STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – Trinity Health System proudly celebrated the graduation of its third class of Internal Medicine residents on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
The ceremony, held at the Steubenville Country Club, marked a significant milestone for both the 10 graduating residents and the medical education program, which began in June 2020.
The evening was a joyous occasion, attended by the graduates’ families and friends, as well as numerous faculty members and staff who have supported the residents throughout their three-year journey. Chef James Miller and his team at the Steubenville Country Club provided an excellent meal and a welcoming atmosphere for the celebration.
Rick Greco, DO, FACP, MACOI, Internal Medicine Program Director, Trinity Health System, served as the Master of Ceremonies and delivered the keynote address. Matt Colflesh, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Trinity Health System, welcomed the graduates and their families, emphasizing the program’s vital role in serving the Steubenville community and helping the medical community fulfill its mission. Dr. Colflesh reiterated the hospital’s relentless commitment to the community, highlighting the Internal Medicine Residency Program as a cornerstone of that dedication.
The graduates expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their families and the faculty for their unwavering support and guidance.
The ceremony also included the presentation of several awards recognizing outstanding achievements in various areas:
- Resident Teacher of the Year: Golnaz Holm, MD
- Ambulatory Medicine Resident of the Year: Vincent Doan, DO, and Sara Turner, MD (shared award)
- Researcher of the Year: Yifang Song, MD (presented by Joseph Pathakamuri, PhD, Department of Biology, Franciscan University)
- Intern of the Year: Hassan Elmaleh, MD (PGY1), awarded by the senior residents
- Franciscan Award: Jason Miller, DO, recognized for exemplary embodiment of CommonSpirit values and mission
In addition to these awards, Jason Miller, DO; Yogi Patel, DO; and Vincent Doan, DO, were recognized for their outstanding service as Chief Residents this year. Their leadership and guidance were invaluable to residents at all levels of the program.
Special recognition was also given to faculty members for their exceptional contributions to the residents’ education:
- Sami Amjad, MD, was awarded Specialty Faculty Teacher of the Year, recognizing not only his teaching and dedication but also his transformative impact on critical care service at Trinity Health System. Dr. Amjad spoke about encouraging residents to be lifelong learners.
- Dr. Matt Carney was awarded Hospitalist Teacher of the Year. Residents credited Dr. Carney, a 2023 graduate of the program, for his dedication to teaching, his willingness to be “in the trenches” with them, and his guidance every step of the way. Dr. Carney spoke of the value of investing time in teaching and the long-term rewards of educating others to practice high-quality medicine and serve our community.
“The Internal Medicine program, along with the Emergency Medicine program, demonstrates Trinity Health System’s commitment to upholding high standards of medical care, serving the community, and creating a pipeline of high-quality physicians,” Dr. Greco said. “This commitment fulfills the dream of the Sisters of Sylvania, who founded Trinity Hospital over 100 years ago.”
The growing relationship between Trinity Health System and Franciscan University was also highlighted, as they join forces to promote faculty and resident development and research skills.
