Meet Our Residents
PGY-4
Odai Abdalla, MD
Hometown: Jabal Aulia, Sudan
Medical School: Omdurman Islamic University
Professional Interests: Neurocritical care and vascular Neurology
Personal Interests: Playing soccer, watching movies.
What do you like about the residency program? The program leadership and staff members are very professional . The program atmosphere is very healthy for residents to grow, not only academically, but also other skills (leadership, and professionalism). The Syracuse area attracted me very much as it is quiet and beautiful.
Hometown: Jabal Aulia, Sudan
Medical School: Omdurman Islamic University
Professional Interests: Neurocritical care and vascular Neurology
Personal Interests: Playing soccer, watching movies.
What do you like about the residency program? The program leadership and staff members are very professional . The program atmosphere is very healthy for residents to grow, not only academically, but also other skills (leadership, and professionalism). The Syracuse area attracted me very much as it is quiet and beautiful.
Ferhat Erol, MD
Medical School: Turgut Ozal Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
Professional Interests: General Neurology, Movement Disorders, Neuromuscular Disorders
Personal Interests: Going outdoors, backpacking, exploring new places, playing board games, reading, painting, and listening music.
What do you like about the residency program? I felt a deep connection with the residents and faculty during my interview. Working with friendly and supportive faculty members provides great opportunities to have in-depth bedside discussions about diverse clinical problems. Overall I am confident that I am at the right place to grow as a competent and caring neurologist.
Medical School: Turgut Ozal Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
Professional Interests: General Neurology, Movement Disorders, Neuromuscular Disorders
Personal Interests: Going outdoors, backpacking, exploring new places, playing board games, reading, painting, and listening music.
What do you like about the residency program? I felt a deep connection with the residents and faculty during my interview. Working with friendly and supportive faculty members provides great opportunities to have in-depth bedside discussions about diverse clinical problems. Overall I am confident that I am at the right place to grow as a competent and caring neurologist.
Ahmed Ibrahim, MD
Medical School: Ain Shams Unviersity Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: Neuro-oncology and neuro-critical care.
Personal Interests: Sci/Fi and fantasy books (Brandon Sanderson is simply the best author ever) food and festivals (the good kind, what Syracuse is known for!), and hanging out with the guys and gals from Upstate Neuro Team 2023!.
What do you like about the residency program? The program views each resident as an individual and understands each resident has different goals and expectations. The program works hard to encourage diversity.
Medical School: Ain Shams Unviersity Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: Neuro-oncology and neuro-critical care.
Personal Interests: Sci/Fi and fantasy books (Brandon Sanderson is simply the best author ever) food and festivals (the good kind, what Syracuse is known for!), and hanging out with the guys and gals from Upstate Neuro Team 2023!.
What do you like about the residency program? The program views each resident as an individual and understands each resident has different goals and expectations. The program works hard to encourage diversity.
Raja Hassan Imtiaz, MD
Medical School: Shifa College of Medicine
Professional Interests: movement disorder,epilepsy
Personal Interests: Cricket, swimming , chess
What do you like about the residency program? The inpatient floors and outpatient clinic provide extensive learning opportunities. The didactics help prepare the residents for the board exam. Most importantly the faculty is helpful and open to suggestions to improve the resident's learning experience.
Medical School: Shifa College of Medicine
Professional Interests: movement disorder,epilepsy
Personal Interests: Cricket, swimming , chess
What do you like about the residency program? The inpatient floors and outpatient clinic provide extensive learning opportunities. The didactics help prepare the residents for the board exam. Most importantly the faculty is helpful and open to suggestions to improve the resident's learning experience.
Navreet Kaur, MD
Medical School: Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences
Professional Interests: Vascular/Stroke and Neurocritical Care
Personal Interests: I enjoy music, cooking, traveling, watching cricket and spending time with family and friends.
What do you like about the residency program? Friendly and supportive people, a good learning environment, and ample fellowship opportunities made me choose Upstate for my residency training.
Medical School: Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences
Professional Interests: Vascular/Stroke and Neurocritical Care
Personal Interests: I enjoy music, cooking, traveling, watching cricket and spending time with family and friends.
What do you like about the residency program? Friendly and supportive people, a good learning environment, and ample fellowship opportunities made me choose Upstate for my residency training.
Bhavya Narapureddy, MD
Medical School: Osmania Medical College
Professional Interests: Neuroimmunology, Neuromuscular disorders
Personal Interests: Anything outdoor, water sports, exploring new places, watching Netflix, spending time with friends and family
What do you like about the residency program? Strong academic program with friendly and supportive working environment and excellent leadership. Its an amazing place to live and train and I am glad to be a part of Upstate family!
Medical School: Osmania Medical College
Professional Interests: Neuroimmunology, Neuromuscular disorders
Personal Interests: Anything outdoor, water sports, exploring new places, watching Netflix, spending time with friends and family
What do you like about the residency program? Strong academic program with friendly and supportive working environment and excellent leadership. Its an amazing place to live and train and I am glad to be a part of Upstate family!
Karan Philip, MD
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College
Professional Interests: I am uncomfortable committing to a specialty this early on. However, I do like the acuity of stroke and like the amount of work going on in the field at present.
Personal Interests: I enjoy reading, writing, playing chess and playing the piano.
What do you like about the residency program? I really appreciate how invested the program is in getting us a good training while being committed to resident wellness and our overall development. I love the fact that we all really enjoy each others company and that we get to party it up after work!
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College
Professional Interests: I am uncomfortable committing to a specialty this early on. However, I do like the acuity of stroke and like the amount of work going on in the field at present.
Personal Interests: I enjoy reading, writing, playing chess and playing the piano.
What do you like about the residency program? I really appreciate how invested the program is in getting us a good training while being committed to resident wellness and our overall development. I love the fact that we all really enjoy each others company and that we get to party it up after work!
Ishpreet Singh, MD
Medical School: Dayanand Medical College
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology and Epilepsy
Personal Interests: Playing sports like cricket, soccer, table tennis and basketball. Cooking Indian food , watching movies, reading all kinds of books and traveling new places.
What do you like about the residency program? The program has excellent leadership who cares for their residents. There is tremendous amount of support and camaraderie among the residents.
Medical School: Dayanand Medical College
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology and Epilepsy
Personal Interests: Playing sports like cricket, soccer, table tennis and basketball. Cooking Indian food , watching movies, reading all kinds of books and traveling new places.
What do you like about the residency program? The program has excellent leadership who cares for their residents. There is tremendous amount of support and camaraderie among the residents.
Christina Xia, MD
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
College: Case Western Reserve University
Professional Interests: Vascular neurology, general neurology, neuro-hospitalist, but keeping an open mind
Personal Interests: Painting, reading fantasy/sci-fi books, listening to podcasts, playing board games with friends, cooking, and hiking.
What do you like about the residency program? Upstate is an excellent place to work and train. My fellow interns, the residents, faculty, program leadership, and everyone in general have been friendly and supportive. If what I've experienced so far is anything to go by, I really look forward to the next 4 years!
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
College: Case Western Reserve University
Professional Interests: Vascular neurology, general neurology, neuro-hospitalist, but keeping an open mind
Personal Interests: Painting, reading fantasy/sci-fi books, listening to podcasts, playing board games with friends, cooking, and hiking.
What do you like about the residency program? Upstate is an excellent place to work and train. My fellow interns, the residents, faculty, program leadership, and everyone in general have been friendly and supportive. If what I've experienced so far is anything to go by, I really look forward to the next 4 years!
PGY-3
Mohammed Alwahaidy, MD
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Medical School: International American University College of Medicine
College: University at Buffalo
Professional Interests: Still keeping an open mind as I have not yet experienced all the sub specialties within Neurology.
Personal Interests: Basketball, weight training and kung fu
What do you like about the residency program? The strong didactics, to the the diversity in the residents, staff and patients makes Upstate a very special place for me.
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Medical School: International American University College of Medicine
College: University at Buffalo
Professional Interests: Still keeping an open mind as I have not yet experienced all the sub specialties within Neurology.
Personal Interests: Basketball, weight training and kung fu
What do you like about the residency program? The strong didactics, to the the diversity in the residents, staff and patients makes Upstate a very special place for me.
Adam Blanden, MD
Hometown: Truxton, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical Univeristy
College: SUNY Upstate Medical Univeristy, PhD
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, Neurointervention, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease and Treatment
Personal Interests: Reefkeeping, Cooking
What do you like about the residency program? The community and the pathology. I did medical and graduate school at Upstate, so being a doctor here really feels like taking care of my people. And as the only academic center in the region, every type of neuropathology comes to Upstate. Even as a medical student I saw the common things like stroke, Parkinson's, MS, TBI, and migraine, as well as the rare things like CJD, NMO, Lennox-Gastaut, and CHARGE syndrome. Here you can see, learn, and do everything. And you will be both expected and empowered to do so.
Hometown: Truxton, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical Univeristy
College: SUNY Upstate Medical Univeristy, PhD
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, Neurointervention, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease and Treatment
Personal Interests: Reefkeeping, Cooking
What do you like about the residency program? The community and the pathology. I did medical and graduate school at Upstate, so being a doctor here really feels like taking care of my people. And as the only academic center in the region, every type of neuropathology comes to Upstate. Even as a medical student I saw the common things like stroke, Parkinson's, MS, TBI, and migraine, as well as the rare things like CJD, NMO, Lennox-Gastaut, and CHARGE syndrome. Here you can see, learn, and do everything. And you will be both expected and empowered to do so.
Carlo Dangcalan, MD
Medical School: Davao Medical School Foundation COM
Professional Interests: Neurocritical Care, Vascular Neurology, but keeping an open mind.
Personal Interests: Figure skating, reading and cooking. Learning new languages
What do you like about the residency program? The healthy dynamic between members of the neurology team and a clear dedication of the program and the attendings to help the residents develop not only professionally but personally as well.
Medical School: Davao Medical School Foundation COM
Professional Interests: Neurocritical Care, Vascular Neurology, but keeping an open mind.
Personal Interests: Figure skating, reading and cooking. Learning new languages
What do you like about the residency program? The healthy dynamic between members of the neurology team and a clear dedication of the program and the attendings to help the residents develop not only professionally but personally as well.
Ashwini Gadalay, MD
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Medical School: Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences
Professional Interests: I haven't decided, still exploring sub specialties
Personal Interests: Music, podcast, cooking, exploring new places and traveling
What do you like about the residency program? Diverse clinical exposure and amazing faculty.
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Medical School: Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences
Professional Interests: I haven't decided, still exploring sub specialties
Personal Interests: Music, podcast, cooking, exploring new places and traveling
What do you like about the residency program? Diverse clinical exposure and amazing faculty.
Yung-Tain Gau, MD
Medical School: National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine
College: John's Hopkins University (PhD)
Professional Interests: Neuropsychiatry, Applied computer, electronic & mechanical engineering
Personal Interests: Image and signal processing, computer-aided design & manufacturing, optics/electronics/control system instrumentation, Ultimate mice lover
What do you like about the residency program? Wonderful classmates.
Medical School: National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine
College: John's Hopkins University (PhD)
Professional Interests: Neuropsychiatry, Applied computer, electronic & mechanical engineering
Personal Interests: Image and signal processing, computer-aided design & manufacturing, optics/electronics/control system instrumentation, Ultimate mice lover
What do you like about the residency program? Wonderful classmates.
Muhammad Iqbal, MD
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Medical School: Rawalpindi Medical College
Professional Interests: Interventional Neurology, Neurocritical Care, Vascular Neurology
Personal Interests: Urdu Poetry, world history
What do you like about the residency program? Faculty members dedicated to training and teaching, optimum work load, excellent support from senior residents, and living in scenic central New York.
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Medical School: Rawalpindi Medical College
Professional Interests: Interventional Neurology, Neurocritical Care, Vascular Neurology
Personal Interests: Urdu Poetry, world history
What do you like about the residency program? Faculty members dedicated to training and teaching, optimum work load, excellent support from senior residents, and living in scenic central New York.
Sanaz Mohammadzadeh, MD
Hometown: Iran
Medical School: Islamic Azad Univeristy, Mashhad Branch
Professional Interests: Not sure at this time , by doing rotations at different subspecialtiese I can better make a decision about it
Personal Interests: cooking, spending time with family and friends, dancing, listening to music, outdoor activities
What do you like about the residency program? well structured program with supportive and skilled faculties and friendly environment between residents are really attracted me toward doing residency in this program
Hometown: Iran
Medical School: Islamic Azad Univeristy, Mashhad Branch
Professional Interests: Not sure at this time , by doing rotations at different subspecialtiese I can better make a decision about it
Personal Interests: cooking, spending time with family and friends, dancing, listening to music, outdoor activities
What do you like about the residency program? well structured program with supportive and skilled faculties and friendly environment between residents are really attracted me toward doing residency in this program
Yash Nene, MD
Hometown: Pune, India
Medical School: Smt. Kashibai Navale Med College & Hospital
Professional Interests: Clinical Neurophysiology, Neurocritical Care
Personal Interests: Working out, writing poetry, reading, spending time with friends & family.
What do you like about the residency program? SUNY Upstate has an academically strong program with vast clinical exposure. The residents, faculty and administrative staff are approachable and helpful, this makes working here extremely enjoyable.
Hometown: Pune, India
Medical School: Smt. Kashibai Navale Med College & Hospital
Professional Interests: Clinical Neurophysiology, Neurocritical Care
Personal Interests: Working out, writing poetry, reading, spending time with friends & family.
What do you like about the residency program? SUNY Upstate has an academically strong program with vast clinical exposure. The residents, faculty and administrative staff are approachable and helpful, this makes working here extremely enjoyable.
Tejeswi Suryadevara, MD
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Medical School: MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, General Neurology, keeping an open mind for now.
Personal Interests: Hiking, kayaking, fitness
What do you like about the residency program? Definitely the friendly atmosphere! As an IMG, you still feel a sense of belonging because of how diverse the program is.Lastly, they say you are only as good as your team, and Upstate Neurology has got the best team!
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Medical School: MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, General Neurology, keeping an open mind for now.
Personal Interests: Hiking, kayaking, fitness
What do you like about the residency program? Definitely the friendly atmosphere! As an IMG, you still feel a sense of belonging because of how diverse the program is.Lastly, they say you are only as good as your team, and Upstate Neurology has got the best team!
Kehan Zhao, MD
Hometown: Wenzhou, China
Medical School: Shanghai Jiao Tong University SOM
Professional Interests: General neurology, neurophysiology
Personal Interests: Photography, reading, sports.
What do you like about the residency program? The program is well structured with diverse patient population and pathology.
Hometown: Wenzhou, China
Medical School: Shanghai Jiao Tong University SOM
Professional Interests: General neurology, neurophysiology
Personal Interests: Photography, reading, sports.
What do you like about the residency program? The program is well structured with diverse patient population and pathology.
PGY-2
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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-1
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.
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.
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.
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: Vascular Neurology, Neurointerventional, Neurocritical Care. However, starting residency with an open mind.
Personal Interests: Anime/Manga, Travelling, Cooking, Quality 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.
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Medical School: Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: Vascular Neurology, Neurointerventional, Neurocritical Care. However, starting residency with an open mind.
Personal Interests: Anime/Manga, Travelling, Cooking, Quality 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: Neurology is too interesting to pick a specific subject but I think I can be my best at neurocritical care and neurointervention
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.
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Neurology is too interesting to pick a specific subject but I think I can be my best at neurocritical care and neurointervention
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: I have not decided on a sub-specialty but am currently interested in neurocritical care, interventional neurology, and neuro-oncology. I also enjoy 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.
Hometown: Amsterdam, NY
Medical School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University
College: Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Professional Interests: I have not decided on a sub-specialty but am currently interested in neurocritical care, interventional neurology, and neuro-oncology. I also enjoy 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!
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!
Ifeanyi Munonye, MD
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Medical School: Jagiellonian University Medical College
College: University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada
Professional Interests: Neurocritical care, Vascular neurology
Personal Interests: Soccer, cycling, learning new languages, and strength training
What do you like about the residency program? The diversity of the program, large patient population, an amazing faculty, and a robust stroke center.
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Medical School: Jagiellonian University Medical College
College: University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada
Professional Interests: Neurocritical care, Vascular neurology
Personal Interests: Soccer, cycling, learning new languages, and strength training
What do you like about the residency program? The diversity of the program, large patient population, an amazing faculty, and a robust stroke center.
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.
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.