Meet Our Residents 2026-2027
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Dr. Gregory Cohan, MD Training information: Brown University Why I choose preventive medicine at UMass: I chose to pursue a Preventive Medicine residency because the field aligns closely with my goal of impacting care at both an individual and structural level. For individuals, I believe we can better deliver care that supports people's health goals if we take a preventive perspective. For health systems, I believe we need to design and implement alternative clinical models to incentivize care that aligns providers and payers with the outcomes and values that matter most to patients. UMass stood out to me with its incredibly supportive faculty and administration, its flexible program structure that allows me to explore my unique interests, and its strong ties to public health institutions across government and industry. As someone with deep roots in Massachusetts, I’m excited to contribute to and grow within a community I care deeply about. Clinical interests: Population Health, Lifestyle Medicine & Nutrition, Clinical Informatics, Value-based care |
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Dr. Kristy Cromblin, MD Training information: Amercan University of Integrative Sciences School of Medicine, Barbados During the interview, I was drawn in by the engagement of the interviewers and how they genuinely loved what they do and who they do it with (UMass Chan). Their passion and kindness, especially Dr. Hogan's, were truly unforgettable. I also appreciated how Dr. Coghlin-Strom took the time to get to know me before the interview, such that during the interview itself, she excitedly took interest in even the smallest victories of my journey. The resounding theme among the residents was that they all felt well supported by the program. I also found it to be so remarkable how several of the faculty members, namely our program coordinator Linda, have been a part of the program for quite some time. That spoke volumes to me and I recall thinking, “I love this place!” As a population doctor, or “Pop Doc” as I like to call it, my why is simple: I have witnessed too many people develop preventable diseases because the systems around them were not designed to keep them healthy. This includes something as fundamental as the food we eat. I chose Preventive Medicine because it allows me to move beyond treating illness and work toward changing the conditions that create it. Whether through education, research, policy, legislation, or community engagement, I am committed to helping both individuals and populations achieve better health and an improved quality of life. Much of my work is guided by the words of Angela Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” Clinical Interests: Lifestyle medicine, Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiometabolic health, Cardiac prevention and Women’s health. |
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Dr. Natalie Rivera Rodriguez, MD Training information: Ponce Health Sciences University Why I choose preventive medicine at UMass?: After my interview at the Preventive Medicine Residency at UMass Chan Medical School, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. Dr. Susan Hogan, Dr. Coghlin-Strom, and other faculty members were incredibly welcoming and made me feel genuinely valued. They shared my passion for Lifestyle and Culinary Medicine and expressed strong support for my career goals. I also observed a collegial environment and a strong sense of community between faculty and residents. The two-year curriculum provides a seamless integration of hands-on public health experience and broad clinical training. Its flexibility enables me to tailor rotations to my interests in lifestyle medicine, culinary medicine, nutrition, and teaching. The GME-funded MPH offers both a solid foundation in public health and access to diverse electives, allowing for further customization. The program’s strong connections with state and national public health institutions present unique opportunities for engaging in innovative projects and building future career pathways. A robust alumni network also supports mentorship, collaboration, and job opportunities. Additionally, the assignment of a dedicated faculty mentor at the beginning of the program ensures consistent guidance and professional development. These features make the UMass Chan Preventive Medicine Residency the ideal place for my training. I look forward to developing my interests and making meaningful contributions to the prevention of illness at both individual and population levels in a supportive, enriching environment.
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Dr. Anna Spencer, DO Training information: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine Why I chose preventive medicine at UMass: I chose UMass for Residency because of the opportunity to complete in-person course work at the historic UMass Amherst campus for the fully-funded MPH and because of the excellent opportunities to learn and grow clinically in both rural and urban environments. The lifestyle medicine curriculum also strongly attracted me to this program because of my background and interest in nutrition science as a means to improved health on an individual and population level. During my residency interview and subsequent interactions with the program faculty, staff, and residents, I have been continually impressed by the genuine care and compassion of this residency community. I feel confident that this program provides a solid preparation to practice Public Health and General Preventive Medicine and to sit for the American College of Preventive Medicine board exam in the future. Clinical interests: Disability medicine, lifestyle medicine, occupational and environmental medicine |
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