Elizabeth Butcher MD, MPH & TM - Program Director
Elizabeth Butcher joined the Harnett Health Internal Medicine Residency Program in June 2021 as the Assistant Program Director and has been the Program Director since 2022. Dr Butcher received her medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine and a Masters of Public Health and Tropical Medicine from Tulane University. She completed her Internal Medicine residency, including a fourth year chief, at Cone Health and an Internal Medicine fellowship at Geisinger Health System. After spending time in a traditional Internal Medicine private practice in eastern NC, she returned to academics and the Cone Health Internal Medicine Residency Program, joining the faculty and serving as the residency clinic’s medical director from 2010 to 2021. Her academic interests including teaching, caring for underserved populations, and coaxing useful clinic reports from EPIC. Although a native West Virginian, Dr Butcher now considers NC her home. She enjoys visiting her family on the family farm in the mid-Ohio valley.
Benjamin Putnam - Associate Program Director
Benjamin Putnam has been the Associate Program Director for the Campbell University - Harnett Health Internal Medicine Residency Program since 2023 and a clinical educator for his entire career. Dr. Putnam grew up in Harnett County where he graduated high school and started his path in medicine as an EKG technician. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Structural Biochemistry degree at North Carolina State University, he went to medical school at East Carolina University. He completed Internal Medicine Residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati where he later became the academic Chief Resident. Dr. Putnam began his career in graduate medical education as teaching faculty with Campbell University and UNC after residency. Since becoming Associate Program Director at Campbell University - Harnett Health, Dr. Putnam has been able to continue sharing his passion for medical education and patient care with medical students and residents while being able to give back to the community that he calls home. Dr. Putnam's dedication to medical education and community service earned him the distinction of Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP). He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, traveling, and working on his project car.
Irina Balan, MD
Dr. Balan completed her medical school and initial residency training in Internal Medicine at the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy "N.Testemitanu" in Moldova. She also obtained a master's in Work and Organizational Psychology at the State University of Moldova. Upon relocating to the United States, she pursued a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. Subsequently, Dr. Balan completed the Family Medicine Residency at Harnett Health, providing essential care to the rural community of Harnett County. She advocated for the needs of residents and served as Academic Chief in her third year. Dr. Balan is passionate about caring for all patients, with a particular interest in the geriatric population, advocacy, hospital medicine, and research. Dr Balan is the GME Research Director, assisting residents with scholarly pursuits.
Zari Cain-Akbar, DO
Dr. Cain-Akbar is a general neurologist with extra training in movement disorders, specifically Parkinson's Disease. She approaches neurology from a holistic point of view, working with patients to incorporate lifestyle changes and mental health into their care journey. She serves as the Clinical Chair of Neurology for Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and has a sincere passion for training the next generation of clinicians. Her passions outside of neurology include sustainable agriculture methods, regenerative farming, and building her political network as she advocates for legislative changes for persons living with neurologic disease, specifically those living in rural farming communities. She lives with her husband and many critters on her farm in Cumberland County.
James Cappola III, MD
Dr. Cappola is Interim Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs and Chair and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM). He joined the CUSOM faculty as chair in 2018. He is board-certified in internal medicine.
Dr. Cappola grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey. He received his undergraduate degree at Duke University in 1990. He received his medical degree at the University of Rochester in 1994 and completed a residency in primary care internal medicine at the University of Rochester in 1997. Prior to joining the Campbell faculty, he worked in primary care internal medicine and hospital medicine in the Wake Med system for 21 years.
He was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 2016.
He has been in clinical practice for 28 years which has included primary care and hospital medicine. Over this time, he has taught medical students, physician assistant students, nurse practitioner students, nursing students, pharmacy students as well as practicing physicians through continuing medical education.
Caleb Cato, DO
Dr. Caleb Cato is originally from Durham, North Carolina and, after attending medical school at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), he returned to North Carolina to complete his residency in internal medicine with Harnett Health. He is now a physician with the Harnett Health Hospitalist Group working at both CFV Betsy Johnson Hospital and CFV Central Harnett Hospital specializing in both acute and chronic conditions. He provides compassionate care for patients during the often difficult period of their hospitalization and places an emphasis on open communication with patients and their families. He takes the time to listen to patients, build trust, and form a collaborative relationship to reach their healthcare goals and get them home safely. His patient-centered approach aims not just to get patients well enough for discharge, but also to empower them to continue to improve their health once they leave the hospital.
Areej Elshafie, MD Chief Resident
Dr Areej Elshafie calls both Des Moines, Iowa, and Khartoum, Sudan home. She attended the University of Medical Sciences and Technology for medical school. Dr Elshafie started at Harnett Health as a transitional year resident, where she rediscovered the value of community medicine and ultimately decided to stay and continue her Internal Medicine training. Dr Elshafie recognized Harnett Health offered the opportunity to become a well-rounded physician, gain a great deal of independence, and learn from amazing mentors who are experts in their fields. Her favourite part of Harnett Health has been the lifelong friendships she has made along the way. As Chief Resident, she is excited to help make residency just as positive and meaningful an experience for others.
Dr Elshafie’s interests are in Endocrinology, with a particular interest in thyroid disorders and thyroid cancers. She is applying for fellowship following residency.
Outside of the hospital, Dr Elsahfie’s interests include photography, watching anime, hiking, and traveling whenever she gets the chance. Most importantly, she loves spending time with her friends and family.
Adithya Kattamanchi, MD
Dr. Adithya Kattamanchi, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in metabolic and hormonal health, including calcium metabolism, adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid disorders, as well as diabetes and osteoporosis. He offers comprehensive, patient-centered care that emphasizes education, prevention, and individualized treatment strategies—whether managing pre-diabetes, complex endocrine conditions, or bone health concerns. Known for his empathetic approach and clear communication, Dr. Kattamanchi collaborates closely with patients to develop evidence-based plans tailored to their lifestyle and goals. His commitment to long-term wellness ensures patients feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their endocrine health journey.
Shaina Nazare, DO
Dr. Shaina Nazare is a dedicated primary care physician committed to providing compassionate, individualized healthcare for patients of all ages. She emphasizes preventive wellness, health screenings, and continuity of care, all tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. Known for her empathetic and attentive communication, Dr. Nazare takes the time to listen deeply and build trusting, collaborative relationships. Her patient-centered approach empowers individuals and families to feel informed, confident, and supported throughout their health journey.
Talha Qasim, MD Chief Resident
Evelyn Slee, DO
Dr. Evelyn Slee is a board-certified internal medicine physician with a strong commitment to community-based care and medical education. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus and went on to complete her Internal Medicine residency at Harnett Health.
Following her training, Dr. Slee chose to remain at Cape Fear Valley – Harnett Health, where she serves as a hospitalist. She also serves in the role of Program Director for the Campbell University/Harnett Health Transitional Year Residency Program as well as Core Faculty in the Internal Medicine Program. In this role, she provides comprehensive inpatient care while also mentoring and educating residents and medical students. She is particularly passionate about preparing the next generation of physicians to understand and address the unique challenges of rural healthcare.
Dedicated to advancing both patient care and medical education, Dr. Slee continues to advocate for accessible, high-quality healthcare within the community she serves.
Training and Education:
- Medical School - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Carolinas Campus
- Residency - Campbell University/Harnett Health Internal Medicine
- Board Certifications - American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine
- Medical School Appointments- Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, CUSOM
Chris Stewart, MD
Christopher W. Stewart, MD, FACP, FHM is a Vice Chair and Associate Professor at CUSOM. A native of Buies Creek, Dr. Stewart earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UNC-Chapel Hill and his MD at East Carolina University. After medical school, he completed an internship and Internal Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina where he was Chief Resident.
He is a faculty member of the medical school and physician assistant program at Campbell. He previously served as the Internal Medicine Residency Program Director for Harnett Health System. Stewart is a member of the North Carolina Medical Society and is a Fellow in the American College of Physicians and the Society of Hospital Medicine.
Jeanna Ashman Stover, MD
Raised in Southern California, Dr. Ashman Stover attended the University of California, Los Angeles for undergrad, then Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. After enjoying the supportive family atmosphere she found at Cape Fear Valley Harnett Health during her Transitional Year Residency, she then stayed for Internal Medicine Residency. After residency, she became a hospitalist and then joined the faculty due to a strong interest in cultivating success in others. Her interests include community-based hospital medicine, end-of-life care, and women’s health. Outside of medicine, she is an avid reader, skier, and kitchen experimenter. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and two children.
Karoline Thompson, MD
Dr. Karoline Thompson is Internal Medicine Core Faculty for the Harnett Health Internal Medicine Residency Program and serves as Hospice Medical Director for the Cleveland County branch of VIA Health Partners. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning her medical degree from AUC School of Medicine. Dr. Thompson completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Harnett Health, where she was named Intern of the Year and served as Chief Resident. During her residency, she founded the Tulip Award, a recognition given to residents who go above and beyond in their care for patients.
Following residency, Dr. Thompson pursued fellowship training in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at USC/Prisma Health. She now brings that specialized training to her current role, where she is dedicated to expanding access to hospice and palliative care for patients in rural communities, driven by a strong passion for mentoring the next generation of physicians. She has presented research on access to advance care planning in rural settings at both state and national conferences.
Madison Treadway, PharmD, BCACP, CPP
Dr. Treadway, a Western NC native, is a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist (BCACP) and joined the Harnett Health Internal Medicine Residency Program in 2025 as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP) in the internal medicine continuity clinic. She graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Wingate University School of Pharmacy. She completed her first year of residency with the Salisbury VA Health Care System and her second year of residency with Campbell University and Access Healthcare specializing in ambulatory care pharmacy and academia.
In her role as a CPP, she collaborates with the resident and attending physicians to manage chronic medications, provide pharmacotherapy services, patient education, and assist with drug information and medication access. Dr. Treadway is also a clinical assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice at Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences where she teaches and precepts students in the Doctor of Pharmacy program, and she serves as a preceptor for Cape Fear Valley pharmacy residents. Her clinical interests include diabetes and metabolic health, women’s health, geriatrics, and serving underserved populations.
Farman Usman, MD
Karen Wright
I have served as the Program Administrator for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Harnett Health Graduate Medical Education since July 2024. I have more than 30 years of experience in residency program administration and graduate medical education.
Prior to joining Harnett Health, I served as the Transitional Year and Dermatology Program Coordinator at Sampson Regional Medical Center from 2022–2024. I spent nearly 28 years with Cone Health Internal Medicine Residency Program, beginning as an Administrative Assistant with the Internal Medicine Program in 1994 and later serving as its Graduate Medical Education Coordinator from 2015–2022.
My GME experience includes residency program administration, coordination, resident and faculty support, and program operations. I am a member of the National Society of Academic Medical Administrators (NSAMA) and the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine (APDIM), and a North Carolina Notary Public.