Please join us in welcoming these recent additions to the College of Medicine faculty.
Department of Anesthesiology
Jeremy Rainey, D.O.
Jeremy Rainey, D.O., has joined the Department of Anesthesiology as an Associate Professor and intensivist in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Rainey received his medical degree from the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in 2014. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson and continued his training with a critical care medicine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Center for Critical Care Medicine in Ohio. Dr. Rainey served as an Associate Professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center prior to his recruitment to UAMS.
Department of Family Medicine
Jean Amargos, M.D.
Jean Amargos, M.D., has joined the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine as an Assistant Professor at the UAMS West Regional Campus. Dr. Amargos received his medical degree from Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico in 2022. He completed his family medicine residency at UAMS West in Fort Smith this year. As a resident, he chaired the program’s didactics and recruitment committees.
Richard Chastain, M.D.
Richard Chastain, M.D., has joined the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine as an Associate Professor at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus. Dr. Chastain received his medical degree from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (Sint Maarten, Netherlands) in 2012. He completed his family medicine residency at UAMS Northwest in Fayetteville in 2016. Dr. Chastain served most recently as the sole provider in the Transition of Care Clinic at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs, where he also held a faculty appointment with the CHI St. Vincent Internal Medicine Residency Program.
Jake Erwin, M.D.
Jake Erwin, M.D., has joined the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine as an Assistant Professor in the Baptist Health-UAMS Residency Program. Dr. Erwin received his medical degree from UAMS in 2022. He completed his family medicine residency in the Baptist Health-UAMS program in North Little Rock this year.
C’Asia James, M.D.
C’Asia James, M.D., has joined the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine as an Instructor and Fellow at the UAMS Family Medical Center El Dorado. Dr. James received her medical degree from UAMS in 2021. She completed her family medicine residency at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus in Fayetteville this year. Dr. James is serving as the inaugural Family Medicine Obstetrics Surgical Fellow in the UAMS South Regional Campus-El Dorado program.
Sawyer Sparks, D.O.
Sawyer Sparks, D.O., has joined the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine as an Assistant Professor at the UAMS Northeast Campus. Dr. Sparks received his medical degree from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith in 2022. He completed his family medicine residency at UAMS Northeast in Jonesboro, serving as Chief Resident during his final year. During his residency, Dr. Sparks earned the Best Resident Award from the Arkansas Medical Society and the Outstanding Resident/Fellow Award from the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine.
Department of Geriatrics
Alexis House, D.O.
Alexis House, D.O., has joined the Department of Geriatrics as an Assistant Professor. Dr. House received her medical degree from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith in 2021. She completed her residency in family medicine at the UAMS Southwest Regional Campus in Texarkana and continued her training with a fellowship in geriatrics at UAMS.
During her residency training, Dr. House received the 2024 Best Resident Award from the Arkansas Medical Society. Dr. House will see patients in the Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic in the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging.
Department of Internal Medicine
Shoon Lei Oo, M.D.
Shoon Lei Oo, M.D., has joined the Department of Internal Medicine as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology. Dr. Oo received her medical degree from the University of Medicine 2 in Yangon, Myanmar in 2018. She completed her internal medicine residency at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year.
Dr. Oo’s clinical interests include evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care and medical education. She brings to her role a strong foundation in internal medicine, clinical research and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Adrianne Franche Basa, M.D.
Adrianne Franche Basa, M.D., has joined the Department of Internal Medicine as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology. Dr. Basa received her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in the Philippines in 2016. She completed her internal medicine residency at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York City. Dr. Basa continued her training with fellowships in nephrology and transplant nephrology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine.
Dr. Basa’s clinical interests include kidney transplantation, chronic kidney disease and dialysis, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary care and medical education.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lisa Bazzett-Matabele, M.D.
Lisa Bazzett-Matabele, M.D., has joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as an Associate Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Bazzett-Matabele earned her medical degree and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Wayne State University in Detroit. She continued her training with a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Louisville.
Dr. Bazzett-Matabele served most recently as head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Botswana, where she spearheaded development of the country’s first residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. She also has held faculty positions at the University of Rwanda School of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine and Louisiana State University.
An internationally recognized gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Bazzett-Matabele’s professional service includes membership on the Advisory Board of the World Health Organization’s Expert Group for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer Initiative. She also serves on the Editorial Board of eCancer Medical Science and as a journal reviewer for the European Journal of Gynecologic Oncology, eCancer, and the Journal of Surgical Education.
Dr. Bazzett-Matabele’s clinical interests include improving access to care for underserved populations and advocacy for cancer prevention through education and early detection, with a special focus on cervical cancer.
Taylor Ghahremani, M.D.
Taylor Ghahremani, M.D., has joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Ghahremani earned her medical degree from UAMS in 2018, graduating with honors in research. She continued at UAMS, completing a residency in obstetrics and gynecology. Her honors during this time included receiving the Senior Resident Award from the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine.
Dr. Ghahremani completed a fellowship in maternal fetal medicine at UAMS in 2025. Her clinical interests include prenatal genetic diagnosis, congenital anomalies, fetal growth restriction, and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets) syndrome.
Department of Ophthalmology
Olivia Moharer, M.D., MSB
Olivia Moharer, M.D., MSB, has joined the Department of Ophthalmology as an Assistant Professor and comprehensive ophthalmologist. Dr. Moharer practices in the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, where she specializes in cataract surgery and comprehensive management of eye diseases.
A summa cum laude graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Moharer went on to earn a Master of Science in Business from Texas A&M’s Mays Business School before completing her medical education at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.
Dr. Moharer completed her internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where she received training in medical and surgical eye care.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Alexa Robbins, M.D.
Alexa Robbins, M.D., has joined the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as an Assistant Professor. She will practice at the UAMS-Baptist Health ENT clinic on the Baptist Health campus in Little Rock.
Dr. Robbins received her medical degree from UAMS in 2019. She completed her residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. She continued her training at Emory with a fellowship in endocrine head and neck surgery. During her training, Dr. Robbins received honors for teaching, research and professionalism.
Department of Pathology
Dan Phan, M.D., Ph.D.
Dan Phan, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the Department of Pathology as an Associate Professor in the Surgical Pathology service. A board-certified anatomic and clinical pathologist with 15 years of experience, Dr. Phan will provide expertise in GI and genitourinary pathology.
Dr. Phan earned his doctorate in neurobiology and developmental sciences at UAMS and worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Endocrinology before completing his medical degree at UAMS with Honors in Clinical Research in 2004. He trained as a research associate at Lahey Medical Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts in 2004-2005 and returned to UAMS for his residency in anatomic and clinical pathology. He went on to serve as Chief Resident for Anatomic and Clinical Pathology in 2008-2009, twice earning the Striving for Excellence Award.
Dr. Phan continued his training as a fellow in surgical/gastrointestinal pathology and Chief Administrative Fellow in the Department of Pathology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He has practiced pathology in several states, most recently with Covenant Pathology Services in Gilbert, Arizona, since 2017. He is a member of the American College of American Pathologists and holds several honors including the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award.
Julie Youngs, M.D.
Julie Youngs, M.D., has joined the Department of Pathology as an Assistant Professor in the Dermatopathology service. Dr. Youngs received her medical degree from UAMS in 2017. She completed her residency in pathology and fellowship in dermatopathology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Dr. Youngs served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha before her recruitment to UAMS.
Department of Pediatrics
Bryce Vance, D.O.
Bryce Vance, D.O., has joined the Department of Pediatrics as an Associate Professor in the Section of Adolescent Medicine. He will practice in Northwest Arkansas, bringing his expertise to address the significant health needs of adolescents and young adults.
Dr. Vance earned his medical degree from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado, in 2015. He completed his pediatric residency at Dayton Children’s Hospital in 2018 and continued his training with a fellowship in adolescent medicine at the San Antonio Military Medical Consortium, Fort Sam Houston.
For the past four years, Dr. Vance served at the United States Air Force Academy as the Medical Director and Sexual Assault Medical Manager, providing care for more than 4,000 cadets.
Dr. Vance’s clinical interests include eating disorders, mental health, medical care for assault and abuse, contraception, substance abuse, and the wide range of challenges that can arise during the teen years. He is also committed to advancing medical education and looks forward to working closely with UAMS medical students.
Tim Nissen, D.O.
Tim Nissen, D.O., has joined the Department of Pediatrics as an Instructor in the Section of Pediatric Cardiology. Dr. Nissen received his medical degree from Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa in 2019. He came to UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital for his residency in pediatrics and continued his training with a fellowship in pediatric cardiology.
Dr. Nissen is completing advanced training in cardiovascular imaging, focusing on cardiac CT and MRI. His research interests include novel measures of semilunar valve growth and their application for patients undergoing partial heart transplantation.
Matthew Smith, M.D.
Matthew Smith, M.D., has joined the Department of Pediatrics as an Assistant Professor in the Section of Pediatric Cardiology. He will serve as a pediatric cardiac intensivist. Dr. Smith earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. He stayed at MCG for his pediatric residency and served as a Chief Resident.
Dr. Smith continued his training at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, completing a fellowship in pediatric critical care, followed by a second fellowship in pediatric cardiac critical care. Dr. Smith’s scholarly and academic interests include the study of ICU and ventilation liberation as well as medical education.
Rakesh Lavu, M.D.
Rakesh Lavu, MBBS, has joined the Department of Pediatrics as an Assistant Professor in the Section of Neonatology. Dr. Lavu earned his medical degree at Gandhi Medical College in Secunderabad, India, in 2018. He completed a pediatric residency at the University of South Alabama in Mobile in 2022 and continued his training with a fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Lavu’s clinical and research interests focus on improving outcomes for high-risk newborns, particularly those with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and neonatal brain injury. He is also committed to advancing quality improvement initiatives in the neonatal intensive care unit and integrating evidence-based research into daily practice. His ongoing work explores renal outcomes and neurodevelopment in critically ill neonates, with the goal of improving both survival and long-term quality of life.
Alvaro Proaño, M.D.
Alvaro Proaño, M.D., has joined the Department of Pediatrics as an Assistant Professor in the Section of Neonatology. Dr. Proaño graduated from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. He completed pediatric residency training at Tulane University in 2022 and continued his training with a fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Proaño’s clinical interests focus on point-of-care ultrasound. His research interests include global health and infectious diseases. His work has been presented at local conferences, the Eastern Society for Pediatric Research (ESPR) and the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS). His neonatal cytomegalovirus work was selected as Best Poster at the ESPR 2024 meeting. His research has also been presented in multiple scientific journals, including a first-author manuscript chosen as Editor’s Choice in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal.
Anusha Mopuri, M.D.
Anusha Mopuri, M.D., has joined the Department of Pediatrics as an Assistant Professor in the Section of Pediatric Pulmonology. Dr. Mopuri received her medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in Secunderabad, India, in 2018. She completed her pediatric residency at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit in 2022, and a fellowship in pediatric pulmonology at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland in 2025.
Dr. Mopuri’s primary clinical interest is in aerodigestive disorders, along with the care of children with cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, asthma and technology dependence. Her research has explored airway injury and repair in chronic lung disease, with recent work evaluating mesenchymal stem cell therapy to prevent CPAP-induced airway hyperreactivity. She is dedicated to providing multidisciplinary, evidence-based care to improve quality of life and long-term outcomes for children with complex airway and respiratory conditions.
Department of Radiology
Abhilasha, M.D.
Abhilasha, M.D., has joined the Department of Radiology as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Radiology. Dr. Abhilasha received her medical degree and completed her M.D. in radiology at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi, India. Dr. Abhilasha continued her training at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital with fellowships in neuroradiology in 2023-2024 and pediatric radiology in 2024-2025.
Kristina Jones, M.D.
Kristina Jones, M.D., has joined the Department of Radiology as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Diagnostic Radiology. Dr. Jones received her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Shreveport School of Medicine in 2019. She completed her residency in diagnostic radiology at UAMS, serving as Senior Chief Resident in her final year. Dr. Jones continued her training with a fellowship in abdominal imaging at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2024-2025.
Jeffrey Lynch, M.D.
Jeffrey Lynch M.D. has joined the Department of Radiology as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Interventional Radiology. Dr. Lynch received his medical degree from UAMS with Honors in Research in 2019. He completed his integrated interventional and diagnostic radiology residency at UAMS this year. Dr. Lynch has served as first author or coauthor on several peer-reviewed publications and has delivered oral and poster presentations on radiology research topics at local, regional and national events.
Arbind Kumar Raut, M.D.
Arbind Kumar Raut, M.D., has joined the Department of Radiology as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Diagnostic Radiology. Dr. Raut received his medical degree from Manipal College of Medical Sciences in Pokhara, Nepal. He completed his M.D. in radiodiagnosis and interventional radiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and continued his training there with a fellowship in GI radiology.
Dr. Raut worked as a body imaging radiologist at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi for five years. He went on to complete an additional fellowship in body imaging and intervention at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio this past year.