Our Residents
@URMC_Med_Peds_Residency
#RocMedPeds
Chief Resident
Kunali Gurditta, M.D.
Medical School
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Hometown
Wood-Ridge, NJ
PGY- 4th Year
Joanna Abaraoha, M.D.
Medical School
CUNY School of Medicine, 2022
Hometown
Bronx, NY/Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria
What impressed you about our program during your interviews?
Brett Robbins. I was also impressed by all of the amazing residents I met during interviews and the educational tracks. I felt like whether I specialized or did primary care I would get a world class education here.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Swimming, Tap Dance, K-Pop, Writing, Reading, Crocheting
What are your career interests?
I am currently debating between Primary Care and Combined Endocrinology with a focus on transitions of care for children with diabetes. But combined heme onc has also piqued my interest recently. I also love teaching and I want to venture into academia and global health. We'll see what the future holds.
Charlotte Blumrosen, M.D.
Medical School
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2022
Hometown
Paris, France
What are your hobbies and interests?
Baking, Skiing, Watching the Bachelor.
What are you most looking forward to during residency?
I'm looking forward to becoming the best internist and pediatrician I can be and figure out what I want to do with my life.
What are your career interests?
I'm currently interested in working with adolescents and young adults with IBD or blood disorders to make sure they have a smoother transition from the world of pediatrics to adult medicine.
Shelsie Lindor, M.D.
Medical School
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 2022
Hometown
New York, NY
What are your hobbies and interests?
Booking flights to the tropics, spending time with my family and friends, trying out new brunch spots, cooking new recipes, having fresh flowers in my home :)
What are your career interests?
Hematology, I'm interested in working with sickle cell patients specifically.
Bethany Marbaker, M.D.
Medical School
State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 2022
Hometown
Endicott, NY
What impressed you about our programs during your interviews?
I knew that Rochester would be a place where I would be challenged but also supported. It was apparent that the program leadership cares deeply about their residents. All the residents I met were amazing and kind and seemed genuinely happy!
What are your hobbies and interests?
Knitting, reading, jogging (slowly!) and weight lifting, trying new restaurants and craft beers!
What are your career interests?
I picked med-peds because I love everything! So, if I had to choose today, I'd say combined hospital medicine, possibly with some outpatient component, working with medical students and resident education! But – I'm very excited to get more subspecialty exposure during residency.
Irene Martinez, M.D.
Medical School
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 2022
Hometown
Middletown, NJ
What are your hobbies and interests?
Singing, drinking coffee/ finding a new aesthetically pleasing coffee shop, finding a new spot to dog watch, musical theatre, picking up new hobbies, DIY projects, napping.
What are your career interests?
In true Med-Peds fashion, I want to do combined Med + Ped primary care and hospital medicine. Also want to get involved in Medical Education & pipeline programs aimed at increasing URiM (especialmente para mis Latinos) representation in the medical field!
Ndidiamaka (Didi) Okorozo, M.D.
Medical School
Drexel University College of Medicine, 2022
Hometown
Queens, NY
What is one thing that impressed you about our program during your interviews?
Black/lower income populations, Community Health Advocacy, Global Health.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Going out to brunch, traveling and trying out ethnic food, shopping, reading fictional books, taking pictures, watching reality shows and going out in nature.
What are your career interests?
Primary care, Global health, Health Advocacy
Nkemdirim Ukoha, M.D.
Medical School
Saint James School of Medicine Anguilla, 2021
Hometown
Dallas, TX
What are your hobbies and interests?
Traveling, watching anime and movies, and cooking.
Who is the most inspiring person in your life?
My sister.
PGY- 3rd Year
Jai Ahluwalia, M.D.
Medical School
New York Medical College
Hometown
Little Falls, NY
Kavya Bana, M.D.
Medical School
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Hometown
Simsbury, CT
Who inspires you?
My parents inspire me the most. They have sacrificed so much to build a life for my sister and me in America and without them I would not be here today.
What are your career interests?
Primary care and hospital medicine
Shri Karri, M.D.
Medical School
Texas Tech University - Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Hometown
Dallas, TX
Kathy Lu, M.D.
Medical School
Tufts University School of Medicine
Hometown
Rochester, NY and Plano, TX
Imani Miles, M.D.
Medical School
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Hometown
Destrehan, LA
Nathan Rotundo, M.D.
Medical School
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine – Grand Rapids
Hometown
Marquette, MI
Who inspires you?
My Mom, for reasons too numerous to list.
What are your career interests?
As of right now I am interested in being a combined hospitalist and potentially pursuing something in the field of medical education.
Mallory Rowley, M.D.
Medical School
SUNY Upstate Medical University, Norton College of Medicine
Hometown
Syracuse, NY
Aidan Sullivan, M.D.
Medical School
Albany Medical College
Hometown
Chester NH
What are your hobbies and interests
Reading, watching TV, going to the movies, going to a brewery or winery, pickle ball.
What impressed you about the program during your interviews?
The alumni presence during the interview day.
What are your career interests?Hospital medicine.
PGY- 2nd Year
Emily Briceno, M.D.
Medical School
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Hobbies & Interests: I really enjoy baking. The best part of baking, in my opinion, is trying out a new recipe or new skill. My best dish is a tres leches cake!
Last good book you’ve read or movie or TV show you’ve seen?: I haven't watched any movies recently but I did start watching the show Ghosts. 10/10 would recommend.
What impressed you about the program during your interviews?: I was impressed by bonds between residents and faculty.
Marco Caiola, M.D.
Medical School
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
What are your hobbies and interests?
Woodworking, tennis, pickleball, golf, skiing, reading, video games.
Last good book, story, article, TV show, or movie?
I recently finished season 2 of Severance, started re-reading The Way of Kings and I'm working on playing through Expedition 33.
What impressed you about the program during your interviews?
The comradery of the residents and faculty, felt like one big family.
Layton Camren, D.O
Hometown: Moulton, AL
Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & Interests: I'm learning how to exercise using gymnastic rings and am currently on my third play through of Dark Souls 3.
Last good book you’ve read or movie or TV show you’ve seen?: My favorite book genre is gothic novels. My favorite book is Wuthering Heights with a close second being House of the Seven Gables. I love how immersive these books are, I always feel like I'm traveling back in time when I read them. A good movie I recently watched was 'Poor Things' with Emma Stone; it's on Hulu.
What impressed you about the program during your interviews?: I was impressed with how well integrated the med-peds program is but also how independent it is at the same time. I was also drawn to the fact that graduates from the program have pursued the career I am pursuing.
David Deleon, D.O.
Medical School
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Brian Garcia Valdez, M.D.
Hometown: Laredo, TX
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stitch School of Medicine
Hobbies & Interests: Hiking, biking, furniture building.
What are you most looking forward to in residency? Becoming the best physician I can be while building strong relationships with my patients and colleagues.
What impressed you about the program during your interviews?: The warm and welcoming nature of every person I spoke to during the interview. Additionally, one of the things that impressed me the most was the strong med-peds presence and seamless integration we have with the categorical IM and Peds programs.
Omotara Ogundeyi, D.O
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & Interests: Cooking, theater, afternoon tea, travelling, table tennis.
Last good book you’ve read or movie or TV show you’ve seen?: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
What impressed you about the program during your interviews?: The Residents and their camaraderie! The desire to lend a helping hand as we went through the interview trail even if it had nothing to do with University of Rochester residency. Dr. Robbins, Dr. Caiola and Dr Scofield were also very warm and created a comfortable space to be myself and upfront during the interview. I also fell in love with culver on my visit. The preceptors and the staff were individuals I remembered for a long time and looked forward to seeing and learning from again and again.
Julie Self, D.O.
Hometown: West Monroe, LA
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana Campus
Hobbies & Interests: Board games, escape rooms, reading, cooking.
Last good book you’ve read or movie or TV show you’ve seen?: House of God - a great book for every resident physician to read
What impressed you about the program during your interviews?: I was very impressed by the camaraderie of the faculty and residents. The interview day felt supportive and kind, which was exactly what I was searching for in my ideal program.
Anna Yolitz, M.D.
Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Hobbies & Interests: Baking, nature walks, biking, and cuddling with my cat.
Last good book you’ve read or movie or TV show you’ve seen?: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. Another wonderful piece from this author that beautifully describes the best and worst parts of humanity.
What impressed you about the program during your interviews?: The amount of care they showed even before the interview by sending a gift card to buy a meal since we were interviewing over Zoom. It was just a glimpse into how deeply they care for their residents before they even become one.
PGY- 1st Year
Kate Brashear, M.D.
Medical School
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Hometown
Hong Kong
Hobbies & Interests: Roller derby, crosswords and word puzzles.
Favorite food: Cha siu fan (Chinese barbecue pork) is my ultimate comfort food. Also, chocolate.
What are you most looking forward to during residency?
Figuring out what my style of practice looks like and really getting to take ownership of patients!
What are your career interests after residency?
Hospice & palliative care.
Zaphrirah Chin, M.D.
Medical School
University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
Hometown
Brooklyn, NY / Jacksonville, NC
Hobbies & Interests: Anime, fashion, reading, music, mentorship, traveling, snowboarding.
Favorite food: Ital is Vital.
What impressed you about our program during your interviews?
Interview day truly reflected the values of the institution.
What are your career interests after residency?
Applying for fellowship!
Kaitlin Davis, M.D.
Medical School
Albany Medical College
Hometown
Clifton Park, NY
Hobbies & Interests: Reality TV, sewing, cooking, being outdoors, Survivor, Harry Styles.
Favorite food: Pizza, preferably margherita.
What impressed you about our program during your interviews?
I was struck by how kind and supportive everyone was! I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed.
What are your career interests after residency?
MedPeds hospitalist? We shall see!
Melissa Endy, M.D.
Medical School
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Hometown
Westfield, NJ
Hobbies & Interests: Reading, traveling, hiking.
Favorite food: Ice cream.
What impressed you about our program during your interviews?
How friendly everyone is! Definitely laughed more interviewing here than anywhere else.
What are your career interests after residency?
Complex primary care and medical education.
Nathan Logan, M.D.
Medical School
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Hometown
St. Charles, MO
Hobbies & Interests: Baking, hiking, running.
Favorite food: Toasted ravioli (a St. Louis classic).
What impressed you about our program during your interviews?
Supportive learning environment, relationship between faculty and residents.
What are your career interests after residency?
Undecided! Maybe primary care? Maybe ICU?
Lily McGovern, M.D.
Medical School
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Hometown
Belmont, NY
Hobbies & Interests: I love gardening, houseplants, cycling, The Buffalo Bills, The Grateful Dead, camping/hiking with my husband and dog, and spending time with my family (especially my little sister)!
Favorite food: Peaches, strawberry shortcake, coffee flavored/infused anything - I also love a garbage plate.
What impressed you about our program during your interviews?
I was blown away by how kind and supportive everyone was! It truly felt like a place where I could learn and grow to be the best possible physician alongside my colleagues.
What are your career interests after residency?
I'm fairly undifferentiated at this point! I love working with adolescents/young people who carry complex medical histories into adulthood. I can see myself working in primary care for all ages and also have an interest in palliative care!
Folasade Odeniyi, M.D.
Medical School
University of Illinois at Chicago
Hometown
Philadelphia, PA
Hobbies & Interests: Cooking.
Favorite food: Jollof rice.
What impressed you about our program during your interviews?
An emphasis on psychological safety and resident wellness.
What are your career interests after residency?
Undecided, but emphasis on serving underserved communities.
Emma Wilcox, M.D.
Medical School
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Hometown
Lawrenceville, NJ
Hobbies & Interests: Painting, crocheting, embroidery, reading, baking, and anything outside.
What are you most looking forward to during residency?
Providing primary care to my own patients!
What are your career interests after residency?
Primary care, transitions of care, street medicine.