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Meet the Fellows

At the Department of Medicine at Upstate Medical University, we are proud to offer a robust Rheumatology Fellowship program designed to provide our fellows with the highest level of expertise in this specialized field. Our program is an embodiment of our mission to improve health through rigorous education, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive healthcare.

Damira Sereda

Damira Sereda, MD PGY-5

Medical School: I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Kyrgyzstan
Internship: Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, MA
Residency: Capital Health Medical Center, Trenton, NJ
Personal Interests: Outside of work, I like to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, running, bicycling, and skiing. I also enjoy traveling and practicing yoga.
Interest in rheumatology: Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and musculoskeletal ultrasound

Christina Donath

Christina Donath, MD PGY-5

Medical School: Ross University College of Medicine
Residency: Florida State University College of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program in Tallahassee, FL
College: Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, FL
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Personal Interests: When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking, exploring new restaurants, watching movies, exercising, and spending time with my Husband and two cats, Aries, and Luna.
Career Goal: To run my own Rheumatology practice in an underserved area

Sara Kahlown

Sara Akram Kahlown, MBBS PGY-5

Medical School: Allama Iqbal Medical College Pakistan
Residency: UHS Wilson Medical Center, Johnson City, NY
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Personal Interests: enjoy spending time with my two boys, cooking for my family, watching movies, catching up with friends and family and working out
Career Goal: undecided

Binod KcBinod KC, MBBS PGY-4

Medical School: National Medical College, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Residency: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Personal Interests: Outside of work I enjoy trekking, gardening, biking , catching up with friends and family and community service amongst other things.
Interest in rheumatology: Cell therapies in Autoimmune Diseases, Vasculitis and Myositis

Ilya Ivyanskiy

Ilya Ivyanskiy, MD PGY4

Medical school: I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
Residency: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX
Personal interests: In my leisure time, I enjoy all types of outdoor activities, active sports, CrossFit, and, most importantly, spending time with my family. 

Bhavya Poudyal

Bhavya Poudyal, MBBS PGY4

Medical School: Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital
Residency: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Personal Interests: I love reading, it gives me perspective and motivates me in life. I also enjoy traveling to new places and gaining new experiences.

Graduated Fellows

geeta grad

Dr. Sheetal Rayancha and Dr. Geeta Chaparala
IM Department Graduation Dinner (June 2016)

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