Adult

Neurology Residents

Class of 2013
Justin Hale, MD Hometown: Cape Girardeau, MO Undergraduate: BS, Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, TN Medical School: MD, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA Neurology Interests: Neurophysiology, Neuro-intensive Care, Sleep Medicine, and Movement Disorders.
After searching the country for the best Neurology residency, I was lucky to have found Wake Forest, and came all the way from California to join their team. It has been an amazing place to work for the last 4 years, and has equipped me well for my career. I am now in the Match for a Sleep Fellowship in 2013. Both my West coast wife and I can say that Winston-Salem is our favorite city in which we have lived, especially since we both walk to work every day. The city is big enough to have the arts, the bustling downtown, and the community events year round, but small enough to keep a rural feel. Outside of Neurology, my wife and I enjoy lifting free-weights at the hospital fitness center, running 5K's, running sprints at the high school track, tennis, reading (we're currently on East of Eden), attending the Winston-Salem Symphony, and watching movies. (P.S. The bridge in our picture is at Biltmore and was featured in The Last of the Mohicans).
Starla Wise, DO (Co-Chief) Hometown: Anaheim, CA Undergraduate: BS, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Medical School: DO, Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine Neurology Interests: Undecided Starla Wise is originally from Northern, VA. Next year she will be a fellow at WFBH in electrophysiology, EMG tract. Her hobbies include cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies and traveling.
Roy Strowd, MD (Co-Chief) Hometown: Raleigh, NC Undergraduate: BA, Duke University, Durham, NC Medical School: MD, Wake Forest School of Medicine Neurology Interests: Movement Disorders
Hey, I am Roy, one of our co-chief residents. I’ve been in Winston Salem for 8 years and have enjoyed every minute of it with my wife and now two-year-old daughter. After interviewing at about 19 programs across the country (long story; I blame my wife), I decided that there was no better neurology program than the one right here and we stayed for residency. Before Winston, I grew up in places like Washington, DC and Portland, OR. I am a religious studies major from Duke University and unlike the rest of North Carolina, I bleed the correct color of blue. I love North Carolina and Winston Salem has become a wonderful home for my family. When I am not in the hospital or running after our two-year-old, I enjoy home brewing, home remodeling, and ignoring all sense of responsibility in a round golf.
Nathan Wyatt, MD Hometown: Birmingham, AL Undergraduate: BA, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL Medical School: MD, University of Southern Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL Neurology Interests: Movement Disorders
Age: 34 Hometown: Vinemont, AL (very small) Married: 10 years to Sharon Children: 1 daughter, Madeline (age 9) Plans after residency: neurophysiology fellowship (neuromuscular track); then likely going back to Alabama Extracurricular/fun: fishing, reading, hiking, playing games w family, ALABAMA FOOTBALL
Class of 2013
William Hardin Boles, MD Hometown: King, NC Undergraduate: M.S, B.A., University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NC Medical School: MD, Wake Forest School of Medicine Neurology Interests: Movement Disorders, Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy I was born in King, NC, a small town just north of Winston-Salem. It was so small; we would come to Winston to see movies and shop. I attended college at UNC-Chapel Hill, where I majored in Chemistry and had the opportunity to study abroad for
a year in Mexico and Argentina. After college, I lived in Israel on a Kibbutz for five months and travelled to Alaska for a summer before finally moving back to King and working as a chemist. For the next several years my work included organic synthesis, quality control, and analytical chemistry.While working on a master’s degree in Chemistry at UNC-Greensboro, I met my wife, Amy (who now has her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Wake Forest). After UNCG, I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and then worked briefly in organic synthesis at a local pharmaceutical company before taking a job in the Wake Forest SOM Biochemistry Department involving protein crystallography. I used to play bass in a local band but ultimately had to quit after the first year of medical school, at Wake Forest, to focus on studying. When not working, I enjoy being outdoors, skiing (snow and water), scuba diving, and spending time with my family. Amy and I married after my graduation from medical school and are now the proud parents of our energetic son named Jacob. As much as I enjoy travelling, I always come back to North Carolina because of the great people, comfortable climate, and variety of things to do.
Karrie Elizabeth Grear, MD Hometown: Cynthiana, Kentucky Undergraduate: B.A, Transylvania University, Lexington, KY Medical School: MD/ PhD, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Neurology Interests: Alzheimers disease, neurogenetics
Welcome to Wake Forest Neurology and Winston-Salem, NC! We are so happy to have you visit and sincerely hope that you enjoy your time with us. My name is Karrie Grear and I am one of the third year residents. Originally from a small town in Kentucky, I completed myMD and PhD degrees at the University of Kentucky. If anyone has an interest in research opportunities within our diverse department, hit me up and we'll chat, as I serve as the Resident Research Coordinator. When I'm not enjoying all the educational opportunities provided by this great residency program, I enjoy kayaking the many bodies of water in North Carolina, cooking Southern comfort foods and spending time with that handsome man in my picture, my boyfriend Drew, and our two dogs Olive and Myra.
Alyson Michele Lovan, MD Hometown: New Orleans, LA Undergraduate: B.S., Emory University, Atlanta, GA Medical School: MD, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA Neurology Interests: Cognitive disorders and dementia; epilepsy; neuroplasticity and learning; neuro-infectious diseases
Hi there! I'm Alyson and I started my residency at Wake Forest in 2010. I'm originally from the sticks of Georgia and live frighteningly close to Honey Boo Boo and her family. I'm extremely un-athletic and have a basic fear of anything nature-y. I'm addicted to tv, desserts or any ingredient that can be used to make a dessert, and spoiling my two big dogs: Barnaby and Ollie. I also have an unhealthy obsession with old-school British murder mysteries--it's always the butler, people, ALWAYS the butler. I have to say that I have honestly loved being part of the Wake Neurology program and living here in Winston Salem. Our program has a very close knit group of residents and wonderful faculty. I would recommend us to anyone!
John Christopher Morris, MD Hometown: Lubbock, TX Undergraduate: Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX Medical School: MD, Texas Tech School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX Neurology Interests: Epilepsy and Movement Disorders
I started off in film/video production and animation and later made the natural transition to medicine. I went to medical school in West Texas, which made moving to the beautiful state of North Carolina quite a refreshing change (there is a lot more green mountains as appose to the brown flatlands). I have 2 young boys, and a beautiful wife to keep me grounded. In my off time (whenever that may be), I enjoy playing the guitar, going to movies and traveling with my family. The work here at Wake Forest is great, and I am learning so much. But to be honest, it is the relationships with the faculty and fellow residents that have made this such a fantastic experience.
Class of 2015
Meagan O'Brian Bailey, MD Hometown: El Paso, TX Undergraduate: B.A, University of North Texas, Denton, TX Medical School: MD, Texas Tech, El Paso, TX
My name is Meagan Bailey and I'm originally from El Paso, Texas, so I love Mexican food and warm weather. My husband and I met in college at the University of North Texas, and we got married right before I went to medical school at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. When I applied to residencies we wanted a change of scenery so that is how we ended up here. We are really happy we matched here; the people are great and the city is in a great location. We are close enough to drive to the mountains and the beach. In my free time I like to cook and read and my husband and I like to travel - when we get the opportunity. This picture was taken on our vacation to Alaska.
Laura Monk Bishop, MD Hometown: Richlands, VA Undergraduate: B.A, Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA Medical School: MD, Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA Neurology Interests: Hello! I am Laura Bishop, one of the HOII neurology residents here at Wake Forest Baptist Health. I grew up in rural southwest Virginia, got my undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry at Emory and Henry College and attended medical school at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. In my spare time I enjoy running with my husband and teaching new tricks to my yorkie, Chloe.
Robert Drake Bolen, MD Hometown: Atlanta, GA Undergraduate: B.A, Clemson University, Clemson, SC Medical School: MD, Medical College of South Carolina Neurology Interests: Epilepsy
Hi, my name is Robby Bolen and I'm a first year neurology resident. I'm originally from Atlanta Georgia, completed my undergraduate at Clemson, and went to medical school at MUSC in Charleston South Carolina. During my time off, I enjoy watching college football, playing the guitar, and spending time with my wife Sarah, who is also a resident here at Wake. I choose to come to Wake for my neurology training because of the great residents and excellent faculty.
Ashley Wabnitz, MD Hometown: Orlando, FL Undergraduate: B.A, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Medical School: MD, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL Neurology Interests: I was born and raised near Orlando, Florida and went to school in the Sunshine State as well - UF for undergrad and USF for med school. One of my favorite activities is cheering on the Florida Gators, especially during football season, and teaching my niece how to do the "Gator chomp" when I go home to visit family. I decided to leave
the heat and humidity of Florida to head north and found North Carolina was a happy compromise for a girl who doesn't know a thing about snow. I interviewed all over the southeast, as far north as the DC/Virginia area and found a perfect match with the residents and program at Wake Forest. I wanted to be at a program with a group of people I could hang out with on the weekends, and I found the faculty to be welcoming and supportive of their residents. Choosing Wake was an easy decision. In my free time I love to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try. Before coming to residency, I became the proud owner of a miniature long haired dachshund. This has led to my other new obsession - buying shoes to replace the ones Sophie eats.
David Lawrence White, MD Hometown: Alexandria, VA Undergraduate: B.A, Louisana State University, Baton Rouge, LA Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC Neurology Interests:
Hi, my name is David White and I am one of the second year neurology residents here at Wake Forest. I am originally from Alexandria, LA and went to LSU for undergraduate where I developed an obsession with Tiger football. While at LSU I met my wife, Gina, and we both decided to pursue a career in medicine. We were married in the summer of 2007 and began medical school together at Wake Forest School of Medicine about 3 months later. We loved Wake Forest so much we decided to stay here for residency (she is doing a Pediatric residency). Along the way we welcomed our first child into the world one month before Match Day! I spend most of my time with my wife and son, but when I'm not working or spending time with the family I enjoy all sports (but especially golf and football), guitar, and watching a good movie.
Class of 2016
James Crisp, MD Hometown: Burlington, NC Undergraduate: BS, NC Central, Durham, NC Medical School: MD, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN Neurology Interests:
Hello! I am James Crisp, an intern at Wake Forest with the Neurology program. I was born and raised in Burlington, NC, and am the youngest of six children. Since the age of five, I have wanted to be a doctor. It was at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, (Eagle Pride!), where neurology became my niche in the world of medicine. I also met my wonderful wife, Sarah, in undergrad. My desire to venture away from home led me to acquire my medical degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. Although my time away was much needed and enjoyed, I am glad to be back in NC close to my family and friends. In my free time I enjoy sleeping, playing piano, sleeping, golfing, sleeping, visiting family and above all spending time with my wife, (and sleeping).
Cintasha Redmond, MD Hometown: Orangeburg, SC Undergraduate: BS, Xavier University of Louisana, New Orleans, LA Post Graduate: MPH, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Medical School: MD, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Hi! My name is Cintasha T’rena Redmond and I am from Orangeburg, SC. I have travelled here and there but never outside of the U.S. My last adventure was my honeymoon with my husband Kareem in the beautiful isles of Hawaii. I went to the best university in the land, Xavier University of Louisiana, for undergrad and UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine. I am currently working on completing a Master’s in Preventive Medicine at UNC School of Public Health. I have a special interest in preventive medicine, public health, and healthcare disparities. I hope to conduct research on these subject matters and possibly enter into a career as a vascular neurologist. However, my interests in neurology are vast, as EVERYTHING in neurology is cool, so I am still open to many fields! Why should you come here…cause we love neurology and love is all you need!
Joel Torres, MD Hometown: Downey, CA Undergraduate: BS, University of Tennessee Medical School: MD, East Tennessee University Neurology Interests: Epilepsy, cognitive disorders Hey, my name is Joel Torres and I have just started my residency training at Wake Forest. I attended college at the University of Tennessee and went to medical school at East Tennessee State University. I have enjoyed my time in Winston-Salem so far and in my spare time, I enjoy going to movies, any kind of sports, good food and spending time with family and friends.
Jessica Williams, MD Hometown: Thomasville, NC Undergraduate: BS, Wake Forest University Medical School: MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
I grew up just down the road in the small town of Thomasville, NC and went to Wake Forest for undergrad where I met my amazing husband. I stayed around for med school and loved the neurology department so much that I could not think of any reason to go elsewhere for residency. So, you won't find anything but black and gold around our house. When I have free time, I love white water rafting - I experienced my first run down the Lower Gauley this year and can't wait to go back next year! I also love traveling with my husband, reading, crocheting, hanging out with our adorable cats (Rajah and Merlin), golfing and cheering on our Deacs!