Hometown: Plymouth, MA

Undergraduate education: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts

Medical school: Nova Southeastern University Kiran C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

In Her Own Words: "When searching for the perfect Family Medicine residency program, the most important thing to me aside from strong, broad training in a community setting was a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to complete an audition rotation at the USF-MPM Family Medicine Residency Program and found exactly what I was looking for. The learning environment created by the faculty and residents is one where everyone supports each other’s growth and individual interests. I truly believe they will help all of us become the best physicians we can be, and I’m thrilled to continue my education in West Florida at my favorite program!"

About Dr. Shortall: Dr. Shortall/Downie was born and raised in “America’s Hometown,” Plymouth, Massachusetts. She began her career in healthcare early, attending a public vocational technical high school and working at a local nursing home at the age of 16. Though she explored other fields during her undergraduate education, her passion for working with the geriatric population, particularly in dementia care, remains strong.

During her undergraduate years and throughout medical school, Dr. Shortall/Downie also developed a love for cooking, which grew into an interest in nutrition and sharing healthy lifestyle skills with patients. Coming from a family of teachers and having worked as a tutor for most of her life, she found a natural fit in primary and preventative care during medical school. Building long-term relationships with patients and having the opportunity to educate and empower them toward better health became her true calling.

Her special interests include geriatrics, palliative and hospice care, nutrition, and medical education. In her free time, Dr. Shortall/Downie enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the beach, kayaking, and exploring new restaurants.

Hometown: Seminole, FL, USA

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Health Science, University of Florida

Medical School: Florida State University

In Her Own Words: “When applying to family medicine programs, my top priority was finding a supportive environment that felt like family, while also preparing me to grow into a skilled and compassionate physician. USF MPM exceeded all my expectations. I was drawn to the program’s deep commitment to the community, its diverse track options, and the strong emphasis on wellness. From the faculty to the residents, everyone I met was incredibly kind, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do. It felt like a place where I’d be both challenged and supported. As a special bonus, it happens to be the hospital where I was born. I couldn’t imagine a better place to continue my training!”

About Dr. Lamba: She was born at Morton Plant Hospital and raised nearby in Seminole, FL. She attended the University of Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health science and developed an early interest in primary and preventive care. While there, she led a health outreach and education committee, deepening her understanding of the impact of accessible medical care. During medical school at Florida State University, she discovered her passion for family medicine and the proactive treatment of patients across all ages. Her special interests include lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine, and community outreach. Outside of medicine, Dr. Lamba enjoys staying active through exercise and exploring local parks. She also loves spending time with her family, caring for her plants, macrame crafting, reading, and traveling to new places.

Hometown: Tampa, FL 

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 

In Her Own Words: “During my residency search, I prioritized academic-affiliated, unopposed programs. I specifically sought programs that maximized resident autonomy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Throughout my interview with USF-MPM, I was impressed the opportunities to build procedural skills, teach medical students, and care for a socioeconomically and linguistically diverse patient population. I also desired to be close to family and to re-experience living in a large metropolitan area. I am ecstatic to have matched at my number one program!” 

About Dr. Nguyen: Dr. Nguyen was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Growing up in public housing, she witnessed firsthand how compassionate, culturally competent primary care could transform lives. During her time at the University of Florida, she volunteered extensively with free clinics. For medical school, her mentors encouraged her to explore the United States to experience different ways of living and practicing medicine. For this reason, she attended the University of Wisconsin, where she fell in love with the breadth of full-spectrum Family Medicine. She further studied the financial impact of diabetes in the Medicaid population. After nearly eight years away, Dr. Nguyen is excited to return to serve her hometown population. Her professional interests include rural and urban practice, addiction medicine, pain medicine, and chronic disease prevention/management. In her spare time, she loves to cook foreign cuisines, draw, and cycle; in wintry climates, she loves to ski, snow shoe, and walk on frozen lakes. 

Hometown: Clearwater, FL, USA

Undergraduate education: Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida

Medical school: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM)

In Her Own Words: “I am thrilled and honored to continue my training in family medicine with USF-MPM. From the moment I engaged with the faculty, residents, and staff, I felt an incredible sense of camaraderie, support, and enthusiasm that made it clear this was the perfect place for me. The program’s welcoming and collaborative environment, combined with its commitment to education and patient care, made it my top choice. I was especially drawn to the diverse patient population, exposure to unique pathology, and the opportunity to learn from experts across various specialties. I can’t wait to contribute my skills and energy to this vibrant, dynamic community as I strive to provide holistic, full-spectrum family medicine.”

About Dr. Ortega: She was born in New York and raised in Clearwater, Florida, where she discovered her passion for medicine through volunteer work at Mease Countryside Hospital. Growing up in a close-knit Hispanic family that valued compassion and service, Dr. Ortega developed a deep appreciation for community and connection—principles that continue to guide her approach to care. A former competitive soccer player and high school basketball team captain, she brings a collaborative and dedicated spirit to her work. Dr. Ortega earned her undergraduate degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences at the University of Florida. During which Dr. Ortega interned with the UF/IFAS Pinellas County 4-H program and studied abroad in India, gaining firsthand experience with community-led health initiatives. After graduation, Dr. Ortega worked as a Youth Education Specialist with the YMCA before completing a post-baccalaureate program at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Ortega then earned her medical degree from NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in Clearwater, FL. Her clinical interests include osteopathic, integrative and preventive medicine, women’s health, and medical education. Outside of medicine, she enjoys cooking, learning languages, exploring new places, enjoying theme parks, and spending time with loved ones. Dr. Ortega looks forward to joining a residency program that values compassionate care, community engagement, and clinical excellence.

Hometown: Fishers, Indiana

Undergraduate education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL

Medical school: Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN

In Her Own Words: “During my rotation at USF-MPM, I was impressed by the supportive culture and genuine kindness of everyone I met. It especially stood out how competent, well-rounded, and prepared the residents were. I knew this program offered the unopposed, community-based training I desired with resources of an academic institution. As someone passionate about lifestyle medicine, I also looked for a program that shares this focus. I’ve been visiting family in Tampa Bay for years and love the area’s liveliness. I couldn’t be more grateful and excited to be training at USF-MPM Family Medicine Residency!”

About Dr. Reese: Dr. Reese was born and raised in Fishers, Indiana and is proud to be the first physician in her family. Inspired by a passion for the sciences at an early age, she also grew up in cheerleading. Dr. Reese continued both academic and athletic pursuits during college at Loyola Chicago before returning to Indiana for medical school at Marian University. There, her commitment to family medicine deepened through firsthand experiences with the vital role of primary care in coordinating complex health issues and promoting long-term wellbeing. Her special interests include lifestyle medicine, women’s health, and office-based procedures. Dr. Reese is also a devoted animal lover and has spent many years volunteering with humane societies. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her rescue cat, reading, attending live music events, and traveling.

Hometown: Erie PA, USA

Undergraduate education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Mercyhurst University, Erie, Pennsylvania

Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In her own words: “When applying to Family Medicine residency programs, I first looked for programs that had strong connections to sports medicine fellowships. Looking further though, I also wanted a program that was supported by a strong academic institution while also focusing deeply on community outreach so that I could develop a well-rounded family medicine base. Not only does this program offer ample training to become both a proficient community physician and sports medicine physician, but they have so many unique training opportunities to allow me to really build my niche. From wilderness medicine to nutrition and lifestyle medicine, I’m afraid I’m going to have a hard time trying to fit everything in that I want to do! Lastly, what we really drew me to the program in the end was the people – meeting faculty who share similar interests as mine both inside and outside of the hospital made me feel like this could be a place I would not only fit in but thrive in and be excited to wholly support everyone there.

About Dr. Spracklen: She was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. She stuck around her hometown for college where she competed on both the varsity cross-country and rowing teams (as a rower not a coxswain despite her height!) for all four years. She was a runner since childhood but picked up rowing in college given her strong English family history of rowing – worked out too as she helped lead the team to become runner-ups at the NCAA Division II National Championships her senior year. Growing up she originally wanted to become a veterinarian, but halfway through college she realized that there are many underserved communities in our country that need more help than the household pets she originally wanted to serve. As she explored this passion for community care and preventative/lifestyle medicine, she found herself pursuing family medicine. Given her sports background, she has a strong interest in sports medicine, particularly endurance training, however, she also has a special interest in lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine, education, nutrition, and wilderness medicine. In her free time, Dr. Spracklen enjoys visiting family and friends, exploring new places through running and cycling, hiking up big hills, and making homemade peanut butter.  

Hometown: Chino Hills, CA

Undergraduate education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, UCLA, California

Medical School: Charles E. Schmidt School of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University

In His Own Words: “I was looking for a family medicine residency with a combination of unopposed, hands-on training and a history of strong teaching, as well as a place I could learn more about integrative medicine, one of my main interests in the field. When I interviewed with USF-MPM I felt strongly that the culture and training was a good fit, not to mention the great location. I am extraordinarily grateful to be given the opportunity to train at this excellent program!”

About Dr. Westfall: Dr. Westfall was born and raised in Chino Hills, California, a relatively small and quiet town in San Bernardino County. He grew up playing baseball and competing in Taekwondo, becoming an instructor during college. He majored in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, originally intending on working outdoors, but later made the pivot to medicine after working in landscaping after college. His main interests throughout medical school were primary care and integrative medicine. In his free time, Dr. Westfall enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, reading books on history and religion, hiking outdoors, and learning more about cacti and succulent landscaping.

Hometown: Tarpon Springs, FL

Undergraduate education: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Minor in General Chemistry and Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida

Medical school: Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, TN

In Her Own Words: "I am honored to join the USF/MPM Family Medicine program this summer. It is the perfect match for my deep-rooted passion for community and my desire to address primary care gaps in Florida. More than just a training program, this will give me another family to grow with and love. The program’s wide range of experiences will help shape me into a well-rounded, compassionate physician while giving me ample exposure to high-acuity care. And perhaps what touches my heart the most is the chance to stay close to my hometown of Tarpon Springs, FL. Being near my church, my family, and the lifelong friends who helped raise me means everything. It gives me the priceless opportunity to give back and care for the community that has shaped who I am. I couldn’t imagine a better place to continue my journey!”

About Dr. Zervos: She was born in Trenton, New Jersey, but was raised most of her life in the close-knit town of Tarpon Springs. A first-generation college and medical school graduate, she cherishes her Syrian and Lebanese roots and is passionate about preserving their traditions. As a Syriac Orthodox Christian married into the Greek Orthodox faith, she finds joy in learning how to prepare Mediterranean dishes that connect her family across generations and continents.

Growing up, she was initially unsure of what career path she wanted to take and worked tirelessly to get into college, an opportunity neither her mother nor father had. It was during a medical mission trip to Jamaica in her first year of college that she discovered her calling in medicine. Her time in medical school, set in a truly rural town, deepened her commitment to caring for underserved communities, leading her to family medicine, where she could serve patients through every stage of life.

Dr. Zervos has a strong passion for Pediatrics, along with Integrative, Lifestyle, and Preventative Medicine. Her love of cooking and nutrition excites her to be part of Turley’s new Teaching Kitchen. Outside of medicine, she is an avid foodie and loves being on the water, whether boating or swimming. She spends every moment with her family, and she and her husband will soon welcome their first baby this coming June!