Our Residents
Pediatric Chief Residents & Junior Faculty
Lara McHan, M.D.
Hometown: Bossier City, LA
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
Lauren Ozdowski, D.O.
Hometown: Clovis, NM and South Weber, UT
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Mary Helen Simpson, M.D.
Hometown: Morganton, NC
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Adrianna Wurster, D.O.
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
PGY3 Residents
Fatima Alam, D.O.
Hometown: Piscataway, NJ
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I really enjoyed the atmosphere on interview day and Rochester itself had so much to offer. Also, I loved the two hospital system which allowed you to experience working in an academic institution as well as a community hospital.
Career Aspirations: I would like to be a confident and well-rounded general pediatrician first and foremost. However, some of my future interests include Neonatology and Emergency Medicine, but I am open to all the possibilities!
Morgan Albert, D.O.
Hometown: Massena, NY
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I went to undergrad at University of Rochester and spent countless hours at the medical center. I loved everything about it and on interview day it felt so comfortable and I quickly realized that this place felt like home and was where I was meant to come back to.
Career Aspirations: I am interested in neonatology at this point but I am definitely going to keep an open mind as I experience multiple pediatric subspecialties during my residency.
Noor Asi, M.D.
Hometown: Damascus, Syria
Medical School: University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: It is an outstanding, balanced, supportive residency program that shapes independent and well-rounded physicians. It offers the ideal setting to pursue and thrive in my academic and clinical interests.
Career Aspirations: I am passionate about Neonatology and addressing health disparities in perinatal care. I am also interested in working with underserved communities.
Stephanie Craig, D.O.
Hometown: Lynnfield, MA
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: The positive and collaborative environment, along with the supportive residents/faculty I met during my audition rotation in the PICU.
Career Aspirations: Special interests/projects include addressing and alleviating food insecurity in adolescent populations, with a focus in nutrition education. I hope to pursue pediatric critical care and QI research.
Acadia Fairchild, M.D.
Hometown: Honeoye Falls, NY
Medical School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University
Why I Chose Rochester: Having grown up in the area I have always been interested in returning and serving the local populations. For me Rochester was the perfect size program to give me opportunities without concerns about being overshadowed. I loved the close-knit feeling I got from the leadership and residents!
Career Aspirations: I am currently interested in hospital medicine but have enjoyed many other areas! I have interests in quality improvement, advocacy, bioethics, and med ed.
Patrick Hebble, M.D.
Hometown: Sudbury, MA
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: I went to Rochester for medical school and during those 4 years my wife and I fell in love with the city and all it has to offer. As a medical student I took just about every pediatric elective offered and I found that the residents and attendings here truly embodied the Biopsychosocial Model while also being a fun, close-knit, and welcoming group that I wanted to be a part of!
Career Aspirations: I am leaning towards outpatient, primary care however I loved every pediatric elective/sub-specialty in medical school so I am open to almost anything!
Elizabeth Hohl, D.O.
Hometown: Webster, NY
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester because after many years living all across the United States, I want to develop my career in a mid-sized city with great potential and high need. Fostering change inside and outside the medical community is incredibly important to me. I am excited to 'come home' to Rochester to do just that.
Career Aspirations: My career aspirations are quite simple - to become a competent and compassionate pediatrician who gives special focus to the impact of population & community health on youth. I have a special interest in working with adolescents and children with disabilities.
Bingjie Li, M.D.
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I've only heard great things about Rochester and Golisano from my mentors, and my fiancé is currently a resident at URMC as well which helps! The city, hospital, and people all stood out as positives when comparing schools.
Career Aspirations: I am considering doing a fellowship in neonatology in the future! As for professional passions, community outreach programs and medical education for students are both areas where I have focused on in the past, and hope to continue in the future.
Wilson Mei, D.O.
Hometown: Elmhurst, NY
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: So many reasons! The children’s hospital has a great reputation and I got nothing but good vibes from residents and faculty alike during my interview (even though it was virtual). Everyone seemed supportive of each other, professionally and personally, and genuinely happy. Also Wegmans.
Career Aspirations: Fellowship in neonatology. I am also very passionate about medical education and patient counseling.
Shelby Nelipovich, M.D.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Why I Chose Rochester: Good vibes from the residents, friendly faculty, opportunities to train at a tertiary medical center and a community hospital, and very supportive of partners in medicine
Career Aspirations: Hospital Medicine - interested in asthma research and community outreach for education and prevention of medical conditions/exacerbations
Parvathy Rajagopal, M.B.B.S.
Hometown: Kottayam, Kerala, India
Medical School: Government Medical College Kottayam
Why I Chose Rochester: This program provides good experience and exposure to an impressive array of Pediatric conditions and sub-specialties.
Career Aspirations: I enjoy working in Hospital Pediatrics especially after having spent time as a Pediatric trainee in England. I am also interested in Health promotion and Preventive medicine/ Community health.
Shannon Sanda, M.D.
Hometown: I've moved too many times to have one!
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: There were two reasons. The first is that I got really good vibes from the program - everyone was nice and seemed super happy (and importantly, had a good work-life balance!). The second is that I did a couple's match and so my partner will also be at a program Rochester!
Career Aspirations: I aspire to be a pediatric gastroenterologist, and liver transplant medicine has been calling my name for a while now. I like to partake in both bench and clinical research (while acknowledging that maintaining and animal colony or cell line during residency probably is not realistic). I also like to help connect children to learning about the environment, nature, and science, and have volunteered in schools and taken students on field trips.
Bippenjit (Bip) Singh, M.D.
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: The program has a strong emphasis on both medical training and training outside of medicine, such as advocacy. Everyone also seemed wonderful on interview day.
Career Aspirations: Learning more about advocacy and political policy making and working as a general pediatrician.
Nikole Van Wie, D.O.
Hometown: Brockport, NY
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: The Rochester community and SMH/GCH are both home for me. I completed all of my shadowing and research pre-medical school at this institution, and it was these experiences that made me fall in love with medicine and pediatrics. As soon as I walked into the hospital, I immediately felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself. I knew that it was the perfect match for me, and that I would continue to grow into the woman and doctor I wanted to become.
Career Aspirations: I love general pediatrics, but I am very interested in an Emergency Medicine fellowship as well.
PGY2 Residents
Teaghen Buscemi-Kimmins, M.D., M.P.H.
Hometown: Penfield, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Why I Chose Rochester: I was drawn to how the program commits to partnering with the community, and all of the opportunities to grow as not only a clinician but also as a researcher and community member.
Career Aspirations: public health research, community-based medicine
Camille Corre, M.D.
Hometown: Medway, MA
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: In medical school, I fell in love with Rochester's biopsychosocial approach to medicine, and I have always felt valued as a learner
here. I'm thrilled to be able to call this city and hospital "home" for five more years!
Career Aspirations: Child Neurology. I'm especially interested in neurogenetics, palliative care, and caring for children with disabilities and their families.
Soma Deall-Williams, D.O.
Hometown: Queens, NY
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York
Why I Chose Rochester: Rochester was the program that I gravitated toward the most because of the welcoming and genuine interactions that I had with the faculty and residents on interview day as well as during meet and greet sessions. Additionally, the greenery, beautiful lakes and a ton of engaging things to do within the area made me want to explore this part of NY.
Career Aspirations: Primary Care has a special place in my heart, however, I am also quite interested in Allergy & Immunology, Hematology/Oncology, NICU/PICU and Hospital Medicine. I am highly passionate about providing care for communities that are under-resourced.
Evan Huff, M.D.
Hometown: Middletown, NJ
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Why I Chose Rochester: The people I had met on the interview trail were phenomenal! Everyone was enthusiastic about the program. Furthermore, as someone going into child neurology, the training opportunities at U of R seemed to best support my future goals. Aside from the program itself, the city of Rochester is a gem with many great restaurants, coffee shops, and exciting things to do.
Career Aspirations: My current interest is neurology. At present, I want to explore different aspects of the field before committing to a specific area.
Laura Hufford, D.O.
Hometown: Nikiski, AK
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University-Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: Rochester provides a residency that would expose me to robust training offered at a quaternary hospital while also being in an area
that would allow me to be part of a community.
Career Aspirations: I enjoy high acuity inpatient medicine such as PICU and hospital work. I also have a strong interest in transgender medicine.
Aleena Jafri, M.D.
Hometown: Buffalo, NY and Seattle, WA
Medical School: University at Buffalo School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: The people seem amazing and I felt like the program really cares for its residents and treats them well.
Career Aspirations: Unclear! Currently feeling inclined to pursue a fellowship, possibly Allergy/Immunology or maybe Rheum? We'll see!
Liam LeBlanc, M.D.
Hometown: Mansfield, MA
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: Love the program and the city
Career Aspirations: Primary care
Mina Milad, M.D.
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester for its dedication to serving underserved populations though the CARE tracks, its opportunities for medical
education research, and for its proximity to my hometown. It's also got a pretty awesome resident culture.
Career Aspirations: I am most interested in advocating for optimal healthcare in local and global underserved communities. I also enjoy teaching and hope to be involved in medical education at the university.
Kristina Myers, D.O.
Hometown: Orient, OH
Medical School: Ohio University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: Supportive, close knit culture, had all of the bells and whistles of a large program but a small program feel and small program support.
Also I have a huge passion for working with children in the system (foster kids, adoptees) and listened to our past AAP president (via
peds on call podcast) talk about her training at URMC for residency and her work with the foster care system.
Career Aspirations: If there was a need/interest/not already something in place I would love to facilitate some sort of storytelling in medicine at GCH for the residents/staff—we did a "behind the white coat" storytelling event at my medical school to remind ourselves of the humans within medicine. Unsure if I want to subspecialize but if I do—PICU, peds EM, or hospital med. I love working within communities and peds advocacy work. Also interested in research of some sort, possibly related to community/advocacy work. Interested in working with kids in the system and ensuring support and a medical home for them.
Vianne Nanez, M.D.
Hometown: Santa Teresa, NM and El Paso, TX
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: The sense of community I felt on my interview day and their work in adolescent medicine.
Career Aspirations: I would like to go into adolescent medicine.
Rebecca Nieters, D.O.
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Medical School: AT Still University of Health College of Osteopathic Medicine (MO)
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester because of its dedication to community-based advocacy and strong reputation. I believe the program will make me the
best possible doctor for my future patients.
Career Aspirations: I am very passionate about serving the pediatric disability community and plan to pursue a career in disability advocacy and complex care medicine.
Elizabeth Olah, M.D.
Hometown: Mentor, OH
Medical School: Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I love the feel of the city, not to mention everyone I talked to during my interview was so kind and passionate! I felt like I meshed well
with the program and its people!
Career Aspirations: I am specifically interested in working with underserved communities. Potential future interests include primary care or pediatric emergency medicine, but I am keeping an open mind.
Aditi Prabhu, M.D.
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Medical School: SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I could really connect with the residents and faculty from both Pediatrics and Child Neurology that I met on my interview day. I also
grew up in Western NY and knew I wanted to come back.
Career Aspirations: I would love to focus on more advocacy related projects and try to do research in Child Neurology.
Elizabeth Stevens, M.D.
Hometown: Pittsford, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose to stay at Rochester because of the dedication to teaching, commitment to the community, and supportive environment.
Career Aspirations: I am interested in the social determinants of health and am interested in pursuing critical care or complex care
Irianna Torres, M.D.
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester because I was able to have the best of both worlds, being a part of strong pediatrics program centered around the heart of the family unit, children, while also allowing me to stay close to my own family. I also see that there is a lot of work to be done in improving health equity for children in Rochester, which I hope to be a leader of change for.
Career Aspirations: I am passionate about health equity for minorities, immigrant healthcare, delivering healthcare to patients in their primary language and family planning for young adults. I also hope to increase the number of medical students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine through mentorship.
Nicole Vieira, M.D.
Hometown: Campinas, Brazil
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester because I really loved my interview day and I felt that we shared similar values: to care for the patient wholistically
and value human connection and advocacy. My partner and I felt really excited about moving here and the program, so we followed our
gut and ended up here! We are loving it so far.
Career Aspirations: I aspire to be a physician who can provide excellent care especially to families who prefer to speak Spanish or Portuguese. I am also interested in Palliative Care and Neonatology.
Audrey Wagner, M.D.
Hometown: Wilson, NY
Medical School: University at Buffalo School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester for the strong clinical training, advocacy and close community involvement, emphasis on the biopsychosocial
model, and sense of community and support I felt on interview day.
Career Aspirations: I am currently interested in pursuing hospital medicine or critical care with emphases on community advocacy work and QI.
PGY1 Residents
Jieen Bae, D.O.
Hometown: Ardsley, NY
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester for the opportunities to serve the community while learning in an environment that is equipped with knowledgeable mentors and facilities to provide the best care for patients!
Career Aspirations: NICU/Hospitalist Fellowship, but most importantly focusing on advocacy
Riley Calicchia, M.D.
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester because of its dedication to underserved populations, the opportunity to work at both an academic institution and community hospital, and sense of community and support I felt on interview day!
Career Aspirations: I am passionate about teaching pre-med and medical students, working with refugee populations, and community advocacy. I hope to pursue fellowship following residency, with my current interests being hematology/oncology, infectious disease, and hospital medicine.
Kevin Dillon, M.D.
Hometown: Cranston, RI
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: I've been in Rochester for the last 10 years (since undergrad) and I absolutely love it here! Not just the University and hospital, but the city as well. I know that I fit in really well here and love the way the faculty and staff are so approachable and willing to help in all my endeavors. I've never been told "no" at Rochester, just "how can I help?" I knew that not only would I find a great match in terms of culture and values at Rochester, but that it would provide me with excellent training and support along the road.
Career Aspirations: Currently working on several Deaf Health related projects with members of the UR faculty. Unsure about sub-specialization, but my ultimate goal is to open a clinic dedicated to the neurologic care of Deaf patients and families. I also would love to continue research and advance education for providers in the area of Deaf Health and how to care for this population. Also working on a podcast with fellow co-resident Sam Mussorfiti with the goal of providing case presentations and reviewing relevant board exam material included in the case, with a hint of clinical preparation for M3 year.
Elizabeth Habicht, D.O.
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: Social justice is a core tenet of the program.
Career Aspirations: I am passionate about reproductive justice and would like to be able to provide reproductive health care as a pediatrician. I am also an osteopathic doctor and would like to be able to keep up my osteopathic manipulation skills.
Sarah Hansen, M.D.
Hometown: Hutchinson, KS
Medical School: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I was fortunate enough to do an away rotation at Rochester, and had an amazing experience with the faculty, patients, and hospital as a whole. I love the positive teaching environment and the focus on patient advocacy and biopsychosocial considerations in care. Additionally, my partner is a resident at Strong, so it aligned with my location preferences as well.
Career Aspirations: Career goals in primary care pediatrics with a focus on gender affirming care, health literacy initiatives, and advocacy in public policy.
Kristine Herrera, D.O.
Hometown: Elizabethtown, KY
Medical School: University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I had such a positive interview experience with the University of Rochester. As I learned about the program's efforts to support its residents through this important part in their training, I felt that Rochester could provide a home away from home for me. I am excited to spend the beginning of my medical career in Upstate New York with what feels like a tight-knit group of educators and learners.
Career Aspirations: General Pediatrics; Potentially Peds Infectious Disease or Peds Endocrinology if I pursue fellowship; Advocacy and community engagement.
Kirsten Kim Sawtelle, M.D.
Hometown: Creston, IA
Medical School: Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester as my residency because the program shared my values and put them into action. I also felt very welcomed during my interview and connected with the faculty and residents. I really liked that we get to do rotations at the main hospital and the community hospital to learn how medicine differs in these settings. There were also plenty of opportunities for advocacy within the community, which was important to me.
Career Aspirations: I am currently piloting a project entitled "Improving the Vaccine Experience for Patients and Parents," which is looking at ways to improve the vaccination experience for both patients and their parents. I am passionate about providing holistic care with a focus on preventative medicine, especially to underserved populations.
Antonio Maldonado Liu, D.O.
Hometown: Portland, OR
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Why I Chose Rochester: University of Rochester has a strong reputation for high quality training, and I was excited about the collaborative and team-oriented culture I was told about on my interview day. It was also recommended to me by multiple faculty members, mentors, and friends.
Career Aspirations: Likely primary care, but strongly interested in medical education as well.
Marianne Maves, D.O.
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester for my residency because it is an all-around perfect fit for me. During my audition rotation, I felt so welcomed by everyone and loved the balance of academia and a family-like feel. The values of the program align well with my career goals and passions, and I felt confident I would be well supported here.
Career Aspirations: I am passionate about preventative medicine and community health, especially through health education and adequate support for parents and children. I am interested in primary care pediatrics, hospital medicine, or PEM, but I plan to keep an open mind throughout residency!
Samantha Mussorfiti, M.D.
Hometown: Massapequa, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: I went to medical school in Rochester and fell in love with the city and the program here! The residents are all so supportive of each other, and the faculty are all very invested in the success of their residents—so it felt like the perfect fit! I also love that the Biopsychosocial model of medicine is woven into the education and clinical practice here at Rochester. The commitment to patient-centered care is something I really value and I am so excited to be joining the Pediatric/Child Neurology teams here in Rochester!
Career Aspirations: I am a Child Neurology resident, and specifically interested in Neonatal & Fetal Neurology—but love all areas of child neurology. I am also passionate about medical education, pre-med mentorship, and bioethics! Current Projects: Neurology Education Podcast, Sex- and Gender-Specific Health Workshops for Medical Professionals.
Samantha (Sammi) Myers, M.D.
Hometown: Fairport, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: I knew firsthand from going to medical school here what a supportive environment it is, and the Pediatrics and Ob/Gyn programs here were a great fit for me and my partner!
Career Aspirations: Child neurology! I'm still exploring within child neuro, but have interests in movement disorders, palliative care, medical education, and research that focuses on quality of life and the patient or family experience.
Marissa Pierce, D.O.
Hometown: Webster, NY
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I love the energy of the program and current residents. Playing music during the interview stole my heart. I am also thrilled to move back home and put down roots with my husband.
Career Aspirations: Undecided
Kelly Shultz, D.O.
Hometown: Apalachin, NY
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester for proximity to home/family, affordable housing to pay ratios, diverse range of exposure to pathologies and resources for patients, personal connections to the Golisano Children's Network, and educational emphasis and structured learning. Rochester as an institution is looked up to very highly in my hometown, and I personally grew up looking up to the providers here and the quality of care—family, friends, and everyone in between are all excited and supportive of my training at Rochester.
Career Aspirations: Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) oncology and survivorship care/advocacy.
Sydney (Rae) Stremick, M.D.
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: Norton College of Medicine SUNY Upstate
Why I Chose Rochester: Rochester is home! I also love the opportunities for advocacy and community involvement in addition to strong medical training at both an academic institution and community hospital.
Career Aspirations: Currently drawn towards primary care, and am especially interested in working with kids in the foster care system.
Devin Towne, D.O.
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NY
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Rochester: The University of Rochester was the exception in an otherwise largely impersonal virtual application/interview process. From initial contact and throughout the interview season, the Peds Residency Program at Golisano Children's intentionally made me feel seen, valued, and wanted. My partner and I couples matched and were similarly blown away by what Rochester and URMC could offer us, but more importantly, by how the Pediatric and Ob/Gyn residency programs made our hearts feel throughout the process. We felt at peace the morning after match day and genuinely could not contain our excitement. That feeling is something I will never forget. This program and this city are an absolute gem, and I cannot wait to serve the pediatric community of Rochester and live out this dream of ours!
Career Aspirations: Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Emmeline (Emmy) Wheaton, M.D.
Hometown: Lexington, MA
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why I Chose Rochester: I chose Rochester because of the supportive community and commitment to the biopsychosocial model.
Career Aspirations: I am interested in working with patients with disabilities and the intersection of mental and physical health. I am still not sure if I want to pursue this through primary care or fellowship.
Yanwei (Zoe) Zhang, D.O.
Hometown: Shandong, China
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Why I Chose Rochester: First of all, the people and the community. I had very positive interactions with all the people I met and spoke with during my interview and social hours. The strong academic and clinical training UR provides is also very important to me, in addition to its expansive fellowship options. Joining Rochester further makes me have a happy husband who is returning to his familiar roots. Plus, who would say no to free yummy, catered lunch every day?!
Career Aspirations: I am passionate about procedures, and looking forward to pursue fellowships such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and neonatology.