2024 - 2025 Fellows

Carli Beyer, D.O.

Dr. Beyer completed medical school at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Afterward, she completed Family Medicine Residency where she was a chief resident at Dallas Methodist Charlton Family Medicine Residency.

Why did you decide to pursue a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine?

I could spend hours talking about why I adore the Geriatric population and why I decided to pursue a fellowship in this field. However, to keep it brief, working with this population is so rewarding. From discussing advanced directives to de-prescribing, it is a true honor to focus on what truly matters to patients and being able to tailor their treatment plan based on what matters most to them. Although I was exposed to the geriatric population a lot within my family medicine residency, I really wanted a focused training experience to learn the nuances of caring for this special population. This will allow me to become the best geriatrician I can be for my future patients. 

In your opinion, what makes older adult patients special or unique?

Older adults are complex. A lot of decision-making in medicine is black and white, but geriatrics is very focused on the gray zone because evidenced-based medicine rarely includes older adults in their studies which makes a lot of the guidelines difficult to apply to this population. I enjoy the mental gymnastics of really individualizing care to make the best decision for the patient in front of me. Not to mention, older adults have a lot of stories to share and we have so much we can learn from them if we just take the time to listen. 

What advice would you give to a medical student, resident or career physician who is interested in a future in Geriatric Medicine?

Geriatric medicine is often overlooked, but it is highly rewarding. There is a huge shortage of geriatricians and many jobs available in this field. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding geriatrics - we would be so happy to have you!!

Publications:

Pham, K. and Beyer, C. . Should RAAS blockade therapy be continued in patients with advanced renal disease? The Journal of Family Practice. (2023, Apr); 72(3): 144-145. doi: 10.12788/jfp.0577. PMID: 37075213.

Beyer, C. and Johnson, B. . Chronic Cough - Not Always 'Just a Cough': A Case Report of a 26-year-old Female with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Methodist Health System, Graduate Medical Education Research Journal. (2021, Dec). 

Khaled El Khatib, M.D.

Dr. El Khatib completed medical school at the University of Balamand Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Lebanon. Afterward he completed Family Medicine Residency at the American University of Beirut Family Medicine program.

Why did you decide to pursue a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine?

I have decided to pursue a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine because of its holistic approach and complex level of care. Geriatricians do not only care for the physical health of a patient but also take into consideration the psychological, social, and functional aspects. I have always wanted to give back to our seniors, who have contributed to our lives in so many ways.

In your opinion, what makes older adults special or unique?

Throughout my residency training, I found myself learning from the geriatric population and forming meaningful relationships with the patients and their families, getting to hear their stories and what matters the most to them.

What advice would you give to a medical student, resident or career physician who is interested in a future in Geriatric Medicine?

My advice for medical students and residents who have an interest in Geriatric Medicine is to keep learning and to volunteer or get involved in a senior care setting. This will solidify your passion and improve your communication skills and patience.

Publications:

El Khatib K, Hadeer RA, Saad A, Kalaydjian A, Fayad E, Mahfouz Y, Dougnon V, Daoud Z, Abdel-Massih RM. Determination of MIC, MPC, and MSW of Ilex paraguariensis against non-typhoidal Salmonella with identification of the mechanisms of resistance and pathogenicity factors. Microb Pathog. 2023 Jan;174:105905. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105905. Epub 2022 Nov 30. PMID: 36462580.

El Khatib K, Gerges Z, Azar N. Erythromelalgia in a patient with feet erythema and cyanosis. BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Jan 20;16(1):e253786. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-253786. PMID: 36669785; PMCID: PMC9872455.

El Chamieh C, El Haddad C, El Khatib K, Jalkh E, Al Karaki V, Zeineddine J, Assaf A, Harb T, Sanayeh EB. River water pollution in Lebanon: the country's most underestimated public health challenge. East Mediterr Health J. 2024 Feb 25;30(2):136-144. doi: 10.26719/emhj.24.029. PMID: 38491899.

Sumalatha Muthineni, M.D.

Dr. Muthineni completed medical school at Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in India. Afterward, she completed Internal Medicine Residency at The University of Kansas Internal Medicine program. She worked as a hospitalist in the Kansas City area prior to joining Geriatric Medicine Fellowship.

Why did you decide to pursue a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine?

As a hospitalist, I cared for many older adults with complex medical needs. This experience highlighted the importance of a more holistic, personalized approach, motivating me to pursue a fellowship in Geriatrics. In this dynamic field, I will have the opportunity to improve patients' quality of life and well-being through long-term relationships with them and their families. By specializing in Geriatrics, I aspire to make meaningful contributions to the field and advance my career in Geriatric Oncology.

In your opinion, what makes older adult patients special or unique?

Older adults often face complex medical issues that require a more comprehensive, holistic approach to address their diverse needs - both medical and psychosocial - in order to optimize health outcomes. Moreover, the symptoms of illness or disease may manifest differently in older adults compared to younger individuals, necessitating careful clinical evaluation. Given the lifetime of experiences and perspectives that older patients bring, it is crucial to identify and prioritize "what matters most" to them when planning their treatment. Engaging patients and their families as active partners in the decision-making process is essential in effective geriatric care.

What advice would you give to a medical student, resident or career physician who is interested in a future in Geriatric Medicine?

Geriatrics is a rapidly expanding medical field that offers the opportunity to make a profound and meaningful difference in the lives of older adults. Excelling in geriatric medicine requires empathy, active listening, and clear communication to establish trust. Regardless of your interests - whether in clinical practice, research, teaching, or administration - there are abundant career paths available within the geriatric specialty.

Publications:

Muthineni S, Zink K, Kambhampati S. A Primer on Chimera Associated Receptor T-Cells. Mo Med. 2021 Sep-Oct;118(5):460-465. PMID: 34658441; PMCID: PMC8504496.

Geriatric Fellowship Program Graduates

2021 – present

Autumn Brubaker, DO (2022 – 2023)
Anthony Jackson, MD (2022 – 2023)
Sami Madala, MD (2021 – 2022)
Abd Assalam Qannus, MBBS (2020 – 2021)

2011-2020

Christina Cheng, MD (2019 – 2020)
Het Dharia, MBBS (2019 – 2020)
Alia Khoja, MD (2019 – 2020)
Guy Fogg, MD (2018 – 2019)
Christina Capps, MD (2017 – 2018)
Candice R. Coffey, MD (2016 – 2017)
Dana Malis, MD (2016 – 2017)
Sara Fearn, MD (2015 – 2016)
Kristina Sterling, MD (2015 – 2016)
Courtney Huhn, MD (2014 – 2015)
Admatha Muthyala, MBBS (2014 – 2015)
Janell Jones, MD (2013 – 2014)
Stephanie Garcia, MD (2012 – 2013)
Rachel Mason, MD (2012 – 2013)
Melissa Rosso, MD (2012 – 2013)
Carrie Pohl, MD (2011 – 2012)
Sarah Teymoorian, MD (2010 – 2011)  

2001-2010

Tracy Gutman, MD (2009 – 2010)
Jessica Kalender-Rich, MD (2009 – 2010)
Brian Leo, MD (2008 – 2009)
Kristi Shaumeyer, MD (2007 – 2008)
Holly Cranston, MD (2006 – 2007)
Kathryn Twenter, DO (2006 – 2007)
Tisha Anyanike, MD (2005 – 2006)
Lynne Kallenbach, MD (2004 – 2005)
Mary McDonald, MD (2003 – 2004)
Charles Davis, MD (2002 – 2003)
Bindu Chopra, MD (2000 – 2001)
Nashat Fanos, MD (2000 – 2001)
Josephine Gomes, MD (2000 – 2001)  

1991-2000

David Peters, MD (1999 – 2000)
Deborah Woosley, MD (1999 – 2000)
Christine Barber, MD (1998 – 1999)
Rosemary Laird, MD (1996 – 1997)
Sally Rigler, MD (1993 – 1996)
Lynda Brumley, MD (1993 – 1995)
Saraswathy Battar, MD (1993 – 1994)
Constance Ruhl, MD (1991 – 1994)
Nina Ainslie, MD (1990 – 1992)
Mark Pearson, MD (1990 – 1992)
Jon Dedon, MD (1989 – 1991)

Start of the program-1990

Daniel Swagerty, MD (1988 – 1990)
David Butcher, MD (1987 – 1988)
Richard Darr, MD (1986 – 1988)
John Nieman, MD (1985 – 1988)