Our Residents - Internal Medicine Residency Program

Hi everyone! I’m Courtney and I grew up in Mobile, AL, the original birthplace of Mardi Gras (a controversial argument if you're not local). I received my Biomedical Sciences degree from the University of South Alabama and attended VCOM in Auburn for medical school. I spent many weekends visiting New Orleans as a child with my family and well into my undergrad years. I've always loved the vibrance of the city and the plethora of music and food it has to offer. I chose Ochsner because of the high acuity of patients, the camaraderie between the residents, and the opportunity for fellowship. As an intern that is 2 months in and finishing her ICU rotation, I can confidently say that the exposure to our complex patients has challenged me and allowed me to grow in my clinical decision-making from day 1. The learning curve during residency can be steep, but I've felt supported by my residents, fellows and attendings every step of the way. I also think our residency does an incredible job recognizing the importance of work-life balance with the 4+2 schedule. The 4+2 schedule was something I didn't fully grasp or appreciate as a 4th year medical student applying for residency, but it has been game-changing for me now that I'm here. I still have time to do all of my favorite things including walks at Audubon park, trivia nights, and listening to live music. I attended my first Red Dress Run recently with all of the residents which was an absolute blast. I feel fortunate to be training with the most wonderful co-residents and can't wait to see where the next 3 years lead me.

I chose Ochsner for its supportive environment and strong clinical training. The 4+2 schedule has been a great fit, offering balance and protected time for continuity clinic. As a major academic center, Ochsner provides access to every specialty, allowing me to explore interests without limitations. The faculty are approachable and invested in our growth, and the resident culture is genuinely collaborative. Living in New Orleans adds to the experience - there’s always something to enjoy outside of work.

• Hometown: New Orleans, LA
• Undergraduate: University of New Orleans
• Medical School: VCOM Louisiana Campus
• Career Interests: Hospital medicine or gastroenterology
• Hobbies: Aviation, video games, and tech
• Favorite TV Show: Attack on Titan
• Fun Fact: Mohammad is double-jointed and can rotate his arms 360 degrees while holding his hands together

Hey y’all! My name is Jasmine McNair. I was born and raised in Jackson, MS. I attended the Illustrious Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL where I received my B.S. degree in Biology. I then attended the University of Birmingham-Alabama where I received my Masters in Biomedical and Health Sciences. I worked in a microbiology lab for one year in Birmingham before attending the University of Mississippi Medical Center where I graduated with my MD in 2023. With New Orleans being so close to Jackson (2.5 hours to be exact) my family and I frequented New Orleans regularly. When it was time to apply to residency, New Orleans was number one on my list. From the FOOD to the culture to the Creole hospitality, I’ve always loved this city! When I interviewed with Ochsner, I instantly fell in love! Everyone was so laid back and friendly, I knew that I would feel welcomed if I matched here and I’m so glad that I did. Ochsner is a large, multi-specialty hospital that has many fellowships and research opportunities. I have already had so many great interactions with attending and fellow residents and I’m excited to see what the future holds. I truly believe that whatever path I take, Ochsner is preparing me to succeed in every way!

Hey! My name is Son Nguyen, and I am from New Orleans, LA! WHO DAT! I've been in New Orleans for the majority of my life. I went to Xavier University of Louisiana but later attended PCOM in Georgia for medical school. I ultimately decided to return home because of the city's rich culture, the warmth of the community, and the social ties I have here. During my fourth year sub-i at Ochsner, I knew this was a wonderful place for residency. Here at Ochsner, we emphasize wellness, coupled with a tight-knit community of residents, chiefs, and staff who offer unwavering support. You can't beat the 4+2 schedule! As it offers an optimal balance between work and personal time. The learning opportunities here are second to none. The exposure to a range of diverse, complex cases challenges me to elevate my medical knowledge and skills. Outside of medicine, I'm an outdoor enthusiast at heart. On my free time, catch me running around St. Charles, hiking new trails, or signing up for more adventures!

Ramyashree Nyalakonda, from Cupertino, California, completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and attended medical school at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is considering a fellowship in Rheumatology but is open to other specialties during her intern year. Outside of medicine, she enjoys running, baking, and exploring New Orleans restaurants. Her favorite TV show is Friends, and she studied abroad in Dubai.

I chose Ochsner for the opportunity to train in a supportive environment while experiencing the vibrant culture of New Orleans. The program’s commitment to resident growth and its location in a city rich in music, food, and art made it the perfect fit.

• Hometown: Dallas, Texas
• Undergraduate: Redeemer's University (Nigeria) & University of Texas at Arlington
• Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Career Interests: Internal Medicine with plans to pursue a fellowship in Cardiology
• Hobbies: Playing guitar, learning new languages, and traveling
• Favorite TV Show: Goblin
• Fun Fact: Ayomide taught herself Korean and is fluent!

I chose Ochsner for its diverse patient population, strong camaraderie among residents, and excellent clinical training across specialties. The 4+2 schedule supports work-life balance, allowing time to recharge and enjoy New Orleans. The program offers the right mix of challenge and support, with great opportunities for fellowship and research in a vibrant city.

• Hometown: Pearland, Texas
• Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
• Medical School: VCOM–Auburn
• Career Interests: Gastroenterology, Critical Care, or Hospital Medicine
• Hobbies: Being by the water, visiting national parks, playing basketball, and playing guitar
• Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad
• Fun Fact: Patt has visited over 10 countries and more than half of the U.S. states

Kenyatta Poe, from Jackson, MS, completed his undergraduate education at Tougaloo College and attended medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He plans to practice cardiology. His hobbies include collecting basketball cards and comic books, exercising, watching Marvel movies, and cheering for the Celtics. His favorite Marvel movie is Captain America and the Winter Soldier. Kenyatta is a sneakerhead with a love for Jordans, though he keeps the number of shoes he owns a secret.

I chose Ochsner for its role as a major referral center and the opportunity to care for a diverse and complex patient population. The program offers rigorous clinical training, strong fellowship opportunities, and a culture that values both resident development and patient-centered care - making it an ideal place to grow as a physician.

• Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Undergraduate: Western University, London, Ontario
• Medical School: Kansas City University, COM
• Career Interests: Hematology-Oncology, with a focus on combining clinical care and cancer research
• Hobbies: Ping pong, soccer, and reading - especially psychology
• Favorite TV Show: How I Met Your Mother
• Fun Fact: Pouyan played competitive ping pong as a teenager and even competed professionally

During my visit as a medical student, I immediately felt the collaborative and uplifting energy at Ochsner. The environment fosters natural learning, encourages curiosity, and supports growth. What stood out most was how attendings connected clinical decisions to broader public health factors. I left each day inspired and knew this was the right place to train and thrive.

• Hometown: Chicago Suburbs
• Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Medical School: VCOM Louisiana Campus
• Career Goals: To advance health equity by improving access to care for underserved populations through clinical practice and community initiatives
• Hobbies: Exploring local restaurants and coffee shops, cooking Arab-Mexican fusion dishes, and starting an indoor herb garden
• Favorite TV Show: MasterChef
• Fun Fact: I worked as a behavioral therapist for children with ASD starting in high school, inspiring my brother and mother to become RBTs. This experience continues to shape my passion for inclusive care

Hey everyone, my name is Ian Tobal. I grew up in South Florida, and yes that makes me a huge Miami Dolphins fan! I went to the University of Dayton for undergrad, and Kansas City University for medical school. I found myself drawn to Ochsner because it is a large integrated healthcare system that attracts complex patients from all over the Gulf South, and it’s located in one of America’s most exciting cities, plus having the chance to get away from the cold up in the Midwest didn’t hurt either. Ochsner offers residents a great balance between being challenged with complex patients and ample support to ensure you offer the highest quality care. This healthcare system has been repeatedly named #1 in the state of Louisiana, and while training here and witnessing the devotion to patients at every level, it is clear why. As someone who has lived all over the country, I try to look for community (and good food) in any place I'm planning to call home. The sense of community here at Ochsner, and in New Orleans as a whole, is unmistakable. Whether you are looking for someone to help you with a challenging case, or someone to explore the vibrant city with, you’ll have no problem finding either here. When I’m not enjoying the spoils of the program, I like to experiment with my Traeger grill, root on my beloved dolphins, and run around with my horse-sized dog.

I ranked programs based on where I’d receive the strongest training, and Ochsner stood out as a tertiary center with diverse, complex cases. My interview experience confirmed the program’s supportive learning environment and close-knit resident culture. Being in Louisiana adds to the experience - New Orleans offers incredible music, food, and culture.

• Hometown: Houston, TX
• Undergraduate: University of Houston
• Medical School: Kansas City University
• Career Interests: Gastroenterology
• Hobbies: Hiking, art, dance, and thrifting
• Favorite TV Show: The Office
• Fun Fact: Joanna is on a mission to visit and hike every national park in the U.S.

Cristina Zarama, from Woodbury, MN, completed her undergraduate studies at St. Olaf College and attended medical school at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine. She is still deciding on her specialty, with interests in cardiology, nephrology, or pulmonology/critical care. Her hobbies include baking, playing squash, and bouldering. Her favorite TV show is Psych, and she has triple citizenship: American, Colombian, and Spanish!