Current Residents

Our current residents report that our rotations and electives, stimulating research opportunities and supportive faculty constitute a rewarding training environment.

Chief Resident

PGY-4

Shannon Schmit.

Shannon Schmit, MD

Chief Resident

PGY-4

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

I grew up in Batavia, New York, and made my way to Buffalo for medical school. I love the 716 and all of the food, diversity, and fun it has to offer. My medical interests include primary care and palliative medicine. I enjoy trying new restaurants and cafes, spoiling my rescue pup, getting together with family and friends, and binge-watching Fixer Upper.

Thomas Hargest.

Thomas Hargest, MD

PGY-4

Medical School: St. George’s University

I'm from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and am most interested in pulmonary/critical care and rheumatology. I am considering either as a fellowship. I really like Buffalo, both the city and the program, mostly because of how nice and supportive everyone is and the food options. Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing piano/guitar, watching movies, reading, skiing, traveling, and trying new restaurants!

Sandhya Joshi.

Sandhya Joshi, MD

PGY-4

Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine

I am originally from the Bay Area, California. I chose med-peds in Buffalo because there is so much variety in terms of the patients we see here.

Because we rotate at multiple sites, we interact with the rural population, urban population, refugee population, as well as in primary care. There's never an opportunity for boredom here, and I'll leave residency prepared for the future. After residency, I am interested in pursuing infectious disease.

Our program's strength is the fact that we regard each other as a family. The support we get from each other and our faculty as residents is exceptional.

Outside of residency, I like reading, lifting weights, trying new foods, and traveling.

Chrisana Pokorny.

Chrisana Pokorny, MD

PGY-4

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Hello! I'm originally from Duluth, Minnesota, and went to the South Bend campus of Indiana University for medical school. I chose med-peds because I love the potential for lifelong continuity of care. The program here at Buffalo has been a fantastic opportunity to pursue this interest and develop these relationships with patients in the hospital and with follow up in clinic.

Both the adult and pediatric hospitals serve a wide region of WNY and allow us to see complexity on both sides and learn from outstanding faculty. We are a close-knit group, and my co-residents and the faculty are my family. After residency, I am interested in pursuing a combined adult/pediatric fellowship in rheumatology.

Outside of medicine, I love being outside in any season: winter hiking, summer hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and being out on the water in my kayak as much as possible. I also make time to play my piano, catch a musical, puppy sit, and spend as much time as I can with my newfound, life long friends. 

PGY-3

David Chan, MD.

David Chan, MD

PGY-3

Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in San Francisco, California.  I grew up in a low socioeconomic environment and understand the struggles of finding affordable healthcare and payment plans.

My medical interests are hospitalist medicine and primary care / urgent care. I aim to be the provider who is able to provide the best care for my pediatric and adult patients especially for my young patients with complex diseases (Crohn’s, autism, sickle cell) who are transitioning into adulthood.  

I am thankful to be a part of the Buffalo med-peds program.  All of my colleagues/friends are very supportive and would help you at the drop of a hat.  Buffalo also has many great trails, outdoor activities (like ax throwing), and waterfalls including Niagara Falls!

Outside of medicine, my hobbies include basketball, video games, and just plain eating.

Andrew Hurst, MD.

Andrew Hurst, MD

PGY-3

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

I’m originally from Long Beach, New York, on the south shore of Long Island. I came to Buffalo eight years ago for undergrad, and though I initially planned on returning to continue my education and training, Buffalo kept a tight grip on me.

What I like most about Buffalo is the friendliness of everyone. It’s no surprise it’s called the “City of Good Neighbors.” I enjoy attending and serving at my church, The Chapel. Finally, though the NY Giants will always be my team, I’m enjoying watching good Bills football (finally!).

Having gone to medical school here, I was really excited to join the UB med-peds family. I could see how close everyone was with each other when we met for our monthly conferences. Everyone is extremely supportive of one another and someone is always available to lend a helping hand.

My medical interests include primary care and hospitalist medicine. I plan to work with underserved populations and I am trying to work on my medical Spanish vocabulary to serve others both here and abroad.

Shonnell McBain, MD.

Shonnell McBain, MD

PGY-3

Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in New York City. I am a New Yorker at heart and wanted to stay in New York for residency. When I came to the University at Buffalo, it was a perfect fit to advance my professional skills, explore the diverse and fascinating city of Buffalo, while still remaining relatively close to my support system at home in Brooklyn. 

What I like about Buffalo is the myriad of neighborhoods and the array of activities that range from urban to rural. Buffalo is an inviting city where it’s easy to find your niche. It’s one of the few cities where you can still afford to live your version of the American Dream. Whether you’re a nature lover, inner-city dweller or desire a suburban lifestyle. 

UB med-peds is an appealing residency program which encompasses a multifaceted and vigorous curriculum. This intimate residency provides a warm and attentive environment for a close-knit family of faculty, staff, residents and medical students. 

My medical interests include public health, underserved communities, compassionate healthcare and acknowledging that representation matters. The UB med-peds residency program affords me the opportunity to provide robust healthcare from the “cradle to the grave” and the ability even during residency to give back which is of paramount importance to me. 

Michael Reed, MD.

Michael Reed, MD

PGY-3

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine

I'm originally from Grayslake, Illinois, what I consider the last northward suburb of Chicago. Went to the University of Iowa for undergrad, after which I spent some time living in Chicago after college before moving to Peoria, Illinois, for medical school. And having lived in such different places, Buffalo is by far the best balance of city-ness without being too overwhelming. There's so much going on and so many things to do, especially in the summer.

I decided on med-peds because 1. couldn't see myself just doing one side of the other for the rest of my life and 2. all my favorite residents and attendings in medical school were med-peds. Family medicine was too outpatient focused for my taste, plus the OB side wasn’t my idea of a good time. Being able to “escape” to peds when the adult side got to be too much and vice versa sounded like the perfect set up.

After residency I plan to be a hospitalist for both the adult and pediatric populations. I would be surprised if I did a fellowship, but I'm not completely against doing a palliative/hospice fellowship. 

Outside of medicine I like to play video games, nap, bother my two cats, nap, spend time with my friends, try new breweries, nap, and catch up on my Netflix list. And also nap.

PGY-2

Korinne Barnett, MD.

Korinne Barnett, MD, MBA

PGY-2

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

I am originally from Rochester, New York, where I was born and raised in a wonderful family. My journey to Buffalo began at Niagara University, where I earned a BS in biology and an MBA in healthcare administration, taught as an adjunct professor, and played collegiate soccer. After this, I continued to the University at Buffalo as a part of the medial school and completed my MD. I married an incredible man from Buffalo, and we’ve been able to build our lives here and make this place our home. I truly feel like an adopted Buffalonian! I appreciate the down-to-earth people of Buffalo and of course the incredible summers!

Although I still love some pick-up soccer, I now mostly enjoy running, lifting, reading, hiking, skiing, surfing (newly learning!), exploring coffee shops and taking spontaneous trips around the world with my husband! People are incredibly important to me, which is why I regularly prioritize serving at and through my church, mentoring young women and spending time with loved ones. 

My medical interests span a wide range, but my ultimate passion is global and underserved medicine. I am particularly interested in med/peds hospitalist, acute care, and outpatient work with the goal of spending much of my time in a diverse clinical setting caring for those who experience layers of marginalization locally and internationally. My husband and I share the desire to serve overseas together in both short and long-term missions. With my business mind, I continually find myself intrigued by medical practice efficiencies and holistic care to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

I’m thrilled to be a part of this program alongside so many remarkable people and look forward to contributing to the program in meaningful ways!

Clare Martin, MD.

Clare Martin, MD

PGY-2

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

I was born and raised in a suburb of Buffalo, attended the University of Vermont for college, and returned to Buffalo for medical school and now residency. I have enjoyed getting to know my city and experience all the growth that has happened here since I was a child. 

During my free time, I enjoy spending time outside, hiking, traveling, reading, learning new recipes, playing and seeing live music (currently I am learning guitar!), and spending time with family and friends.

I have broad interests but so far, my medical interests include community and global health and palliative medicine. 

Aberlee Milliron, MD.

Aberlee Milliron, MD

PGY-2

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

I grew up in East Aurora, New York, and pretty much have never left the Buffalo area. I went to undergrad at UB and stayed in Buffalo for medical school. My favorite thing about Buffalo is the food. There's so many options and such a diverse array it's hard not to find something you like!

I decided to do med-peds because I like the continuity of care it provides as well as the opportunity to subspecialize, if I decide I love one specific area. In my free time I like to run, hike, read and go on new adventures!

Joshua Owczarczak, MD.

Joshua Owczarczak, MD

PGY-2

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

I was born and raised in Marilla, New York, a rural town outside of Buffalo. I attended UB for medical school and am excited to stay here for my residency training. I love Buffalo for the close-knit community, diverse culture and its four amazing seasons! I am happy to spend my training serving the people of Buffalo and working to provide for the medical needs in the area. I plan to pursue primary care as well as hospitalist medicine. I am particularly interested in caring for people with developmental disabilities from infancy to adulthood.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and snowboarding through the seasons, as well as exploring local eats and microbreweries with friends. I am also always down to participate in escape rooms, board games and trivia nights.

PGY-1

Catherine Bianco, DO.

Catherine Bianco, DO

PGY-1

Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

I am originally from Yonkers, New York, and have spent much of my higher academic career all throughout the northeast. It is only fitting that I landed back in New York State for residency. At this point, I am interested in becoming a combined med-peds hospitalist, but if I find something in residency that I absolutely love I will have no choice but to go through some more training! That’s what is so great about med-peds and why I decided to join this family; the opportunities are endless! 

The Buffalo med-peds program is really one for the history books. Whenever I introduce myself as a member of the med-peds program, I am always told that the med-peds residents are some of the nicest and hardest working residents in the hospital. I am very fortunate to be part of such a strong group of people who excel both inside and outside of the hospital.  

Buffalo is a great city to live in. It has the ideal balance of urban and suburban/country. It also provides a vastly diverse patient population that we have the privilege of serving. Along with that comes a ton of different activities: outdoor fun, festivals, concerts, sports (GO BILLS!), food and more!

When I am not in the hospital, I enjoy doing anything active whether it is lifting weights, biking, walking/hiking, kayaking and rock climbing. I also very much enjoy exploring the different restaurants and cuisines that Buffalo has to offer. While I don’t yet have a favorite restaurant, I can say with 100% confidence (p-value<0.01) that Lake Effect Ice Cream is by far the absolute best scoop in town (see Vivian’s message below for reproducible results 😊). 

Deanna Peterangelo, DO.

Deanna Peterangelo, DO

PGY-1

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

I am a born and raised Buffalonian. After doing undergrad at the University of Rochester and medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, it is wonderful to return home for residency!

It has been incredible being part of the med-peds family in Buffalo! Our friendly and approachable attendings and my supportive co-residents have helped me feel prepared to face the challenges of residency training and beyond.

I am interested in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and have been exploring fellowships related to developmental medicine.

Outside of medicine, I continue to train in Tae Kwon Do and enjoy hiking, drinking tea, watching anime and listening to audiobooks.

Also, I enjoy ice cream-related research; I especially appreciate a recent study that thoroughly proved Lake Effect to be the best place for a satisfy a cold sweet tooth (Bianco, 2022). 

Sommer Stein, DO.

Sommer Stein, DO

PGY-1

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

My roots start in California, where I grew up, and stretch as far east as Philadelphia, where I did undergraduate education at a small college. From there my journey took me to Erie, Pennsylvania, and then Niagara Falls, New York, where I did my third and fourth years of medical school. I had the fortunate opportunity to do a sub-I at the med-peds program at the University at Buffalo and knew this was where I wanted to be. 

The med-peds residency program here is the perfect Goldilocks program; it has the family elements of a smaller program with the resources and opportunities afforded by being at a world-renowned academic medical center that is the University at Buffalo. What I learned quickly as a student was that the med-peds residents had an outstanding reputation throughout the hospital networks we rotate through. I have a broad interest for my future in medicine, but I am particularly drawn to critical care, rheumatology and heme-onc. 

For those that don’t know much about Buffalo, New York, I can attest that it is a hidden gem of a city. From sporting events to cultural fairs, there is something for everyone to do. Outside of medicine you’ll find me hitting the numerous bowling alleys and mini-golf places that are in Buffalo, enjoying any and all outdoor activities, playing board games and finding any excuse to go to a sporting event.

Vivian Wang, MD.

Vivian Wang, MD

PGY-1

Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

I’m originally from Okemos, Michigan, but spent some time in Columbus, Ohio, at “The” Ohio State University for undergrad and during my gap year. For now, I am interested in dual hospitalist medicine, possibly palliative care or urgent care, who knows! I chose med-peds because I love seeing patients of all ages and both the strength and versatility of dual training.

Our med-peds program has a reputation for some of the most intelligent and fun residents in the hospital. Attendings and residents alike are always happy to have a med-peds member on their team. I feel very lucky to be a part of such a talented and supportive group.

Moving to the city of Buffalo has been an easy transition. As a midwesterner, I can attest that the people here are indeed nice! I guess that's why they call it the “City of Good Neighbors.” There is always something fun to do here, whether it be going to restaurants, festivals or live music shows, but without the hassle of a giant city. Outside the hospital, you can find me at one of the many Buffalo breweries, playing with my cat, Ralph, exploring the outdoors via hiking or biking, or eating ice cream (the best scoop in town is Lake Effect).