Primary Care Residents
PGY 1, 2024-2025
Faatihat Adebayo-Tijani
Hometown: Saki, Nigeria
Interests: Reading, sightseeing and spending time with my family
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose this residency program because of its commitment to serving the underserved community of Central Brooklyn.
Mackendy Arthur
Hometown: Saint-Marc, Haiti
Interests: Working out, outdoor activities, singing
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I enjoy developing long-term relationships with my patients, providing continuity of care from preventive services to the management of chronic conditions. I strive to be present for my patients, coordinating patient care among specialists, promoting patient education and supporting patient wellness.
Talha Islam
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Interests: Playing squash, cooking and hiking
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: The strong focus on preventative health allows one to make a significant difference in our patients' lives. I feel that building long-term relationships is incredibly rewarding and look forward to doing this as a Downstate PCIM resident.
Noorulain Bawaney
Hometown: Pakistan
Interests: Exploring the city and eating!
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: On interview day, I felt this was the only program that took the time to really read through the candidates' applications and tried to get to know us as not just future physicians but also as people with hobbies, interests, and personalities. I felt reassured that this program will select for a mix people that I can really relate to/become friends with, and I was confident that this program cares about the wellness of their residents!
Samruddhi Bhoyar
Hometown: Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Interests: Cooking, trying new restaurants, traveling, working out, playing basketball
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Downstate PCIM because I felt so welcomed during my interview. This program really took the time to read through candidate applications and actually got to know us on a personal level. Additionally, this program is centered on community based health and wellness making sure residents are well trained in primary care and all of Internal Medicine. The supportive and welcoming culture of the faculty and residents is why Downstate PCIM is the right program for me.
Xuanling Du
Hometown: Hangzhou, China
Interests: Cats, food and hiking
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: Downstate PCIM offers unparalleled primary care training and learning opportunities. We can explore every detail of primary care from the continuity practice to the subspecialty clinics. The approachable leadership, mentors, preceptors and senior residents make the program a big family.
Joe George
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Interests: Basketball, working out, running, photography / videography, live music
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: After meeting program leadership on interview day, I admired how highly they valued patient-centered care and how strongly this program is involved in improving the health of communities in need. I was drawn to how invested they are in developing residents into exceptional physicians. The residents spoke highly of the training and culture of SUNY Downstate PCIM. I am grateful and honored to have joined the team.
Mahmoud Hadhoud
Hometown: Giza, Egypt
Interests: Playing soccer, reading literature, exploring social sciences, playing video games
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I wanted to become a well-rounded physician who emphasizes community-based medicine. Downstate PCIM was the perfect choice for me.
Tahir Jatoi
Hometown: Old Jatoi, Pakistan
Kshitiz Karki
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Interests: Playing soccer, reading books, traveling
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Downstate PCIM because it is an academically focused program that prioritizes residents’ overall growth. It offers exposure to a diverse patient population and a wide range of pathologies, providing a unique experience in treating and supporting the underserved community in Brooklyn.
Tasnuva Shafin
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Interests: Traveling, playing badminton, and cooking
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: Downstate PCIM was a great fit for me because I want to be a trusted advocate and partner in my patients' healthcare journeys, navigating complex medical issues and celebrating their successes. I am drawn to the variety and challenge of primary care, where every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow. By choosing Downstate PCIM, I am fulfilling my desire to make a positive impact on my community and leave a lasting legacy.
Khushboo Sojitra
Hometown: New Orleans, New York
Interests: Pilates, eating at new restaurants, playing sports
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose PCIM because of the patient diversity, supportive leadership, and strong community feel amongst all members of the program.
PGY 2, 2024-2025
Zaheer Bukhari
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Interests: A cricket player, he enjoys giving old furniture new life
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: Brooklyn is my home, and Downstate has been my home base for research and clinical exploration - this program was a natural fit.
Sumaiyia Chowdhury
Hometown: Queens, New York
Interests: Cooking, crafting, fashion and event planning
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Downstate PCIM because of my interactions with the leadership during my interview. Their passion and dedication towards this program inspired me and made me feel like this was a place where I could succeed.
Kevin Han
Hometown: Beijing and Missouri
Interests: Climbing mountains, cooking, caring for animals
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: This is a big, warm family, you will have so many big brothers and sisters and fantastic supervisors to support you, as well as awesome co-interns to work with! I am looking forward to growing longitudinal relationships with patients in our primary care practice. This is an environment in which I will grow and thrive as I pursue my career in medicine.
Jacquelyn Huang
Hometown: New York
Interests: Exploring the city and eating!
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: On interview day, I felt this was the only program that took the time to really read through the candidates' applications and tried to get to know us as not just future physicians but also as people with hobbies, interests, and personalities. I felt reassured that this program will select for a mix people that I can really relate to/become friends with, and I was confident that this program cares about the wellness of their residents!
Shermanda Jean-Francois
Hometown: Florida
Interests: Traveling, gardening, reading, and cooking
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Downstate PCIM because it is centered on community-based health and wellness, treating a diverse underserved community, and ensuring residents are adequately trained in primary care skills. Its approachable faculty involved with the residents' training and collaborative curriculum make Downstate PCIM the program of choice.
Jerry Jose
Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY and India
Interests: Drawing and cooking
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Downstate PCIM for several reasons. Firstly, the program's emphasis on academics aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. Moreover, the supportive leadership at Downstate was also a significant appeal. Knowing that the program's leaders are committed to our success and well-being provides a sense of security and motivation. Lastly, the friendly and helpful nature of all the residents I met during my interview process left a lasting impression. The sense of camaraderie and mutual support within the program is invaluable, as it fosters a collaborative learning environment where I can thrive.
Erwin Odongo
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Interests: Playing video games, training my dog, hiking, and exercising
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose PCIM because it offers me an opportunity to train and serve a diverse population across the economic and cultural landscape. The faculty are experienced, supportive and friendly.
Emmanuel Omole
Hometown: Buffalo and Nigeria
Interests: Playing soccer, ping pong and dancing
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: The program offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality health services in underserved communities, work with diverse patient populations, participate in quality improvement projects, and engage in healthcare advocacy—all of which align perfectly with my values. The program's structure, which allows for building long-term patient relationships and continuity of care, resonates deeply with my commitment to holistic patient-centered care. Additionally, the exceptional program leadership, supportive faculty, and commitment to resident well-being made it a clear choice for me.
Ruchi Patel
Hometown: New Jersey
Smita Rajan
Hometown: Ridgewood, NY
Interests: Tennis, pilates, cooking and travel
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Downstate PCIM because I really loved that it is a smaller and academic focused program that provides residents with unique learning opportunities from treating an underserved population in Brooklyn to hosting events to give back to the local community. The program focuses on a holistic medical education both in and out of the hospital. Most importantly, the program leadership is extremely supportive of their residents, which has created a genuine camaraderie for the PCIM residency.
Hira Tahir
Hometown: Pakistan
Interests: Cooking, hiking, taking long drives
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: Downstate PCIM was a great fit for me because of its cultural diversity and academic rigor. As a bonus, it's close to home!
Radhika Thakkar
Hometown: Sunnyvale, California
Interests: Eating at new restaurants, playing with my cat, taking long coastal drives and appreciating basketball
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: Downstate PCIM gave me a wonderfully warm and welcoming feeling since our first interaction. The program leadership is extremely admirable, and most importantly, strongly advocates for their residents. In addition, the small cohorts allow for close relationships amongst co-residents, making work enjoyable and learning more personalized.
PGY 3, 2024-2025
Rabab Abdalla
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY & Sydney, Australia
Interests: I love to travel to new and unique places immersing myself in cultures different than my own. I find it gives me new perspectives that better equip me to help my patients
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: Our program is based in a university hospital setting which allows us a plethora of resources to pursue both professional and personal interests. In addition to focusing on academic and patient care activities, we are privileged to have activities encompassing communication skills, QI projects, volunteer opportunities and more.
Gemonique Bowen
Hometown: Miami, FL & Brooklyn, NY
Interests: I am interested in music, art and cooking. My professional interests include internal medicine, cardiology, women's health and community health.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Downstate PCIM because I really appreciated the program's holistic approach to health care, community involvement and the sense of genuine kindness/thoughtfulness that I felt from the faculty and program team. My goal is to be a healthcare provider who practices preventative medicine, engages in community health initiatives, treat acute illnesses, treat chronic illnesses, practice specialty medicine. This PCIM program affords me the opportunity do all of those things.
Anwesha Chaudhuri
Hometown: Kolkata, India
Interests: Listening to and performing Indian classical/fusion music, watching Broadway shows, doing Karaoke with friends, painting
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: The excellent leadership and mentor support was evident from the interviews and resident interactions. This program cares about you and your growth as a resident. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a well-rounded university program in primary care, with plenty of learning opportunities in IM.
Ryan Gheevarghese
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, NY
Interests: Primary Care Internal Medicine and Hospital Medicine.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I love this program because I feel valued as a person and just not another resident. The continuity clinic is one of the best parts, because it helps us build a strong rapport with the patients we serve. Being able to practice medicine in such a diverse community and being mentored by supportive leadership are just some of the things that make this program a great fit.
Nawshin Zara Jamil
Hometown: Ottawa, Canada & Queens, NY
Interests: Women's health and sports medicine/rehabilitation. Also, cooking, film, and exploring nature (minus the bugs!)
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: The supportive leadership and privilege of serving my hometown. Also, learning how to connect patients from unique and underserved urban communities with the city's vast resources and what NYC Health and Hospitals can offer. Training here can prepare me to practice anywhere.
Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY & Philadelphia, PA
Interests: Cardiology
Qianjun Pan
Hometown: Guangdong, China
Interests: Primary care medicine, critical care, cardiovascular disease
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: In addition to the strong leadership and supportive culture, the program offers unique opportunities to develop a long-term relationship with patients. You will also be exposed to the art of communication, the beauty of teaching, as well as everything you might be interested in medicine.
Hazel-Ann Prince
Hometown: Bon Air West Arouca, Trinidad
Interests: Primary Care & Inpatient Medicine
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose this program because of the numerous opportunities to serve the underserved, as well as the unique educational opportunities such as "teaching to teach" and "motivational interviewing workshops", to name a few. On the other hand, I would recommend this program because the program's leadership truly wants the best for the residents and is extremely supportive.
Rebhi Rabah
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Interests: Primary Care & Gastroenterology.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Downstate PCIM because it was an opportunity to serve and treat the underserved community, I grew up in. In addition, the program’s fantastic leadership and strong teaching curriculum are why I chose to join the Downstate PCIM family.
Charlie Spell, IV
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Afroza Sultana
Hometown: Ozone Park, NY
Interests: Primary care medicine, allergy/immunology, rheumatology.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose this program because of its academic aspect with a primary care focused curriculum, emphasis on teaching and learning. We have the most caring leadership and faculty who always offer support in order to help us become the best physicians we can be. The patient population is also a great asset to this program.
Mahtab Zangui
Hometown: Mashhad, Iran & New York, NY
Interests: Primary care, preventive medicine, hospital medicine, exploring medicine subspecialties
Reason I Chose Downstate PCIM: This is an academic program with amazing environment, supportive faculty and strong curriculum.