WHO WE ARE
HARLEM
ATTENDINGS
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AWARD WINNING FACULTY
Edward Chew MD
Chair of Emergency Department
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Anjali Hulbanni MD
Associate Director of Emergency Department
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Avinash Viswanath MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Post-Residency Training:
Ultrasound fellowship - The Brooklyn Hospital Center
Destiny Judkins MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Michael Meguerdichian MD, MPH-Ed
NYCHHC Senior Assistant Vice President of Simulation
Harlem Simulation Center
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Joe Rodriguez, DO
Attending Physician
Taiwo Odufunade MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Sonam Jindal, DO
Attending Physician
Reynold Trowers MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Jeanette Haslett MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Christina Eng MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Lana Joinani, MD
Ultrasound Director Harlem Hospital
Attending Physician
Jimmy Feng MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Mike Chang MD
Medical Student Site Director
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Sharla Bryan DO
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Toni Wright MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Steve Ko MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Cara Taubman MD, MPH
Director of Disaster Medicine and Emergency Preparedness for Harlem Hospital
Post-Residency Training:
Global Emergency Medicine - Columbia University
Michael Bouton MD, MBA
Chief Medical Information Officer of NYC H+H
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Laura Riley MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Zachary Blankenship DO
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
Harlem Simulation Center Director
Abraham Chacko MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University
METROPOLITAN
ATTENDINGS
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AWARD WINNING TEACHING FACULTY
Gregory Almond MD, MPH, MS
Chief of Service
Chair of the Emergency Department
Getaw Hassen MD, PhD
Research Director
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Simulation Site Director
Kyle Kennedy MD
Assistant Program Director
Sonja Jauhal MD
Ultrasound Site Director
Post-Residency Training:
Ultrasound - ULA
Toussaint Reynolds MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Samrina Kahlon MD, MPH
Patient Safety Officer
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Jaspreet Singh MD
Daniel Mor DO, MEHP
Assistant Program Director
Austin Choi DO
Director of Faculty Development
Assistant Professor Emergency Medicine
Rajnish Jaiswal MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Roger Chirurgi MD, FAAEM
Program Director
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Hossein Kalantari MD
Associate Director of Research
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Mona Singh MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Monica Parraga MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Christina Ciraco DO
Associate Program Director
Clerkship Director
Rajeswari Pingle MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Rania Habal MD, FACEP
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Robert Leviton MD
Physician Advisor
Ronald Shaw MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
George Russo DO
Associate Chief of Emergency Medicine
Dahlia Bergmann-Dumont MD
Simulation Director
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Defne Nayman MD
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
"I have had the pleasure of working here since finishing my Emergency Medicine residency at Brooklyn Hospital in 1994. have always wanted to work and serve in a population that was underserved in terms of access to great medical care and help patients of color who may feel more comfortable getting care from a professional who "looks like them" in their community. I have witnessed the growth and change at Harlem Hospital, as it evolves to keep pace with the continuous changes of the greater health care system, and the Emergency Department now has a joint Emergency Medicine Residency program with Metropolitan Hospital, which was a long time coming. I certainly have enjoyed working these many years at this institution and look forward to my continued contributions to this community."- Dr. Toni Wright, Harlem Attending since 1994
"Born and raised in NYC, I learned at an early age the value of public service from my father, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Sr. who served in the U.S Public Health Service during the pandemic of 1919 and from my father, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. who served in the segregated U.S Army Air Corp during WWII as a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and a pioneer of Sports Medicine. It is on their shoulders that I have served the community of Harlem for over 3 decades, providing care to friends and family as well as patients from literally all over the globe. I was taught that once you find your passion in life it becomes your responsibility to share it with others. Emergency Medicine is my passion. I have been fortunate to find this unique opportunity and serve at Harlem Hospital. We should never forget that it is our service to others that matters and in the end it is our service to others that will endure"- Dr. Dennis Brown, Harlem Attending since 1998
"I had the privilege of becoming a true son of Metropolitan Hospital, as I trained there both in internal and emergency medicine. We have a long history of fostering diversity, learning and camraderie. I am honored to start my career as an attending in the Metropolitan Emergency Department, and I am certainly looking forward to add to the amazing repertoire of experienced physicians who work here. One of my main interests is medical student and resident education. Our program has a well-rounded faculty which has the power to create a deep and meaningful academic experience for learners. My main interests are cardiovascular emergencies and pharmacology. Outside of practicing medicine, the department and leadership are always eager to promote staff wellbeing, intellectual development and establish long-lived relationships. As a new attending, I am looking forward to this new chapter in my professional path and it is an honor to do so at Metropolitan Hospital." Dr. Mauricio Gonzalez Arias, Metropolitan Attending and Alumni, CEO Human Restoration Program, Founder Medical Immersion VeggiePower, @dr.mauriciogonzalez
""As a graduate of the Met-Harlem residency program, I have had the immense fortune of receiving my training and founding education here. I am honored and eager to serve as Simulation director for the Emergency Department. Simulation is an ever growing and exciting field, and I will strive to expand the learning experience for future residents. Met-Harlem has been at the forefront of innovation in resident education and instruction and was one of the first departments in the country to include simulation learning as an integral part of the training curriculum. With a dedicated 3D-Printer lab, we augment simulation teaching with realistic life size models. Our state-of-the-art Ultrasound machines enhance learning and provide critical training for students and residents. Outside of didactics the department and leadership are committed to staff wellness, faculty development, leadership training while maintaining a friendly and nurturing environment. As a new attending, I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career and feel humbled to do so with the Met-Harlem family and well as the East Harlem community." - Dr. Dahlia Bergmann-Dumont, Metropolitan ED Simulation Director and Alumni
Chief Residents
Abaynesh H. Nigussie, MD, MPH
Addis Ababa Universi
Metropolitan Administrative Chief Resident
I was born and raised in Tigray, Ethiopia and went to Addis Ababa University for med school. My grandmother was a traditional healer to the community in our village and my wish is to continue her legacy with evidence based medicine. I love traveling and exploring new places and culture. My journey to residency was full of challenges but it has led me to travel to many countries and that gave me so much courage to pursue my dream.
Jonathan Chabon, MD
Ben-Gurion University
Harlem Administrative Chief Resident
I was born in Israel and raised in Massachusetts. After studying chemistry and molecular biology at Wesleyan University, I pursued a career in cancer research. Eventually I returned to Israel to study medicine at Ben-Gurion University where I developed a passion for Emergency Medicine. I am very excited to join the MetHarlem team and to learn EM in NYC where the diversity of patient populations and pathologies is unparalleled.
Outside of EM, I am happiest being active and outdoors with friends and family. I love skiing, long hikes, and beach/lake days, but I equally enjoy cozy nights playing board games or watching movies.
Stella Yun, MD
St. George's University School of Medicine
Academic & Wellness Chief Resident
My NYC street name is Young Heay, but my family and friends call me Stella. I’m a 1.5 generation Korean American immigrant raised in Queens, NY with big dreams to win the lottery one day. I attended Northeastern University in Boston shortly before a two-year stint in Grenada to pursue medicine and spent the remainder of medical school frolicking around NYC hospitals while forging my life’s greatest love story with emergency medicine.
Outside of the ED, you’ll probably catch me city hiking to find the best cheap eats, thrifting, powerlifting, trying new skincare, and attending warehouse concerts with music that’s probably too loud. I dislike the great outdoors and walking up inclines but will always be down to drive up to a summit for some insta-worthy views. Most importantly, I’m a city girl through and through and am grateful that I get to serve the community that I love and call home!
PGY-3
Andrew Bloy MD
St. George's University School of Medicine
Hey there! My name is Andrew. Originally, I’m from the great state of New Jersey but my journey so far has taken me all over the world. I’ve done a little bit of everything from teaching newly-arrived refugee students in Germany, coaching competitive youth soccer in Boston, and hosting the (self-proclaimed) number #1 trivia night in the West Indies. The variety, unpredictability, and camaraderie of the emergency room drew me in right away. Within EM, I’m interested in medical education, ultrasound, and global health. I could not be more excited to be at MetHarlem learning emergency medicine in the greatest city in the world!
Outside of the ED, I like to live, laugh, and love. I especially enjoy backpacking through other countries, for me, it’s a truly unforgettable way to experience a new place. I’m also into anything that gets the adrenaline pumping: motorcycles, skiing, questionably sanitary street food, etc. However, if I’m not working, there’s also a good chance you will find me relaxing in my trusty hammock!
Davy NwaChukwu, Jr. MD, MPH
Ross University School of Medicine
Hi my name’s Davy! I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, before I moved to New York, where I’ve now lived off and on for seven years. I previously volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician, where I developed a love for emergency medicine and knew I couldn’t get enough of it. I love the chaos of the ED and the feeling that I need to be ready for whatever comes through the door.
I like to stay active and pretty much stay outside of my house as much as possible. I’m a huge basketball (Lakers) and soccer (Chelsea FC) fan. I like going to concerts, dancing, trying new restaurants, visiting museums, and exploring the city! I recently discovered how much I love jazz, so I’ve been going to jazz clubs all throughout the city. I’m also on a quest to find the absolute best pizza place in NYC, and I have a long list I’m ripping through, but I’m also happy to get more recommendations!
Mohammad Ganji MD, MS
Semmelweis University
I was born and raised in Iran. After finishing my bachelor's degree in computer programming, I decided to study medicine. I moved to Budapest and studied medicine at Semmelweis University. Then, I moved to Boston and completed a master's program in bioimaging at BU. After the pandemic, I moved to NYC to study MPH at NYMC and work as a research assistant in the emergency department of the Metropolitan hospital. I am honored and excited to be part of the MetHarlem EM residency program.
Outside of medicine, my interests include reading, soccer, and video games. I almost forgot that I used to be a semi-pro billiard/snooker player with some national awards but it was a long time ago ;)
Ahmed Ali Hashmi MD
Aga Khan University Medical College
Hi! I'm Ahmed, and I'm from Baltimore. I am proud to be a part of the MetHarlem EM family. I can't imagine a better city to train in, and am super excited to begin my life as an EM resident. Outside of medicine, I spend my free time playing video games and watching horror movies with friends.
Carlos Pujols DO
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Harlem
Hello everyone! My name is Carlos Pujols. I was born in NYC and raised in Tampa, Florida. I attended the University of Florida for undergrad and moved to NYC to attend TouroCOM.
Outside of medicine, I love to travel, go to concerts, spend time with my pup Gordo, hang with friends/family, and explore all NYC has to offer. I am excited to begin my training as a resident physician at MetHarlem!
Edrist Duneant, MD
Faculté de médecine et de Pharmacie de l’université d’état d’Haiti
My name is Edrist Duneant, and I am from Haiti, where I also attended medical school. Similar to almost everyone from a French country, I have a French accent… A French-Caribbean accent while speaking English. My dream is to contribute to providing the most advanced, evidence-based emergency and critical care accessible to everyone (worldwide). I am interested in critical care, ultrasound, and global health.
Emergency medicine is not my only passion; I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am keen on taking photos, listening to music, admiring nature, and traveling. For sports, I like basketball and extreme motorsports.
Vyacheslav (Slav) Fatkhiyev MD
St. George's University School of Medicine
Hello all, my name is Slav, born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I came to the US when I was 5 and grew up in NYC and NJ. For my undergrad, I studied philosophy at Rutgers University. Before med school, I ran an electronics repair business and worked as an EMT. During med school I realized that the ER is my one true dojo, and working at MetHarlem is a dream come true. It is my honor to serve such an incredible community in a city that has given me so much and that I am most grateful to call home.
Other things that I appreciate are live music, hiking, handball, playing the piano, tennis, dancing, dry martinis, and dry humor.
PGY-2
Jarrod Sheehan, DO
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi everyone! I grew up in Maryland and moved to Washington DC for undergrad at George Washington University. After spending two years working as an ED scribe and a paralegal in and around DC, I moved down to Miami for medical school at Nova Southeastern. Living in Miami was incredible. It was a place where I found the true value of daily sunscreen use, discovered the hype behind Bad Bunny, and of course my love for EM!
Outside the ED, I love exploring big cities, museums, and traveling with my fiancé Catherine. If not that, I can be found running around alongside my energetic dog, Kahlo (named after Frida Kahlo) or cheering on Liverpool FC.
I am incredibly excited to train at MetHarlem and honored to serve the community of New York.
Navneet Chawla, MD
St. Matthews University School of Medicine
I’m Navneet and I grew up in Long Island, NY. In high school I quickly learned that suburban life was not for me and I took every opportunity to go to NYC to be amongst diverse people, eat the best food, and explore new cultures. I studied at NYU for undergrad and then went to the Cayman Islands for medical school. I was introduced to the field of emergency medicine while volunteering as an EMT, and fell in love with the specialty after doing a rotation. I am so thrilled to train in my dream speciality and continue exploring the concrete jungle.
In my free time I enjoy traveling, a good Netflix show, and a nice cup of chai with friends and family. Writing is a huge stress buster for me and I hope to continue this passion alongside my journey as an emergency medicine physician!
Kristina Mandala, MD
St. George's University School of Medicine
Hi! I’m Kristina, but my friends call me Tina. Having been born and raised in Brooklyn, NY I am very excited for the opportunity to serve my city. True to my emergency medicine form, my hobbies consist of anything active, especially surfing, snorkeling, and running.
My passion for emergency medicine began during my shadowing experiences in undergrad and has only grown throughout medical school. Coming from a family of FDNY firefighters, my passion within emergency medicine lies in EMS.
Maty Boury, MD
AUC School of Medicine
Hello beautiful people! This is your favorite YAY-Areaaaaa girl, Maty. I was born in Oakland, California, yet raised from the age of 8 in my lovely homeland of Senegal. After receiving my Bachelor of Science from UC Merced, I spent 2 years working as a Health coach, phlebotomist, and medical/research assistant in Hormone Replacement Therapy. I dedicated most of my pursuits to community engagement and advancement which is amongst the many things that led me to my passion for Emergency Medicine. I am highly interested in Global EM, Critical Care and Simulation. It’s an honor and true joy to join the MetHarlem program to continue my dreams and passion in EM.
All of that aside, I’m one big ray on Sunshine (true Cali girl at heart). I love anything related to fitness and health; the gym is my outlet. I love listening to music, discovering restaurants, hiking, doing puzzles, binge watching old Sit-Coms and traveling. Family and friends are always my core support. NYC is going to be a great adventure and I am honored to serve the diverse Harlem community!
Trisha Paul, MD
Anna Medical College and Research Center
Hey! I'm Trisha, born and raised in India, and I moved to Qatar in high school, after which I went to medical school in Mauritius. The adrenaline, drive, and precision it takes as a team to quickly save someone was something that drew me to Emergency Medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy watching stand-up comedy, traveling, and cleaning (growing up, I wanted to be a maid). I'm super excited to work at MetHarlem while living in the best city in the world.
Shivani Shwarya, MD
Vdyehi Institute of Medical Sciences
Hey there, I'm Shivani! I was born in Cali, and raised in Bangalore, India where I did my medical school and fell in love with the ER. And no, it wasn't just Conrad Hawkins that drew me in, I promise! During my rotations in NYC, I had the opportunity to serve the Harlem community, and I knew that I had found my calling! I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to be part of the MetHarlem family, where I can continue to grow and learn as a medical professional.
My specific interests in emergency medicine include trauma, critical care, and aviation medicine. As an avid diver, I'm hoping to become a dive emergency first responder and conquer all three terrains!
Outside of medicine, I enjoy exploring my creative side through fashion, decor and social media. I also prioritize a healthy and fit lifestyle, enjoy exploring new foods and traveling, and hope to one day fly a plane. As a plant mama, I'm eagerly awaiting the day I add ‘dog mom’ to my title - but for now, my green babies keep me plenty busy!
Mary Sohan, DO
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Harlem
Hello All! My name is Mary Sohan. I was born in NYC and grew up in northern NJ loving science and many types of art (dance, instrumental and vocal music). I returned to New York to attend college at NYU where I studied Film and Television at Tisch School of the Arts. I then worked in television commercial production for five years. In that time I grew up and came to appreciate what would be essential for me going forward in my working life: I wanted to serve humanity and never have a reason to stop learning. On my 25th birthday I made the decision to pursue my lifelong aspiration to become a physician. At 26 I started my premedical education at Hunter College while working as a Unit Clerk on weekends to gain hospital experience. Later I did a Master’s in Science at Drexel University School of Medicine before starting medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem. I want to work with underserved populations and I love Harlem so I am incredibly proud to be returning to join the MetHarlem EM team!
Outside of the hospital I love to garden, hike and spend time with family and friends. I am excited to get back to the culture, music and community of my favorite neighborhood in NYC.
Cynthia Duran, MD
Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina Guadalajara
Originally from Edinburg, Texas and grew up with my mother, siblings, and nieces/nephews. I am within the first generation of my family to further my education. I earned my BS in Chemistry and Biology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Afterwards, I worked in a research lab at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX before I attended medical school.
What better place to train in EM than in the most diverse and densely populated city in the United States.
Outside the hospital, I pride myself for my green thumb, my black cat Dexter, and supporting friends.
Larry Doyle, MD
St. George's University School of Medicine
Hello, friends! My name is Larry. Born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, I took the long way around to return to the Northeast. Since finishing my Bachelor's in neuroscience at the University of Miami, I took on a series of jobs, some more interesting than others, before finding my way to SGU in Grenada, which fed me straight into NYC to continue my clinical training. I've been a furniture mover, EMT, Scribe manager, bicycle courier, and a professional gamer, but of anything I've ever been, there's nothing in the world like being a physician. With my background, I strive to bring excellent customer service to top-notch patient care. I want to make the ED more efficient for care teams and comfortable for patients, so I focus heavily on studying administration, education, and quality improvement. My wildest dreams of living in and serving the people of the greatest city in the world have already come true while I continue my path to mastery of emergency medicine.
Outside of medicine, I love games, good food, and live music. When I'm not on shift, you can find me on the sticks at a local arcade, reliving the glory days competing in a gaming tournament, catching a horror movie, checking out a new brewery, or in the park playing (and losing at) chess. All that said think of me as the first to say, "I'm in!" for any adventure this city has to offer.
Tilahun Jufara, MD
Addis Ababa University
Hello there. I'm Tilahun (Tile), and I was born and raised in Ethiopia. I completed an Emergency Medicine residency after graduating from medical school, and I have spent the last five years practicing as an EM physician. I'm interested in ultrasound and critical care in EM. I am super excited to be at MetHarlem and am looking forward to learning from the New York diverse patient and staff communities. Outside of ED, I enjoy spending time with families and friends, trying new restaurants, and seeing my favorite team, Man utd, play.
Shedane Latty, MD
St. George's University School of Medicine
Hello there! I was born and raised in Jamaica, W.I., and have lived in NYC for over 10yrs. I'm a graduate of CUNY Bronx Community College and Cornell University. After a few years of volunteering, teaching, and self-discovery, I attended St. George's University School of Medicine.
My professional interests are Global/International Medicine and ultrasound.
When I'm not busy studying or working, I enjoy playing or watching football (soccer), stand-up comedy shows, exploring the vegan food scene across the boroughs, poetry, museums, and a stroll through Central Park.
So happy to be a part of the MetHarlem family! I'm excited to start this new journey in a remarkable program with a stellar group of co-residents.
Zhargam Ul Haq, MD
Lahore Medical College
Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, I completed my medical school there before embarking on a journey to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine (EM) in the United States. The vibrant city of New York, particularly NYC, has always held a special place in my heart, and I consider myself fortunate to contribute to healthcare in such a dynamic and diverse environment. Joining this pioneering EM program in New York is a dream come true for me. Outside of work, I feel joy in swimming, exploring mountains during my travels and trying new restaurants. When it comes to entertainment, 'The Big Bang Theory' resonates with me more deeply than any other show, including the popular 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S.' series.
PGY-1
Jay Kammerman, DO
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hey there! My name is Jay and I am excited to begin my journey as an emergency medicine resident physician. I grew up on Long Island, New York, and studied Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. My medical school journey took me to Clearwater, Florida, where I attended Nova Southeastern University. It was during my time there that I discovered my passion for emergency medicine, drawn to the dynamic, fast-paced environment and the opportunity to make a difference in critical moments.
Returning to New York to serve the diverse NYC community is incredibly rewarding. Outside of medicine, I enjoy watching and discussing the NFL, NBA and MLB. I also enjoy hosting board game nights such as Catan and partaking in movie marathons.
I look forward to contributing to the Met/Harlem team and making a positive impact in the lives of those I serve.
Pooja Mahli, MD
St. George's University School of Medicine
Hey! I was born and raised in SoCal so like any true Californian I love anything that involves being out in the sun and in the water. While finishing undergrad at UC Merced I worked as an ER scribe where I fell in love with the chaos in the speciality. Being a city girl I am thrilled to be a part of the Met/Harlem family and serve NYC’s diverse population. Outside of medicine I’m a world traveler, fashionista, shopaholic, basketball fan (let’s go lakers!), plant/dog mom and foodie.
Marium Mehmood, MD
Dow Medical School
I grew up in Pakistan and graduated from Dow Medical College in Karachi. A few years ago, I moved to Chicago. Emergency Medicine is not just my profession; it defines who I am. I am an adventurous person who enjoys traveling, hiking, and driving. I love meeting new people and hearing their life stories while offering my help. Although rare, I have volunteered as a doctor on board two different plane flights. I am honored to be a part of Met Harlem, and living in NYC is truly a dream come true.
Miranda Ogle, DO
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi! I’m Miranda! I was born and raised in Kokomo, IN and am a Midwesterner through and through. I did undergrad at Butler University in Indianapolis and moved up to Chicago for medical school.
I fell in love with EM when I started working as an ED tech in undergrad. I love the chaos, the personalities of my colleagues, and the opportunity to serve my community. I’m interested in everything, but most excited to explore EM’s role in social/public health, pediatrics, and ultrasound.
In another life, I’d have been a starving artist, but for now, I settle for making amateur pottery, painting, and appreciating other people’s art. I also love yoga, pickleball, being in any body of water, weekday concerts, reality tv, and eating my way through new neighborhoods.
I’m so excited to be joining the MetHarlem team!!
Sana Khan, MD
Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences
Hi there!
I am from north India and attended medical school in New Delhi, a city renowned for its vibrant cultural and culinary tapestry. During my rotation at Metropolitan Hospital, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. From day one, the residents and faculty were welcoming, creating a supportive and inspiring environment. It was evident that this was a place where I could not only learn and grow as a physician but also develop into a well-rounded individual.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy staying active by exploring new places and immersing myself in diverse cultures. Whether hitting the gym or engaging in cognitive calisthenics, I'm always up for a challenge. Despite my best efforts, I seem to have a talent for missing flights.
Hamid Mazloom, MD
SBU Medical Sciences
I was born and raised in Iran. I completed my medical school and Emergency Medicine Residency in my homeland and worked for several years as an emergency physician in urban and rural areas. in 2019, I immigrated to Canada and began studying and working there. Finally, all my effort paid off when I was accepted into the MetHarlem EM residency program. I am so excited to be a part of the EM family here.
Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my family and friends, dining out, and watching movies. I am also a soccer fan and follow the UEFA Champions League. My favourite club is Barcelona.
Franis P. Mele
St. George's University School of Medicine
Hey, I'm Francis! I grew up in South Jersey and earned my BS in biochemistry from Albright College in Reading, PA in 2019. After that I worked as a lab tech for a year at Temple University before starting online med school at St. George’s University in 2020. In 2021 I got to spend a year in Grenada learning medicine and exploring the island. Next I moved to NYC, Oakland, and Miami for rotations. My professional interests are in critical care medicine, medical education, and working with underserved populations. I’m super excited to train at MetHarlem and make a difference in the community.
Outside of the ED you can find me cooking, going to the beach, exploring new places, hiking, and slowly learning how to golf.
Rebecca Sturges, MD
University of Toledo Colleg eof Medicine
Hi everyone! Officially my name is Rebecca, but everyone calls me Becca unless I’m in trouble or have made one too many science puns. I am originally from Tucson, AZ but grew up in Detroit and went to school in Toledo, OH. In medical school I began working with human trafficking victims and that has spilled over into everything I am passionate about in Emergency Medicine. My dream is to make every ER a safe space for anyone that sets foot inside.
My favorite things outside of medicine are my dog, Chance (named after Chance the Rapper), and my two cats! I am also a marathon runner, but I only run a race if I think the medal is pretty enough or the snacks at the end are particularly good. My faith is the most important thing in my life, and I look forward to finding a new church in NYC! If I’m not at the hospital, you can usually find me on a hike with Chance, playing the Legend of Zelda or Animal Crossing, or out with friends. I am so blessed to be part of this residency and cannot wait to make my life in New York!
David Tuyn, DO
Nova Southeastern University College of Medicine
Hi! My name is David, and I was born and raised in South Florida. Prior to medical school, I obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida, and worked as an engineer throughout most of medical school. I’m fascinated by the ways technology has revolutionized medicine, and hope to one day help bridge the gap between these two fields. I live for all the excitement Emergency Medicine (EM) has to offer, and what better place to train other than the heart of NYC! I’m incredibly blessed to call MetHarlem home and to serve its diverse community. Some of my interests in EM include Sports Medicine, Ultrasound, and Aerospace Medicine. Outside of medicine, my hobbies include surfing, scuba diving, cooking, hiking, and traveling.
Paras Yousef, MD
Jinnah Sindh Medical University
Hi, I am Paras, born and raised in the City of Lights- Karachi, Pakistan. I worked as an Emergency Medicine Resident in my hometown before coming to the US. My favorite things about EM are the procedures and the hands-on skills. I am thrilled to join the MetHarlem EM team and excited to live in NYC. The city's nightlife, with all its excitement, feels similar to the rush I get at work.
I am interested in Critical Care, Ultrasound, and Medical Education. I aspire to contribute to providing the most up-to-date, integrated, and patient-centered emergency and critical care accessible to everyone.
Outside of medicine, I love organizing and decorating my home, painting, trying homemade skincare hacks, and volunteering for community outreach programs.
Juan Villabona, MD
SUNY Downstate School of Medicine
Im Colombian-American ; I was fortunate enough to be born in Miami where I happily spent the first 20 years of my life. I grew up interested in music, sports, exercising, and spending time with my family and friends. I had a great life. I spent the first 2 years after High School In the Honors College @Miami Dade College. After graduating I spent two years in Baltimore where I finished undergrad with a Bachelors in Medicine Science and the Humanities. I then moved back to Miami where I spent two years home as a medical scribe enjoying every second of not being a student. I worked first at South Miami Hospital in the ER for a year. I then took it upon myself to seek scribing opportunities in as many different specialties as I could. I spent time in PM&R, Interventional Radiology, Oncology, Cardiology and GI creating my own mini clinical clerkships. Ultimately my favorite memories came from my time in Emergency Departments across South Florida; and this proved to be true again during my EM rotations as a med student at various Hospitals around NYC.
I’ve spent the last 5 years here in the City, living the dream, and appreciating the life I had before medicine.
My favorite borough is Queens, my favorite place in NYC is LaGuardia Airport, on my time off I’m either driving to the gym, working out, driving home, eating or napping.
I fee fortunate for the opoortunity to spend the next three years learning how to give the highest quality and most compassionate care possible.
Tsega Hailu, MD
Addis Ababa University
Hello!! I go by Sega. Born and raised in Ethiopia and moved to United States after I finished high school. I did my undergrad at University of Colorado in mechanical engineering with a minor in math. I did medical school at Addis Ababa University school of medicine. I am incredibly thrilled to train in Emergency Medicine at MetHarlem. It’s a dream come true.
Having lived in Colorado, I have a fondness for the outdoors! I also enjoy spending time with friends and family.
ALUMNI
Describe your image
Describe your image
MetHarlem’s alumni span across the country and the world. They have gone on to do fellowships in wilderness medicine, EMS, ultrasound, toxicology and critical care as well as many more while others pursue administrative or academic positions right out of residency often at prestigious coveted academic institutions.
Other alumni have taken the community medicine route and work in local communities all around the country including high paying jobs and some have even chosen exciting international careers around the world. Quite a few even stay on per-diem or come on as full time faculty! We have a long history of residents getting their top career choices upon graduation.
2022 Graduates
 Professional PhotoMedical Education Fellow MetHarlem Assistant Program Director MetHarlem |  George Russo, MDAttending Physician Brooklyn VA |  Evan Yates, MDUltrasound Fellow NYU Clinical Instructor, Ronald O. Perelman Department of EM at NYU |
|---|---|---|
 Danny Choy, DO |  Alejandro Cardenas, MDAttending Physician Midstate Medical center Bradley Memorial Hospital |  Jennifer Pusztay, DOAttending Physician Coney Island Hospital |
 Rana Mirzaie Joinanni, MDAttending Physician Harlem Hospital NYCHH |  Ali Elnatour, DOAttending Physician Richmond University Medical Center |  Yitzchak Goldsmith, DOAttending Physician Westchester Medical Center |