Ophthalmology Residents

Undergraduate Institution: Texas Christian University

Medical School: University of Missouri- Columbia

Bio: Joseph grew up in Springfield, Missouri, the youngest of four siblings. He earned his JD from Pepperdine University and practiced law before returning to medical school. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, Abby, their young son, Alec, and two dogs. Additionally, Joseph devotes his free time to an ever-growing plethora of interests and hobbies including guitar and piano, tennis, golf, travel, cooking, and TCU Horned Frogs football.

Undergraduate Institution: University of Denver

Medical School: University of Tennessee HSC College of Medicine - Memphis

Bio: Paul Percelay grew up in Clarksville, TN with his two brothers. He headed west to Colorado for undergrad where he became involved with a group called GlobeMed and discovered his passion to become a doctor. He stayed in Denver for a gap year between college and medical school where he worked as a medical scribe and as a barista at a local coffee shop. He completed medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis (Go Grizz!). He was drawn to the MU Ophthalmology program because of the people. He enjoys running, golf, basketball, scuba diving, camping, and searching for the perfect beer. He is excited to discover all that Columbia and greater Missouri has to offer!

Undergraduate Institution: Saint Louis University

Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Bio: Jonah grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with his older brothers Nikhil and Dylan. After 8 years of school in St. Louis, Jonah moved to Columbia with his beautiful wife, Sarah, and their tortoiseshell cat named Moose. In his free time you can find him playing golf, at the gym, playing video games, or watching the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Undergraduate Institution: Saint Louis University

Medical School: University of Missouri- Columbia

Bio: Gurpal Virdi is a Palo Alto native who graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. He received his medical degree from the University of Missouri where he is currently an ophthalmology resident. Gurpal is also the founder of Eyelabs AI through which he is developing technology products to help revolutionize eye care. In his free time, Gurpal enjoys playing golf and learning piano.

Undergraduate Institution: Murray State University

Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia 

Bio: Josh grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri with his younger brother Matt. He attended undergrad at Murray State University. He returned to Missouri for medical school at Mizzou, where a highlight was traveling to Australia to present glaucoma research. Josh is excited to spend another 4 years in Columbia for ophthalmology residency. In his free time he is at the gym and learning Japanese and guitar. 

Undergraduate Institution: University of Southern California

Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

Internship: University of Missouri- Columbia

Bio: Mia was born in Southern California and grew up in Reno, Nevada. She has a wide range of hobbies including skiing, shellac nail art, escape rooms, and whipping up a tasty cocktail. If you ever need a friend to run errands with or have a chill movie marathon Saturday, she is your person! She has lived coast to coast in LA and NYC and is excited to see what Missouri has to offer!

Undergraduate Institution: Kent State University

Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University

Internship: University of Missouri

Bio: Alex grew up in Avon Lake, Ohio which is a suburb of Cleveland. Go Browns!! He is the oldest of four boys. Outside of work, Alex enjoys kiteboarding, sailing, skiing, lifting, video games and nightlife. He is excited to be in Columbia, MO and looks forward to the experiences that lie ahead! 

Undergraduate Institution: Texas A&M University 

Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center

Internship: University of Columbia - Missouri 

Bio: Olivia grew up in east Texas. She loves summertime at the lake with family and friends, and her favorite holiday is the 4th of July. She spends her free time tending to her numerous house plants and has been known to propagate random trimmings she finds. She has a Bernese Mountain dog named Scout who keeps her active. She is excited to be in Columbia and explore more of Missouri!

• Undergraduate institution: University of Iowa
• Medical school: St. Louis University
• Internship: University of Missouri

Max was born in Arlington, Texas where he lived for only 6 days before moving to West Des Moines, Iowa. In 2007 Max was a part of the Iowa High School 4A State Champion golf team. In his free time, he still enjoys playing golf, as well as cycling, homebrewing, and hanging out with his dog, Oliver.

• Undergraduate institution: Saint Louis University
• Medical school: University of Missouri Columbia

Matt was born and raised in St. Louis, MO where he stayed for undergrad at Saint Louis University. During medical school at Mizzou his research with glaucoma took him across the world so he’s excited to see where residency will take him. In his free time you’ll catch him making music, flying, sailing or traveling with his friends and family.

• Undergraduate Institution: Texas Christian University
• Medical School: UT Health San Antonio
• Internship: University of Missouri

Travis Parker grew up in the beautiful Texas hill country as a New Braunfels Mighty Fighting Unicorn. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics as a Horned Frog at Texas Christian University where he met his wife Meghan. He took some time to travel during his college years attending Oxford University to study economics. After a brief stint as a financial planner, Travis realized his passion for medicine and embarked on his journey through medical school in San Antonio, TX. His most cherished moments include spending time outdoors with Meghan and their 2 children, trips to the beach and mountains, watching Horned Frog football, and 4-wheeling in his jeep.

• Undergraduate institution:Washington University in St. Louis
• Medical school: Chicago Medical School in Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine
• Internship: University of Missouri

Eric was born in Rolla, Missouri, and grew up near Chicago. He returned to Missouri for college at Washington University and attended Chicago Medical School where he enjoyed volunteering at free clinics and helping teach others. Outside of medicine, Eric enjoys basketball, going to the gym and playing video games.

• Undergraduate institution: Youngstown State University
• Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
• Internship: Western Reserve Health Education/Trumbull Regional Medical Center

After spending most of her formative years in Arcadia, CA, Vaishnavi traded the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley for the rolling hills of the Ohio and now the Missouri River Valley. Along the way, she is excited to have brought her classical piano, contemporary dance, and amateur vocal talents to a varied audience. Her memorable venues include the Rose Parade, the University of Dayton Arena, and the Grand Ballroom at NEOMED. When she is not performing music or practicing medicine, she enjoys collecting random trivia facts and concocting chocolate treats.

• Undergraduate institution: Brigham Young University
• Medical school: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
• Internship: University of Missouri - Columbia

Riley’s early years were spent enjoying the outdoors in sunny San Diego with continual beach trips and flowing hair. He has since lived in a myriad of other locations, including two years in the rainforests of Peru. He and his wife are excited to now call Columbia, MO their home. Although hair lines have receded slightly, Riley continues to spend the majority of his spare time outside, accompanied by his beautiful wife and 3 kids. He may also be found completing a mediocre home improvement project or riding his bike (slowly) around town and in nearby races.

• Undergraduate institution: University of Missouri
• Medical school: University of Missouri
• Internship: University of Missouri

Azeem grew up in Columbia, MO and attended the University of Missouri, graduating summa cum laude and serving as chair of the student ambassadors in medical school. He completed a Medicine preliminary year before starting his Ophthalmology residency.

• Undergraduate Institution: University of Virginia
• Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University – School of Medicine
• Internship: University of Missouri - Columbia

• Sudhinder grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He enjoys pushing himself outside of his comfort zone with activities like skydiving. He has backpacked through various countries including Spain, India, Italy, Thailand, and Peru among others. His hobbies include watching movies, playing sports, and weightlifting. He is excited to start a new adventure in Columbia, and to serve the community!