PGY-4
Sara Abdelhafiz, MD
Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
Medical School: University of Khartoum Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: Keeping an open mind, Excited to learn about the different subspecialties that Neurology has to offer.
Personal Interests: Classical music,Cooking, Movies, spending time with friends and family.
What do you like about the residency program? Everything! The program structure, Amazing faculty and administrative staff, supportive environment and the opportunity for academic and professional excellence.
Nynoshka Bassatt-Cabrera, MD
Hometown: Aguada, PR
Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Epilepsy, Sroke, NCC
Personal Interests: Soccer (Barcelona FC!), movies, chess, ecotourism, and recently mountain biking.
What do you like about the residency program? Loved the close-knit environment since the first meet and greet. In a year filled with uncertainty due to the pandemic, SUNY Upstate made sure to offer everything you needed to know about their program, faculty, and residents. I was personally amazed by how much the program cares about its residents, not only professionally but also personally. SUNY Upstate also offers diverse residents, a large patient population, a great learning environment with a strong academic program in a beautiful city!
Eric Beck, MD
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Medical School: Trinity College Dublin
College: Wilfrid Laurier University
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, Neurocritical Care, Neurorehabilitation
Personal Interests: Hockey, Lacrosse, Football, Snowboarding, Running, Fishing, Guitar, Barbecue, Travelling, Family Time
What do you like about the residency program? Wonderful people, unique and exceptional curriculum with an X+Y framework, strong stroke training, large focus on education and research, and Syracuse is a lovely city.
Grace Biso, MD
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Medical School: University of Santo Tomas
Professional Interests: I enjoy the variety of cases and the challenge in General Neurology but I'm open to all possibilities.
Personal Interests: I love listening to music and playing the piano and ukulele. History, especially ancient history (e.g. Egyptian and Roman history). Art: film, theater, sculptures, and paintings. Recreational activities that I love are swimming, hiking, and badminton.
What do you like about the residency program? It's a big IMG-friendly university program, clinically strong, with a diverse patient exposure, and research opportunities. I also had the impression that it has a strong internal medicine prelim year which is important to me. But I think what stood out the most was the Leadership Academy.
Muthu Ganapathy, MD
Hometown: Chennai, India
Medical School: S.R.M. Medical College Hospital and Research Centre
Professional Interests: Still keeping an open mind. I have an inclination towards movement disorders and epilepsy.
Personal Interests: Singing, playing billiards, writing and traveling.
What do you like about the residency program? A robust university program with a diverse patient population and pathology, the clinical training at Upstate is unparalleled. The program’s emphasis on the development of leadership skills for physicians resonated well with my goals. Upstate has a collegial and family-like atmosphere which was evident during my interaction with the residents.
Sedat GUL, MD
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
Medical School: Kocaeli Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
Professional Interests: There are lots of exciting subspecialties in Neurology, currently I want to explore all of them!
Personal Interests: I'm interested in ancient history of the Western World. Also, I like to swim, play basketball and tennis! In Syracuse, I hope to improve my skiing too.
What do you like about the residency program? When I was searching for a residency program, the learning environment and research opportunities were very important for me. During my interviews with the faculty, I've seen that SUNY Upstate is the excellent mix of these 2. Also, my interviewers were very warm and welcoming. I wanted to be in a residency program that feels like home and I feel extremely happy with my choice.
Michael Kmeid, MD
Hometown: Montreal, QC
Medical School: St. George's University Medical College
Professional Interests: Neurocritical care, Interventional neurology
Personal Interests: Latin Dancing, boxing, soccer
What do you like about the residency program? I am originally from Montreal, Quebec and have come to know Syracuse as down-to-earth blue-collar city very similar to my hometown, which I love! Most importantly, the friendly environment and the unconditional support from our colleagues and faculty members.
Darshana Vijaywargiya, MD
Hometown: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Medical School: Government Medical College, Surat
Professional Interests: I am open to exploring various subspecialties of Neurology before I make a choice
Personal Interests: Writing/Blogging, cooking, drawing, reading, public speaking
What do you like about the residency program? The curriculum and diversity of subspecialties attracted me to the program. My interview day was filled with really great conversations with the chair, program directors and faculties. I left the interview with the best gut feeling and a sense that this is the place that really advocates and cares for their residents. I was thrilled to have matched here and excited for the next 4 years.
PGY-3
Pradeep Chevula, MD
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Medical School: Soochow University Medical College
Professional Interests: General neurology, Neuromuscular medicine, but still keeping an open mind.
Personal Interests: I enjoy all outdoor activities, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
What do you like about the residency program? Upstate neurology has everything that I'm looking for, like strong didactics, a diverse patient population, and supportive faculty, residents, and staff.
Natela Churgulia, MD
Hometown: Tbilisi, Georgia.
Medical School: David Tvildiani Medical University AIETI Medical School
Professional Interests: General neurology, Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Diseases.
Personal Interests: Travelling, hiking, spending time with friends and family
What do you like about the residency program? The program’s structure and organization are outstanding. Faculty members are keen on sharing their knowledge and experience and provide invaluable support which enables the residents to grow professionally and personally.
Hesham Eisa, MD
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Medical School: Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology and Epilepsy
Personal Interests: Car enthusiast, Soccer, Chess, Travelling, and exploring new cultures.
What do you like about the residency program? I'm glad to be part of Upstate's family. SUNY Upstate program offers all the necessities to excel professionally including; a comprehensive and well-structured curriculum, a wide catchment area with exposure to diverse pathology, nurturing faculty, and friendly residents. As a place to live, Upstate offers lots of beautiful natural scenery and outdoor recreational activities.
Mohamed El Refaey, MD
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Medical School: Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: Headache, chronic pain management, and neurorehabilitation
Personal Interests: Travelling, anime, basketball, and spending time with family and friends.
What do you like about the residency program? The neurology residency program at SUNY Upstate is well-structured and has a supportive leadership that prioritize resident education and wellness. The residents come from different backgrounds and get along very well together, the pathology is diverse providing robust clinical training, and the program focuses on training excellent physicians and leaders in their respective fields.
Mahsa Eskian, MD
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Interventional Pain Management
Personal Interests: Baking, swimming, and playing piano
What do you like about the residency program? The team! the wonderful supportive, humble, and diverse team, the same spirit from 200 years ago that let Elizabeth Blackwell graduate as the very first female physician. Also diverse patient population and the wide catchment area which are essential for the residency training.
Zachary Farina, MD
Hometown: Amsterdam, NY
Medical School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University
College: Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Professional Interests: Neurocritical care, critical care EEG, vascular neurology, traumatic brain injury, neuroinfectious disease, learning about the cellular and molecular drivers of disease.
Personal Interests: Spending time with my family (including my cats Lizzie and Yoshi), music (I play the tuba and euphonium), theatre, film, and hiking.
What do you like about the residency program? I was born in Amsterdam, attended college in Albany, and completed medical school in Syracuse, so I know how diverse, friendly, and welcoming this region is. This makes me all the more excited to continue caring for the people here! Additionally, Upstate has a large catchment area that treats every type of neuropathology and faculty who are dedicated to education and who empower trainees to be actively involved in every aspect of a patient’s care. For these reasons, Upstate is an ideal place to train to become a competent and caring neurologist.
Aydan Kahriman, MD
Hometown: Konya, Turkey
Medical School: Istanbul Üniversitesi, Cerrahpasa Tip Fakültesi
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, Neurointervention, Traumatic Brain Injury
Personal Interests: Rock climbing, hiking, skiing, playing the ukulele.
What do you like about the residency program? During the interview season, the program made sure to explain everything I needed about the faculty, residents, and education they provide. I loved how much the program cares about its residents professionally and personally. SUNY Upstate is a strong academic center with diverse residents, a great learning environment, and a large patient population in a gorgeous city!
Muhammad Shehzad, MD
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Medical School: Rashid Latif Medical College
College: Punjab University
Professional Interests: Still deciding on a specialty, however I'm really interested in Neuroradiology.
Personal Interests: I enjoy playing and watching soccer.
What do you like about the residency program? The diversity and the supportive environment.
PGY-2
Asad Ali, MD
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Medical School: CMH Lahore Medical College, Pakistan
Professional Interests: Epilepsy and Vascular Neurology
Personal Interests: I enjoy playing sports like cricket and soccer
What do you like about the residency program? Upstate Neurology provides good clinical training with exposure to a diverse patient population. Also, the program is well organized and has a supportive faculty.
Momotaz Begum, MD
Hometown: Queens, NY
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
College: Syracuse University
Professional Interests: Undecided
Personal Interests: Traveling, hiking, cooking, indoor plants
What do you like about the residency program? Diversity of clinical cases and close interaction with faculty.
Siara Clos, MD
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
College: Le Moyne College
Professional Interests: Neuroimmunology, Neuropsychiatry, Cognitive Neurology
Personal Interests: Running with my dog Mabel, painting, gardening, and wine tasting.
What do you like about the residency program? The freedom to explore different opportunities in Neurology as well as the closeness and respectfulness of the program.
Marwa Elamin, MD
Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
Medical School: University of Gezira, Sudan
College: University of Hartford, M.S. & University of Connecticut Ph.D.
Professional Interests: Translational research, electrophysiology, precision medicine
Personal Interests: Diversity and inclusion, Human Rights, Poetry
What do you like about the residency program? The resident-focused structure of the program, the teaching opportunities, the diversity, and the warmth of the people at the Neurology Department at SUNY Upstate made this program the perfect match for my personality and career goals.
Salome Lembeck, MD
Hometown: Tbilisi, Georgia
Medical School: Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Professional Interests: The fascinating field of Neurology has so much to explore. I have not decided on the subspecialty yet but I am currently interested in movement disorders, vascular neurology and neurointervention.
Personal Interests: Photography, Gardening, Running and Language Learning
What do you like about the residency program? Program leadership and atmosphere: very warm, deeply supportive, family-like and yet very professional. Program’s diverse patient exposure and fellowship opportunities also were very important to me. I am truly honored to be matched here.
Laurie-Ann Lyle-Miller, MD
Hometown: Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica
Medical School: University of the West Indies Mona
Professional Interests: I am currently interested in Vascular Neurology; however, I am open to the prospect of alternative interests along the journey.
Personal Interests: I enjoy planning, organizing, and decorating for events. I thoroughly enjoy gardening. Watching new plants spring from the soil is exciting while demanding nurture and patience as they effloresce, generating a sense of pride and accomplishment. I also enjoy outdoor adventures, including hiking, camping and theme parks.
What do you like about the residency program? I liked the collegial atmosphere that appears to exist among the residents and staff. Additionally, I was impressed with the involvement in basic science and clinical research. I especially liked that all the subspecialties in neurology are represented and the innovative way the program attempts to facilitate each person achieving their career goals.
Ronald Miller, III, MD
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
College: Binghamton Univeristy
Professional Interests: Keeping my interests open, but I find neuro-intervention, and neuro-ophthalmology exciting.
Personal Interests: I enjoy general aviation, electronics, and sports (soccer, basketball, golf).
What do you like about the residency program? Some of the highlights of this program include the close relationship students have with attendings and research faculty, the cross-collaboration amongst departments, the exposure to a wide variety of neurology subspecialties, the diversity of pathology from a large catchment area, and the volume of clinical cases.
Sanjit Sah, MD
Hometown: Rautahat, Nepal
Medical School: Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Professional Interests: Still figuring out, interested in Vascular neurology, Neuro critical care, General Neurology
Personal Interests: Hiking, Cycling, Music
What do you like about the residency program? Supportive environment for learning, balance between autonomy and supervision, dedicated and enthusiastic attendings, good team spirit, guides and helps you to be a professionally independent neurologist providing the standard care of patients.
Mingma Sherpa, MD
Hometown: Solukhumbu, Nepal
Medical School: Davao Medical School, Philippines
College: Angeles University Foundation, Philippines
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology but keeping an open mind
Personal Interests: I love trekking, hiking, and travelling around the world, playing table tennis, kick boxing and like to learn new skills whenever I can.
What do you like about the residency program? It’s a big IMG friendly program with good academic teaching. And everyone in general is very friendly, approachable, and supportive. Also, the program makes us feel like home here, they really care for their residents.
Xiaoting Wang, MD
Hometown: Shenyang, China
Medical School: China Medical University
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology and Neuro-immunology, but I am still keeping an open mind.
Personal Interests: Reading, writing, film，traveling, swimming, and cycling.
What do you like about the residency program? A very diverse and supportive environment, robust training, a very-well structured curriculum, and a huge emphasis on education.
PGY-1
John Amato, MD
Hometown: Avon by the Sea, New Jersey
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
College: Fordham University (BS), Grad: Rutgers University
Professional Interests: Neuroimmune, Neuromuscular, Sports Neurology
Personal Interests: Ice hockey, surfing, most music (especially classic rock), movies
What do you like about the residency program? The closeness of the neurology residents and attendings, the emphasis on education with a structured curriculum, and the opportunity to work at a major academic hospital amongst residents from all medical backgrounds
Sara Elnour, MD
Hometown: Khartoum , Sudan
Medical School: University of Khartoum Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: I am eager to explore various neurology subspecialties and find my niche.
Personal Interests: Off-duty you will find me baking, enjoying a time with family and friends, or deep into crime documentaries (hopefully I am not scaring anyone!)
What do you like about the residency program? Love how the program blends rigorous learning with a supportive community vibe!
Todd Furr, MD
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
College: Arizona Christian University
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, Neurointervention, Neurocritical Care, Epilepsy, Quality Metrics, Leadership and Education Training
Personal Interests: Weightlifting, running, fishing, hiking, reading, family time, baseball, football, Star Wars, Marvel
What do you like about the residency program? I was first drawn to SUNY Upstate because of the number of educational resources the program provides like the stroke neurointervention pathway and the leadership academy. My interview showed that faculty were intentional with their words and portrayed genuine kindness to their residents. Additional perks include the vibrant city of Syracuse and an academic tertiary center that draws from 17 different counties.
Aishwarya Ganesh, MD
Hometown: Muscat, Oman
Medical School: Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute
Professional Interests: Neuropsychiatry, Neuroimmunology and Neuro-ophthalmology
Personal Interests: Reading, live music, hiking
What do you like about the residency program? The diverse patient care exposure here enables a lot of learning and professional exploration. The neurology department’s faculty and staff also promote a supportive culture and collaborative environment that’s great to be a part of.
Kenneth Lucas, MD
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Medical School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University
College: Siena College
Professional Interests: I love the diversity and breadth of general neurology, but I'm also very interested in neuroimmunology, neuromuscular, and epilepsy.
Personal Interests: hiking, backpacking, kayaking, tending to my plants, and spending time with my family
What do you like about the residency program? The resources, broad clinical exposure, and first-rate training of an academic tertiary-care center, while at the same time offering the benefits of strong mentorship and a sense of community. Most of all, the patients we see at Upstate come from all walks of life and present with every type of neuropathology, making for a truly robust and complete educational experience.
Noah Reichman, MD
Hometown: White Plains, NY
Medical School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University
College: Tulane University
Professional Interests: Open to all subspecialties
Personal Interests: Exercise, guitar, chess
What do you like about the residency program? SUNY Upstate is a strong academic program with excellent clinical training.
Rufida Salih, MD
Hometown: Omdurman, Sudan
Medical School: Ahfad University for Women School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Vascular, Neurointervention, AI and Research.
Personal Interests: Cooking, trying new recipes and hiking.
What do you like about the residency program? The program is very well rounded, diverse and supportive Along with the opportunities available for professional and personnel development.
Shruti Shah, MD
Hometown: Maharashtra, India
Medical School: B. J. Medical College Pune
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, Interventional Neurology, Neurocritical care
Personal Interests: Reading, painting, traveling and exploring new places.
What do you like about the residency program? I like that the program is academically strong and offers vast clinical exposure, with a very supportive faculty, staff, and team of residents. I'm looking forward to the next four years of training here.
Mohammed Shqirat, MD
Hometown: Jerusalem, Palestine
Medical School: Al-Quds University Faculty of Medicine
College: PhD at Kyoto University in Japan
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, Neuro-ophthalmology
Personal Interests: Cooking, Jiu-Jitsu, Bird watching, digital illustration, and spending time with the family.
What do you like about the residency program? The people here are truly amazing. The program is well-structured, with skilled and supportive faculty fostering a friendly and collaborative atmosphere among residents. Its strong academic foundation provides extensive clinical exposure. The approachable and helpful nature of the residents, faculty, and administrative staff makes working here a genuinely enjoyable experience. The well-being of the residents is always a top priority.
