The Renaissance School of Medicine trains more than 750 residents and fellows annually in 67 accredited programs across various specialties. These integral members of our healthcare team are committed to providing compassionate care to our patients and their families. A Resident and Fellow Appreciation Month was held in February during which time, we recognized all our residents and fellows and celebrated 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 the residents and fellows we honored. Click on their images below to read more about their stories and the varied areas of focus that are shaping their careers.
Watch videos featuring William Wertheim, MD, MBA, Vice Dean, Graduate Medical Education, 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.
Cyril Manchery, DDS
PGY2, Department of Advanced Education
Program in Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Cyril Manchery exemplifies each one of Stony Brook Medicine’s iCare values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) as he interacts with his colleagues, faculty, staff and pediatric dental patients. His calm demeanor is a tremendous benefit when interacting with patients with special healthcare needs, and his level of excellence is exemplar. Dr. Manchery will be an excellent steward of Stony Brook Medicine as he enters private practice following completion of his residency this June.
Sophia Jacob, MD
PGY2, Department of Advanced Education
Program in Pediatric Dentistry
Within a few weeks of starting her internship, Dr. Sophia Jacob began working on a scholarly project with the Department of Anesthesiology. Her work was impressively accepted for presentation at the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists Post Graduate Assembly Annual Meeting in December. Dr. Jacob also serves on the GME Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Jims Jin, MBBS
PGY3, Department of Anesthesiology
Dr. Jims Jin is already a phenomenal physician scientist at his current PGY3 level. Dr. Jin has authored 20 manuscripts during his residency alone and was accepted into the highly selective research track. Dr. Jin co-founded the Anesthesiology Academic Mentorship Program. His mentorship work has led to several peer-reviewed publications for his co-residents. Dr. Jin also serves as the ASA Review Editor and was appointed to the ASA Governing Council. Lastly, Dr. Jin scored in the top 10 percent in the country on his medical board exam.
Alina Razak, MD
PGY2, Department of Anesthesiology
Dr. Alina Razak is a wonderful team player and has contributed to several academic projects during her short time with the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Razak recently presented a poster on “The Management of a Parturient With an Implanted Sacral Neuromodulation Device During Labor and Delivery” at the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists Post Graduate Assembly in New York City. She is also working on a project on the use of sugammadex, a neuromuscular blocker.
Giacomo (Jack) Scorsese, DO
PGY4, Department of Anesthesiology
Dr. Jack Scorsese has been an outstanding contributor to the Department of Anesthesiology. He is a natural educator and has received several Excellence in Teaching Awards during his residency. In his role as the Education Chief Resident, he co-founded and directs the Anesthesiology Academic Mentorship Program. Dr. Scorsese has presented at several national meetings and authored many manuscripts. He has also served on the GME Wellness Committee. Lastly, Dr. Scorsese scored in the top 10 percent in the country on his medical board exam.
Maxwell Moore, MD
PGY2, Department of Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry
Dr. Maxwell Moore is a well-rounded psychiatry resident who demonstrates respect for all at Stony Brook Medicine, ranging from patients to families to colleagues. This past year, he represented the program at the annual American Psychiatric Association “MindGames” national residency team competition; he led small group case discussions with preclinical medical students; and he helped start a research project examining aggression in pediatric psychiatry settings. Among the first cohort of Stony Brook’s Three-Year MD Program, Dr. Moore has strong connections with staff across multiple disciplines.
Katie Niedt, MD, MHA
PGY5, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr. Katie Niedt embodies Stony Brook Medicine’s iCare values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) in her practice and through her commitment to bettering mental health treatment for a diverse patient population. She co-leads a supportive therapy group for teens and participates in a clinic providing comprehensive treatment for teens who are transgender and gender non-conforming. Dr. Niedt recently presented a poster on “Group Therapy for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth and Improving Mental Health Outcomes.” Additionally, she serves as a Chief Fellow.
Christina Tejeda, MD
PGY4, Department of Dermatology
Dr. Christina Tejeda is our current Chief Resident. She is also an active member of the GME Inclusion and Diversity Committee at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. Dr. Tejeda has published many case reports and projects during her three years at Stony Brook Medicine and is an integral member of our Dermatology team.
Alex Donnelly, DO
PGY2, Department of Emergency Medicine
Dr. Alex Donnelly developed and is implementing a “CPR in Schools” initiative with the goal of explaining the importance of immediate chest compressions and survival. She is working with the Three Village School District, teaching hands-only compressions for CPR. Dr. Donnelly will visit fifth grade students during their health class and teach them the steps of calling 911, checking for a pulse/ responsiveness and performing chest compressions using rhythmic songs and mannequins in a fun but rewarding manner.
Megan Hodges, MD
PGY3, Department of Emergency Medicine
Dr. Megan Hodges presented her scholarly work at the National Association of EMS Physicians 2022 National Meeting, which was titled, “Positive Impact of an EMS Elective on Medical Students: 5-Years in Review.”
Christian Treat, MD
PGY1, Department of Emergency Medicine
Dr. Christian Treat presented his scholarly work at the American College of Emergency Physicians National Scientific Assembly in October 2022, which was titled, “All Clear! Virtual Reality Defibrillator Training For Medical Students Is Feasible, Liked, And Improves Perceived Knowledge, Comfort, And Skills.”
Kevin Duh, MD
PGY4, Department of General Surgery
Dr. Kevin Duh joined the Stony Brook Medicine family from the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He is a no-nonsense individual committed to the mission of Stony Brook Medicine by providing exemplary care to patients, pursuing research and educating others while pursuing his own education (vascular surgery fellowship training). Dr. Duh’s level-headed demeanor makes him a joy to work with.
Rahul Kanade, MD
PGY2, Department of General Surgery
Dr. Rahul Kanade joined Stony Brook Medicine from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (Minnesota). He is a humble individual who exemplifies himself through his robust knowledge base and skills combined with his humanistic rapport to provide patients the exemplary care we strive for. With his scientific curiosity, Dr. Kanade is currently planning to pursue cardiothoracic surgery research in the next academic year.
Alisa Khomutova, MD
PGY3, Department of General Surgery
Dr. Alisa Khomutova joined the Stony Brook Medicine family from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. She possesses an outstanding knowledge base and early leadership potential. Dr. Khomutova is focused on honing her surgical acumen and skill set. She has also leveraged her non-clinical skill set to assist her peers in their preparation for the surgical in-training examination. Additionally, Dr. Khomutova is pursuing scholarly activity through research.
Aleksandr Krichmar, MD
PGY1, Department of General Surgery
Dr. Aleksandr Krichmar joined the Stony Brook Medicine family from Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo. He exhibits maturity in his professionalism, interpersonal communication and collegiality with his co-workers. Dr. Krichmar is always willing to do whatever it takes for our patients and the team, and he has a keen interest to develop as a surgeon.
Adam Spinner, DO
PGY3, Department of General Surgery
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
Dr. Adam Spinner is interrupting his surgical residency training to fulfill his obligation as a pararescue specialist in the 103rd Rescue Squadron. He is part of an elite medical group attached to the New York Air National Guard stationed at the Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach. It is among the most highly trained outfits in the entire U.S. military. He will be deployed to an unknown destination for one year to provide medical assistance and combat rescue operations. Following his deployment, Dr. Spinner will return to complete his residency training.
Ross Weller, MD
PGY5, Department of General Surgery
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
Dr. Ross Weller joined the Stony Brook Medicine family from Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University. He is mature and calm under pressure as he continues to demonstrate leadership through his professionalism and development of our residency team and co-residents. Dr. Weller’s thoughtfulness was exemplified when his intuition led him to determine the culprit of excessive bleeding in a pediatric patient while assisting the Stony Brook Medicine team that saved the life of a local 4-year-old boy.
Ann Mary Hanna, DO
PGY1, Department of Internal Medicine
Dr. Ann Mary Hanna’s peers note that she always brings a positive attitude with her wherever she goes. The mood is instantly uplifted when Dr. Hanna enters a room. She’s a breath of fresh air! Dr. Hanna values the importance of teamwork; she cares about her team members and helps the team do well together. Dr. Hanna’s interactions with patients also reflect her caring nature.
Timothy Miller, MD
PGY3, Department of Internal Medicine
Dr. Timothy Miller is described by his peers as one of the hardest and most devoted workers. He always comes in on his own time to help. Whenever asked, he will always do. Dr. Miller makes efforts to ensure that those around him are doing well and never asks for anything in return. One peer noted that there are times when it feels like Dr. Miller has the weight of the hospital on his shoulders and is able to manage it all. He has an amazing attitude and is a phenomenal doctor.
Rajan Patel, MD
PGY2, Department of Internal Medicine
According to Dr. Rajan Patel’s peers, Dr. Patel consistently goes out of his way to help other residents, including those on other teams, with procedures on his shifts, including midlines, central lines and paracentesis. Dr. Patel role models and encourages personal and professional growth and wellness among his peers.
Omar Abuzeid, MD
PGY7, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Dr. Omar Abuzeid has had a successful career within Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He presented his research project, titled “Obstetric outcomes of twin gestation after In-Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVT-ET) treatment in patients who underwent hysteroscopic septoplasty for subseptate uterus,” at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 38th Annual Meeting this past summer. Dr. Abuzeid is diligent and follows through on all his projects.
Iqra Nawaz, MD
PGY5, Department of Nephrology
Dr. Iqra Nawaz is the current Chief Fellow of the adult Nephrology Fellowship Program. She truly leads through example. Despite a very busy clinical service, Dr. Nawaz always has a positive attitude and gives 100 percent to her patients and her colleagues. When we were briefly short two fellows in the fall, she volunteered to work extra shifts (holidays and weekends) and routinely checked in with fellows (and faculty) to see who needed help. Dr. Nawaz is the ultimate team player.
Devon Soucier, MD
PGY4, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
As Administrative Chief Resident, Dr. Devon Soucier is a perfect example of what a physician and leader should be. Her calm demeanor makes juggling busy clinical responsibilities and administrative duties look easy. She always puts others first, and her patients love her warm and welcoming bedside manner. Dr. Soucier has excelled as a brilliant physician and really shines in the operating room. She has also pursued research opportunities in patient-centered approaches to monitoring weight gain in pregnancy and winning the Robert L. Barbieri Research Award.
Nishanth Iyengar, MD, MBA
PGY2, Department of Ophthalmology
Dr. Nishanth Iyengar is a graduate of New York University Grossman School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed an MBA with Distinction at NYU Stern School of Business, where he was named to the dean’s list. He has published several articles and is involved in research and publications with faculty in ophthalmology and oculoplastics. Dr. Iyengar was selected to be on “Jeopardy!” and describes his experience as “a childhood dream come true.” He has volunteered in vision screening fairs with the Department of Ophthalmology.
Leora Allen, MD
PGY3, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Leora Allen shines as a leader within Stony Brook’s Pediatric Residency Program. She is a passionate mentor who consistently models exemplary patient care. Dr. Allen was chosen as a platform presenter at the department’s Pediatric Research Day for her work titled “Point-of-Care Lead Testing Can Be a Means to Achieve Health Equity in Primary Care.” Her contributions to the program were further highlighted by her selection as an American Academy of Pediatrics program delegate.
Juliana McBroom, MD
PGY2, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Juliana McBroom is recognized as an outstanding physician with excellent clinical acumen and work ethic. She is readily approachable and helps her peers regardless of the situation due to her affable nature and endless optimism. As a member of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, she positively impacts patients and families throughout our community. Within the department, Dr. McBroom invests time in resident wellness, hoping to make a lasting impact on the program. Her future career focus is in primary care pediatrics.
Christopher McKiever, MD
PGY1, Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Christopher McKiever, a first-year pediatric resident only six months into residency, was clearly born to be a pediatrician. He exudes enthusiasm; patients and colleagues alike benefit from the passion and energy he brings to the workplace. He is beloved by his peers and selflessly works in a leadership position representing his colleagues as a class liaison working to advance resident education, problem solve and institute positive change. Dr. McKiever also volunteers with Magic Aid, spending free time bringing extra “magic” and joy to pediatric patients in the hospital.
Danielle Craigg, MD
PGY3, Department of Preventive Medicine
Dr. Danielle Craigg is passionate about improving access and delivering preventive services for those who are underserved. This includes working with the Office of Minority Health in the Suffolk County Department of Health Services to decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase health literacy; collaborating with several Stony Brook Medicine departments to increase cancer screening among bariatric patients prior to surgery; and implementing a preventive medicine clinic at the Northport VA Medical Center. Dr. Craigg never seeks the limelight, but she makes things happen.
John William Banks, DO
PGY4, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. John William Banks is a role model and leader to his fellow residents. Faculty describe him as an all-around excellent resident who has been functioning at the level of an attending on the adult inpatient unit. Dr. Banks was elected as one of two administrative chief residents this year. Throughout his residency, he received several awards, including two Academic Merit Awards, the Harold Pass Excellence in Psychotherapy Award and the Excellence in Caring Award. Dr. Banks was instrumental in starting the department’s outpatient Relapse Prevention Group. He also spearheaded the expansion of psychopharmacology training and teaching bimonthly lectures to his junior residents.
Brendan Beecher, DO
PGY3, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Brendan Beecher exemplifies the kind of resident that every hospital system seeks: a compassionate, inquisitive and hard-working individual. He is universally well liked by staff , faculty and patients for his infectious enthusiasm and good cheer. He is also a true scholar (having presented a poster as a first author in 2022) and an excellent clinician (winning the department’s annual Addiction Treatment Award). Dr. Beecher’s direct supervisors, resident peers and medical students consistently voice their positive impressions of his clinical skills and teaching ability.
Sameen Belal, DO
PGY1, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Sameen Belal has been an instrumental part of the Psychiatry Department and has consistently embodied Stony Brook Medicine’s iCare values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence). He is often found working proactively to increase his understanding of complex psychiatric treatments and disorders that his patients face. Dr. Belal is always the first to assist his coworkers during emergency situations, taking the time to know every patient on the unit so that he can off er a helping hand. The ultimate team player, Dr. Belal exemplifies the compassion, diligence and collaborative spirit that is invaluable to his department.
Gloria Lee, MD
PGY3, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Gloria Lee is thoughtful, compassionate, professional and always there for her patients and colleagues. She was the winner of the Case Report category of the 2022 Neurosciences Institute Trainee Research Symposium for her poster with resident Geoffrey Russell et al. on “Case Series of Aripiprazole and Dopamine Supersensitive Psychosis.” Dr. Lee also presented a poster on systematic review of COVID pandemic-related suicide at the 2022 annual conference of the American Psychopathological Association.
David Payne, MD
PGY4, Department of Radiology
Dr. David Payne came to Stony Brook for clinical training and to delve into informatics research and education. In addition to his residency, he is pursuing an MS in Imaging Informatics. Dr. Payne has produced noteworthy research, including an international effort utilizing federated learning in the detection of brain tumor boundaries, which was published in Nature Communications, and is developing an AI algorithm to detect spinal cord compression. Dr. Payne is also passionate about patient safety and leadership.
Hafsa Nomani, DO
PGY5, Department of Rheumatology
Dr. Hafsa Nomani was selected as an Ignite Talk Presenter in the Lightning Poster Round at the 2022 American College of Rheumatology Convergence with her abstract, “Autoinflammatory Diseases Associated with NOD2 and other Concurrent Genetic Mutations.” Under the guidance of Dr. Qingping Yao, her research suggested the use of a new term, “mixed NLR-associated autoinflammatory diseases.” Outside of her excellence in research, Dr. Nomani has demonstrated commendable patient care.
Kelly Ieong, MD
PGY3, Department of Urology
In addition to her exceptional clinical care, Dr. Kelly Ieong has developed into an expert in urologic research. She has presented at national and international conferences and has been awarded the Society for Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) resident travel award twice. Additionally, Dr. Ieong is the 2022 SUFU Chemodenervation Research Grant recipient. She was recently selected as the only resident to serve on the SUNY Chancellor search committee.