Current Residents

Group photo of residents.

Our residents embrace a team atmosphere and togetherness both in and outside the hospital.

We take pride in not only finding academically and technically talented individuals, but in finding those with qualities to become gifted surgical leaders. Our residents embrace a team atmosphere and togetherness both in and outside the hospital.

The general surgery residency program is composed of a diverse group of students hailing from all around the world. With trainees from places such as Greece, Russia, Egypt, the Philipines and more, the Department of Surgery embraces surgical leaders from any and all backgrounds.

Please look below to learn more about the residents in each class including their backgrounds and educations and what they like to do when they’re not busy with a demanding surgical education. 

  • Chase Aaron portrait.

    Chase Aaron

  • Mohamed Bah portrait.

    Mohamed Bah

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Other Interests: I am a passionate exercise and sports enthusiast who engages in many forms of fitness, including biking, running, lifting, and basketball. Watching sport is a passion as well. Additionally, I love listening to music and enjoy reading books.

  • Hannah Beck portrait.

    Hannah Beck

    Med School: New York Medical College
    Other Interests: My hobbies include drawing and painting, mostly with charcoal and watercolor. However, I'm currently working on improving my skill with oil pastel and colored pencil. I also enjoy learning to sew clothes, perfecting soup recipes, and staying active with rollerblading.

  • Adrian Gonzalez-Bravo portrait.

    Adrian Gonzalez-Bravo

    Med School: Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine

  • Christiane How-Volkman portrait.

    Christiane How-Volkman

    Med School: California Northstate University College of Medicine

  • Vinay Jaikumar portrait.

    Vinay Jaikumar

    Med School: Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
    Other Interests: As a lifelong artist, I have gradually cultivated a passion for hyperrealism, where meticulous attention for long hours is staple. This commitment to precision has led me to transform my artistic skills into creating medical illustrations for research projects.

  • Courtney Johnson-Gonzalez portrait.

    Courtney Johnson-Gonzalez

    Med School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

  • Phoebe Jollay-Castelblanco portrait.

    Phoebe Jollay-Castelblanco

    Med School: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
    Other Interests: I enjoy many creative outlets including sewing (particularly clothing, embroidery, and furniture upholstery), carpentry, & DIY home projects. I also love to spend time outside gardening, hiking, backpacking, & paddle boarding. At home, I play with our dogs & cats and take care of our three fish tanks.

  • Nicole Lattimore portrait.

    Nicole Lattimore

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Other Interests: Cooking, traveling, figure skating

  • Sam Maghami portrait.

    Sam Maghami

    Med School: University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas COM
    Other Interests: Soccer, Volleyball, Chess, Swimming, Martial Arts, Reading, Learning and playing Santur (a traditional Persian instrument also known as the Dulcimer)

  • Nicholas Quigley portrait.

    Nicholas Quigley

    Med School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
    Other Interests: I enjoy tabletop role-playing games, board games, and puzzles. Since I can happily lose hours to a jigsaw, I usually stick to crosswords and logic puzzles during the week. On vacations, I love to sail, enjoying the sun and water with the wind in my face and a sea shanty on my lips.

  • Prasenjit Saha.

    Prasenjit Saha

    Med School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine
    Other Interests: I enjoy a diverse range of hobbies, including weightlifting, modifying my car, playing cricket, watching movies, caring for my pets, hiking and engaging in creative decorating projects. Each activity allows me to unwind, express myself, and connect with my interests and passions in different ways.

  • Kelsey Shank portrait.

    Kelsey Shank

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Other Interests: I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, Simba, a golden retriever, and Chance, a rescued border collie. When I am not studying, I usually spend my time cheering on the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres, or reading fantasy books at local coffee shops.

  • Kate van Loveren portrait.

    Kate van Loveren

    Med School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine
    Other Interests: In high school, I taught myself how to play tennis from YouTube videos and played doubles on the varsity tennis team. These skills are now put to use on the pickleball court. In the winter, I can be found grabbing a waffle on the ski slopes or indoors working on my quilting while watching a rom-com.

  • Alexandra Wadhwani portrait.

    Alexandra Wadhwani

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Other Interests: Outside of school, I enjoy figure skating, working out at F45, playing soccer, and running with my dog as ways to stay active. I also like to read in my downtime and am passionate about mentoring medical and pre-med students as a way to give back and support others going through similar journeys.

  • Makenna Weekley portrait.

    Makenna Weekley

    Med School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
    Other Interests: I enjoy crocheting (from Star Wars and D&D characters to blankets) and sewing (from scrub caps to baby quilts). Outside of crafting, I make time for Pilates in the park and weekly trivia with friends, where our team once earned second place.

  • Alexander Zobel portrait.

    Alexander Zobel

    Med School: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
    Other Interests: Ironman NC 70.3 Triathlon 2024, Philly Marathon 2023, USMC Marathon 2012, Drexel Collegiate Triathlon Team, USPA Skydiving A License, 30 freefall jumps, Executive Board, Surgery Interest Group, Executive Board, EM Interest Group, Brody Ambassador/SIG Mentor Program, Peer Mentor, Brody Class of ’27

  • Andie Bolton.

    Andie Bolton

    Med School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
    Other Interests: Arranging flower bouquets (love Trader Joe's for a cost-effective option!), re-reading Harry Potter, athletics (ball sports of all kinds), learning Japanese, sampling Hazy IPAs at local breweries, concerts, can likely be spotted at local EDM festivals, hammocking (weather-permitting)

  • Anna Davis.

    Anna Davis

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Other Interests: Pickleball, snorkeling, dogs, cooking and NFL games. 

  • Kevin DiMagno.

    Kevin DiMagno

    Med School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Other Interests: My spouse and I enjoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle through hiking, weightlifting, watching English Premier League soccer and the latest movies. I also enjoy playing soccer, hockey and lacrosse in pick-up or adult leagues.

  • Brian Foresi.

    Brian Foresi

    Med School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
    Other Interests: I've recently returned to long-distance running, aiming to consolidated its mental health benefits and competitive, goal-setting features. When I'm not running, I enjoy painting, visiting art museums, discovering local coffee shops and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. 

  • Geoffrey Hobika.

    Geoffrey Hobika

    Undergrad: Canisius College
    Med School:
     Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 
    Surgery Plus Track: Advocacy Fellowship
    Other interests: Indoor activities such as reading, watching football, exercising, music, and outdoor activities such as rowing (both competing and coaching), hiking, walking my dogs and cooking

  • Charles Palka.

    Charles Palka

    Vascular Surgery Integrated Resident

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

  • Anita Petrushenko.

    Anita Petrushenko

    Med School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine
    Other Interests: I enjoy taking cross-country road trips with my best friend to explore national parks, hiking local high peaks in the Adirondacks and base camps in Nepal, organizing ultimate frisbee games on the weekends with friends, lifting weights and drawing.

  • Harneet Sandhu.

    Harneet Sandhu

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Other Interests: I find knitting and embroidery incredibly relaxing. I recently discovered Paint by Numbers, which has also become a close favorite. I enjoy watching documentaries on various topics such as autobiographies, nature and current and historical events. I love cooking fusion foods with my family. 

  • Connor Ullery.

    Connor Ullery

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Other Interests: Marathon running, preparing smoked meats in my Traeger smoker, dog enthusiast, fish keeping, weight training, camping, skiing, kayaking, fishing, skeet shooting and hiking (have hiked at 12 US national parks and hiked 12 of the 46 Adirondack, NY high peaks the with the goal to complete them all).

  • Jeremy Walsh.

    Jeremy Walsh

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Other Interests: My hobbies, snowboarding, pickleball, golf and running, instill values like perseverance, adaptability and competition, whether against myself or others. These activities constantly push me to improve and challenge my limits, qualities I bring with me into my professional life.

  • Felix Amparano.

    Felix Amparano

    Med School: University of Missouri-Kansas City
    Other Interests: I enjoy hiking with my wife, Kayla, at state and national parks, spending time outdoors with our dogs, Bella and Rosa, cooking and grilling whole food meals, spending time around a fire pit, and visiting local wineries and breweries.

  • Lindsey Caines.

    Lindsey Caines

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Other Interests: I grew up dancing and enjoy taking dance classes when I can. I also enjoy trying out new restaurants, cooking, spending time with friends, and traveling. 

  • Matthew Handmacher.

    Matthew Handmacher

    Undergrad: Georgetown University 
    Med School: California University of Science and Medicine — School of Medicine 
    Research: Transplant Surgery
    Other interests: Rock climbing and golf

  • Alexis Kirk.

    Alexis Kirk

    Med School: Kansas City University 
    Other Interests: I enjoy trying new restaurants with my fiancé, drawing, painting, watching premier league matches, exploring new cities, and spending time with family and friends. 

  • Degen Mariniello.

    Degen Mariniello

    Med School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Other Interests: Going to concerts, going to new restaurants/trying new cuisines, exercising, reading, coaching swimming. GO BILLS!

  • Scott Martin.

    Scott Martin

    Med School: Albany Medical College
    Other Interests: I enjoy fishing, hiking, houseplants/gardening, vicarious/aquariums and spending time with my fiancé and our families.

  • Lauren Moore.

    Lauren Moore

    Med School: Burnett School of Medicine at TCU 
    Other Interests: Photography, drawing, horseback riding, and spending time with my dogs (Cheers and Ruby), horse (Rex) and family! 

  • Zachariah Piper.

    Zachariah Piper

    Med School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
    Other Interests: My favorite ways to spend a day off is traveling with my fiancé Lauren, spending time with our cat Penny, going golfing with friends, and cooking with my family. 

  • Joseph Sarow.

    Joseph Sarow

    Undergrad: UB
    Grad School: UB, Masters of biology, immunology
    Med School: LECOM Elmira 
    Other Interests: cooking, walks with my fiancé and dog, spending time with family, finding a new show to binge 

  • Caitlin Urban.

    Caitlin Urban

    Med School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
    Other Interests: Reading, cooking and eating, running, doing yoga, being outside

  • Stephanie Brierley.

    Stephanie Brierley

    Undergrad: Clemson University
    Med School: 
    University of South Carolina
    Research: Pediatric Surgery
    Other interests: Long-distance running, learning languages, yoga and painting

  • Andrew Chang.

    Andrew Chang

    Undergrad: University of California, Los Angeles 
    Med School:
     Virginia Tech Carilion School Of Medicine 
    Surgery Plus Track: Palliative Care Fellowship
    Other interests: Cooking, baking, coffee, and fermentation: I mostly cook Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes but love to develop and try any new recipes. I am an avid coffee drinker and roast my own beans. Hiking, foraging, and mycology: Began learning about wild plants of the Appalachia over quarantine. Piano: Played since childhood, was in a video game orchestra in undergrad. Video games: Enjoy playing creative and narrative based games and listening to soundtracks.

  • mona lisa delva.

    Mona Lisa Delva

    Undergrad: Simon Fraser University
    Med School:
     Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
    Surgery Plus Track: MBA
    Other interests: Youth mentoring and advocacy; diversity and inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.); traveling, community work and health literacy; dance and dance fitness instruction; live music and theatrical performances; rugby; digital art and graphics; piano, cooking and baking

  • Gabriela Drew.

    Gabriela Drew

    Undergrad: College of William and Mary
    Med School: 
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Surgery Plus Track: Gender Confirming Fellowship
    Other interests: Exploring the outdoors, travel, photography, yoga, swimming, snowboarding and dogs

  • Justin Harvey.

    Justin Harvey

    Undergrad: University at Buffalo 
    Med School:
     Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Surgery Plus Track: MBA
    Other interests: I enjoy playing drums, snowboarding and skiing, watching football (specifically the Buffalo Bills), exploring new restaurants and tasting craft beer from breweries around the country, raising my golden retriever, kayaking, hiking, video games and traveling.

  • Jennifer Loo.

    Jennifer Loo

    Undergrad: CUNY City College 
    Med School:
     Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Other interests:
     Running — participated in various 5Ks and ran a half marathon in Buffalo, hiking, skiing, exploring the city/trying new restaurants, cooking/baking, walking dogs, growing houseplants, watching sports, cheering on the Bills

  • Sara Photiadis.

    Sara Photiadis

    Undergrad: Stony Brook University
    Med School: University of Virginia
    Other Interests: hanging out with my family, cooking, ice skating

  • aberdeen taylor.

    Aberdeen Taylor

    Undergrad: University of Connecticut
    Med School:
     Saint Louis University School of Medicine 
    Other interests: 
    -Avid oil painter and charcoal/graphite illustrator for commission and personal projects
    -Author of a 100,000 word young adult fantasy novel, short stories, and poems
    -Sewing (pillowcases, bags, excessively fluffy dresses)
    -Collecting houseplants (and naming them too)
    -Woodcarving (hair pins, figurines)

  • Kaity Tung.

    Kaity Tung

    Undergrad: CUNY Hunter College
    Med School: 
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Surgery Plus Track: Clinical Informatics Fellowship
    Other interests: Self-planned traveling, long-distance road trips and hiking. As an avid baker, I particularly love baking cupcakes and decorating them for a variety of occasions.

  • Alyssa Tutunjian.

    Alyssa Tutunjian

    Undergrad: Cornell University
    Med School:
     Tufts University
    Research: Cardiothoracic Surgery
    Other interests: Kickboxing, biking, running, hiking

  • John Woodward.

    John Woodward

    Undergrad: Bates College
    Med School: 
    University of Massachusetts
    Surgery Plus Track: Master's in Education
    Other interests: Hiking, skiing, motorsport track events, rugby, woodworking, auto repair, golf, fishing and stained glass

  • Ali Awan.

    Ali Awan

    Undergrad: University of Florida 
    Med School: Nova Southeastern University
    Other interests: I enjoy an active lifestyle by participating in sports such as soccer, baseball, and golf. My love for athletics began as a child when I would play cricket with my brother in the streets of Pakistan. I am also enthusiastic about exploring the outdoors whether that be through hiking, cycling, or skydiving. When time permits, I spend the day at the beach or lake while grilling food with my family.

  • Abigail Grapes.

    Abigail Grapes

    Undergrad: University at Buffalo 
    Med School:
     Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Other interests:
     Cooking Italian, Asian, and American cuisines, scuba diving and snorkeling, budget traveling, high-intensity interval training, power yoga.

  • William Kelly.

    William Kelly III

    Undergrad: Georgetown University and John Hopkins University
    Med School: 
    Albany Medical College
    Surgery Plus Track: Clinical Informatics Fellowship
    Hometown: Buffalo, NY
    Other interests:
     Fishing, cooking, snowboarding, home brewing, hiking, reading, the Buffalo Bills, gardening, rugby and wildlife conservation.

  • Jacob Krogstad.

    Jacob Krogstad

    Undergrad: Concordia College Moorhead 
    Med School:
     University of Minnesota Medical School 
    Other interests: 
    Hiking with my dog, cooking and baking with my wife, trying new restaurants, wellness, fitness, and recreational sports, Collegiate and freestyle wrestling, golfing, watching Minnesota sports, especially the Twins and Vikings, amateur photography, reading.

  • Joseph L'Huillier.

    Joseph L’Huillier

    Undergrad: University of Wisconsin — Madison
    Med School: 
    University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
    Surgery Plus Track: Master's in Education
    Hometown: Sobieski, WI
    Other interests:
     Ballroom dance (standard, Latin, and other), running and aquascaping/fish keeping.  

  • Lan Le.

    Lan Le

    Undergrad: University at Buffalo
    Med School:
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Research: Vascular Surgery
    Other interests: Hiking locally and nationally, sketching and painting landscape, baking cakes and pastries, cooking different types of cuisine, exploring the city by bike, watching anime, practicing piano

  • Jeremy McDuffie.

    Jeremy McDuffie

    Undergrad: University of Tennessee, Knoxville 
    Med School:
     Saint Louis University School of Medicine 
    Other interests:
     Backpacking/hiking: My favorite destination is Mt. Sterling in the Smoky Mountains. Each trip brings refreshing time outdoors, even when encountering a mother bear and her cubs. Sports: Playing soccer & basketball are a great source of exercise and a social outlet. Baking: I bake my favorites (such as my family’s strawberry cake) and try out new recipes to share with my friends. Reading: I have always loved to read.

  • Evan Moore.

    Evan Moore

    Undergrad: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Graduated B.S. 
    Med School: Uniformed Services UHS FE Hebert School of Med 
    Surgery Plus Track: Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

  • Musisi, Daphine.

    Daphine Musisi

    Undergrad: Washington and Lee University Graduated B.S. 
    Med School: University of Maryland School of Medicine 
    Surgery Plus Track: MBA
    Other interests: Basketball, tennis, biking, hiking, swimming, mentoring, cultural experiences — African music and entertainment lift my mood.

  • Alex Neary.

    Alexander Neary

    Undergrad: University of Rochester 
    Med School:
     Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
    Other interests:
     Reading comic books. Cooking new recipes with my significant other and compiling them into a cookbook. Playing bingo with my family and friends. Building and custom painting model kits.

  • Garrett Skinner.

    Garrett Skinner

    Undergrad: Kirkwood Community College and University of Iowa
    Med School:
     University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
    Surgery Plus Track: Clinical Engineering
    Hometown: Omaha, Neb. and Cedar Rapids, Iowa
    Other interests: Classic movies, fishing, wood working, metal working and fabrication, welding, writing, computer networking, computer system administration.

Residents in the integrated MBA track are listed under “current residents” section above.

  • abigail bennett.

    Abigail Bennett

    Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
    Med School:
     Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Other interests:
     Sailing: My father and grandfather first introduced me to the sport. Growing up, I spent my summers in a sailing camp. Eventually, I began competing in regattas across the United States, Canada, and Europe. I continue to sail every summer.

    Snowboarding: I grew up going to Holiday Valley with my family and continue to go every winter.

    Yoga: My mom is a yoga instructor, and I first began practicing with her when I was 10. I continue to go to classes every week.

  • Amanda Copeland.

    Amanda Copeland

    Undergrad: University of California, Riverside
    Med School: Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
    Other interests: Baking, decorating baked goods, and creating or tweaking recipes, participating in pub trivia nights, reading fiction (fantasy, mystery, and romance), playing board and card games (Uno!) with friends and family, watching Great British Bake Off, working out at Orangetheory, playing soccer, currently learning how to crochet.

  • aaron orellana.

    Aaron Orellana

    Undergrad: Michigan State University 
    Med School:
     Wayne State University School of Medicine
    Surgery Plus Track: Clinical Informatics Fellowship
    Other interests: Soccer - Soccer Club of Rockford & High School Teams, Various Pick-up & Indoor Soccer leagues, Wayne State University Intramural Champions, 2019. Avid Premier League fan

    Automotive Mechanics & Technology - Repairing my 1990 Toyota Corolla with 250,000 miles+

    Health & Fitness - Spinning, Crossfit, Running, Hiking, Camping

    Video games - Casual player of role-playing games

    Career Interests/Goals - Academic Surgery, Medical Education, Clinical and Basic Science Research

  • Sujay Sreenivasan.

    Sujay Sreenivasan

    Undergrad: University of Georgia 
    Med School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University 
    Other interests:
     I play piano, cello, guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, and drums. I am currently recording my solo fingerstyle guitar album; a passion project that started in 2014.

    I found my love for bread baking during quarantine. My two favorite recipes are my focaccia bread and sourdough pizza.

    When I received my motorcycle license in 2020, I started riding my Royal Enfield with family friends into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia.

  • Melanie Tacher Otero.

    Melanie Tacher Otero

    Undergrad: Syracuse University 
    Med School:
     State University of New York Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine
    Other interests:
     I enjoy spending my free time taking care of my extensive collection of houseplants, watching true crime documentaries, reading, and dancing. Even though I no longer dance at a competitive level, I always try to find new dance workshops or classes to join. I enjoy Latin dancing, especially salsa, the most. However, I am always open to trying out new styles of dance.