PGY-1

Festus Adejumo, MD

Pronunciación: ah-deh-JOO-moh

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Hometown: Ikire, Osun State, Nigeria

Medical School: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Favorite Activities: My hobbies include playing soccer, pickleball, and volleyball, as well as going for walks and spending time with friends and family.

What drew me to this program: What attracted me to the ECU Med-Peds program is its unique combination of comprehensive academic training within a university setting and its strong commitment to community-centered care. As someone passionate about translational research, I am eager to contribute to and develop within ECU’s vibrant research environment. I am also inspired by its welcoming, family-like atmosphere and the diverse resident community, which reflects the varied patient population of Eastern North Carolina. Additionally, training at ECU would provide invaluable exposure to a broad spectrum of pathologies within a tertiary care setting. This experience will enhance my clinical skills and boost the confidence required to handle nearly any disease I might face in future practice—an opportunity that is both empowering and highly motivating.

John Biondi, DO

Pronunciation: bee-ON-dee

Pronouns: He/him/his

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Favorite Activities: I enjoy traveling, sailing, swimming, snowboarding, going to NC State and Canes games, cooking, baking, going to breweries, and spending time with my fiancée, 2 kitties, friends, and family!

What drew me to this program: Ultimately, ECU felt like home to me! I feel incredibly fortunate to train in a region close to where I grew up, which has so much to do nearby. From a program perspective, ECU Med-Peds stands out for its strong commitment to primary care, diversity, and LGBTQ+ health. Beyond offering everything I could hope for in a training program, the Med-Peds community has been amazingly supportive—and my co-residents are truly the best.

Purva Dave, DO

Pronunciación: PUHR-vuh DAH-vay

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA

Med School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philly Campus

Favorite Activities: Traveling, trying new (vegetarian) foods, baking, bingeing Bollywood movies and anything involving hanging out with my friend’s family and dog!

What drew me to the program: Of course the people that felt like family but more specifically the vibrant, supportive and strong Med-Peds presence! I also love that we have our own Med-Peds clinic and the commitment to give back to the community while having fun and learning along the way.

Christina Duechle, DO

Pronunciation: Deekley (rhymes with weekly)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Carolinas Campus

Favorite Activities: Reading, sleeping, trash reality TV, and hanging out with my husband and three cats

What drew me to the program: The people! I did an away rotation here my 4th year of med school and I felt at home the second I stepped on campus. The vibes here are immaculate and it really does feel like a family.

Carlos Iviricu, DO

Pronunciation: Iviricu (ee-vee-ree-ku)

Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Favorite Activities: quality time with wife & dog, cooking, gardening, hiking, kettlebell workouts, sourdough baking & foreign languages

What drew me to the program: The quality of the staff & personnel at ECU are unmatched. After completing my audition rotation in July 2024 in the MP clinic, I instantly knew that this program and its people were excellent. After completing several other auditions, I knew that this program was the best one I had visited. The people welcome you with open arms, encourage you to step up to opportunities, and easily have conversations about having improvement, instead of a condescending manner. They understand their expectations of residents very well. The program director and executive board put the residents first. I’m so excited to be here again, knowing that my wife and I will feel taken care of.

Matthew Tugman, MD

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Medical School: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

Favorite Activities: Cooking, video games, jigsaw puzzles, spending time with family and friends

What drew me to the program: The people in the program are excellent. They make it feel like a family. I was also born and raised in North Carolina, and I look forward to continuing my training here.