Jenny Beuschel, M.D.
Medical School
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 2021
Hometown
Conklin, MI
If you were planning the perfect weekend off, what would you do?
Sleeping in, getting brunch, going on a bike ride, going to wineries.
Last good book, story or article that you read?
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about our program?
The faculty and attendings here have a focus on education and growth rather than just completing tasks. Wellness is also valued.
Kunali Gurditta, M.D.
Medical School
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Hometown
Wood-Ridge, NJ
What are your hobbies and interests?
Learning about culture through food and cooking authentic recipes completely from scratch Baking desserts and bread Hiking and exploring trails and parks Reading memoirs, fiction novels, and poetry Writing poetry Completing and framing puzzles Learning new board/card games and playing old favorites such as Betrayal at House on the Hill, Catan, and Bananagrams.
What is your favorite place to go that is in or around Rochester?
Linear Park is one of the many beautiful parks in Rochester that has gorgeous trails showcasing creeks and waterfalls!
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about our program?
You'll never feel anything short of fully supported here! From your co-residents to our wonderful PD (as well as the categorical PDs) to our compassionate faculty to our fantastic program staff/admin to other healthcare providers (just to name a few examples), someone's always got your back! :)
Sonia Joshi, M.D.
Medical School
Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 2021
Hometown
Jericho, NY
If you were planning the perfect weekend off, what would you do?
I would spend it with my co-residents in a cabin/house in the 'Dacks, where we would go on hikes, play Quiplash, ping pong, and hang out in the hot tub!
What are your favorite foods?
Rigatoni a la vodka, NYC pizza & everything bagels, cheese boards.
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about our program?
Everyone is just so incredibly kind and down to earth. The faculty, residents, and medical students are lovely. The learning environment and overall culture is warm and inviting. Rochester itself is a small city with several surrounding suburbs that remind me so much of home without the noise/traffic (Long Island). There's also tons of nature, perfect for those who love running, hiking and biking!
Amanda Kaley, M.D.
Medical School
State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 2021
Hometown
Syracuse, NY
If you were planning the perfect weekend off, what would you do?
I would go on a hike with my significant other, Sam, at Letchworth State Park. We would stop in some of the little towns surrounding on our way back to Rochester where there are some great antique shops we could poke around in. Then head back to Rochester for a night out or in with my co-interns where we would get dinner and drinks together, maybe play some Quiplash. I would sleep in the next day and go to brunch at Locals Only then take a nap and do the crossword with Sam before cozying up to watch some true crime doc or Star Trek: Next Gen or Clone Wars.
Last good book, story, or article that you've read?
Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good Again (A short feminist piece on sex and sexuality in the age of consent, discussing the importance of consent, but it's failure to remove the total burden of responsibility from women themselves. A very interesting and complex read)
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about our program?
URMC as a whole, but especially the Med-Peds program, practices what they preach as far as wellness. Not only does our program do the practical things -- like provide lunch for almost every rotation, lets us have a say in our schedule especially as far as time off, NO 24 hr shifts ever, and one of the best salary:cost of living ratios out there -- but also there is just in indescribable sense of comradarie and commitment to each other both amongst the residents, as well as within the faculty and program directors. It often feels hard to trust any program because every program says stuff like this and tries to put on a good show, but from the bottom of my heart I cannot imagine a program more supportive, accepting, or nonjudgemental. We make space for our colleagues (who are also our friends) to come as they are and feel how they feel. Residency is a hard time for everyone, but it is so much easier knowing that you can rely on your neighbor no matter if you are personally close with them or not, and they will come to bat for you 100% of the time no questions asked.
Justin Lansinger, M.D.
Medical School
Eastern Virginia Medical School, 2021
Hometown
Baltimore, MD
Why did you choose the University of Rochester's Med-Peds program as your choice for residency?
I chose URMC because I already knew I loved the Rochester area and it was by far the most pleasant interview experience. Everyone is so eager to help each other out and that has remained true during residency.
Grace Ng, M.D.
Medical School
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2021
Hometown
Thousand Oaks, CA
What are your hobbies and interests?
Going to church, being by bodies of water, hanging out with my family, finding delicious soft pretzels around town, biking places.
What is your favorite place to visit that is in or around Rochester?
Grace Road Church (and brunch after!).
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about our program?
Dr. Robbins doesn't like Cool Ranch Doritos :O
Michelle Prong, M.D.
Medical School
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2021
Hometown
Victor, NY
If you were planning the perfect weekend off, what would you do?
Go to a tournament with the competitive youth softball team my dad and I coach together, have dinner with my fiance at a nice restaurant, and spend time reading a book.
What is the last good book, story, or article that you read?
Range & The Sports Gene, both by David Epstein
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about our program?
My cointerns and I all came from different places before starting Residency and all have different lives and interests outside the hospital. However we have come to care very deeply for each other and have been there for each other during some of the most challenging moments in our lives. Brett and the rest of the program leadership genuinely care about recruiting and cultivating good human beings, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many.
Rebekah Roll, M.D.
Medical School
Indiana University School of Medicine, 2021
Hometown
Indianapolis, IN
If you were planning the perfect weekend off, what would you do?
First - I wake up at 9am (or 10am). Second - brunch with the must have of mimosas. Third - taking the dogs to the beach WITH toys to play fetch because duh (and sunscreen of course). Early evening with grilling dinner. End the evening with a scary movie and a cup of coffee.
What is the last good book, story, or article that you read?
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is a recent contemporary romance that had me staying up way past my bedtime to finish it!
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about our program?
The way that our program leadership cares about our mental, emotional, and physical well-being completely blew me away. I've always felt comfortable going to our senior residents, preceptors, APDs, and PDs with issues I was having and they showed me they truly cared by taking action based on what my needs were. They've shown this time and time again.
Jennifer Tich, M.D.
Medical School
Eastern Virginia Medical School, 2021
Hometown
Andover, MN
If you were planning the perfecet weekend off, what would you do?
I would love to head to a cabin on a lake, with family and friends. During the day would be on the water either fishing, water skiing or just exploring. Otherwise just spending time relaxing, grilling and having bonfires.
What is the last good book, story, or article that you've read?
I read The Chemist, by Stephanie Meyers recently and if you can get past the fact she wrote Twilight, it's a really great thriller that keeps you on your toes in suspense.
What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about our program?
Everything you hear about the incredible people we get to learn and work with is 100 percent real. It may seem too good to be true, but I promise you the amazing environment here really is as advertised. Would choose this program again in a heartbeat. Also, no 24 hour call shifts is a major deal and should not be overlooked.
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.
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 inpsires 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.
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
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.