Current Residents in the Neurology Residency Program
PGY-4
Daniel F. Isaza Pierotti, M.D.
Hometown: Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
College: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Cali Escuela de Medicina (Basic sciences).
Medical School: Universidad Del Valle Escuela de Medicina (Clinical clerkships).
Bio: I lived most of my life in my hometown, Cali. After high school spent 6 months improving my English skills in Calgary, AB. Started med school upon returning back to Colombia. After graduating med school, I spent 4 years between clinical research and clinical practice. I have also lived in Miami, Washington DC, Boston, Bogotá and Buga (Colombia). Although interested in stroke and neurointervention, I’m opened to other possibilities in Neurology.
What do you like about Mobile: it’s a calm place without big city traffic and distractions.
What do you like about your residency: it’s an academic medical center and comprehensive stroke center, research is encouraged, residents have teaching opportunities, and everyone you have contact with is very nice.
Hobbies: stargazing, outdoor activities, cooking, sports, concerts.
Fun fact: I share the same DOB with my 10-years older brother.
Career prior to residency: Obtained master’s degree in clinical service operations (MCSO) from Harvard Medical School. This is a clinical leadership training program in operations management to optimize efficiency and improve patient experience. My capstone project consisted in developing a plan for optimizing stroke care at an underserved rural hospital in Colombia.
Ashley Nguyen, M.D.
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
College: Spring Hill College
Medical School: University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine
Bio: My family emigrated from Vietnam and started from the ground up. I am the first female in my family to pursue higher education and the first person in the family to have a career in medicine. Thus, education is extremely important to me, and my team at work is like my second family! I have been in Mobile, Alabama, for most of my life, and I look forward to giving back to the community that has helped me come this far. I currently have an interest in neurocritical care and pain medicine.
What do you like about Mobile: Mobile is a town where you can meet and know everyone. I appreciate the Southern hospitality, the close-knit community, and the affordable lifestyle. I also enjoy having my family and friends close to me.
What do you like about your residency: One of the things I appreciate most about our program is that it makes every member feel valued and appreciated. The support that I have received from my mentors and peers is unparalleled. The program always places our education, well-being, and interests first. The staff, chairs, and directors go to great lengths to ensure our voices and concerns are heard and addressed. The attendings are eager to teach, and co-residents are easy to get along with. Every department member is unique and frequently introduces the group to new hobbies. There is never a dull moment with USA Health’s Neurology Residency Program, and the learning never stops!
Hobbies: Travel, international cuisines, shopping, kickboxing, paintballing, spending time with family/friends.
Fun fact: Due to a traumatic experience as a child, I used to fear dogs. To overcome that fear, I got a Corgi puppy. Her name is Sushi, and she is a very plump and friendly pup.
Career prior to residency: I worked several jobs during college and medical school, including as a nail technician, translator at an insurance company, lab technician, and a private tutor.
Richard Sliva, M.D.
Hometown: Pensacola, Florida
College: University of Florida at Gainesville
Medical School: University of Kansas Medical Center
Bio: I have lived in the South my entire life until going to medical school in Kansas (where my mother’s family is from). Neurology to me is the most interesting field of medicine, a kind of puzzle where the specific pattern and order of symptoms reveals the underlying pathology. It is also a field very much in flux, with new treatments and discoveries revolutionizing it every year.
What do you like about Mobile: I love being close to the beach and my family. There’s also a surprisingly large number of good restaurants.
What do you like about your residency: There is a real sense of camaraderie among the residents, and there is also a wide variety of subspecialists among the attendings who provide context to various aspects of neurology.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing video games and watching anime.
Fun fact: I’m rather good at draft formats in Magic the Gathering, maintaining a 65% win rate in most sets.
PGY-3
Ashlea Hendrickson, M.D.
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
College: Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama
Graduate school: Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
Bio: Born and raised in the South, but as a first-gen American, I’m very-much connected to my Caribbean heritage. I have a small and very naughty dog named Langston Hughes (yes, he’s named after the jazz poet/activist, and yes, I’m pretty sure the REAL LH would have been offended by this fact). I LOVE the arts! All of them. Fine arts, street art, living room art? Everything. I enjoy long walks--at the mall, and spending time with my boyfriend, friends and family. Concerning Neurology, I’m CURRENTLY interested in sleep medicine, movement disorders and neuromuscular diseases.
What do you like about Mobile: As a certified foodie, I love trying out the multiple cuisines offered in the area. Mobile is actually somewhat of a hidden gem, and I’ve been IMPRESSED with many of the restaurants I’ve visited. (If you want recommendations, hit me up!)
What do you like about your residency: I love my fellow co-residents who make work bearable. I also appreciate the attendings who are down to earth and very approachable.
Hobbies: Listening to audiobooks (all genres but my faves are fantasy and mystery and historical fiction); just about anything involving hands-on arts/crafts; enjoying the good-ole IN-doors. (This is not a typo.)
Fun fact: I’ve been a YELP-elite for the past four years and have eaten at/visited tons of great spots (for free) in return for an honest review. Call me a novice, totally un-credentialed -food critic. Also pretty proud and bewildered by my “Blues Clues doodles” video which randomly went viral on TikTok with over 3 million views.
Zura Katsitadze, M.D.
Hometown: Tbilisi, Georgia
Medical School: Tbilisi State Medical University
Bio: I grew up in Tbilisi, Georgia. While in medical school, I worked as a teaching assistant in a peer mentorship program for first-year students. Before starting residency, I briefly worked at a genomics lab for a project studying mitochondrial diseases manifesting in pediatric populations.
What do you like about Mobile: Mobile is a beautiful city that is easy to navigate and the proximity to the beach
What do you like about your residency: This program offers a great learning environment with a wide variety of pathology and high volume, coupled with exceptional camaraderie and connections between residents and faculty.
Hobbies: Reading and writing, archery
Fun fact: I can fall asleep within three seconds of putting my head on a pillow.
Luis Purisaca Neira, M.D.
Hometown: Chiclayo, Peru
College: Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo
Medical School: Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo
Bio: I was born and raised in northern Peru, and I have enjoyed ceviche for as long as I can remember. I became the first doctor in my entire family and completed my rural service for one year in a village far from my city. After that, I decided to begin my journey toward residency in the U.S. And here we are.
What do you like about Mobile: It's a place close to the beaches, which makes me feel at home. The city has pleasant celebrations, and you can drive around calmly without much traffic.
What do you like about your residency: The program is managed entirely by the residents under the supervision of the attending, which gives us direct and comprehensive exposure to multiple neurological pathologies. The work environment is very good, and all its members have excellent interaction
Hobbies: Music, camping, cooking
Fun fact: My hometown is known as the 'City of Friendship' due to the warmth and friendliness of its people. If you visit Peru, you definitely have to take a walk through Chiclayo.
Colin Shone, M.D.
Hometown: Kingsport, Tennessee
College: East Tennessee State University
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Bio: I was born and raised in the hills of East Tennessee. I completed my undergraduate studies at East Tennessee University with a degree in biology and a minor in finance. I took a break from school and worked as an operator at a local chemical plant and at a free medical clinic before going to medical school at the University of Tennessee, where I found I enjoyed EMGs and decided to pursue neurology.
What do you like about Mobile: Being able to run, play disc golf, and go to the beach
What do you like about your residency: I like being able to be hands on with EMGs and reading EEGs.
Hobbies: Team sports (soccer, Ultimate Frisbee), reading, running
Fun fact: My parents come from southern Africa and though I have never lived there, I have picked up a little bit of an accent from them.
Career prior to residency (if applicable): Operator at a chemical plant, office manager at a free medical clinic
Kyler Smith, M.D.
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
College: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno
Bio: I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I spent two years serving as a missionary in Ecuador, where I developed a love of languages and ended up pursuing a degree in French at UNLV. My wife and I met and married in Las Vegas and now have two wonderful kids. We’re happy to be in Alabama close to family and the water.
What do you like about Mobile: I love how often it rains here.
What do you like about your residency: Neurology is a fascinating field with endless opportunities for a forever student like me. This program is full of remarkable people with whom I enjoy working.
Hobbies: Language learning, piano, running, any sport that uses a paddle or racket
Fun fact: I have jumped out of an airplane (before I had kids).
PGY-2
Gustavo Chiriboga, M.D.
Hometown: Quito, Ecuador
College: Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (UIDE)
Medical School: Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (UIDE)
Bio: I grew up in Quito for most of my life. I spent most of my time with my grandparents because both of my parents worked a ton at the hospital. My grandpa loved going fishing and up to the Andes, and with my grandma, I spent most of my school afternoons at home cooking. My grandpa got diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease while I was going through medical school, and those years really changed my perspective on life. I am interested in neuropalliative care, but since I am just starting my journey, I want to explore other possibilities. You never know when life might change your perspective.
What do you like about Mobile: I love driving around town and seeing a lot of vegetation. I don’t like concrete jungles, I feel they are devoid of life. Also as someone who likes to play Magic in person, the community at Mobile is great.
What do you like about your residency: The people. After working as an intern in Quito, I realized the most important part for me is being somewhere where you feel it truly is a team. Somewhere where you know people have your back and where you can voice your inputs, doubts or questions without fear. I appreciate the fact that the staff are always welcoming and support each other.
Hobbies: Video games, board games, miniature painting, Magic the Gathering, watching anime, volleyball
Favorite quote: “Don’t forget. Belief in yourself. Not in the you who believes in me. Not the me who believes in you. Believe in the you who believes in yourself.” - Kamina
Madison Hostetler, D.O.
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
College: University of Alabama (Roll Tide!)
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bio: I grew up in Middle Tennessee before moving to Alabama for undergrad. I loved it so much I stayed in Tuscaloosa during my gap year before medical school. I attended LMU – DCOM and did my clinical years in Memphis, TN. It was then that I grew my love for neurology before returning to Alabama for residency. I am currently interested in neurohospitalist medicine and dementia, but I am excited to learn about all areas of neurology!
What do you like about Mobile: Proximity to beach and the people
What do you like about your residency: Diversity of pathology, attendings who love to teach, and great coworkers
Hobbies: Reading, cooking, board games and travel
Fun fact: My bucket list is to see all seven wonders, one down, six to go!
Armando Perez, M.D.
P. Sebastian Martinez Lozada, M.D.
Hometown: Latacunga, Ecuador
Medical School: Universidad Internacional del Ecuador
Bio: I was born and raised in a small city in the Ecuadorian highlands called Latacunga. After finishing high school, I moved to Quito to attend medical school. I always felt a strong connection to the neurosciences and became a teaching assistant in neuroanatomy—an experience that confirmed neurology was the specialty I wanted to pursue. After graduation, I returned to my hometown, where I worked in clinical practice for three years. I’m excited to begin this new chapter in Mobile, Alabama. Currently, I’m particularly interested in neurocritical care or stroke—but we’ll see what the future holds!
What do you like about Mobile: I love how green and close to nature it is. Growing up in a small city, that’s exactly what I was looking for.
What do you like about your residency: It’s a very supportive and friendly program, which makes the transition into residency much smoother. You truly feel appreciated here. It’s also a growing program that offers every opportunity to become an excellent neurologist.
Hobbies: Watching Formula 1 and top-tier football (especially the Champions League), tennis, and trying new food
Fun fact: I grew up in a city at the foot of Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Rutvik Savaliya, M.D.
Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Medical School: G.C.S. Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
Bio: I’ve lived in Ahmedabad all my life up until finished medical school. My love for neurology grew during high school, and I represented India at the International Brain Bee.
What do you like about your residency: The entire team feels like one big family.
Hobbies: Stargazing, soccer and books
Fun fact: I have read The Lord of the Rings trilogy in its entirety 47 times.
Yulong H. Stokes, M.D.
Hometown: Dickson, Tennessee
College: University of South Alabama
Medical School: University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine
Bio: I was born in Fuzhou, China, and emigrated to the U.S. when I was 2. I’ve spent most of my life in the Southeast and grew up in Dickson, TN, before moving to Mobile for college, medical school, and now residency. I met my (now) husband Andrew as a freshman in college, and we got married in our third year of medical school. Prior to starting residency, we tried to travel the world as much as possible, and we’ve visited my family in China twice since being together. My interest in neurology developed fairly late compared to my cohort, when I went through my third-year neurology rotation at USA. I fell in love with the program and naturally bloomed where I was planted. Andrew and I now live in Daphne with our orange tabby Dr. Noodle and brown tabby Mary!
What do you like about Mobile: Proximity to the beaches.
What do you like about your residency: The people! Our cohort is so close and hangs out all the time. I love being able to approach our faculty basically any time of day as well.
Hobbies: Crocheting, running, board and video games
Fun fact: I have had nine different hair colors. My favorite was rose gold.
PGY-1
Johnathan Bailey, M.D.
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama
College: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Bio: I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, and went on to study biomedical science at UAB, where I researched cystic fibrosis drug models. From there, I headed to Columbia for medical school, where I studied the natural history of rare inherited retinal diseases. Growing up, I watched many of my family members live in under-resourced pockets of Alabama with little access to care, and that gap has stayed with me as a driving force behind my commitment to serving minority communities. In medical school, I had the privilege of caring for immigrant patients and individuals living with dementia, which sparked my passion for neurology. I'm incredibly grateful to be the first doctor in my family, a milestone I owe in part to my African American pediatrician, who first showed me that this dream was within reach.
What do you like about Mobile: It's nice to be closer to my family and the beach!
What do you like about your residency: It's a very supportive program — the seniors
and attendings genuinely invest in your growth, which makes learning here feel collaborative
rather than intimidating. You are able to have real autonomy and see a bigger volume
of patients, allowing you to develop confidence quicker. I also love the family-like
atmosphere!
Hobbies: Film photography, pickleball, video/trading card/board games, movies (AMC A-Lister), ukulele
Fun fact: I played piano at the church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor.
Holden Baird, M.D.
Hometown: Houston, Texas
College: The University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Bio: I was born and raised in Houston, Texas before moving to Austin for my undergraduate studies, where I obtained a major in nutrition with a business minor. I also played club water polo there for a year, and we qualified for the National Championship in Pittsburgh. I then moved back to Houston for medical school, and now I am in Mobile for residency. I am also the first doctor in my family!
What do you like about Mobile: The people, the beaches, and there are just so many things to do!
What do you like about your residency: We get outstanding clinical exposure thanks to our large and diverse patient population, and we also have plenty of elective time to pursue our specific interests. The faculty is also so supportive, and we have great opportunities for research! The residents also all get along and we hang out outside of work all the time!
Hobbies: Cycling, pub trivia, pickleball, video games, movies, sports
Fun fact: As a Boy Scout, I went on a trip to Spain to bike the Camino de Santiago. The route is over 500 miles and takes you from France all the way to the western coast of Spain!
Thomas Buerkert, M.D.
Neema Kamau, M.D.
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
College: Auburn University
Medical School: Michigan State University
Bio: I’m a first-generation Kenyan immigrant and physician. My family moved to the U.S.
when I was four and settled in Birmingham, Alabama, where I grew up. I have strong
ties to my Kenyan roots and stay closely connected to my culture and family, which
have shaped my passion for serving immigrant and underserved communities. Becoming
the first physician in my family has been an incredible source of pride and a meaningful
way to honor where I come from.
I chose neurology because I love a good diagnostic adventure, and the nervous system
makes me nerd out in the best way. Outside of the hospital, I’m a doodle mom to an
85-pound Goldendoodle—so there’s never a shortage of chaos in my life!
What do you like about Mobile: I love how homey Mobile feels, with its unique Southern charm, welcoming community, and incredible food. There’s something special about the city’s laid-back feel and rich food culture.
What do you like about your residency: I love how our residency truly feels like a family. The residents genuinely enjoy spending time together both in and outside of the hospital, and our faculty are incredibly supportive while encouraging each of us to grow into independent practitioners with our own interests and strengths.
Hobbies: Running, walking
Fun fact: I am fluent in 3 lang
Baxter McWhorter, M.D.
Hometown: Rome, Georgia
College: University of Georgia
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia
Bio: I was born and raised in Rome, Georgia, with two loving parents and my older brother, Connor, who I have to thank for my broad taste in music and my love of soccer. My wife and I married in 2024, and she is the love of my life and my perfect match. She loves a dance floor and running marathons, and I love dancing with her and cheering her on from the sidelines of the marathon course. I am the first person in my family to pursue a career in medicine. I chose to pursue neurology because I am drawn to the idea that our nervous system is fundamental to who we are and how we experience and interact with the world, and I want to help people when disorders of the nervous system affect those parts of their lives. I also like that it requires a detailed physical exam to inform their diagnosis and treatment. The physical exam is an important part of how I always envisioned myself practicing medicine.
What do you like about Mobile: I love the beautiful trees and neighborhoods throughout Mobile, especially living in Midtown. I also enjoy the warm weather, being close to the beach, the many opportunities for trivia, and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of the city.
What do you like about your residency: I love the camaraderie among the residents and the support from both my co-residents and faculty. I have felt truly supported by the people in this program, and I look forward to spending the coming years learning and growing alongside them.
Hobbies: Playing soccer whenever I can, playing guitar, learning music theory, and reading fantasy novels such as Stormlight Archive, Wheel of Time, and Malazan Book of the Fallen.
Fun fact: My wife and I had our photo featured in The New York Times Style section after organizing a 5K for our family and friends on the morning of our wedding. We ran around a small park in Atlanta and gave participants small trophies we found on Facebook Marketplace!
Career prior to residency: While I always had my sights set on medical school, after college I worked at a bar in Athens, Georgia, as an EMT, and a medical scribe for two neurosurgeons in their outpatient clinics.