{"id":23648,"date":"2021-07-09T12:45:19","date_gmt":"2021-07-09T16:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/?page_id=23648"},"modified":"2026-03-23T13:06:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T17:06:39","slug":"residents-pgy1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/internal-medicine-residency-program\/residents-pgy1\/","title":{"rendered":"Residents \u2013 PGY1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Categorical<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Oluwakorede<\/div><\/div>

Oluwakorede Akele, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Jersey City, New Jersey
\nUndergraduate School: University of Hartford
\nMedical School: Ross University School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Chess, Piano, Working Out, Technical Analysis\/Trading
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology, Research<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Zeynep<\/div><\/div>

Zeynep Akpinar, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Ankara, Turkey
\nMedical School: Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Baking, painting, Turkish marbling art, snorkeling, bowling, and going on walks with a coffee in my hand
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology\/Oncology, Clinical Research, Immunotherapy<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Ahmed<\/div><\/div>

Ahmed Al Ghazawy, M.D., M.Sc.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Egypt
\nUndergraduate School: Futures language school
\nMedical School: Ain Shams University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Swimming, reading, writing, watching movies, and anime
\nAcademic Interests: Personalized Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare Systems<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Misbah<\/div><\/div>

Misbah Aziz, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Danbury, CT
\nUndergraduate School: University of Connecticut
\nMedical School: NYITCOM
\nHobbies\/Interests: Painting, Baking, Crocheting, Reading, Plants
\nAcademic Interests: Rheumatology, Gastroenterology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Fariha<\/div><\/div>

Fariha Bhuiyan, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: New York, NY
\nMedical School:\u00a0Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Virginia Campus
\nHobbies\/Interests: Family and friend time, arts and crafts, cosmetology, gaming (arcade, video, board), anime, international cuisine
\nAcademic Interests: Outpatient Medicine, Chronic Disease Management, Cardiology, Lifestyle Medicine<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Kevin<\/div><\/div>

Kevin Byun, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Largo, FL
\nUndergraduate School: University of Florida
\nMedical School: University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Weightlifting, Civilization VI, board games
\nAcademic Interests: Nephrology, Infectious Diseases, Medical Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Preeyati,<\/div><\/div>

Preeyati, Chopra, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Patiala, Punjab, India
\nMedical School: Government Medical College, Patiala
\nHobbies\/Interests: Love exploring new iced coffees, swimming to unwind, diving into interesting reads, and spending time outdoors with friends and family
\nAcademic Interests: Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Global Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Evan<\/div><\/div>

Evan Clark, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Waterville, ME
\nUndergraduate School: University of Richmond
\nMedical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Travel, Running, Soccer, Skiing
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology\/Oncology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Jason<\/div><\/div>

Jason Corcoran, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Farmington, CT
\nUndergraduate School: Lafayette College
\nMedical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: CrossFit, hiking, running, lacrosse, cooking
\nAcademic Interests: Pulmonary\/Critical Care, Ultrasound, Medical Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Matt<\/div><\/div>

Matt Crawford, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
\nUndergraduate School: University of Central Florida
\nMedical School: University of Central Florida
\nHobbies\/Interests: I am an avid golfer and fan of American football. I love watching the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sundays and also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
\nAcademic Interests: Specialty care including GI, Hematology\/Oncology, and Cardiology as well as Hospitalist Medicine. I am also interested in research and development of new medical technologies and devices.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Moana<\/div><\/div>

Moana Da Silva Santiago, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Recife, Brazil
\nUndergraduate School: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
\nMedical School: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
\nHobbies\/Interests: Reading, traveling, spending time with my dog.
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology\/Oncology and GI<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Sandy<\/div><\/div>

Sandy Durosier, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Connecticut and Haiti
\nUndergraduate School: Wesleyan University
\nMedical School: A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
\nHobbies\/Interests: My hobbies and interests include hiking, cooking, writing, traveling the world, classes at Orange Theory Fitness (OTF), volunteering in my community, mentoring students, listening to true crime, investigative journalism, and health-related podcasts, watch
\nAcademic Interests: Academic Medicine, Palliative Care, Mentoring & Coaching, Lifestyle Medicine, Primary Care, Healthcare Disparities, Veterans' Health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Maria<\/div><\/div>

Maria Antonia Espinosa, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Loja, Ecuador
\nMedical School: Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja
\nHobbies\/Interests: Painting with oil pastels, playing violin, traveling, and spending time with family and friends
\nAcademic Interests: Gastroenterology, Liver Disease, Obesity Medicine, Metabolic Health and Academic Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Samuel<\/div><\/div>

Samuel D. Finkelstein, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
\nUndergraduate School: Queen\u2019s University
\nMedical School: Tel Aviv University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Birdwatching, tennis, golf, board games
\nAcademic Interests: Quality of life in Cancer, Hematology, Lung Transplant, Rheumatology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Christopher<\/div><\/div>

Christopher Gabbert, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Richmond, VA
\nMedical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Campus
\nHobbies\/Interests: Family and friend time, sports (Go Washington Commanders!), board games, Disney, Marvel, anime, stained glass, eating tasty food
\nAcademic Interests: Pulmonary\/Critical Care, Infectious Disease<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Shivani<\/div><\/div>

Shivani Garlapati, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Bengaluru, India
\nMedical School: Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bengaluru, India
\nHobbies\/Interests: Yoga, exploring new cuisines and cafes, board games, watching cricket, spending time with friends and family, binge-watching my favorite movies and TV shows
\nAcademic Interests: Rheumatology, Hospital Medicine, Medical Education, Endocrinology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Maha<\/div><\/div>

Maha Hadaya, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Hamilton, NJ
\nMedical School: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Painting, Board\/Video Games, Reading, Digital Art, Hiking
\nAcademic Interests: Pulmonary Critical Care<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Saloni<\/div><\/div>

Saloni Haldule, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Pune, Maharashtra, India
\nMedical School: B.J. Government Medical College, Pune
\nHobbies\/Interests: I enjoy yoga, baking, watching movies, and exploring new places\u2014especially when it involves trying delicious food with friends!
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology\/Oncology, Rheumatology, Medical Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Khaled<\/div><\/div>

Khaled Husain, MB BCh, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Sitra, Bahrain
\nMedical School: RCSI Medical University of Bahrain
\nHobbies\/Interests: Basketball, fishing, sea activities, traveling, video games, watching old movies\/TV shows
\nAcademic Interests: Advanced and Bariatric Endoscopy, IBD, Teaching<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Haley<\/div><\/div>

Haley Jensen, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Hackettstown, NJ
\nUndergraduate School: The Ohio State University
\nMedical School: St. George\u2019s University School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Reading, weight-lifting
\nAcademic Interests: Gastroenterology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Gurvir<\/div><\/div>

Gurvir Kaur Mangat, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Brampton, Canada
\nUndergraduate School: Wilfrid Laurier University
\nMedical School: Ross University School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Reading Fantasy Novels, Long Distance Running, Costco Deal Hunting, Binge-Watching Complete TV Series
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology\/Oncology, Medical Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Mohamed<\/div><\/div>

Mohamed Khalil, M.B.B.Ch.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
\nUndergraduate School: Cairo University
\nMedical School: Cairo University Faculty of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Playing water polo, traveling, exploring different cuisines, and volunteering in community health projects
\nAcademic Interests: Internal medicine, cardiology, cardiac imaging, preventive medicine, and patient education in underserved communities<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Kunhee<\/div><\/div>

Kunhee Kim, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
\nUndergraduate School: Yonsei University College of Medicine
\nMedical School: Yonsei University College of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Cooking, Singing, Running
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology\/Oncology, Hepatology, Artificial Intelligence<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Babajide<\/div><\/div>

Babajide Komolafe, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
\nUndergraduate School: University of Lagos, College of Medicine
\nMedical School: University of Lagos, College of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Playing Soccer, Traveling, Organizing hang outs and games nights
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiovascular Medicine with specific interests in Cardiomyopathies<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Bhoowit<\/div><\/div>

Bhoowit Lerttiendamrong, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
\nMedical School: Chulalongkorn University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Table tennis, badminton, movies, traveling
\nAcademic Interests: Infectious Diseases, Cardiology, Global Health\/Public Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Thomas<\/div><\/div>

Thomas Lunsford, D. O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Jackson, TN
\nMedical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana
\nHobbies\/Interests: Soccer, Fitness, Traveling, Cooking
\nAcademic Interests: Gastroenterology, Medical Education, Pulmonary\/Critical Care<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Rushali<\/div><\/div>

Rushali Manhas, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Born in New Delhi, India. Hometown in Sacramento, California
\nUndergraduate School: UC Davis
\nMedical School: Touro University California
\nHobbies\/Interests: Long Distance Running, Hiking, Reading, Dancing
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology\/Oncology, Gastroenterology, Medical Education, Global Health\/Preventive Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Tory<\/div><\/div>

Tory McKnight, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown: Old Lyme, CT
\nMedical School: New York Medical College
\nPrior Training: Research Fellowship, Thomas Jefferson University; Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Residency, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences\u00a0(UAMS)
\nHobbies\/Interests: Soccer, volleyball, pickleball, football, ultimate frisbee, lawn games, arts and crafts, creative writing
\nAcademic Interests: Primary care, rural medicine, outpatient procedural management as an application of my surgical experience<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Rafael<\/div><\/div>

Rafael Mendes, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace:\u00a0S\u00e3o Lu\u00eds, Maranh\u00e3o, Brazil
\nMedical School:\u00a0Federal University of Maranh\u00e3o (Universidade Federal do Maranh\u00e3o, UFMA), Brazil
\nHobbies\/Interests:\u00a0Guitar playing and singing, cooking, hiking with a good field guide at hand, exploring new places, reading philosophy
\nAcademic Interests:\u00a0Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Weight Loss Medicine, Geriatrics, Philosophy of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Ana<\/div><\/div>

Ana Metreveli, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Batumi, Georgia
\nUndergraduate School: N2 Public School
\nMedical School: David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU)
\nHobbies\/Interests: Mobile photography, music and singing
\nAcademic Interests: Hospitalist, Academic Medicine, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Women\u2019s Health<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Tanisha<\/div><\/div>

Tanisha Mishra, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: India
\nMedical School: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India
\nHobbies\/Interests: Spending time with friends and family, Traveling
\nAcademic Interests: Internal Medicine, Patient Safety, Medical Education, Clinical Research<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Neha<\/div><\/div>

Neha Narayanan, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Chesterfield, NJ
\nUndergraduate School: Rutgers University
\nMedical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: I love watching movies, painting, and dancing!
\nAcademic Interests: Hospital Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Maya<\/div><\/div>

Maya Nasser, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon\/ Birthplace: Boston, MA
\nUndergraduate School: American University of Beirut
\nMedical School: St. George's University of London
\nHobbies\/Interests: Fitness, Ski, Tennis, Hiking, Traveling
\nAcademic Interests: Pulmonary Critical Care, Autoimmune Diseases, Medical Education, Global Health, Research<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Herleen<\/div><\/div>

Herleen S. Pabla, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Chandigarh, India
\nMedical School: Government Medical College, Chandigarh
\nHobbies\/Interests: Baking, Dancing, Travelling, Exploring coffee spots
\nAcademic Interests: Medical Education, Global Health, Gastroenterology, Nephrology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Jay<\/div><\/div>

Jay Patel, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Palanpur, India
\nMedical School: B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad
\nHobbies\/Interests: Formula 1, racquet sports, biking, cooking, exploring local food scenes, road trips
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology, Critical Care, Clinical Research, Translational Research<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Vaishvik<\/div><\/div>

Vaishvik Patel, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Brampton, Ontario
\nUndergraduate School: Western University
\nMedical School: St. George\u2019s University School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Cricket, Soccer, Reading Books
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Jana<\/div><\/div>

Jana Pharoun, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Zahle, Lebanon
\nUndergraduate School: Lebanese American University (LAU)
\nMedical School: LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Basketball, Formula 1, hiking, swimming, cooking
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, and Medical Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Evan<\/div><\/div>

Evan Polly, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Troy, PA
\nUndergraduate School: Slippery Rock University
\nMedical School: PCOM
\nHobbies\/Interests: Reading, soccer playing\/coaching, cooking, trivia
\nAcademic Interests: Gastroenterology, Medical Education, Hospital Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Tamara<\/div><\/div>

Tamara Pyatnitskaya, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Moscow
\nMedical School: Tbilisi State Medical University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Photography, planting, art, hiking.
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology and Oncology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Komal<\/div><\/div>

Komal Rajpura, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Bhavnagar, India
\nUndergraduate School: University of Connecticut
\nMedical School: Campbell University, NC
\nHobbies\/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, reading romance novels, hiking, baking, being outdoors, and shopping.
\nAcademic Interests: Hospitalist or Endocrinology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"John<\/div><\/div>

John Ramatowski, M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Connecticut
\nUndergraduate School: Tufts University
\nMedical School: St. George\u2019s University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Vintage sports cars, film photography, Ella Fitzgerald music, and international travel
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Public Health Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Muaz<\/div><\/div>

Muaz Rashid, B.A.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Barrie, Canada
\nUndergraduate School: University of Guelph
\nMedical School: University College Dublin
\nHobbies\/Interests: Hiking, cooking, traveling
\nAcademic Interests: Gastroenterology and Critical Care<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Destino<\/div><\/div>

Destino Roman, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Hollywood, Florida
\nUndergraduate School: University of Florida
\nMedical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Basketball, Video Games, Chess, Going to the Movies
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Andrew<\/div><\/div>

Andrew Romasco, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Boston, MA
\nUndergraduate School: University of Massachusetts Amherst
\nMedical School: University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Swimming, chess, baking, reading, and spending time with my dogs
\nAcademic Interests: Working With Underserved Communities, Hematologic and Oncologic Diseases, Palliative Care<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Joseph<\/div><\/div>

Joseph Rorick, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Ithaca, NY
\nUndergraduate School: Ithaca College
\nMedical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Golfing, watching hockey and football, trying new breweries
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Hamza<\/div><\/div>

Hamza Sajid Dhakam, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan
\nMedical School: Aga Khan University Hospital
\nHobbies\/Interests: Cooking, History, and Traveling
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Eliana<\/div><\/div>

Eliana Sanchez Perez, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Dominican Republic
\nMedical School: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo (INTEC)
\nHobbies\/Interests: Exercise, dancing, outdoor adventuring
\nAcademic Interests: Nephrology, Infectious Disease, Teaching and Mentorship<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Gustavo<\/div><\/div>

Gustavo Sanchez, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: S\u00e3o Paulo - Brazil
\nMedical School: Centro Universitario S\u00e3o Camilo
\nHobbies\/Interests: Playing and watching soccer, watching Marvel movies and series, traveling
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Khaled<\/div><\/div>

Khaled Sharaan, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Utica, NY
\nUndergraduate School: Rochester Institute of Technology
\nMedical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Billiards, chess, cooking, and tinkering with old electronics
\nAcademic Interests: Gastroenterology, Hospitalist, and Nephrology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Elene<\/div><\/div>

Elene Shavgulidze, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia
\nUndergraduate School: Tbilisi Classical Gymnasium
\nMedical School: Tbilisi State Medical University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Fitness, Cooking, Car tuning, Hiking
\nAcademic Interests: Pulmonary\/Critical Care, Academic Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Venkatesh<\/div><\/div>

Venkatesh S. Vinyas Shraffi, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Bengaluru
\nMedical School: Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences
\nHobbies\/Interests: Badminton, Pickleball and Indo-fusion cooking
\nAcademic Interests: Impact of Sleep on Cardiovascular Health and Disease<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Jeanine<\/div><\/div>

Jeanine Sobh, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Byblos, Lebanon
\nUndergraduate School: Lebanese American University
\nMedical School: Lebanese American University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Piano, cooking, padel, Sudoku, traveling
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology, Pulmonary\/Critical Care, Endocrinology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Amanda<\/div><\/div>

Amanda Stroiney, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Enfield, CT
\nUndergraduate School: Northeastern University
\nMedical School: St. George\u2019s University School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Playing piano, yoga, baking, and taking care of my plants
\nAcademic Interests: Hematology\/Oncology, Clinical Research<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Lana<\/div><\/div>

Lana Tarraf Koujock, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Paris
\nUndergraduate School: Paris 5 Rene Descartes
\nMedical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Foodie\/Coffee Culture, Art, Yoga, Nature\/Hikes
\nAcademic Interests: Women Health, Lifestyle\/Integrative Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Thirugnanasambandam<\/div><\/div>

Thirugnanasambandam Thayumanavan, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Faridabad, India
\nMedical School: Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
\nHobbies\/Interests: Field Hockey, Chess, Video Games, Sports Fan (All Kinds)
\nAcademic Interests: Geriatrics, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Hematology\/Oncology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Ali<\/div><\/div>

Ali Toufaily, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Doueir, Lebanon
\nUndergraduate School: Lebanese American University (LAU)
\nMedical School: LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: \u00a0Cooking,\u00a0Baking, Poetry Writing, Gym, Board Games, Harry Potter\u00a0<\/strong>(go Ravenclaw)\u00a0<\/strong>
\nAcademic Interests: Pulmonary Medicine, Interstitial Lung Diseases, Pulmonary Hypertension, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Samuel<\/div><\/div>

Samuel Vasquez, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Santiago, Dominican Republic
\nMedical School: Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)
\nHobbies\/Interests: Weightlifting, Soccer, Film and TV enthusiast, Video Gaming
\nAcademic Interests: Interventional Cardiology, Electrophysiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Bruno<\/div><\/div>

Bruno Velit, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Lima, Peru
\nMedical School: Universidad Cientifica del Sur
\nHobbies\/Interests: Weightlifting, Soccer, Puzzles, Geography, Nature
\nAcademic Interests: Infectious Diseases, Hematology\/Oncology, Global Health and Medical Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Sarah<\/div><\/div>

Sarah Wehbe, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Beirut, Lebanon
\nMedical School: American University of Beirut
\nHobbies\/Interests: Playing the piano, going on walks in nature, traveling, baking, building legos, bouldering
\nAcademic Interests: Gastroenterology, with a focus on GI cancer risk prediction and early detection<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Prathik<\/div><\/div>

Prathik Yadu Kumar, M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Bangalore\/Shimoga
\nMedical School: Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
\nHobbies\/Interests: I enjoy reading a wide range of books, from Agatha Christie's classic whodunits to William Dalrymple's works on Indian history. I'm also really fond of theatre, I particularly enjoy watching plays in Kannada. In my free time, I love playing chess or diving
\nAcademic Interests: Medical Epistemology, Medical Education, Infectious Diseases, Cardiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Teigue<\/div><\/div>

Teigue Young, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Amherst, NH
\nUndergraduate School: University of New Hampshire
\nMedical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Pickleball, reading, making espresso, watching the Patriots
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiology\/Pulmonology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Ajshe<\/div><\/div>

Ajshe Zulfi, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Trumbull, CT
\nUndergraduate School: University of Connecticut
\nMedical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: UConn Women's Basketball (Go Huskies!), Spending time outdoors\/going on walks
\nAcademic Interests: Infectious Disease, Health Disparities, Academic Medicine, Healthcare Management and Economics<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Preliminary<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Sarah<\/div><\/div>

Sarah Anderson, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Hartford, CT
\nUndergraduate School: University of Connecticut (Storrs)
\nMedical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Aerial Silks, Running, Cooking, Dance
\nAcademic Interests: Neurology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Michel<\/div><\/div>

Michel Davis, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Susanville, California
\nUndergraduate School: UNR
\nMedical School: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Photography, Running, Traveling
\nAcademic Interests: Radiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Athena<\/div><\/div>

Athena Loiacono, D.O., M.S.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Egg Harbor Twp, NJ
\nUndergraduate School: Monmouth University
\nMedical School: Touro College of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Orangetheory Fitness, Snowboarding, Gardening
\nAcademic Interests: All things Radiology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Gabrielle<\/div><\/div>

Gabrielle Minta, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Clinton, CT
\nUndergraduate School: University of Connecticut
\nMedical School: Frank H Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Peloton, Baking, Reading, Gardening
\nAcademic Interests: Dermatology, Critical Care, Lifestyle Medicine, Medical Education<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Christine<\/div><\/div>

Christine Parkent, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Pasadena, Maryland
\nUndergraduate School: Harvard University
\nMedical School: Frank H Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Surfing, running, volunteer dog-walking at local shelters, hiking with my brothers out west
\nAcademic Interests: Anesthesia, Critical Care<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Dermatology Prelim<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Joseph<\/div><\/div>

Joseph Masison, M.D., Ph.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Maryland
\nUndergraduate School: University of Maryland
\nMedical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Weightlifting, hiking, fishing, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, spending time with family and friends
\nAcademic Interests: Dermatology, Pathology, Systems Biology, Computer Science<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Anesthesia Prelims<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Pavan<\/div><\/div>

Pavan Anant, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Hometown: Cheshire CT, Birthplace: New Haven CT
\nMedical School: University of Vermont
\nHobbies\/Interests: Guitar, Rock-climbing, Cooking
\nAcademic Interests: Critical Care, Pain Management, Health Equity<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Austin<\/div><\/div>

Austin Burns, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
\nUndergraduate School: Florida State University
\nMedical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Fishing, Hiking, Cooking
\nAcademic Interests: Regional Anesthesia, Medical Education, Pediatric Anesthesia<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Matthew<\/div><\/div>

Matthew Fredericks, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Toronto, Canada
\nUndergraduate School: McMaster University
\nMedical School: St. George\u2019s University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Soccer, Skateboarding, Travelling, Sunshine, Reading
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiac anesthesia, regional pain management, Global health service<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Caden<\/div><\/div>

Caden Hammer, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Medford, Oregon
\nUndergraduate School: BYU-Idaho
\nMedical School: LECOM-Elmira
\nHobbies\/Interests: In my free time I enjoy anything outdoors including hiking, camping, sports and going to the park with my family. I also enjoy watching movies and spending as much time as I can with my wife and two daughters.
\nAcademic Interests: Cardiac Anesthesia<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Anya<\/div><\/div>

Anya Ivenitsky, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: South Salem, NY
\nUndergraduate School: Amherst College
\nMedical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Pottery, Painting, Tennis, Running
\nAcademic Interests: Pediatric Anesthesia, the effects of Anesthesia on Consciousness<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Morgan<\/div><\/div>

Morgan Kozar, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Wilmington, DE
\nUndergraduate School: Penn State
\nMedical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Long-distance running, knitting, getting overly invested in my houseplants
\nAcademic Interests: Obstetric Anesthesia, Pediatric Anesthesia, Medical Education, Health Equity, and DEI Initiatives<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Adam<\/div><\/div>

Adam Martorana, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Pasadena, CA
\nUndergraduate School: Point Loma Nazarene University
\nMedical School: A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
\nHobbies\/Interests: Hiker and novice forager - Trying unique restaurants - Anime (One Piece, JJK, Solo Leveling) - Video games with friends (Mario party\/kart, Fortnite, etc.) - Physical activities (swimming, weight lifting, snowboarding) - Traveling to new places - Playing with my cats (Mango and Monkey) - Storm watching with coffee
\nAcademic Interests: Considering a subspecialty in Critical Care or Cardiac Anesthesia. Interested in Global\/Public Health but love learning in general so anything!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Aline<\/div><\/div>

Aline Reuter Pimenta, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: Belo Horizonte, Brasil
\nMedical School: Faculdade Ci\u00eancias M\u00e9dicas de Minas Gerais
\nHobbies\/Interests: Pottery\/ceramics, hiking, reading
\nAcademic Interests: Transplant Anesthesia, Critical Care Management<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Abigail<\/div><\/div>

Abigail Tulchinsky, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Hometown\/Birthplace: West Hartford, CT
\nUndergraduate School: Hamilton College
\nMedical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Hiking, Skiing, Traveling, and Reading
\nAcademic Interests: All things Anesthesia!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Sarah<\/div><\/div>
\n
\n
\n
\n
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\n
\n

Sarah Ishaq, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Teaneck, NJ
\nUndergraduate School: Montclair State University
\nMedical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine \u2013 Harlem, NY
\nHobbies\/Interests: Painting, Strength Training, Volleyball, Basketball, Birthday Bucket List (do something never done before during my birthday month)
\nAcademic Interests: Global Health, Sports\/Musculoskeletal Medicine, Neurorehabilitation, Orthotics and Prosthetics<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Matthew<\/div><\/div>
\n
\n
\n
\n

Matthew Joseph, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Houston, TX
\nUndergraduate School: University of Houston
\nMedical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Kickboxing, Hiking, Camping, Rock Climbing, Video Games, Movies, and Board Games over wine\/cheese
\nAcademic Interests: General Rehabilitation, Cancer Rehabilitation, Neurological Rehabilitation, and Ultrasound<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Christina<\/div><\/div>
\n
\n
\n
\n

Christina LeMunyon, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Overland Park, KS
\nUndergraduate School: Drake University
\nMedical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Colorado
\nHobbies\/Interests: Yoga, snowboarding, visiting National Parks and being outdoors, playing board games and video games
\nAcademic Interests: Spinal Cord Injury, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Adaptive Sports, Academic Medicine<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Jake<\/div><\/div>
\n
\n
\n
\n

Jake Vogel, D.O.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: West Nyack, NY
\nUndergraduate School: Quinnipiac University
\nMedical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Elmira
\nHobbies\/Interests: Watching football and basketball, playing pickup basketball, reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends
\nAcademic Interests: Pain Management and Sports\/Musculoskeletal Medicine<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Neurology Prelims<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Sema<\/div><\/div>

Sema Akkus, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Izmir, Turkey
\nMedical School: Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Ice-hockey, horseback riding, water sports
\nAcademic Interests: Movement Disorders<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Alkasabrah<\/div><\/div>

Alkasabrah Abdel Rahman, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Madaba, Jordan
\nMedical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology
\nHobbies\/Interests: Running, chess, watching series
\nAcademic Interests: Vascular Neurology, Neurocritical Care<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Aditi<\/div><\/div>

Aditi Anam, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Connecticut
\nUndergraduate School: University of Connecticut
\nMedical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
\nHobbies\/Interests: Antique shopping, thrifting, cats, reading
\nAcademic Interests: Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis, Women\u2019s Neurology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Somer<\/div><\/div>

Somer Bucholz, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Fargo ND
\nUndergraduate School: North Dakota State University
\nMedical School: St. George\u2019s University
\nHobbies\/Interests: Surfing, reading, playing with dogs
\nAcademic Interests: Concussion Protocols and Dementia<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Melissa<\/div><\/div>

Melissa M. Cabrera Ruiz, M.D.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Mayag\u00fcez, Puerto Rico
\nUndergraduate School: University of Puerto Rico Mayag\u00fcez Campus
\nMedical School: University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
\nHobbies\/Interests: Letterboxd (aspiring cinephile), Broadway, Books and Reading, All things Harry Potter, Star Wars, LOTR and Marvel, Singing, Anime
\nAcademic Interests: Epilepsy<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Zenia<\/div><\/div>

Zenia Elavia , M.B.B.S.<\/h3>\n

Birthplace\/Hometown: Mumbai, India
\nUndergraduate School: GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
\nMedical School: Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pune, India
\nHobbies\/Interests: Outside of medicine, I find joy and balance through creative expression. I love indulging in art\u2014whether it's painting, sketching, or designing posters\u2014and have even won several art competitions along the way. Writing is another passion of mine; I enjoy penning down poetry and had the opportunity to publish a book titled Alfaaz. These hobbies have not only helped me maintain my well-being through medical school but have also deepened my empathy and perspective, qualities I carry into my work as a future neurologist.
\nAcademic Interests: Through my experiences in neurology, I\u2019ve developed a keen interest in cognitive disorders, movement disorders, and the rapidly advancing field of neuroimmunology. I\u2019m also passionate about teaching\u2014whether it's sharing knowledge with peers or engaging in academic discussions, I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to a collaborative learning environment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Yasser<\/div><\/div>

Yasser Fadlallah, M.D.<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Categorical Oluwakorede Akele, M.D. Hometown\/Birthplace: Jersey City, New Jersey Undergraduate School: University of Hartford Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine Hobbies\/Interests: Chess, Piano, Working Out, Technical Analysis\/Trading Academic Interests: Cardiology, Research<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":119,"featured_media":0,"parent":1983,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-30 23:00:07","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23648"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/119"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23648"}],"version-history":[{"count":232,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23648\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38199,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23648\/revisions\/38199"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/graduate-medical-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}