Phoebe welcomed its largest ever class of family medicine resident physicians at its traditional welcome ceremony. This year, the Phoebe Family Medicine Residency (PFMR) is expanding from eight to 12 residents per class, and the community rolled out the welcome wagons for the newest residents during the annual White Coat Ceremony.

The incoming class, most of whom recently graduated from medical school, was introduced during the ceremony, marking the beginning of their three-year residency training at Phoebe. Throughout the program, the residents will work alongside experienced faculty, complete rotations across multiple specialties, and care for patients in both hospital and clinic settings.

As part of their training experience, residents will now practice at the new Phoebe Family Residency Clinic that recently opened on the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital campus. The relocation from Phoebe Northwest brings clinic and hospital-based learning together in a single setting, creating a more connected and efficient experience for the residents, as well as their patients, while encouraging closer collaboration with specialists and faculty.

The larger incoming class reflects the continued growth of the residency program aimed at addressing the ongoing shortage of physicians in rural and underserved areas throughout Georgia. By expanding local training opportunities, Phoebe strengthens the pipeline of physicians who are more likely to establish their careers in the region. Since launching in 1993 as southwest Georgia’s first residency program, PFMR has remained a key part of Phoebe’s long-term investment in graduate medical education.

“Family medicine is the foundation of strong, healthy communities, and each of these residents has chosen a path that puts people at the center of care. As they begin this journey, we are not only investing in their growth as physicians but in the future of healthcare across southwest Georgia. We are proud to walk alongside them as they develop their skills, their confidence, and their purpose,” said Estrellita Redmon, MD, President of Phoebe Physicians.

Members of the PFMR Class of 2029 include:

• Ali Annooz, MD – Al-Nahrain University College of Medicine
• Evan Dilican, MD – Ross University School of Medicine
• Zeba Ejaz, MD – American University of Antigua College of Medicine
• Clive Keago, MD – Ross University School of Medicine
• Samuel Kouatcheu, MD – Morehouse School of Medicine
• Jae Lee, DO – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Estera Maxim, MD – Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology
• Stephen Meyers, MD – Mercer University School of Medicine
• Saurabh Saxena, MD – Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
• Jean Toffey, DO – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Ayanna Turner, MD – Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
• Jonassie Zamor, MD – Morehouse School of Medicine

Dr. Clifford Dunn, PFMR Program Director and himself a graduate of the program, formally introduced the new residents during the ceremony.

“Each new class brings energy, talent, and a deep commitment to service, and this group is no exception. Our goal is to challenge and support them in equal measure preparing them to deliver high-quality, compassionate care wherever they choose to practice. We are especially hopeful that many will make the decision to stay and continue caring for the communities that need them most,” Dr. Dunn said.

During the ceremony, Dr. Dunn and Dr. Redmon presented white coats to each resident, symbolizing their transition into the next phase of their medical careers. Representatives from the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the class with welcome wagons filled with contributions from local businesses and organizations.

Since its founding, the PFMR has focused on preparing physicians to serve in communities like southwest Georgia, with many graduates choosing to remain and practice locally.

Phoebe will also recognize its graduating residents this weekend. On Saturday, the PFMR Class of 2026 will celebrate their completion of the program, bringing the total number of graduates in its history to 184.

Class of 2026 Graduates

• Christiana Anyanwu, DO
• Jordan Bradwell, DO
• David Dukes, DO
• Danielle Pham, MD
• Jose Stervil Desinor, MD
• Lina Stoyanova, MD
• Florida Twentor, MD