Meet Our Residents
Narmin Aliji
PGY-1
General Adult Track Narmin joined our residency program in July 2011 with a current interest in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry . She did her undergraduate at Houston Baptist University in art and biology, and she completed her medical school training at St. George's University. She's a born and raised Texan and looks forward to all 4 seasonal changes the northeast has to offer. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, cooking, baking, eating, hiking, biking and whatever else the great outdoors or life has to offer!
PGY-1
General Adult Track Narmin joined our residency program in July 2011 with a current interest in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry . She did her undergraduate at Houston Baptist University in art and biology, and she completed her medical school training at St. George's University. She's a born and raised Texan and looks forward to all 4 seasonal changes the northeast has to offer. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, cooking, baking, eating, hiking, biking and whatever else the great outdoors or life has to offer!
Jessica Aslam
PGY-4
General Adult Psychiatry Jessica joined our residency program in 2008 and is considering a career in Adult Psychiatry. She attended medical school at Saba University, Saba, Netherlands Antilles. Before starting medical school, she was employed in the Washington, D.C. area as both a DNA Forensic Analyst and a Senior Microbiologist for classified government projects. In her spare time, she enjoys family time with her 4 year old daughter and husband, traveling, and can be found cheering on the Syracuse Orangemen or Syracuse Chiefs.
PGY-4
General Adult Psychiatry Jessica joined our residency program in 2008 and is considering a career in Adult Psychiatry. She attended medical school at Saba University, Saba, Netherlands Antilles. Before starting medical school, she was employed in the Washington, D.C. area as both a DNA Forensic Analyst and a Senior Microbiologist for classified government projects. In her spare time, she enjoys family time with her 4 year old daughter and husband, traveling, and can be found cheering on the Syracuse Orangemen or Syracuse Chiefs.
Kristina Bedynerman
PGY-4
General Adult Psychiatry Kristina joined our residency program in 2008 and plans to pursue a career in Addiction Psychiatry. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Political Science from University at Albany and her Medical degree from American University of the Caribbean. While at the University at Albany she co-authored two articles in the field of control deficit: "The influence of Negative Emotions, Perceived Control and Impulsivity on Gambling Behavior" and "Binge Eating, Alcohol Abuse and Impulsivity in College Woman. Both posters were presented at the 36th Annual Convention of the Association for the Advancement of Behavioral Therapy in Reno, NV. In her spare time Kristina loves to dance, try exotic foods, watch CNN, travel around the world, and live life to its fullest.
PGY-4
General Adult Psychiatry Kristina joined our residency program in 2008 and plans to pursue a career in Addiction Psychiatry. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Political Science from University at Albany and her Medical degree from American University of the Caribbean. While at the University at Albany she co-authored two articles in the field of control deficit: "The influence of Negative Emotions, Perceived Control and Impulsivity on Gambling Behavior" and "Binge Eating, Alcohol Abuse and Impulsivity in College Woman. Both posters were presented at the 36th Annual Convention of the Association for the Advancement of Behavioral Therapy in Reno, NV. In her spare time Kristina loves to dance, try exotic foods, watch CNN, travel around the world, and live life to its fullest.
Joseph Deitz
PGY-4, Co-Chief Resident
General Adult Psychiatry Joe joined our residency program in 2008. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a B.S. in Biology and completed his medical school training at Ross University School of Medicine. Joe enjoys woodworking, home improvement, and auto maintenance/repair. He lives in the country with his wife, daughter, and his dog.
PGY-4, Co-Chief Resident
General Adult Psychiatry Joe joined our residency program in 2008. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a B.S. in Biology and completed his medical school training at Ross University School of Medicine. Joe enjoys woodworking, home improvement, and auto maintenance/repair. He lives in the country with his wife, daughter, and his dog.
Viral Goradia
PGY-1
General Adult Psychiatry Viral joined our residency program in 2011. Growing up, he wanted to be a mathematician, but his adventurous zeal drove him towards psychiatry. He went to medical school in Bombay, India and plans to continue his career with a special interest in Psychotherapy. He enjoys reading (his favorites are - any book by P.G.Wodehouse, Calvin and Hobbes comic strips and sports related autobiographies). In his spare time he enjoys Woody Allen and Alfred Hitchcock movies and is a big fan of South Park and Futurama. He enjoys watching sports of any kind (usually because he cannot play most of them). He is also an avid quizzer and loves participating in and conducting sports, film and trivia quizzes. He loves cats and is currently missing Tommy (his cat whom he had to leave behind in India). He is currently adjusting to life away from home by learning how to cook (usually with disastrous results) and awaiting the famous Syracuse winter (which he hopes will be a good respite from the tropical furnace known as India).
PGY-1
General Adult Psychiatry Viral joined our residency program in 2011. Growing up, he wanted to be a mathematician, but his adventurous zeal drove him towards psychiatry. He went to medical school in Bombay, India and plans to continue his career with a special interest in Psychotherapy. He enjoys reading (his favorites are - any book by P.G.Wodehouse, Calvin and Hobbes comic strips and sports related autobiographies). In his spare time he enjoys Woody Allen and Alfred Hitchcock movies and is a big fan of South Park and Futurama. He enjoys watching sports of any kind (usually because he cannot play most of them). He is also an avid quizzer and loves participating in and conducting sports, film and trivia quizzes. He loves cats and is currently missing Tommy (his cat whom he had to leave behind in India). He is currently adjusting to life away from home by learning how to cook (usually with disastrous results) and awaiting the famous Syracuse winter (which he hopes will be a good respite from the tropical furnace known as India).
Charles Harris
PGY-2
Child Psychiatry Track Charles Harris joined our residency in 2010. Charles graduated from Upstate Medical University.
PGY-2
Child Psychiatry Track Charles Harris joined our residency in 2010. Charles graduated from Upstate Medical University.
Robert Kallinicos
PGY-3, Co-Chief Resident
General Adult Track Robert joined the residency program after completing his undergraduate medical education at Upstate Medical University, here in sunny Syracuse. One of his reasons for choosing Upstate's psychiatry program was its emphasis on the personal and professional development of each trainee, which was important to him as his family grew and he continued to enjoy his life outside the hospital. He plans to pursue a career in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, with entry into fellowship in the near future; he is hoping to study in more depth the mental health issues faced by children and adolescents struggling with addiction, developmental trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
PGY-3, Co-Chief Resident
General Adult Track Robert joined the residency program after completing his undergraduate medical education at Upstate Medical University, here in sunny Syracuse. One of his reasons for choosing Upstate's psychiatry program was its emphasis on the personal and professional development of each trainee, which was important to him as his family grew and he continued to enjoy his life outside the hospital. He plans to pursue a career in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, with entry into fellowship in the near future; he is hoping to study in more depth the mental health issues faced by children and adolescents struggling with addiction, developmental trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Luba Leontieva
PGY-1
General Adult Track Luba joined our residency program in 2011. She came to the United States from St. Petersburg, Russia in 1997. She practiced psychiatry in Russia for seven years. She received her PhD in Psychology from West Virginia University in 2004 and worked as a research psychologist in our department and as a licensed psychologist at a state psychiatric hospital in Syracuse. She is interested in treating adults with major mental illness and doing research in the area of schizophrenia, cognition, addiction, and borderline personality disorder. She settled in the Syracuse area and enjoys arts, travel,skiing, yoga, and spending time with her husband and her daughter. She also enjoys her cat, Watson.
PGY-1
General Adult Track Luba joined our residency program in 2011. She came to the United States from St. Petersburg, Russia in 1997. She practiced psychiatry in Russia for seven years. She received her PhD in Psychology from West Virginia University in 2004 and worked as a research psychologist in our department and as a licensed psychologist at a state psychiatric hospital in Syracuse. She is interested in treating adults with major mental illness and doing research in the area of schizophrenia, cognition, addiction, and borderline personality disorder. She settled in the Syracuse area and enjoys arts, travel,skiing, yoga, and spending time with her husband and her daughter. She also enjoys her cat, Watson.
Eric MacMaster
PGY-1
General Adult Track Eric joined our residency program in 2011. He graduated from Elmira College with a degree in Biology. He is a graduate of SUNY Upstate Medical University. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry is his area of interest. Eric has been a lifetime resident of the Syracuse area and other than developing a high tolerance for snow, will be more than happy to recommend things to do around the area. In his spare time he enjoys traveling internationally, cooking, hiking, and building/refinishing furniture.
PGY-1
General Adult Track Eric joined our residency program in 2011. He graduated from Elmira College with a degree in Biology. He is a graduate of SUNY Upstate Medical University. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry is his area of interest. Eric has been a lifetime resident of the Syracuse area and other than developing a high tolerance for snow, will be more than happy to recommend things to do around the area. In his spare time he enjoys traveling internationally, cooking, hiking, and building/refinishing furniture.
Robert Nastasi
PGY-3
General Adult Psychiatry Robert Nastasi joined our residency in 2010. Robert graduated from Upstate Medical University where he worked on research projects in ADHD and Velocardiofacial Syndrome (VCFS). Robert received his undergraduate degree form Binghamton University, earning a BA in History. Prior to beginning his Psychiatry residency, he spent his first two years after medical school in a residency in Anesthesia. He has many interests academically, is a certified acupuncturist, and enjoys working with people. Robert lives with his wife Wendy, who is earning her PhD at Syracuse University, dog Tommy and their cat, Thomas. Traveling, food, scuba, golf, and poker are a few of his hobbies.
PGY-3
General Adult Psychiatry Robert Nastasi joined our residency in 2010. Robert graduated from Upstate Medical University where he worked on research projects in ADHD and Velocardiofacial Syndrome (VCFS). Robert received his undergraduate degree form Binghamton University, earning a BA in History. Prior to beginning his Psychiatry residency, he spent his first two years after medical school in a residency in Anesthesia. He has many interests academically, is a certified acupuncturist, and enjoys working with people. Robert lives with his wife Wendy, who is earning her PhD at Syracuse University, dog Tommy and their cat, Thomas. Traveling, food, scuba, golf, and poker are a few of his hobbies.
Curtis Phillips
PGY-1
General Adult Psychiatry Curtis joined the program in 2011 and plans to pursue a career in General Psychiatry right now but has a keen interest in Addiction and Psychosomatic Psychiatry. His went to St.George's University Grenada for both undergraduate studies and medical school. Curtis is from Trinidad and Tobago but is looking forward to the infamous Syracuse winter to perfect his skiing skills which are currently nonexistent. In his spare time Curtis enjoys volleyball, soccer and FIFA.
PGY-1
General Adult Psychiatry Curtis joined the program in 2011 and plans to pursue a career in General Psychiatry right now but has a keen interest in Addiction and Psychosomatic Psychiatry. His went to St.George's University Grenada for both undergraduate studies and medical school. Curtis is from Trinidad and Tobago but is looking forward to the infamous Syracuse winter to perfect his skiing skills which are currently nonexistent. In his spare time Curtis enjoys volleyball, soccer and FIFA.
Don Pilch
PGY-2
General Adult Psychiatry Don joined our residency program in 2010 and plans to pursue a career in plain vanilla adult psychiatry. He received a BS in accounting from Clarkson University, worked in business for several years, worked as a massage therapist for a few years, and then returned to his home town, Syracuse, for his medical education at Upstate Medical University. Don occasionally teaches a massage therapy elective at Upstate. He hopes to include some elements of his prior work experiences in his adult psychiatry practice.
PGY-2
General Adult Psychiatry Don joined our residency program in 2010 and plans to pursue a career in plain vanilla adult psychiatry. He received a BS in accounting from Clarkson University, worked in business for several years, worked as a massage therapist for a few years, and then returned to his home town, Syracuse, for his medical education at Upstate Medical University. Don occasionally teaches a massage therapy elective at Upstate. He hopes to include some elements of his prior work experiences in his adult psychiatry practice.
Kamal Poovalingam
PGY-1
General Adult Psychiatry Kamal completed medical school at PSG IMS&R in South India. After graduation she spent two years in India working as a primary care physician and for two years in a Cardiac unit. After moving to the United States, she worked in a local family practice center in Fayetteville and learned some shocking evidence of substance abuse predominantly in the adolescent population. Kamal decided to pursue research in substance abuse. She worked with Dr. Brian Johnson, Professor of Addiction Psychiatry on a preliminary study in outpatient detoxification completion and one month outcomes for opioid dependence in a psychoanalytic treatment program. She is hoping to pursue a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry. "It's a privilege to be part of this program as it offers a great blend of training in Psychotherapy, neuroscience and research opportunities. The program also has outstanding teachers. I love music—drum and base, R&B, Mozart symphony, salsa dancing with my husband, traveling, swimming, yoga and my new found addiction-spending endless time with my 3 month old son Troy."
PGY-1
General Adult Psychiatry Kamal completed medical school at PSG IMS&R in South India. After graduation she spent two years in India working as a primary care physician and for two years in a Cardiac unit. After moving to the United States, she worked in a local family practice center in Fayetteville and learned some shocking evidence of substance abuse predominantly in the adolescent population. Kamal decided to pursue research in substance abuse. She worked with Dr. Brian Johnson, Professor of Addiction Psychiatry on a preliminary study in outpatient detoxification completion and one month outcomes for opioid dependence in a psychoanalytic treatment program. She is hoping to pursue a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry. "It's a privilege to be part of this program as it offers a great blend of training in Psychotherapy, neuroscience and research opportunities. The program also has outstanding teachers. I love music—drum and base, R&B, Mozart symphony, salsa dancing with my husband, traveling, swimming, yoga and my new found addiction-spending endless time with my 3 month old son Troy."
Seethalakshmi Ramanathan
PGY-3 Seetha completed her residency in psychiatry in Mumbai, India. She followed it up with fellowships in addiction and neurosciences, as well as publishing about schizophrenia and psychiatric aspects of epilepsy. Subsequently, she moved to the US and chose SUNY Upstate as it offered a good blend of neurobiology and psychotherapy along with a good research track. She is currently spending her time planting tulip bulbs, hoping that they will spring to life sometime. She and her husband, Natarajan are looking forward to their first winter in Syracuse.
PGY-3 Seetha completed her residency in psychiatry in Mumbai, India. She followed it up with fellowships in addiction and neurosciences, as well as publishing about schizophrenia and psychiatric aspects of epilepsy. Subsequently, she moved to the US and chose SUNY Upstate as it offered a good blend of neurobiology and psychotherapy along with a good research track. She is currently spending her time planting tulip bulbs, hoping that they will spring to life sometime. She and her husband, Natarajan are looking forward to their first winter in Syracuse.
Yajaira Rodriguez
PGY-3
Adult Psychiatry Track Yajaira Rodriguez joined our residency in 2009. She completed medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She was born and raised in Edinburg, TX where all of her family still resides; has never experienced a "real" winter and is looking forward to a white Christmas (we'll see if this changes)! In her spare time, Yajaira loves reading, relaxing, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
PGY-3
Adult Psychiatry Track Yajaira Rodriguez joined our residency in 2009. She completed medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She was born and raised in Edinburg, TX where all of her family still resides; has never experienced a "real" winter and is looking forward to a white Christmas (we'll see if this changes)! In her spare time, Yajaira loves reading, relaxing, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
Diane St. Fleur
PGY-2
NPA Track Diane St. Fleur joined our residency in 2010. She is a graduate of Upstate Medical University.
PGY-2
NPA Track Diane St. Fleur joined our residency in 2010. She is a graduate of Upstate Medical University.
Jennifer Selvarajah
PGY-2
Adult Psychiatry Track Jennifer Selvarajah joined our residency in 2010. She graduated from Guy's and St. Thomas's Medical at the University of London, completed a Residency in Family Medicine in the United Kingdom, and is an Associate of the Royal Collete of General Practitioners. Jennifer has worked on the Schizophrenia Genome Psychiatry Cohort and was a Research Assistant with Dr. Brian Johnson on a Meta-analysis looking at the safety and efficacy of NSAID's compared to Opioids for the treatment of pain. She is looking forward to gaining experience in Psychotherapy and plans to continue to contribute to research during and after her Residency training. Jennifer enjoys painting, gardening, exploring nature trails, and baking with her son.
PGY-2
Adult Psychiatry Track Jennifer Selvarajah joined our residency in 2010. She graduated from Guy's and St. Thomas's Medical at the University of London, completed a Residency in Family Medicine in the United Kingdom, and is an Associate of the Royal Collete of General Practitioners. Jennifer has worked on the Schizophrenia Genome Psychiatry Cohort and was a Research Assistant with Dr. Brian Johnson on a Meta-analysis looking at the safety and efficacy of NSAID's compared to Opioids for the treatment of pain. She is looking forward to gaining experience in Psychotherapy and plans to continue to contribute to research during and after her Residency training. Jennifer enjoys painting, gardening, exploring nature trails, and baking with her son.
Nabil Siddiqi
PGY-1
General Adult Psychiatry Nabil joined our residency program in 2011. He graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Chemistry. Thereafter, he went on to complete his medical training at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman. Presently, Nabil has a strong interest in Forensic and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. When Nabil isn’t honing his skills in Psychiatry, he enjoys spending time practicing martial arts, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.
PGY-1
General Adult Psychiatry Nabil joined our residency program in 2011. He graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Chemistry. Thereafter, he went on to complete his medical training at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman. Presently, Nabil has a strong interest in Forensic and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. When Nabil isn’t honing his skills in Psychiatry, he enjoys spending time practicing martial arts, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.
Mandeep Singh
PGY-4
Adult Psychiatry/MPA Track Mandeep joined our residency program in 2008 and is also a part-time MPA student at Syracuse University. He is originally from Toronto, Canada (GO LEAFS) and did his undergrad in psychology at the University of Western Ontario (GO MUSTANGS). He received his medical degree from University of the West Indies and plans to pursue a career in addiction/forensic psychiatry along with active involvement in health policy at the administrative level. As busy as this may seem Mandeep will still make time for the important things in life such as golf (even though he has no game), experiencing life, and watching his favorite NFL team from Dallas win the super bowl (GO COWBOYS).
PGY-4
Adult Psychiatry/MPA Track Mandeep joined our residency program in 2008 and is also a part-time MPA student at Syracuse University. He is originally from Toronto, Canada (GO LEAFS) and did his undergrad in psychology at the University of Western Ontario (GO MUSTANGS). He received his medical degree from University of the West Indies and plans to pursue a career in addiction/forensic psychiatry along with active involvement in health policy at the administrative level. As busy as this may seem Mandeep will still make time for the important things in life such as golf (even though he has no game), experiencing life, and watching his favorite NFL team from Dallas win the super bowl (GO COWBOYS).
Dan Uderitz
PGY-3
Child Psychiatry Track Dan joined our Residency in 2009 and is considering a career in child and adolescent psychiatry. He attended medical school here at Upstate over the last four years. Prior to that he had recieved his BA in biology at SUNY Binghamton. Dan enjoys finding fun and exciting things to do in his spare time, whether it be white-water kyaking or having friends over for a card game. He is currently living here in Syracuse with his wife Amanda, who is finishing her education degree, and their dog Gizmo. If you ever need a friend to talk to or go downtown for happy hour with, just give him a call.
PGY-3
Child Psychiatry Track Dan joined our Residency in 2009 and is considering a career in child and adolescent psychiatry. He attended medical school here at Upstate over the last four years. Prior to that he had recieved his BA in biology at SUNY Binghamton. Dan enjoys finding fun and exciting things to do in his spare time, whether it be white-water kyaking or having friends over for a card game. He is currently living here in Syracuse with his wife Amanda, who is finishing her education degree, and their dog Gizmo. If you ever need a friend to talk to or go downtown for happy hour with, just give him a call.
Jamie Vizcarra
PGY-2
Adult Psychiatry Track Jamie graduated medical school from Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her career interests include Addiction Psychiatry. During medical school she participated in a research fellowship at the Institute for Research, Education and Teaching of Addictions in Pittsburgh, Pa. She graduated with a B.A. in biology and psychology from Caldwell College in New Jersey. In her spare time Jamie loves to travel and write poetry.
PGY-2
Adult Psychiatry Track Jamie graduated medical school from Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her career interests include Addiction Psychiatry. During medical school she participated in a research fellowship at the Institute for Research, Education and Teaching of Addictions in Pittsburgh, Pa. She graduated with a B.A. in biology and psychology from Caldwell College in New Jersey. In her spare time Jamie loves to travel and write poetry.
Kate Walia
PGY-3
General Adult Psychiatry Kate joined the residency program in 2009 after graduating from a combined BS/MD program at CUNY-City College and Dartmouth Medical School. Kate was born in the suburbs of Buffalo, and in her spare weekends will not infrequently go back to visit family and friends. She also enjoys dinner with friends, reading, spending time outside, and tending her plants.
PGY-3
General Adult Psychiatry Kate joined the residency program in 2009 after graduating from a combined BS/MD program at CUNY-City College and Dartmouth Medical School. Kate was born in the suburbs of Buffalo, and in her spare weekends will not infrequently go back to visit family and friends. She also enjoys dinner with friends, reading, spending time outside, and tending her plants.
Nisha Warikoo
PGY-2
Child Psychiatry Track Nisha Warikoo joined our residency in 2010. She Graduated from B.J. Medical College, Pune.
PGY-2
Child Psychiatry Track Nisha Warikoo joined our residency in 2010. She Graduated from B.J. Medical College, Pune.
Allison Werner
PGY-3
Adult Psychiatry Track Allison joined the residency program in 2009 after graduating from medical school training here at Upstate Medical University. Prior to medical school she graduated from the University of Rochester with a bachelors degree in psychology as well as biology. Allison was born in Rochester, NY. She spent most of her childhood in a suburb outside of Boston, Massachusetts. For some reason, she couldn't stay away from Upstate New York because she came back for college, medical school and beyond! Other than psychiatry, Allison enjoys spending her time relaxing which includes (but is not limited to!) reading (mainly non-fiction), being outside, and spending time with friends and family including her cat Lizzie. She also enjoys painting which she hopes to get more time for sometime soon!
PGY-3
Adult Psychiatry Track Allison joined the residency program in 2009 after graduating from medical school training here at Upstate Medical University. Prior to medical school she graduated from the University of Rochester with a bachelors degree in psychology as well as biology. Allison was born in Rochester, NY. She spent most of her childhood in a suburb outside of Boston, Massachusetts. For some reason, she couldn't stay away from Upstate New York because she came back for college, medical school and beyond! Other than psychiatry, Allison enjoys spending her time relaxing which includes (but is not limited to!) reading (mainly non-fiction), being outside, and spending time with friends and family including her cat Lizzie. She also enjoys painting which she hopes to get more time for sometime soon!
Brandon Yeager
PGY-2
Adult Psychiatry Track Brandon Yeager joined our residency in 2010. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine.
PGY-2
Adult Psychiatry Track Brandon Yeager joined our residency in 2010. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine.
Our Graduates—Where Are They Now
Carolina Arevalo
General Adult Psychiatry Carolina gradudated June, 2009 and has moved on to pracitce in New York City. She is from Columbia, South America, and completed her medical school training there. She came to Syracuse for her residency in 2005 after spending two years in New York City volunteering through World Psychiatric Association. She is interested in sharpening her psychotherapy skills for a future career in general adult psychiatry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband in New York City, visiting friends, going to the movies, and fishing.
General Adult Psychiatry Carolina gradudated June, 2009 and has moved on to pracitce in New York City. She is from Columbia, South America, and completed her medical school training there. She came to Syracuse for her residency in 2005 after spending two years in New York City volunteering through World Psychiatric Association. She is interested in sharpening her psychotherapy skills for a future career in general adult psychiatry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband in New York City, visiting friends, going to the movies, and fishing.
Raman Arora
General Adult Psychiatry Raman graduated in June, 2009 and joined a private practice in Seattle. His undergraduate and medical school training were at the University of Sydney in Australia. In his spare time he enjoys a good bottle of wine, spending time with his dogs (and his wife), and coming to work with wonderful colleagues! Words of wisdom that help put our profession and life in perspective—"madness is real".
General Adult Psychiatry Raman graduated in June, 2009 and joined a private practice in Seattle. His undergraduate and medical school training were at the University of Sydney in Australia. In his spare time he enjoys a good bottle of wine, spending time with his dogs (and his wife), and coming to work with wonderful colleagues! Words of wisdom that help put our profession and life in perspective—"madness is real".
Sunny P. Aslam
Child Psychiatary Sunny joined our residency program in 2007 and is fascinated by the confluence of psychosocial factors and mental illness. He attended medical school at Saba University, Saba, Netherlands Antilles. Sunny was thrilled to be awarded the Gold Humanism in Medicine Award by the SUNY Upstate medical students. He currently volunteers at a free clinic in Syracuse, treating indigent patients and teaching medical students about psychiatry. Sunny plans on pursuing child and adolescent psychiatry in an inpatient, academic setting. In his free time, Sunny loves to play with his four-year-old daughter, Ayesha, or can be found at Syracuse University basketball games.
Child Psychiatary Sunny joined our residency program in 2007 and is fascinated by the confluence of psychosocial factors and mental illness. He attended medical school at Saba University, Saba, Netherlands Antilles. Sunny was thrilled to be awarded the Gold Humanism in Medicine Award by the SUNY Upstate medical students. He currently volunteers at a free clinic in Syracuse, treating indigent patients and teaching medical students about psychiatry. Sunny plans on pursuing child and adolescent psychiatry in an inpatient, academic setting. In his free time, Sunny loves to play with his four-year-old daughter, Ayesha, or can be found at Syracuse University basketball games.
Dana Cohen
Graduate
General Adult Psychiatry Dana graduated from our program in 2010. Her numerous interests initially led her towards a career in Ob/Gyn, but her love and appreciation of the human condition and interplay of psychosocial factors upon health drew her back towards Psychiatry. While in college, Dana majored in Human Biology, Health, and Society and minored in Human Development and Nutrition. She received a B.S. with Distinction from Cornell University. She attended medical school at Upstate Medical University, and subsequently returned here as a psychiatry resident. In her spare time, Dana enjoys philosophizing with her husband, Vadim Izgur (yes, they did meet in residency!) - although now that they are new parents, spare time is at a premium. She also enjoys practically every water sport that exists and is happiest when on a boat or in the ocean. (Feel free to ask her about her accidental kayaking trip across the Long Island Sound.) Other hobbies include cross-country skiing, reading, playing the piano, and challenging herself to the fullest.
Graduate
General Adult Psychiatry Dana graduated from our program in 2010. Her numerous interests initially led her towards a career in Ob/Gyn, but her love and appreciation of the human condition and interplay of psychosocial factors upon health drew her back towards Psychiatry. While in college, Dana majored in Human Biology, Health, and Society and minored in Human Development and Nutrition. She received a B.S. with Distinction from Cornell University. She attended medical school at Upstate Medical University, and subsequently returned here as a psychiatry resident. In her spare time, Dana enjoys philosophizing with her husband, Vadim Izgur (yes, they did meet in residency!) - although now that they are new parents, spare time is at a premium. She also enjoys practically every water sport that exists and is happiest when on a boat or in the ocean. (Feel free to ask her about her accidental kayaking trip across the Long Island Sound.) Other hobbies include cross-country skiing, reading, playing the piano, and challenging herself to the fullest.
Kim Duque
Graduate
General Adult Psychiatry Kim graduated from our program in June, 2010.
Graduate
General Adult Psychiatry Kim graduated from our program in June, 2010.
Elisha Greggo
PGY-3
Adult Program/Child Track Elisha Greggo joined our residency in 2008. She attended Upstate Medical School here in Syracuse. She received a B.S. in Animal Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Illinois. While at Upstate, Elisha was involved as a consultant to the S.C.HOPE Clinic and presented 3 posters at National meetings. She is pursuing Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of South Carolina. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, reading classic and popular fiction, playing soccer and in the summer likes to spend quality time on her family's boat in Cooperstown. She also loves to travel, especially in Europe, and spent a semester studying literature in England during college.
PGY-3
Adult Program/Child Track Elisha Greggo joined our residency in 2008. She attended Upstate Medical School here in Syracuse. She received a B.S. in Animal Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Illinois. While at Upstate, Elisha was involved as a consultant to the S.C.HOPE Clinic and presented 3 posters at National meetings. She is pursuing Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of South Carolina. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, reading classic and popular fiction, playing soccer and in the summer likes to spend quality time on her family's boat in Cooperstown. She also loves to travel, especially in Europe, and spent a semester studying literature in England during college.
Vadim Izgur
Graduate
General Adult Program Vadim Izgur graduated from our program in June, 2010. He was originally born in Belarus, but has lived an equal time in Philadelphia and Kansas, where he graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and received his B.S. in Biochemistry prior to that from Wichita State University. He avidly adores animals of all sorts, and enjoys playing with his corn snake, Leonard. Since joining our program he met and married Dana Cohen, another of our psychiatry residents, and they are now proud new parents. In his spare time, he really enjoys movies, tennis, board games, and, yes, linguistics.
Graduate
General Adult Program Vadim Izgur graduated from our program in June, 2010. He was originally born in Belarus, but has lived an equal time in Philadelphia and Kansas, where he graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and received his B.S. in Biochemistry prior to that from Wichita State University. He avidly adores animals of all sorts, and enjoys playing with his corn snake, Leonard. Since joining our program he met and married Dana Cohen, another of our psychiatry residents, and they are now proud new parents. In his spare time, he really enjoys movies, tennis, board games, and, yes, linguistics.
Prashant Kaul
Graduate Prashant Kaul graduated from our program in June, 2010 and has become a part of our Department Faculty. He is now working at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse.
Graduate Prashant Kaul graduated from our program in June, 2010 and has become a part of our Department Faculty. He is now working at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse.
Bushra Naz
PGY-5
Child and Research Track
Second Year Child Fellow Bushra graduated from Sind Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan. She completed Postdoctoral training at SUNY at Stony Brook, NY and later worked as a research scientist. She has published several research articles in peer-reviewed journals of psychiatry and wrote chapters on "schizophreniform disorder" and "postpartum psychosis" in the 2005 edition of Kaplan & Saddock's Comprehensive textbook of psychiatry. She has also co-authored chapters in the 2005 editions of two books, "Juvenile onset schizophrenia" and in "Early course of schizophrenia". Bushra is interested in pursuing career in child and adolescent psychiatry and clinical research. Bushra and her husband Kamran enjoy their daughter. Bushra likes to spend time with her family, travel and watch movies.
PGY-5
Child and Research Track
Second Year Child Fellow Bushra graduated from Sind Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan. She completed Postdoctoral training at SUNY at Stony Brook, NY and later worked as a research scientist. She has published several research articles in peer-reviewed journals of psychiatry and wrote chapters on "schizophreniform disorder" and "postpartum psychosis" in the 2005 edition of Kaplan & Saddock's Comprehensive textbook of psychiatry. She has also co-authored chapters in the 2005 editions of two books, "Juvenile onset schizophrenia" and in "Early course of schizophrenia". Bushra is interested in pursuing career in child and adolescent psychiatry and clinical research. Bushra and her husband Kamran enjoy their daughter. Bushra likes to spend time with her family, travel and watch movies.
Syed Kamran Razi
PGY-4
General/ Adult Psychiatry (Research Track) Kamran joined our residency program in 2007. He plans to pursue a career in Adult Psychiatry and Clinical Research. Kamran graduated from Dow Medical College Karachi, Pakistan. Kamran has done research in the field of genetics of Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder. He did his research fellowship in the Pharmacogenetics of antipsychotic medications and genetics of psychiatric disorders at Hillside Hospital, a division of Long Island Jewish North Shore Health System in Glen Oaks, NY. Before starting residency at Upstate he did his Post Doctoral in genetics at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Kamran is in the process of developing his research project titled "Molecular basis of antipsychotic induced metabolic syndrome". He has published 14 original research papers in peer-reviewed journals and published and presented 13 poster presentations at scientific meetings, most recently on the Molecular Basis of Anti-psychotic and Lithium Induced Metabolic Syndrome. After Graduation, he will move to Albany, NY with his wife Bushra Naz where he will become a Staff Psychiatrist at the VA Medical Center, Albany, NY with a faculty appointment as Assistant Professor at Albany Medical Center. Kamran and his wife Bushra have a daughter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his daughter, reading, traveling, playing cricket and badminton and watching Seinfeld as much and as many times possible.
PGY-4
General/ Adult Psychiatry (Research Track) Kamran joined our residency program in 2007. He plans to pursue a career in Adult Psychiatry and Clinical Research. Kamran graduated from Dow Medical College Karachi, Pakistan. Kamran has done research in the field of genetics of Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder. He did his research fellowship in the Pharmacogenetics of antipsychotic medications and genetics of psychiatric disorders at Hillside Hospital, a division of Long Island Jewish North Shore Health System in Glen Oaks, NY. Before starting residency at Upstate he did his Post Doctoral in genetics at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Kamran is in the process of developing his research project titled "Molecular basis of antipsychotic induced metabolic syndrome". He has published 14 original research papers in peer-reviewed journals and published and presented 13 poster presentations at scientific meetings, most recently on the Molecular Basis of Anti-psychotic and Lithium Induced Metabolic Syndrome. After Graduation, he will move to Albany, NY with his wife Bushra Naz where he will become a Staff Psychiatrist at the VA Medical Center, Albany, NY with a faculty appointment as Assistant Professor at Albany Medical Center. Kamran and his wife Bushra have a daughter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his daughter, reading, traveling, playing cricket and badminton and watching Seinfeld as much and as many times possible.
Marina Nesterenko
PGY-4
First Year Child Fellow Marina joined our residency program here at SUNY Upstate in 2007. She graduated from Kiev (Ukraine) Medical University 1997. She moved to America in 2002. Marina enjoys studying and learning medicine. She particularly likes to read I. Yalom, F. Perls and V. Satir. Most of Marina's free time is spent with her family; playing soccer, reading with kids, fishing during the summer, and skiing and making snowmen during winter.
PGY-4
First Year Child Fellow Marina joined our residency program here at SUNY Upstate in 2007. She graduated from Kiev (Ukraine) Medical University 1997. She moved to America in 2002. Marina enjoys studying and learning medicine. She particularly likes to read I. Yalom, F. Perls and V. Satir. Most of Marina's free time is spent with her family; playing soccer, reading with kids, fishing during the summer, and skiing and making snowmen during winter.
Ayesha Rashid
PGY-5 Second Year Child Fellow
PGY-5 Second Year Child Fellow
Shilpa Sachdeva
PGY-4
Child and Research Track Shilpa joined our residency program in 2007. She completed her medical school in New Delhi, India where she was also born and brought up. She is passionate about many aspects of psychiatry, but it is Child and Adolescent psychiatry that she wants to invest her future in. During Dr. Sachdeva’s residency, she presented at least 8 or more posters at national meetings and a half dozen or more before she arrived at Upstate. She served as chief resident from 2010 – 2011. Her clinical interests include suicidality and para-suicidal behavior in adolescents and adults , personality disorders , and Internet Psychiatry. We are delighted that Dr. Sachdeva has chosen to remain here at Upstate for her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship in July. Some of the many activities she engages in include music, reading, writing, working out and traveling. She loves Syracuse…….the four seasons and the snow, and is happy to be a part of this program.
PGY-4
Child and Research Track Shilpa joined our residency program in 2007. She completed her medical school in New Delhi, India where she was also born and brought up. She is passionate about many aspects of psychiatry, but it is Child and Adolescent psychiatry that she wants to invest her future in. During Dr. Sachdeva’s residency, she presented at least 8 or more posters at national meetings and a half dozen or more before she arrived at Upstate. She served as chief resident from 2010 – 2011. Her clinical interests include suicidality and para-suicidal behavior in adolescents and adults , personality disorders , and Internet Psychiatry. We are delighted that Dr. Sachdeva has chosen to remain here at Upstate for her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship in July. Some of the many activities she engages in include music, reading, writing, working out and traveling. She loves Syracuse…….the four seasons and the snow, and is happy to be a part of this program.
Lindsey Schrimpf
Family Therapy Lindsey Schrimpf joined our residency program in 2007. She came to Syracuse from Kingdom City, MO. This has been the place that she feels she has been able to pursue and fully find her passion. Learning how to do therapy from so many well accomplished people has been a real gift. In particular, Lindsey did not realize she would find a real fit for her passion for children and families. Encountering Dr. Keith and having the chance to train with him has been exactly what Lindsey was looking for. This experience has inspired her so much that she has taken the venture to bring family therapy to Missouri and will be working as an assistant professor at the University of Missouri teaching and practicing family therapy. Lindsey received her MD at the University of Missouri. She also graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. In her free time, Lindsey loves to travel (favorite places: Colorado in general, Cape Hatteras, NC, London, England, anywhere in Italy, and Cape Town, South Africa) and spend time with her family. She enjoys camping, singing, softball, spending time with family, and working with children.
Family Therapy Lindsey Schrimpf joined our residency program in 2007. She came to Syracuse from Kingdom City, MO. This has been the place that she feels she has been able to pursue and fully find her passion. Learning how to do therapy from so many well accomplished people has been a real gift. In particular, Lindsey did not realize she would find a real fit for her passion for children and families. Encountering Dr. Keith and having the chance to train with him has been exactly what Lindsey was looking for. This experience has inspired her so much that she has taken the venture to bring family therapy to Missouri and will be working as an assistant professor at the University of Missouri teaching and practicing family therapy. Lindsey received her MD at the University of Missouri. She also graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. In her free time, Lindsey loves to travel (favorite places: Colorado in general, Cape Hatteras, NC, London, England, anywhere in Italy, and Cape Town, South Africa) and spend time with her family. She enjoys camping, singing, softball, spending time with family, and working with children.
Sacheen Shrestha
PGY-5
Second Year Child Fellow Sacheen is from Nepal and joined our residency program in 2007. His medical school training was at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Nepal. He particularly enjoys working in the area of Consultation Liaison and Addiction Psychiatry. His other interests include traveling, being with family/friends, watching movies and various indoor, outdoor and extreme sports.
PGY-5
Second Year Child Fellow Sacheen is from Nepal and joined our residency program in 2007. His medical school training was at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Nepal. He particularly enjoys working in the area of Consultation Liaison and Addiction Psychiatry. His other interests include traveling, being with family/friends, watching movies and various indoor, outdoor and extreme sports.