Our Current Residents

VIKALPA DAMMAVALAM, DO

Hometown:  Flushing, New York

Undergrad:  Stony Brook University

Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem

Fellowship plans:  Neurointerventional

CNS vs PNS and why: CNS because I like to call the shots.

What would you do if you weren’t a neurologist:  I’d be a singer, there’s more than one way to save someone!

Harry Potter vs Star Wars vs Star Trek vs Lord of the Rings:  Harry Potter, until the very end. “Lie back upon the floor and observe the heavens. Here is written, for those who can see, the fortune of our races.” – Firenze, HP and the Order of the Phoenix.

Favorite style of Dance: Contemporary!

STEFFANI FLAHERTY, MD

Hometown: Medford, NY

Undergrad: St. Joseph's College, Patchogue, NY

Medical School: St. George's University in Grenada

Fellowship plans: Movement Disorders

Favorite neurologic syndrome and why: Parkinson's disease, I find movement disorders very interesting. I also love some of the unique therapies that have been developed such as walking to music

Hidden Talent: I was a competitive step dancer in college.

How do you de-stress: A nice sweaty exercise, as my heart rate goes up my problems melt away.

Favorite quote: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose" - Dr. Seuss

ARIANA FRONTARIO, DO

Hometown:  Northport, New York

Undergrad:  Stony Brook University

Medical School: LECOM Erie

Fellowship plans:  undecided

Favorite thing about Stony Brook Neurology Residency: my co-residents and faculty

Favorite thing about living on Long Island: being close to my family

Favorite cranial nerve and why: VII facial nerve because it moves muscles for facial expression especially because it allows us to SMILE.

Favorite Quote:  “The brain is wider than the sky.” - Emily Dickinson

Favorite Yoga Pose: Tree pose

SOLOMON KHAMISHON, MD

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Undergrad: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Medical School: American University of Antigua

Favorite thing about living on Long Island: The beautiful beaches

How do you De-Stress: workout and yoga!

What’s you theme song: Hava Nagila

Favorite Quote: "A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man." - The Godfather

DAOD PAK, MD

Hometown:  Yonkers, New York

Undergrad: Stony Brook University

Medical School:  New York Medical College

Fellowship plans:  Undecided

Favorite Thing about Stony Brook Neurology Residency: The people.  Everyone is really nice and willing to help.

Favorite cranial nerve and why:  VII.  Without it, everyone will have no facial expressions.

What would you do if you weren’t a neurologist?  If I was not a doctor, I have thought about becoming a researcher and having my own research lab.

How do you de-stress?  Working out.  Spending time with family/friends.

Harry Potter vs Star Wars vs Star Trek vs Lord of the Rings? Star Wars.  Favorite character is Yoda.

MARIELLE TORRES, MD

Hometown:  Hoboken, NJ

Undergrad: Columbia University

Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Favorite thing about living on Long Island: Lobster rolls

Favorite cranial nerve and why? The vagus nerve, for its variety of functions

What would you do if you weren’t a neurologist? Run a bakery

Harry Potter vs Star Wars vs Star Trek vs Lord of the Rings? Favorite Character: Yoda

Favorite style of dance: Ballet