Chief Residents
2025-2026
University Hospital at Downstate
Kai Shiang “Frank” Lin, MD
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Name of Medical School: Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: Downstate is a distinguished academic institution located in the heart of Brooklyn
that serves multiple unique patient populations. Coupled with a resident-centric X+Y
schedule, it offers outstanding clinical training and exposure to an uncommonly wide
variety of diseases. Looking back on my residency, I feel fortunate to have trained
at Downstate.
Career/Research Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies: Classical music/violin, table tennis, cinema, taking walks by the water, hanging
out with friends, exploring the city for new food options!
Selin Unal, MD
Hometown: Mersin, Turkey
Name of Medical School: Baskent University Medical School
Why I Chose Downstate for My IM Residency: I chose Downstate because it is Brooklyn’s only academic medical center, providing
critical healthcare to a diverse and underserved patient population. This environment
allows me to grow into a strong and well-rounded clinician.
Career/Research Interests: Cardiology
Hobbies: I love cooking and exploring cuisines
Selome Yewedalsew, MD
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Name of Medical School: Jimma University Medical Center
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I was drawn to Downstate for its strong commitment to serving underserved and uninsured
patient populations in the diverse community of Brooklyn. The residency provides broad
exposure through rotations across multiple hospitals and specialties, supported by
well-structured fellowship programs. This experience has deepened my ability to manage
complex pathologies and work with people from different cultural backgrounds, while
enriching my journey in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Career/Research Interests: Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hobbies: Traveling, spending time with family and friends, walking in the park, reading books,
drawing, and engaging in spiritual activities.
Brooklyn VA
Dedipya Bhamidipati, MBBS
Hometown: Hyderabad, India & Fremont, California
Name of Medical School: MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad India
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: The opportunity to serve diverse patient populations while simultaneously building
a comprehensive clinical knowledge base.
Career/Research Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies: Crocheting, painting, editing videos for YouTube/Instagram
Jonathan Lo, MD
Hometown: General Santos City, Philippines; Rancho Mirage, CA
Medical School: Ross University SOM
Why I chose Downstate for my IM residency: Downstate afforded me the opportunity to deliver high-quality care to an underserved
population. I also sought out Downstate's high-volume clinical training and diversity
of pathology to hone my diagnostic, clinical, and procedural skills.
Career/Research Interests: Gastroenterology/Hepatology
Hobbies: Film photography, piano, hiking, brewing coffee
Kings County/Mount Sinai Brooklyn
Ammar Abdulfattah, MBBS
Hometown: Alexandria, Egypt
Name of Medical School: Alexandria University
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: Because of its uniquely diverse patient population and commitment to caring for the
underserved in Brooklyn. The program’s culture of diversity and inclusion, combined
with a strong track record of graduates excelling in their careers, made it the ideal
place for me to grow as both a physician and an advocate.
Career/Research Interests: Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Hobbies: Road trips, hanging out with friends and family, swimming
Narinderjeet “Nina” Kaur, MD
Hometown: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Name of Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Downstate: I chose Downstate, as highly recommended by my mentor, for its reputation as a large
academic institution that serves an underserved and diverse patient population, provides
rotations across multiple hospitals with exposure to various EMRs, and offers extensive
training in a wide range of specialties.
Field of Interest: Gastroenterology/Hepatology
Hobbies: I enjoy Salsa and Bachata dancing, staying active through workouts, diving into self-development
books, and unwinding with Korean dramas.
Emily J. Kim, MD
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Medical School: St George’s University
Why I chose Downstate for IM Residency: I wanted to be at a large academic institution that allowed me to work with many
patients from different backgrounds and support a competitive application for a fellowship
if I chose to pursue one.
Career Interests: Hospice and Palliative Care, Hospital Medicine
Hobbies: trying new foods, travel, senior dog advocacy, playing and watching tennis
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Wayne-Andrew Palmer, MBBS
Hometown: St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Name of Medical School: University of the West Indies (Mona)
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I chose SUNY Downstate because of the chance to train in a diverse community and
care for patients with a wide range of complex conditions. Coming from Jamaica, I
was drawn to the sense of resilience and belonging I felt here, which reminded me
of home. The program’s culture of resident autonomy, supported by dedicated faculty
and mentors, shaped me into a skilled clinician and a confident leader.
Career/Research Interests: Cardiology/Cardiac amyloidosis/Medical Education
Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy quality time with my family, staying active through
fitness and running, experimenting with meal prepping and nutrition, and following
my passion as a car enthusiast.