Meet our Tutors
Dr. Nigil Thaimuriyil is a graduate of Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is now a resident at Baylor Scott & White/Texas A&M School of Medicine in Temple, TX. He scored very well on his board exams (USMLE 240+, COMLEX 675+) and has helped many students by sharing his strategies, test-taking tips, and time management methods. He has an extensive tutoring history and knows how to make the most of every session by focusing on individual students' strengths and weaknesses and focusing on high-yield board topics. As a recent graduate, he is familiar with the abundance of resources out there and will work with you to maximize your score using a variety of study material.
Nigil Thaimuriyil
CUSOM Class of 2020Gregory Chen is a third year medical student at Campbell University and a graduate of Cornell University. Since 2016 Greg has been a professional tutor for private tutoring companies and has a lot of experience with customizing a learning plan for each student. Greg has passed both COMLEX and USMLE and his goal is to find which resources and learning style work best to help teach difficult concepts. With the transition to a pass/fail board exams Greg can make sure you can pass on your first attempt and have a good background for step 2/level 2.
Gregory Chen
third year medical student at Campbell UniversityMelissa has been passionate about teaching since her first job in high school, where she tutored rowdy middle schoolers on the importance of homework completion. Since then, Melissa has tutored countless hours in high school and college coursework as well as SAT/ACT preparation. She was additionally employed as an undergraduate teaching assistant within the biology department at the University of Maryland. Prior to attending medical school, Melissa worked at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in malaria vaccine development. Outside of medicine, Melissa enjoys the gym and smoothie bowls. As your tutor, Melissa hopes to help you organize your plan of attack, focus on utilizing the proper resources which are most suited to you and will best help improve your retention, and highlight important test taking strategies. Melissa hopes to provide honest, helpful feedback while giving you the tools you need to see true improvement in your testing performance. Scores: COMLEX level 1- 732 / USMLE step 1 – 251 COMLEX level 2 – 817 / USMLE step 2 - 256
Melissa Whitman
Residency: University of South Carolina/Prisma - Midlands, categorical internal medicineMatthew Todd completed his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering with honors from the University of Rochester in 2016. He then spent two years working at the United States Patent and Trademark Office assessing new and emerging technologies in which he received his name on over half a dozen patents. Dr. Todd earned his D.O. from Des Moines University, where he was inducted into the Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society, named the Graduate with Distinction, and matched into Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Franciscan Health in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Todd scored in the 99% on his COMLEX Level 1 (747) and Level 2 (803), achieving similar successes on his USMLE Step 1 (250) and Step 2 (269) examinations. Dr. Todd's diverse background as a previous collegiate baseball player, biomedical engineer, and peer tutor throughout undergrad and medical school provide him a holistic approach to mentorship. In addition to his research and work as an Orthopaedic Surgery resident, Matthew enjoys staying active playing golf among other intramural sports.
Matthew Todd
D.O.My name is Aaron Markwith and I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from VCOM – Carolinas Campus in 2020. I am starting my internal medicine residency at Virginia Tech – Carilion Clinic this summer and I could not be more excited! Before medical school, I spent 14 years working in EMS in a variety of roles including helicopter transports, critical care transports, and supervisory roles, as well as serving as adjunct faculty for the paramedic program at a state college in Orlando. I have always loved medicine, especially EKGs, and while the decision for me to return to school after so many years away from it was not an easy one, it was definitely the only choice that could lead to the personal and professional fulfillment that I needed. While in medical school, I served my class by teaching EKGs, working as a tutor in neuroanatomy as well as cardiopulmonary clinical medicine, and creating a series of PowerPoints to help with the practical portion of our anatomy laboratory. My wife and two sons (14 and 9) have supported me throughout this journey, and they have provided me with the motivation to put everything I had into succeeding in medical school. I graduated with a 3.971 GPA, scored a 667 on COMLEX level 1 and an 854 on COMLEX level 2. My further professional goals are to pursue a fellowship in cardiology or pulmonary/critical care medicine; but regardless of where my formal education finally ends, I will always be involved with teaching!
Aaron Markwith
President VCOM-CC ACOEP Student Chapter | Member of VCOM-CC Honor Code Council | Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas CampusI have been a swimming and water polo coach in the past, a teacher for a religious institute for 2 years, countless hours in study groups, mentored several students during their undergraduate as premed, and during medical school was a mentor for a troubled high school student. I worked as a scribe in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and endocrinology and I plan to pursue residency in PM&R. School strengths include: systems-based practice, embryology, endocrinology, genitourinary, hematology, MSK/anatomy, behavioral science, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology and pharmacology. My goal for you, is to ensure that you will be able to interpret a question and be able to understand what is being asked of you in a timely manner. By using your base knowledge and developing the ability to eliminate information that is placed intentionally to misdirect you, develop the ability to quickly assemble a differential, and be able to choose the correct answer, whether you know the answer or not. There is just too much knowledge, you can’t learn it all, but you can learn the ability to narrow your answers and perform well under testing conditions.
Andrew Harding
OMS-IIIHello and welcome! My name is Brigitte Davis and I am so excited to help you on your journey to success through one on one tutoring with RC MedReview! I recently graduated from the VCOM-Auburn and matched at a University hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I achieved highly competitive scores on COMLEX Level 1 and 2, as well as USMLE Steps 1 and 2. I graduated in the top percentage of my class, was a member of Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society, President of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, and was voted Student Doctor of the Year 2019. Prior to medical school, I attained my Master’s degree in Biomedical Science with research and thesis in Diabetes. I attended Undergraduate at Auburn University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science. I have had the opportunity to mentor and tutor students and peers throughout my entire academic career. Studying for comprehensive exams can feel overwhelming and daunting, but I have confidence that with the right testing skill, targeted materials, and individually tailored lesson plans, I can help you reach your goals!
Brigitte Davis
VCOM-Auburn, OMS-III Class of 2020My name is Warren Evans. I am from Orlando Florida; I am married and have two children. Prior to medical school I was a firefighter/paramedic for 9 years, during that time I attended the University of Central Florida where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from the Burnette College of Medicine. In 2014 I became an Adjunct Professor of Emergency Medicine at Valencia College where I currently teach part time. I matriculated into medical school in 2016, where I excelled, serving as the class president all four years and graduating with honors. I followed my passion for surgery, obtaining a position as a general surgery resident physician at Spartanburg Regional Hospital in South Carolina. Outside medicine, I own and produce a podcast on Itunes called “Podcast From The Bottom.” Me and my kids enjoy surfing, I play guitar, and like to work on classic cars. I am excited to have the opportunity to help you exceed your goals regarding your board examinations. I do not believe in the paradigm that there are good test takers and bad test takers. More accurately, I believe people can achieve the board scores they desire by putting in the time and effort needed to succeed. I would like the chance to help guide you in earning the highest possible score on your boards.
Warren Evans
General Surgery Resident, Spartanburg Regional HospitalHi everyone! My name is Taylor Renbarger and I am a current PGY 1 resident in Emergency Medicine! Medical school can be one of the most trying times of your life, and I know just how stressful it is when it comes time to take you board examinations, whether it is Step 1/2 or Level 1/2 (or both). I was lucky enough to have a pretty good study strategy, and to know people that could help me really maximize my potential, allowing me to get a Step 1 score of 250, Step 2 score of 264, Level 1 score of 671 and Level 2 score of 725. My role here is to help you do the same! Let’s talk and see how you study best, and if we should continue on that way or if we need to make some tweeks to really maximize your potential. I truly believe that studying can be learned, but it’s not a one size fit all method. Outside the medical world I also really enjoy traveling and learning about other cultures, and I know how important it is to have those outlets!
Taylor Renbarger
Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine 2020My name is Darshan but you’ll find that most people call me Darsh! I graduated from VCOM Virginia in 2020 and am currently a PM&R resident at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. I have a passion for teaching, mentoring, and everything personal development. I am excited to work with students to help them achieve the best possible score and fulfill their dreams on this journey to becoming a physician.
Darshan Shah
Resident Physician, PGY-1 Penn State Hershey Medical CenterHello! My name is Travis Smith, I am an OMS IV at VCOM-Carolinas Campus. I am originally from Maryland, but have loved adjusting the slower pace of South Carolina. I understand how much hard work goes into board prep, and want to help you focus on what is important. I am happy to help in any area of need, but OMM and anatomy are a few areas I love to help with. I look forward to meeting with you!
Travis Smith
OMS IV at VCOM-Carolinas CampusI am a recent graduate from St. George’s University in Grenada. During my time in medical school I was on the IEA Honors society both years and one of my responsibilities for service hours was private tutoring. I have over 20 hours of private tutoring experience and loved every minute of it! I also tutored a program for students struggling with their first semester in medical school. I reviewed material, prepared lessons and taught 10-12 student for one hour a week for two semesters. I love teaching not only to work with students and help them understand but to keep myself sharp! I am beginning my internship in Internal Medicine at Memorial University Health in Savannah GA this July.
Rebecca Nowacki
Internal Medicine at Memorial University Health in Savannah GAMy name is Mohammad Ahmed and I will be starting my Internal Medicine residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where I will be joining their longitudinal research track to get involved in cardiology research with an end goal of matching into a cardiology fellowship. I was able to secure my number 1 choice residency program largely, in part, due to the success I was able to have on Step 1. I think as an exam it holds a lot of value towards our future as medical students and it provides us an opportunity to level the playing field when applying to residencies. Success in Step 1 involves a marriage between hard work and efficiency, which I learned when Dr. Rizk came to lecture our class on high yield topics for Step 1. I combined my study techniques with his schedule and high yield material to achieve success. I was also able to balance rigorous studying with daily life, which aided my progress. I was able to score 242 on Step 1 and 250 on step 2. With my experience, I can help current students be motivated, teach high yield concepts and create a schedule that balances efficiency with the wellness of the mind and body. I am also fluent in Urdu and Hindi for any students who would want a more bilingual approach to the one on one tutoring sessions. Please feel free to contact me to see how we can make this a successful working relationship for you and your individual needs.
Mohammad Ahmed
Internal Medicine residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical CenterMy name is Mathew Marsee, I am a 4th-year medical student at the Indiana University School of Medicine currently applying to Otolaryngology residencies. I have a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Premedical Sciences, minors in Spanish and Chemistry, and a master’s degree in Human Anatomy & Physiology. I scored very well on the USMLE Step 1 and I will help you to do the same! I love teaching and one-on-one tutoring! I have 5+ years of tutoring and teaching experience including USMLE Step 1, numerous medical school courses, undergraduate chemistry, undergraduate human anatomy, and two years teaching/tutoring English in northern Chile. For any foreign medical graduate, I have experience and enjoy teaching non-native English speakers; and I am fluent in English and Spanish. No matter your story, I specialize in test-taking strategies, approaching & dissecting test questions, study schedules, and all high-yield subjects on the USMLE Step 1. I look forward to working with you! Together we WILL achieve that USMLE Step 1 score you’ve been working so hard for.
Mathew Marsee
4th-year medical student at the Indiana University School of MedicineI completed an undergraduate degree in premed biology and am currently completing rotations as an osteopathic medical student. My interest is in internal medicine. I worked as a teaching assistant for three years during undergrad, and have been tutoring for seven years. Subjects I have tutored include general chemistry (my favorite!), general biology, and anatomy and physiology. I do my best to help each student move past whatever they may be struggling with, whether it is subject content or study skills. Everything is hard before you understand it, but easy after you understand it. My motto in my tutoring sessions is, "Where hard becomes easy!"
Abighail Grothe
Osteopathic medical studentMy name is Scott Hyland and I grew up in Central Virginia for a majority of my life. I attended Liberty University where I obtained a Biology Pre-med degree and played football as a linebacker during my undergraduate education. Following graduation, I worked as a scribe and clinical researcher for an orthopedic practice while applying to medical school. I attended Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia campus and subsequently matched into an orthopedic surgery residency at Ohio Health in Columbus, OH, where I am currently. My wife and I enjoy traveling, hiking and doing outdoor activities with our dog. My hobbies include, sports, cooking, weight lifting, hunting, and spending time with my family. Matching into a competitive surgical specialty took a lot of time and hard work, which many people are willing to do. However, the devil is in the details, and having a game plan to achieve the best score one can on board examinations is vital to success. And that is my goal, to provide you with a successful game plan that you feel confident in executing. I am diligent in identifying your weakness and helping you see the big picture with questions and vignettes. Whether the objective is to grasp basic concepts or master the topic in question, I will do my best to offer you the appropriate tools to reach the level of expertise you desire. I pride myself on creating a relaxing environment during tutoring sessions, where students feel comfortable asking questions and speaking their minds. During this process, I will utilize several resources and materials during tutoring sessions to clarify concepts. We will also review several test taking strategies that will allow you to work through vignettes more efficiently and maximize your score. Step exams can be daunting; however, my aim is to simplify this test so that you feel confident when you walk into the testing center on game day.