Primary Care Residents
PGY 1, 2025-2026
Noor Asif
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Interests: Arts/crafts, blogging, Ludo, badminton, attempting to sew, learning new languages, traveling, hiking, and using any excuse to hang out with my family/friends.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose PCIM because of its emphasis on serving and advocating for a unique, underserved population. I am confident that this experience will strengthen my cultural competency and help me graduate as a well-rounded, competent, and compassionate physician.
Avi Albeg
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Interests: Bench research, translational medicine, biomedical innovation, community health, and teaching.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose this program for the variety in pathology, clinical exposure, and being a university based program with resources to explore career interests should they develop. Additionally, program leadership is beyond supportive/committed to resident well-being and career development.
Pratibha Anand
Hometown: Mineola, NY
Interests: Cooking, trying new restaurants, painting.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I knew that I wanted to pursue primary care early on in medical school. PCIM gave me the opportunity to combine parts of hospital medicine with continuity of care in the clinic, learning how to manage patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings equally.
Niloufar Farjam
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Interests: Spending time with family, playing badminton and ping pong, solving jigsaw puzzles, playing word games like Scrabble, anagrams, and crosswords, trying different cuisines.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose Primary Care Internal Medicine because I enjoy forming long-term relationships with patients while caring for all aspects of their health—from prevention and wellness to managing complex chronic conditions. I really value being the first point of contact for patients and helping coordinate their care across different specialties. For me, this field blends the intellectual challenge of internal medicine with the personal reward of supporting patients through their health journeys over time.
Cameron Harper
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Interests: Playing and watching sports, live music, playing video games.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I chose this program because of its rich cultural diversity and opportunity to care for patients from around the world. There’s a strong emphasis on serving underserved communities, which aligns with my passion for equitable healthcare. The supportive and accessible program leadership fosters a collaborative environment for growth, both personally and professionally.
Airin Kashem
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Interests: Cooking, spending time with my family and friends, exploring different cuisines.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: This program offers training in a place where I grew up. I admire the leadership and the program’s mission to teach residents skills to care for an underserved population. I was drawn to the opportunity to provide continuity of care for primary care patients because it will allow me to care for patients and their social determinants of health over time.
Kevin Kuang
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Interests: I'm a big foodie so I love cooking/baking and trying new restaurants. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and family, sci-fi/fantasy movies and tv shows, and video games.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I was drawn to the Downstate PCIM program because of its supportive faculty and staff who foster positive learning environments and advocate for their residents. Additionally, we get the opportunity to be resident primary care doctors who serve the diverse and underserved community where I grew up. I value our program’s emphasis on work-life balance, which I believe is essential for both professional growth and personal well-being.
Nicholas Powers
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Interests: Gardening, foraging, philosophy.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: To learn PC-focused medicine in a public safety-net hospital in one of the most diverse cities in the world!
Anmol Sharedalal
Hometown: Sunnyside, NY
Interests: Golf, football, hiking, gardening.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I was always interested in primary care but also wanted a program that let me explore all my options in Internal Medicine. PCIM felt like a program that would support me throughout residency. I am from NYC and always wanted to stay local and serve my community.
Jonathan Su
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Interests: Reading books, writing, going out for walks.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: I appreciate the leadership for providing support and encouragement for residents’ endeavors in the field of Internal Medicine. The program provides a collegial and unifying environment.
Morgan Whyte
Hometown: Winona, MN
Interests: Biking, cross country skiing, hanging out with my dog and cats, finding new places to eat in the city.
Reason I Chose Downstate PCIM: First, I knew I would get great training. Kings County sees a high volume of medically complex patients and is primarily resident-run, so I knew once I left residency here I would be ready for anything. Secondly, the people! My interview was fun and personal. I felt like the program genuinely cared about my interests and my well-being.
Basmah Yousuf
Hometown: Dubai, UAE
PGY 2, 2025-2026
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 Aslam
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: I have a strong passion for adventure sports, camping, hiking, and expeditions. These activities not only deepen my appreciation for the outdoors but also align seamlessly with my interest in Wilderness Medicine, where my personal and professional passions intersect.
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: When choosing a residency program, my primary goal was to find an environment that emphasizes continuity of care and preventative medicine. I was drawn to the lifestyle medicine and diabetes education programs. I am passionate about developing a seamless approach to patient care connecting inpatient and ambulatory medicine, partnering to reduce rehospitalizations and to improve health.
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 3, 2025-2026
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, cuddling with my cat, gardening, and watching NBA games (Go Warriors!).
Reasons I Chose Downstate PCIM: Downstate PCIM gave me a warm and welcoming feeling since our first interaction. The small cohorts allow for close relationships amongst co-residents, making work enjoyable and learning more personalized. The program’s leadership truly cares about our success after residency and nurtures our career interests to ensure we meet our goals.