Current Residents

Anvesh Balabhadra

Medical School: Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad, India

I spent a majority of my life growing up in Hyderabad, India. I always had an affinity towards the brain since I was kid, so neurology came very naturally to me. There's a lot we know about the brain, but there's a lot more that we don't, and that's why I love it so much! Fields of particular interest are stroke, endovascular, and neuro-oncology.

Outside of medicine, I play an array of video games, but mainly DotA 2. Other interests include travel, exploring local cuisine, swimming, soccer, cricket, F1, and anime!

Fun Fact: I eat ice cream everyday.

"Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you're donating blood" - Bill Murray

"Don't you know the first law of physics? Anything that's fun costs at least 8 dollars." - Eric Cartman

Jeffrey Chen

Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

I was born and raised in northern Jersey, where I spent countless hours practicing piano and cello, playing tennis with my father, and solving math problems until they haunted me in my dreams. After high school, I studied chemical and biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. Then, I worked as a chemical engineer at an ethylene refinery plant for 3 years before I decided to embark on my medical journey at St. George’s University. I felt that I have always gravitated towards neurology because there are many disciplines to explore and there is much potential about the brain that we have yet to unlock. For now, I will keep an open mind before I commit to one particular sub-specialty in neurology.

When I have free time, I like to play tennis and hearthstone. My favorite vacation spot is Taiwan because I love the night market street food as well as hanging out with my relatives!

Favorite Movies: The Terminator series, Total Recall, The Matrix, Parasite, Ex Machina, The Imitation Game, Harry Potter series, Marvel Movies

“If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” – The Joker

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas A. Edison

Ankush Maheshwary

Medical School: Government Medical College, Amritsar, India

I was born and raised in the city Amritsar, the cultural heartland located in northern India. I went to the Government Medical College, Amritsar for medical school to become the first M.B.B.S. of the family.

During my year of internship at a tertiary care center, I thoroughly enjoyed solving the diagnostic challenges presented by the neurological patients and got a true insight into the vastness of clinical presentations. Within neurology I'm especially interested in movement disorders and behavioral neurology.

Outside of work I like to explore different hiking trails around the city. I enjoy playing ping pong, chess, and board games. Activities that help me de-stress are cooking and running marathons (movie marathons!).

My pursuit for residency has brought me to UConn, where I have found a second home. I’m thrilled to be part of this program and excited to share the journey with my amazing co-residents.

Yoram Ebrahimi

Medical School: Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Branch at Tel Aviv University

I’m originally from Great Neck, NY on Long Island. I did my undergraduate education at Binghamton University with a B.S. in neuroscience. I did my medical school at Sackler School of Medicine at TAU. Living in Israel was one of the best decisions I’ve made, helping find a good balance between work and lifestyle.

My interest in neurology started in undergraduate when I did research in neuroplasticity. It was one of the systems that made so much sense to me. I enjoyed how the brain integrated aspects of medicine and psychology but I found all aspects of neurology to be fascinating, whether it was epilepsy, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative, neuromuscular disease - it all fascinates me. I’m mainly interested in cerebrovascular disease. Ever since I was in medical school, I found many exciting opportunities for research, and want to dedicate time to develop in this field.

In my free time, I like to go the gym or go for a run, living in Israel was a great environment for fitness. I often like to wind down with my guitar, playing music from classic rock to alternative. I enjoy practicing and learning about meditation. On weekends, I like to go home to spend time with my friends and family.

Brenda Pulgarin

Medical School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University

Hi! I’m Brenda. I was born in Ecuador and moved to NYC when I was 6. I have lived most of my life in NYC being exposed to amazing people and cultures as I navigated my college years at NYU. I decided to go to medical school at Upstate Medical in Syracuse. There I found a love for nature and the outdoors.

My passion for neurology emerged through my interest in understanding how people think and why they do the things they do. How all the pieces fall together to make up so a person is and what they say and do. I had the privilege of working along amazing faculty who instilled their passion for neurology onto me. I knew I was meant to be a neurologist after my first neurology thrombectomy case when I heard the joy in the voices of the endovascular surgeons as they celebrated the successful removal of a clot. Through these experiences I have developed an interest in stroke, endovascular and critical care. However, I am keeping an open mind as I explore all the amazing fields in neurology.

In my free time I love to bake, especially for other people. I love trying new recipes and altering ingredients to find out which spice combinations bring out the best flavors. I also love to explore both nature via trails and visiting parks as well as exploring new places. I am interested in exploring restaurants and attractions in the area. With my fascination for exploring its not surprising that I love to travel, visit new places, try new food, and meet new people!

Jordan Siegel

Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

I take great pride in being a Connecticut native, born in New Haven and grew up in New Canaan. In fact, my dad had to stop eating Pepe's to join my mom in the delivery room! Despite these roots, I am an eternally optimistic Philadelphia sports fan as my parents grew up in the City of Brotherly Love. I moved in high school to San Diego, California where not only did I become spoiled with great weather, but I met my eventual fiancée. Despite the weather, I attended the University of Pittsburgh where I was first to exposed to medicine via clinical research (including on strokes!) in the emergency room. After Pitt, my family returned to Connecticut and I completed my MPH from George Washington University. During my MPH, I was able to complete a preceptorship in the Norwalk Public Health Department, getting to learn about the ins and outs of Connecticut healthcare. From there, I went to medical school at Temple in Philadelphia. I take full responsibility that my first year living in Philadelphia my Eagles won the Super Bowl.

I love neurology because it encompasses the art of puzzle solving with the intricacy of a well-performed physical exam. I cannot wait to explore all aspects of the field, but I am passionate about cost-efficient medicine and look forward to exploring avenues to achieve this goal.

Outside of the hospital, I enjoy playing basketball despite my size and athletic ability, going on walks and playing Pokémon Go, if you can catch me.

"We're from Philly, nobody likes us, we don't care" - Jason Kelce

"World Champions" - Chase Utley

Alberto Varon

Medical School: Universidad Anáhuac Escuela de Medicina, Mexico

I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I went to medical school at Universidad Anahuac. During my clinical rotations I immediately fell in love with Neurology, I was amazed with the possibility of being able to localize a lesion with such precision. After graduating I worked in the Mexican Consulate in Miami, FL where I provided immigrants with reliable information on health topics, counseling, and referrals to the different health services available at their local communities. During this time, I also participated in a research project from Harvard’s disparities unit studying elder minorities and their capabilities of preventing disability and depression via different interventions. I later worked as a research fellow for a year studying aneurysmal walls using high-resolution vessel wall imaging in the department of neurology at The University of Iowa. It is during this year that my interest towards vascular neurology increased.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading about technology and finances. I like spending time with my family and friends, traveling, trying new restaurants, playing videogames, and watching my Jacksonville Jaguars win (sometimes).

I am very happy to have matched to such an amazing program with incredible neurologists and colleagues.

Ayatallah Ahmed

Medical School: Cairo University Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt

I’m originally from Egypt, one of the oldest civilizations that get to explore the brain anatomy via inserting a long hooked implement through the nostril, breaking the cribriform plate and removing the brain by the mummifiers. I graduated from Cairo University where I started teaching junior medical students neuro-anatomy on brain cadavers. At that point, I decided to pursue my career in neurology to explore more mysteries about the brain and solve cool puzzles.

After graduation, I participated in epilepsy research and I got to enjoy the brain mapping and focus localization. Connecticut is a natural beauty, and UConn has great faculty and a very supporting staff.

Other than being an intern, I enjoy outdoors activities specially zip lining, kayaking and hiking which you can really enjoy in Connecticut. In addition, spending quality time with close friends and family.

Victor Chan

Medical School: University of Queensland, Australia/Ochsner Health System, Louisiana

I was born and raised in San Francisco, California. I’m very proud to be a first generation college and medical school graduate in my immediate and extended family. My parents immigrated from southern China and moved to San Francisco where I grew up. I went to undergrad at Dominican University of California studying Chemistry and spent some time studying abroad at the University of Oxford studying human sciences and researching neural physiology and at Penn State Hershey researching Hydrogen Sulfide poisoning and pulmonary medicines. My medical school is the University of Queensland in Australia where I spent two preclinical years in the land down under and the last two in the Ochsner Health System in Louisiana! I’ve now travelled across the globe for my education and along the way, I’ve met some amazing people and learned so much about the world around me.

The reason why I love neurology is because of the intricacies of presentations that can have you scratching your head for answers and the investigative nature of neurology leading up to that “Ah-ha!” moment when it all becomes clear. Neurology is a constantly evolving field that is ripe for innovation and we get to live through it!

Fun Fact: I’ve backpacked across England, France, Italy, and ended up in Greece where I found myself being an emergency aid for Syrian refugees.

Hobbies: I love cooking cuisines around the world. I am a self proclaimed cookware enthusiast, woodworker, watercolor artist. I am also a masochist with Dark Souls games.

Bradley Garcia

Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA

I was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia. I graduated from Ursinus College with a Bachelor of Science in health and exercise physiology. I attended medical school at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine where I discovered my passion for neurology. Neurology is an exciting field of medicine full of diagnostic complexities in which a thorough history and physical exam is critical to localizing neurological disease processes. I look forward to exploring and learning more about all the different neurological subspecialties during residency. I am grateful to be completing my neurological training at UConn as they have an excellent training program with specialists in both of my main interests in headache medicine and sports neurology.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with friends and family. I grew up playing many sports and went on to both play and coach college lacrosse. I remain a big sports fan, and I enjoy rooting for my hometown Philly sports teams.

Matthew Mashayekhi

Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME

I was born and raised in Connecticut. My interest in Neurology began during medical school after the neuroanatomy block. Being introduced to how the nervous system was wired and the different ways pathology could present fascinated me. I took the opportunity to then help teach the neuroanatomy course for the year below me which really solidified my interest in Neurology as well as medical education. Within neurology, I have an interest in movement disorders at this time, however; I am eager to be exposed to the different sub-specialties there are.

In my free time, I enjoy repairing and modifying electronics, especially video games. I like going to flea markets and yard sales to find electronic or games to add to my collection.

Daniel Moreira

Medical School: Centro Universitario do Estado do Para (CESUPA), Belem, Brazil

I was born and raised in Brazil. I did my medical school at State University of Pará, in the north of Brazil. My passion for neurology started on medical school when I noticed how interesting and incredible is the neurological reasoning. It is impressive how many details can be obtained by neurological examination with accurate topographic correlation and how vital is this approach to reach a final diagnosis. Clinical neurological examination remains as our powerful tool to direct us in this challenging specialty.

Outside of medicine, the majority of my free time I dedicate to spend time with my family, trying use every resource available to mitigate the distance between United States and Brazil. I also enjoy reading different books, specially biographies of people that I truly admire; watching soccer and the great brazilian teams playing; and expanding my collection of souvenirs from different places in the world when traveling.

Charanpreet Padam

Medical School: Government Medical College, Amritsar, India

Hi! I bounced around the East Coast until finally settling down in Connecticut. While growing up, I used to visit India often. I loved exploring my culture, the history, and, most of all, the food! When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to pursue my passion for medicine and desire to travel. So, I attended med school in India at GMC, Amritsar. If you ever visit Amritsar, don’t forget to try chole bhature with lassi and see the beautiful Golden Temple!

During my medical education in India, I discovered my interest in neurology. From witnessing Multiple Sclerosis, epilepsy, migraine, and stroke to Potts disease in my own family, I could apply neurology to people I care for. After returning to the United States, I focused on research in neuroinflammation, specifically correlations between the phenotypes and genotypes of MS patients. Such experiences further allowed me to understand the complex nature of neurological disorders as a challenge for neurologists and the hardships of being a patient. I hope to create a difference by advancing the field from research and by increasing efforts to raise awareness.

Apart from neurology, I enjoy Punjabi Music, corny Rom-Coms, hiking, board games, and anything sweet. I love spending time with my friends (both old and new here at UConn)! And, of course, I am absolutely obsessed with my fluffy golden retriever, Mowgli. I try to spend as much time as I can bugging him as any typical dog mom would!

UConn is one close-knit family with devoted attendings who are always ready to teach. You always have the support and rigorous training you need to become a competent Neurologist. Plus, being located in Connecticut is truly the best of both worlds! You can enjoy city life in New York and Boston or the beautiful landscapes of New England.

Melisha Budhathoki

Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT

Hi, my name is Melisha. I was born in Nepal but grew up mostly in CT. I did my undergraduate at Boston University. It was there that I first became interested in Neurology while engaging in Alzheimer’s Disease research. I attended medical school at University of Connecticut and I’m thrilled to also be doing my residency here! My subspecialty interests are broad and I’m looking forward to exploring all of them during residency. When I am not working I enjoy hiking/trekking, cooking, traveling and spending time with my friends.

James Costanzo

Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT

I grew up in Ellington, CT (home to the largest dairy farm in the state) with my parents, twin sister, and several German Shorthaired Pointers. My family has strong ties to UConn as my parents and sister, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins are alumni. They are all very proud that I have received my education from UConn. My interest in neurology began after taking high school biology and chemistry courses. This interest was further strengthened after my grandfather was diagnosed with ALS. I'm proud to practice neurology to honor his memory.

In my free time I enjoy watching films, following my favorite football team (Tottenham Hotspur), and spending time with my wife.

Pooja Jethwani

Medical School: B.J. Govt. Medical College, Pune, India

I was born and raised in Mumbai and completed my medical school in Pune. I have always been curious and during my time in med school, I found every single field very fascinating, however, neurology blew my mind (lol)! It has so many intricacies and details and yet so many unanswered questions. Every case seems like a mystery waiting to be solved! Therefore, I was naturally drawn to it. My current areas of interest are vascular neurology and neurocritical care but I want to explore all the subspecialties before I decide on my fellowship.

In my free time I love to travel, try out different cuisines, draw, and watch movies!

Ameya Kale

Medical School: Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Karnataka, India

I am from India. Born in the city of Hyderabad, in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India, I grew up in New Delhi, in North India in a household full of medicine and music. Being raised by a tiger grandmom I was subjected to countless lessons in Indian Classical music and tennis, and a subliminal subconscious influence to medicine from my parents who were doctors themselves, all the while harboring the personal dream of being a pilot one day. It was much later that I realized that turbulence in the air was not my best friend.

When I landed up in medical school, I loved it. I realized that I was in the right place, and that I was very lucky to be there. Neurophysiology and neuroanatomy were personal favorites, and I lucidly remember sitting in class, 1 week into school, marveling at the physiology of the NMJ and the anatomy of the long tracts and how the pathophysiology correlated with the signs and symptoms of the diseases like myasthenia gravis and tabes dorsalis. It was fascinating to me how simple, ingeniously crafted clinical exam maneuvers could eke out so much detail about the disease. Choosing between Medicine and Neurology was hard, because I adored both. What made the difference was the quintessentially clinical nature of neurology - the history and physical exam are its unshakeable bedrock, and the fact that there is so much yet to be discovered. I am excited to explore its multiple facets but the parts of neurology that interest me the most right now are vascular neurology and neurocritical care.

Outside of medicine I enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends and subjecting them to the sounds of me playing guitar, read Terry Pratchett when I get the chance, or as a last resort, workout. I've recently found that I quite like cooking and cleaning, and that they are quite convenient hobbies to have.

I'm thrilled to have found a welcoming home here at UConn, filled with likeminded wonderfully nice people, and amazing clinical teachers and I'm excited to see what lies ahead.

“Today is a good day to try.” – Quasimodo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame

“Only in our dreams are we free. The rest of the time we need wages.” – Terry Pratchett, Wyrd Sisters

Melanie Orr

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

I am originally from New Jersey, where I have lived close to the beach for most of my life. I grew up spending almost all of my time outdoors and loved exploring the ocean, hiking, and being around wildlife. I developed an interest in brain back in my high school years, which eventually lead me to study neuroscience at my undergraduate university. From there, I explored many different clinical career paths within neuropsychology, addiction medicine, neurosurgery, and of course neurology! I received my medical training in the greater New York City area and quickly learned that my passion lies in developing longitudinal relationships with patients with a focus on patient education and advocacy. My current interests within neurology include movement disorders, cognitive neurology, and headache, but I continue to have an open mind as I advance through my training!

Outside of medicine, my hobbies include fitness, portrait art, animal fostering, and of course spending time with my wonderful support system!

Srinath Ramanan

Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT

I was born in India and moved to Connecticut at a young age. After my schooling in West Haven and New Haven, I pursued biology while dancing my way through UConn undergrad and was captivated by human anatomy and physiology. I enjoyed learning about the intricacies of the body and the biochemical interactions of cellular dysfunction.

After undergrad, I coordinated clinical trials for 3 years at Yale’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit where I found my passion for neurology and clinical medicine. I carried this with me into medical school at UConn Health and am excited to watch it further unfold during my time here in residency. My interests within neurology include epilepsy, stroke, and neuromuscular disorders.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy painting, exercising, tennis, golf, and learning about astronomy!

Mohammed Mansour

Medical School: College of Human Medicine, Benha University, Egypt

I was born and raised in Egypt, a country known for its love of science and medicine since the time of the pharaohs. I went to medical school in a city called Banha, which is well known for its production of honey, and I truly enjoyed my time there. My interest in neurology was ignited during my 5th year of medical school after amazing lectures by the chair of the internal medicine department at that time. I could really appreciate the beauty of the science behind localization and medical decision-making. In addition, I find it important to give this patient population great clinical care. I was lucky enough to be accepted into an epilepsy post-doctoral research fellowship, where I enjoyed learning more about the intricacies of the brain. I am happy to be taking care of the most precious organ in the body, at least according to the cerebral hemispheres.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing soccer, reading, and watching anime.

Najmivarzaneh, Fatemeh

Medical School: Islamic Azad University Tehran Faculty of Medicine, Tehran, Iran

I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. I graduated from Tehran Medical Sciences of Azad University. I became fascinated with Neurology when on the first day of my Neurology externship I observed my attending administer antiepileptic medication to a patient with status epilepticus.

The patient's remarkable recovery with the medication and the changes in the patient’s quality of life had a profound effect on me and inspired me to become a neurologist. By the end of my clinical rotation, I was convinced that no other specialty would be as fulfilling or rewarding to me as Neurology.

My academic interests are in Movement Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy travelling, bike riding, and playing with my three-year-old daughter.

Diego Ojeda

Medical School: Universidad San Francisco de Quito, School of Medicine, Quito, Ecuador.

I was born and raised in Ecuador. I studied medicine for six years, followed by a post-doctoral research fellowship of one and a half years at the University of Iowa. During my training, I discovered a profound passion for Neurology, thanks to my Neurology professor, who was my first mentor and encouraged me to pursue a career in this field. At the University of Iowa, I conducted research on non-invasive imaging biomarkers to predict intracranial aneurysm rupture risk and investigated neurointerventional procedural outcomes using various devices. I am honored to be training at UConn, where they offer an excellent program with outstanding staff physicians and an exceptional resident support system.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, and playing soccer. I am also an avid sports enthusiast.

Jadzia Wray

Medical School: St. George’s University of Medicine, Grenada

I was born and raised in Long Island New York, but my background is Jamaican and Guyanese. My father is an emergency medicine physician and his passion and drive for medicine encouraged me to follow in his footsteps from a young age. I attended Hofstra University and majored in Neuroscience. This led me to complete my thesis in the field of Neuropsychology. During my senior year, I worked as a scribe, and the experience further solidified my love for medicine.

I recognized my love for neurology specifically during medical school through my Neurology lectures and Internal Medicine clinical rotation, where I spent hours each week in the neurology clinic. I also spent time seeing various neurology patients throughout my other rotations and had the opportunity to experience what I felt was a comprehensive introduction to neurology. I felt challenged and enjoyed listening to neurology lectures and conversations. I realized that I’d be happiest and find the most joy and fulfillment in the field of Neurology.

Outside of medicine, I have a lot of passions. My favorite thing to do is sing. I trained classically throughout college and prior and I also have played the piano for 20+ years. Music is my passion and I love many genres especially gospel, contemporary christian, classical, and jazz. Besides music, I love nature, rock climbing, zip lining, horse back riding, and the beach. I also love animals and have multiple pets. I currently have 2 cats and an aquarium and I once owned a hedgehog, turtle, and bird.

I am very grateful to be part of the UConn Neurology Program!

Graduate Medical Education

Class of 2025

Class of 2026

Class of 2027

Class of 2028