Class of 2019 Alumni

Dominique Elmore, DO

"I am currently a third year fellow in pediatric emergency medicine at University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. I am in the process of applying to jobs, as well as ultrasound fellowship.

I loved my time at Marshall University! The training I received was top notch. I love the small size and exposure to various pathologies. I enjoyed working directly with attendings. I enjoyed the exposure to procedures as well. I chose Marshall because it felt like home."

Yaslam Balfaqih, MD

“I feel proud that I am a MU Pediatrics graduate. While it’s relatively a small-medium program; there are plenty of opportunities for you to grow professionally, academically, socially & personally. I decided to go there because the naturally nice people & friendly work-atmosphere hit me from the first moment. I am confident that this program will help prepare you for whatever endeavor you go to afterwards. The sky’s the limit for your success & dream at MU Pediatrics.

Currently, I live in Panama City, FL & work as a general pediatrician at Emerald Coast Pediatrics, pediatric hospitalist & dept. vice-chair at HCA-Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, and Clinical Faculty for Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM)."

Former Chief Residents

Brandi Holthaus, MD (2023-2024)
Hometown: Yorktown, Virginia
Undergrad: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia
MD: St George’s University School of Medicine
Personal Interests: I love to explore the outdoors, go on hikes, workout, and travel whenever my husband and I get the chance! We’re always down to try new food and have a glass of wine.
Future Goals in Medicine: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology or Intensive Care

Samantha A. Smith, MD (2023-2024)
Hometown: Huntington, West Virginia
Undergrad: West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV
MD:Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia
Personal Interests: Spending time with my family and my 70lb goldendoodle pup, church and fellowship, tennis, badminton, pickleball, photography, hiking, kayaking, running, reading, learning new skills (no knowledge is wasted time)
Future Goals in Medicine: Fellowship in pediatric critical care (PICU or NICU) or a subspecialty

Allyson Bias, MD (2022-2023)
Hometown: Ona, WV
Undergrad: Marshall University, Huntington, 
MD: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Personal Interests: Spending time with my fiancé and dogs, travel, baking, hiking, kayaking, attending live concerts
Future Goals in Medicine: General Pediatrics with a specialization in Mental/Behavioral Health

Ashlee Roybal, MD (2022-2023)
Hometown: Temecula, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Irvine
MD: St. George’s Hospital in London
Personal Interests: Paddle boarding, swimming, karaoke, crafting, exploring new places with my wife
Futures Goals: Pediatric Intensive Care or gender based endocrinology