General Surgery Residents

 
 

Matthew Beck

Matthew Beck, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Military Medicine, General Surgery vs. Vascular Surgery

Hometown and State: Davidson, NC

Undergraduate School: High Point University 

Major and Degree: B.S. Biochemistry  

Medical School: UNC School of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Fitness, Golf, Surfing, & Fostering Dogs

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Masonboro Island is everyone’s private island

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: You will be at the sole major medical center for a large part of North Carolina. 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Amanda Briese, DO

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: General Surgery 

Hometown and State: Ormond Beach, FL  

Undergraduate School: Integrative Biology- University of Florida; M.S. Medical Sciences- University of South Florida  

Major and Degree: B.S. Biology, minor Medical Humanities  

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine: Bradenton

Hobbies, Interests: Yoga, My two rescue dogs, Live Music 

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Wilmington has been called “Wilmywood”. Popular television series and movies have been filmed here like “One Tree Hill” and “Iron Man 3”. 

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: You are trained to be well rounded doctor and skilled surgeon. 


Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

Natalie Cuevas

Natalie Cuevas, MD 

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Rural General Surgery

Hometown and State: Brunswick and Forsyth County, North Carolina

Undergraduate School: University of California Los Angeles 

Major and Degree: B.S. Psychobiology   

Medical School: UNC School of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Avid skydiver with over 100 solo jumps. I enjoy competing in 4-way formation skydiving which requires a team of 4 people to create a sequence of formations during 90 seconds of free fall. 

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Wilmington hosts the Azaela Festival each year which showcases the community's rich array of artwork, gardens, history and culture through family friendly events.

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Wilmington is a great place to live and Novant Health NHRMC is an even better place to learn with a fantastic community of master surgical educators prepared to support generations of future surgeons.

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Breanna L. Durbin, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY V

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided

Hometown and State: Knoxville, TN

Undergraduate School: Rhodes College in Memphis, TN

Major and Degree: Bachelor of Science: Biology

Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: soccer, being outdoors, cooking, painting

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: This is a gem of a program. You receive unrivaled operative experience with awesome co-residents. And you can't beat having the beach to visit on off weekends!

Education
West Virginia University School of Medicine - Charleston, WV
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Viktor Fedorov, DO

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY V

Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Interested in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Hometown and State: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Undergraduate School: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Major and Degree: BA Biology

Medical School: University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Spending time with my son

Most interesting fact about Wilmington: Hurricane Florence was the 2nd worst water event in the nation's history (2nd only to Hurricane Harvey).

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Great place to progress your technical skills at an expedited rate

Education
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville, KY
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

Amy Gin-Gossett

Amy Gin-Gossett, MD  

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided

Hometown and State: Oklahoma City, OK

Undergraduate School: Oklahoma State University

Major and Degree: B.S. Biochemistry    

Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Going to the beach and working out with my co-interns and running with my dogs.  

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Wilmington is full of restaurants; so, it is exciting to try all of them. 

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: There is immense support here from faculty and co-residents for education and personal life which I am so thankful for after moving away from home. 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Jillian Graff, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY III

Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Critical Care

Hometown: Candia, NH

Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina

Major and Degree: BA in Psychology

Medical School: University of South Carolina-Columbia

Hobbies, Interests: Hanging out with my dog Obi, soccer, horses

Most interesting fact about Wilmington: It's very dog friendly!!

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Support you get from you co-residents and attendings!

Education
University of South Carolina- Columbia
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Residency

 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Matthew G. Hager, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV

Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided, Trauma/Global Health

Hometown and State: Clearwater, FL

Undergraduate School: Florida State University

Major and Degree: Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Surfing, skateboarding, kayaking, hiking, woodworking, playing guitar, traveling, and spending time with my amazing wife and dog. Very much interested in medical missions/ global health.

Most interesting fact about Wilmington: Its got a lot of great surfing & people!! It’s a good mix of beach feels with genuine southern hospitality. Also, so many great parks and trails to explore!

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Close-knit family environment, where you are challenged but always supported and cared for. The people are genuine and truly seek your best interests. Also, high case volumes allowing graduates the competency to go straight into private practice, and/or the opportunity to pursue any subspecialty! All in all, it really boils down to the great people here at NHRMC!

Education
Florida State University College of Medicine
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Richard Jernigan, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided 

Hometown and State: Belews Creek, NC 

Undergraduate School: Barton College

Major and Degree: B.S. Biology 

Medical School: UNC School of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Surfing, Board Games, Weightlifting

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : National Geographic named Wilmington as one of the top 20 surf towns in the world.

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: The volume of opportunities for learning/growth is probably not matched by many other programs. 

Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Jill M. Kanney, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Acute Care Surgery 

Hometown and State: Coldwater, Ohio

Undergraduate School: The Ohio State University

Major and Degree: B.S. Biomedical Engineering 

Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Surfing, running, playing acoustic guitar, playing piano, cooking/baking

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Wilmington, NC was #1 on the list for most inbound residents and fastest growing metro area in 2022.

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: We are a work hard, play hard crew. There is very little time to sit still on the job, but once we're off work you can find most of us enjoying the beach life and all of the restaurants, concerts, outdoor activities, etc that this beach town has to offer! 


Education
The Ohio State University
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

Hanah Lee

Hanah Lee, MD    

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I - Preliminary

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided

Hometown and State: Sayville, NY 

Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Wilmington 

Major and Degree: B.A. Biology; Master’s in Public Health (Long Island University)      

Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Animals, Plants, Macrame, Hiking, Camping, Paddleboarding… anything outdoors or in the water! 

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : There are many sunken ships nearby in the Atlantic Ocean providing great diving. 

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Supportive Faculty and Co-residents! 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Anna Malysz Oyola, DO

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY V

Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided

Hometown and State: Orland Park, IL

Undergraduate School: Augustana College, IL

Major and Degree: BA in Neuroscience with minors in Biochemistry and Spanish

Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Playing piano, badminton, baking, traveling, salsa dancing

Most interesting fact about Wilmington: Wilmington is a city of hidden gems and has something for everyone: from history and architecture, to cuisine and shopping, to nature, recreation and of course...the beach!

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Accessibility to not only surgical attendings but providers from other specialties as well. Everyone is friendly, eager to teach, and excited to be here, and that combination makes for an excellent work environment.


Education
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

Elizabeth Acquista

John W. Miller, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY III

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Plastic Surgery 

Hometown and State: Issaquah, Washington  

Undergraduate School: Westmont College

Major and Degree: B.S. Neuroscience/Psychology     

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Music, finding new restaurants around town/good food & drink, going to the beach, traveling, gardening, and video games 

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : We are burgeoning food and music scene.

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: We are a busy program but the surgical experiences and surgical training here is second to none.  

Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

Eric Minnix

Eric Minnix, MD   

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: General Surgery or Acute Care

Hometown and State: Clearwater, FL 

Undergraduate School: Palm Beach Atlantic University

Major and Degree: B.S. Biology/Chemistry     

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Surfing, Weight training, Beach with my kiddos

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : There is a brewery on every corner.

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: The residents and faculty are the most supportive group of people I have ever met. 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Alyssa Piscitello-Nolan, DO

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided

Hometown and State: Monroe, NY 

Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina: Wilmington

Major and Degree: BA, Psychology (Minor: Neuroscience) MS, Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences (Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Middletown Campus)     

Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Middletown Campus

Hobbies, Interests: Hanging out with family and friends. 

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Venus flytraps only occur naturally within a 75-mile radius around Wilmington, North Carolina. 

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Co-residents in these programs are supportive and willing to help you with anything. 

Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

 

Lindsey Register

Lindsey Register, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY III

Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: General surgery

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Undergraduate School: University of Florida

Major and Degree: B.S. Nutritional Sciences

Medical School: University of South Carolina-Greenville

Hobbies, Interests: Traveling, sports, gardening, cooking, snuggling my son Bo

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Has a welcoming small-town feel, but lots to do both downtown and at the beach.

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: This place is a hidden gem- you will work hard and learn to be a great surgeon, but you will have a family of co-residents and attendings that care about you and support you along the way.


Education
University of South Carolina-Greenville
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Residency

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Kathleen C. Riley, DO

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II

Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Plastic or Breast Surgery 

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina

Major and Degree: B.S. Biology, minor Medical Humanities 

Medical School: VCOM-Carolinas 

Hobbies, Interests: Playing with my French Bulldog Winnie, trying new Wilmington restaurants, home improvement projects and running

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : The best higher end food of any city I have ever lived in

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: We operate a lot with phenomenal instruction and that we truly are family here. My best friends are my co-residents.


Education
University of South Carolina
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Residency

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Yvette Rodriguez, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY III

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Acute Care Surgery or Colorectal Surgery 

Hometown: Miami FL

Undergraduate School: Florida International University

Major and Degree: B.S. Biology; minor in psychology 

Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Painting, Pilates with Amy and yoga with Amanda, weightlifting, being in nature, and makeup. 

Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Carolina Beach State Park is one of the few places in the world where the Venus flytrap can be seen in its native environment. 

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: A lot of personal and professional support  


Education
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Residency

 

Sanja Sljivic

Sanja Sljivic, DO   

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Acute and Reconstructive Burn Surgery

Hometown and State: California

Undergraduate School: Rhodes College in Memphis, TN

Major and Degree: B.S. Psychology with emphasis in Biology     

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: It’s a great program that will provide you with operative experience early on in your training. 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Aparajita Spencer, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY V

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided

Hometown and State: Huntsville, AL

Undergraduate School: Birmingham-Southern College

Major and Degree: Biology/Psychology

Medical School: UAB

Hobbies, Interests: Traveling, cooking, singing, playing with my dog Toby

Most interesting fact about Wilmington: Dawson's Creek was filmed here

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: The culture here is what makes this program special. You spend so much time with your co-residents that they become family and I could not have picked a better family to spend 5 years with.

Education
University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident

 

 

Elizabeth Acquista

Adam Wegener, MD

Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II

Biography

Anticipated Career in Surgery: General Surgery 

Hometown and State: Oxford, NC  

Undergraduate School: North Carolina State University 

Major and Degree: MS-Biomedical sciences (Duke University), BS-Biology, Minor-Nutrition

Medical School: UNC School of Medicine

Hobbies, Interests: Snowboarding, Weight Lifting, Piano

Most interesting fact about Wilmington: SNL deli has a sandwich named after one of our attendings. 

Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: The quality and quantity of cases in this program is second to none.

Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident 

 

 

Contact Us

Residency Administrative Office
Surgery Residency Program 2131 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401

For questions concerning the residency program, contact:
Kathy Radley Program Administrator
910-667-9287
kathy.radley@novanthealth.org 

For questions concerning student rotations, contact:
Dusty Brandon Academic Program Specialist
910-667-9220
dusty.brandon@novanthealth.org