Baptist Health Medical Group Welcomes New Physicians
LOUISVILLE — Baptist Health Medical Group has expanded its primary care offerings in Louisville with the addition of Camryn Gowan, MD. Gowan provides comprehensive primary care services for patients and families, including wellness visits, disease prevention, health maintenance, and treatment for urgent conditions.
Gowan earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at Orlando Health. She holds certifications in basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support from the American Heart Association.
In addition to her clinical training, Gowan is an active member of the American College of Physicians and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
Gowan is practicing at Baptist Health Medical Group Primary Care, located at 10216 Taylorsville Road, Suite 400, in Louisville.
LOUISVILLE — Nison Abayev, MD, has joined Baptist Health Medical Group in its family practice network. Abayev is board certified by the American Board of Family Practice. He completed his professional training and a residency in family and community medicine at Andizhan State Medical University in Andizhan, USSR.
Abayev provides comprehensive, lifelong healthcare services tailored to patients and families throughout the community. His scope of practice encompasses routine well visits, preventative care, health maintenance, and treatment for urgent medical conditions.
Abayev is at Baptist Health Medical Group Primary Care, located at 2312 Hikes Lane in Louisville.
LOUISVILLE — Baptist Health Medical Group has expanded its cardiovascular care network in Louisville with the addition of Carlos Lynes, MD, to the Baptist Health Cardiology team.
Lynes specializes in interventional cardiology. He earned his medical degree from the UofL School of Medicine before completing an internal medicine residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He further advanced his training with fellowships in both clinical cardiology and interventional cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Lynes holds board certification in cardiovascular disease from the American Board of Internal Medicine and is affiliated with the National Board of Echocardiography. In addition to receiving the Dean’s Award for Leadership, he holds a Lean Six Sigma Healthcare Green Belt certification from Emory University.
In his new role, Lynes provides experienced, patient-centered care encompassing comprehensive treatment for cardiovascular disorders, preventative care and management of coronary artery disease, as well as cardiac and peripheral interventions.
LOUISVILLE — Christopher Hanson, MD, has joined Baptist Health Medical Group’s primary care team. Hanson specializes in family medicine and is practicing at Baptist Health Medical Group Primary Care, located at 2312 Hikes Lane in Louisville.
Hanson earned his medical degree from the UofL School of Medicine. He holds certifications in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support from the American Heart Association.
In his new role, Hanson provides comprehensive primary care services for patients and families, including wellness visits, disease prevention, health maintenance, and treatment for urgent medical conditions.
CommonSpirit Health Medical Group Welcomes New Physicians
LEXINGTON — CommonSpirit Health in Kentucky announced that Hesham Afify, MD, has joined CommonSpirit Medical Group – Cardiology in Lexington. Afify values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, listen to each patient’s story and guide them through complex heart conditions.
“My care philosophy is centered on listening carefully, paying close attention to detail and treating each patient as an individual,” he says. “I strive to provide evidence-based, compassionate care for complex heart conditions, using advanced procedures when appropriate and shared decision-making at every step. I believe the best outcomes come from combining procedural expertise with prevention, risk factor management and clear communication.”
Afify earned his bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from Menoufia University in Egypt. His postgraduate training includes an internal medicine residency at the University of Central Florida/HCA GME (Greater Orlando) Program, followed by fellowships in general and interventional cardiology at the University of Louisville. Afify also holds a master’s in molecular cell biology from Wake Forest University, where he conducted research in the Department of Cancer Biology and authored peer-reviewed publications in high-impact scientific journals.
Afify’s goal is to help patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care. “Prevention is one of the most important parts of my practice, and I work closely with patients to improve heart health, make sustainable lifestyle changes, live healthier lives, and achieve their personal health goals,” he says.
LEXINGTON — CommonSpirit Health in Kentucky announced that Sam Mardini, MD, joined CommonSpirit Medical Group – Gastroenterology. Mardini is a board-certified physician, who believes in patient-centered shared decision-making and multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve the most comprehensive clinical and endoscopic outcomes.
“I view my patients and their families as my partners and treat them with respect and empathy as I would treat my own family members,” he says. “I use my unique skills and training to treat challenging conditions that very few in Kentucky can do.”
Mardini earned his diploma of Doctor in Medicine from Damascus University School of Medicine and a Master of Public Health from University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. He also holds two MBAs – one from the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics and another from the Marshall University Lewis College of Business. He was a professor of medicine, the associate chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and the director of advanced and interventional endoscopy at the University of Kentucky. He comes to CommonSpirit from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he was a clinical professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Mardini is inspired by his role in caring for patients. “Being able to cure and improve the lives of patients with complex and challenging conditions such as pre-cancer and cancer of the liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract, acute and chronic pancreatitis and post-surgical complications is extremely rewarding,” he says.
Beyond his rigorous medical practice, Dr. Mardini is deeply committed to community engagement and personal growth. He actively volunteers for activities supporting autistic individuals, demonstrating his compassionate nature and dedication to helping others.
Norton Medical Group Adds New Physicians
Lindsey E. Hastings, MD, is an adult and pediatric infectious diseases specialist with Norton Infectious Diseases Institute. She earned her medical degree from the UK College of Medicine where she also completed an internal medicine/pediatrics residency. She completed adult and pediatric infectious diseases fellowships at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama Hospital.
Hastings provides care for patients of all ages with complex infections, including bone and joint infections, heart and bloodstream infections, sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Her professional interests include infections in pregnancy; improving HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis care for mothers and infants; infectious complications related to substance use disorders; and medical education.
Tyler N. Kimble, MD, is an internal medicine physician with Norton Hospitalists. He earned his medical degree from the UK College of Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine at West Virginia University, Morgantown.
Kimble diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical conditions that require hospital-level care. He collaborates with specialists and helps coordinate procedures, treatments and discharge planning. He is committed to providing equitable, individualized and compassionate care for every patient. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, racquet sports, and golf, and values spending time with his wife, family and pets.
Miranda D. Bencomo, MD, is a pediatrician with Norton Children’s Pediatric Protection Specialists. She earned her medical degree from the UofL School of Medicine and completed her pediatrics residency at the University of Louisville.
Bencomo helps evaluate cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. She works with families, care teams, and community partners to make sure children are safe and supported. She is passionate about improving systems that protect vulnerable children. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and creative projects. She also enjoys being involved in the local community and especially loves attending the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Old Louisville.
Sydnie E. Jamison, MD, is a pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group. She earned her medical degree from the UK College of Medicine – Bowling Green Campus, and completed her residency at the UofL School of Medicine.
Jamison provides comprehensive care for children, including well-child visits and sick visits. She is passionate about helping children and parents feel empowered to make decisions that lead to healthier and happier lives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, camping, reading, boating, and being outdoors.
Sarah M. Duff, MD, is a pediatric ophthalmologist with Norton Children’s Advanced Eye Care. She earned her medical degree from the UofL School of Medicine. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
Duff treats children with a wide range of eye conditions and adults with strabismus. She is committed to treating patients and families with compassion, patience, and respect while helping them understand their diagnosis and care plan. Outside of work, she is passionate about community service.
Isabella M. Masler, MD, is a pediatric emergency medicine physician with Norton Children’s Emergency Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She completed her pediatrics residency and a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Masler provides care for children and adolescents with illnesses and injuries that require emergency treatment. She focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based care that is tailored to each patient’s needs. Outside of work, she enjoys running, baking, reading, playing board games, and spending time outdoors with her family and dog.
Garvit Chhabra, MD, is a gastroenterologist with Norton Gastroenterology Consultants of Louisville. He earned his medical degree from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India. He completed his internal medicine residency and fellowship training in gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at the UofL. He is board certified in internal medicine and board eligible in gastroenterology.
Chhabra provides comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of digestive and liver disorders, including acid reflux, swallowing disorders, peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver conditions. He is committed to helping individuals understand their conditions and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
Outside of medicine, Chhabra enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new restaurants and cuisines with his partner. He also enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with their dog, Norby.
Caitlyn A. McCoy, DO, is a board-certified developmental and behavioral pediatrician with Norton Children’s Behavioral & Mental Health. She earned her medical degree from the University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at UK in Lexington.
Caitlyn provides care for children with learning disabilities, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. She is committed to helping children grow into the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking with her family, and spending time outdoors.
Rebekah J. Israel, MD, is a neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. She earned her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine and completed her neurology residency at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton.
Israel evaluates and treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, migraines, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. She is committed to providing compassionate, long-term care for patients living with neurological conditions. Her clinical interests include headache management, including Botox therapy for migraines and peripheral nerve blocks for headache treatment. Outside of work, she enjoys mountain biking and playing guitar.
Zachary C. Martin, MD, is a pediatric anesthesiologist with Norton Children’s Anesthesiology. He earned his medical degree from the UofL School of Medicine. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the UK College of Medicine, Lexington, and a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Ohio.
Martin provides anesthesia care for infants, children, and adolescents undergoing surgical and diagnostic procedures. He is committed to helping children and families feel safe, informed, and supported throughout the surgical experience. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, long-distance hiking and cycling, playing basketball, and creating drone videos.
Joshua D. Stewart, MD, is an emergency medicine physician with the Norton Healthcare Emergency Medicine Department. He earned his medical degree from the UofL School of Medicine and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Orlando Health, Florida.
Stewart is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality emergency care, working closely with patients and their families during critical moments. He is committed to delivering timely, evidence-based treatment to support patients when they need care the most.
UofL Health Welcomes New Hematology Oncologist
LOUISVILLE — UofL Health announced the addition of Ayesha Shameem, MD, to its oncology medical group. Shameem is a hematology oncologist who specializes in malignant hematology, bone marrow transplantation, and cellular therapies.
She received her medical degree from Fatima Jinnah Medical University in Pakistan. She completed her internal medicine residency and internship at Charleston Area Medical Center at West Virginia University and her fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Louisville. Shameem is certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Hematology.
Shameem is experienced in caring for patients with acute myeloid leukemias and lymphomas. Her clinical interests are in cellular therapy and plasma cell disorders, including stem cell transplantation. Shameem is committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care with a focus on emerging immunotherapies, such as CAR T-cell therapy at the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center – Blood Cancers, Cellular Therapeutics, and Transplant Program.