Olivia B. Cox, DO

Undergraduate: Morehead State University
Medical School: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Olivia grew up in Ashland, Kentucky. After graduating from high school, she attended Morehead State University where she received a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. Olivia attended medical school at the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. Olivia is married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, a recent graduate of the Marshall University School of Pharmacy, and they are expecting a son in September 2020. She enjoys traveling, going on walks with her Great Pyrenees named Sugar Bear, cooking and baking. Olivia hopes to stay close to home after finishing residency, and plans to practice family medicine in the tri-state area.

Zachary Stone Davis, DO

Undergraduate: University of Kentucky
Medical School: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Zachary Stone Davis, DO, grew up in Hindman, Kentucky. He graduated High School from Knott County Central High school and later graduated college with a degree in Biology from the University of Kentucky. He then went on to pursue medicine near his home town at KYCOM in Pikeville, Kentucky. Zachary and his wife Briana, who is a high school biology teacher, plan on moving back to eastern Kentucky to serve the people of their hometown. His love of family medicine was greatly influenced by his father, who is a PA in family medicine. Zachary and his wife love to travel and they enjoy camping, hiking, and spending time outdoors with their three dogs.

Rutmann Desauguste, DO

Undergraduate: Miami Dade College/and Marshall University
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Rutmann Desauguste, DO, was born and raised in the majestic island of Haiti. After high school, he moved to Miami, Florida, to attend Miami Dade College where he earned an Associate degree in Arts. He relocated to Huntington, WV in 2009 to attend Marshall University and graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Biology. After College, Rutmann worked for a number of years before enrolling in the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in 2015. He’s proud to call himself a mountaineer following a decade of experiences living and traveling throughout the great state of West Virginia (Wild and Wonderful). He plans to give back to underserved communities in West Virginia and throughout the world to honor those that invested their time, knowledge, and resources to help him become a physician.

Salma El-Bittar, MD

Undergraduate: Sint Eustatius School of Medicine Sint Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
Medical School: American University of Integrative Sciences, School of Medicine St. Michael, Barbados​

Salma El-Bittar, MD grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is a second generation Canadian with Lebanese heritage, which contributed to her being fluent in Arabic. Prior to attending medical school, she was a project manager and an environmental analyst in the oil and gas industry in Alberta. Salma’s passion for medical sciences and serving the medical community was her driving force to switch careers and pursue medicine. Salma was a family medicine resident with the Oklahoma University Family Medicine program and is excited to continue to provide quality comprehensive patient care at the Marshall University Family Medicine program. Salma enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. She plans on continuing her research to improve management and treatment of metabolic syndrome after finishing residency.

William Tyler Freeman, MD

Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Tyler Freeman, MD, was born at Guam Naval Hospital where his parents were stationed while his father was in the Navy. He grew up in the small rural town of Frankford, West Virginia. He graduated from Greenbrier East High School where he played football and ran track. He then received his B.S degree in Exercise Science from Marshall University. While in college he was on the cheerleading team for 3 years which allowed the opportunity to travel around the country and meet many interesting people. He married his high school sweetheart Ashley Freeman. Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and their dogs, spending time with friends, weightlifting, and attending any Marshall University sporting event. He has an interest in Sports Medicine and would love to continue to practice in the state of West Virginia. GO HERD!

Zachary R. Johnson, MD

Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Zachary R. Johnson, MD, grew up in West Portsmouth, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University where he received a B.S. in biochemistry and biology while performing x-ray crystallography research.  He moved to Huntington the summer after graduation and enrolled at Marshall University's JCESOM. Zach graduated and then completed a preliminary year of general surgery before starting his family medicine training.  In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and soccer or spending a day on the lake fishing.  After residency completion, he plans to treat rural underserved communities.

Olivia G. Osborne, DO

Undergraduate: The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia Campus

Olivia grew up in Coeburn, Virginia, a small town in southwestern Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, which is located in her home county. After receiving her B.S. in Biology, she moved to Blacksburg, VA to attend medical school at VCOM-VA. She has always known that she would go into Family Medicine, and her time in medical school confirmed her desire to practice primary care in a small community. In her free time, she spends as much time as possible with family, especially her twin sister. When not with family, she is happiest relaxing at home. After residency, she looks forward to practicing in an underserved community in the Appalachian region.

Katie Salyers, MD

Undergraduate: West Virginia University
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Katie grew up in Gassaway, West Virginia. She received her BS in Medical Laboratory Science at West Virginia University. Before medical school she worked as a medical laboratory scientist in her hometown. During medical school Katie loved working with underserved patients and was the student leader of ophthalmology for Marshall Medical Outreach for 2 years. She and her husband Jordan enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping, and are working on traveling to all 50 and US National Parks. Katie’s dream after residency is to own a farm and work in a rural area.

Sasha Brodka, MD

Undergraduate: University of Guelph
Medical School: St. George’s University

Sasha Brodka grew up in Toronto, Ontario. She obtained her bachelors degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph. Sasha attended St. George’s University for medical school, during which she participated in the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program. Her first year was spent at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK, and second year on the beautiful island of Grenada. She completed her clinical years in Decatur, Georgia, where she found her passion for women’s health and primary care. Sasha’s interests outside of medicine include: golfing, skiing, and spending time with her significant other, Tom, and her incredibly cute Corgi, Teddy.

Richard E. Conway, DO

Undergraduate: Franklin College
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Richard E. Conway, DO, grew up in Beech Grove, Indiana. He attended Franklin college, where he was a pole vaulter on the track team and studied Chemistry. After college, Richard attended Marian University for medical school and coached pole vault at Beech Grove High School. During his time at Marian, Richard met his wife, Gabrielle Conway, who is a neurology resident here at Marshall. They have a cat named Taco and two pet bunnies named Myles and Peanut. Richard is a practicing Catholic and feels that he has been called to be a family medicine doctor in rural communities where access to care is an ongoing problem. In his spare time, Richard enjoys playing sports and video games, as well as spending time with his wife and their families. He is also a big NBA fan, GO PACERS!!

Hannah R. Leport, MD

Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Hannah R. Leport, M.D. grew up in Point Pleasant, WV. After high school, she received a bachelor’s degree at Marshall University in English: Creative Writing. During undergraduate, she married her husband Troy, and upon graduation, they gave birth to their son, Cooper. She decided to pursue her dream of becoming a physician shortly after and attended Marshall University J.C.E. School of Medicine. During her medical school education, she became mom again to her daughter Kate. Hannah has a true passion for Family Medicine and enjoys spending time outside of work being a mother and wife, reading and journaling, and playing golf with her husband. After finishing residency, she plans to practice rural family medicine and continue serving God by serving the community.                                                                                                                   

Evan McClanahan, MD

Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Evan grew up in Red House, WV. After graduating from Poca High School, He attended West Virginia Wesleyan College where he received a B.S. in Biology. He attended medical school at Marshall University JCESOM. Evan enjoys the outdoors and plans to work in a rural community after completing residency.

Vincent Morra, DO

Undergraduate: University of Virginia
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine​

Vincent grew up in Bridgewater, Virginia. He went to the University of Virginia for a B.A. in Economics and then went to Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for a Masters in Biomedicine. He completed his medical education at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia. He enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. He is an avid ultrarunner, loves playing tennis and pickleball, going for hikes, and exploring new places. He has interests in Sports Medicine and Wilderness Medicine.​

Holly N. Nauert, DO

Undergraduate: Western Kentucky University
Medical School: Pikeville University, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Holly N. Nauert grew up in the big city of Louisville, Kentucky. She then decided to shed her city roots and headed south to Bowling Green Kentucky where she majored in Biology and minored in American Sign Language as well as Psychology. While attending school in Bowling Green she fell in love with the town and decided this is where she would like to settle down.

After graduating, she took a year off before heading to eastern Kentucky in the (very) small and rural town of Pikeville Kentucky. It was here that she fell in love with Rural Medicine as well as OMM. Her hobbies include spending time outdoors with her dog, Kai, as well as reading, kayaking, camping, and studying real estate. After residency she plans to do a fellowship in sports medicine then settle down in a small town just outside of Bowling Green Kentucky and practice Rural Family Medicine.​

Bill Rollyson, MD

Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Bill Rollyson was raised in the Elk Hills area just north of Charleston, WV.  He graduated from Capital High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at West Virginia State University.  He continued graduate studies at Marshall University receiving his Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, and then graduated in 2020 from their Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine with his Doctor of Medicine degree.  Bill enjoys spending time with his family, hobby farming, fishing, hunting, coin collecting, and playing golf. He loves rural West Virginia and hopes to one day practice in one of it’s communities as family physician.

Kendra B. Smith, DO

Undergraduate: University of Charleston
Medical School: WV School of Osteopathic Medicine

Kendra B. Smith, DO, was raised in the rural community of Spencer, West Virginia. She graduated from Roane County High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Leadership from the University of Charleston. After college she attended the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 2017. Kendra enjoys spending time with her family and friends, boating on warm summer days, live music, and overseeing her small design business. Her passion is to practice in rural, underserved West Virginia communities such as her hometown as a family physician post graduation.

Melissa Ashman, MD

Undergraduate: West Virginia University
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine​

Melissa grew up in Newton, WV, a rural town in Roane County. She graduated WVU with a BS in Exercise Physiology before completing medical school at Marshall University’s JCESOM. During medical school, her passion for working with underserved communities grew, and she plans to work in a rural area with an OB focus upon completion of residency. She and her husband, Austin, enjoy spending time outdoors including hiking and bass fishing. They have two dogs: an Aussie, Luna, and lab, Nico, who love to keep them on their toes.

Kaitlan Harvey, MD

Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Kaitlan Harvey grew up in rural Wayne County, WV. She attended college at Marshall University where she received her BS in Biology. She received her medical education at Marshall University’s JCESOM. With an interest in rural medicine and addiction research, she will continue her training with Marshall Family Medicine. Kaitlan enjoys reading, rock-collecting, crocheting, and spending time with her family, friends and her two dogs.

Trenton Hayes, MD

Undergraduate: Marshal University 
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Trenton grew up in Cowen, WV and attended Webster County High School. He obtained his B.S. in Cellular, Molecular, and Medical Biology from Marshall University and his M.D. from the Marshall University JCESOM. He is happily married to his high school sweetheart Megann. Trenton’s hobbies include tabletop roleplaying games, photography, and cooking, among many more. His medical interests center around rural medicine, and he hopes to return to his hometown to practice once his training is complete.

Jacob Hesson, MD

Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Jacob grew up in a small town outside of Parkersburg, West Virginia. After graduating from high school he attended Marshall University where he completed a B.S. degree in Applied Mathematics. He began his medical education at Marshall University School of Medicine. Jacob enjoys reading, exercising, golfing, and fishing. As a long-term resident of West Virginia, he looks forward to serving his community.

Bobby Jackson, MD

Undergraduate: Hampden-Sydney College
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Bobby was born and raised in Huntington, WV where he attended Huntington High School. He then graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a bachelor's degree in biology before returning home to medical school at Marshall University. While in medical school, he fell in love with the breadth of family medicine and the personal touch of a primary care physician. In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking and baking, or just spending time outside soaking up the sun. He hopes to practice the full spectrum of family medicine upon graduation.

Sarah E. Lackey, DO

Undergraduate: Transylvania University
Medical School: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sarah grew up in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. After graduating from Transylvania University with her BA in Biology, she attended the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville in Pikeville, Kentucky. Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, dancing, and watching sporting events, especially Alabama football.

Flora S. Park, DO

Undergraduate: Baylor University
Medical School: UNTHSC Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Flora grew up in Irving, Texas. She graduated from Baylor University with her B.S. and Honors Distinction with her thesis titled "The Prevalence and Effect of Blood Lead Levels in Children in Rural Western Kenya." She then completed her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences Physiology Concentration at UNTHSC. Flora attended the UNTHSC Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine on a United States Air Force Health Professions Scholarship. Flora is excited to continue pursuing her passion for family medicine and global health at the Marshall University Family Medicine program. After residency she will serve her commitment with the USAF by taking care of her community and fellow Airmen. Flora enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, group fitness classes, and knitting/crochet/weaving/all things fiber arts.

Sydney C. Sheppard, MD

Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Sydney C. Sheppard, MD was raised in Saulsville, West Virginia. She graduated from Wyoming County East High School and later Marshall University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Upon graduating from college, Sydney worked as a medical scribe while applying to medical school. She graduated from the Joan. C. Edwards School of Medicine in 2022. Along with spending time with her husband Jordan, she enjoys using her free time to read, garden, and travel. She is excited to continue pursuing her passion for Family Medicine at Marshall.