Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Current Fellows - Pain Medicine Fellowship Program
New Orleans has been an integral part of my life since my family moved here during my sophomore year of high school. What I initially thought would be just another temporary stop became the first place I truly called home. Over the 15 years I lived there, Ochsner became my family's trusted source of medical care and New Orleans went from being just a city on the map to a community that embraced me with open arms. As someone born in Baghdad and raised in many different places, I had never fully grasped the meaning of a hometown—until New Orleans. In New Orleans, I built lasting bonds and discovered a deep sense of belonging. I was fortunate to attend medical school in this city, and now I’m honored to return to continue my training in pain medicine at Ochsner. Having been a patient at Ochsner for years, I’ve experienced firsthand the high level of care and commitment they provide—which made it an easy choice when applying for fellowship. I chose Ochsner’s pain medicine fellowship because of its comprehensive training program, which offers robust didactics, high procedural volume, a diverse patient population, and an evidence-based approach to pain care. This fellowship represents more than professional growth—it is a return to my roots and a chance to give back to the community that gave me so much. New Orleans changed me for the better, and I can think of no better place to begin the next chapter of my career.
Originally from Montgomery, AL, I attended undergrad at Ole Miss, medical school at UAB, and Anesthesia residency at UMMC in Jackson, MS. I sought a pain medicine fellowship that would challenge me clinically while also fostering mentorship and growth. Ochsner stood out for its high procedural volume, multidisciplinary approach, and commitment to evidence-based care. During my interview, I was struck by the program’s collaborative environment and the enthusiasm of both faculty and fellows. The breadth of pathology seen at Ochsner ensures exposure to complex, nuanced cases that will refine my diagnostic and interventional skills. Combined with the opportunity to live in a city as rich in culture and character as New Orleans, Ochsner was the clear choice for my fellowship training.
As a Guam native who completed my medical school education at Northeast Ohio Medical University and my emergency medicine residency in Detroit, I witnessed firsthand the cost and consequences of gaps in care for patients with chronic pain presenting to the emergency department motivated me to bridge that gap and provide more comprehensive, effective treatment. I sought a pain management fellowship that offers high-volume, cutting-edge pain management with complex cases and innovative interventions. Ochsner’s reputation for excellence in minimally invasive techniques, multidisciplinary approach, and exposure to diverse and challenging pain conditions perfectly aligns with my goals. Additionally, the vibrant culture and dynamic community of New Orleans excite me, providing an inspiring environment for both professional growth and personal enrichment. This unique combination makes Ochsner the ideal place for me to advance my expertise and serve patients with the most advanced, compassionate care.
Why Choose Ochsner?
