Elier Benacho, M.D.
PGY-2 Resident

Medical School: UCM “Serafin Ruiz de Sarate Ruiz” in Santa Clara 
Professional Interests/Goals: I completed an emergency crash course at Arnaldo Milian Castro Hospital. This training led me to serve with the Cuban Medical Mission in Venezuela, working with underserved communities. This experience underscored the vital role of family medicine in societal well-being and fueled my passion for the field. FSU’s supportive community, scenic Florida locale, and emphasis on longitudinal primary care made it my top choice for residency. 
Personal Interests: Outside medicine, I enjoy carpentry, reading, exploring local state parks, and photographing nature’s beauty.

Helen Ho, D.O.
PGY-2 Resident

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Professional 
Interests/Goals: What drew me to Family Medicine is the continuity of care and building life-long relationships along the way. I am excited to be back in the Sunshine State where I grew up. I chose FSU Emerald Coast because of its emphasis on outpatient care, the supportive faculty, and the welcoming community. I knew it would be the best place for me to thrive and continue my medical journey. 
Personal Interests: Being a big foodie, I enjoy cooking and baking: one thing I’m most proud of is perfecting my tiramisu!

Kristin Kuehn, D.O.
PGY-2 Resident

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia 
Professional Interests/Goals: I’m grateful to call Florida’s Emerald Coast my new home, where I’m immersed in the splendor of God’s creation. My journey to family medicine has been driven by a deep desire to nurture lifelong relationships with my patients who will become like family. I yearn to serve underserved areas and illuminate the link between health and hope. 
Personal Interests: Great outdoor adventure, physical fitness, church gatherings, college football, and unique culinary delights are a few ways I cherish simple pleasures in life. Let’s celebrate each day as a new opportunity for discovery and connection!

Connor Smith, M.D.
PGY-2 Resident

Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT-Houston Professional 
Interests/Goals: I’m excited to embark on my residency journey in family medicine on the beautiful emerald coast. What drew me to family medicine is the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with individuals and families while helping them achieve their health goals. I’m committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to my patients, embodying the values of community and personal wellness. 
Personal Interests: Beyond medicine, I’m an avid enthusiast of Florida’s coastal lifestyle—whether it’s fishing for snapper or sharks, diving the offshore wrecks, or enjoying the outdoors through hunting and hiking.

Anna Carolina Spilere Furlan, M.D.
PGY-2 Resident

Medical School: Universidade di Extremo Sul Catrinense 
Professional Interests/Goals: I chose Family Medicine as it was my desire to work with a diverse demographic, build long-term patient relationships, practice preventative care, and still be able to see acute urgent cases. 
Personal Interests: In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, reading, traveling, weightlifting and spending time with my husband and family.

Abigael Welsh, D.O.
PGY-2 Resident

Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Professional 
Interests/Goals: I obtained my medical degree in New Mexico where I developed interest in rural family medicine. I am ecstatic to have matched into my top ranked program and join such a dedicated and supportive community of medical professionals. My particular interests include OMT, procedural medicine, nutritional medicine, and integrative pain management. 
Personal Interests: In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants and coffee shops with my husband, exploring the local farmer’s market with our two pups, and spending time at the beach.

Bruna Tonial, M.D.
PGY-1 Resident

Medical School: Univille Professional 
Interests/Goals: I chose family medicine for its focus on preventive care, the opportunity to care for entire families, and the chance to build meaningful, long-term relationships. 
Personal Interests: When I’m not working, I love working out, traveling, going on coffee dates, and spending time with my husband, friends, and family. I’m excited for all that’s still to come!

Anuar Guevara, M.D.
PGY-1 Resident

Medical School: Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de Las Tunas 
Professional Interests/Goals: I’ve always been driven by the principles of primary care and the opportunity to promote health and well-being in my community. Two years ago, I moved to Florida and quickly fell in love with the area. Being part of the FSU Family Medicine Program at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast feels like a dream come true. 
Personal Interests: Outside of medicine, I find joy in traveling with my wife, sports and BBQ. I love life and am deeply grateful for the journey that brought me here.

Nicholas Dietschweiler, D.O.
PGY-1 Resident

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Professional Interests/Goals: I chose to pursue family medicine because of the lifelong connections it creates between physicians and their patients. I want to help my patients reach each of their personal health goals, so these long-term relationships are important to me. 
Personal Interests: In my free time, I like fishing, playing the bass guitar, woodworking, and watching baseball, football, and soccer. I have many great memories on the Emerald Coast and have always intended to call this part of the panhandle home. With that said, I am excited to be here and look forward to providing compassionate care to the area for many years to come!

Katherine Keane, M.D.
PGY-1 Resident

Medical School: University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 
Professional Interests/Goals: After medical school I completed a year-long internship at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Trinidad. During my training, I gained a deeper understanding of the difficulties of working in a poorly resourced, public institution, which forced us to be more innovative and hone our diagnostic skills. However, found fulfillment and a sense of purpose helping underserved communities. 
Personal Interests: Outside of medicine I enjoy swimming, hiking, volunteerism, and spending time with loved ones. I believe my experiences have led me to FSU’s Family Medicine program at Ascension Sacred Heart. I am very excited to continue on this journey.

Katlyn Perkins, D.O.
PGY-1 Resident

Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Professional Interests/Goals: During undergrad, I worked as a medical scribe in an emergency department and wellness clinic, where I discovered my love for Family Medicine and supporting patients throughout their medical journeys. I’m driven to make a lasting, positive impact through compassionate, patient-centered care. 
Personal Interests: In my free time, I enjoy baking, hiking, exploring new coffee shops with my husband, and spending time with our sweet Labrador Retriever. During medical school I relocated to Florida for my husband’s military career. I am thrilled to be starting residency at my top-ranked program and enjoying Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast along the way.

Robert “Austin” Harrell, M.D.
PGY-1 Resident

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine 
Professional Interests/Goals: I was drawn to family medicine as a specialty due to the ability to practice medicine on a broad spectrum. I chose Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast because of the positive impression the program made during my in-person interview. I am eager to join a supportive work environment that will foster my professional growth and development as a physician. My interests include outpatient medicine and urgent care. Personal Interests: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.