Becca Cain Amado, M.D.
She/Her
I was born and raised in Winchester, Virginia. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary Washington and went on to complete a master’s degree in experimental psychology at Radford University. After a brief career as a neuroscience research technician, I went on to attend medical school at Wake Forest School of Medicine.
I was drawn to family medicine because it allows me to build deep relationships with my patients and help them meet their health goals in a way that supports their overall life and well-being. I enjoy the variety that full-scope family medicine offers and particularly enjoy doing in-office procedures. I’m also passionate about wilderness medicine, which combines my love of outdoor adventure with my interest in providing care in resource-limited environments.
After residency, I plan to work as a Family Medicine physician within the VA healthcare system. I’m also excited to stay involved in the broader family medicine community through advocacy, service in professional organizations, and global health efforts.
Outside of medicine, I’m happiest when I’m exploring on a weekend camping trip, an international adventure, or just kayaking on a local river. I also enjoy crafting, playing board games, and spending time with my wonderful family and our lively crew of pets: two birds, a dog, and two cats.
Rylee Bleck, D.O.
She/Her
I was born and raised in sunny South Florida before moving to Worcester, MA to play NCAA soccer at Clark University, serving as captain in my junior and senior years. At Clark, I earned both my B.A. and M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and had the joy of meeting my husband. During my undergraduate and master’s years, I spent time working as a scribe in a family medicine clinic and volunteered at various places such as an Adult Day Center and Boys and Girls Club. These experiences further affirmed my decision to pursue medical school.
After a gap year working in a research lab that studied treatments for rare diseases, I attended Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas campus in Spartanburg, SC. Clinical rotations during my third year solidified my desire to become a family medicine physician. My favorite volunteer activity was spending time with my Little through the Big Brother Big Sister program. I also served as National Liaison for the Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO) where I deepened my passion for osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). I developed a love for fostering long-term relationships and understanding patients’ unique life circumstances, while working to provide comprehensive and holistic healthcare for all areas of the patients’ lives.
My specific interests within family medicine include OMM, women’s health, behavioral health, and pediatrics.
In my free time, I enjoy working out, playing soccer, scuba diving, trying new food, spending time with family and friends, and playing with my pets. I am thrilled to be starting my family medicine journey at UConn Family Medicine Residency!
Emily Lopez Santa, M.D., M.P.H.
She/Her
Hi! I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and completed my bachelor's degree in Cellular Molecular Biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. I then moved to Connecticut to pursue both my MD and MPH at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, completing both degrees over six incredible years.
During medical school, I was part of the Urban Service Track, an interdisciplinary program focused on delivering high-quality care to underserved communities. I also had the joy of volunteering with Make-A-Wish CT, where I spent time with some of the bravest young warriors in the state. These experiences deepened my commitment to community engagement and showed me how powerful longitudinal, compassionate care can be.
I officially fell in love with Family Medicine during my third-year clerkship, where I saw how it brings together my passions in community health, geriatrics, and women’s health. I was especially drawn to the chance to care for people of all ages and backgrounds, build lasting relationships, and support patients through both life’s milestones and challenges.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy listening to audiobooks, dancing salsa, crafting, playing tennis, and spending time with my friends and family, especially my twin sister. I’m thrilled to be back in clinic, serving the very community that first inspired my journey into Family Medicine!
Ishaira Nieto Rosas, M.D.
She/Her
I am originally from a small town on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. Growing up as the eldest of three taught me a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to care for others from an early age. When I was eight, my family moved to Hartford, and later to East Hartford, where I eventually graduated from the Connecticut IB Academy.
I attended Vassar College, majoring in Biology and Latin American and Latino Studies. As an undergraduate, I divided my time between studying the effects of rising sea temperatures on coral reefs, learning about political movements in Latin America, and working with migrant farm workers.
I attended the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana, Cuba, where I was drawn early on to primary care and community medicine. I enjoy fostering long-term relationships with my patients and their families, and I look forward to continuing that work here at UConn.
After medical school, I moved back to Connecticut and spent the past year working in elementary education as a building substitute teacher.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my dog, and watching women’s basketball.
Bhumika Patel, D.O.
She/Her
Hey everyone! My name is Bhumika, and I grew up in rural Arlington, Vermont. The outdoors are my second home, and my happy places have always been on hiking trails, especially in the Green Mountains. Stepping into my parents’ home was like crossing the threshold into an Indian village with the food, spiritual upbringing, and language. I am proud and forever grateful to have grown up with this dual experience that has broadened my horizons and made me appreciate every human being's story. Every few years, we visited India, and from a young age, I noticed a commonality between Arlington and my family’s Indian village: a lack of healthcare and other basic needs. Naturally an empath, I remember how this made me sad as a child to see others' plights. As a future family physician, I feel empowered to brighten my corner of the world by serving communities in need.
For my undergraduate studies, I attended the University of Vermont, and it felt like everything funneled me toward a career in family medicine. As a Student Government Senator and Committee Chair, my advocacy for students’ mental health has seamlessly translated into my passion for physician leadership to change whole communities. As a yoga and meditation instructor, I learned that I thrive when creating positive spaces and empowering others. After graduating, I was a medical assistant for 3 years at an FQHC and this solidified my path. I looked forward to working with patients every day and got to develop longitudinal relationships with patients, including refugees, low-income population, transgender youth, and more. With the 2020 pandemic, I wasn't deterred from being there for my patients; in fact, I was humbled that we were their first point of contact during these chaotic times. I applied to medical school knowing I wanted to be a family physician and haven't looked back since. Without knowing anyone, I moved to Los Angeles for 3 years before coming back for 4th year and now residency. I learned so much about my independence and capabilities.
In medical school, I was involved in student wellness, started the addiction medicine interest group, and had various roles in medical student advocacy. When I interviewed with UConn, it felt like not only were my interests embraced, but who I am as a human was as well. I knew I found my people!
My interests include hosting themed potlucks, live music, anything involving nature and plants, traveling, tending to my apartment garden, and most recently, credit card points.
Abeynaa Tross, M.D.
She/Her
I am a first-generation Afro-Caribbean Canadian, born to a Trinidadian mother and Nevisian father, and raised in Ajax and Toronto, Ontario. My Afro-Caribbean heritage and close ties to Nevis instilled in me a deep respect for community-focused healing, natural medicine, and intergenerational care—foundations that shaped my pursuit of Family Medicine.
I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology at UOIT and earned my M.D. from the Medical University of the Americas (Nevis). Through diverse clinical rotations across Canada and the U.S., I developed a passion for women’s health, pediatrics, geriatrics, behavioral health, and procedural care—with a strong emphasis on health equity, advocacy, and continuity of care.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy fitness, painting, DIY projects, and learning the ukulele. I stay grounded through my faith and active involvement in community outreach and mentorship.
From my first interaction with the UConn Family Medicine team, I felt a profound sense of belonging. I’m excited to grow in a program that values authenticity, cultural humility, and community-based care.
Jiawen Yu, D.O.
She/Her
I grew up in southeast coastal China and came to the U.S. to pursue my passion for communication and storytelling, earning a degree in TV and Film from Syracuse University and a Master’s in Communication and Education from Columbia University. My path to medicine took an unexpected but meaningful turn during a ski trip to Vermont, where I fell in love with the Green Mountains and eventually made them my home. During nearly six years in rural Vermont, I volunteered as an EMT, finding deep purpose in caring for my community through hands-on, compassionate service. This experience ignited my commitment to healthcare advocacy and led me to complete a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Vermont before attending the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
I’m passionate about full-spectrum family medicine, with particular interests in women’s health, geriatrics, and care for underserved and immigrant communities. I value the power of relationships, storytelling, and deep listening in medicine, and I strive to create inclusive, supportive spaces where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
I’m thrilled to be joining the UConn Family Medicine Residency Program and to train alongside a dedicated and community-driven team. Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, cooking, film photography, and spending time with my orange cat, Fanta.