Baptist Health UAMS GME

Family Medicine Residency: Congrats Graduates!

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Family Medicine Residency graduates gather for a photo at the graduation ceremony.

The Baptist Health-UAMS Family Medicine Residency program celebrated their graduating class on June 19th at the Clinton Library in Little Rock with a beautiful ceremony full of family, friends, and colleagues.

Dr. Julea Garner and Dr. Stan Kellar make opening remarks at the Family Medicine Residency graduation ceremony.The evening commenced with Dr. Julea Garner, Family Medicine Program Director, welcoming guests and introducing residents, staff, and alumni in attendance, along with Dr. Stan Kellar, DIO of the Graduate Medical Education program. Both speakers provided words of encouragement and inspiration to graduates and advancing resident physicians alike. Baptist Health Chaplin, Caleb Lewis, concluded the introductions by leading attendees in a beautiful invocation.

Family Medicine physician, Dr. Cheerla, receives a core faculty award from graduating chief residents, Dr. Mohsin, Dr. Newhart, and Dr. Udeogu.
Dr. Rajalakshmi Cheerla (L) receives a “Core Faculty” award from graduating chief residents.

Chief residents, Dr. Sana Mohsin, Dr. Hamilton Newhart, and Dr. Jessica Udeogu, took the podium to speak to their fellow graduates and award select faculty members on behalf of the resident physicians. Dr. Zac Ottis and Dr. Rajalakshmi Cheerla were both honored with the “Family Medicine Core Faculty” award, being presented a certificate by the graduating chief residents.

 

Graduating resident physician, Dr. Joyce Kuykendall, receives the Resident Teacher Award from Program Director, Dr. Julea Garner.
Dr. Joyce Kuykendall (L) receives the “Resident Teacher Award” from Program Director, Dr. Julea Garner (R).

Graduating residents were also honored by faculty with individual awards. Chief resident Dr. Hamilton Newhart received the “Outstanding Resident” award, while Dr. Joyce Kuykendall received the “Resident Teacher” award. Graduates were then called upon individually to receive their diplomas from Dr. Julea Garner, and assistant Program Director, Dr. Elton Cleveland. The program also proudly recognized the multiple graduates that have decided to continue their careers in the state of Arkansas.

Though the celebration was centered around the class of 2024, graduating residents and faculty took a moment to welcome the incoming Family Medicine Residency Program’s class of 2027. New residents were presented their white coats by graduates in the closing moments of the ceremony.

Dr. Elton Cleveland, Sr. Julea Garner, Chris Rule, and Dorothy Leonard gather for a photo.      Family Medicine Residency Graduate stand together with their diplomas.

A beautiful evening of celebration with family and friends went tremendously, thanks to all of the Family Medicine Residency Program’s administrative team, including Program Manager, Dorothy Leonard. The entire Baptist Health-UAMS administrative team and faculty wishes the very best to the Family Medicine Residency graduating class of 2024!