Our Providers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) | Renal Care Coordinator

Michael Casey, M.D.

Dr Michael Casey
Michael J. Casey, M.D., is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He performed his Internal Medicine and Nephrology training at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. His special interests are diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis and value-based care.

Jason Eckel, M.D.

Jason EckelJason Eckel, M.D., received an undergraduate degree at Ohio State University. He continued at Ohio State for Medical School followed by training in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at Duke University Medical Center. His special interests include autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and other genetic causes of kidney disease.

William L. Fan, M.D.

Dr. William FanWilliam L. Fan, M.D., completed his clinical nephrology training at Duke University Medical Center and his research fellowship at the Duke Hypertension Center. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine training at UNC Hospitals. His special interests include difficult-to-control hypertension, chronic kidney disease and critical care nephrology.

Raymond Geherty, M.D.

Raymond Geherty, MDRaymond Geherty, MD received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Rutgers University in New Jersey, and his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He completed residency in both internal medicine and pediatrics at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts prior to his subspecialty training in nephrology at Duke University. His interests within medicine include aiding patients undergoing the transition from pediatric to adult subspecialty medical care, critical care nephrology, and point-of-care ultrasound in nephrology.

Anwar Al-Haidary, M.D.

Anwar Al-HaidaryDr. Haidary earned his MD degree from the National University of Ireland and his Master of Science in Medical Sciences from the University of Bristol (UK). He is a member of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom. Dr. Haidary completed his Internal Medicine and Nephrology training in the United Kingdom before joining the faculty at the University of Arizona where he served as an assistant professor. His interests are hypertension, chronic kidney disease and electrolyte disorders.

Akhil Hegde, M.D.

Akhil Hegde, MDDr. Hegde received an undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and is a graduate of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. He completed his Internal Medicine training and Chief Residency at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, followed by Nephrology Fellowship at UNC Hospitals. Dr. Hegde is certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology in hemodialysis vascular access procedures.

Racquel Holmes, M.D.

Holmes RacquelRacquel Holmes, M.D., received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. She also received a Master’s in Medical Sciences from Boston University School of Medicine. She attended the University of Massachusetts Medical School and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree. She then completed Internal Medicine Residency at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland and Nephrology Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center.

Jeffrey Hoggard, M.D., FACP, FASN, FASDIN

Jeff Hoggard MDJeffrey G. Hoggard, M.D., FACP, FASN, FASDIN, received an undergraduate degree and Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He did his residency in Internal Medicine and his fellowship in Nephrology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and he is Board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. In addition, Dr. Hoggard is certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology in hemodialysis vascular access procedures.

So Yoon Jang, M.D.

so-yoon-jangSo Yoon Jang, M.D., received an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and her Doctor of Medicine degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She did her Internal Medicine residency at UNC Chapel Hill and completed Nephrology fellowship at UNC Chapel Hill. She also completed AST/ASN accredited Nephrology Transplant fellowship at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Pankaj Jawa, M.D.

Pankaj JawaDr. Pankaj Jawa completed his medical training from Christian Medical College, India. He did his Nephrology fellowship and AST/ASN accredited Transplant fellowship at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. He also has an MPH in Health Administration from East Carolina University, NC. His special interests are kidney transplant, electrolytes disorders and value-based care.

Kevin Lee, M.D.

Kevin Lee, M.D., received an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He continued at UNC for medical school followed by training in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at UNC Hospitals.

Sammy A. Moghazi, M.D.

dr-sammy-moghaziSammy A. Moghazi, M.D., completed his clinical Nephrology fellowship at Emory University Medical Center. There, he had a special interest in dialysis access, renal ultrasound, and renal cysts. Prior to fellowship training, he finished his Residency at Emory University Department of Medicine.

Romita Mukerjee, M.D., M.H.S.

Romita MukerjeeRomita Mukerjee, M.D., M.H.S. completed her undergraduate studies at Brown University, followed by her Doctor of Medicine degree at Thomas Jefferson University. She then completed both Internal Medicine residency and Nephrology fellowship training at Duke University Medical Center, along with receiving her Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Research degree from Duke University School of Medicine.

Rushi Nayak, M.D.

Rushi NayakRushi Nayak MD received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Tufts University in Medford, MA. He attended medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his Internal Medicine residency and fellowships in Critical Care medicine and Nephrology at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s/Roosevelt in New York City. Clinical interest includes critical care nephrology and management of acute kidney injury.

Michael l Oliverio, M.D.

Michael OliverioMichael l Oliverio, M.D., received an undergraduate degree from West Virginia University. He continued at West Virginia University for medical school followed by training in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at Duke University Medical Center.

Robert E. Olivo, M.D.

Dr. Robert OlivoRobert E. Olivo, M.D., obtained his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry / Biophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, and subsequently received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Vanderbilt University, followed by Nephrology fellowship training at Duke University.

Sejan Patel, M.D., FACP, FASN, FASDIN

dr-patelSejan B. Patel, M.D., received Nephrology training through Duke University Hospitals and Internal Medicine training through Case Western Reserve University Hospitals. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and University of Michigan. He has been certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology. Areas of specialization include interventional nephrology, where he performs endovascular interventions on dialysis access, and home dialysis therapy.

Eric Raasch, M.D.

Eric RaaschEric Raasch, M.D., received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Tulsa, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He then completed Internal Medicine Residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and Nephrology Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center.

Joseph Ruberwa, M.D.

Joseph Ruberwa, MDJoseph Ruberwa, MD completed his clinical nephrology fellowship at University of North Carolina Hospitals and internal medicine residency training at Rutgers Health/Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey.
He is a graduate of Makerere University Medical school in Uganda.
His clinical interests include critical care nephrology, global health, and interventional nephrology.

Laura Sims, M.D.

Laura Sims, MDLaura Sims, M.D., received her undergraduate degree in Biology and Anthropology from Western Kentucky University. She received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Louisville followed by a Nephrology fellowship at the University of North Carolina. Her special interests include interventional nephrology, glomerular diseases, and critical care.

Samsher B. Sonawane, M.D.

dr-sonawaneSamsher B. Sonawane, M.D., completed his clinical Nephrology and research fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He trained in Internal Medicine at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. He graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and UNC-Chapel Hill. His special interests include kidney stones, critical care Nephrology and the care of kidney transplant recipients.

Adam Stern, M.D.

adam-stern-mdAdam Stern, M.D., received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Hofstra University and his Doctor of Medicine from New York Medical College. He then completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Nephrology Fellowship at UNC Chapel Hill.

Kawan Swain, M.D.

Kawan SwainDr. Swain received his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from North Carolina State University and is a graduate of The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Wake Forest Baptist Health, followed by a Nephrology fellowship at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. He also completed a Master of Healthcare Administration degree at UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Swain is certified by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology in hemodialysis vascular access procedures.

Phillip Z. Timmons, M.D.

dr-timmons1Phillip Z. Timmons, M.D., is a graduate of East Carolina University School of Medicine. He received his Internal Medicine training at Norwalk Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital, and specialized training in Nephrology at Duke University Medical Center.

Kyle E. Zoll, D.O.

Zoll KyleKyle E. Zoll, D.O., completed his undergraduate biology degree at the University of Evansville in Indiana prior to attending medical school at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, MO. He then went on to do his internal medicine training at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, before completing his nephrology fellowship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He is passionate about improving patient education and works with patients to meet their individual needs. He has special interests in peritoneal dialysis, uncontrolled hypertension, and nutrition.

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

Maureen Adams, FNP-C, FNP-BC, CNN-NP

Maureen AdamsMaureen received her graduate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Spring Arbor University in Michigan in 2021; her undergraduate studies from Cebu Doctors’ University, the Philippines, in 1998. She is double board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her background includes Critical Care and Emergency Nursing.

Valerie Austin, PA

Valerie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she majored in biology and minored in chemistry. In 2013 she graduated from South College-Knoxville with her Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant studies. She is a member of Triangle Area Physician Assistants.

Alexis Bailey, PA

Alexis-BaileyAlexis earned her undergraduate degree at High Point University in North Carolina where she majored in biology and minored in chemistry and psychology. She completed her Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in health behavior and health promotion at the University of Arizona. Alexis is a board-certified PA who received a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants as well as the Triangle Area Physician Assistants.

Shannon J. Clark, NP

Clark Shannon Shannon graduated from Xavier University and continued at College of Mount St. Joseph where she completed her Masters in Nursing. She went on to practice nursing in cardiac, medical and surgical intensive care units where she obtained her critical care nursing (CCRN) and cardiac medicine (CMC) certifications. Following this, she completed her post graduate degree at Duke University as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and as an NP has concentrated in cardiology, critical care and nephrology.

Dustin B. Coats, FNP-C

Dustin B. Coats, FNP-CDustin graduated from Fayetteville State University with a BSN. He completed a Masters in Nursing –Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. He has 11 years of experience working in Dialysis, patient care, charge nurse and management. He is Board Certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Lorie Collier, NP-C

Lorie Collier, NP-CLorie graduated from East Carolina University where she majored in Biology and Chemistry. In 2012 she completed the Adult Nurse Practitioner program at East Carolina and she has specialized in nephrology since 2013.

Liza David, MSN-FNP, CNN-NP

Liza received her undergraduate degree in Saint Louis University, Philippines. She is a registered nurse specializing in surgical, trauma, critical care, cardiac, medical and cardio-thoracic critical care. In 2005, she completed her MSN-FNP degree at UNC-Chapel Hill, NC. She started working as a Nurse Practitioner with our Nephrology Team with her focus mainly in the acute inpatient hospital-based setting.

Erica N. Davis, PA

Erica N. Davis, PAErica earned a Master of Health Science from the Drexel University PA Program and a BS in Biology from Mary Washington College. She was a hospitalist prior to transitioning to Nephrology in 2013. She has presented on Acute Kidney Injury at the Renal Physicians Association Advanced Practitioner Conference and the American Association of Physician Associates National Conference. She published an article on Acute Kidney Injury and co-authored the nephrology section in a PA Peer Review book. Erica served as a guest lecturer in nephrology at her alma mater, Drexel University and the George Washington University Physician Assistant Program.

Vanessa P. Deese, PA-C

Vanessa DeeseVanessa received her undergraduate degree in Biology from North Carolina State University. In 2013, she then graduated with her Masters in Physician Assistant studies from East Carolina University. She has several years of hospitalist and inpatient medicine experience.

Kelly Swain Esposito, PA

Kelly Swain Esposito, PA Kelly graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelors and Masters in Exercise Physiology. In 2013, she then completed her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from ECU. Kelly has numerous years of experience in Cardiology and Hospitalist Medicine.

Zachary Flaccavento, PA-C

Zachary FlaccaventoZachary received his undergraduate degree in biology at Campbell University, and went on to complete the Master of Physician Assistant Practice program at Campbell. He is now a board-certified Physician Assistant.

Rose Harnois, AGNP-C

Rose HarnoisRose graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1996 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She has specialized in Surgical-Trauma, Critical Care, Cardiac care, and Nursing Education prior to completing her Master’s degree in Nursing at East Carolina University in 2015. She is certified with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and has several years of experience working as an NP in acute inpatient Cardiology prior to joining our Nephrology team.

Anne Harris, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Anne Harris, NPAnne graduated from Watts School of Nursing in 2017 and continued her studies at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Here, she received both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner and is now board certified with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Prior to joining NCN, she has over 14 years of experience working in various dialysis settings and roles, including incenter and home therapy direct patient care, staff nursing, and charge nursing.

Fran Hobbs, NP

Fran HobbsFran received her graduate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Walden University in Minneapolis. She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has been practicing as a practitioner since 2018. Prior to joining nephrology in 2019, she worked in Hospitalist Medicine.

Carolyn Hull, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Carrie HullCarolyn received both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Nursing from Northern Arizona University. She then earned her Master of Science in Nursing and Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a rural health emphasis from the University of Arizona. She also is a certified heart failure nurse (CHFN) and received post-graduate certification from Duke University in population care coordination. Her background experience includes nephrology, cardiology, transitions of care, and chronic disease management. She is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Elisabeth Isenhour, ACNP-C

Elisabeth IsenhourBeth graduated from Meredith College with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. After a brief career in research, she continued her studies at UNC-G receiving her BSN. Beth went on to practice nursing in medical, cardiac, and cardiothoracic ICUs where she obtained critical care nursing certification (CCRN). Following this, she completed her graduate degree at New York University as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. As an NP, Beth has numerous years of experience in Invasive Cardiology.

Brandy McBryde, PA-C

Brandy McBrydeBrandy McBryde, PA-C, received a BS in zoology and minor in Spanish from North Carolina State University. She later earned her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies East Carolina University and was the recipient of “The Outstanding Graduate Award.” She has experience in primary care and emergency medicine.

Phyllis Merritt-James, RN, MSN, CCM, FNP-C

Phyllis received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNC Chapel Hill in 1987, her Master of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University in 1995 and her Post Master’s Certification Family Nurse Practitioner from UNC Chapel Hill in Dec 2003. Her background experience includes neurosurgery, critical care, pediatric home care, chronic disease management and case management. She received her Nurse Practitioner board certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2004. She is a certified case manager (CCM), BLS and ACLS provider and instructor ,as well as a speaker for Eastern AHEC in chronic disease management and has over 13 years experience as an advanced practitioner in nephrology and internal medicine.

Elizabeth O’Leary, PA

Beth graduated from Duke University with an A.B. degree and from Duke University School of Medicine with a Master of Health Sciences. She has been a Physician Assistant in nephrology since 1998.

Jessica O’Neill, PA

Jessica received an undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Rochester. She completed her Physician Assistant studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

April Pierpoint, MSN FNP-BC

April Pierpoint, NPApril completed her undergraduate degree in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University where she worked as a paramedic for 8 years. She went back in 2012, to receive a degree in Nursing. She spent several years working as a nurse in an outpatient dialysis unit and later transitioned to inpatient acute dialysis at UNC where she provided dialysis care for patients from birth to end of life. In 2022, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Master’s in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner and is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is dedicated and passionate about improving patient awareness and providing specialized individual care to the kidney disease population.

Britney Russell, CRNP

Brittney RussellBritney graduated from East Carolina University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She has specialized in Adult and Pediatric Critical Care prior to completing her Master’s degree in Nursing at University of Maryland Baltimore in 2013. She is certified with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and has practiced in acute inpatient Cardiology prior to joining our Nephrology team.

Jacqueline Sebastian, ANP-C

Jackie SebastianJackie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Master of Science in Nursing from Duke University. Prior to joining North Carolina Nephrology, Jackie specialized in cardiology as a Nurse Practitioner with North Carolina Heart & Vascular and the Medical University of South Carolina. Jackie is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as an Adult Nurse Practitioner.

Ashley Seekins, PA-C

Ashley SeekinsAshley graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelors in Biological Sciences. She continued her education at ECU graduate school where she earned a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. As a board certified Physician assistant she has practiced in both Primary Care and Emergency Medicine prior to joining our Nephrology team.

Yolanda C. Smith, AGNP

Yolanda SmithYolanda received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1996. She worked as a Registered Nurse at WakeMed for over 16 years in various departments such as Trauma and Surgery rehabilitation, and Emergency Services. She graduated from Pfieffer University in 2007 with a Masters in Healthcare Administration and went on to manage the staff of the Clinical Evaluation Area at WakeMed for 5 years. She then graduated from Duke University with a Master of Nursing in May 2015. She received her Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Allyson Stanton, FNP

Allyson graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 2000. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Duke University in 2005. She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner since 2006. Her background as a registered nurse includes working as a staff/charge nurse in a variety of clinical settings including Cardiac Intensive Care for 4 years before becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

Renal Care Coordinators

Karla Hallihan, RN, BSN – Interwell Health Partners

Karla graduated from Cox Nursing school in Missouri and completed her BSN at Southern Connecticut State University. She has 18 years of experience working in various areas of dialysis, ranging from, in-center, acute care and management. Over the past several years, her focus and enjoyment has been on providing education and support for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Mary Noble, RN, CCM – Interwell Health Partners

Mary NobleMary graduated from Corning Community College in Corning, NY. She practiced nursing in medical-surgical, physical rehabilitation, and home health. She began working in the nephrology field in 2010 as a dialysis nurse. She received her certification in case management and began working with patients with chronic kidney disease and as a care navigation nurse working with high risk dialysis patients. Mary has a passion for educating and supporting our patients with kidney disease.

Jennifer Shelton, RN – Interwell Health Partners

Jennifer SheltonJennifer graduated from Owens Community College in Perrysburg, Ohio in 1992. She worked as a Rehab Nurse and in long term care nursing management for the first 10 years of her career, including a position as Director of Nursing in a skilled nursing facility for five years. She began working in dialysis in 2003 and it has been her passion ever since! She worked as an outpatient charge nurse for nine years and fell in love with dialysis. For the last 11 years she has been a clinical manager of several outpatient dialysis centers. Her most current and proudest achievement has been opening Morrisville Dialysis Center three and a half years ago. Morrisville has been in Fresenius’s top 90-100% quality scores since opening.