Chief Residents

Mohieddin Albarazi, M.D.

I have always felt like a modern nomad. I'm a Syrian who did medical school in Saudi Arabia. Clerkship and research hunt took me to New York, Chicago, Huston, and even Lexington, KY. (It's hard, you know the drill, Lol). I finally started residency in Phoenix, AZ. It's far, I know. So believe me when I say me to and then In my wildest dreams I have never expected to end-up in Florence, AL. However, it did turn out to be an awesome twist of fate and an essential part of my development. I believe everything happens for a reason. In Florence, I found A lovely small town, it's green, calm, traffic-less, and so safe it's weird. It's definitely a place you can raise a happy healthy family (as long as all of your kids join the football team), but most importantly I can now confirm "southern hospitality" really exists. I genuinely feel like everyone cares about everyone.

At North Alabama Medical Center, I found a dynamic young residency program where you immediately feel home. My experience so far has been nothing but stellar. I met lifelong role models, I had a wonderful clinical experience, here you are not intern "No. 47", Here they know your name, what you care about, your future plans and they genuinely help you and love to see you succeed. There is a high level of growth and progress driven by residents input. I feel like I'm building/contributing to the project. Our coordinators are immediately your best friends and the free food is such a blessing. To conclude, I wouldn't have done it any other way. I just wish we had any semblance of Shawarma! Unfortunately, I need to leave for fellowship and deeply considering coming back to Florence. You know how to seduce me just a good shawarma.

Rene Bredel, M.D.

As Chief Resident, I have come to appreciate how truly special our program is. Being a newer program, there is a strong focus on continuous improvement, which means our curriculum evolves to meet our needs and prepares us for the future of medicine. This is especially evident in our critical care curriculum, which stands out for the exceptional teaching it provides. Despite being in a smaller city, we are exposed to a remarkable variety of pathology, offering a training experience that feels anything but small. Our leadership is approachable, responsive, and genuinely committed to fostering our growth.

Beyond the hospital, the community is just as welcoming — the positive stereotype about Southern Hospitality is more than accurate in Florence. The city is full of warm, friendly people who make it easy to feel at home. It is a place where you can thrive both as a physician and as a person.

Renato Ferrandiz Espadin, M.D. 

I am proud to have chosen North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) for my Internal Medicine training. From the beginning, it has felt like home, and I have developed a strong connection with the faculty. Residency here has provided everything I hoped for: extensive clinical exposure, time for personal growth, and opportunities to prepare for independent practice. I’ve also appreciated having the flexibility to attend Internal Medicine conferences and pursue my specific interests, such as Rheumatology.

Although we are in a smaller town, our schedule’s flexibility has allowed me to explore nearby major cities during my time off, providing a great balance. The work we do at NAMC is incredibly meaningful and has a tangible impact on our community. Physicians in community hospitals often face unique challenges, and these experiences have been invaluable in strengthening my skills as a clinician.