Second class of family medicine residents join OH, will help address primary care provider shortage

September 19, 2021 | 12:08 am

Updated September 18, 2021 | 9:25 pm

The Owensboro Health/UofL Family Medicine Residency program recently welcomed its second consecutive class, and the residents have begun studying, training and caring for patients at OH facilities.

Six new family medicine residents arrived for orientation in late June ahead of their July 1 start date. The headquarters for their training is on the first floor of the Owensboro Health Parrish Medical Building. 

“I am very excited to have these new physicians begin their 3-year residency with us,” said Michelle Hayden, medical education coordinator. “They are all going to be fantastic providers, and I can’t wait to see them thrive through their training process.”

The residency program was launched in 2020 and was created in partnership with the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSM). It offers residents the opportunity to grow as physicians with guidance from Owensboro Health’s experienced medical experts.

“The presence of these six individuals, who join last year’s class of seven residents, is important not only to Owensboro Health, but to the community-at-large,” a statement from OH officials said. “The health system’s service area currently faces a shortage of primary care providers, and welcoming these resident physicians allows Owensboro Health to help meet that need.” 

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 39 percent of medical residents remain within 25 miles of their residency program when they set up their practices.

“The vision for this program is to bring outstanding physicians to this region and give them the right foundation to start their healthcare careers,” said Francis DuFrayne, Chief Medical Officer of Owensboro Health. “With the continued success of this residency program, we are in excellent position to deliver on that vision and improve healthcare in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana.”

The six residents are:

  • Eric R. Carlson, DO — Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Kirsi N. Kuiper, MD — University of Louisville School of Medicine
  • Parul Pahal, MD — Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India
  • Zachary Panzarella, DO — University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Libby K. Sisson, MD — Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Erin S. Webb, DO — Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

The core faculty leading the residency program are:

  • Jon C. Sivoravong, DO, FAAFP — Family Medicine, program director, ULSM professor 
  • Darby Cole, MD — Family Medicine, associate program director, ULSM assistant professor
  • Scott Black, MD — Family Medicine/Sports Medicine
  • Katrina Erickson, MD — Family Medicine/OB, ULSM assistant professor
  • Stephanie Hayden, MD —Pediatrics
  • Jody Mitchell, MD — Family Medicine/Sports Medicine
  • Shirl Nafziger-Lyne, MSW, LCSW — Behavioral Health
  • Ed Prunty, MD — Family Medicine
  • Gary Wahl, MD — Family Medicine

September 19, 2021 | 12:08 am

Share this Article

Other articles you may like