Answering the Call to Serve: New Residents Join CHI Mission

Dr. Ia Bezhanidze (left) with Dr. Sandy Santiago
at Key West Health Center.

The Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center hosted its annual Match Day in March, joining institutions across the country in pairing prospective physicians with residency programs. This year, the Teaching Health Center proudly matched 10 new residents in family medicine and psychiatry, each eager to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities. 

Among the incoming class are two current CHI employees, marking an exciting milestone for the Teaching Health Center. Their acceptance into the residency program highlights CHI’s strong commitment to growing internal talent and supporting career growth from within. 

Dr. Gregory Fignole, currently working as a Nurse Practitioner at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Clinica Campesina Health Center, and Dr. Ia Bezhanidze, currently working as a Medical Assistant at the Key West Health Center, are now preparing to take the next step in their medical journeys. 

For Dr. Fignole, the moment is deeply personal. CHI was his first job in the medical field in 2015 and becoming a resident in 2026 represents the realization of a dream shaped by early loss. 

“My mother died early at just 37 from cervical cancer and I was just 17, turning 18,” said Dr. Fignole. “What pushed me to become a doctor was seeing her pass early. This is something that could have been prevented. I want to help people in their lives and educate them.” 

Dr. Bezhanidze’s passion for medicine also formed early in life. Born and raised in the Republic of Georgia, she experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up in an underserved community with limited access to care. 

Dr. Ia Bezhanidze, Medical Assistant a CHI since 2024,
will begin a 3-year family medicine residency in June 2026.

“Since my childhood, I wanted to be a physician, I grew up in a rural area where people do not have the opportunity to go to the doctor,” she said. “They were complaining about what was hurting them and it made me interested and boosted my dream to help people like them.”

For both residents, working at CHI has been a fulfilling and transformative experience. Caring for patients from similar backgrounds while continuing to grow professionally has strengthened their commitment to medicine. 

“I love it, I think it’s rewarding especially now as a family medicine nurse practitioner,” said Dr. Fignole. “It fulfilled a desire to work in the medical field. It put me in a position to help the patient understand diseases and have a positive impact on that person’s life.” 

In Key West, Dr. Bezhanidze quickly found a sense of belonging within her team and gained invaluable experience under the guidance of Associate Medical Director for CHI centers in the Florida Keys, Dr. Sandy Santiago. The close-knit nature of the community has allowed her to develop a well-rounded skill set across various aspects of patient care. 

“Dr. Santiago should open an education center,” she laughed. “He is extremely helpful; we are so lucky to have him. There are now three employees that are wanting to become doctors under him and apply for residency. CHI cares about prosperity, this is exceptional what they do.” 

Dr. Gregory Fignole speaks with patients during anappointment
at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Clinica Campesina Center.

Both newly matched residents credit their time at CHI with preparing them for this next chapter, highlighting the depth of knowledge and hands-on experience they’ve gained. 

“At CHI, I have learned that family medicine is not just to treat the patient and send them home. It’s physically a bridge between a provider, advisor, and to help the patient get better,” Dr. Fignole said. “The reason I want to go the Teaching Health Center is to deepen my medical knowledge and work as a physician.” 

Their journeys have been defined by drive, purpose, and never losing sight of their end goals. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that no matter where you begin, dedication and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements. 

When asked what advice they would offer others pursuing similar paths, both stressed the importance of determination. 

“Life is what it is, you have to push it from every angle you have opportunity,” Dr. Bezhanidze urged. “If you want to get there, you will!” 

All 10 residents will begin their training this summer at the Doris Ison Health Center, where they will continue advancing CHI’s mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care while serving a diverse population. 

Dr. Gregory Fignole started his medical career at
Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI). in 2015.