2024 Internal Medicine Residents - Memorial Graduate Medical Education Program

Salman Bari, MD

I am from the city of Hyderabad in the heart of India’s Deccan plateau. I studied and graduated from this city laced with history and endowed with a splendid heritage and culture.

After almost a decade of practicing General and Emergency medicine, first in subordinate and then in leadership roles, at Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, I now arrive at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport on the charming Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Memorial provides a diverse and intricate atmosphere of learning. There is emphasis on a strong attachment to the community. Also, this being a nascent residency program it allows me opportunity to grow apace.

I hope to practice Internal Medicine with empathy and compassion in this environment that fosters wellness, competence and camaraderie.

I love to travel and discover new sights and sounds. I read and write Urdu poetry, and I am a devoted soccer player. Above all, I am a Hyderabadi, so nothing can rival my ardent fancy for biryani, the incomparable delight from the city of culinary delights!

Logan Tyler Boutwell, MD

I was born and raised in Petal, MS, but much of my childhood was spent along the Gulf Coast, where I developed a passion for inshore fishing, particularly for Speckled Trout and Red Fish. After graduating from Petal High School, I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Mississippi, graduating in 2020. I went on to earn my Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

I chose Internal Medicine because of the diverse range of specialties, offering the opportunity to engage with multiple aspects of patient care. I often liken the role of an internist to that of a quarterback, coordinating and leading the “team” of specialists to provide the best care.

When it came time to choose a residency program, I chose Memorial Hospital because I wanted more than just a place to complete my residency; I was searching for a true sense of home. From the moment I interviewed, the warmth and friendliness of the faculty and staff were evident, and I knew then that this place was exceptional. I’m confident that I made the right choice.

Bradley Lasseigne, DO

I’m from Thibodaux, Louisiana where I attended E.D. White high school and graduated from Nichols State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Shortly after, I moved to Monroe, Louisiana where I attended the inaugural class of my medical school, VCOM.

I chose Memorial for residency because of the excellent clinical faculty, inviting environment, and strong leadership. Memorial ensures each resident has the resources and experience to become a great physician. The sense of community and comradery here is unmatched by any other program.

When I’m not working, I enjoy collecting and restoring antique cars, playing a round of golf, and spending time at the beach with my family.

Josh Luke, MD

I was born here at Gulfport Memorial Hospital and had the privilege of growing up on the back bay of Biloxi. Fishing, boating, and enjoying the delicious seafood here are all part of my proud Biloxi heritage. I attended undergraduate at USM and graduated medical school from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

From the time I was 5 years old I knew I wanted to become a doctor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and could not be more thrilled that my dream has come into fruition through residency at Memorial.

I believe growing up in Mississippi has made me keenly aware of the unique needs of our diverse patient population. I look forward to serving the same community that has supported me every step of the way throughout this journey.

In addition to practicing medicine, I enjoy hunting, fitness, and hanging out with friends and family.

Nikhil Mardhekar, DO

I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where my parents instilled in me a love for medicine from an early age. Their passion for medicine and respect for the sciences sparked my own fascination with the human body’s complexity. This inspiration led me to Lincoln Memorial University, where I earned my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). My interest in physiology and medicine soon grew into a deeper focus on hematology/oncology, a field where I’m driven to understand cancer and its impact.

Now based in Gulfport, I’m dedicated to serving this community by helping patients live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Our aim is to focus not just on treatment but on improving quality of life for each individual.

In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, drawing, and exploring the outdoors on my bike.

Jacob Rovira, DO

Born and raised in New Orleans, I attended LSU for college graduating in 2019-Geaux Tigers- and attended William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in May of 2024. I moved to Pass Christian shortly after graduation and am settling in quite nicely.

I have had a passion for science and wanted to become a doctor since I was 12 years old. Growing up, I spent much of my free time growing up running through the marshes of southeast Louisiana and the woods of South Mississippi. Outside of healthcare, I enjoy hunting, I am an avid fisherman and gardener, and I love a good DIY project.

I’m very excited to call the Mississippi Gulf coast home now and I’m very proud to be able to serve this community in my capacity as a resident physician and care for patients that remind me so much of my family and friends.

Bhaskar Sunkara, MD

Questions that don’t have answers always irked me but made me pursue the unachievable. What better field in this world to select other than medicine to find such questions? If Explanation needs an explanation, I will do that, and I think this reflects my personality. My extremely outgoing personality, combined with my passion for uncovering answers in medicine and the unwavering support from my parents, has led me to this dream I am living right now. I hope to achieve my goal of being a Passionate Professional Physician through this residency.

Health care in Mississippi, especially the coast, gives an excellent opportunity to hone my skills and educate people on the importance of health care while keeping my curiosity side alive. Memorial Hospital is the final glue that joined all the puzzle pieces of my life into one single Grand Ambitious Endeavor.

After all these time-consuming personal goals, if I still have some fuel left, I like to watch and (if stretched) play some sports- badminton, Soccer, Table Tennis, etc. I also like Technological advancements and watch a lot of Tech reviews. High-octane console gaming has always helped me relieve my stress if exercise was not an option.

William Walker, DO

I am originally from Memphis, Tennessee but have lived in Mississippi since 2008. I went to undergrad at Mississippi State University where I studied kinesiology and played club ice hockey for four years, and then Mississippi College to get my Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences. After graduate school I did 3 years of research at St. Dominic’s in Jackson on vein flow and stenting. This helped me decide to go to Medical school because I enjoyed the patient care and interaction more than I expected. I applied to William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine and did my 3rd and 4th year rotations here on the coast.

I quickly fell in love with the coast and the Memorial system and knew I would want to do my residency here, and ideally practice here in the future. While I am still undecided on any fellowships, I do have interests in Gastroenterology, Cardiology, and Pulmonary/Critical care medicine.

In my time away from medicine and the hospital I enjoy playing ice hockey and golf, watching the Saints, Nashville Predators, Memphis Grizzlies, and State games, playing video games, and hanging out with my wife and two mini golden-doodles Finn and Sophie. I also love to travel and find the best bites of food wherever I go!

Saeeda Yasmin, MD

I’m Saeeda Yasmin, excited to begin my journey as a resident at Memorial Hospital. Originally from the stunning mountainous region of Hunza in northern Pakistan, famous for its peaks, I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by mountains. Transitioning to the beach area here has been a refreshing change, and I’m loving every wave of it!

During my meet-and-greet at Memorial Hospital, I was genuinely impressed by the friendly staff and positive vibes. Choosing this place was a no-brainer for me. When I met the faculty, staff, and program director, I found them all to be very friendly and highly involved, which solidified my decision to pursue my residency here. Knowing that residency can be challenging, I am confident that these supportive individuals will make the journey easier and help me grow.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to specialize in hospitalist medicine and tackle the challenges and rewards it brings. I’m excited for the future and ready to grow both personally and professionally during my time at Memorial Hospital.

In my free time, I like to go for long walks and hikes, and I love watching TV shows. “Friends” is my favorite—it’s my go-to for every mood, whether I’m happy, sad, or excited. I also like to spend as much time as possible with my friends and family.
Fun fact: I speak a language that’s nearly extinct, with only a few speakers left. Keeping it alive is my unique contribution to linguistic diversity!