Internal Medicine Residents

Ramsha Abbas, MD

Shifa College of Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Ramsha Abbas! I grew up in Toronto, Canada and finished high school in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. I returned to my birth country, Pakistan, for medical school. Jumping from country to country has led me to develop a passion for travelling! I’ve been to about 18 countries now and hope to continue to visit more. I really enjoy weightlifting, baking (I make great cookies!), and spending time with cats. I’m also a really big foodie and I always try to find new places to eat no matter where I go! I’m excited to start my training at Baystate! I loved the immense warm welcome I felt and knew I wanted to be a part of such a wonderful team!

Ryan Ahern, MD

Tufts University School of Medicine

I am a lifelong New Englander growing up in Massachusetts and Maine. In college, I studied English Literature and Jazz piano. In the five years in before medical school I had many jobs such as a piano teacher, member of touring funk band, orderly at Baystate, EMT in Springfield, Lifeline volunteer, farm hand, farmers market manager in Brooklyn, and researcher at Columbia/New York Presbyterian in CT surgery. I’m also passionate about other hobbies like home fermentation, wine making, gardening, bonsai, and Narrative Medicine. I did my medical training at Tufts University in the Maine Track and I’m thrilled to be living back in Western Massachusetts and returning to Baystate.

Mohammad Khaldoun Al Masri, MD

Alfaisal University College of Medicine

I was born in Syria but grew up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where I lived most of my life and completed medical school at Alfaisal University. Living there and seeing different walks of life helped me grow as not only a physician but as a person. The people at Baystate are very welcoming and supportive, and I am delighted to be part of this vibrant community for the next few years of my journey. As an outdoors enthusiast, I am excited to see what experiences New England has to offer! Aside from medicine, I enjoy playing the piano, watching soccer and basketball, taking long drives, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Abdul Arham, MD

Allama Iqbal Medical College

Hey! My name is Abdul Arham. I was born in Pakistan and grew up in Canada. I pursued my medical education at Allama Iqbal Medical College. After med school, I worked as a front-line Covid vaccinator. Apart from my love for medicine, I would describe myself as a nature-enthusiast. All aspects of nature, from plants to animals and birds, fascinate me. In my free time, you can find me at the nearest Lakeshore with my fishing rod or at a bird sanctuary. It might seem cliché , but the more I learn about Baystate, the more I fall in love with it. It already feels like home. I’m ecstatic to be a part of this prestigious institute and eagerly looking forward to starting my residency at Baystate.

Zaeem Chaudary, DO

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-New York

Hello everyone! I am Zaeem, I was born in Boston and lived most of my life in Connecticut. I stayed close to home for undergrad, going to University of Connecticut and then went to upstate New York for medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

In my free time you can catch me ordering takeout and binge watching tv shows. Also, enjoy hanging out with friends, trying new restaurants, and exploring the outdoors. Really hope to travel more, currently have Iceland, Bali and Japan on the top of my list.

I am glad to be a part of the Baystate family and look forward to continuing my medical training here.

Tatiana Correa, MD

University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Tatiana, but everyone calls me Tati.  I grew up between the United States and Puerto Rico.  I completed my bachelor’s degree and medical degree in Puerto Rico and now, I am very excited to start residency at Baystate and meet all my peers.   I am a tea and food lover.  My goals include becoming Anthony Bourdain- like and travel all over the world to eat the best cuisine each country has to offer.   In the mornings, I enjoy walking.  On that note, I can’t wait to find out what the New England hiking trails have to offer.  Recently, my favorite book has been The Power of the Habit,  it is a good book and a fast read.  It teaches you about how to get rid about your bad habits although it has been a challenge to me to implement them.  If you see me screaming do not be scared, it is most likely due to soccer, because I am huge soccer fan only during the World Cup.  I am very excited to see that the next World Cup I may be able to see it in Boston.

Chidubem Ezenna, MD

All Saints University College of Medicine

Hi there! My name is Chidubem. You can call me Galen if it is easier. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. I completed my undergrad in Biochemistry at the University of Lagos, then traveled to a beautiful Caribbean island to complete my medical training.

Outside medicine, I love cooking, drawing celebrities, working out, playing chess, and traveling. I have traveled to and lived in 4 different countries.
I chose Baystate for many reasons, including the diverse patient population and pathologies, the supportive and warm-hearted nature of the faculty members I experienced during my interview, and the great camaraderie amongst the residents. My professional interests include a cardiology fellowship.

I am grateful and excited to be part of the Baystate family and look forward to meeting everyone.

Jason Galloway, MD

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Hi, my name is Jason. I’m originally from Ohio but have lived in many places over the years, and am starting my third career (previously chemical engineer and computer programmer/consultant). I did undergrad (twice) at Ohio State and attended medical school at Geisel. Family is important to me -  my wife Jennifer, 10 year old son William, mother-in-law Shirley, and our cat Choo-Choo, AKA The Chooch - but I also greatly value a friendly, supportive working environment, which is one of the reasons we chose Baystate. But also we love New England and are excited to be coming to western Massachusetts!

Justin Hassani, DO

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Justin. I’m from Bethesda, Maryland. I went to the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia for medical school and am beyond excited to share this new chapter of my life with all of you! 

During my free time I love to play soccer, run, lift weights, and play tennis. Music is also another passion of mine. I play both acoustic and electric guitar and recently bought a keyboard this year! 

During my interview trail, Baystate stood out to me because of the camaraderie I felt amongst the faculty. I look forward to working with you all soon! 

Kevin Jamouss, MD

University of Balamand

Hello everyone! I’m originally from Lebanon – a hidden gem in the Middle East! There, I completed and received my BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences and MD from the University of Balamand. I then relocated to the United States as a postdoctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and worked on exploring the underlying molecular alterations behind neoplastic progression in pancreatic cancer and on characterizing the changes in the tumor immune microenvironment of its precursor lesions.  
 
I’m also a multi-instrumental musician and co-founder/drummer of the band WonderGaap (Do check us out!). In my free time, you’ll either find me at the nearest driving range/course playing golf and enjoying beautiful sceneries or at the local movie theater!
 
Baystate was love at first sight - the familial, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere meant everything to me, and I look forward to spending the next three years learning and growing with this family! 

Samia Nadeem, MD

Shifa College of Medicine

Hey everyone, I'm Samia Nadeem. Though I was born in seaside Karachi, I grew up in the freezing climates of Winnipeg, Canada. After high school I moved back to Pakistan for medical school in the beautiful mountainous capital city of Islamabad. This is where I developed my love for hiking. I'm always down for a good hike and willing to conquer any terrain for scenic views. I'm a huge sports fan and always looking to partake in pick-up games; anything from Ultimate Frisbee to Basketball. I also enjoy watching soccer and play Fantasy Premier League quite competitively. The Office is my favorite TV show and I enjoy watching movies with a group of friends. If we're watching something together, I'm most likely to suggest something from the 'Horror' genre. I look forward to exploring the New England area, especially in Autumn, and make lasting friendships during my time at Baystate!

Andrew Ng, MD

St. George's Hospital Medical School

Hello! I was born and raised just outside of Toronto, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate degree at York University and then went to medical school at St. George's, University of London. I moved overseas to Cyprus for the first two years of medical school then I moved to Chicago for my final two clinical years of medical school.  Besides medicine, I like walking to new areas and thinking about the different ways people live life. I sometimes find writing and making videos very therapeutic as well. Lastly, I try to stay active at the gym, am a bit of a foody, and love all sorts of television and films.  I was drawn to Baystate due to its wealth of opportunities and exposure to a great diversity of medical conditions as a large academic hospital. I am honored to be able to begin this part of my journey at Baystate.

Pranav Ramamurthy, MD

M.S. Ramaiah Medical College

Hi, I’m Pranav Ramamurthy. Born in Albany NY, I grew up in Acton MA before moving back to Bangalore, India, to complete my high school and medical school. 
I am a huge Boston sports fan and love to play basketball and tennis. I also love the outdoors, especially when the weather is cold, making western Massachusetts the perfect location for me! I am a long-time fan of rock and metal music, which grew from me playing electric and bass guitar since I was a teenager. I am also an avid reader and veteran video gamer. I am an inquisitive person by nature and love solving puzzles and am an enthusiastic quizzer. I am always looking to learn new skills and apply them to my personal and professional life.
I can’t wait to start these three years of learning and growing as a physician.

Prasana Ramesh, MD

K.A.P. Vishwanathan Government Medical College

Hi! I am Prasana Ramesh. I grew up in the southern part of India in a city called Coimbatore famous for cotton and kongu Tamil, the most ancient language in the world. I am an outdoors person with a strong interest in sports. Soccer is my heartbeat! I am the happiest when I play. My other hobbies include traveling and driving. I am so glad that my journey has brought me to Baystate and thrilled to see what the New England region has to offer! Among the various reasons, this program's welcoming leadership and culture stood out to me. I am excited to be a part of this new chapter! I aspire to become a cardiologist and an advocate for underserved people.

Mawra Rehman, MD

Shifa College of Medicine

Hey! My name is Mawra Rehman. I was born and raised in Pakistan and graduated from Shifa College of Medicine in Islamabad. I enjoy binge watching both new and old tv shows (love my Gilmore girls), enjoy reading fantasy novels, and constantly annoying my husband. I am also currently exploring a newfound passion in cooking and slowly but surely getting better. 
I am very passionate about the world of medicine and could not be more excited about being here at Baystate. 
Can’t wait to meet and work with everyone! 

Shaber Seraj, DO

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hey everyone! My name is Shaber Seraj and I was born and raised in Albany, NY. I attended the University at Albany for my undergraduate studies and NYITCOM for medical school. 

Outside of medicine I enjoy playing basketball and working out. My clinical interests are wide, but I am leaning toward pursuing fellowship in cardiology/critical care. 

I am excited to start my training at Baystate Medical Center!

Tyler Steve, DO

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia Campus

Hello! I am excited to move north to Massachusetts! I was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia and attended JMU undergrad, EMU post-bac and VCOM-VA medical school. I’m moving with my girlfriend, who is also training at Baystate in the OB/GYN department. I’ve been told I have ‘diarrhea of the mouth’; it just keeps running, which is why my favorite thing to do at work is chit-chat with my patients. I am an old soul to my core, which is how I earned the nickname, “Gramps.” My hobbies include golfing, bird watching, reading non-fiction, and watching CBS’ 60 Minutes. My ideal day is waking up in a countryside house in France, watching birds, eating a croissant, and then gardening. Since I don’t own property in France, this dream will have to wait! I’m excited to begin my training at Baystate and plan to bring southern hospitality to the north!

Jasira Ziglar, MD

Tulane University School of Medicine

Hi everyone! My name is Jasira Ziglar and I’m from Windsor, Connecticut. I attended New York University for undergrad, and then went to medical school at Tulane University where I also obtained my MPH in epidemiology.

I enjoy spending time with my family, and I’m so grateful to be moving back closer to home! In my free time I enjoy watching movies, baking, cooking, and playing outdoors with my husband and children. 

I’m excited to start my residency training at Baystate! I enjoyed the welcoming vibe that I got from the faculty and residents that I met on my interview day, and I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my medical training! 

Mohammad Abdulelah, MD

University of Jordan

Hello everyone! I am Mohammad, and you’ll always find me with a cup of coffee.

I chose Baystate as it felt a natural fit, and I’m pretty sure that Baystate will help me prosper in both my academic and personal goals. These upcoming three years are surely going to be challenging, but I have always been the one who is always ready to tackle whatever life throws at me with 110% dedication.

Aside from medicine, I dedicate my time to exercising, photography, and exploring perfumery! I really enjoy trying out new restaurants and cuisines wherever I have the chance, and I’ll always be ready to grab a quick bite after a long day! The toughest part about leaving home would have to be leaving my parents and my overly attached cat (who doesn’t sleep anywhere but on my bed) behind. Have I mentioned my love for coffee?

Leen Al-Faris, MD

University of Jordan

Hi there! You can call me Lynn if it’s easier. I’m a (you guessed it) doctor by day, and a gym rat by night. Big fan of all animals, food, and anything related to fitness. For a very small person, I lift a lot of weight.

Medicine is a natural fit for me, not just because I’m a good listener, but also because I work well under pressure (you bet I’ll be saying the exact opposite once I start residency).

I’m also very family oriented and all about spending some quality time with my friends. Super excited to meet, get to know and work with my future colleagues. Team work makes the dream work!

Javier Apodaca, MD

Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara

Hello everyone! I was born in El Paso, Texas but was raised in Villa Ahumada and Juarez, Mexico. I attended medical school in Guadalajara, Mexico, the beautiful land of tequila and mariachi. I've had the opportunity of living in 8 different cities and am beyond excited to add Springfield to my list. Traveling is one of my passions; I cannot resist a new adventure and getting to know new people and cultures! My interests outside of medicine include watching movies and series, reading, and soccer(Bayern Munich fan here!).

Becoming a physician has been a dream of mine since I can remember. After experiencing the academic excellence and warmth of the program during the interview process, I knew Baystate was the place where I belonged.

I am very excited to start my training and become part of the Baystate family!

Victoria Caruso, DO

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

My name is Victoria Caruso and I am from Hampton Falls, NH. I attended Connecticut College for undergrad and worked at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a clinical research coordinator for three years before going to University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school.

Outside of medicine, I love spending time outdoors and can be found downhill skiing in the winter and hanging on the beach in the summer. I come from a large Italian family and love spending time with them along with my fiancé, friends and my dog, Cooper!

I did an elective at Baystate Medical Center during my fourth year of medical school and loved the environment. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming; it felt like the perfect place for me. I am very excited to join the Baystate IM residency family and can’t wait to start this next adventure!

Kevin Cruz-Lopez, MD

University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Kevin Cruz-López. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. At 18 years old I moved to New York to complete a bachelors degree at Syracuse University. Upon graduating, I moved back home to pursue my medical degree at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Being from an island, I grew up constantly surrounded by the outdoors, with plenty of beach days to brighten up my summers (and any occasion, really). As a child, I enjoyed music and eventually learnt to play the flute, drums, guitar, and also sang. Even though I am now focused on other things, I will never miss an opportunity to sit at a drum set and make some noise! Since then I have also found a passion for cars and have acquired a recent (but vigorous) interest in Formula 1. I also enjoy weightlifting, watching movies and shows, cooking, trying out new restaurants, technology, and pretending to be a mechanic.

I am beyond excited to begin my training at Baystate, my top choice! Good, dedicated, and friendly people always make a great program shine brighter, and that was the reason I chose Baystate over the rest.

Syifa Djunaedi, DO

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Syifa (pronounced See-fa). I hail from Jakarta, Indonesia but was raised in central Massachusetts. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, I pursued my medical degree at NYITCOM on Long Island.

I am a huge Boston sports fan. My biggest regret is never seeing Tom Brady play in person at Gillette in a Pats jersey, but I did go to the same college as Ray Allen and met him one time when I was at the Student Union. I have 4 fluffy cats that are my heart and soul. If I am not watching football whilst cuddling my kittens, I am baking desserts in my kitchen or practicing the newest makeup trend in front of my ring light. I am a total foodie; my favorite cuisine is Thai. I cannot wait to explore western MA and am very excited to be part of the Baystate family!

Julia Fischer, DO

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Hello all! My name is Julia Fischer. I’ve lived in Oregon all my life. I attended the University of Oregon where I had the pleasure to perform as one of the Oregon Marching Band Drum Majors and cheer on the Ducks at all home games, many bowl trips, and one national championship game.

I went to medical school at Western University of Health Sciences COMP-Northwest in Lebanon, Oregon. I am excited to journey to New England, experience something new, and hopefully trade in the gray and gloom of Oregon for snow and (hopefully/maybe) a little more sunshine. I enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee, bouldering, hiking and cooking in my free time. I am excited to join the Baystate family!

Kritika Gunachelvan, MD

St. George's University

Hello everyone! My name is Kritika Gunachelvan, and I am from Mississauga, Canada. I was born in Bangalore, India and then immigrated to Dubai where I spent my childhood in the desert heat. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in Mississauga amongst the protected greenbelt and the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. I then attended medical school in Grenada where I spent my free time exploring the stunning beaches and relishing the local cuisine!

Outside of medicine, I love hosting game nights with family and friends, strolling along boardwalks by the ocean air, and experiencing breathtaking national parks and conservation areas. I also enjoy winding down at the end of the day with some watercolour paints and Hercule Poirot episodes playing in the background.
I am beyond thrilled to join the Baystate family and to experience everything Western Mass has to offer!

Omar Haider, MD

Shifa College of Medicine

Hey all! My name is Omar Haider. I was born in San Diego, raised in Atlanta, then moved to Islamabad, Pakistan to complete my medical school training at Shifa College of Medicine. After hopping around multiple cities spanning different continents, I’m very excited to finally settle down and begin my training at Baystate.

In my free time I enjoy recording podcasts, shooting videos and exploring my interests in finance and cryptocurrency. Having started multiple businesses, I like to stay busy and be on the lookout for new ideas. I’m also a huge sneakerhead, so I’m hoping I’ll still be able to get my hands on the next big drop during the next few years of training.

Oh, and I love sauce, with anything I eat, from any sort of cuisine. I’m the type of guy to go to a steakhouse or south Asian restaurant and ask for a variety of sauces. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Mark Hanna, DO

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Mark Hanna. I was born and raised in Quincy, Massachusetts. I went to UMASS Amherst for my undergrad studies and I attended NYITCOM for medical school.

In my free time, I love trying new restaurants. I enjoy playing pick up basketball with friends. Lastly, I am a HUGE Star Wars fan.

I am truly honored to start residency at Baystate! I chose Baystate because of the welcoming family atmosphere and superb teaching. I am excited and proud to begin this new chapter at Baystate!!

Molly Ingemi, MD

UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate

Hi everyone! My name is Molly Ingemi. I was born and raised in South Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating from Northeastern University, I joined AmeriCorps and served at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program for three years prior to beginning medical school at the University of Massachusetts in 2018. In medical school, I was in the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health Track (PURCH), through which I was introduced to Baystate during my clinical years.

My clinical interests include addiction medicine, care for underserved communities, and care for critically ill patients. Outside of medicine, I like spending time at home with my husband (who also works at Baystate in the Emergency Department) and our cat Roxy. I enjoy cooking (and eating) Italian food, baking, and traveling around New England.

I loved the supportive learning environment I experienced at Baystate as a medical student and can’t wait to start residency!

Ahmed Khan, MD

American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Matthew McAuliffe, DO

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi everyone! My name is Matt McAuliffe. I was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, NY. New York was home until I completed undergrad at Binghamton University. I was then transplanted to Joplin, Missouri for medical school. While in medical school I took an extra year to complete an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine/Clinical Medicine Teaching Fellowship.

I am excited to return to the Northeast for my training at Baystate. Western New England has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor and cultural activities. I am excited to go hiking with my dog, Bridget, attend concerts at Tanglewood, explore various museums, and be close to family. In my free time I like to play piano and French horn, partake in water sports, and host board game nights. Professional interests include interventional cardiology. I’m looking forward to all that residency offers and working with the Baystate family!

Safia Mohamed, MD

M.S. Ramaiah Medical College

My friends and family call me Safia. I was born and raised in the close-knit embrace of a joint family in the verdant city of Bangalore, nestled in the southern expanse of India.
As my uncle treaded the hallway of his medical schools during my formative years, a fervent fascination for the healing art took root within me, ultimately making me the first female physician in my family. After graduating from Ramaiah Medical College, I married the love of my life, and we moved to Massachusetts.

After a rollercoaster journey to pursue internal medicine, we have made New England a home away from home. We are excited to start our journey at Baystate and explore Western Massachusetts.

Beyond the confines of the hospital, I find solace in gourmet cooking and a content creator. From crafting a delicate bingsu, biscotti, or the rich decadence of brownies to using my Instagram handle to be a positive influencer, these interests remind me that life is a canvas waiting to be painted!

I can’t wait to make Baystate my new home!

Aida Saad, MD

Alfaisal University College of Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Aida (pronounced EYE-DUH). I was born in Houston, Texas. I am also Lebanese in origin. I have lived almost my entire life in Saudi Arabia where I studied at Alfaisal University. I came back to the USA recently after being away for more than 20 years! New England really is a wonderful place to stay! (Besides the freezing cold weather :p)

When it comes to my hobbies, I really enjoy cooking. If you are not sure what to have for lunch, feel free to check my Instagram story highlights for recipe ideas! I also like to paint, and sing.

Being in a strong and supportive program yet around my family made Baystate my ultimate choice. I am so happy to be part of the Baystate family and can’t wait to start my training!

Elisha Shah, DO

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hey everyone! My name is Elisha Shah, and I’m from southern New Hampshire. I was accepted into the accelerated seven-year BS/DO program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University in Boston associated with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

After medicine, my second love is dance. I grew up performing many different dance styles and even competed nationally in college. In my downtime, I love hanging out with friends or bingeing Netflix…or Hulu… or honestly anything good (I have a special place in my heart for reality television). I also enjoy traveling with my family and have explored more than fifty countries on six of the seven continents.

I look forward to starting my residency training at Baystate because of the emphasis put on teamwork and community. I’m excited to broaden my scope of medicine with the excellent training and amazing career opportunities that Baystate will provide.

John Szendery

University College Dublin School of Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is John Szendrey, I am a Canadian born and raised in the ‘burbs outside of Toronto, Ont. I completed a bachelors and masters in sciences at Queen’s University in Kingston, before going on to complete my medical degree in Dublin, Ireland. I am a major basketball fan and am always rooting for my home team the Toronto Raptors (hope we meet the Celtics in the playoffs!). I am really big into the outdoors with biking in the summer and skiing in the winter, which I am really looking forward to after spending 5 years in the snowless Ireland winters. I am super excited to get started at Baystate and meet all of the other residents. I chose Baystate for many reasons, especially the collegial atmosphere they gave off and their innovative learner-manager-teacher model!

Ayesha Zaidi

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain

Hello friends! I’m Ayesha, a third culture kid and global citizen. I spent most of my childhood in Canada, then travelled to New Zealand for high school and finally completed medical school at RCSI Bahrain before finding my way to Baystate. I’ve been very lucky to have spent most of my life around beautiful beaches and love all water related activities. However, my favorite sport and form of stress relief is gymnastics. I love learning and experiencing other cultures through travel, food, music, and art. I’m passionate about advocacy, social justice and love pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I’m extremely grateful and excited to be part of the Baystate family and can’t wait to meet you all!

Stefano Crosio, DO

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi, I’m Stefano. Born and raised in Silvano D’Orba - a little Northern Italian town between Milano and Genoa - as a bilingual and dual citizen. My dream was to come to the US to become a husband, a father, and a primary care physician. So far I’ve been blessed with my beautiful wife Katie, and our sunshine daughter Avery. Thanks to them I am ready and excited to begin my training at Baystate in IM-primary care.

In addition to spending quality time with my family and closest friends, I love traveling. In fact I have already made my way across 20 countries. When not on a trip, I am a liturgical choir cantor, a soccer fan of Juventus, an avid reader, and I enjoy frequent runs and hikes with our dog, Walter. Favorite book is The Lord of The Rings, and favorite movie is Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. My most recent hobby and second career is training in the art of Dad Jokes.

Evan Dang, DO

Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

Hello everyone! I originally grew up in Houston, Texas and eventually spent most of my life in the southeastern United States. I attended Campbell University for medical school. I have never been further north than Maryland, but I am excited for this new experience in Massachusetts at Baystate.

My interests outside of medicine heavily revolve around food. I make an effort to try every restaurant in town at least once. I once drove 40 minutes out to stand in line to preorder McDonald’s Mighty Wings. I am open to inviting any friends that want to join me in these adventures.

Christine Donat, MD

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Christine Donat and I’m originally from Madison, CT. For school I stayed local, completing college and medical school at UConn and I’m happy to be just a short hop away from home for residency training.

In my free time, I love to explore the great outdoors whether running, hiking, snowshoeing, or biking. Growing up in New England there were so many wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities, which is probably why I’ve grown to love it so much. My favorite trek thus far was my cross-country bike tour I took through the northern U.S from Anacortes, WA to Milford, CT in the summer of 2018. I’ve never had such a severe farmer’s tan. When I’m indoors, I also enjoy knitting as well as reading classic novels.

I am very excited to be making Baystate my home for the coming years!

Nestor Flores-Buonomo, MD

University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Néstor Flores Buonomo. I was born in New York but was raised in southern Guayama, Puerto Rico. I also completed my medical school training in the University of Puerto Rico.

I have been surrounded by beaches and warm weather all my life so it will be exciting to finally move out and experience the cooler weather! I can’t wait to see snow for the first time! I love reading, warm sandy beaches, and playing Tetris. I have also been getting into running which has been great fun.

I am truly honored and privileged to have been included to work among all the great faculty and people at Baystate. I can’t wait to start my training!

Gunjan Gupta, MD

Northeast Ohio Medical University

Hey all! My name is Gunjan Gupta and I’m a native New Englander from Rhode Island! Prior to medical school I worked as a clinical research assistant at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA) and then I went to school at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

I absolutely love the outdoors, especially hiking. Mount Washington was certainly a climb but I hope to one day to complete the Adirondack 46ers! A life goal I have is to visit all national parks in the USA! I also love knitting and crocheting scarves, sweaters, and even stuffed animals.

I’m so excited to be training at Baystate and be back in the northeast! What drew me to Baystate was the warm, welcoming environment where everyone seems so friendly and excited to learn! I can’t wait to meet everyone and be a part of the team!

Kush Gupta, MD

Kasturba Medical College Mangalore

Hello everyone! My name is Kush Gupta. I was born and raised in New Delhi, India. I attended medical school at Manipal University, India. I couldn’t be happier that my journey has brought me to Baystate.

I love meeting new people and learning new things from them. And I get to do some of that on a podcast show that I host – themedicinementors.com! Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing tennis, tabla (Indian classical instrument), and trying new hobbies. I am excited to move to New England region and explore the great outdoors!

Brian Hurley, DO

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi everyone! I was born and raised in New Hampshire and I’ve lived on the seacoast there for most of my life. I attended the University of New Hampshire for undergrad and worked as an EMT before attending the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school.

I couldn’t be more excited to continue my training as a resident at Baystate Medical Center! I chose Baystate because each and every interaction with the residents and faculty have been wonderful experiences, and they exuded such a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Life is about the journey, and I am so thrilled to continue mine as part of the Baystate family.

In my free time, swimming, biking, and running are my go-to activities. A perfect day for me involves a good morning bike ride followed by a slow-sipped espresso, and since I grew up near the ocean, I love to spend time relaxing at the beach, or surfing if the waves are good. Rounding out the day with a summertime barbeque and bonfire, surrounded by friends and family, that sounds great to me.

Yamna Jadoon, MD

Aga Khan University Medical College

Hello! My name is Yamna. My hometown is Peshawar, Pakistan. I’ve moved around a little over the years but it's always been a focal point. I spent a part of my childhood in Karachi and returned there for medical school which was an experience I greatly cherish.

Besides medicine, I’m passionate about art and I love trying to combine the two when possible. I enjoy learning new skills and over the past year I’ve picked up a little chess, which may have been fueled by watching the Queen’s Gambit, and origami. I write sometimes and read often.

I was drawn to Baystate because of the warmth the entire program, from the admin to the residents, was able to convey despite the fact that in-person communication was not possible. I look forward to joining the Baystate family!

Aizaz Khan, MD

Shifa College of Medicine

Hi everyone! My name is Aizaz Khan. I completed my medical school from Shifa College of Medicine in Islamabad, Pakistan but spent most of my life in Fremont, California where I was raised. I love food and photography which often push me to explore local areas in search of good food and beautiful scenery. I cannot wait to do the same with the Springfield area. I also love playing video games of which my favorites are Call of Duty, DOTA, and FIFA. I am also a huge soccer fan and very passionately support The Arsenal. Let’s go Gunners!

I gravitated towards Baystate because of the sense of family and togetherness displayed by both the administration and the residents. It was a feeling that I did not feel anywhere else and immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it. I cannot wait to begin my life in Springfield and am looking forward to being part of the team at Baystate.

Anusha Kothapalli, MD

West Virginia University School of Medicine Morgantown

Hi everyone! My name is Anusha Kothapalli. I was born and raised in Massachusetts, found myself in West Virginia for medical school, and I am looking forward to starting my residency at Baystate. Outside of work, I enjoy listening to music, singing, hiking, indoor rock climbing (bouldering), and whenever possible, spending time with my labradoodle, Tucker. I am excited to return to my home state and to start this next chapter in my medical career!

Jessika Matta, MD

University of Balamand Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences

Hi everyone! I was born in Lebanon but raised in California for most of my childhood. I came back to Lebanon for high school and on. After medical school, I did a preliminary year in internal medicine at Saint George Hospital, Lebanon.

I 
n my free time, you will find me either in a cozy café with my cup of coffee and a good book or hiking up a trail. I am always up for trying something new (especially if food is involved), so I am most definitely excited about the move to Massachusetts.


I fell in love with the program during the interview season, I felt like I belonged from the first meet and greet with the residents. Their smile and enthusiasm were contagious, and I could not wait to be a part of such a caring environment. I am beyond thrilled to start this new opportunity and seeing what UMMS-Baystate and Springfield have to offer.

Maryam Naser, MD

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain

Salam everyone!

To put some context, Salam is an Arabic greeting which means peace and commonly used in the lines of “Hello everyone” . Hope my “Salam” gave you some insight into my background. I am Maryam from Bahrain. Besides being home, Bahrain is a beautiful island in the Arabian Gulf that is renowned for its seas, pearl fisheries, and diverse community.

I completed my medical education in RCSI-Bahrain in 2019. Studying medicine was one of the best things I have chosen to do. But when I am not doctor-ing or trying to be one, I enjoy reading, walking by the beach, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Cannot wait to start my journey in Baystate! I am sure the sky will be the limit.

VIctoria Nguyen, DO

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hello! My name is Victoria Nguyen. I have lived in New England my entire life– I was raised in Randolph, MA, completed my undergrad/masters at Boston University, attended medical school at UNE COM in Maine, and also served as a New England Patriots Cheerleader! I grew up cheerleading/dancing, but love anything related to fitness. From aerial dance, to CrossFit, to parkour… I’ll try a class at least once.

One of the many things I love about Baystate is its emphasis on community health and advocacy. Growing up in a diverse town, as a daughter of Vietnamese refugees, I had the privilege of experiencing the richness of multiple cultures. It fueled my passion to travel (about 17 countries and 25 states so far) and opened my eyes to the attention needed on the social determinants of health. I’m excited to be part of the Baystate team, working with a diverse community.

Sherin Samuel, DO

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hello everyone! My name is Sherin Samuel and I was born in Queens, New York. I moved to Long Island in the 2nd grade and have lived there ever since. And yes, I say it as “lawn-guy-land”.

I have always been interested in the sciences, and volunteering at the local hospital during high school helped me realize that medicine was the path for me. I was accepted into the accelerated seven year combined Bachelor of Sciences/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (BS/DO) program at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) and NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM). During my college and medical school years, I was able to nurture my passion of fundraising for underserved communities with innovative events.

In my free time, I enjoy: spending time with my friends and family, trying out new restaurants, and baking for others. The collaborative teamwork that takes place on the medical floors as well as the myriad of opportunities one can pursue is the reason Internal Medicine is the specialty for me. I look forward to my time at Baystate Medical Center and Massachussetts as the stepping stone for the rest of my career.

Logan Striplin, MD

Ross University School of Medicine

Hey everyone! My name is Logan Striplin, and I was born and raised in rural Northeast Texas. I graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in nursing and spent 2 years as an ER nurse prior to medical school. I went to Ross University School of Medicine and spent my entire 4 years of school doing what I love, which is traveling and seeing new places.

On my days off you can always find me looking for a new running trail, hiking, or doing anything outdoors. I also am a sports fan and enjoy playing basketball, baseball and am trying to learn golf. I am excited to make my home in the Northeast and am looking forward to experiencing all four seasons.

I chose Baystate because of its welcoming culture, excellent training, and endless career opportunities.

Sai Vadhula,  MD

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

I am a global citizen having grown up in two countries and took a circuitous path into medicine. After my PhD in mechanical engineering specializing in dynamics and control systems from Ohio State, I worked for 7 years as a staff research scientist in the transportation industry. However, my passion for medicine continued through volunteering throughout. I took the plunge and graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine with my M.D. and minor in Global Health.

I am excited to join a wonderful and unique internal medicine residency program here at Baystate Health. Besides the excellent training environment and world class facilities, I was particularly drawn by the small cohort size, excellent mentorship and family like atmosphere. I look forward to building strong relationships and learning from patients, faculty and peers.

Outside medicine, I am very much into exploring Nature and can't wait to enjoy the beauty of Western Massachusetts!

Vania Wu, DO

Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

Hey everyone, my name is Vania Wu. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but moved down to North Carolina for undergrad and medical school. After spending several years in the south, I am so excited to be coming back up north! I love travelling for new foods and strongly believe in hosting brunches. I am always open to book and podcast recommendations and enjoy having late night wine talks. I can’t wait to build roots here and get to know the Baystate community!

James Yang, MD

Ross University School of Medicine

Hi everyone! My name is James Yang. I was born and raised in South Korea, but spent most of my time in Massachusetts and Maryland. I received my undergraduate and master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. I spent few years working in research labs before starting medical school.

I chose Baystate because it had everything I was looking for in a residency program. An academic center with dedicated teaching/research, location where there are my family and friends, and most importantly, the collegiality. After my interview day, Baystate simply felt right.

I like to work out at the gym, play the clarinet, and hang out with my friends.

I am very happy, excited, and proud to join the Baystate family!