We are pleased to announce the ballot for our 2024 – 2025 Resident Delegate positions. Learn more about each nominee and what led each nominee to seek a delegate position.
Voting is now open and can be accessed by using the following links:
- Resident Delegate Voting Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7RPPXWD
Resident members for the resident delegate positions. The future of Family Medicine in Louisiana is BRIGHT!
KAITLYN BREAUX, MD, PGY-1, Baton Rouge General Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
Dr. Breaux included in her nomination profile:
I love Family Medicine and Louisiana. Serving as Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors would provide me the opportunity to be involved at the state level to help promote our specialty. My positive attitude and strong communication skills will help me learn from other board members. I hope to gain more involvement in the LAFP.
JOSEPH CARAVELLA, MD, PGY-2, East Jefferson Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly
Dr. Caravella included in his nomination profile:
As a Louisiana native deeply passionate about family medicine, I am committed to serving my community and advancing the field's interests through dedicated leadership and advocacy. Serving as Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly would provide me with opportunities to make a meaningful impact, enhance my professional development and support the next generation of family physicians.
With my experiences growing up here, strong communication skills and a history of leadership roles in medical school and prior, I bring a deep understanding of the local healthcare landscape and a passion for advocating on behalf of residents and students to the LAFP. Through my experiences and dedication, I am poised to contribute to meaningful discussions, drive collaborative initiatives, and further elevate the profile of family medicine within Louisiana and beyond.
From this experience, I hope to gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of healthcare policy, advocacy, and leadership within the field of family medicine. Additionally, I aspire to make tangible contributions towards advancing the goals of LAFP, promoting the importance of family medicine, and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for individuals and communities across Louisiana.
BRIAN DOSS, MD, PGY-3 Shreveport EM/FM Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly
Dr. Doss included in his nomination profile:
I wish to both be involved and gain experience in state-level policy and advocacy for family medicine. I have been a member of the LAFP since I became a resident 2.5 years ago, and I wish to be more involved and be a part of the LAFP as it strengthens and promotes family medicine in Louisiana. Furthermore, I wish and hope that my involvement will light a spark that leads to other FM residents from LSU Shreveport to be involved as well, since none have nominated themselves for one of these roles in over 6 years.
I bring a unique perspective in that I am a part of a dual Emergency Medicine/Family Medicine residency. This leads to more time and experience as a resident as well as the perspective of primary care that occurs out of emergency departments. The experience I have in emergency medicine coupled with inpatient medicine has granted me a unique view on family medicine within the context of the healthcare system. My longer time in residency has resulted in a more seasoned resident perspective, which allows me to be a better advocate for resident family physicians. I have extensive procedural training, including colonoscopies/EGDs, colposcopy, and more, and can bring that skill/experience. Furthermore, I have been very involved in didactics and teaching, and am actively trying to improve the educational value of didactics. I am also involved in my residency trying to improve the obstetrics experience and pediatrics experience. I intend to bring that same drive for improvement to the LAFP.
I hope to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the LAFP, and state-wide societies similar to the LAFP, and its methods/approach to promoting and protecting family medicine. I also wish to get a taste of a more legislative/bureaucratic aspect of medicine, especially as it pertains to the state. I hope to be more involved in the AAFP and the LAFP both now and in my future, post-residency career, and I would like to use this as a springboard to do so.
KATIE FITZGERALD, MD, PGY-1, Baton Rouge General Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the AAFP National Conference
Dr. Fitzgerald included in her nomination profile:
I am interested in policy and representing shared ideas from my peers. It would be a great opportunity for networking and contributing to my program and state and the community in which I practice. My pertinent experience that helps prepare me to serve in a resident delegate role includes working towards my MPH, history of supervisory role for 7+ years, and previously attending National Conference. I hope to gain more networking skills and to stay active in advancing the ideals, views, and importance of Family Medicine. I want to expand public knowledge of what family medicine is about and the variety of training we obtain.
MATTHEW GEORGE, MD, PGY-2, Shreveport Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly
- Resident Delegate to the AAFP National Conference
Dr. George included in his nomination profile:
I have an active interest in LGBTQ+ healthcare and HIV care and have been active in multiple research activities in these areas. As a resident, I hope to advocate for greater access to care and improved quality of care for all Louisianians and bring my experience to the LAFP.
I bring leadership skills from my prior experience as a Senior Financial Analyst for a large Pain Management Practice prior to medical school to a leadership role with the LAFP. I also have ongoing research activities in LGBTQ+ healthcare and primary care management of HIV positive individuals.
I hope to contribute my experience, personal and professional, in advancing high value care and greater access to care for LGBTQ+ individuals and those living with HIV.
SAAD HANAN, MD, PGY-1, Alexandria Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly
- Resident Delegate to the AAFP National Conference
Dr. Hanan included is his nomination profile:
I am a Canadian J1 medical student who matched into a program in rural Alexandria to be able to provide care to communities which are underserved. Being on an exchange visa, my goal is to learn as much as I can and share lessons from my experience. I’d like to continue to share and implement the idea of being a community leader in rural, underserved regions of Louisiana and provide care where there is limited to none.
I have experience in working with students through taking positions as president of my local chapter in medical school on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Islands. I have worked as a USMLE exam counsellor with my medical school to provide students assistance with strategies to overcome socioeconomic barriers to taking the board exams. My skills include being a team building and team-oriented individual who can work in many different situations and provide leadership when required.
I plan to continue to work on myself and learn. My future goals include implementing projects to provide care in underserved communities by meeting like-minded individuals on a national scale.
RANA KHAZENDAR, MD, PGY-1, Alexandria Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly
- Resident Delegate to the AAFP National Conference
Dr. Khazendar included the following in her nomination profile:
As a resident physician, I've observed the intricate interplay between policy, practice, and patient outcomes. My desire to serve on the LAFP Board of Directors, serve as delegate to the LAFP General Assembly, and/or represent the organization at the AAFP National Conference stems from a deep-rooted commitment to delve into addressing systemic issues within healthcare. From navigating bureaucratic hurdles to advocating for underserved communities, I see these positions as platforms to enact tangible change. I aim to bridge the gap between clinicians and policymakers, ensuring that the voices of those on the ground are heard and reflected in decision-making processes.
My journey as a resident physician has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Beyond clinical proficiency, I've cultivated a keen awareness of the social determinants of health and patient-centered care. Drawing from my experiences navigating complex patient cases and collaborating with diverse healthcare teams—I offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing family medicine today. I bring to the table not just skills, but a passion for an insightful and a commitment to dismantling barriers to quality care.
My aspirations extend beyond personal growth; I see these roles as vehicles for collective impact. By immersing myself in the intricacies of healthcare policy and advocacy, I hope to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and champion initiatives that promote health equity. I aspire to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within LAFP, leveraging our collective expertise to drive meaningful change. Through dialogue, education, and strategic partnerships, I aim to position family medicine at the forefront of healthcare transformation, advocating for policies that prioritize prevention, equity, and accessibility.
MADISON LAMBERT, MD, Incoming PGY-1, St. Tammany Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
Dr. Lambert included in her nomination profile:
As a 2024 graduate of VCOM Louisiana’s inaugural class and an incoming intern of Ochsner St. Tammany’s new family medicine residency, I have intentionally pursued in-state educational opportunities that promote the growth of primary care in Louisiana. Therefore, I am highly motivated to serve as a resident delegate for the LAFP Board of Directors. It would be an honor to represent and support Louisiana residents while being at the forefront of state policy and advocacy.
As a nontraditional medical student from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background, I have witnessed my family struggle with housing and food insecurity, access to care, and poor health literacy. My experiences provide unique insight into issues such as health equity and the expansion of primary care access in Louisiana, and my passions align with the legislative priorities of the LAFP. While a member of the Louisiana State Medical Society, I led a small group of medical students to select a topic in medical education and wrote a successful resolution that advocates for Louisiana medical schools to provide transparent, openly accessible resources and policies regarding family leave and parenthood. I had the privilege of attending White Coat Wednesday last year where I connected with local physician leaders and state legislators and observed testimonies for important healthcare bills. I was selected for the 2024 American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Leadership Academy, in which I attend monthly educational intensives on leadership, advocacy, business in medicine, and more. I hope to incorporate these leadership experiences into my potential role as resident delegate to enrich the Academy.
As a potential resident delegate and a budding family medicine physician, I hope to develop advocacy, policy-writing, and delegation skills while acquiring a deep understanding of family medicine in Louisiana. I look forward to establishing life-long connections with colleagues and mentors in my specialty and cultivating partnerships with champions of family medicine in my state. This opportunity would provide invaluable experience to carry into residency and help excel in my future career.
LEAANN LOVE, MD, PGY-1, Baton Rouge General Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly
Dr. Love included in her nomination profile:
I would like to serve as the Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly to become more involved in a state leadership role with the LAFP. As an intern, I have represented my intern class in residency meetings. I have strong communication skills and work well with students, fellow residents, and faculty to discuss and implement unique ideas for change and improvement. I am from Louisiana and plan to stay in Louisiana after graduation. Serving as delegate will help me gain further leadership skills and continue to contribute to Baton Rouge General's residency program.
ALEX MONTAS, MD, PGY-2, Baton Rouge General Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
Dr. Montas included in her nomination profile:
I would like to get more involved with the leadership aspect of family medicine and learn about the process behind the daily tasks pertinent to LAFP and governance. I am a great communicator. I am also very innovative and creative with my ideas and resolutions. I hope to gain experience and interpersonal/communication skill improvement in a governance sector.
ARMAND NTCHANA, MD, PGY-1, Alexandria Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
Dr. Ntchana included in his nomination profile:
I hope to represent my organization and promote the vision of LAFP in advancing family medicine. I was a psychiatric nurse practitioner for 14 years prior to becoming a doctor. I have held multiple leadership positions over the years including nursing director and medical director. My goal is to advance the mission and vision of LAFP and advance family medicine.
EMILY OSTRANDER, MD, PGY-1, Baton Rouge General Family Medicine Residency Programs
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the AAFP National Conference
Dr. Ostrander included in her nomination profile:
I would like to serve as the Resident Delegate to the AAFP National Conference because ever since my undergraduate years I have been doing conferences to help recruit and represent my college, my program, and my sorority. I would love to use my experiences to advertise my residency program and the field of family medicine.
I have attended multiple events to advertise previous colleges or clubs. I love getting to meet new people and getting to share my passion with others. I do currently serve on the House Counsel but am wanting to do more to be involved further.
I hope to further my involvement in the field of family medicine and in the LAFP.
AMI PATEL, MD, PGY-2, Alexandria Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP General Assembly
- Resident Delegate to the AAFP National Conference
Dr. Patel included in her nomination profile:
I would like to become more involved in the healthcare community and educated on current events impacting Family Medicine. As a resident physician, I’m constantly looking for ways to broaden my education and learn from those around me. I believe that my involvement with the LAFP would not only provide excellent learning opportunities, but also invaluable resources, connections, and perspectives that I can then utilize to enhance healthcare within my community.
I’m a quick learner and very organized. I can also contribute innovative problem-solving skills and a positive attitude. As a physician that grew up in Africa, attended college in Texas, then Medical School in the Caribbean, I have grown to be very adaptable and gained a unique perspective on several different aspects and models of healthcare.
I hope to gain a better perspective and understanding on the most relevant topics affecting healthcare right now. I want to learn about the current challenges faced by family medicine physicians and help brainstorm ways to combat those issues. I also hope to enhance my leadership and communication skills so that I can educate others on the issues and advocate for physicians everywhere.
ALEX ROBERTSON, MD, PGY-2, Kenner Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
Dr. Robertson included in his nomination profile:
I would like to serve on the LAFP Board of Directors to help be a voice for all Family Medicine residents in the state of Louisiana. By serving in this position, it would be my pleasure to connect residents from across this unique state I call home to help to continue to move primary care and primary care training forward. With collaboration and innovation from various perspectives, it is possible to ensure the future of primary care in Louisiana is headed in the right direction.
Having had the privilege of serving in numerous leadership positions and on various committees, the ability to listen attentively, plan innovatively, and act decisively are all some of the contributions I hope to bring to the LAFP Board of Directors. From my time attending a boarding high school bringing gifted students from across Louisiana together to even now serving as one of my program's chief residents, I understand the critical importance of every perspective playing a role in moving an organization, and in this case primary care in this state, forward.
Louisiana is a "gumbo pot" of unique people and perspectives. From this experience, I hope to gain a wealth of knowledge from various perspectives from residents and practicing Family Medicine physicians that can be used in this position and moving forward. Ultimately, getting a better understanding of the "various ingredients of the gumbo" will help us all ensure our patients, our friends and family receive the best care we can offer.
OSMAN ZUBERI, MD, PGY-2, Alexandria Family Medicine Residency Program
Nominations include:
- Resident Delegate to the LAFP Board of Directors
Dr. Zuberi included in his nomination profile:
I would like to make a difference in rural areas of Louisiana. If elected, I would bring leadership skills, as well as experience with management positions and real-world working experience. Coming from a low-income family, I feel like I can relate to my patients and underserved communities. I hope to gain more leadership skills and knowledge on how to an impact on a state wide scale.
