Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Undergraduate: Gannon University, Erie, PA
During my time in medical school, I had the pleasure of rotating at Latrobe
two different times. My experience during these rotations was so great
that I knew this was the place where I wanted to train for my residency.
It was the first place that felt like home since leaving for school. Growing
up in a small town in rural Pennsylvania made Latrobe feel familiar to
me. The community of people always looking to help and talk to each other
was totally unique from the other programs I saw. Not only was everyone
fantastic to work with, but they also put a heavy focus on learning and
development. This is what truly set this program apart—a genuine
community looking out for one another. I am looking forward to growing
and developing my career in medicine here over the next three years.
Dre' Marcus Ferrell, MD
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
Undergraduate: Kent State University, Kent, OH
I was drawn to the Latrobe Family Medicine Residency because of its supportive
community, comprehensive training, and emphasis on continuity of care.
During my interview day, I immediately felt welcomed by the faculty and
residents—the program’s collaborative and supportive culture
stood out to me. I am particularly passionate about sports medicine and
aspire to help patients maintain wellness, recover from injuries, and
stay active throughout their lives.
Bailey Gaston, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA
Undergraduate: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA
Hello, my name is Bailey Gaston. I grew up in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania,
where I pursued an interest in human movement and performance while studying
Athletic Training. That foundation sparked my passion for body mechanics,
injury prevention, and whole-person care, ultimately leading me to pursue
a career in medicine.
I attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania,
where I developed a strong interest in patient-centered care and the importance
of listening with intention and humility. During my fourth year, I completed
an audition rotation at Latrobe Family Medicine and immediately recognized
it as the program that would help me grow into the kind of physician I
aspire to be. The supportive environment, strong sense of teamwork, and
commitment to comprehensive patient care and education aligned closely
with my goals as a future family physician.
I am excited to continue my training at Latrobe Family Medicine! Outside
of medicine, I enjoy staying active, spending time with my family, deepening
my faith and reading my Bible, and finding fun ways to incorporate wellness
into everyday routines.
Magen Mason, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
Undergraduate: Westminster College, Westminster, PA
My name is Magen and I am so very excited to start at Latrobe. I am a local
of Western PA living in Irwin my entire life. I love cooking baking and
spending time outdoors with my family and dogs. Although being close to
family was a big bonus, I ultimately chose Latrobe Family medicine because
of the camaraderie and friendship of the residents. I was looking for
a place to call home, and I am excited to be apart of a new family who
shares similar values and beliefs as me!
Joshua Prokopec, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg, PA
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Being a native of Southwestern PA and having never left for any substantial
period, I knew that I wanted to stay in the area and treat the communities
where I grew up. When I was looking at family medicine residencies in
the region, Latrobe stood out as it’s a beautiful place and only
30 minutes from my hometown of Manor, PA. After having done quite a few
rotations with the Latrobe Family Medicine Residency as a medical student,
I can say that the program itself is representative of the city it is
based in. All the faculty, staff, and residents that I interacted with
during my rotations were kind, welcoming, and helpful. I knew immediately
that this is the program where I wanted to train. This was reinforced
when talking to graduates of the program who could not speak highly enough
of their training here. All of this is to say; I could not be more excited
to undergo my training to be the best family physician that I can here!
As for what I enjoy doing in my free time, I am a fan of the Pittsburgh
Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers and will watch all the games that I can.
If I can make it down to PNC Park to watch the Buccos in-person with my
wife, it’s all the better. I’m also a big video game fan,
especially when it comes to strategy or turn-based RPGs.
Olamide Sanya, MD, MBA
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine, Antigua
Graduate: Metropolitan College of New York
Undergraduate: Rutgers University, Camden, NJ
I was born and raised in New York City, and I’m excited to experience
a new environment that offers a refreshing change of pace and a strong
sense of community. I’ve always loved connecting with people, which
is what led me to medicine. I earned my medical degree from the American
University of Antigua and later completed my MBA at Metropolitan College
of New York.
I’ve had the opportunity to gain clinical experience internationally
and it taught me how to adapt, stay grounded, and care for patients from
all walks of life with empathy and intention.
I chose Latrobe because of the warm and welcoming atmosphere I felt during
my interview. It genuinely stood out to me. Coming from a big city, I’m
excited to train in a different environment and experience a new sense
of community. It feels like the perfect balance and a place where I can
grow both personally and professionally.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, shopping, and exploring new cities,
as well as meeting new people and embracing different perspectives. I
strongly believe that no situation is ever permanent and that it’s
never over until you decide it is. This mindset keeps me grounded, motivates
me to keep going, and reminds me to show up fully for myself, and every
opportunity ahead.
Thomas Starr, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate: Penn State University, University Park, PA
Having grown up on a beef cattle farm near Leechburg, I've long wanted
to practice family medicine in the community where I was raised. When
I had the chance to complete two of my family medicine rotations at Latrobe,
I fell in love with the community and the program instantly. Meeting with
patients here felt less like a day on the job and more like catching up
with neighbors — one of many reasons I'm excited to be back so close
to home. While rotating, I found the members of the program and clinic
to be genuinely kind and joyful to work alongside. It became clear they
do this work to care for and serve their neighbors well — something
that I deeply value. For these reasons and more, I knew that continuing
my training at Latrobe's family medicine program was the right decision for me.
Joseph Theiss, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA
Undergraduate: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA
Out of all the programs I had explored for Family Medicine Residency, Latrobe
Area Hospital’s Family Medicine Program could provide the resources
I needed for me to succeed academically, professionally, and socially.
The support I received from the faculty, staff, and residents during the
interview process solidified my understanding that the program has the
best intentions of its residents. Additionally, this support has dispersed
between each of the residents as shown by their tight-knit group who not
only serve as coworkers, but also friends.
Throughout both my clinical and non-clinical experiences, I have developed
a passion to serve the communities in need. My previous background in
public health has prepared me to collaborate with my co-residents by discussing
and addressing the essential medical needs of the community. This was
a large highlight of Latrobe Area Hospital’s Family Medicine Program
as it continues to encourage unique community engagement programs. These
opportunities encompass the idea of putting a future family medicine physician’s
education into action with hopes of providing the fulfillment found in
a healthcare career.
As I continue to progress as a family medicine resident, I hope to receive
the training needed to be a well-rounded physician. However, I know that
I will receive more than just the basics. I will continue to build upon
my medical knowledge with an emphasis on being a high-character advocate
for my patients because I chose the Latrobe Area Hospital Family Medicine
Residency.
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