Class of 2024
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