Meet Our Team

Sharon A. Brangman, MD has been on the faculty at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY since October 1989. She is currently a Distinguished Service Professor, Chair of Geriatric Medicine and Director of the Upstate Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease.

Dr. Brangman received her undergraduate degree in biology from Syracuse University and her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse in 1981. She completed residency training in internal medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in The Bronx, New York, where she also completed fellowship training in geriatric medicine. Dr. Brangman is board certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine as well as hospice and palliative care. She is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Geriatrics Society. Dr Brangman is a past president of the American Geriatrics Society and also served as chair of the board. In addition, she is a past president and chair of the board of the Association of Directors of Geriatrics Academic Programs.

Read about Dr. Brangman in the News...

Andrea Berg is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and her medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Dr. Berg completed her residency training in internal medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, and her Geriatrics Fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Dr. Berg is certified in both internal medicine and geriatric medicine.

Dona Varghese is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She received her medical degree from Trivandrum Medical College, University of Kerala, India. Dr Varghese completed internal medicine residency and geriatrics fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She then worked as a hospitalist for 5 years at Huggins Hospital, Wolfeboro, NH. Dr Varghese is board certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

Vikrant Tambe is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He attended medical school at MGM Medical College in India. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency from SUNY Upstate and completed a Geriatrics Fellowship from University of Rochester and joined the CNY CEAD team in December of 2020 with a renewed interest in Geriatrics medicine. He is board certified in Internal and Geriatrics Medicine

Jacey Pudney is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and her Master's of Science of Public Health from Tulane University School of Public health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, LA. She received her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and did her residency training in Family medicine at CentraState hospital in Freehold, NJ through Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She returned to her hometown of Syracuse to complete her Geriatrics Fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Dr. Pudney is certified in both family medicine and geriatric medicine.

Dr. Ozuna is an assistant professor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He completed both medical school and his Internal Medicine Residency from East Central University in Dominican Republic. Upon completion of his residency Dr. Ozuna completed an Endocrine and Metabolism Fellowship at Autonomous University of Santo Domingo and a Geriatrics Fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. He is very passionate about taking care of the elderly and joined the Department of Geriatrics at SUNY Upstate in May 2024. He looks forward to continuing to pursue his passion in the field of Geriatrics and is a member of the American Geriatrics Society.

Dr. Azeem received his degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Colorado before attending Medical School at the Medical University of the Americas in St. Kitts and Nevis. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at University Health Services Hospital in Johnson City, NY where he also completed his Geriatrics Fellowship. After participating on SUNY Upstate Department of Geriatrics ACE Team during his Fellowship, Dr. Azeem joined our team upon graduation in August 2024. He is passionate about the care of the older adult population and is excited to mentor the next generation of Geriatric providers.

Dr. Ta was born and raised in Syracuse. He attended SUNY Geneseo where he received his BS in Biology. His medical training brought him back home to SUNY Upstate Medical University where he completed both Medical School and Internal Medicine Residency. He then completed his Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. He is proud and honored to continue serving the community he grew up in. He is passionate about medial education and believes mentorship is both essential and meaningful in medicine. As a Geriatrician and Internist, he is excited to continue his path of mentorship to guide medical students, residents, and fellows.

Alyssa is certified as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Niagara University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a dual major in Gerontology. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from Keuka College. Alyssa developed a passion for providing geriatric care early in her career and it has continued to be her area of interest. She has provided care for geriatric patients in the hospital, sub-acute and long term care settings. She joined University Geriatricians in 2018.

Stephanie is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Upstate Medical University with her Master of Science in Nursing. She previously obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Utica College as well as a Master of Science in Acupuncture from Tri-State College of Acupuncture. She has always loved working with the geriatric population and has had many valuable experiences working with them in various settings ranging from acute to long-term care. She appreciates being able to take the time to address their needs with a holistic approach and is so happy to be a part of the team at University Geriatricians.

Gwendolyn Moore is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Upstate Medical University with a Masters of Science in Nursing. She previously obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Keuka College. She has a passion for the geriatric population and has worked within this arena for several years. She has experience in working for both acute and long term care and is excited to be a part of the University Geriatricians Team.

Andrea is a certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner who graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University with her Master of Science in Nursing. She previously obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SUNY Delhi. She joined Upstate Medical University in 2017. Andrea has always found Geriatric care to be meaningful and is excited to be part of University Geriatricians.

Jeff began his career in Health Care, as a Respiratory Therapist, receiving an A.A.S. degree in 1982. While working in a skilled nursing facility he decided to pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant, returning to school, and graduating from Albany Medical Center, in 1999.

Growing up in a multigenerational family, he learned at a very young age the importance of loving and respecting the elderly. Over the past 38 years he has worked in several skilled nursing facilities in CNY. What Jeff finds most rewarding when working with the Geriatric population, is increasing their quality of life.

Emily Allport, RN

Emily is a registered nurse with a degree from Monroe Community College in Rochester. Emily started her career at Upstate working on an inpatient unit. She is currently in school working towards obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Additionally, she has a background in finance with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Andrea Larose, LPN

Andrea started her career with geriatric patients working in an assisted living facility in a memory care unit in 2010 while working on her degree in human services at Cazenovia college. Graduated from Boces LPN program in 2014. She has one year experience as a float nurse in a nursing home. Joined Upstate Medical University in 2015 working on the Transitional Care Unit. Joined the Department of Geriatrics team in May 2021.

Rebecca Lyons, MSN, RN, Gero-BC
Rebecca is a certified Gerontological Nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. Her passion to care for our older adult population developed during her five years working as an RN on the Transitional Care Unit at Upstate Community Campus.

Rebecca joined University Geriatricians in the Summer of 2021. She is also excited to have the opportunity to continue to care for patients and families at our new location, in the new Nappi Wellness Institute.

Khadijah Osbourne, BSN-RN

Khadijah received an associates degree from Onondaga Community College and her Bachelor's degree from Keuka College. She has 28 years of nursing experience; which includes long term care, home care, acute care, and intensive care. She joined Upstate Medical University Hospital in 2010 and is currently on the Board of Visitors for the CNY Psychiatric Center. She is also on the board for the Burn Foundation of CNY. Khadijah volunteers for the Red Cross Disaster Action Team and joined the Department of Geriatrics in Nov 2022.

Heidi Buckman, LPN

Heidi was born and raised in the Syracuse area and has worked as a nurse for over 30 years with a specific interest in Geriatric Care. She spent many years working in a long term care facility followed by several more years working in home care. She is honored to continue her career with this prestigious team of geriatricians, nurses, social workers and support staff.

Emily Smith, RN

Emily is a registered nurse from Elizabeth's School of Nursing, receiving her Bachelor's in nursing at Grand Canyon University in May 2021. Her love for working with the geriatric population began when she started her first job as a nurse assistant in 2015 at Rome Memorial Hospital. Her love for taking care of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/dementia stemmed from taking care of her grandpa, who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2014.

Emily joined Upstate Medical University in September 2021 at Gynecology Oncology and joined University Geriatricians in September 2023.

Nicole Awad, RN

Nicole graduated with her Nursing Degree from St. Joseph's College of Nursing in 2019, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University in 2024.

She previously worked in psychiatry that helped build her experience in developing strong skills in therapeutic communication, and holistic care approaches. Her work in psychiatry has deepened her understanding of mental health issues and the importance of empathy in nursing practice. She specifically enjoys the geriatric population and is excited to join the geriatric team.  She is eager to expand her expertise in geriatric nursing, where her skills and compassion can make a meaningful impact.

Carrie Macknail, LPN

Carrie joined the Department of Geriatrics team in March 2024. She earned her LPN degree from OCM Boces in 2003, and has worked in the healthcare field caring for geriatrics patients for over 25 years. Carrie has experience in long term care, home care, and worked as an administrator for an assisted living facility for almost 15 years. Since becoming a Certified Aide right out of High School and working as a nurse for over 20 year, she has a deep appreciation for the older adult population.

Allie received her Masters degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. She has extensive experience working with dementia and senior care in both long-term and community-based settings. She joined the Geriatric team in May 2021.

Faith joined the Geriatrics team in April 2024. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University; and has over 25 years experience working in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, home care, long term care, and adult day health care.

Bella joined the Dept of Geriatrics in May 2024. She earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and has extensive experience working with older adults and individuals with dementia in both short term and long term care settings.