James K. Ahern, M.D.


Dr. Jim Ahern has been practicing family medicine in Ridgefield since 1982 and founded this practice in 1983.  Dr. Ahern graduated from Harvard College in 1975 and received his M.D. from the University of Cincinnati in 1979.  He completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1982.  He loves being a family doctor in Ridgefield because of his engaged and motivated patients and the opportunity to follow them over a long period of time.  He enjoys seeing patients of all ages and helping to coordinate a patient's care in a complex setting.  In his free time, Dr. Ahern likes to play tennis, downhill ski, and follow the Green Bay Packers.
Carol-Ann Galban, M.D.


Dr. Carol-Ann Galban, a native of Maine, graduated from Bowdoin College, then received her M.D. from the Boston University School of Medicine in 1991.  After completing her residency through the Middlesex Hospital Family Medicine Program, affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, she joined the practice in 1994.  Her patients span the full age spectrum from newborn to older adult. She enjoys the variety of it all and has a particular concentration in women's health.  She cherishes the opportunity to build relationships with her patients and families over the years.  Outside the office, Dr. Galban keeps busy with three beautiful, busy children, a myriad of animals, an 18th century farmhouse, and exercise whenever she can squeeze it in! 
Helen Kim, M.D.


Dr. Helen Kim received her M.D. from the Yonsei University College of Medicine in 1994.  She completed her residency training in Texas, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she was a chief resident. Due to her husband's job moves, she has practiced in 5 states.  San Diego and Scottsdale were the geriatric times with occasional scorpion bites and cactus injuries.  Chicago, as faculty of Evanston Northwestern Medical Center, was the teaching time with very diverse patients.  Los Angeles was serving between the poor and the rich, from a free clinic with showers for the homeless to Beverly Hills celebrities.  Dr. Kim is quite happy in Ridgefield, avoiding the LA traffic, and using the extra time to stay updated.  Outside of the office, she is either cooking or swimming: one to sustain three teen boys, and the other to keep her sanity.
Erika S. Surace, M.D.

Dr. Erika Surace, a native of Texas, earned her M.D. from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her residency training at Baylor College of Medicine.   She enjoys providing comprehensive care to all ages with a strong emphasis on preventative medicine.  Dr. Surace recently moved to Fairfield County with her husband.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading.  She is thrilled to be joining the practice and looks forward to building relationships with her patients for many years to come. 
Thomas Whelan, M.D.
​Dr. Thomas Whelan is originally from Pleasantville, New York. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for college and medical school. He completed his residency training in Utah Family Practice Residency Program. He has traveled widely, especially through this beautiful country of ours. He enjoys skiing and biking. Recently, Dr. Tom purchased a house here in beautiful Ridgefield. He has a particular interest in reducing reliance on medication by encouraging healthy habits. Please help us welcome Dr. Whelan to Copps Hill Family Medicine.