The Renaissance School of Medicine trains more than 750 residents and fellows annually in 68 accredited programs across various specialties. These integral members of our healthcare team are committed to providing compassionate care to our patients and their families. During February, Resident and Fellow Appreciation Month at Stony Brook Medicine, we recognize all our residents and fellows and celebrate their hard work, valuable contributions and dedication to our patients, staff and the communities we serve. Here, we are shining a light on some of our residents and fellows. Click on their images below to read more about their stories and the varied areas of focus that are shaping their careers.
Kara Ashby, MD, MPH PGY6, Department of Pediatric Dermatology
Zenobia Gonsalves, MDPGY7, Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM)
Daniela Rico, MDPGY1, Department of Neurology
William Shin, DOPGY2, Department of Neurology
Sarah Westlake, DOPGY3, Department of Neurology
Zarema Dzhemilova, DO
PGY4, Department of Neurology
Alexandra Tsivitis, DOPGY4, Department of Anesthesiology
Nicholas Mangano, MDPGY3, Department of Anesthesiology
Hannah Yep, MDPGY1, Department of Anesthesiology
Naomi Nguyen, MDPGY4, Department of Anesthesiology
Riddhi Patel, DOPGY4, Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital
Glennis Alvarado, MDPGY3, Department of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine
Anupriya Bhatia, MDPGY6, Department of Pediatrics Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Muhammad Usman Bin Fahim, MBBSPGY5, Department of Nephrology
Blair Bell, MDPGY3, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Nezar Zeidan, DOPGY3, Department of Internal Medicine
Umair Khan, MDPGY2, Department of Internal Medicine
Steven Tseng, DOPGY1, Department of Internal Medicine
Aung Ye Oo, MDPGY4, Department of Critical Care Medicine
Bhavya Narala, MDPGY7, Department of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine
Simran Bhatti, DOPGY4, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Mishelle Centeno, DOPGY5, Department of Endocrinology
Luke Li, MDPGY6, Department of Hematology-Oncology
Aaron Landman, DOPGY1, Transitional Year, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
Samantha Sattler, MDPGY4, Department of Dermatology
Christopher Liao, MDPGY6, Department of Plastic Surgery
Kaitlin Johnsen, DOPGY1, Department of Pediatrics
Kimberly Drago, DOPGY2, Department of Pediatrics
Zeenat Hussain, DOPGY3, Department of Pediatrics
Kristiana Hanna, MDPGY4, Department of Medicine/Pediatrics
Jaymie Oentoro, MDPGY5, Department of Pathology
Payal Nanda, MD, MAPGY1, Department of Psychiatry
Mansi Chandra, MDPGY2, Department of Psychiatry
Vineet Tummala, MDPGY3, Department of Psychiatry
Sameen Belal, DOPGY4, Department of Psychiatry
Kevin Skier, MDPGY5, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Yuli Breier, DOPGY2, Department of Vascular Surgery
Binit Katuwal, MBBSPGY7, Department of Vascular Surgery
Seth Weir, DOPGY2, Department of General Surgery
Isabelle Van Roy, MDPGY3, Department of General Surgery
Stergios Gatzoflias, MDPGY4, Department of General Surgery
Christopher Mazis, MDPGY5, Department of General Surgery
Watch videos featuring William Wertheim, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine, to learn about the Residency and Fellowship Program and the important contributions of residents and fellows.
Learn more about the exceptional training offered through all our residency and fellowship programs at the Renaissance School of Medicine.
Kara Ashby, MD, MPH
PGY6, Department of Pediatric Dermatology
Dr. Kara Ashby is an extraordinary chief fellow in Pediatric Gastroenterology. She has gone above and beyond for every one of her patients since she entered fellowship. She is extremely compassionate and always conscientious to consider the social-emotional needs of her pediatric patients in addition to comprehensively addressing their medical needs. She is incredibly helpful to her more junior fellows, always willing to lend a hand, teach and guide them with her experience.
Zenobia Gonsalves, MD
PGY7, Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM)
Dr. Zenobia Gonsalves is our chief MFM fellow and double boarded in Ob/Gyn and medical genetics. She provides impeccable care to our patients who are at high risk. She is detailed oriented and has a wonderful work ethic. Dr. Gonsalves is a true leader to her peers and leads by example. She has been successful in her academic achievements: She sits on the OB QA committee and has presented and published multiple abstracts and manuscripts to better the care for her patients.
Daniela Rico, MD
PGY1, Department of Neurology
Dr. Daniela Rico joined our Adult Neurology residency training program only a few months ago. Dr. Rico started her career in the U.S. Army as an ordnance officer and currently holds a rank of Major, Logistics Officer. Dr. Rico’s personal discipline intertwined with a great sense of humor make her integral part of the team. We thank her for her service and are so lucky she matched at Stony Brook University!
William Shin, DO
PGY2, Department of Neurology
Dr. William Shin is a PGY2 in our Adult Neurology residency training program. Dr. Shin brings impeccable professionalism to the workplace. His highest standard of behavior and ethics are coupled with exemplary clinical work and a thirst for knowledge. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team!
Sarah Westlake, DO
PGY3, Department of Neurology
Dr. Sarah Westlake is a PGY3 in our Adult Neurology residency training program. She has a leadership role in Wellness and integrates wellness into our culture and values. Her endless creativity and engaging approach create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in our department. Dr. Westlake is pursuing Vascular fellowship training. We are lucky to have her as part of the team!
Zarema Dzhemilova, DO
PGY4, Department of Neurology
Dr. Zarema Dzhemilova is one of the chief residents in our Adult Neurology residency programs. She has exemplary organizational and leadership skills. In addition, she is a dedicated professional committed to excellence in patient care. Dr. Dzhemilova is pursuing further fellowship training in Clinical Neurophysiology. We are thrilled to have her as part of the team!
Alexandra Tsivitis, DO
PGY4, Department of Anesthesiology
Dr. Alexandra Tsivitis has been an outstanding contributor to the Department of Anesthesiology and serves as the Research Chief Resident. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating the department’s Academic Mentorship Program, which creates an infrastructure for residents and students to participate in research projects and other scholarly activities. Dr. Tsivitis has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations. She received the 2025 AOCA Resident of the Year Award — the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists (AOCA)’s highest honor for residents. Dr. Tsivitis will be completing a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh after graduation.
Nicholas Mangano, MD
PGY3, Department of Anesthesiology
Dr. Nicholas Mangano has been an outstanding contributor to graduate medical education (GME) and other activities. Dr. Mangano serves on the GME Patient Safety Counsel and the GME Committee. He is the Advocacy Coordinator for the Resident and Fellow Section of the NYS Society of Anesthesiologists and is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Resident Component House of Delegates. Dr. Mangano has been active in the department’s Academic Mentorship Program. He has co-authored four publications and nine national conference presentations. An outstanding team player, he received the CA1 Team Player of the Year Award. A gifted teacher, he has received three Excellence in Teaching Awards from the medical students.
Hannah Yep, MD
PGY2, Department of Anesthesiology
Dr. Hannah Yep is a first-year anesthesiology resident who has already contributed significant time toward service and scholastic work. Dr. Yep serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Resident and Fellow Section of the NYS Society of Anesthesiologists and is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Resident Component House of Delegates. Dr. Yep was recognized for her outstanding patient care and compassion as a PGY1 resident. Dr. Yep is also active in the department’s Academic Mentorship Program. She presented a medically challenging case at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ 2025 Annual Meeting and is involved in other scholarly work.
Naomi Nguyen, MD
PGY1, Department of Anesthesiology
Dr. Naomi Nguyen is a graduate of the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University and hit the ground running when she started internship at Stony Brook University Hospital this past July. She is working on a novel IRB-approved research project on fear and anesthesia, which combines her interest in anesthesiology with her interest in learning how patients develop preconceived thoughts and emotions about having anesthesia for surgical procedures. Dr. Nguyen also co-authored a paper that was published this past October.
Riddhi Patel, DO
PGY4, Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital
Dr. Riddhi Patel exemplifies the kind of resident that every hospital system seeks: someone who is compassionate, inquisitive and hard-working. She is universally well-liked by staff, faculty and patients alike for her warmth, intellectual curiosity, and professionalism. She is also a true scholar and an excellent clinician (excelling in both pharmacotherapy and various psychotherapies) who plans to do an addiction psychiatry fellowship after graduation later this year. Dr. Patel’s direct supervisors, resident peers and medical students consistently voice their positive impressions of her clinical skills and teaching ability. She is a true asset and will excel after completing her residency in any hospital system she chooses.
Glennis Alvarado, MD
PGY3, Department of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine
Dr. Glennis Alvarado is passionate about lifestyle medicine (LM) and the promise it offers to prevent or ameliorate chronic diseases. She is collaborating with the residency program director and associate program director to increase our LM curriculum, so residents will be eligible to take the ABLM board exam upon graduation from our program. Dr. Alvarado is experienced in clinical care, population health and health equity across academic, community and public health settings. Her clinical excellence, compassionate patient care, patient advocacy and professionalism have left a lasting impression on patients and the team.
Anupriya Bhatia, MD
PGY6, Department of Pediatrics Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Dr. Anupriya Bhatia is an outstanding leader as the Chief Fellow for our Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program. In the NICU, she is hardworking, very organized, thorough and dependable. She is described by her colleagues as fun and personable and brings positive energy to the team every day. Dr. Bhatia has a radiant and welcoming personality that instantly makes everyone feel comfortable and included. She is very dedicated to caring for our neonatal patients and a joy to work alongside. We are so lucky to have such a kind and compassionate physician on our NICU team!
Muhammad Usman Bin Fahim, MBBS
PGY5, Department of Nephrology
Dr. Muhammad Usman Bin Fahim is a shining example of intelligence and perseverance. He leads his co-fellows and mentors medical students with kindness and knowledge, exhibiting great leadership and commitment in his role as chief fellow. He actively participates in research projects that are essential to the domains of critical care and nephrology, giving presentations at the American Society of Nephrology conference and offering insightful contributions that improve patient care and medical understanding. He received the Fellow of the Year award last year, which highlighted his exceptional accomplishments and acknowledged his dedication to excellence and lifelong learning.
Blair Bell, MD
PGY3, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Blair Bell is an exceptional resident who provides compassionate care to her patients and unwavering support to her co-residents and staff. She has a warmth and calm energy even in the most challenging of situations. She consistently leads by example and is the true definition of both a team leader and a team player. Dr. Bell works tirelessly to better herself as a resident while helping her co-residents and patients in any way she can. We are lucky to have her on our team!
Nezar Zeidan, DO
PGY3, Department of Internal Medicine
Dr. Nezar Zeidan is described as the “the heart of our residency program.” His compassion for patients and dedication to colleagues shine through every day. He goes out of his way to support others — such as volunteering for community outreach projects, helping with tasks or simply checking in to make sure everyone feels valued. His energy, humility and genuine care create an uplifting environment. Always giving 110%, he inspires us all and makes our team stronger.
Umair Khan, MD
PGY2, Department of Internal Medicine
Dr. Umair Khan exemplifies compassion, reliability and leadership. He consistently goes above and beyond for patients, nurses and colleagues — arriving early, staying late and offering help without hesitation. Dr. Khan is described by colleagues as the “pillar of support” for all members of the interdisciplinary team and is a role model for junior trainees. A true cornerstone of the residency program, Dr. Khan’s dedication and empathy reflect the qualities every physician should strive to embody.
Steven Tseng, DO
PGY1, Department of Internal Medicine
Dr. Steven Tseng exemplifies teamwork, professionalism and compassion. His positivity and calm presence uplift colleagues during demanding days, while his reliability and generosity make him a trusted teammate. Humble and hardworking, he consistently goes above and beyond to support colleagues and foster a positive learning environment. His commitment to education is evident in his efforts to share knowledge, where he recently presented a clinical vignette poster at the 2025 American College of Gastroenterology conference.
Aung Ye Oo, MD
PGY4, Department of Critical Care Medicine
Dr. Aung Ye Oo is described by his peers as an excellent co-fellow: humble, always enthusiastic, smart and ready to help in all situations. He has also displayed leadership qualities in his first year of fellowship by being a great communicator and taking initiative in multiple quality improvement projects. He truly is a kind and smart soul who is great to work with. Dr. Oo has been selected Chief Fellow for the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship for the next academic year.
Bhavya Narala, MD
PGY7, Department of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine
Dr. Bhavya Narala is one of our senior PCCM fellows who has served as an excellent role model to her juniors. She is described by her peers as their “go-to person” for anything and is looked up to for being very patient, understanding and fun to work with. She currently serves as Education Chief Fellow and plays a vital role in organizing our conferences as well as board review for the PCCM and CCM Fellowships.
Simran Bhatti, DO
PGY4, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Dr. Simran Bhatti is the inaugural Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellow at Stony Brook. She joins us after completing her pediatric residency at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY. Dr. Bhatti brings a strong foundation of medical knowledge and exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding trainee. Colleagues consistently note her clinical acumen, thoughtful decision-making and compassionate approach to patient care. Her genuine commitment to learning and dedication to caring for children and their families are evident in every interaction. We are delighted to have her as part of our team.
Mishelle Centeno, DO
PGY5, Department of Endocrinology
Dr. Mishelle Centeno exemplifies the highest ideals of our fellowship. She is recognized for outstanding professionalism, exceptional compassion and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. She approaches every case with curiosity and purpose. Her sense of responsibility and dedication to learning consistently elevate the standard of care for her patients and the fellowship as a whole.
Luke Li, MD
PGY6, Department of Hematology-Oncology
Dr. Luke Li, Chief Fellow of our program, exemplifies professionalism, leadership and dedication. Known for his exceptional work ethic and positive attitude, he consistently goes above and beyond to support colleagues and patients. Faculty praise his collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence. In addition to clinical duties, Dr. Li actively mentors medical students and residents, fostering education and growth. His integrity and passion for medicine make him an outstanding physician and future leader in the field.
Aaron Landman, DO
PGY1, Transitional Year, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
Dr. Aaron Landman has demonstrated exceptional ambition throughout his time at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. He consistently advocates for his co-residents and works diligently to enhance the overall resident experience. His selection as the Transitional Year resident representative reflects the trust and respect he has earned among his peers. Dr. Landman remains a reliable and approachable resource for his colleagues, and his enthusiasm is commendable. We are fortunate to have him begin his training with us.
Samantha Sattler, MD
PGY4, Department of Dermatology
Dr. Samantha Sattler is the Chief Resident in Dermatology. She provides excellent medical care and is a strong role model for her co-residents. She currently is working on restructuring our residents text review curriculum, which highlights her dedication to teaching. She also recently published an article that made the cover of the Dermatologic Surgery journal. Dr. Sattler is pursuing a Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology (Mohs) Fellowship and is an integral part of the Dermatology team.
Christopher Liao, MD
PGY6, Department of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Christopher Liao is the Plastic Surgery Chief Resident whose clinical interests span reconstruction as well as aesthetic surgery. He is known among his peers for his steady professionalism, strong technical skills, and genuine commitment to patient-centered care. Outside the hospital, Dr. Liao brings the same focus and curiosity to mentorship, teaching and community engagement, making him a standout member of the residency program.
Kaitlin Johnsen, DO
PGY1, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Kaitlin Johnsen always works hard to provide the best care for her patients and to support her co-residents in any way possible. She is an advocate for her patients and a valued co-resident. She is the definition of a team player, always willing to lend a hand to her colleagues. Dr. Johnsen was selected as our PGY1 program delegate to represent our program at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference. We are very lucky to have her!
Kimberly Drago, DO
PGY2, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Kimberly Drago is an excellent resident and very committed to the program. She is always willing to help others, even when she’s in the middle of a busy shift. Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Drago serves as a Residency Interviewer. This year, she was also selected as one of our American Academy of Pediatrics resident delegates, representing our program at the national level. Thanks for everything you do, Dr. Drago.
Zeenat Hussain, DO
PGY3, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Zeenat Hussain has consistently shown professionalism toward her colleagues. She is a caring, compassionate physician who goes above and beyond to demonstrate patient-centered care. She is a supportive co-resident. She always tries to help her co-residents learn and grow, but also shares the workload. We are grateful to have her as an amazing peer and senior resident in our program.
Kristiana Hanna, MD
PGY4, Department of Medicine/Pediatrics
Dr. Kristiana Hanna, our chief resident joined us from Albany Medical College and has consistently demonstrated excellence in clinical care and advocacy for patients, families, and colleagues. As chief, Dr. Hanna balances her demanding role with compassion and dedication. Always available to assist, she goes above and beyond for her team. Her thoughtfulness, reliability and leadership make her an invaluable part of our program.
Jaymie Oentoro, MD
PGY5, Department of Pathology
Dr. Jaymie Oentoro, current Hematopathology Fellow and former SBUH Pathology Resident and Chief Resident, is highly regarded for his kindness, intelligence and dedication. He brings strong diagnostic expertise enhanced by his surgical pathology fellowship and has strong academic credentials in research and patient safety. He is passionate about teaching and is an excellent teacher and mentor to trainees. Dr. Oentoro is a true asset to the department, the hospital and most importantly, the patients we serve.
Payal Nanda, MD, MA
PGY1, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Payal Nanda is described by her peers as thorough, knowledgeable and incredibly kind. She is known for going the extra mile for her patients and encouraging her colleagues to do the same. She has been praised for her creative approach and the way she’s able to earn the trust of her patients through her consistency, empathy and deep engagement with their care. She’s interested in completing a Public and Community Psychiatry fellowship following residency.
Mansi Chandra, MD
PGY2, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Mansi Chandra is described by her peers as being very thoughtful toward patients and trainees. She has gone out of her way to make the residency more accessible for her fellow residents and medical students alike and always takes the time to have important conversations. She is an empathic and caring physician and friend.
Vineet Tummala, MD
PGY3, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Vineet Tummala is a hard worker and an excellent team player who is always willing to do more for others. He has a kind, supportive and curious bedside manner, which helps patients feel at ease and understood, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance. He frequently teaches undergraduate and medical students and was the recipient of the Psychiatry Resident Educator Award. Dr. Tummala has multiple research publications and will be pursuing a fellowship in sleep medicine.
Sameen Belal, DO
PGY4, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Sameen Belal is an Administrative Chief Resident in Psychiatry. He enjoys providing academic and clinical guidance to junior colleagues, helping ensure that they are not overwhelmed by clinical duties and remain on firm footing throughout residency. He also relishes working with medical students as a supervisor for the SB HOME Clinic. His peers cite his patience, kind demeanor and enthusiasm for sharing educational resources as a continually valued source of support.
Kevin Skier, MD
PGY5, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr. Kevin Skier is a dedicated and passionate physician whose empathy and compassion help him to navigate even the most sensitive patient care situations. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, he employs a systems-based approach, coordinating with families, schools and community supports to ensure the highest quality care for his patients. Dr. Skier is known for his tireless work ethic and deep sense of responsibility to those he serves, consistently going above and beyond to advocate for his patients and support their longterm emotional and developmental well-being.
Yuli Breier, DO
PGY2, Department of Vascular Surgery
Dr. Yuli Breier is has been lauded for saving patients’ lives even in the early years of her training. She is a clear patient advocate and always offers all of her time and efforts. Her peers attest to her constant reliability and strong work ethic. Dr. Breier is a shining star on our vascular team, and we are truly fortunate to have her in our ranks!
Binit Katuwal, MBBS
PGY7, Department of Vascular Surgery
Dr. Binit Katuwal is an outstanding addition to the surgical team. He consistently goes out of his way to ensure all team members feel included and supported, both in and out of the operating room. His commitment to teaching and his unwavering advocacy for his patients make him an exceptional asset to our department.
Seth Weir, DO
PGY2, Department of General Surgery
Dr. Seth Weir joined Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, and he has been an exemplary resident to date in all areas. He has excelled in clinical patient care, institutional service (and professionalism) and research (recently receiving a Best Abstract Award from the 2025 American Academic of Pediatrics Conference). We anticipate Dr. Weir will continue to make great contributions through his SBUH training and look forward to his continuing development.
Isabelle Van Roy, MD
PGY3, Department of General Surgery
Dr. Isabelle Van Roy joined Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) from Boston University School of Medicine and has exhibited tremendous development in her time here. Dr. Van Roy is detail-oriented contributing to her astute clinical care and management style. Dr. Van Roy is dedicated toward self-improvement and improvement of others to optimize patient care outcomes. She envisions a career in Trauma/Surgical Critical Care where her well rounded skill set combined with her calm demeanor will certainly benefit her future patients.
Stergios Gatzoflias, MD
PGY4, Department of General Surgery
Dr. Stergios Gatzoflias joined us from New York Medical College (a returning native Long Islander) where he has become a well-rounded surgical resident. Dr. Gatzoflias is the consummate team player and professional. He provides exemplary patient care with humility, no fanfare and a “get the job done right” attitude. His skill set combined with a no-nonsense approach will serve him well through surgical residency and going forward as we anticipate his success in his pursuit of cardiothoracic surgery fellowship.
Christopher Mazis, MD
PGY5, Department of General Surgery
Dr. Christopher Mazis joined Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) from the University of Arizona School of Medicine and has developed into an outstanding chief resident. Chris exemplifies all the qualities one hopes for. He provides exceptional patient care, role models the highest level of professionalism, educates and improves others (education co-chief) through his leadership. Dr. Mazis will leverage his comprehensive skills pursuing colorectal fellowship at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai where he will continue to excel and develop.