Pediatrics Residents

As the 2026-2027 Pediatrics Chief Residents, I’m thrilled that you’re interested in the Pediatrics Residency at UMass Chan Medical School–Baystate! I’d love to share a bit about what makes our program such a unique and welcoming place to train.

A Close-Knit, Diverse Community

Our residency thrives on the strength of our diverse and inclusive community. Each year, we welcome 10 pediatric residents and 8 Med-Peds residents from a wide range of backgrounds—spanning research, engineering, emergency response, microfinance, and even the music industry. This diversity enriches our culture and fosters mutual respect, learning, and connection.

Outside the hospital, our residents build lasting friendships through shared interests like hiking and biking, trivia, rock climbing, local music, and board games. The camaraderie is real—Baystate becomes not just a workplace, but a second home.

What makes Baystate truly special is the incredible team spirit. Residents, attendings, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, pharmacists, and medical students all work together with a shared commitment to excellent patient care and support for one another.

A Residency Built Around Learning

Education is at the heart of everything we do. Our general pediatrics and subspecialty attendings are passionate teachers—whether on rounds, during academic conferences, in weekly simulation labs, or through afternoon teaching sessions on the wards.

We also know that some of the best learning happens through teaching. Our residents regularly mentor and teach UMass Chan and visiting medical students, sharpening their own clinical and leadership skills along the way.

I hope this glimpse into our program helps you feel the warmth, energy, and sense of purpose that make Baystate such a meaningful place to train. Thank you for considering us as you explore where your next chapter will begin! Please feel free to reach out with questions. 

Samantha Pendleton, DO
Josh Pankin, MD

Let our amazing team of residents introduce themselves and tell you why Baystate is a good fit for them. They represent a wonderful diversity of backgrounds, interests and medical schools.

Rabbia Ashraf, MD

I was born and raised in Punjab, Pakistan, and earned my Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Allama Iqbal Medical College at the University of Health Sciences in Lahore. My passion for supporting children began in my teenage years when I volunteered to assist children with special needs and their families. After graduating, I moved to the United States and joined the Pediatric Global Health Team at Massachusetts General Hospital as a research volunteer, contributing to studies on the impact of air pollution on lung function growth in infants in Uganda.

My professional interests lie in pediatric global health, strongly focusing on improving healthcare access for underserved communities. Beyond medicine, I enjoy nature and portrait photography, reading history books, and spending quality time with my family.

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
I first heard about UMass Baystate from my research colleagues, who spoke highly of the program’s reputation for excellent resident training. Connecting with the residents during the social event and afterward gave me insight into the program’s supportive culture. Everyone I interacted with was incredibly kind and helpful, and I repeatedly heard that residents are the program’s top priority—a sentiment that became evident halfway through my interview. The program’s ideal size and core values align with my goal of becoming a well-rounded, holistic pediatrician who can serve the community effectively.

Raneem Atta, MD

I was born in Egypt but spent my childhood bouncing around the Gulf region, where my parents’ work took us to various cities. After high school, I returned to Egypt and graduated from the University of Alexandria School of Medicine. I then took my passion for research to the next level with a post-doc fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where I worked in an animal lab studying gene therapy for cystic fibrosis. This further deepened my enthusiasm for pediatrics, knowing the impact cystic fibrosis has on children's quality of life. Despite the science, something about being around kids always brought out my inner child and made me the happiest—nothing beats the joy of caring for children and their families. When I'm not in scrubs, you’ll likely find me swimming, cheering on my favorite teams (I’m a big fan of sports!), or spending quality time with my husband. And if you’re lucky, you might get to try one of my famous cookies—apparently, people can’t get enough of them!

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
Baystate is a very busy tertiary center, and I can't wait to train in such an engaging environment. The program offers excellent hands-on experience with diverse cases, and I’m eager to learn from a supportive team of mentors and colleagues. Additionally, staying in Boston for over a year during my research fellowship made it feel like home, and I was thrilled to stay close to this vibrant and dynamic city. I’m genuinely excited to join Baystate, as it offers the perfect combination of academic rigor, clinical exposure, and community impact. I look forward to making a positive contribution to the hospital, especially with my tiny patients, who I hope will always remember me.

Kylee Cardoso, DO

I was born and raised in Southeastern Massachusetts into a Portuguese/Brazilian family. At a young age I was given a doctor toy set as a gift which began fueling my passion for medicine and becoming a physician. I completed my bachelor’s degree in biology and minored in Portuguese at the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth. I then went onto live away from home for the first time when I began medical school at Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in South Carolina. As the first in my family to become a physician, I am thrilled to return to Massachusetts to be closer to my biggest support system - my family, during my pediatrics residency. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking, baking, traveling, yoga, and spending time with loved ones.

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
From completing my undergraduate studies at UMass- Dartmouth to participating in the BaccMD medical scholars’ program at UMass Chan Medical School, the UMass system has always felt like home to me. When I had the opportunity to do a pediatric subspecialty elective at Baystate during my fourth year of medical school, I was excited to learn more about the pediatrics residency program and be exposed to the people and the environment. During the month of my elective, I was able to witness the supportive and close-knit relationships built between the residents and faculty. This camaraderie, along with being back in my home state, made Baystate easily become my #1 choice for my pediatrics residency!

Sydney Kurtz, DO

Hi, I’m Syd! I’m from Oregon, where I went to undergrad at Portland State University and medical school at Western University of Health Sciences. I have a huge love for adventure, which has driven me to travel to many different places for my clinical rotations and led me to Baystate. When I’m not working, I like to explore a new country, find a lake to swim in, or take up a new hobby I might not be very good at. Pediatrics has always felt like home for me because children approach the world with that same sense of curiosity. I can’t wait to learn and grow alongside them!

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
I flew across the country for my very first away rotation at Baystate, and the program set the bar high. The dedication of the residents and faculty both supported and inspired me. With their help, I’ll learn to be a great pediatrician, and I can have an adventure on the East Coast while doing it. I am so glad to be back!

E. Betül Deniz, MD

I was born and raised in Istanbul, Türkiye, and completed my medical education at Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine. After graduation, I moved to Canada and am now a dual citizen of Türkiye and Canada. Exploring life in Canada has been an exciting and rewarding experience. I’ve enjoyed learning about the culture and connecting with people from different backgrounds. Since childhood, I’ve always dreamed of working with children. That passion grew stronger during medical school, when I joined a student-led organization dedicated to making small wishes come true for pediatric oncology patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading and writing short personal essays. I’ve been writing stories since I was a child, and I still turn to writing as a creative outlet. I also love going on long walks and discovering new places.

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
I was drawn to Baystate for its warm and supportive environment, as well as its strong commitment to education and growth. During my interview, I immediately felt the sincerity and kindness of everyone I spoke with, and it left a lasting impression on me.

What stood out to me the most was Baystate’s clear emphasis on resident education and professional development. As someone who learns best in collaborative and close-knit settings, I value programs that foster connection between faculty and residents. I believe that such environments not only enhance learning but also support personal growth and confidence—both of which are essential in becoming a well-rounded pediatrician. Baystate felt like the ideal place to grow into the kind of pediatrician I want to be.

Danielle Ertz, MD

I was born and raised in Southern California and grew up as a ballet dancer. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology at Berkeley where I was a Cal Dance Team member. I moved to the East Coast and earned my master’s in medical sciences at Drexel University where I went on to complete my medical education. During medical school, I fell in love with the specialty of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities because of the inspiring patients and their parents. Outside of medicine and dancing, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our corgi, watching football, yoga, community engagement and exploring new cuisines.

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the residents at Baystate on interview day, and I could really envision myself at Baystate. It seemed like the perfect program to gain a well-rounded Pediatrics training, and I felt very connected to the faculty and residents. I am excited to become involved in the ample community service opportunities and to serve the patient population.

Kiran Hashmi, MD

I was born at Baystate Medical Center and raised in Canada before my family relocated back to Longmeadow, Massachusetts, my hometown. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Bay Path University. During my time at Bay Path, I actively contributed to the academic community as a tutor, anatomy and physiology lab assistant, and as a peer mentor and orientation leader for incoming freshmen.

As the first female physician in my family, I, alongside with my colleagues, founded the Women in STEM Club at Bay Path University to empower young women of all ethnicities to overcome societal and cultural barriers to succeed in STEM fields. My leadership and advocacy were highlighted when I served as a panelist at the 2023 Life Sciences Alumni Career Event. I also dedicated time to volunteering in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Baystate Medical Center, actively participating in the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts, and working as a head baker throughout my collegiate years.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I pursued my medical education at the American University of Antigua, College of Medicine. There, I joined the Global Health Track Certificate Program and completed core clinical rotations at clinical sites affiliated with Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. My experiences inspired me to complete an observership at Ali General Hospital in Multan, Pakistan, during the summer of 2024.

Outside of my medical career, I am a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys exploring new recipes and cuisines. I also have a passion for baking and the culinary arts, whilst spending quality time with family and friends, and dancing to my favorite Bollywood songs.

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
As a local resident with deep roots in the community, having volunteered at Baystate Medical Center and with all of my cousins, including myself, being born here, I can confidently say that Baystate has been both my inspiration and dream hospital since childhood. In addition to being a leading healthcare institution in Western Massachusetts, I was drawn to the close-knit culture among the faculty and residents, the exceptional global health program, and the overall supportive and positive environment. I knew that at Baystate, I would not be just another number; rather, I would be part of a community that values personal growth and collaboration.

Baystate offers everything I need to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a pediatrician, while also giving me the opportunity to serve both my local community and the broader population. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and excited to join the Baystate Pediatrics family as I begin this incredible journey.

Ashmita Mulmi, MD

I was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, and completed my medical education in Bangladesh. During medical school, I found myself drawn to pediatrics, fascinated by the resilience of children and the joy of helping them grow and thrive. Seeing the miracles of life made me realize that this is where my heart truly belongs. Pediatrics is more than just a field of medicine to me; it is a chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of young patients and their families. With my diverse background and experiences, I am eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the well-being of children. Outside of medicine, I love exploring new places and cuisines, and I cherish the moments I get to share with my loved ones.

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
From the very first virtual meet-and-greet, I felt a strong sense of warmth and positivity from the residents and faculty. Everyone was so welcoming, and it truly felt like a family. I knew right away that Baystate would provide the perfect environment to learn, develop my skills, and become the well-rounded pediatrician I aspire to be. I am excited to be part of this incredible community and to begin this new chapter in my journey!

Tatiana Polanco Rodriguez, MD

I’m originally from Lajas, Puerto Rico, and was raised by a young single mom. She went back to school when I was a teenager & while she pursued her education, I helped care for my younger siblings. Seeing her chasing her dreams despite all odds definitely shaped me into the strong, determined woman I am today. My mom is my role model and my north. I studied at the University of Puerto Rico for both college and medical school. During my first year of medical school, I was diagnosed with cancer and took time off for treatment. That experience, although painful and difficult, gave me a deeper understanding of vulnerability, resilience, and the kind of physician I want to be. I also served as president of the Medical Student Pride Alliance and was active in LMSA, both of which deepened my commitment to building inclusive spaces in medicine. I believe representation matters, not just for patients, but also for trainees like me. Outside of medicine, I enjoy crocheting, crafting, reading, and spending time with my two cats (Acland & Juno) and bunny (Oliver).

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
Baystate immediately stood out to me as a place where people genuinely care, not just about patients, but also about each other. The program’s commitment to equity, advocacy, and whole-person care really aligned with my values, and I could see myself growing both personally and professionally in such a supportive environment.

Michelle Pollak, MD

I grew up in Toronto, Canada, alongside my twin sister and two older siblings. I earned my bachelor’s degree from McGill University in Montreal before attending medical school. Throughout university, I dedicated much of my time to volunteering—raising awareness about food insecurity in northern Canada and fundraising for hot meals for elementary schools in Nunavut. I completed my last two years of clinical training in the Bronx, New York City, where I developed a passion for working with underserved communities and advocacy. My research in quality improvement focused on topics such as newborn emergencies in the nursery. I also pursued my love for global health and pediatrics on a trip to rural Thailand, where I worked with pediatric patients and gained firsthand experience in resource-limited settings. What drew me to pediatrics is the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children and their families—from infancy to adolescence and beyond! Outside of medicine, I’m a big film buff, a bookworm, and an avid traveler (always planning my next adventure). I also believe that food tastes better when shared with friends! In the winter, you will find me snowboarding, and in the summer, I am usually out on a hike.

Why UMass Chan-Baystate?
Baystate was my very first interview of the season, and from the start, I felt an instant connection. The warmth and enthusiasm of the residents and faculty stood out, and I left every interaction with a huge smile on my face. The camaraderie between residents, the supportive environment, and the program’s commitment to exceptional patient care all reassured me that this was the right place for me. Baystate strikes the perfect balance for me— a strong academic training within a close-knit, welcoming community. As someone who grew up embracing winter, I also love that I’ll be somewhere that actually gets snow! I’m very excited to be joining the Baystate family and to start my journey in pediatrics here.

Amanda Elliott, MD

Amanda was born and raised in Central California. Prior to pursuing medicine, she worked as a store manager for more than a decade. She completed bachelor's degrees in biology and psychology at the University of Idaho. She studied medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Amanda is passionate about both teaching and medicine. While in medical school she also completed a master’s degree in higher education. When not in the classroom or on the wards, Amanda can usually be found enjoying the great outdoors.

Why UMass Chan – Baystate?
My connection to Baystate started with the resident social the evening before my interview. They were all genuine and incredibly warm and welcoming. Despite interviewing virtually, I felt a strong connection to the faculty who interviewed me. I could picture myself working alongside them throughout residency training. I am excited to be joining the Baystate family as I begin my career as a pediatrician.

Yara Kassamani, MD

I grew up just outside of London, England in a Lebanese family. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Boston College where I also spent time volunteering as an EMT. I later went on to pursue my master’s in medical sciences at Boston University. I then moved back across the globe, but this time to Ireland, where I completed my medical education at University College Cork School of Medicine. I began medical school initially unsure of which specialty I would pursue but along the way found myself gently gravitating towards pediatrics. I greatly enjoyed learning how pediatricians support children and their families across a multitude of areas in their lives in addition to medical care. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, taking piano lessons, boxing, and spending time with friends and family.

Why UMass Chan- Baystate?
Baystate really stood out on my interview day. Even from a virtual format, I could tell that the residents and faculty were genuine, compassionate people who care about fostering a positive, collaborative environment. Baystate has everything I could want in a program, and I am confident that the balanced, well-rounded nature of the residency program will help me become a holistic pediatrician. I am delighted to be coming back to Massachusetts and to be joining the Baystate pediatrics family.

Sophia Leu, DO

Born and raised in the historic Hudson Valley region of New York, Sophia grew up in a small but close-knit community with the outlandish dream of becoming a pediatrician. Despite being a first-generation doctor, her high school science teachers supported her every step of the way. After completing a bachelor’s degree in human biology and psychology at SUNY Albany, she returned to her hometown to work as a college tutor and volunteer as an EMT. She didn’t have to travel far for medical school, attending the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown. Over the years, she found her love working and interacting with the community’s youngest population, solidifying her decision in pediatrics during 3rd-year rotations. As it turns out, her outlandish dream of becoming a pediatrician wasn’t so strange! While not practicing medicine, she enjoys cooking new recipes, exploring new places, and documenting them in photographs.

Why UMass Chan- Baystate?
The post-COVID age of Zoom interviews were nerve-wracking because I feared I couldn’t gauge a program from behind the screen. But that wasn’t the case with Baystate. From the moment I logged on to interview day, a sense of comfort and warmth washed over me. Everyone was genuinely kind, passionate, and excited to meet us. The family-like support and learner-manager-teacher model made me realize their passion for doing what’s best for their residents. I felt I could thrive and truly connect to this program, and I’m so excited to start my journey with everyone here! 

Rich Pack, MD

Rich moved here from Central Florida, where he lived the past 12 years for undergrad, med school, and plenty of odd jobs in between. He’s worked at the Lego Store in Disney, as an advisor and interim director of a group home and spent time as a researcher in a biostatistics lab. His hobbies outside medicine include gardening with his wife, running with his dog, and baking.

Why UMass Chan- Baystate?
What impressed me most were the kind and generous personalities of the directors, attendings, and residents. They radiated warmth and kindness from the first introduction. As a student, it could be difficult to weigh out which aspects of a program are most important. Since Baystate has so many great resources, not to mention being in a beautiful and affordable part of the country, the assurance of a friendly work culture really won me over.

Manasa Pisipati, DO

Manasa was born and raised in Long Island, New York. Growing up, she enjoyed making greeting cards and performing dances for hospital and nursing home patients, and volunteering in the local community. She completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at Adelphi University, Honors College, in New York. She is passionate about the role of nutrition in patient care and wrote her Honors College Senior Thesis on dietary sources for the maintenance of bone health, with a focus on the Mediterranean diet. Manasa pursued her medical degree at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she was selected for the Doctor Patient Continuum program, a case-based learning curriculum. She has always enjoyed interacting with kids, and teaching lessons and crafts at a local children’s museum. She pursued a pre-clinical internship with a pediatrician, where she discovered an interest in endocrinology, and worked on a project about growth hormone deficiency in pediatric patients. She also worked with her preceptor on a presentation about diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients. Her interest in pediatrics was confirmed by her clerkship rotation, where she had the chance to teach children and families by giving a talk on common pediatric rashes, which was shared on their website. Outside of medicine, Manasa enjoys painting, visiting art museums, baking, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.

Why UMass Chan Baystate?
I appreciate Baystate’s commitment to academic instruction for residents. From my interview, I could tell that the faculty truly wanted to help residents learn and thrive. I liked that I would get to learn from a diverse set of cases, through gradual autonomy with the learner manager teacher model. Baystate’s emphasis on community health also resonated with me. The social determinants of health have always been important to me, and I appreciate how they are incorporated into the curriculum and patient care at Baystate.

Emily Rodriguez Ortega, DO

Emily was born in Lima, Peru and moved to Florida with her family many years ago. She always enjoyed working with kids and volunteered at a local summer camp during her first summer in high school. She completed his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University. She discovered her passion for giving back her community by working as a tutor and volunteering at her local hospital during her undergraduate years. She later went on to move to central Florida to complete her medical education at Kiran C. Patel College of osteopathic Medicine in the Tampa Bay campus. Outside of medicine Emily enjoys painting, listening to podcasts, group work out classes, and spending time with her family .

Why UMass Chan - Baystate?
I knew Baystate was the right place for me to complete my pediatric training after my interview day. Despite interviews being online it was possible to see that the residents and faculty were genuinely warm and supportive. I also knew this program was going to provide me with depth and breadth of clinical cases and research opportunities. I am excited for what the future holds for me and my new coresidents here at Baystate and hope to give back to this community as well.

Raizel Suresh, MD

Born in Tirunelveli, at the southernmost tip of India, Raizel lived in various places in south India before completing medical school at Stanley Medical College, Chennai. Spending time with kids made her the happiest, hence her decision to pursue pediatrics. Subsequently she moved to the US-and lived in the states of beautiful Washington and sunny California for a while. Her next stop is Springfield, MA! She likes exploring various cuisines, binge watching Netflix, writing stories, reading books of all genres, and singing Tamil cinema songs.

She lives with her husband and her little daughter.

Why UMass Chan - Baystate?
The story of how I landed in Baystate is a very dramatic one. Having lost the program, I matched in due to unfortunate circumstances, I got the opportunity to interview at Baystate. Like the 'wand choosing the wizard', it was a perfect fit for me. I liked the program from the get-go and meeting the faculty and residents only solidified that feeling. Their approach to both pediatrics and resident well-being is amazing:) I'm glad to say that I feel incredibly happy to be here!

Samuel Weitzen, MD

A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Sam was born and raised in the Merrimack Valley. He was actively involved in the Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and explored his love for the outdoors. He completed a bachelor's degree in microbiology at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. During this time, he spent his summers working as an EMT and was actively involved in microbiology research. After completing his bachelor's degree, he went on to medical school at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. During his time there, he was part of their global health program and helped to run “Ask the Doctor” sessions for newly arrived refugees from all over the world. Outside of medicine, Sam enjoys hiking, skiing, cooking, baking, listening to international music, and learning about commercial aviation.

Why UMass Chan/Baystate?
One of my best friends in medical school worked at Baystate. He constantly spoke about their supportive environment and about how they were just big enough that you got a broad exposure to Pediatrics while also not being so big that you got lost. Add in an amazing global health program and the opportunity to explore the mountains of Western Massachusetts and you have the perfect program for me to start my career in Pediatrics.

Ume-Farwah Zahidi, MD

Farwah was born and raised in Orange County, CA. She grew up playing basketball and spending time with her family. She completed two years of undergraduate degree at Chapman University in California, then packed up and moved to Ireland for the opportunity to study medicine at University College Dublin. There she made incredible friends and was able to travel around Europe. Outside of medicine Farwah enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Why UMass Chan - Baystate?
Baystate instantly gave a warm and welcoming feeling. From the beginning of the interview, it felt like everyone cared about the residents, both professional and personal lives. I instantly felt a connection with the people at Baystate. I am excited to begin my career in Pediatrics here at Baystate.