Two doctors with strong ties to central Pennsylvania are returning home to serve their community by practicing in the new WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital Family Medicine Residency program.

Dr. Anjana Bajgain of Wyomissing and Dr. Souhila Kaoui of Millersville are two of six residents selected for WellSpan’s first residency class in Chambersburg. Residency programs are designed to provide post-graduate medical training to educate physicians.

“I feel really driven to make a difference in the lives of this community and be a trusted source of care, education, and compassion,” says Dr. Anjana Bajgain, a former Berks County resident who completed medical school in Nepal. “WellSpan’s mission and strong dedication to underserved communities solidified my choice to return home to central Pennsylvania.  This is more than just a residency for me – it's the perfect opportunity to bring all my clinical experience to this community I’ve become so comfortable in.”

Over the next three years, 18 new resident providers will join Dr. Bajgain and her colleagues to care for the Chambersburg community

“It’s always been our goal to bring a residency program to Chambersburg,” says David Emrhein, associate chief academic officer. “Residents have been rotating here from other program locations for 20 years, and we’re excited to provide this opportunity to the doctors and the community. Our goal is to help these residents be reliable, competent doctors – someone you would want providing to you and your family.”

Dr. Donna Prill, residency program director, finds the experience of working with young doctors very rewarding. WellSpan has multiple residency programs systemwide, keeping 30% of residents after they graduate.

“Seeing these residents become more responsible and start teaching colleagues and other future medical students is very special,” she says. “This is such a great opportunity for them and the patients in Chambersburg. The community is full of great people who need this attention to care since they are farther removed from larger cities. We expect the program to greatly improve care throughout the region.”

Dr. Souhila Kaoui moved to Lancaster County after attending medical school in Algeria. She is excited to build relationships in a region she cares about so deeply.

From left, Dr. Bajgain and Dr. Kaoui. 

“Coming home and providing care here is incredibly meaningful,” says Dr.Kaoui. “It’s a chance to serve the community that welcomed and shaped me. I feel a strong sense of purpose and responsibility to give back to these individuals whose values I share and whose challenges I understand. I’m not just treating patients – I’m caring for neighbors, families and friends.”

The practice opened on June 2 and residents will begin seeing patients on July 3. Learn more about the residency program here.