Chief Residents
2026-2027
University Hospital at Downstate
Hamza Hamza, MD
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia & Khartoum, Sudan
Name of Medical School: University of Medical Sciences and Technology
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I chose Downstate for its reputation as a high-volume academic program serving one of the most diverse and underserved communities in the country. The opportunity to train across five hospital sites, each with its own unique patient population and clinical environment, was something I couldn't find anywhere else. I knew this was the place that would push me to become a well-rounded clinician and prepare me for the next chapter of my career.
Career/Research Interests: Cardiology, with a focus on cardiac critical care and electrophysiology
Hobbies: Playing football and FIFA (Manchester United supporter), hip-hop, traveling, and spending time with family
Leah Ragbir, MBBS
Hometown: San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago
Name of Medical School: University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I chose SUNY Downstate for its strong academic reputation, diverse clinical training, and supportive learning environment. As an IMG-friendly university program, it offered exposure to a broad spectrum of pathology while serving the diverse patient population of New York City. Training in the heart of Brooklyn has allowed me to care for an underserved community with a large Caribbean population, which has been especially gratifying for me as a Trinidadian. I was also drawn to the wide range of in-house fellowship opportunities and its culture of resident autonomy. With the guidance of dedicated faculty and mentors, Downstate has helped me grow into a skilled clinician, educator, and leader.
Career/Research Interests: Pulmonary-Critical Care Medicine/Palliative Care Medicine/Medical Education
Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy quality time with family and friends, partaking in Caribbean cultural events, staying active through fitness and outdoor activities, learning about new cultures, trying different cuisines and exploring the City.
Tarah Magloire, MD
Hometown: Port-au-Prince
Name of Medical School: University Notre Dame of Haiti
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I chose Downstate because, as a Haitian physician, I felt a strong connection to the diverse Caribbean and immigrant communities served by the institution. Caring for patients whose cultural backgrounds often mirror my own has made my training especially meaningful. At the same time, Downstate offers an incredibly diverse and rigorous clinical experience, exposing residents to a wide range of pathology and preparing us to practice medicine in any setting. And, of course, being in New York City is a definite bonus. Where else can you find world-class medicine, incredible food, and a life lesson on patience while waiting for the subway, all in the same day??!
Career/Research Interests: Gastroenterology
Hobbies: K-drama and crime documentary Connaisseur; Exploring New York's hidden food spots/restaurants, recently started baking.
Brooklyn VA
Stephanie Pappas, MD
Hometown: Orland Park, IL
Name of Medical School: St. George’s University
Why I chose Downstate for my IM residency: Downstate was the ideal program for me because it offered the perfect balance of strong clinical training, research opportunities, and a supportive focus on wellness. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to care for patients from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, which has allowed me to gain experience managing a uniquely diverse spectrum of medical conditions. Additionally, I was excited for the opportunity to train and live in New York City.
Career/Research Interest: Pulmonary/Critical care & Interventional Pulmonology
Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring Williamsburg, walking around Domino Park, attending Orangetheory classes, trying new restaurants, and shopping.
Daoud Eldawud, MBBS
Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Name of Medical School: Mutah University Faculty of Medicine
Why I Chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I chose Downstate because of its diverse patient population, high clinical volume, and exposure to complex pathology. The rigorous training environment and strong academic opportunities have allowed me to grow as both a clinician and a leader while serving an underserved community.
Career/Research Interest: I am interested in artificial intelligence in cardiology and cardiovascular outcomes research using large clinical databases.
Hobbies: Playing and watching soccer, practicing martial arts, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Kings County Hospital
Lucas Garcia Reinoso, MD
Hometown: Ronkonkoma, NY
Name of Medical School: SUNY Downstate
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: Brooklyn is home with its amazing diversity and downstate offers an amazing clinical experience which has prepared me for any scenario or opportunity.
Career/Research Interest: Cardiology/Electrophysiology
Hobbies: Exercise, Biking, Music, Basketball, Baseball, Football, Outdoor activities
Krishna Patel, MD
Hometown: Oakhurst, NJ
Name of Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I was drawn to the program's strong commitment to continued medical education, dedication to underserved patient populations, and exposure to diverse clinical pathologies.
Career/Research Interests: Cardiology
Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and close friends, exploring new cuisines, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying live comedy and sports.
Mount Sinai Brooklyn
Keston Rattan, MBBS
Hometown: Barataria, Trinidad and Tobago
Name of Medical School: The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I chose Downstate because I wanted rigorous clinical training in a place where the world truly comes to the bedside. As someone from Trinidad and Tobago, I was drawn to Brooklyn’s connection to the global diaspora and to caring for patients whose cultures and lived experiences shape each clinical encounter. Downstate gave me the autonomy, mentorship and clinical exposure to grow as a physician while staying grounded in service to the community. It has shaped me into a stronger clinician, educator and physician-leader committed to improving care for the communities we serve.
Career/Research Interest: Cardiology, with interests in heart failure, cardiovascular prevention and health equity.
Hobbies: Exploring New York City, fitness, fashion, trying new restaurants and traveling.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Eizabeth Allison, MD
Hometown: Queens, New York
Name of Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why I chose Downstate for my IM Residency: I chose Downstate because of the diverse patient population afforded from the opportunity to rotate at multiple hospitals throughout Brooklyn and New York City. The program’s commitment to excellence with a strong track record for shaping great leaders and clinicians allowed for the opportunity to grow as a leader, advocate, researcher, and clinician.
Career/Research Interest: Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology with interests in POCUS and medical education
Hobbies: Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with family, traveling and exploring new places, staying active through fitness and nutrition, trying new recipes in the kitchen, writing/ art, and building Lego!