HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Zakaria Alagha M.D., Victoria Watson, M.D., and Thomas Wright, M.D., Ph.D., have been named Residents of the Month for April at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, announced Paulette S. Wehner, M.D., vice dean for education. 

“Drs. Alagha, Watson and Wright are outstanding physicians and will excel in their future endeavors,” Wehner said.  

Alagha, from Khan Younis, Palestine, completed his medical degree at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine. After he finishes his internal medicine residency this year, he plans to complete a pulmonary critical care fellowship at Marshall 

“Dr. Alagha is selfless and encouraging. You will never find him without a smile and a kind word,” said Eva Patton-Tackett, M.D., associate professor and director of the internal medicine residency program at the School of Medicine. “He is also the first of our trainees to serve as an editor for Chest Journal.”  

Watson, from Pinch, West Virginia, earned her medical degree at Marshall. After spending some time in neurosurgery, she moved into an internal medicine residency, which she will complete in 2026. Watson plans to further her education after that with a neurocritical care fellowship. 

“Dr. Watson is ambitious and outgoing and an amazing advocate for her peers,” said Patton-Tackett. “She is highly motivated to publish research and serve as judge at state-level events.” 

Wright, from Barboursville, WV, completed his medical degree at Marshall. When he finishes his internal medicine residency in 2026, he plans to pursue a hematology and oncology fellowship   

“Dr. Wright is patient and innovative as a teacher and leader,” said Patton-Tackett. “His real-life medical models received statewide attention this year during Marshall University Day at the Capitol.” 

As part of their Resident of the Month recognition, each resident received a plaque and designated parking spots. 

Date Posted: Monday, April 21, 2025