor. We both attended Taylor University where I graduated with a major in philosophy and a minor in psychology. I then worked for a year as an emergency room technician at Parkview Regional Medical Center before welcoming our daughter, Eleanor (2020), the week of medical school orientation. I completed all four years of medical school here in Fort Wayne at the IU school of medicine.  Halfway through we welcomed our son John (2022). 

I chose family medicine because it demands a wide breadth of knowledge and affords the privilege of caring for patients of all ages throughout their lives. FWMEP was my top choice for residency because of its long legacy of preparing excellent physicians in the Fort Wayne area. I am humbled by the opportunity to benefit from and continue on this legacy.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy walks to the park with my family, grilling in the backyard, reading history and philosophy, serving as a Deacon at Redeemer Baptist Church, and lifting weights. I am looking forward to serving the Fort Wayne area with the FWMEP team for the next three years and beyond. 

Hello, my name is Bradley Trotter. I am from a rural farm town called Slayden, Tennessee, where the population is currently 175 people. Growing up in rural America gave me a strong foundation of hard work and determination that I used to get through medical school. I did not dream of going to medical school my whole life, and if I'm being honest, I didn't even think that was a possibility. During my senior year of high school, I was accepted into several colleges but decided to join the United States Army. I love my country and wanted to serve as my grandfather did. When I was choosing a job in the Army, I chose Medic on a whim. From there I grew to love medicine.

After I left the Army, I fell in love and married my wife, Shelby, and she supported my dream of becoming a physician. During undergrad, we welcomed two beautiful children into our family. I rocked my newborn son while I studied for the MCAT. I attended medical school in Knoxville, Tennessee, and while I was finishing up my second year, our third child was born. She was born two weeks before we moved again for rotations.

I decided to specialize in Family Medicine because, like Vin Diesel, family is the most important thing to me. As a father, I love caring for children, yet I want to provide care for people of all ages. I want to give back to rural America, a lifestyle that raised me, and the best way to do that is through Family Medicine.

Fort Wayne Medical Education Program caught my eye because of the comprehensive education it offers. I feel confident I will be trained to the full extent because this program is unopposed. I am eager to learn everything I can, and I am excited to do that in a cool city like Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Hello! My name is Isabella Coats, and I’m so excited to be starting my family medicine residency with the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program. I was born and raised right here in Fort Wayne, where I graduated from Blackhawk Christian School. I later went on to earn my undergraduate degree from Purdue University before attending Indiana University School of Medicine to receive my doctorate of medicine.

I chose family medicine because I genuinely enjoy every part of medicine and love the chance to build relationships with patients of all ages. Getting to train in my hometown makes it all the more meaningful—especially since I’ve been inspired by many local role models, including my father, Dr. Charles Coats.

When I’m not at the clinic or hospital, you can usually find me out on the trails, at the gym, or playing basketball, volleyball, or pickleball. I also love spending time with friends, shopping, and volunteering at my church. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to grow as a physician while serving the community I’ve always called home!

Hi! My name is Barbrianna G. Dawkins. I grew up on the island of Abaco, Bahamas in the beautiful settlement of Murphy Town. I earned a BSc in Biology (minor in Chemistry) at the University of The Bahamas. I attended the University of the West Indies (Trinidad), for medical school, returning home to Nassau, Bahamas to complete clinical training.

During medical school, I found myself captivated by all things medicine and actively engaged in all my clinical rotations, gaining a broad exposure to various specialties. Family medicine, however, resonated with me on a deeper level from day one. I loved the variety, the opportunity to cultivate meaningful doctor patient relationships, and the holistic approach to care that this specialty offers. I found that my strengths such as good communication skills, empathy, and continuity-focused care aligned perfectly with this specialty.

When researching residency programs, Fort Wayne Medical Education Program stood out as the ideal fit. Its structured curriculum provides exposure to many essential specialties, and the program’s commitment to community outreach resonated with me as an “island girl” dedicated to ensuring healthcare access for all.

Outside of medicine, I cherish moments spent with my family and friends as an opportunity to recharge. I enjoy cooking a variety of new dishes, exploring international and island-inspired recipes. I also find enjoyment in painting and creating art.

I am excited to embark on this new journey grounded in my faith, supported by a loving family and enthusiastic to make a meaningful impact. The best is indeed yet to come.

Hi! I’m Joseph Geiger, originally from Indianapolis, and I’m excited to continue my medical training with FWMEP. I met my amazing wife, Katelyn, at Miami University in Ohio, where I earned my undergraduate degree in pre-med and mathematics. We now have a nearly two-year-old daughter and are expecting our second child this July. Our family also includes a lively golden doodle who keeps things interesting!

I completed my medical education at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, IN. I chose family medicine for its broad scope and the unique opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients and their families through every stage of life. I’ve been living in Fort Wayne for the past two years doing my clinical rotations and have truly enjoyed my experience with the community, the people, and the residency program. FWMEP stood out to me for its unopposed structure, strong inpatient and obstetrics training, and the supportive environment that felt like home from the start. My clinical interests include sports medicine, obstetrics, geriatrics, and pediatrics.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing golf and basketball, spending quality time with family, and cheering on the Colts and Pacers. Our faith is a central part of our lives, and we’re grateful to be part of the Pine Hills Church community. I'm very excited to start with FWMEP while my family and I continue building our life and settling into the Fort Wayne community.

Hello! My name is Elizabeth Glynn. I was born in Virginia but have spent the majority of my life in Wisconsin. I completed my undergraduate studies at Marquette University in Milwaukee, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. Before beginning medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay Campus, I worked at Epic Medical Records and served as an EMT in a primary care setting.

Throughout my medical training, I’ve been drawn to the importance of continuity of care and addressing the complex social, economic, and systemic factors that influence a patient’s ability to access healthcare. During an away rotation in my final year of medical school, I fell in love with the program, community, and patient population in Fort Wayne. The rotation confirmed that the program would provide the breadth of training and supportive environment I am seeking to grow into a compassionate and capable physician.

Fort Wayne holds personal significance for me as well. My husband is a pilot with the 122nd Fighter Wing based here. After spending years apart due to medical school and flight training, we are thrilled to finally be reuniting in Fort Wayne to begin this next chapter of our lives. We are also excited to welcome our first child in September and look forward to planting deep roots in the community. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our chocolate lab, running, and baking!

Hello, my name is Victor Kuzma. I am from a fast growing city called Clarksville, TN, north of Nashville. I received my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Austin Peay State University and recently graduated Medical School from Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.

I’m excited to start my residency at FWMEP because many people complimented Ft Wayne and it is close to my family. I chose FWMEP because I truly believe this program will guide me to achieve my goals of becoming a well-rounded and experienced physician.

My passions include my family, powerlifting, and exploring new foods. My wife of 7 years and I enjoy trying new recipes, traveling, and raising our joy-filled children.

My goal is to discover God’s will for my life and to be a vessel to fulfill His purpose of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

My name is Oluwatobi Shaleye, and I am a dedicated and compassionate medical graduate committed to pursuing a career in Family Medicine. With a strong foundation in comprehensive patient care, I am drawn to the values of continuity, community, and holistic treatment that define family medicine. Throughout my academic and clinical journey, I have developed a deep appreciation for the lasting relationships formed with patients and the ability to care for individuals across all stages of life.

Born and raised in Lagos Nigeria, I bring a multicultural perspective and a deep respect for diverse backgrounds, which I believe enhances my ability to connect with and advocate for patients. My clinical rotations affirmed my passion for primary care, particularly in underserved and rural communities, where I witnessed the profound impact of accessible and empathetic healthcare.

In addition to my clinical interests, I have been actively involved in mission trips to different areas like Cameroon and Japan, which has further shaped my commitment to equity and preventative care. I believe that strong communication, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration are essential to improving health outcomes, and I strive to incorporate these values into every patient interaction.

As a future family physician, I am eager to continue growing in a residency program that emphasizes comprehensive training, community engagement, and compassionate care. My long-term goal is to serve as a trusted physician in a community setting, where I can advocate for patients, support families, and contribute to reducing healthcare disparities.

Hello everyone! My name is Austin Trump, and I grew up not too far from Fort Wayne in Wabash, Indiana. I am proud to be a Hoosier and received all of my training in Indiana. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University where I majored in biology. I then received my Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis.

 Being from small town Indiana, I grew a passion for primary care, specifically Family Medicine. Building relationships, caring for multiple generations, and getting to cover a broad area of medicine is what ultimately drove me to Family Medicine. I am so excited to be able to join FWMEP and getting to serve in Northeast Indiana not too far from my hometown. FWMEP was my top choice due to the positive and friendly culture the program has created that I feel will allow me to become the best family physician I can be.

 Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my wife Ashley and daughter Ada (2024) and going for walks with our dog Doc who joined our family at the beginning of medical school. I enjoy playing golf, basketball, and pickleball. I love to spend time at the lake with my family where we all love to do water sports like surfing and wakeboarding. I am so excited to continue my journey in medicine here in Fort Wayne and look forward to the years to come!

Hello everyone! My name is Matt Wakeen. I was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and my family and I are so happy to be heading back home to the Midwest.

My journey to medicine began with an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Surgical Technology, followed by a Bachelor Degree of Special Studies (Applied Science), and while teaching I decided to earn an MBA. Ultimately, I attended Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) where I earned my M.D.  

Before medical school, I also served as a U.S. Army Combat Medic with a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010. That experience laid the foundation for a decade-long career in the operating room—as a Surgical Technologist, First Assistant, and later, a Program Director of Surgical Technology at Scott Community College. These roles gave me a deep appreciation for patient-centered care and team-based medicine.

I was drawn to Family Medicine for its broad scope, meaningful continuity of care, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients and families. It is a specialty where I can combine technical skill with whole-person care across all stages of life.

I chose the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program because it offers the ideal environment to grow into a well-rounded family physician. As an unopposed, community-based program, FWMEP provides exceptional procedural training, strong mentorship, and the kind of supportive culture where residents thrive. Once I completed my elective rotation as a medical student, I knew that the FWMEP would be the right place for me.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my wife, our twin daughters, and 2 dogs—hiking, snowboarding, or exploring something new together. For our family, nature is where we learn resilience, curiosity, and joy.

Howdy! My name is Ashlyn Chauhan, and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I studied Psychology and Public Health at Texas A&M University before moving to North Carolina to attend Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Throughout medical school, I was drawn to the moments I got to spend with patients, getting to learn about who they were as individuals. I chose to pursue family medicine because I love building relationships with my patients and caring for people of all ages, from kiddos to older adults.

I chose FWMEP because I wanted a program that would challenge me clinically while also giving me the support and mentorship to grow into a well-rounded family physician. The training environment, strong curriculum, and welcoming faculty/staff made FWMEP feel like the perfect fit for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my training here and to care for patients in northeast Indiana.

My professional interests include sleep medicine, women’s health, and reproductive care. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new foods, baking sourdough bread, crocheting, and playing pickleball. I am excited to call Fort Wayne home and begin this next chapter with the FWMEP family!

Hello! My name is Srilekha Kollipara, and I’m so excited to be starting my family medicine residency with the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program! I was born and raised in the Midwest and have lived in both Ohio and Indiana. I come from a family of doctors, so I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I volunteered at Ball Memorial Hospital before moving to India during high school, where I went on to complete medical school.

Fort Wayne has always felt like a second home to me. I spent many of my childhood summers here with my family and cousins, so I’m especially excited to be back and beginning this next chapter of my life and career here. I’m married and have a six-year-old daughter who keeps me on my toes and brings so much joy to my life!

When I’m not at the hospital or clinic, I enjoy spending time with my family, staying active, and exploring new places. I’m grateful for the opportunity to call FWMEP home for the next three years and look forward to the journey ahead!

Hi there! I’m Steven. I’m originally from Michigan—a small farming town west of Ann Arbor called Dexter. I attended Michigan State University for my undergraduate studies, where I majored in neuroscience and psychology. I graduated during the height of COVID and spent a couple of years helping at my parents' Chinese restaurant while also working as a scribe at a neuroscience practice. I matriculated at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in 2022.

While learning in the mountains and hollers of West Virginia, I realized how important continuity of care and building long-term relationships with my patients were to me. This was what initially drew me to family medicine. I also appreciate the breadth of the specialty, from procedures and obstetric care to OMT and even practicing in the emergency department. The Fort Wayne Medical Education Program, as an unopposed, full-spectrum, community-based residency, checked all the boxes on my list. I’m excited to return to the Midwest and learn as much as I can at FWMEP.

When I’m not working, I enjoy an endless list of hobbies, including building LEGO® sets, cooking and baking, embroidering, reading sci-fi and fantasy, thrifting, and exploring the great outdoors. More often than not, you’ll find me relaxing on the couch with my cat, Aurora, or trying out a new restaurant. I’m excited to move to Fort Wayne and explore everything the city has to offer!

Hi! I’m Eve Lippe and I’m so excited to be training at FWMEP. I’m originally from the NW Chicago suburbs, where I worked as a medical assistant and fell in love with primary care. I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology from Xavier University in Cincinnati, where I played the trumpet with the pep band at men’s basketball games all over the country and met my husband Zach. After college, I attended medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, IL. We are thrilled to be so close to family in Zach’s hometown of Huntington, IN in this next phase of training! 

I chose family medicine because I enjoy caring for patients of all ages and love building meaningful relationships with them over time. FWMEP was my top choice for residency because of its unopposed structure, strong inpatient and obstetric training, and amazing faculty and residents who provide excellent learning opportunities while maintaining a fun and supportive environment. My clinical interests include addiction medicine, obstetrics, and preventative medicine. 

Outside of medicine, I love to read fantasy and sci-fi, hike (especially in the National Parks!), and spend time with our family and friends. We love to cheer for Xavier basketball, Notre Dame football, and the Colts. You can usually find me with our miniature golden doodle Ivy, who is very much enjoying her new backyard.

Hi! My name is Davin Lyman, and I am grateful to be joining the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program. I grew up in Blanding, Utah, a small town in the Four Corners region near the Navajo Nation. It is a place of red rock, wide-open spaces, close-knit families, and long drives for medical care. Growing up there gave me an early appreciation for physicians who become part of the fabric of a community.

I studied Human Development at Brigham Young University and later attended medical school in New Mexico, where my interest in rural and full-spectrum family medicine continued to grow. That interest began in my hometown, where I saw family physicians take on a wide range of responsibilities, from staffing the emergency department and managing inpatient care to caring for patients in nursing homes and delivering babies. Their example helped shape the kind of doctor I am working to become: capable, dependable, and deeply invested in the people and community I serve.

I chose family medicine because I love both the variety of the specialty and the relationships at its heart. I want my patients to feel known, heard, and cared for, and I am working to become the kind of physician families can rely on through every stage of life.

Outside of medicine, my favorite place to be is with my wife, Annie, and our three young children. They are the center of my life and the reason I work hard and stay grounded. I also enjoy being outdoors, serving in my church and community, cooking, traveling, and getting to know the people around me. My wife and I are thrilled to be in the Midwest, where everything is so green, the lightning bugs feel magical, and our kids are still amazed that grass can grow without a sprinkler system. Our family is excited to call Fort Wayne home!

My name is Lorraine Mukona, and I am very excited to be part of the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program. I was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the United States when I was five years old. I grew up in Fort Wayne, attended middle school in Avon, Indiana, and later completed my undergraduate education at Purdue University, so I am truly a Hoosier at heart. I earned my medical degree from Avalon University School of Medicine.

I value continuity of care and the opportunity to support patients through the many stages of their lives and healthcare journeys. My clinical interests include women’s health, obstetrics, preventive medicine, and caring for underserved communities. Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, cooking, trying new experiences, spending time with family and friends, and working on creative home-design and DIY projects.

Hello! My name is Chloe Verhaeghe and I'm from Austin, Texas. I earned my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from A.T. Still University in Missouri. I chose Family Medicine because I value the opportunity to care for patients across every stage of life while building meaningful, long-term relationships with them and their families. I enjoy the variety that Family Medicine offers and look forward to continuing to grow as a physician while serving the Fort Wayne community.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy oil painting, gaming, running, and exploring home design and décor. I'm excited to begin this next chapter of my training and am grateful for the opportunity to care for patients in northeast Indiana.