Residents – PGY3

Alyssa Ahern, D.O.

Alyssa Ahern, D.O.

Birthplace/Hometown: Madison, CT
Undergraduate School: Emory University
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Cycling, traveling, hiking, swimming, skiing, hound dogs, Folk/ Americana music, vinyl records, board games
Academic Interests: Physiology and pathophysiology, social determinants of health and minority health improvement, LGBTQIA+ allyship in medicine, medical education, medical anthropology

Maria Akiki, M.D.

Maria Akiki, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Undergraduate Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
Medical School: Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Cooking, Spending time with family and friends
Academic Interests: Preventive medicine, Infection control, Antimicrobial stewardship, Transplant infectious disease, Travel medicine, Medical education, Global health

Hossam Albeyoumi, M.B.B.C.H.

Hossam Albeyoumi, M.B.B.C.H.

Birthplace/Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Undergraduate School: Cairo University
Medical School: Cairo University
Hobbies/Interests: Interested in philosophy, and physics. I like to go around for long walks.
Academic Interests: Cardiology and Endocrinology

Ali Al Dailaty, M.D.

Ali Al Dailaty, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Lebanon
Undergraduate School: Lebanese American University
Medical School: Lebanese American University
Hobbies/Interests: Fitness, Formula 1, Travel, Philosophy
Academic Interests: Critical Care, Cardiology, Medical Education

Janani Arunchalam, M.B.B.S.

Janani Arunchalam, M.B.B.S.

I was born in India and grew up in Qatar. After completing my schooling, I pursued my medical education in Tamil Nadu, India. As a physician, I am passionate about practicing evidence-based medicine and providing patient-centered care with a focus on primary care. I am considering pursuing a fellowship in hematology-oncology or rheumatology.

In my free time, I enjoy promoting health awareness through running and participating in various fitness activities. Running is one of my favorites and I find it a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. An interesting fact about me is that I was part of the Guinness World Record for the most number of people running 100 meters while carrying a baton in a 24-hour relay. This experience has instilled in me a great appreciation for teamwork, determination, and perseverance, which are values that I carry with me both in my personal and professional life.

Shreya Arvind, M.B.B.S.

Shreya Arvind, M.B.B.S.

I was born and raised in India and got my medical degree from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. My professional interests broadly include hospital medicine and medical education, and I am excited to explore Cardiology and Critical care through residency. I would also like to be a master of POCUS someday! Outside of medicine, I enjoy doodling and am looking forward to exploring food and hiking options in Connecticut over the next 3 years. If you need TV show recommendations, I'm your person!

Johnny, Atallah, M.D.

Johnny Atallah, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Undergraduate School: American University of Beirut
Medical School: American University of Beirut Medical Center
Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, swimming, travel
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases

Nicole Bambara M.D.

Nicole Bambara M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Birthplace: Hebron, CT
Undergraduate School: College of the Holy Cross
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, surfing, Taekwondo, reading, gardening
Academic Interests: Gastroenterology

Mohsen Basiri, M.D.

Mohsen Basiri, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: North Haven, CT
Medical School: Mashhad University of Medical Science
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, Spending time with family, Watching movies
Academic Interests: Medical education, Biostatistics, Vascular biology

Spencer Coleman M.D.

Spencer Coleman M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Canton, CT
Undergraduate School: Brigham Young University
Medical School: University of Connecticut
Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, Hiking, Photography, Scuba Diving
Academic Interests: Gastroenterology, Critical Care

Nicolette Corrao D.O.

Nicolette Corrao D.O.

I am from Staten Island, NY, and studied Economics and Business Managment at Drew University in New Jersey for my undergraduate education. After college, I worked in investment banking but wanted a more meaningful career. I attended Hunter College for my postbaccalaureate and Campbell University for my medical degree. I am excited to continue my medical training at UConn Health, to learn and grow as a strong Internal Medicine Physician. My professional interests include preventative and hospital medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family & friends.

Chebly Dagher, M.D.

Chebly Dagher, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Lebanon
Undergraduate School: Holy Spirit University of Kaslik - Lebanon
Medical School: Holy Spirit University of Kaslik - Lebanon
Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, Nature, Family, Photography
Academic Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Gastroenterology

Jeremy Doucette, M.D.

Jeremy Doucette, M.D.

I am proud to say I am a longtime resident of the state of Connecticut. In fact, upon completing residency I will have studied under the state’s flagship institution – the University of Connecticut - for 11 years! Aside from bleeding blue, I have a few passions both in and outside the field of medicine. I plan on becoming a primary care physician in Connecticut after finishing my training, as I wish to use my Spanish-speaking abilities and training in working with the underserved to better our communities’ health. Outside of medicine, I love playing basketball all year-round, snowboarding in the winter, and playing a video game or two with friends. I am excited to continue my training with UConn Primary Care Internal Medicine and look forward to developing my medical knowledge further. I will conclude with a fun fact – I have two pet ducks!

Stephanie Everest, D.O.

Stephanie Everest, D.O.

I was born in Massachusetts and raised in Melbourne Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Florida where I received a B.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and worked in the field of exercise physiology. I then worked as a cardiac technician in the D.C. metropolitan area and later received my medical education through Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in North Carolina. Through my experiences, I’ve developed a passion for preventive medicine, particularly the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Outside of medicine, I enjoy visiting with family and friends, going to the gym, reading novels, traveling, trying new foods, spending time outdoors and hiking with my dog Benji. I’m very excited to be a part of this community at UConn Health.

Kristin Ezell, M.D.

Kristin Ezell, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Berkeley, CA
Undergraduate School: University of Miami
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Drawing and printing, DDR, kayaking, hitting the gym, playing video games, traveling
Academic Interests: Hematology/oncology, health disparities and equity

Shea-Lee Godin, M.D.

Shea-Lee Godin, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Terrace Bay, Canada
Undergraduate School: Laurentian University, Canada
Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking with my two dobermans, cycling, soccer, traveling, cooking, spending time with friends and family
Academic Interests: Hematology/Oncology

Katherine Goebel, D.O.

Katherine Goebel, D.O.

I was born and raised in El Dorado, KS. I completed my undergraduate education in biology and anthropology/sociology at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. For medical school, I moved up north to attend Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown, NY. Now, I am incredibly excited to call Connecticut home! My professional interests include nephrology and hospital medicine, but I look forward to how my interests may develop in residency. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, friends, and my dog, Piper. If I'm not at the hospital or clinic, you can usually find me spending time with my family, friends, and dog, at a sporting event or planning my next road trip!

Daphne Gonzalez Aponte, M.D.

Daphne Gonzalez Aponte, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate School: University of Puerto Rico
Medical School: St. George’s University
Hobbies/Interests: Salsa Dancing, Hiking, kickboxing, swimming
Academic Interests: GI research

Bianca Griffiths, M.D.

Bianca Griffiths, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Rockland, NY/ Kingston, Jamaica
Undergraduate School: University at Albany
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Archery, Anime, Traveling, Karaoke, Spending time with family/friends (and my cat)
Academic Interests: Reducing health inequities, Global Health, Hematology/Oncology, Cardiology

Samer Habeel, M.D.

Samer Habeel, M.D.

 

Rachael Hagen, D.O.

Rachael Hagen, D.O.

Birthplace/Hometown: Plymouth, MA
Undergraduate School: West Virginia University
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking foods from different cuisines, snorkeling, hiking, traveling and experiencing new cultures, roller skating (former roller derby player), going to the beach
Academic Interests: Gastroenterology, nutrition, the gut microbiome, genomics

Curt Hanenbaum, M.D.

Curt Hanenbaum, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: West Hartford, CT
Undergraduate School: University of Connecticut
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, mountain biking, tennis, fishing, hiking, travel, and spending time with family
Academic Interests: Allergy and Immunology, Cardiology, and Academic Medicine

Mira Hasan, M.D.

Mira Hasan, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking and Baking, Karaoke, Puzzle Solving
Academic Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Gastroenterology

Amy Huang, M.D.

Amy Huang, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Taiwan
Undergraduate School: National Taiwan University
Medical School: National Taiwan University College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, oil painting, salsa dancing, karaoke, spending time with friends and family
Academic Interests: POCUS, Rheumatology, Hematology/Oncology, Medical Education, Large Database Analysis, Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Medicine

Abigail Immanuel, M.D.

Abigail Immanuel, M.D.

I am from a small town in Connecticut called Woodbridge and have lived in the state my whole life. I majored in biology at Quinnipiac University where I completed my undergraduate education in 2019 and attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. One of my most meaningful experiences was working with a team to provide education to patients in Barbados on noncommunicable diseases. My current clinical interests include hematology and oncology. Outside of medicine, I enjoy running, spending time with family and friends, and trying new coffee flavors.​

Jesenia Isaza, M.D.

Jesenia Isaza, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Medellin, Colombia
Undergraduate School: Central Connecticut State University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Baking, hiking, dancing, spending time with friends and family, going on long walks and watching sunsets
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Women's Health, Health Disparities

Nidhi Jain, M.B.B.S.

Nidhi Jain, M.B.B.S.

Birthplace/Hometown: New Delhi, India
Medical School: Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Indiay
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, Basketball, Meditation, Swimming, and Group Activities
Academic Interests: Hematology-Oncology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonary-Critical Care, Clinical Research, Quality Improvement, Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Ushani Jayasinghe, M.D.

Ushani Jayasinghe, M.D.

I was born in Sri Lanka and lived there until I moved to the USA and settled in Connecticut. I went to Brown University for my undergraduate studies, followed by St. George’s University for medical school. My professional interests include infectious disease and public health. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new restaurants and coffee shops with friends, hanging out with my family and my cat, rock climbing, and lifting.

Obada, Kholoki, M.D.

Obada Kholoki, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Medical School: RCSI Bahrain
Hobbies/Interests: Weightlifting, soccer, paddle tennis, and video games
Academic Interests: Cardiology, gastroenterology, and interventional medicine

Tyler Kingma, D.O.

Tyler Kingma, D.O.

Birthplace/Hometown: Daleville, VA
Undergraduate School: Virginia Tech
Medical School: VCOM-Carolinas campus
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, kayaking, traveling, team sports, pickleball
Academic Interests: Cardiology/Critical Care

Madhumita Kolluri, M.B.B.S.

Madhumita Kolluri, M.B.B.S.

Birthplace/Hometown: Riverside, California
Medical School: Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth University
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Dancing, RomComs, Traveling, Tennis
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Hematology/Oncology, Sustainable Health Care, Health Equity, Women in Medicine

Monika Kozyra, M.D.

Monika Kozyra, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Birthplace: Lezajsk, Poland/South Windsor, CT
Undergraduate School: Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Hobbies/Interests: Playing the Piano, Fitness, Traveling, Spending Time with Family
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Rheumatology, Primary Care, Health Equity

Ashwin Kumar, M.B.B.S.

Ashwin Kumar, M.B.B.S.

Birthplace/Hometown: Bangalore, India
Medical School: Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences
Hobbies/Interests: Everything Sci Fi, Group Sports, Food, Travel, Video Games
Academic Interests: Medical Education, Patient Safety, Health Equity

Alan Lanurias Diaz, M.D.

Alan Lanurias Diaz, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Undergraduate School: Not applicable
Medical School: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo (INTEC)
Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, enthusiast dancer of caribbean rhythms, travel, and love watching movies when I have free time
Academic Interests: Pulmonary/ Critical Care and Infectious Diseases

Christine Li, D.O.

Christine Li, D.O.

I was born and raised in West Hartford, CT. I went to University of Miami in Florida for undergraduate and New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. I am interested in primary care and hospital medicine. Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my dogs, playing tennis, and trying new foods. I'm excited to be back in Connecticut to continue my training.

Aryan Mehta, M.B.B.S

Aryan Mehta, M.B.B.S

Birthplace/Hometown: Amritsar, Punjab, India
Undergraduate School: Not applicable
Medical School: Government Medical College Amritsar
Hobbies/Interests: Working out, kite flying, running, hiking, and reading. I am also a Potterhead and a Coffee Aficionado
Academic Interests: Cardiovascular Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Critical Care Cardiology, Critical Care Medicine, Clinical and Translational Science Research, Outcomes Research, Academic Medicine

Mridula Sree Naagendran, M.B.B.S.

Mridula Sree Naagendran, M.B.B.S.

I was born and raised in Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India, and I graduated from PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. My professional interests currently center around hospital medicine, hematology/oncology, and recently gastroenterology, but I'm eager to explore more about each subspecialty during my residency. As there is always something new to learn, my goal is to be a diligent learner and a good physician. In my free time, I enjoy dancing and I adore spending time with my golden retriever, Blanco. I'm thrilled to be at UConn Health. My medical adventure to date has led me to join this amazing program, and the road ahead is undoubtedly exciting.

Geraldine Nabeta, M.D.

Geraldine Nabeta, M.D.

I was raised in Germany and Switzerland, but I am always proud to represent my Ugandan heritage. I completed college and graduate school in Cancer Biology at Emory University. I attended St. George's University for medical school and participated in the global scholars program where I spent a year in Newcastle, UK. During medical school I founded Youth Diaspora Initiative Ltd., a youth empowerment organization in Uganda supporting women and girls in their educational pursuits. My career interests include bridging cancer health disparities, gastrointestinal diseases and medical journalism. In my free time I enjoy spending quality time with my loved ones, traveling and mentoring medical students.

Ahmed Naseer, M.D.

Ahmed Naseer, M.D.

Hometown/Birth Place: Glastonbury, CT
Undergrad school: University of Connecticut
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Hobbies and Interests: Running, hiking, basketball, reading about philosophy and history, traveling, spending time with friends and family
Academic Interests: Pulmonary/Critical Care, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Preventive Care

Vladimir, Osadchyi, M.B.B.Ch.

Vladimir Osadchyi, M.B.B.Ch.

Birthplace/Hometown: Toronto, Canada / Kyiv, Ukraine
Undergraduate School: University of Waterloo
Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, table tennis, snowboarding, F1, basketball, hiking, politics
Academic Interests: Oncology/Gastroenterology/Rheumatology

Siddhant Passey, M.B.B.S.

Siddhant Passey, M.B.B.S.

Birthplace/Hometown: New Delhi, India
Undergraduate School: Not applicable
Medical School: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur
Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, basketball, fitness, playing the electric guitar and listening to music, trivia quizzes, exploring different cuisines, watching movies and TV shows
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Hematology/Oncology, Clinical Research, Medical Education, Healthcare disparities

Jay Patel, D.O.

Jay Patel, D.O.

Birthplace/Hometown: Oakland Twp, MI
Undergraduate School: Nova Southeastern University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Long distance running, playing basketball, and traveling
Academic Interests: Gastroenterology, Cardiology

Nicolette Pennington, M.D.

Nicolette Pennington, M.D.

Hometown/Birthplace: Hartford, CT
Undergraduate School: University of Connecticut
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Travel, Hiking, Comedy, Dogs
Academic Interests: Pulmonary/Critical Care, Medical Education

Patricia Therese Sta. Ines Pile, M.D.

Patricia Therese Sta. Ines Pile, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Quezon City, Philippines / Anaheim, California
Undergraduate School: University of the Philippines
Medical School: Ross University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, Karaoke, Foodie, Hiking, Traveling, Mindfulness, Movies and TV Series
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hematology/Oncology, Academic Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Health Equity, Global Health

Amy Schifilliti, M.D.

Amy Schifilliti, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Waterbury, CT
Undergraduate School: Arizona State University
Medical School: St. George University
Hobbies/Interests: Yoga, Reading, Knitting, Hiking

Ghalib Shaikh, M.D., M.P.H.

Ghalib Shaikh, M.D., M.P.H.

I grew up in North Stonington, CT. I went to college at Cornell University and medical school here at UConn, where I stayed an additional year to complete an M.P.H. as well. I’m grateful to be joining the residents I had so much fun with as a medical student! My interests in medicine include public health, cardiovascular health, and cancer. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy any and every type of exercise, cooking, trying new foods, and quality time with loved ones.

Nataliia Shakhgildian, M.D.

Nataliia Shakhgildian, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Medical School: Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Photography, podcasts, outdoor activities (hiking, cycling)
Academic Interests: Rheumatology, preventive medicine

Henry Siccardi M.D., M.P.H.

Henry Siccardi M.D., M.P.H.

Birthplace/Hometown: Astoria, Queens, NYC
Undergraduate School: Fordham University
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Boxing, hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, and journaling
Academic Interests: Health disparities, social drivers of health, mentoring

Abhishek Singh, M.D.

Abhishek Singh, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Georgetown, Guyana
Undergraduate School: St. George's University
Medical School: St. George's University
Hobbies/Interests: Squash, running, visiting local parks
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Nephrology

Tiffany Smith, M.A./M.D.

Tiffany Smith, M.A./M.D.

Hometown: Hartford, CT Birthplace: Portland, Jamaica
Undergraduate School: Boston University
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Hobbies/Interests: Writing, Cooking, Baking
Academic Interests: Health Equity, Cardiology, Pulmonary & Critical Care

Harish Srinivasan, M.B.B.S.

Harish Srinivasan, M.B.B.S.

I was born and raised in South India. I went to medical school at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal where I learned the ropes and developed interests in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Endocrinology. My goal in residency is to expand my horizons and find my path as a physician. In my free time, I like to read, explore the great outdoors, play sports, and follow interesting technology. Being at UConn is an exciting new journey and I thoroughly look forward to a fulfilling residency marching through the spectacular New England seasons.

Olivia Steczko, M.D.

Olivia Steczko, M.D.

I am a Polish-American raised in Queens, NY. I studied biology and economics at SUNY Binghamton University and received my medical degree from the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. My professional interests include primary care, rheumatology, and hematology/oncology. Outside the hospital, I enjoy painting, reading, music, and spending time with family and friends.

Bianca Thakkar, D.O.

Bianca Thakkar, D.O.

Birthplace/Hometown: Northborough, MA
Undergraduate School: UMass Amherst
Medical School: University of New England (UNE COM)
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, cooking, dancing, travel
Academic Interests: Gastroenterology, Oncology, Medical Education

Benjamin Thomas, D.O.

Benjamin Thomas, D.O.

I grew up in Manlius, NY and attended medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am interested in primary care, addiction medicine, and community health. In my free time I enjoy playing pickup basketball, running, biking, rock climbing, watching movies, and exploring new hikes in Connecticut

Stefan Thorarensen, M.D., M.P.H.

Stefan Thorarensen, M.D., M.P.H.

Birthplace/Hometown: Reykjavik, Iceland
Undergraduate School: Saint Louis University
Medical School: University of Iceland
Hobbies/Interests: Running, traveling, family time with my wife Stella and two-year old son Ragnar
Academic Interests: Gastroenterology, Hematology/Oncology, Endocrinology

Simran Umra, M.B.B.S

Simran Umra, M.B.B.S

Birthplace/Hometown: Kuwait/ New Delhi, India
Undergraduate School: Not Applicable
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India
Hobbies/Interests: Racket Sports, Badminton, Game Nights, Bowling, Spending time with family/friends, Outdoor Movies
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Medical Education

Anisha Vasireddi, M.D.

Anisha Vasireddi, M.D.

Birthplace/Hometown: Vancouver, Canada
Undergraduate School: Tufts University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Running, fitness, writing, languages, traveling, spending time with friends and family
Academic Interests: Cardiology, Hematology/Oncology, Medical Journalism

Luciana Vergara, M.D.

Luciana Vergara, M.D.

I was born and raised in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, where I graduated from medical school. As part of my family has lived in Connecticut for decades, I am very excited to continue my medical training near them at UConn Health. In Brazil, I had a lot of experience with hospital medicine and critical care, yet I want to expand my horizons of outpatient care and preventive medicine. I am passionate about everything within internal medicine and look forward to finding my path. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, traveling, and practicing yoga.

Danzhu Zhao, D.O.

Danzhu Zhao, D.O.

Birthplace/Hometown: Olympia, WA
Undergraduate School: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Hobbies/Interests: Playing the piano and violin, especially with family and friends. Hiking, swimming, solo-traveling, coffee, and watching beautiful sunsets
Academic Interests: Gastroenterology