Bayan "Bay" Abunar, M.D.
Hometown: Fairfield, CT
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Research Interest: Hypertension in Pregnancy
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: All the amazing attendings and nurses at the hospital make for a terrific working and learning environment.
Favorite thing about Connecticut: Seems like a quiet state, yet it is filled with hidden gems which are great to explore.
Who is someone you admire: My mom. She was able to come to a country where she did not know the language yet able to raise six children without a complaint. I strive to have her patience and dedication in life.
Fun fact: My family is from Jordan where I have 20 aunts and uncles and >100 first cousins.
Some small things that make your day great? The smile on my son “Sami's” face when I come home from work.
What languages do you speak? English and Arabic
What is the most interesting place you’ve been? Petra and the Dead Sea in Jordan
Lauren Branche-James, M.D.
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Research Interest: Racial Health Disparities in Women’s Health
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: We serve a diverse patient population.
Who is someone you admire: Malcom X because he was a fearless leader dedicated to self-improvement and uplifting of others
Fun fact about your family: My 15 month old son Sebastian is obsessed with google home and talks to it constantly saying, “Hey Google”.
Talents that most people don't know about: I can bake amazing cheesecake.
Hobby would you start if time and money weren’t an issue? Bird watching
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you medal in? Identifying ingredients in food by taste
Favorite food: West Indian food. Saltfish, green banana, fried plantain
Best way to start the day: With a positive attitude
Favorite joke: I could tell you a science joke…but all the good ones Argon.
Favorite books? The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison & The Miracle of Mindfulness, Thic Nhat Hahn
How do you relax at the end of the day? Cuddle with my son
Ryan Farias, M.D.
Hometown: Brookfield, CT
Medical School: UConn
Research Interest: Obstetrics
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: I love the people at UConn. My co-residents, the attendings, the nurses, etc. We are all there for each other through the good times and bad, and I’m glad to be a part of the UConn family.
Favorite thing about Connecticut: I love how there are a ton of different indoor and outdoor activities to do during all 4 seasons. No matter what you’re into, there’s something for everyone. I also enjoy the versatility in places to live/visit. Hartford provides a city atmosphere, with New York and Boston in close proximity, while there are also many small town neighborhoods in the surrounding area.
Hobby would you start if time and money weren’t an issue? Car restoration
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you medal in? Fortnite
What is your favorite food? Lobster
What’s the best way to start the day? Two breakfasts
Jacqueline Fleuriscar, M.D.
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Medical School: New York Medical College
Research Interest: Food insecurity
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: We are all a big supportive family
Favorite thing about Connecticut: So much hiking!
Fun fact: I have a corgi named Paco
Hobbies: Salsa dancing, roller blading, hiking, trying different wines
Hobby would you start if time and money weren’t an issue: Professional salsa dancing. I would love to be able to compete nationally and internationally
Best way to start the day: Listening to music
If you had to give a 20 minute talk without any prep what would you discuss? Makeup
What are you passionate about at work? Working with the underserved
Stephanie Hallisey, M.D.
Hometown: Freetown, MA
Medical School: UMass
Research Interest: REI
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: The people! I feel so lucky to be in a program where I feel so supported by all of my attendings, co-residents, nurses, staff, and patients!
Favorite thing about Connecticut: Its close proximity to all of New England (perfect for day trips!)
Fun fact about your family: My Dad was born in Portugal
How do you relax at the end of the day? Chocolate milk and The Office
Something that everyone should do at least once: Experience the magic of Disney World
If you had to give a 20 minute talk without any preparation what would you discuss? Teen Mom
Lauren McMahon, M.D.
Hometown: Madison, CT
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Research Interest: Family planning
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: My co-residents
Favorite thing about Connecticut: Yard Goats and the beach!
Hobby would you start if time and money weren’t an issue? Traveling to see all of the National Parks
Some small things that make your day great? Dr. Lattes!
How do you relax at the end of the day? Exercise classes at the gym pre-COVID, a neighborhood jog post-COVID
Kristen Lee Moriarty, M.D.
Hometown: Broomall, PA
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Research Interest: Food insecurity, oncology and gynecologic surgery
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: From day one you are treated like family! The residents, nurses and faculty are all supportive of your endeavors and have your best interest in mind. We have excellent exposure to complex surgical cases and complicated antepartum patients. Our didactics are excellent! Also Dr. Johnson, Dr. Whitcomb and Christine are absolutely amazing!
Favorite thing about Connecticut: The scenery and quick access to big cities (Boston, NY, Philly) or the shoreline (Rhode Island) or the mountains in the winter to enjoy (Vermont/New Hampshire). West Hartford, CT offers a large restaurant scene and cute mom and pop shops and the quintessential New England vibes.
Fun fact: I have two puppies, Monty and Merlin. They are Boston Terriers. I tried convincing my husband for a third, but then I would be a crazy dog mom.
Hobbies: Painting, baking chocolate chip cookies, running, fashion, hanging out with family and friends, watching the Eagles.
Where did you grow up? My whole family is from Philadelphia. Having everyone in one area is special, especially when I visit! Eagles’ fans are the best! Philly has great food from cheesesteaks to pretzels to fine dining.
What are you passionate about at work? Complicated patients with difficult social issues that need broad resources and coordinated care.
Sindhuja Ranganathan, D.O.
Hometown: Willow Grove, PA
Medical School: University of New England
Research Interest: Global health
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: The people and the star tots (if you know, you know)
Favorite thing about Connecticut: Fall foliage
Hobby would you start if time and money weren’t an issue? Wildlife photography
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you medal in? Getting the seeds out of a pomegranate
Small things that make your day great? A cold seltzer and a warm hug
Favorite show: Parks and Rec
Fad or trend you hope comes back: Mood rings
Amber Suleskey, D.O.
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Medical School: Des Moines University
Research Interest: Medical education
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: We are a family! This is such a supportive and positive place to learn and I feel so lucky to be getting my training here.
Favorite thing about Connecticut: Gorgeous hiking and tubing down the Farmington River.
Hobbies: Hiking, playing my keyboard, backpacking, and weird arts and crafts projects
What are you passionate about at work? Caring for women and ensuring they have future where they can legally receive the medical attention they deserve. I am passionate about being an excellent surgeon and learning new ways to improve my skills. Also the cafeteria serves star tots, which are tater tots shaped like stars.
Who is someone you admire? I really admire my aunt Barb who is an OB/GYN. She is funny and cool and the best cook in the family. Every year she sews all the costumes for her kid’s high school musicals. She is always kind and is the least judgmental person I know.
Favorite book: Cutting for Stone. It inspired me to be a doctor. It is so beautiful, please read it.
Isha Vasudeva, M.D.
Hometown: Warren, NJ
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Research Interest: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
Why do you love UConn OB/GYN: On my interview day, I knew this was the program for me because for the first time I found myself relaxing and spending time with the residents as if they were long-time friends of mine. This was a program where I knew I would be welcomed for both my strengths and weaknesses and would come out all the better for it. And I couldn’t have been more right! The faculty and my mentors challenge me every single day yet support me in every way that I need.
Favorite thing about Connecticut: The true four seasons! Growing up close to CT, I figured my surroundings would be similar here to what I grew up with. But after my first full year of summer, fall, and spring here, I am awed by the greenery and beautiful fall colors we get to live and play amongst! Plus, my co-residents are constantly organizing a hike or day spent on the water, so I actually find the time to enjoy it!
Fun fact: I have a very fat, bright orange tabby cat that is basically the real-life version of Garfield. He loves to snuggle and definitely eat, but we try to keep him on a diet. You can often clearly see a look of distaste on his face as if he jumped right out of the cartoon.
Hobbies: There’s no greater joy for me than cooking and feeding others and I’m proud to say that I’ve managed to continue doing that even during residency. Somehow, I’ve found my niche throwing more elaborate than necessary barbecues, cocktail parties, and brunches for my co-residents on my weekends off. This past year, we started the annual tradition of the Vasudeva-Platt holiday party, that will hopefully go on for years to come (I’m lookin’ at you COVID!).