Meet Our Staff
Annie Hirschberger
Annie graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Public Health from Tulane University. Throughout her time at Tulane, she engaged with the New Orleans community by volunteering in the NICU/PICU of Ocschner hospital and at local charter schools as a reading partner for elementary school students and teaching sex education to middle schoolers. She also spent time gaining research experience in the department of pharmacology at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center, in which she focused on behavioral studies with ethanol and alprazolam. The summer before her senior year, Annie worked in a neurologist’s office, which confirmed her passion for medicine and her goal to attend medical school. Annie is thrilled to expand her medical knowledge and experience by working with Dr. Carter, and is excited to get involved in community initiatives in the D.C. area. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, cycling, exploring new coffee shops and going for long walks with friends.
Ria Dubey
Ria graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Philosophy from the University of Maryland – College Park in 2023. During her time at UMD, Ria was a Life Sciences Scholar, worked on virtual shadowing initiatives, member of the recruitment team for the Nu Rho Psi Honors society, and secretary of Crochet with a Cause – a club designed to foster a community for crafts and make warm clothes for patients in nearby hospitals. Since graduating, Ria has taken some time to volunteer and live abroad in Asia and Australia. Ria has previously worked as a scribe at a Dermatology clinic, as well as a data science intern for combat surgery research. In her pursuit of medical school, she is very excited to work with Dr. Carter and expand her knowledge of plastic surgery.
In her spare time, Rie enjoys crocheting, going to concerts, reading, yoga, traveling, and spending time outdoors!
Jade Telesford
Jade graduated summa cum laude from Howard University in 2023 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During her time at Howard, Jade conducted research in virology, discovering a lytic bacteriophage and contributing it to the PhagesDB website. Outside of class, Jade served as the treasurer of the New York State club, coach of the HTQ dance team, and a cellist in the university’s orchestra.
Passionate about giving back, Jade has volunteered as a tutor for DCPS elementary students in math and English. She has also volunteered in the physical therapy department of New York nursing homes, and recently participated in a medical mission in Jamaica.
After graduation, Jade worked as a medical scribe in both emergency medicine and ophthalmology. She is now excited to expand her knowledge and skills under the guidance of Dr. Carter in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Kate Lee
Kate graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics and Biology from Tufts University in 2024. While at Tufts, Kate was on the varsity field hockey team and served as a captain her senior year. She was also a Team Impact liaison and helped run the Tufts chapter of Strong Girls United. Kate has worked as a scribe in a pediatric practice as well as an assistant in a dermatology office, both of which solidified her desire to attend medical school. She is very excited to be working with Dr. Carter and to learn more about plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Outside of the office, Kate enjoys taking her dog on walks, baking, and coaching youth field hockey.
Grace Kernan
Grace graduated with a B.S. in Public Health Science from the University of Maryland. During her time there, she assisted with physical therapy and rehabilitation research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, contributing to studies on motor learning and balance control in patients with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Additionally, she was a research assistant contributing to initiatives focused on climate change and health risk policy development. During her undergraduate summers, she worked as a medical assistant in both sports medicine and internal medicine settings and volunteered as a caregiver for elderly patients. These experiences strengthened and affirmed her aspiration to become a Physician Assistant. Grace is excited to join Dr. Carter’s team and contribute to delivering excellent care in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
In her free time, she enjoys staying active, cooking, traveling, and exploring new places!
Karina Martinez
I grew up all over northern VA but I’m a University of Kentucky Alumni. I graduated with a BS in Public health and I trained as a CNA during undergrad. I volunteered at the Covid-19 clinic at the university. I simultaneously worked at Baptist hospital in Lexington as a patient care tech. In undergrad, I was apart of the Latino student union, a club dedicated to activism towards underserved communities, and was the treasurer of the Korean language and culture club. I speak 5 languages, some more proficient than others.
Since graduating, I’ve worked in the dermatology specialty. I am interested in learning more about surgical procedures and the knowledge Dr. Carter can share with me.
In my free time, I like to work out, golf, paint portraits, bake desserts, practice languages, and try out new restaurants!