Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program | Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

Fellowship Director	Associate Fellowship Director
Kimberly Herrera, MD	David Garry, DO

Mission Statement

The mission of Stony Brook Medicine Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship program is to produce physicians who are well-versed in all aspects of women’s health. We accomplish this by promoting lifelong learning and research, staying at the forefront of technology, emphasizing the education of residents and medical students, and advancing Stony Brook Medicine’s status as a leader in compassionate and culturally-competent women’s healthcare.

Overview

Stony Brook University Hospital offers a three-year training program in Maternal-Fetal Medicine through their two Regional Perinatal Centers on Long Island. Our objective is to train specialists in Maternal-Fetal Medicine who, in addition to having expertise in clinic practice, research, and public health, will have the skills needed to excel in the ever more challenging environment of academic medicine. Our specific objectives include training individuals capable of continuing a career in academic medicine with defined areas of interest and foundations in research and education that will prepare each of our trainees to obtain research grant funding or to otherwise be a productive member of the academic community. Each graduate of our Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine would have the knowledge and skills to act as a consultant to general obstetricians as well as to participate in regionalization of perinatal services which are active in improving the delivery of health care to designated populations. The educational program of this Fellowship is also designed to guarantee a completed, hypothesis-based, research thesis by graduation. Each fellow will be taught to teach and to mentor with didactic lectures, structured educational experiences, 360-degree evaluations, and involvement as a research mentor to undergraduates and/or residents. Each fellow will be adequately prepared to achieve subspecialty certification by the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and then proceed to develop successful careers in academic medicine.

Curriculum

Due to the high volume of high risk patients at Stony Brook, fellows have tremendous opportunities to learn in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Inpatient rotations include managing patients on labor and delivery and the antepartum services, as well as participating in procedures and deliveries. In the outpatient setting, fellows have the chance to manage high-risk clinic, perform consults, and hone their ultrasound skills with scanning and ultrasound guided procedures. In addition, there are rotations in obstetrical anesthesia, critical care/ICU, genetics, pediatric cardiology, pathology, and the neonatal intensive care unit. Lastly, fellows can partake in electives.

Research

In addition to clinical experiences, the fellows are taught research techniques in order to generate a thesis by graduation. Fellows are involved in both clinical and bench research. Faculty mentorship of their projects is instrumental and allows the fellows to flourish in research. There is also support provided by the Research Division of the Department with statistical assistance. There are collaborative opportunities within the department and institution available. Fellows attend the annual SMFM meeting in order to showcase their research and are expected to publish their findings in a peer reviewed journal.

Education

The fellows are engaged in several didactics which include fetal ultrasound conferences, twice monthly MFM-NICU conferences, monthly journal clubs, weekly OB-GYN Grand Rounds, weekly Chairman’s rounds, and weekly lecture series on MFM topics. In addition, there is a monthly research series and regular research meetings to help prepare the fellows with their research endeavors. Finally, the fellows are actively involved in the teaching and education of the residents and medical students.

Faculty

	Cecilia Avila, MD, MPH Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Dr. Avila is a graduate of Universidad Nacional de Columbia School of Medicine in Bogota, Columbia, she did her internship in obstetrics and gynecology at Yale- New Haven Hospital and then completed her residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital followed by a fellowship in Maternal –Fetal Medicine at Columbia- Presbyterian Medical Center in New York. Upon completion of her fellowship in 2000, Dr. Avila trained in Obstetric and gynecological ultrasound at New York University before her arrival here at Stony Brook Medicine in 2004. Her clinical and research interests includes prematurity, medical complications of pregnancy, intrapartum care and perinatal HIV care.

	David Baker, MD Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Associate Professor of Oral Biology and Pathology, School of Medicine Director, Division of Infectious Diseases Dr. Baker is a national recognized expert on infectious diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He received his medical training at the State University of Brooklyn and completed his residency at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. He completed his fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, VT. Dr. Baker is actively involved in basic, and clinical research involving various aspects of women’s health relating to infectious diseases and menopause. Dr. Baker has published over 150 articles, chapters and books in the fields of infectious disease. Recently Dr. Baker has expanded his research into the area of menopause and herbal supplements. He has been recognized as a specialist in diseases of the vulva and vaginitis. In addition, he recently was recognized for work on herbal supplements.

	James Bernasko, MD, FACOG, CDE, CDTC Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine Director, Suffolk County Regional Perinatal Center and the Stony Brook Diabetes in Pregnancy Center. Dr. Bernasko is one of few maternal-fetal medicine specialists in the US who are also board-certified in diabetes education. His clinical areas of interest and publications include medical complications of pregnancy, particularly diabetes, preterm birth, and multiple pregnancies. He has published and presented in these fields at several scientific meetings. Dr. Bernasko is the author of ‘A practical guide to insulin pump therapy for pregnancy.’ He served his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Harlem Hospital Center affiliation of the Columbia University college of Physicians and surgeons and completed a clinical fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

	Jennifer Choi, DO Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Dr. Jennifer Choi is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. She trained in obstetrics and gynecology at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and completed her fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at WellSpan York hospital. Dr. Choi's clinical and research interests include diabetes in pregnancy, fetal anemia and fetal growth restriction. She has a highly specialized expertise in the management of patients with diabetes. One of Dr. Choi's top goals are to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes in pregnancy by working with other experts at Stony Brook Maternal Fetal Medicine and engaging our patients through every step of their care.

	Diana Garretto, MD, FACOG Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Dr. Diana Garretto is a Clinical Associate Professor of obstetrics and gynecology specializing in maternal-fetal medicine. She is a graduate from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. Garretto trained in obstetrics and gynecology at Stony Brook University Medical Center and did her sub-specialty maternal-fetal medicine fellowship at Einstein College of Medicine- Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Her research interests include obesity in pregnancy, bariatric surgery in pregnancy, and clinical obstetrics. She has published and presented at various regional and national meetings and looks forward to continuing these interests at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

	David Garry, DO, FACOG Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Director, of Maternal Fetal-Medicine Dr. David Garry is a Professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology at Stony Brook Medicine University School of Medicine. He is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, who trained in obstetrics and gynecology at Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn and Queens and did his clinical fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine New York Medical College. He now serves as the Director of Maternal Fetal- Medicine at Stony Brook Medicine. In addition, Dr. Garry is actively involved in basic, and clinical research involving various aspects of women’s health. He also has held many leadership and committee positions in many institutions and prestigious professional societies.

	Kimberly Herrera, MD, FACOG Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Dr. Herrera is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Her clinical interests include diabetes in pregnancy, in which she has published and presented on in regional and national meetings; as well as preeclampsia, and cerclage in pregnancy. She completed her residency at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia in obstetrics and gynecology, and subsequently finished her fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Mount Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City.

	Ayesha Hussain, DO Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Dr. Hussain, a perinatologist, is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to expectant mothers with high-risk health conditions, fetal abnormalities, or obstetric complications. She strives to utilize the latest knowledge and technology to deliver the best care in women's health for mother and baby during pregnancy. She practices with a multidisciplinary approach to create a personalized care plan that's right for both mother and baby. As a physician, her goal is to provide well-informed, comprehensive care during pregnancy.

	Cassandra Heiselman, DO, MPH, FACOG Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine Dr. Cassandra Heiselman is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. She trained at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio and did her clinical fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Stony Brook’s Renaissance School of Medicine.

	Kristen Alarcon, NP Nurse Practitioner, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Kristen Alarcon is a Nurse Practitioner in Obstetrics and Gynecology specializing in maternal-fetal medicine. She began working at Stony Brook in 2000 as an RN with experience in maternal/child health and joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2008. Her role here in the department of maternal fetal medicine is primarily direct patient care in women’s health, in particular high-risk pregnancies. Kristen graduated from Pace University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2000 and from Stony Brook University with a Master’s of Family Health in 2004. She holds national certification as a Nurse Practitioner.

	Nancy Bowden, NP, CNM Nurse Practitioner, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Nancy Bowden is a nurse practitioner/nurse midwife in obstetrics and gynecology specializing in maternal-fetal medicine. She is dual certified as a certified nurse midwife and as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner which allows her to care for women with dual diagnosis of substance use disorder and mental health diagnosis.

Fellows

Omar M. Abuzeid, MD
PGY-7
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Residency: Hurley Medical Center Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Publications

Publications:

Heiselman C, Fuchs A, Abuzeid O, Heiligenstein M, Iovino N, Huber A, Gorman M, Sha S, Herrera K, Garretto D, Noureddine L, Choi J, Garry D. Opioid Maintenance Therapy Prescription by Obstetricians and Postpartum Visit Compliance. Poster Presentation. Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine 41th Annual Pregnancy Meeting, Virtual. January 2021.
Fuchs A, Heiselman C, Peralta L, Gorman M, Umesh V, Abuzeid O, Garretto D, Herrera K, Hussain A, Garry D. Fetal Abdominal Circumference as an Early Marker in Prediction of Small for Gestational Age Newborns. Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine 41st Annual Pregnancy Meeting. Virtual. January 2021.
Heiselman C, Fuchs A, Abuzeid O, Gorman M, Iovino N Sha S, Garretto D. Risk Factors Associated with Severe Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Requiring Morphine. Poster Presentation. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Virtual 2021 Meeting. April 2021.
Fuchs A, Heiselman C, Peralta L, Umesh V, Gorman M, Herrera K, Abuzeid O, Choi J, Garretto D, Garry D. Prediction of Cesarean Delivery by Umbilical Artery Dopplers in Growth Restricted Fetuses. Poster presentation. AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine) 2021 Annual Convention. April 2021.
Heiselman C, Fuchs A, Abuzeid O, Huber A, Heiligenstein M, Herrera K. Risk Factors for Preterm Delivery in Women on Opioid Maintenance Therapy (OMT). Poster Presentation. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2021 Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting, April 2021.
Abuzeid O, Heiselman C, Fuchs A, Herrera K, Garry D, Abuzeid M. Obstetric Outcomes of Singleton Live Birth After Hysteroscopic Division of Complete Uterine Septum. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2021 Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting, April 2021.
Heiselman C, Fuchs A, Abuzeid O, Heiligenstein M, Iovino N, Huber A, Gorman M, Sha S, Herrera K, Garretto D, Noureddine L, Choi J, Garry D. Opioid Maintenance Therapy Prescription by Obstetricians and Postpartum Visit Compliance. Poster Presentation. New York Obstetrical Society Residents and Fellows Research Day. April 13, 2021.
Fuchs A, Heiselman C, Peralta L, Gorman M, Umesh V, Abuzeid O, Garretto D, Herrera K, Hussain A, Garry D. Prediction of Small for Gestational Age Newborns and Their Mode of Delivery Using Fetal Abdominal Circumference and Umbilical Artery Dopplers in the Growth Restricted Fetus. Oral presentation. New York Perinatal Society 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting. April 21, 2021.

Bijal Parikh, MD
PGY-6
Hometown: Edison, New Jersey
Medical School: Rutgers-New Jersey Medicine
Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West

Publications

Publications:

Hussain FN, Parikh B, Shenoy MS, Al-Ibraheemi Z, Lewis D. A case report of mirror syndrome in monochorionic diamniotic twins presenting as maternal hyponatremia and edema. Case Reports in Women’s Health.
Grubman O, Hussain FN, Parikh B, Karotkin L, Schneider E, Brustman L. Is there an association between second trimester blood pressure and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders? Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2020 May;135:129S
Varma R, Parikh B, Beyer C, Ghosh S, Du D, Aaron G, Kamath A. Magnetic resonance imaging of tubal ectopic pregnancy: correlation with intraoperative findings. Clinical Imaging. 2019 November; 58(1):194-200.
Parikh B, Hussain FN, Brustman L. Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy. Topics in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019 May; 39(7):1–7.
Patel K, Parikh B, Guirguis G, Williams S, Apuzzio J. Is advanced maternal age an indication for fetal echocardiogram? Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2017 May; 129(5):S168.
Parikh B, Williams S, Heller DS. Ovarian steroid cell tumor in pregnancy-a rare occurrence. Report of a case and review of the literature. J Gyn Surg. 2016 Dec; 32(6):351–353.
Cowen VS, Miccio RS, Parikh B. Massage therapy in outpatient cancer care: A metropolitan area analysis. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Oct; 22(4):851-855.

Poster Presentations:

Noureddine L, Parikh B, Saliba E, Lo Monaco G, Herrera K, Heiselman C. How Comprehensive are websites of maternal fetal medicine programs for prospective fellows? Poster: Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine 42th Annual Pregnancy Meeting, Feb 2022.
Parikh B, Markovic ES, Hussain FN, Stoffels G, Brustman L. Should ACOG reconsider guidelines for management of prolonged second stage of labor? Poster: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Meeting, May 2021.
Parikh B, Markovic ES, Hussain FN, Stoffels G, Brustman L. Should ACOG reconsider guidelines for management of prolonged second stage of labor? Poster: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District II Saad Khalil Memorial Junior Fellow Virtual Quality Improvement Challenge, Oct 2020.
Hussain FN, Grubman O, Parikh B, Choi KH, Chu Lam M, Feldman KM, Al-Ibraheemi Z, Brustman L. The value of first trimester blood pressure in predicting pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders. Poster: Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine 40th Annual Pregnancy Meeting, Feb 2020.
Parikh B, Thoonkuzy C, Cafaro J, Keller S. Are Student Doctors Meeting USPSTF Guidelines for Women’s Preventative Health Screening at Student Family Health Care Clinic? Poster: Society for Student Run Free Clinics Annual Conference, Jan 2016.
Parikh B, Keller S. Women’s Preventative Health Screening. Poster: New Jersey Medical School Research Day, Nov 2015.
Parikh B, Thoonkuzy C, Cafaro J, Keller S. Are Student Doctors Meeting USPSTF Guidelines for Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening at Student Family Health Care Clinic? Poster: New York City Student-Run Free Clinic Conference, Weill Cornell Medical College, Sept 2015.
Parikh B, Cowen V, Streit R, Pliner L. Survey of Massage Therapy in Outpatient Clinics. Poster: American Medical Association 12th Annual Research Symposium, Nov 2014.

Emily Stetler, MD
PGY-5
Hometown: Spring Hill, Florida
Medical School: Florida State University Medical School
Residency: Orlando Health (Winnie Palmer Hospital)

Tiffany Yang, MD
PGY-5
Hometown: Orange County, California
Medical School: USC Keck School of Medicine
Residency: White Memorial

Alumni

2010: Daniel Kiefer, MD

2011: Jolene Muscat, MD

2012: Michael Demishev, MD

2013: M. Baraa Allaf, MD

2014: Corinne Yeh, MD

2015: Tracy Adams, DO

2016: Nadia Kunzier, DO

2017: Sevan Vahanian, MD

2018: Malini Persad, MD

2019: Cheryl Dinglas, DO

2020: Jay Davis, DO

2021: Cassandra Heiselman, DO

2022: Anna Fuchs, DO

Interviews and Applications

We accept 2 fellows per year. The application deadline is 5/2/2022 and interview invitations will be sent 5/16/22.
Our anticipated virtual interview dates will be: 6/29/22, 7/6/22, 7/13/22, and 8/10/22.

For MFM Fellowship Application please submit your application via ERAS and include:

1. Curriculum vitae

Include any and all activities since medical school
Account for any time not in residency training

2. Personal statement (limit one page)

3. Letters of reference (up to three)

Include one letter from Residency Director
Include one letter from immediate superior of any activity after residency

Contact Information

Kimberly Herrera, MD
MFM Fellowship Director
Stony Brook University Hospital
Kimberly.Herrera@stonybrookmedicine.edu

David Garry, DO
MFM Associate Fellowship Director
Stony Brook University Hospital
David.Garry@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Keri Maldonado
MFM Fellowship Coordinator
Stony Brook University Medical Center
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, HSC T-9 030
Stony Brook, NY 11794-8091
Keri.Maldonado@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Tel: (631) 444-7650
Fax: (631) 444-3944

Why Choose Our Materal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program