Southern
Regional
Elections

Meghan K.M. Black, MD, MS

Bio-sketch

Dr. Meghan Black is a dedicated academic physician with expertise in ambulatory graduate medical education, quality improvement, and opioid use disorder treatment. She is currently serving as the Associate Chief of Staff – Medicine Deputy at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, where she also holds a clinical leadership role for the UAB Internal Medicine Residency Program. She is committed to improving medical education and patient care through both clinical innovation and curricular development.

Dr. Black earned her Doctor of Medicine degree cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine in 2013 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering, summa cum laude with honors, from the University of Alabama in 2009. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and postdoctoral training in Healthcare Quality Improvement at the University of North Carolina Hospitals.

Her educational and quality improvement initiatives focus on improving transitions of care, advancing ambulatory education, and addressing opioid use disorder in inpatient settings. As Faculty Lead for the UAB Internal Medicine Residency’s urgent care and continuity clinic curricula, she has developed targeted educational programs that enhance resident skills and ensure better patient outcomes. She also leads ambulatory musculoskeletal ultrasound sessions and precepts residents in women’s health and continuity clinics. Her commitment to improving resident education is demonstrated by her leadership roles in committees such as the Ambulatory Education Committee at UAB. Dr. Black has been recognized for her excellence in teaching, having received the Department of Medicine Top 50 Teaching Excellence Award (2022) and the Kreisberg Award for Faculty Development in Medical Education (2019, 2024).

Dr. Black has held numerous leadership positions in both medical education and clinical care. She has been the Principal Investigator for several federally funded research projects, including those focused on improving the identification and treatment of opioid use disorder. Her work in educational development includes facilitating workshops on point-of-care ultrasound, transitions of care, and discharge summary quality improvement, as well as contributing to national conferences through lectures and workshops.

Dr. Black is also an active member of several professional societies, including the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) and the American College of Physicians, where she participates in roles such as pre-course co-director, abstract reviewer, poster judge, and session moderator. She serves on national committees, such as the SGIM Clinical Practice Committee and Quality Improvement subcommittee, as well as local committees, including the Birmingham VAMC Peer Review Committee and Medical Records Committee.

Personal Statement

Dr. Meghan Black is a dedicated academic physician with expertise in ambulatory graduate medical education, quality improvement, and opioid use disorder treatment. She currently serves as the Associate Chief of Staff – Medicine Deputy at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, Associate Professor of Medicine at UAB Heersink School of Medicine and holds a clinical leadership role with the UAB Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Black earned her MD cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed her Internal Medicine residency and Healthcare Quality Improvement postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. She has led multiple federally funded research projects focused on opioid use disorder and has facilitated workshops on point-of-care ultrasound and transitions of care. Dr. Black has been developing educational programs that improve resident skills in urgent care, continuity clinics, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. She is committed to enhancing transitions of care and advancing ambulatory education, with leadership roles on many committees. Dr. Black has been especially active in the Society of General Internal Medicine since 2016.  At a national level she serves on the SGIM Clinical Practice Committee, Quality and Practice Innovation Award Committee and is an active member of several interest groups.  At the regional level she has been an active member of the regional planning committee since 2023, served as the co-chair for the clinical vignettes and scientific abstract committee in 2024-2025, and helped co-direct the point of care ultrasound pre-course in 2023.

I have long considered SGIM my professional home, a sentiment that dates back to my time in medical school, much of which I attribute to the incredible people and collaborative environment of the Southern Region. From the moment I attended my first meeting, I was inspired by the educational curiosity, innovation, and camaraderie of those in the Southern region. It would be a true honor to serve as president-elect of SGIM's Southern Region. As medicine continues to evolve with new innovations and policies, I am passionate about ensuring that SGIM remains at the forefront of these changes. I would work tirelessly to bring relevant, forward-thinking content to our region that empowers us as proactive clinical educators, while continuing to nurture the inclusive and intellectually curious culture that makes southern SGIM so special.

Sharon Aroda, MD

Personal Statement

Sharon Aroda is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Clinical educator at Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA. She obtained her medical degree from Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee FL and completed her residency with University of South Florida in Tampa FL. She recently joined Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic in 2024 and previously with University of Florida in Gainesville Fl from 2017-2023. Dr Aroda has maintained inpatient and outpatient practice focused in academic institutions since completing residency in 2015 but has more recently transitioned primarily towards outpatient practice. Her areas of clinical interest are in preventive care and specifically women’s health related conditions.  She has maintained clinical focus for learners to improve their education on women’s health in forms of clinical teaching and didactic learning. She previously participated in projects while at University of Florida facilitating to improve cervical cancer screening, genetic cancer screening. She has repeatedly received accolades for Patient First Awards providing excellent patient care and earned an Exemplary Teacher Award in 2019. Dr Aroda has been an active member with Society of General Internal Medicine since 2018. She has continuously served with the SSGIM Leadership and Planning Committee since 2018 and continues to enjoy serving the Southern region.

Akanksha Togra, MBBS

Personal Statement

My name is Akanksha Togra. I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the position of Regional Leadership Secretary-Treasurer for the Society of General Internal Medicine – Southwest region. With my strong educational background, active involvement in professional societies, and robust leadership experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the Society's mission and goals.

I am currently a PGY-2 Internal Medicine resident at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, Texas. My academic journey began in India, where I earned my medical degree, followed by a 3-year residency in Clinical Pharmacology (MD) from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai. My commitment to medical excellence is further continued by my completion of advanced courses in Clinical Drug Development and Drug Discovery and Development from HMX Harvard Medical School, where I achieved outstanding scores.

Throughout my career, I have actively participated in various professional societies, including the Indian Society for Rational Pharmacotherapeutics, the American College of Physicians, and the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. These engagements have provided me with valuable insights into the field and have fueled my passion for active participation in various professional societies and organizations supporting doctors and medical education. Further, I have contributed to several complex research programs, including prospective studies, validation of questionnaires, and surveys showcasing my commitment to advancing medical knowledge.

My leadership skills have been honed through several volunteering roles in various committees and societies. Currently, in my role as a member of the Resident Wellness Committee at Texas Tech University, I have been instrumental in organizing monthly wellness events aimed at enhancing the well-being of residents. Prior to this, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as an active member of the Maharashtra (State) Association of Resident Doctors, where I played a crucial role in expediting the procurement of essential hospital supplies. My contributions were recognized with the "COVID Warrior" Award. Additionally, I played a key role in the organization of Pharmacovigilance Week, an educational program for physicians and healthcare professionals focused on Adverse Drug Reaction assessment and reporting in India. I was also actively involved in organizing students’ Medical conferences and Inter-medical School Cultural Festivals. This experience included budget, finance, and resource management, which would be very useful for the position of Regional Leadership Secretary-Treasurer.

In addition to academics, education, and organizing, I am very passionate about scuba diving. I got my license to scuba dive around the same time as my license to practice medicine. I also enjoy participating in a variety of sports activities, including volleyball, ping pong, and chess. My experience of captaining the University volleyball team, and being a member of the state volleyball team has been very special, strengthening my approach and leadership skills in diverse ways.

The role of Regional Leadership Secretary-Treasurer demands a meticulous and organized approach, qualities that I have demonstrated throughout my career. My ability to manage multiple responsibilities, coupled with my dedication to the field of internal medicine and education, makes me a good candidate for this position. I am eager to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the Southwest Society of General Internal Medicine, contributing to its mission of advancing medical practice and fostering professional development. In turn, this experience will be of immense value in strengthening my professional skills and career development.

Fareeha Khan, MD

Bio-sketch

Dr. Fareeha Khan is a board-certified internal medicine physician and passionate educator with a robust background in academic and community hospital medicine. Since her residency, she has been an active member of the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), presenting research at multiple conferences and actively engaging in the organization’s mission of advancing general internal medicine.

Dr. Khan served as Chief Resident at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center from 2019 to 2020, where she led innovative initiatives to enhance resident education, establish efficient workflows, and improve institutional collaboration during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure at Loyola University Medical Center, she held several leadership roles, including Faculty Advisor for the Residency Program and Faculty Member of the Intern Selection Committee, as well as contributing to quality improvement efforts, patient safety programs, and mentoring medical students and residents.

Currently, Dr. Khan is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she is a core faculty member in the internal medicine residency program. She serves as Vice President of Education and Content Development for the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Houston Chapter, where she actively organizes events and meetings to foster professional engagement and learning.

Dr. Khan is also deeply involved in developing educational curricula. She spearheaded the creation of a Narrative Medicine Curriculum for internal medicine residents, focusing on cultivating self-awareness and emotional intelligence in future internists. This program addresses critical topics such as burnout, compassion, and resilience in modern healthcare.

In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Dr. Khan is an active member of the American Society of Bioethics, contributing to initiatives that integrate ethical principles into clinical practice. Her dedication to mentorship, education, and professional development uniquely positions her to excel as Membership Chair for SGIM’s Southern Region.

Personal Statement

I am honored to apply for the role of Membership Chair within the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) Southern Region. My dedication to advancing general internal medicine through mentorship, collaboration, and outreach has shaped my professional journey, and I am eager to contribute to SGIM’s growth and mission in this leadership role.

Since my time as a resident, SGIM has been a cornerstone of my professional development. I have been an active member of the organization, presenting posters and engaging in conferences that have inspired and enriched my career. My experiences with SGIM have solidified my belief in the value of professional societies as platforms for innovation, networking, and personal growth. These experiences fuel my passion for promoting SGIM membership and creating opportunities for others to benefit from its vibrant community.

In 2020, I served as Chief Resident in my residency program, a role that enabled me to lead several innovative initiatives during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. I spearheaded programs to enhance resident education, foster professional development, and improve institutional engagement during that time, which required much strategic planning, collaboration, and communication. Additionally, I have served in leadership roles with other regional societies, where I played an active role in recruiting new members, educating peers, and promoting the society’s mission. These experiences have honed my ability to design and implement initiatives that align with organizational goals, a skill I am eager to bring to the Membership Chair position.

Currently, I am deeply involved in mentoring residents and medical students as they navigate their careers in internal medicine. I serve as faculty advisor for medical students across all levels as well as professionally guiding residents interested in the specialty of Hospital Medicine within Internal Medicine. Guiding the next generation of physicians has been a fulfilling aspect of my work, and it reinforces my commitment to building inclusive and supportive professional communities. I believe these mentorship experiences will enrich my ability to recruit and retain members who share SGIM’s vision.

As Membership Chair, I plan to:

• Develop and implement innovative strategies to engage potential members, particularly by strengthening institutional outreach and highlighting SGIM’s unique value.
• Actively recruit and mentor planning committee volunteers, fostering a sense of shared purpose and enthusiasm within the Southern Region.
• Collaborate with the national Membership Committee to align regional efforts with broader organizational goals, contributing insights from my work with residents and medical students.
• Leverage regional meetings to create welcoming, impactful opportunities for in-person recruitment and retention efforts.

As I prepare myself for this exciting opportunity, I am also enrolled in a Leadership Development Program for Faculty at my institution, whose goal is to incorporate wellness-driven leadership qualities. In addition, I have also been selected to take part in a Teaching Excellence and Mentorship Program at UTMB which will further enhance my skills and equip me with significant expertise to serve the role of Membership Chair for SGIM’s Southern Region.

SGIM has played a pivotal role in shaping my career, and I am deeply committed to ensuring others can access the same opportunities for growth and connection. My leadership experiences, commitment to mentorship, and passion for fostering professional engagement uniquely position me to serve as Membership Chair. I look forward to the opportunity to advance SGIM’s mission and contribute to its continued success.

Christopher Terndrup, MD

Bio-sketch

Dr. Christopher Terndrup is an associate professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and a core faculty member in the Department of Medicine, specifically focused on LGBTQ+ health. He studied Spanish and Mathematics at Tulane University prior to staying for medical school there in New Orleans. There, he developed a passion for LGBTQ+ health, medical education, and physician leadership. He completed residency training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the Urban Health Primary Care Leadership track, where he was Chair of the House Staff Council.

Before joining VUMC, he spent six years at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. There, he quickly showed leadership as an operational and quality improvement leader, serving as Quality Lead and later Medical Director for Oregon’s largest Internal Medicine clinic, supporting them through the COVID-19 pandemic. He won awards for work with and mentorship of medical students, including the All-Hill Student Council Flame Award, the Oliver M. Nisbet Award, and helped their Queer Health Alliance win national recognition from the Medical Student Pride Alliance. He served as Assistant Program Director for Ambulatory Medicine for the Internal Medicine Residency Program. In this role, he guided three continuity clinics and various subspecialty clinics and supported the Ambulatory Education Board, as well as played an integral role in the Improvement Science Curriculum for interns. He has published broadly on medical education for LGBTQ+ populations, including co-authoring a chapter in the Equal Curriculum. He has presented nationally on these topics, serving as Co-chair for the LGBTQ Health Interest Group for the SGIM. At VUMC, he will continue working with medical students and residents on LGBTQ+ Health and will be supporting the new LGBTQ+ Healthcare fellowship as Associate Program Director. He directs the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Certificate Program for residents and fellows and a separate certificate for graduating medical students. He supports them as faculty liaison for the Pride in Medicine student group. He also serves as Medical Director for VIVID Health, VUMC’s LGBTQ+ clinical service lines. In this role, he supports a multidisciplinary and interprofessional group of professionals serving sexual and gender minorities in Middle Tennessee.

Chris loves his work and seeks to find work-life “integration,”- allowing dedication to his important clinical care, medical education, and leadership, as well as his growing family in Nashville. He enjoys quality time with his boyfriend Justin and their dogs Hugo and Hank- usually found watching the most recent action-based TV series. He is happy to be with his parents, brother, 3-year-old niece and 1-year-old nephew. He tries to follow his own advice by following a healthy diet and regular exercise program, stimulating his brain by learning Mandarin and seeking new hobbies in his new home in Nashville.

Personal Statement
I would like to self-nominate for the Southern SGIM position of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair-Elect. I watched the growth of DEI Chairs in the Northwest region and have been incredibly impressed by the Southern region's dedicated approach. The collaboration with local HBCUs should be maintained and expanded into other cities as we seek to spread our message across our region. Encouraging a pipeline of diverse applicants into Medicine, and hopefully, GIM will serve the purposes across our pillars of clinical care, education, and research. While I bring privilege to my work as a cisgender male, my dedication to the work of LGBTQ+ health equity, with an important focus on intersectionality, can bring a unique perspective to the DEI work in Southern SGIM.

I have served many leadership positions in regional (both Northwest and currently here in Southern) as well as national SGIM initiatives. I helped guide the Northwest region, first as co-chair when we had record-breaking attendance at our first-ever meeting in Idaho, and later through the COVID pandemic as President, into combined meetings with California-Hawaii and a move to virtual meetings. New to the Southern region, I have enjoyed being part of the planning committee with innovative approaches, encouraging broad-scoping Arts and Humanities submissions and, later, a growing Innovations category for our meeting. My experience with national SGIM, including connections to BRL and the national planning committee, will serve me well as we focus on the ever-important driving principle of DEI.