Our current residents report that our rotations and electives, stimulating research opportunities and supportive faculty constitute a rewarding training environment.
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Email: grapstei@buffalo.edu
Dr. Grapstein grew up in Warren, New Jersey and she received her undergraduate degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. After starting her career as an investment banker in New York City and then taking subsequent corporate roles in finance and operations, Dr. Grapstein decided to transition to a career in medicine in order for her to contribute to society in a more tangible way. She went on to complete her pre-medical studies at Columbia University and medical school training at Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia. In medical school, Dr. Grapstein expanded on her early interest in ophthalmology by completing several rotations at Wills Eye Hospital and doing research on racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare. As a lifelong New York Yankees fan, Dr. Grapstein is excited to return to New York State and complete her ophthalmology training in Buffalo. Outside of medicine, she enjoys gardening, resin art, cats (she has two!), and traveling with her husband.
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Email: cj94@buffalo.edu
Dr. Johnson grew up in Orlando, FL and now calls Lancaster, PA her hometown. She received her BA in Classical Civilizations from Wellesley College with a focus in Ancient Greek. She went on to complete her combined MD/MPH degree from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, during which she conducted research at Bascom Palmer on virtual reality-based visual field testing. Following her medical school graduation, Dr. Johnson completed a glaucoma research fellowship at the Moran Eye Center involving pre-clinical glaucoma device studies and clinical studies on home tonometry. She is passionate about research on new technology that can improve patients’ accessibility to care. Outside of medicine, Catherine enjoys playing violin, reading fiction, and taking care of her pet guinea pigs.
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Email: zaneport@buffalo.edu
Dr. Porterfield grew up in Allegany, NY, but spent most of his weekends traveling to Buffalo for hockey. He studied psychology and biology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA, where he also minored in piano and co-captained the Men’s squash team. Next, he received his medical degree from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, PA - the Electric City! Dr. Porterfield is an enthusiastic teacher and throughout undergraduate and medical school he held several teaching and mentoring positions. His interest in ophthalmology stems from it combining his favorite aspects of medicine: understanding a patient’s story, addressing quality of life, performing skillful surgeries, and preserving the sense perhaps most vital to the human experience. When he’s not at the clinic, Zane enjoys playing ice hockey, pickleball, hiking, playing video games, and eating too much food with good company.
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Email: br86@buffalo.edu
Dr. Rosario is a proud native of Pittsburgh, PA where he completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and went on to pursue his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Rosario first discovered his interest in Ophthalmology while working with an oculoplastic surgeon in his hometown, and then further nurtured that interest in medical school by finding many incredible mentors and participating in research projects centered around retinal diseases such as Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and using artificial intelligence to map choroidal curvature in different disease states. Outside of medicine, Dr. Rosario enjoys playing pickup basketball with his friends, cooking new foods and going on walks with his goldendoodle named Lola. He is very excited to start this new chapter of his medical career in Buffalo, NY.
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Email: dmitriyb@buffalo.edu
Dr. Belous is a proud native of Buffalo, New York. His family made the decision to immigrate from Belarus to the United States when he was a young child. He studied exercise science as an undergraduate at the University at Buffalo before starting medical school. While playing beer league hockey in his undergraduate years, an ophthalmology resident joined his team, igniting his interest in ophthalmology, setting him on a path towards a career that combines his passion for science and patient care. During his time as a medical student, he was honored with the Thomas J. Guttuso Award, recognizing his performance and dedication to research and patient care in ophthalmology. Dr. Belous is also passionate about mentorship. Outside of medicine, he loves golfing and going to the beach in the summertime, watching the Buffalo Bills and Sabres in the fall and wintertime, as well as playing hockey year-round.
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: mssylvia@buffalo.edu
Dr. Marshall is a Colorado native, but has spent most of her adult life in New York. After graduating with honors in biochemistry from Stony Brook University, she remained on Long Island to complete her medical school training at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM). In addition to the four years spent in medical school, she was selected to partake in NYITCOM’s Academic Medicine Scholars Program, a competitive one-year scholarship program where she played an integral role in teaching first- and second-year medical students in a variety of preclinical courses. This was an experience that helped hone her teaching skills and has influenced her decision to pursue academic medicine as a future career. As a result of this program, she now holds a degree in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O) and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Academic Medicine. Sylvia’s interest in ophthalmology sparked after working as an ophthalmic technician prior to initiating medical school where she had the pleasure of learning about a wide array of ophthalmic conditions and observing various surgical procedures. She is now thrilled to be completing her residency training at UB. Outside of medicine, Sylvia enjoys strength training, hiking, and cooking, and will take any opportunity she can to be outdoors.
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Email: JBell7@buffalo.edu
Dr. Bell grew up in Rochester, New York, and received his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience & Behavior with high honors from Wesleyan University. He went on to pursue his medical degree at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. During medical school, Dr. Bell completed a year-long research thesis in machine learning and image segmentation at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Dr. Bell is excited to return to western New York to continue his ophthalmology training in Buffalo. Outside of medicine, Dr. Bell enjoys playing soccer, cooking and jamming on bass guitar.
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Email: tmkellne@buffalo.edu
Dr. Kellner was born and raised in the Buffalo area. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S Army as a combat medic. His initial exposure and interest in ophthalmology began while treating eye injuries during his deployment to Afghanistan. After completing his enlistment, he was determined to pursue a career in medicine. He returned to Buffalo and received a bachelor’s degree from Canisius College. He went on to earn his medical degree at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine (PSCOM) in Hershey PA. During his time in medical school, he explored his interests in ophthalmology by conducting research in strabismus and created the first inherited retinal disease registry at PSCOM. When he is not in clinic or studying, he enjoys hiking, biking and skiing. He feels very fortunate to live in Buffalo again and to have the opportunity to train in the UB ophthalmology residency program.
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Email: cseeger2@buffalo.edu
Dr. Seeger grew up in Rochester, NY. Her interest in ophthalmology began early as her father is an ophthalmologist. She graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University Maryland with a major in biochemistry. She received her medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine where she was inducted to the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She has a longstanding interest in teaching which she fostered through both her undergraduate and medical school education by serving as a tutor and small group instructor. Dr. Seeger enjoys playing classical piano, traveling and making homemade pizza with her friends and family in her free time.
Medical School: Drexel College of Medicine
Email: mohitjet@buffalo.edu
Dr. Jethi grew up in sunny California where he received his undergraduate degree in bioengineering at UC Berkeley. After working in the biotech industry for two years, Dr. Jethi decided to pursue a career in medicine to have a greater impact on patient lives and went on to study at Drexel College of Medicine in Philadelphia. In medical school he led a student-led health clinic at a supportive housing program for homeless men and women and created an initiative to teach young patients at a children’s hospital about space-science through virtual reality. He is excited for his training at Buffalo and in making this gorgeous town his new home where he hopes to explore more winter activities and join the Bills Mafia!
Medical School: Wright State University
Email: cmcglone@buffalo.edu
Dr. McGlone grew up in Marysville Ohio and received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Miami University. Following graduation, he spent two years at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick Maryland, where he investigated using cellular membrane mimetics to study protein structures. He returned home to Ohio to complete his medical degree at Wright State University. During medical school, Dr. McGlone completed a master’s degree in Pharmacology/Toxicology and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor society. His interest in ophthalmology stems from his previous experience as an optician at multiple eyecare offices. Dr. McGlone is excited to continue his education at Buffalo and enjoys golfing, skiing, and cooking in his free time
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Email: as222@buffalo.edu
Dr. Siedlecki is a native of Western New York. His interest to pursue ophthalmology began in youth while working at his father’s ophthalmology practice. Adam graduated with honors from Dartmouth College, where he studied Italian literature, and completed postbaccalaureate training in biological and chemical sciences at Niagara University. Adam received his medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, where he received dean’s commendations for his academic performance and the Thomas J. Guttuso award in ophthalmology. Adam is passionate about teaching and has maintained an active role in mentorship and tutor roles throughout his undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and medical school education. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time computer gaming, on nature trails, and trying international cuisines.