November Intern Spotlight

Nov 30, 2025

The SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery is excited to introduce a new social media and newsletter initiative: The Surgical Intern Spotlight Series. Led by residents, Dr. Olivia Blanchard and Dr. Sukaina Alikhan, this series will showcase this year’s talented class of surgical interns who are shaping the future of our department and our field. Each feature will offer a closer look at their journeys, passions, and the unique perspectives they bring to our team. Stay tuned on Instagram and the department’s blog as we celebrate achievements, share stories, and welcome the next generation of surgical leaders. 

This month, featuring: 

Alexa De la Fuente, MD 
Medical School: Universidad de las Americas Puebla 
Clinical Interest: Plastic Surgery  
Favorite Memory of Residency: “Super cheesy but the friendships I’ve made so far” 
Fun Fact: “I’m an intern, a wife, and a mom to a 6-month old sweetie pie and a 2lbs Yorkie. I speak 3 languages!”  
 

 

 

 

Kitty Trudeau, MD, MPH 
Undergraduate: Taylor University 
Medical School: Indiana University 
Research/Clinical Areas of Interest: Public health, health equity, trauma and acute care 
Favorite Memory of Residency: “Scrubbing in on my first case after becoming a physician”  
Fun Fact: “I have 80+ plus houseplants :)” 
 

 

 

Sarah Fangmeyer, DO  
Undergraduate: William & Mary 
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Clinical Interests: Head and Neck, Medical Education, Health Disparities 
Favorite part of residency so far: “Good times with coresidents, both in and out of the hospital”  
Fun fact: “I’m a huge fan of ice cream, dogs, lattes, hikes, and Lord of the Rings”  
  

 

Eric Sun, MD  
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin 
Medical School: UT HSC San Antonio 
Clinical Interests: Colorectal surgery, surgical oncology 
Favorite memory of residency so far: “Intern brunch turned into walk through Prospect Park turned into afternoon out on the lake”