First Year Residents

Ross Bickford, MD

Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Medical School: University of Connecticut - School of Medicine

Personal Information:
I was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and I grew up in a small farming town in northern Connecticut where I received a public education, including medical school. After medical school I decided that it was time to branch out and try something new. During my undergraduate studies I had worked in a cell biology lab where I did fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and I also had spent a summer in Kisumu, Kenya doing a community health and education project with Operation Crossroads Africa. It was that time abroad that helped me to discover my love for medicine and community health. Outside of medicine, I like to ride my bicycle, read fiction and comic books, watch movies, and spend time with friends and family.

Why Family Medicine:
I have always been interested in primary care because continuity of care interests me. I always want to know more about patients, how my interventions affect them, and what their own personal stories are. It is this thirst for more knowledge and better relationships with my patients that drives me to primary care. I specifically chose family medicine because of several mentors that I had during my family medicine rotations. These physicians had such strong bonds with their patients, seeing multiple generations of the same family in their daily practice. They knew their patients not as just names, numbers, and diagnoses in a chart, but also as people who fit into their family structure and communities. They understood all the complex social stressors, personal relationships, and daily interactions that can affect a person’s health. After those rotations, I knew that I wanted to be that kind of physician, and family medicine is the best specialty for developing such skills.

Why Williamsport: 
During the first summer of medical school, three of my fellow students and I rode our bicycles cross country, from San Francisco to the shores of Connecticut, raising about $30,000 dollars for a local charity known as Lea's Foundation for Leukemia Research. I fell in love with much of our countryside during that time, and one of the places that really took me by surprise was the beauty of Pennsylvania. A mentor had recommended several different Pennsylvania residency programs to me, and I interviewed across the state. Despite the fact that I never had the opportunity to do any rotations with the Williamsport Family Medicine Residency, I immediately felt welcomed by the faculty, staff, and residents whom I met during the interview process. This feeling of a perfect fit, combined with a program with strong community ties, an excellent reputation, and a strong OB training, convince me that Williamsport was the right place.

Norman Hesser, DO

Undergrad: Penn State University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Personal Information:
I grew up in McVeytown, PA, about an hour south of State College, the latter being the home of my alma mater, Penn State. Philly has been by home for the last four years, and though I’ve become a Phillies and Union fan, Pittsburgh has my loyalties when it comes to football and hockey. Administration is my thing; I love all things having to do with organization and financial management, making me very interested in economics and politics, especially when it comes to healthcare. My other interests are faith and religion, singing, politics, most sports (watching, not necessarily playing),  and hands-on projects.  Are there things I don’t like? Yes – of special note are white Christmas lights and sweater vests, but don’t worry! We can still be friends. Above all, I’m a Christian longing to share where hope can be found beyond a medical prognosis.

Why Family Medicine:
Surely all physicians are in a position to positively influence the lives of their patients, but family medicine is the one specialty that can truly take the lead in revolutionizing health in society as a whole, one family at a time. That’s something I want to be a part of!

Why Williamsport:
This program was on my radar even before going to medical school, but my third-year OB/GYN rotation is really what led me to explore it as a serious option for residency training. I knew I didn’t want to attend residency in the city, and I definitely wanted to be somewhere that I could learn a large scope of practice such that I would be well prepared to practice in a small town upon graduation. With that being said, the people associated with this program and the curriculum (especially the strong obstetrics emphasis) were the two biggest factors that settled matters in my mind.

Gawu Kamara, MD

Undergrad: Rhode Island College
Medical School: Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara

Personal Information:
I was born in Liberia, lived most of my life in Rhode Island but have lived in several other countries, England, and Mexico to name a few. I enjoy learning about other cultures, traveling, cooking and spending time with my family and friends.

 Why Family Medicine: 
Family medicine provides a broad exposure to patient care, not only medically but psychosocially. It also provides the opportunity for long term continuity care. 

Why Williamsport: 
I was looking for a program that provides a well rounded residency training  along with the guidance of  a very supportive team  of attending physicians and staff in a community similar to my hometown, Williamsport, was a clear choice.

Anna Kent, DO

Undergrad: Elizabethtown College
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Personal Information:
I come from a big family, so I enjoy spending time with my siblings. Lately, they have encouraged me to try new things, including running a half marathon, and to go overnight camping in Zion National Park. My undergraduate degree was elementary education, and I love children, especially my niece and nephew. Hobbies include playing the piano, pottery, and knitting.

Why Family Medicine:
I chose family medicine because physicians in our specialty play a role in all aspects of patients' lives. I will see my patients not only when they are sick, but when they are well. I will celebrate their achievements as well as mourn their losses. Family medicine also provides the most variety while maintaining some stability. Finally, it will allow me to get the most use of my osteopathic skills.

Why Williamsport: 

I did a family medicine rotation at Williamsport during my third year of medical school, and it was one of my best rotations that year. The program is well run, and the faculty and residents have high expectations for education and learning. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing.

Elizabeth Klucka, DO

Undergrad: Lebonon Valley College
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Personal Information:
I am originally from South Jersey, although due to school, I’ve lived in Pennsylvania for many years now. I am recently married to my wonderful husband Glenn Klucka, whom I met in medical school. In my free time I enjoy watching football and playing flag football. My other hobbies include photography, cake decorating, and crocheting.  For vacations, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. I studied abroad in Australia in undergrad and I have been to 42 states so far!

Why Family Medicine:
I grew up thinking I wanted to be a pediatrician, but I found myself enjoying my time with adult patients on rotations as well. An important aspect of family medicine that I enjoy is preventive medicine; I believe that continued health maintenance and screening are key to long term health. Family medicine also gives me wonderful opportunities to use osteopathic manipulation and to form long term relationships with my patients.  

Why Williamsport:
I came to Williamsport on a rotation at the beginning of fourth year and really enjoyed my time with the attendings and residents. Everyone was very welcoming, and it was a wonderful learning environment. I like the unopposed nature of the residency and the time dedicated to lectures. I was also looking for a program that had a lot of OB opportunities.

Bryan Sandler, MD

Undergrad: University at Buffalo
Medical School: University at Buffalo School of Medicine

Personal Information:
I grew up in Callicoon, NY which is a small town in the Catskills region of NY. I enjoyed growing up in a rural area and hope to practice in one after I finish my training. I went to the University at Buffalo for my undergraduate and medical education. My eight years in Buffalo gave me three very important things; I received an excellent education, I confirmed that city life is not for me, and last but definitely not least I met my wife Laura while she was attending the University’s School of Pharmacy. My personal interests include reading, home improvement projects, playing sports, outdoor activities, and spending time with my family and our dachshund.

Why Family Medicine:
My first exposure to medicine is when I became a volunteer EMT during high school. It was fun and exciting, but it lacked the patient relationships and continuity of care that I now know is what I really enjoy. During my first year of medical school I experienced family medicine during my clinical practices of medicine class and during the first summer break I signed up for an externship with a rural family physician. After that I knew that family medicine was exactly what I was looking for; it had the continuity that I desire, while at the same time, it has the patient to patient variety that keeps the practice of medicine fun and exciting. 

Why Williamsport:
I plan to practice broad spectrum family medicine in a rural setting after I finish my training. I feel that the Williamsport program is the perfect place to receive that training. It is a completely unopposed program that had access to great hospital facilities. There are a lot of opportunities for training in OB/GYN and pediatrics. I enjoyed meeting the residents and faculty and could envision myself working well with them. Also, Williamsport is the type of community that I want to live in.

Elizabeth Sullivan, DO

Undergrad: Villinova University
Medical School: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine

Personal Information:
I enjoy running and all sports, cooking and political science. I enjoy spending free time with my family.   

Why Family Medicine:
I chose family medicine for the unique opportunity this specialty offers, combining general medicine with minor clinical procedures. 

Why Williamsport:
I was particularly impressed with the welcoming nature of the residents and the dedication of the attendings to foster an educational environment. 

Significant other:
Juan Lessmann, MD

Children:
One on the way!