December Intern Spotlight

Dec 31, 2025

The SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery is excited to continue our new social media and newsletter initiative: the Surgical Intern Spotlight Series. Led by residents, Dr. Olivia Blanchard and Dr. Sukaina Alikhan, this month’s December spotlight will feature members of our talented intern class who are working hard to ensure excellent patient care while advancing their knowledge and skills in surgery. Each feature offers a closer look at their journeys, interests, and the unique perspectives they bring to our team. Stay tuned on Instagram and the department’s blog as we highlight our interns and celebrate their achievements. 

This month, we’re featuring two outstanding residents including our Spotlight Series editor, Dr. Olivia Blanchard and Dr. Sharon Shu. 

 

Olivia Blanchard, MD 

Undergraduate: Harvard College 
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 
Clinical Interests: Surgical oncology, HPB, pediatrics 
Favorite memory of residency so far: “Ordering food to the hospital with some of the other interns, so we could all have dinner with the call team after work” 
Fun fact: “I got married right before starting residency!” 

 

 

Sharon Shu, MD 
 
Undergraduate: Columbia University 
Medical School: University of Queensland 
Clinical Interests: Vascular, Plastics 
Favorite memory of residency so far: “Crashing on a co-intern’s couch (when we weren’t even close yet), making breakfast/coffee and heading to work together, then becoming fast friends that rotation over Culinary Class Wars”