Cowry Medical Group

Cowry Medical Group is comprised of a dynamic and collaborative team of well qualified practitioners and a highly skilled support staff, at your service

Dr. Chinedu Nweke

Chinedu Nweke (MD) MPH

(Nephrology & Internal Medicine)

Dr. Nweke is a Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist), Internist, and Public Health Specialist with vast knowledge and experience from training across the globe including Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He had the opportunity to traverse great learning institutions including:

• University of Lagos, Nigeria
• Barts and The London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
• Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
• Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, New York
• Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems, Richmond Virginia.

Dr. Nweke is a founding Trustee of Robur Foundation Inc, whose
overarching mission is to ignite the socioeconomic framework and enhance the potential of the disadvantaged and/or underserved subpopulations/communities across the world.

Dr. Nweke has been practicing medicine for more than 15 years. He believes that no two patients are the same, and as such, every patient should have each question and issue addressed with the utmost respect and dignity that they deserve. There is no greater joy than knowing you’ve been able to make someone’s day better by listening to them and providing solutions for what ails them.

Dr. Nweke lives and works in Atlanta, GA, although he is licensed in 3 states including Georgia (GA), Texas (TX), and Arizona (AZ).

Ifeyinwa Anigbogu, MD

(Nephrology & Internal Medicine)

Dr. Ifeyinwa Anigbogu is a highly experienced and skilled Consultant Nephrologist with over two decades of expertise in her field. Currently, she serves as a Consultant Nephrologist in Cowry Health, where she provides high-quality care to patients with kidney-related disorders. 

Dr. Anigbogu completed her Nephrology Fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, and her Internal Medicine Residency at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nigeria, College of Medicine.

Throughout her career, Dr. Anigbogu has demonstrated a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing the field of Nephrology. Her extensive experience and expertise make her a valuable asset to her patients and the medical community.

Azeem Mohammed (MD)

(Nephrology & Internal Medicine)

Dr. Azeem Mohammed is a board-certified nephrologist with more than a decade of experience in internal medicine and nephrology. He currently practices in Atlanta, Georgia, and has held clinical and academic appointments at Piedmont Hospital, Wellstar Hospital, and Augusta University.

Dr. Mohammed completed his Nephrology Fellowship at Augusta University and his Internal Medicine Residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York. He is board certified in both Nephrology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

His clinical interests include chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, dialysis therapies, hypertension, and kidney transplantation. In addition to his clinical practice, he has served in leadership roles as Medical Director of acute dialysis services and outpatient dialysis centers and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and national scientific presentations in nephrology.

Dr. Mohammed is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients with kidney disease while advancing excellence in clinical outcomes and patient education.

Shoaib Wazir (MD)

(Nephrology & Internal Medicine)

Dr. Shoaib Wazir is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered kidney care. 

He completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Nephrology fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Wazir has experience in the management of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, acute kidney injury, electrolyte disorders, dialysis care, and vascular access management. In addition to providing comprehensive nephrology care, he specializes in minimally invasive procedures for the evaluation, maintenance, and preservation of dialysis access, including angiography, angioplasty, thrombectomy, maturation procedures for arteriovenous fistulas, tunneled dialysis catheter placement and exchange, and the diagnosis and treatment of dialysis access complications, including dialysis access steal syndrome. He is certified in Dialysis Access Management by the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN). 

Dr. Wazir has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications and remains committed to lifelong learning and the advancement of evidence-based medical care.

 Prior to joining Cowry Medical Group and Preferred Vascular Group in Atlanta, Dr. Wazir practiced interventional nephrology in New York, where he gained extensive experience in dialysis access interventions and vascular access management. 

Dr. Wazir is committed to delivering evidence-based, compassionate care and works closely with patients, families, and referring physicians to optimize kidney health and improve quality of life.

Anand Udupa (MD)

(Nephrology & Internal Medicine)

Dr. A. Deviprakash Udupa is a highly experienced Nephrologist and Internist with more than 25 years of experience in nephrology practice and extensive expertise in the management of kidney disease, dialysis, and complex medical conditions.

Dr. Udupa completed his medical education at Coimbatore Medical College in India before pursuing advanced training in Internal Medicine and Nephrology in both India and the United States. His postgraduate training includes Nephrology Fellowships at Madras Medical College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Cooper Hospital/UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Throughout his career, Dr. Udupa has held significant clinical and leadership positions in nephrology and dialysis care. He has served as a Nephrologist in private practice, as well as Medical Director for multiple dialysis units, including DaVita Broken Arrow, DaVita DT4, and DaVita Wagoner in Oklahoma. He also served as Medical Director of the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa and participated in hospital-based pharmaceutical and therapeutic and medical peer review committees.

Dr. Udupa is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Nephrology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology (FASN). His professional achievements also include recognition associated with dialysis centers that received Five-Star Center certification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

With decades of experience across nephrology, dialysis, internal medicine, and clinical leadership, Dr. Udupa brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the Cowry Medical Group team. His approach is grounded in comprehensive medical care and a commitment to helping patients effectively manage their kidney health and overall well-being.

Julia Holomsback, MSN APRN, FNP-C

(Advanced Practice Practitioner)

Julia Holomsback, MSN APRN, FNP-C, is a results-oriented and innovative Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with expertise in Family Practice. With a strong background in primary prevention and caring for patients across the lifespan, Julia is focused on 

evidence-based practice and achieving positive health outcomes for her patients. Julia holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of West Georgia. She is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Georgia and certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.

Julia has extensive experience as a Nurse Practitioner, providing comprehensive assessments, ordering diagnostic tests, and developing plans of care for patients in various settings, including geriatric care, internal medicine, and clinical trials. She is skilled in telemedicine and has a strong commitment to patient education and health promotion.

In addition to her clinical experience, Julia has participated in several research studies, including Phase III clinical trials and randomized controlled studies. Her research experience includes working with patients with primary IgA nephropathy, hypothyroidism, and hypertension.

Her professional experience and credentials make her a valuable asset to her patients and the healthcare community.

Peter Longonje (AG-ACNP)

(Advanced Practice Practitioner)

Peter received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Houston in  Victoria, Texas, and his Master of Science in Nursing as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. He is the perfect fit to care for our elder population given his specialization and experience caring for elders.

 Peter started his career working in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility as a nurse. He has also worked in home health and most recently as an acute care nurse in the critical care and intensive care units. Peter says that his goal is for his patients to feel better and be happier after they have had a visit with him.

Bentlie Tumlin AGNP-C

(Advanced Practice Practitioner)

Bentlie Tumlin is a board-certified Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal health throughout every stage of adulthood and aging. She earned her undergraduate degree from Kennesaw State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

With a passion for healthy aging, she focuses on preventative care, chronic disease management, and promoting quality of life for older adults. She has a special interest in the care of patients living with dementia and other cognitive disorders, working closely with patients and their families to provide compassionate, individualized support throughout the aging journey. She believes that aging gracefully involves not only managing medical conditions but also supporting emotional, cognitive, and social health. By fostering strong relationships with her patients, she strives to create a collaborative care experience centered on each person’s unique goals and needs.
Outside of her clinical practice, she enjoys gardening, needlepointing, and spending time with her three children. 

Sydney Galvin, APRN, FNP-C

(Advanced Practice Practitioner)

Sydney is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in comprehensive, patient-centered care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Regents University and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While she specializes in geriatrics, her clinical experience spans the entire lifespan—from pediatrics to older adults.

She began her career in hospice and palliative care, where she developed a deep appreciation for compassionate, end-of-life support. She later transitioned into family medicine, where she continues to prioritize preventative care and holistic treatment. Sydney is passionate about building trusting relationships with her patients and their families, believing that collaborative care is essential to achieving the best outcomes.

Outside of work, her greatest joy is raising her three young children with her husband. Balancing family life and a healthcare career has given her a unique perspective on the importance of empathy, resilience, and support in every stage of life.

Alemtsehay (Alem) Bayyan, PA-C

⁠Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)

With over two decades of experience in delivering exceptional patient care, Alem Bayyan embodies compassion, expertise, and dedication. As a certified Physician Assistant, she has navigated diverse medical settings, honing her skills in internal medicine, geriatric care, urgent care, and more.

Alem’s journey began at Howard University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2001. Her subsequent roles took her to the United States Embassy of Kuwait as a Medical Provider, and various hospitals, clinics, and research centers. Her expertise encompasses cancer care, HIV/AIDS management, surgical assistance, and hospitalist services.

Throughout her career, Alem has remained steadfast in her commitment to personalized care. She believes in treating each patient with utmost respect, dignity, and compassion. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alem cherishes her role as a wife and mother of two teenagers. Her personal experiences inform her empathetic approach to patient care, recognizing the intricate balance between medical needs and personal well-being.

As part of the Cowry Health team, Alem continues to provide exceptional care, guided by her unwavering passion for healing and connection.

Certifications:

•⁠ ⁠Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)

Education:

•⁠ ⁠Bachelor of Science, Physician Assistant Studies, Howard University (2001)

Laura Carey

(Vice President - Operations)

Laura received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Lesley University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is a Licensed Assisted Living Community Administrator and certified as a Senior Advisor. Laura has been involved in healthcare and the senior living industry since 1992. 

Having worked in intermediate and skilled nursing facilities as well as independent, assisted living and memory support, both at the community and regional level.  Laura brings 19 years of operational experience to Cowry Health.

Cynthia Nweke

(Group Business Manager)

Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Lagos with a minor in Literature and Bioinformatics with a Biology Minor as a second degree from Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia.

Prior to becoming the Business Manager for Cowry Health, Cynthia had taught Middle School English and Language Arts, Math and Science in the underserved Indian Reservation surrounding areas of Gallup, New Mexico for 4 years.

Cynthia derives joy in meeting and talking to people and finding the best ways to manage their worries by making their day a lot better than it was before approaching her.

Iasia Williams

(Clinical Research Coordinator)

Iasia Williams is our Research Coordinator for clinical trials. She has an Associates Degree in Applies Health Science from East Coast Polytechnic University and is a Certified Medical Assistant. Along with kindness and compassion, Iasia brings a great deal of enthusiasm to her work.

When Iasia first became involved in coordinating for clinical trials, several years ago, she knew she found a career that she was really passionate about.

“I enjoy clinical trials because I know our research changes the quality of life for a lot of people and I like knowing that I helped make their lives better!” In her spare time, apart from being mom to two children of her own and two bonus children, she likes watching TV, online shopping and relaxing at home with her family.

Angela Nweke

(IT Support Specialist)

Angela obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications from Caritas University, Enugu State Nigeria. She later earned a Masters of Science in Information Technology from Kennesaw State University. She has 6 years of customer service 

experience in the Telecommunications industry. She currently manages the Electronic Medical Record platform as well as all regulatory aspects of our Clinical Trial Program.