DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program Welcomes Eight New Doctors to Serve and Train in Victoria
7/11/2025
With stethoscopes in hand and purpose in their hearts, eight new resident physicians joined the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program in June—marking the start of a journey that will shape both their careers and the community they now call home. The DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program proudly welcomed the eight new resident physicians during a White Coat Ceremony held Friday, June 20, in the DeTar Navarro Education Classroom.
Hailing from across the globe and united by a shared passion for patient care, this diverse group joins the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program as its Class of 2028. Over the next three years, these physicians will train in full-spectrum family medicine, caring for patients of all ages while rotating through various specialties at DeTar facilities and within the community.
During the next three years, the residents will see patients at the DeTar Family Medicine Center, as well as rotate through different specialties. Dr. Julia Shae Krause-Castaneda, Program Director, said the goal of the program is to bring new physicians into the field of family medicine with the hope that they choose to stay in the area. The class of 2028, along with Year 2 and Year 3 residents, makes a total of 25 doctors working at DeTar’s residency program.
Bernard Leger, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System, said, “Our DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program is shaping the next generation of family medicine physicians through our collaboration with Texas A&M College of Medicine. Leger shared, “This is our tenth residency class, and I’ve had the honor of welcoming half of them,” Every year, I’m amazed by the caliber and heart of these young doctors. They’re not just learning to be physicians—they’re becoming part of the fabric of our region.”
Meet the eight new residents who are bringing their skills, stories, and hopes to Victoria:
- Stella Jane Fedele, M.D.
- Israel Daniel Large, M.D.
- Amber Marie Ludtke, D.O.
- Amal Adil Elhassan Mohammed, M.D.
- Hashir Murtaza, D.O.
- Neha Nadeem, M.D.
- Rabia Shahid, M.D.
- Kevin Thi, M.D.
Stella Fedele, M.D.
Originally from Florida, Dr. Stella Fedele earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her medical degree from St. George’s University. A U.S. military veteran, she has lived and served overseas and brings a global perspective to her medical practice. A committed Christian, Dr. Fedele views medicine as a way to love and serve people through medical missions and compassionate care. She chose family medicine for the meaningful continuity it offers and its ability to care for patients as whole people. Outside of medicine, she enjoys reading, exercising, and spending quality time with her family.
Israel Large, M.D.
Dr. Israel Large is a native of El Paso, Texas, and completed his medical education at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. He was drawn to family medicine for its wide scope and the opportunity to care for patients across all stages of life. He chose to train at DeTar for its rural setting and strong commitment to serving underserved communities in Texas. In his free time, Dr. Large enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
Amber Ludtke, D.O.
Dr. Amber Ludtke is passionate about providing compassionate, holistic care that addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of her patients. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Baylor University and her medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to medical school, Dr. Ludtke worked as a home health attendant and nurse aide—experiences that deepened her respect for diverse patient needs. She has participated in medical missions locally and abroad, focusing on improving access to care for underserved populations. A proud mother of two, she enjoys family time, cooking, hiking, and caring for her pet lizard.
Amal Mohammed, M.D.
Dr. Amal Mohammed graduated from the University of Khartoum in Sudan and brings a rich background in community health and education. She has led public health initiatives in rural villages and correctional centers and has a strong passion for health education and preventive care. In addition to clinical experience, she has taught health sciences and thrives on engaging learners of all ages. Dr. Mohammed is dedicated to culturally informed, empathetic care, and looks forward to serving the Victoria community. Outside of medicine, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and spending time with her two young children.
Hashir Murtaza, D.O.
Dr. Hashir Murtaza was born and raised in Texas and holds a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine in San Antonio. With a strong interest in preventive and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Murtaza is passionate about helping patients make sustainable health choices. At DeTar, he looks forward to developing a well-rounded, holistic approach to family medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, growing his plant collection, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Neha Nadeem, M.D.
Dr. Neha Nadeem was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and raised in Saudi Arabia before completing her medical degree at Dow International Medical College in Karachi. She was drawn to family medicine for the long-term relationships it allows with patients and the ability to care for diverse populations. Dr. Nadeem is excited to be part of the Victoria community and looks forward to growing in her role as a family physician. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.
Rabia Shahid, M.D.
Dr. Rabia Shahid earned her medical degree from Fatima Jinnah Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan, followed by a one-year internship at Ganga Ram Hospital. Her broad clinical experience and passion for continuity of care led her to pursue family medicine. She chose DeTar for its unopposed program structure and strong inpatient training. Dr. Shahid hopes to pursue double board certification in family medicine and a hospital-based subspecialty. She enjoys exploring new cuisines, reading, and knitting in her free time.
Kevin Thi, M.D.
Dr. Kevin Thi was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and completed medical school at Ross University School of Medicine. His interest in family medicine stems from its wide scope and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients. After completing much of his clinical training in Florida, he is glad to return to Texas to train and be closer to family. Outside of work, Dr. Thi enjoys playing basketball, spending time with loved ones, and cheering on the Texas Longhorns.
The arrival of this new class brings the total number of residents at DeTar to 25, each one contributing to a healthcare mission deeply rooted in community and care. Dr. Julia Shae Krause-Castaneda, program director, says the hope is simple but powerful: train excellent family physicians who will stay and serve South Texas. “Our residents come here not just to learn, but to connect,” she said. “And in doing so, they strengthen the very heart of this community.” The new residents will accept patient appointments starting July 28, 2025.
The DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program, accredited by the ACGME, continues to serve as a vital training ground for physicians committed to providing exceptional, full-spectrum care to patients in South Texas and beyond. Learn more at https://detarresidency.com/.
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