Our Residents
Our Residents
We pride ourselves on the diversity of our residents. Please check out the biographies of our current residents and recent graduates.
Chief Residents
Maaz Ghouri, DO
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hello! I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. I earned my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine and my undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University. My parents are first generation immigrants who instilled in me the power of education and the importance of striving towards goals. I view family medicine as synonymous with humanity. It is built on a foundation of empathy, preventative focus, and continuity of care. As a primary care provider, I aim to build lifelong relationships with patients -- as a listener, advisor, advocate, and healer. I hope to motivate and inspire the younger generation of physicians, especially those who are underprivileged, and instill confidence that they can achieve their dreams.
I grew up with a basketball in my hand and a soccer ball at my feet. At an early age, my passion for sports coincided with my interest in medicine when I volunteered as a sideline medical assistant for my high school’s varsity sports teams. Eventually, I was fortunate to have sports medicine physicians as mentors providing me valuable opportunities throughout the years. As a child, I aspired not only to become a family medicine physician with a sports medicine specialization, but also to be an astronaut. As a child with a telescope looking at the stars - to now an active member of the aerospace medical association - I aim to be a part of the innovative field of space medicine.
Aside from medicine, I prioritize time with family and friends and staying active. I enjoy hot yoga, pilates, and flotation therapy (try it!). In my spare time, I am a DJ who finds music to be therapeutic. I am excited for my journey in Rochester and look forward to my continued growth as a physician and member of this great community!
Class of 2026
“As the class of 2026, we commit to engage in our community, reject the oppression of communities which have been marginalized, and draw on their voices and experiences to guide our advocacy on a local, national, and global scale.
We are honored to accept the responsibility of learning to offer compassionate, equitable, culturally humble, high-quality care in a way that is flexible and responsive to the needs of our patients.
As we learn together, we will create an environment of growth, support, respect, and mutual accountability without shame. We will celebrate and be present for each other.
We promise to prioritize the health of our bodies, minds, and souls while remaining true to our authentic selves and the reasons we chose to practice medicine.”
Basim Ahmad, MD
Suny Downstate Health Sciences University College of Rochester
Hello everyone! I was born and raised by my Pakistani immigrant parents in Buffalo, NY. I stayed there throughout college at the University at Buffalo and majored in biomedical sciences. For medical school I went to SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. During medical school I collaborated on a research project regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the health of underserved populations. This really shaped my desire to continue to work to advocate for marginalized communities. I chose family medicine because I love building long-term relationships with patients and their families, and addressing their whole health - including their physical, mental and social needs. I hope to provide holistic and compassionate care to patients of all ages and backgrounds, and to particularly provide accessible care to those who may struggle to get it otherwise.
In my free time I enjoy watching Hockey (Go Sabres and Americans!) with my wife and my 3 cats (Furdinand, Cannoli, and Susie). I also enjoy painting landscapes, playing board games, and cooking food, especially for friends and family.
Prabjot Kaur Batth, MD
Saba University School of Medicine
Hi there! My name is Prabjot K. Batth, PK for short. I grew up in a small Canadian town named Tecumseh, Ontario before I moved to Detroit, Michigan for college.
I received my BS in Biomedical Physics at Wayne State University. During undergrad, I spent time travelling to Belize working with medical outreach groups to raise awareness and provide supplies concerning diabetes and dental disease. Before medical school, I spent some time working as a TA for the Physics Department at Toronto Metropolitan (formerly Ryerson) University.
For medical school, I headed to the Caribbean where I completed my basic science courses on the island of Saba, Netherland Antilles. I completed my clinical years in the United States travelling throughout the country, from Brooklyn, NY to Joplin, MO. Following medical school, I pursued a preliminary Surgery position at a community hospital in Waterbury, CT. During that year, I very much enjoyed developing my procedural skills, but I found myself craving more patient interaction and preventative care, which led me to pursue Family Medicine here at the University of Rochester. My future plans include specializing in Sports Medicine with an emphasis on preventing sports-related injuries.
As for my personal life, you can typically find me tending to my many tropical houseplants, watching a hockey game, or out walking in nature. I also illustrate and have recently started clay sculpting.
Meghan Connor, DO
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - California
Hi everyone! I was born and raised in sunny San Diego, CA. There I grew up playing competitive volleyball and was fortunate to pursue volleyball collegiately at the University of Rochester while majoring in Neuroscience. During my time in Rochester I had the opportunity to work with the Women’s Initiative Supporting Health - Transitions Clinic to support women involved in the criminal legal system get access to healthcare and community services. This experience primarily was where my passion for women’s health and community involvement was sparked.
I then drove across country to the Bay Area to begin medical school at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Here I had the opportunity to apply for a position as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) teaching fellow where I spent an extra year of medical school teaching first and second years the foundations of OMM while continuing to hone my own skill as an osteopathic provider with the amazing OMM faculty at Touro. During this additional year I also was able to get my certification in sexual assault and domestic violence counseling with an organization called Napa NEWS where I volunteered as a crisis counselor to support those individuals in need of acute services in Napa County. This experience opened my eyes to the need for improved trauma informed care within the healthcare system, which I will strive to be a lifelong advocate for.
I am excited to drive back to Rochester to begin my Family Medicine training at the University of Rochester, while continuing to pursue my interests in women’s health and trauma informed care! Things you can find me doing outside of the hospital/clinic include beach volleyball, tennis, photography, reading fantasy novels, trying to water color and playing video games!
Shea Kelly-Buckley, MD
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Hello! I was born in Albuquerque, NM and grew up near Reading, PA. After high school I studied sociology at Notre Dame, where I grew to appreciate all the discipline had to teach me about health, justice, and how we can live better in community with one another. I moved further west after college to spend a year with Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest / AmeriCorps in Bend, OR. I served as a member of a street outreach team serving youth and young adults, and as a liaison between folks experiencing homelessness and a mobile medical clinic. This experience both challenged my understanding of our health care system and solidified my belief in the power of good primary care.
During medical school here at the University of Rochester, I’ve been grateful to work closely with the Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics on a longitudinal Ethical Storytelling project that explores how we care for patient stories, both in our clinical notes and more publicly. I’ve also found community to support a developing mindfulness practice, and have enjoyed getting to know Rochester via the public market, soccer and kickball leagues, and the Rochester Mutual Aid Network.
I’m grateful for the chance to continue to serve this community as a resident, and I especially hope to develop clinical skills in substance use disorder care and harm reduction, psychiatry in primary care, reproductive health, gender-affirming care and palliative care. Outside of clinic I like to be outside (especially in a hammock), listen to podcasts, thrift in new places, accumulate houseplants, and share meals with friends.
Catherine (Katie) Klapheke, MD
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
I am so excited to be joining the family medicine residency at Rochester. I am originally from Syracuse, NY and I attended Cornell University for undergraduate studies. I majored in Industrial and Labor Relations (Labor Economics), with minors in Music and Inequality Studies. I also focused my studies on Disability Studies. After college, I briefly worked at a corporate HR job and taught ESL to refugees, before I had the opportunity to serve as a Fulbright Scholar to Nepal. While there, I taught English to grades 5-9 in a remote village, and I also ran programs for students with disabilities and a girls’ club. While there, I discovered my interest in medicine and the impact health plays on my students’ lives. In medical school, I worked very closely with asylum seekers through Rochester Human Rights Initiative, a free clinic that provides medical affidavits. I was also involved in Deaf Health and Global Health. I am excited to continue to serve all patients, including those who are Deaf or have a disability. I am very excited to be at Brown Square, as that was a very transformative clerkship experience for me in medical school. Overall, I cannot wait to continue my medical career journey by joining the Family Medicine Residency.
Gillian Perez, MD
CUNY School of Medicine
I was born and raised in the Hudson Valley, in Warwick, NY. I always had a love of medicine, but growing up there, I often volunteered at assisted living facilities and nursing homes which steered me toward geriatrics. It wasn’t until I went to medical school at the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education and completed my pediatrics rotation that I realized that I wanted to work with all ages. Knowing this, family medicine was the perfect option for me. My ultimate goal is to practice outpatient full scope family medicine.
Outside of medicine, my hobbies include reading, practicing Tae kwon do, tending to my collection of desert plants, and playing with my parents’ dog.
Katherine Roof, DO
University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi! I am originally from the small town of Plattsburgh, NY. I did my undergrad in Molecular Biology at Florida Institute of Technology and was a member of the men’s rowing team as a coxswain. While in undergrad I completed a summer research project at Brookhaven National Laboratory studying DNA barcoding. I then attended the University of Rochester for a master's in Medical Humanities. My capstone research project was the creation of a patient education comic book on smoking cessation. I then attended medical school at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am very excited to come back to Rochester and I hope to continue to create patient education comic books during my residency at URMC. I also hope to excited to enjoy the ski slopes in the Rochester winters! Outside of medicine I enjoy tatting which is a form of lace making as well as yoga, biking, and watching movies!
Monica Sharma, DO
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi everyone! I was born in Montreal, Canada and at the age of 3, moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where I have been since. I completed my undergraduate degree in English with a minor in Chemistry at Case Western Reserve University. Following this, I made my way back home to complete my Masters of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis. While specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics, I created a project to assist high-risk pregnant women gain access to their OBGYN within the St. Louis Greater Area. This project furthered my interest in medicine and led me to my position as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Pediatric Cardiology at Washington University in St. Louis. While I coded and created 3D printed heart models of children with congenital heart defects, I was able to speak and directly communicate with families regarding surgical planning. Coupled with the simultaneous experiences that I have had in research, these experiences solidified my intention to practice medicine and lead me to Arkansas College of Osteopathic medicine.
Throughout medical school, I became involved with international community projects, service, and continued experiences in research. During my third year, I had the wonderful opportunity to encounter two family medicine rotations, where I was introduced to the value of continuity of care as it improves quality of care and develops meaningful relationships along the way. Primary care became a passion of mine, which I plan to expand during my training at University of Rochester. I was immediately drawn to the program’s diverse concentration tracks, emphasis on preventative medicine, and continuity of care within the lens of the biopsychosocial model. I am extremely excited and honored to begin my residency with Highland Family Medicine.
Outside of medicine, I can always be found near a coffeeshop or bookstore trying to find another fictional world to delve into. Otherwise, I enjoy family time, trying different cuisines, and skiing. If given the opportunity, I would love to travel anywhere and everywhere to experience the world.
Gabrielle Siebert-Capone, MD
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo
Hello! I was born in Syracuse, NY and grew up in the Village of Chittenango. I went to high school at Faith Heritage and spent my summers working on a produce farm in Kirkville, NY. For my undergraduate degree I moved to Wenham, MA where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry at Gordon College. I enjoyed spending time in Cape Cod during school breaks. During school, I was able to travel to do research in Belize, study in Northern Ireland, and do mission work in Guatemala.
After graduating from college, I spent a year in Syracuse working with Advocates Incorporated as a mentor for adults with developmental disabilities and volunteering in a local nursing home. I then headed to downtown Buffalo, NY to attend the Jacob’s School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences where I spent time volunteering with children at Oishei Children’s Hospital with Project Sunshine, and became an End-of-Life Doula at the Sloane Comfort Care Home. During my fourth year of medical school, I was able to do a rotation at Highland Hospital with the University of Rochester. I loved seeing how happy and supportive everyone was, and was impressed by the quality of the program. I knew this is where I wanted to continue my education, and I am so excited to be a part of the team! My passions include preventive medicine, geriatrics, and palliative care. When I am not working, I enjoy working on home renovations, cooking, and spending time outside.
Adriane Spiro, MD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Hi everyone! I grew up in Durham, North Carolina before attending Bates College in Lewiston, Maine where I majored in neuroscience and developed a fascination with trying to understand the finer intricacies of the human mind and body. Torn between pursuing a research career or practicing medicine, I spent 3 years after graduation working as a lab manager in a cognitive neuroscience lab at Brown University. It was through this experience that I realized that, though I love the fine details of research and study design, I missed the human connection that is inherent in the practice of clinical medicine. I therefore moved back to North Carolina to complete medical school at The University of North Carolina.
Throughout my time at UNC, I found myself drawn to Family Medicine because it provides the perfect blend of full spectrum patient care for all genders and ages, focus on social justice issues, advocating for patients, and community involvement. I appreciated that all my mentors in Family Medicine had a propensity for viewing medicine through a biopsychosocial lens. Within Family Medicine, I am particularly passionate about reproductive justice and family planning, LGBTQIA+ health, and care for underserved patient populations.
Outside of medicine, I love to spend time with my friends and family, playing board games, going to see musicals, or trying out a new local spot. I’m also an escape room enthusiast, having escaped from over 20 rooms with my family. In my free time, I decorate elaborate cakes semi-professionally and, when I have access to a workshop, I enjoy woodworking. I’m looking forward to checking out upstate New York and exploring all that Rochester has to offer!
Lauren Varvatos, MD
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Hello everyone! I'm from a small town called Marshall, Michigan. I grew up cooking and dreamed of becoming a chef. At Michigan State University, I worked in a professional kitchen and transitioned from hospitality to studying Nutritional Sciences. I worked on research projects and for nonprofit organizations focused on community/urban gardening and nutrition education programs for kids.
I moved to Ithaca, NY for my master's in Molecular Nutrition at Cornell University, where I fell in love with upstate New York. My work in the lab focused on skeletal muscle, but I was happiest while working with our human research participants, teaching students in anatomy lab, or volunteering. I decided on a career in medicine and attended the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI. I was fortunate to work with some incredible people as part of organizations like Street Medicine Detroit, LGBTQ+ People in Medicine, and the Social Justice in Medical Education Coalition.
I am thrilled to begin my career in Family Medicine at URMC, get to know my patients, and serve the community of Rochester. My interests center on LGBTQ+ health, gender-affirming care, reproductive justice, adolescent medicine, and advocacy for communities which have been marginalized.
Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my family, partner, friends, and all associated dogs. I'm especially happy while cooking, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, paddling, camping, gardening, swimming, or enjoying any form of live music, drag, or theater performance.
Class of 2027
"We, the class of 2027, are committed to advocating for our patients, ensuring their voices are heard, and their needs met with compassion and cultural humility. We extend this advocacy to the greater Rochester community and strive to provide accessible and equitable care. We prioritize continued learning for with, and from our patients. We will be present for each other in moments of hardship and joy. We will support each other in our journeys to becoming resilient and impactful physicians."
Catherine Artemov, MD
Jacobs School of Medicine at the University at Buffalo
Hi there! My family immigrated from Russia and I was the first generation born in Brooklyn, NY. I grew up in Staten Island and relocated to Geneseo for college, where I received my degree in psychology. Between college and medical school, I worked as an MCAT Live-Online class instructor as well as a phlebotomist/medical assistant in an urgent care facility in NYC at the start of the COVID pandemic. For medical school, I ventured back to western New York and attended the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. During my time in medical school, I pursued a certification in Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing. I am a strong advocate for mental health awareness and I believe that a support system, doctor-patient relationship included, is half the battle in healing (even from physical ailments!). I hope to foster this strong therapeutic bond with future patients in a full-scope outpatient family medicine practice.
In my spare time, you can find me contemplating life knee deep in a creek in the middle of nowhere (fishing is one of my favorite hobbies). Other favorite hobbies include hiking, singing, playing guitar and piano, and spending time with my cat, family, and friends.
Zelda Blair, MD
University of Minnesota Medical School
Hello! I was born in Birmingham, AL, and moved around a lot growing up: to Miami, FL, Bellefonte, PA, and Newtown, PA, where I went to high school at George School. I spent many formative years in NYC during and after college, on my winding road to medical school: I earned a BFA in painting from Pratt Institute in 2013 and worked in restaurants in Brooklyn before taking my first step towards learning about healthcare by studying at the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine in Asheville, NC, in 2016. My experience there inspired me to pursue a post-bacc pre-med program at NYU, which I completed in 2019. During that time I also took courses in philosophy, and earned my MA in philosophy of science at the University of Western Ontario in 2020. I attended medical school at the University of Minnesota and was an RPAP student in Long Prairie, MN, during my third year.
I knew from the start of medical school that I wanted to practice family medicine in order to meet the needs of medically under-served communities, empower people to manage their health, and advocate for their ability to do so. As a medical student I gained experience with service and advocacy by volunteering in urban and rural free clinics and serving on the board of my local chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). My areas of interest within family medicine include mental health, integrative medicine, and reproductive health.
I am very happy to be back in NY for residency to be closer to my partner, who is currently a PhD candidate in music composition at UB, as well as my family in NYC. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, reading, and bike riding -- and I still make art once in a while.
Mackenzie Corcoran, DO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi everyone! I grew up in Groton, NY, a small town outside of Ithaca, NY. From there, I left and went to the Pennsylvania State University (We Are!) for my undergraduate degree where I majored in biology with a focus in vertebrate physiology. During my time at Penn State, I was involved in science education and had a goal of combining my passions of education and medicine by becoming a physician. I moved to Elmira, NY to continue my education at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. During my preclinical years, I was an active member of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) and the OBGYN club. Through my involvement with these organizations, I worked closely with the YWCA of Elmira to help run a feminine hygiene product drive and fundraise for their Pink Boutique. I became drawn to family medicine during my clinical years while rotating through clinics and hospitals that served my home community. I love the broad scope of practice and the longitudinal relationships that family medicine has to offer. I am excited to continue my training at the University of Rochester and to further explore the different areas of family medicine, especially women’s health, reproductive justice and family planning, and pediatrics.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending summers on Owasco lake. I also love to read, explore new places and restaurants with family and friends, and spend time with my pets (Allie and Bones).
Henry Gleich, MD
University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine
Hello everyone! I was born and raised in the Worcester, MA area. After graduating from Bowdoin College with a degree in Anthropology, I returned to Massachusetts for a post-bacc premedical studies program at Brandeis University. Prior to medical school, I also worked as a medical scribe in an emergency department and was able to see a range of patient presentations. During my time at UMass Medical School, I was drawn to Family Medicine by the opportunity for providers to develop deep relationships with their patients and offer holistic care; it felt like the perfect speciality to be applying my interest in sociocultural anthropology. Within Family Medicine, I am particularly interested in sports medicine, community medicine, and geriatrics — among other things!
Outside of medicine, I enjoy being a Boston sports fan (especially of the Celtics), playing tennis with my partner, and exploring new cuisines/restaurants.
Lisa Gu, MD
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Hi everyone! I was born in Canada but grew up in Marlboro, NJ for most of my life. I completed my undergraduate degree at Union College in Schenectady, NY in computer engineering but ultimately decided to pursue a career in medicine after enjoying my volunteer and community service work with the local Ellis Hospital. I returned home for medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and was active in the free student run clinic, providing care to the homeless patients in Newark. This eventually drew me to family medicine as I wanted to continue to provide broad-spectrum and long-term care to underserved communities. I am excited to return to upstate New York for residency at the University of Rochester and begin the next leg of the journey!
In my free time, I enjoy reading fictional sci-fi and fantasy books, spending time with my cat Kiki, building wooden models, traveling, and finding new restaurants to enjoy.
Rachel Johnson, MD
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Hi all! I was born and raised in Richmond, VA, and I graduated from the College of William & Mary in 2016 with a double major in Accounting and Chinese and Language and Literature. While at W&M, I was on the founding executive board for the W&M chapter of Camp Kesem, a summer camp for kids whose parents have cancer, and through that experience I learned of the complex social needs that often accompany illness. After graduation, I worked as a CPA in public accounting for 3 years in Washington, DC, during which time I served low income and limited English taxpayers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
After deciding to pursue a career in medicine, I completed the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program at Bryn Mawr College in 2020, followed by medical school at the University of Rochester. While here at the University of Rochester I’ve worked with a number of organizations, including the Health and Incarceration Connection student organization, Street Outreach, URWell, and White Coats 4 Black Lives. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by classmates who have shown me the depths of community-centered care and a humanistic approach to medicine.
I am passionate about providing thoughtful and competent primary care for underserved and marginalized communities. I speak professional working Spanish and conversational Mandarin Chinese, and I believe that immigrant communities deserve culturally and linguistically competent care. I am so grateful for the opportunity to pursue my residency in Family Medicine here and hope to continue to develop skills in harm reduction, gender-affirming care, reproductive justice, and care for patients experiencing homelessness. In my non-medical life, I love watching Jeopardy with my grandparents, biking along the Erie Canal with my partner, and sharing laughs over home-cooked meals with friends.
Peter Juviler, MD
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
I grew up outside of Boston and attended Colgate University, where I studied molecular biology and creative writing. I worked as an EMT for 3 years during my time in Hamilton, NY, which allowed me work with local community members and serve the surrounding rural area. I graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and remained in Rochester to train in general surgery, during which time I investigated healthcare system improvements and helped lead a peer support program for children and families with new gastrostomy tubes. Throughout my training, I’ve been interested in the medical humanities and how this lens can support the care of our patients. This interest certainly fits well with Rochester’s strong history in biopsychosocial medicine. I love living in Rochester and enjoy picking berries in the summer and apples in the fall, exploring local parks, and navigating Rochester’s many waterways via paddleboard.
Minh Nguyen, MD
Howard University College of Medicine
Hi everyone!! My name is Minh, and I am originally from a rural area of Vietnam. It's been a long, long journey, and I never believed that I could make it to the United States, let alone become a doctor here at URMC! My first big opportunity arrived when I received a full-ride scholarship from Howard University, an HBCU in Washington D.C. As an international student, I initially expected culture shock and a sense of not belonging, but Howard turned out to be my second family. I loved it there so much that I stayed for another four years at Howard University College of Medicine. My time at Howard truly ignited my passion for serving the underserved and advocating for those in need. I was educated not only in medical knowledge but also about racism, social determinants of health, and the daily struggles faced by people of color. I strive to advocate for all my patients and promote health equity for everyone, regardless of their backgrounds.
Enough of my second personal statement (haha), here are some fun facts about me: I love to longboard and even came in 2nd place in the national championship in Vietnam! I can play the piano by ear, play the guitar, and dabble in drums. I am always open to doing artsy stuff outside of medicine if anyone is interested! While I don't have as much time for music as I used to, I've turned to cooking as my new hobby.
While I haven't decided exactly what I want to do after graduating from residency, I am diving into Family Medicine with hopes of helping patients who struggle with addiction (fun fact: I used to work as a Court Liaison!). I am also deeply interested in gender-affirming care, OB/GYN, reproductive rights, and the full spectrum of family medicine. My goal is to be the biggest advocate for my patients from all walks of life, helping to guide them through our complex healthcare system and fight for their needs. I am looking forward to working with such a knowledgeable and diverse group of residents and faculty here at URMC. To learn, to be taught, to be humbled and definitely will have a lot of fun!
Sarah Peltz, DO
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi all! My name is Sarah and I'm originally from a small town right outside of Albany, NY. I've always loved math and science growing up, and therefore I chose to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering with the goal of going to medical school! Fun fact, I actually started my higher education journey at the University of Rochester, but transferred after my freshman year to the University at Buffalo, where I graduated from. During my time at UB, I was an active member of the Residence Hall Association (RHA), where my advisors and peers taught me about leadership, advocacy, service, and recognition. These are values that I am very passionate about, and ones that drew me towards family medicine. While in medical school at NYITCOM, I grew excited about serving people who use drugs and harm reduction, as well as reproductive healthcare and justice! One of my goals is to use my role as a physician to advocate for my patients and all individuals on a national scale. I am excited to learn more about addiction medicine, obstetrics and deliveries, gender-affirming care, nutrition medicine, and health advocacy in residency. I LOVE the diversity in family medicine, and cannot wait to start my training at URMC!
I am a New Yorker through and through (never having lived in any other state), and I love the Western NY region... go Bills! Outside of medicine I love to cook/bake, explore new restaurants, hike, spin, and spend time laughing with my family, friends, and partner. I am someone who is super inspired by strong women. That list includes my mother, two beautiful sisters, and all my incredible girlfriends. My favorite book is "Text Me When You Get Home" by Kayleen Schaefer, a book about the power of female friendship gifted to me by my best friend :) Some of my other favorites - shows: Parks & Rec and Ted Lasso, podcasts: Crackdown and Maintenance Phase, season: summer (I love the beach), artist: Noah Kahan, ice cream flavor: chocolate (a classic).
Julia Sagasta, DO
University of New England College or Osteopathic Medicine
Hello everyone! I am a Western NY native, growing up in the northtowns of Buffalo NY. For undergrad, I went to Canisius College in Buffalo where I majored in biology and was a varsity swimmer. I moved to the beautiful southern coast of Maine for my medical education at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
My interest for Family Medicine blossomed during my time between undergrad and medical school when I participated in a medical mission trip to rural Nicaragua and Costa Rica and saw the direct impact of having a general physician present in communities opposed to communities without. Noting this, my interest continued to grow during medical school where I was surrounded by fearless full-spectrum Family Medicine physicians with broad ranges of interests in combination with preventative care; confirming this was the right specialty for me to best serve my future patients. My interests in medicine include Lifestyle Medicine, Sports Medicine, and OMT.
In my spare time, I enjoy being outside exploring by running and biking; I especially enjoy local running races and triathlons. I also enjoy reading, exploring local bakeries and restaurants with my significant other and spending time with our cat Harbor. I am so excited to be moving back home to WNY for residency at URMC Highland Hospital and look forward to serving the Rochester community! Go Bills!
Stacie Sammott, MD
Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
Hi Everyone! I’m Stacie. I was born in Jamaica and lived there until I was 10 years old. The rest of my childhood was spent in Toronto, Canada. I attended Bowdoin College where I studied neuroscience and played varsity soccer. After college, I dabbled in a few things, including, education technology, coaching, teaching and like many pre-med students eventually landed a job as a research assistant. Through my research I found my passion for medicine, and subsequently did a DIY postbacc at home in Toronto. I attended medical school at The Renaissance School of Medicine, at Stony Brook University, and am thrilled to be continuing my medical training as a resident at The University of Rochester. I am passionate about improving access to primary care in medically underserved communities and hope to practice in an urban setting in the future. My clinical interests include geriatrics, palliative medicine, psychosocial medicine and medical education.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing soccer, live music/going to concerts, and spending time with my family. I also spend an inordinate amount of time watching food review videos, but more importantly trying new restaurants and cuisine. I’m really looking forward to checking out the Rochester food scene!
Jack Scheutzow, MD
Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
Hello everyone! I'm Jack, originally from Fairport, NY, a suburb of Rochester situated along the Erie Canal. I pursued my undergraduate education at the University of Richmond, a small liberal arts school in Virginia. During this time, I conducted research on tsetse fly endosymbionts, was actively involved in men’s club volleyball, and spent a semester abroad in Switzerland. In May 2020, I graduated with dual degrees: a BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a BA in French. After graduation, I began my path toward an MD at Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine. While in medical school, I volunteered with our student-run free clinic, engaged in curriculum development, and participated in a global health partnership in Madagascar, where I worked with a mobile health team to deliver primary care services to remote communities. Through these experiences, I discovered my passion for Family Medicine. I value this speciality because it allows me to serve as the primary contact for patients of all ages and cultivate meaningful, long-term relationships. My particular interests include lifestyle medicine, LGBTQ+ health, and medical education. I’m incredibly thrilled to return home and further explore these passions during my residency training at the University of Rochester!
Outside of medicine, I enjoy endlessly kneading sourdough bread, struggling through NYT Sunday crossword puzzles with my boyfriend, and admiring various species of birds while playing the board game Wingspan with my friends.
Stefanie Stockhamer, MD
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Faculty of Health Sciences
Hello everyone! I’m Stefanie and I’m originally from Toronto, Canada. I studied Biomedical Sciences and Family & Child Studies at the University of Guelph, and after a profound medical trip to Guatemala in 2019, I fell in love with global health. This ultimately led me to pursue my M.D. at the Medical School for International Health at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Be’er Sheva, Israel. In my final year of medical school, I travelled to Nepal to participate in clerkships at Patan Hospital near Kathmandu. I am eager to continue making global health a part of my training through URMC’s global health program. One of my favorite opportunities during medical school was acting as a music therapy volunteer at my teaching hospital, where I regularly sang and played music for patients who needed company, were struggling through difficult diagnoses, or just needed some cheering up in otherwise hard circumstances. My love for the music and arts continues through the lens of family medicine where I hope to provide holistic, empathetic patient-centered care. Within family medicine, I am eager to integrate my passions for preventative care, social determinants of health, nutrition and lifestyle, chronic disease management, LGBTQ+ health and women’s health. Outside of medicine, I enjoy karaoke nights with friends, powerlifting, following the Marvel Cinematic Universe (a little too closely) with my husband, and spending time with my cats. I am beyond excited to join URMC Family Medicine and am thrilled to serve the Rochester community.
Class of 2028
"We, the Class of 2028, commit to creating a safe and welcoming community for all of our patients, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexuality, socioeconomic status, or citizenship. We vow to actively advocate for the agency of our patients and the Greater Rochester community.
We are committed to always listening to and learning from our patients and colleagues. We will amplify the voices that have been silenced. We aspire to be lifelong learners who listen before we speak, think before we act, and recognize our patients are people first. We will grow as physicians and humans, striving to be ever better."
Sindy Anton, DO
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
I was born and raised in Toronto, ON, in a lively multigenerational household with my sister, parents, and grandparents. Growing up in a community rich with Tamil culture, shaped by a diaspora that fled Sri Lanka's civil war, allowed me to embrace my identity as a daughter of immigrants and celebrate my culture fully. Tamil is not only my mother tongue but also my first language.
My journey toward medicine wasn't linear. Years of tutoring and mentorship naturally led me to pursue teaching at the University of Toronto Scarborough. As a first-generation college student, I navigated the undergraduate education system without personal connections in healthcare, so medicine wasn't initially on my radar. However, a one-year internship as a clinical research assistant changed that. Interacting with patients, managing their care, and shadowing physicians ignited a passion for medicine. Three years later, I moved away from my family to attend the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, AZ.
During medical school, I noticed significant gaps in preventive care within my community. Being the first in my family to pursue medicine, I was uniquely positioned to understand these disparities, and this fueled my commitment for preventive medicine. I also discovered my love for obstetrics, and I am passionate about the unique perspective a family doctor can offer to pregnant women. My interest in obstetrics is rooted in the desire to offer comprehensive, full-spectrum care for women, which family medicine uniquely allows by integrating obstetric care with ongoing health management across all life stages.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. Rochester's proximity to Toronto—just a three-hour drive—excites me, as it brings me closer to family and friends. After years on the opposite side of the country, I'm eager to spend my “golden weekends” at home.
Ehud Berger, MD
Technion Israel Institute of Technology
Hi everyone! I was born and raised in the multicultural city of Haifa, Israel. I completed my medical education at both Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the Technion Medical School. Throughout medical school, I developed a passion for teaching and health education, organizing free first aid courses for underserved communities and teaching an academic course in medicine for incarcerated individuals. I also worked as a rock-climbing instructor, combining my love for teaching with my passion for the outdoors. These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of education to promote health and empower individuals.
I was drawn to Family Medicine during my clinical rotations, where I loved the full spectrum of care, the continuity of patient relationships, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors—running, skiing, rock climbing, and hiking—and reading books whenever I get the chance. I’m excited to join the University of Rochester Family Medicine team and look forward to learning and growing alongside my colleagues.
Britta Black, MD
Washington State University College of Medicine
Hello! I grew up in Sammamish, Washington, just 30 minutes east of Seattle, and will always call the Pacific Northwest home. I attended Azusa Pacific University in Southern California for my undergraduate degree to study two of my passions: biology and humanities. My time at APU taught me how complementary the arts and sciences can be and how they enhance one another’s beauty. While studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador during this time, I began to understand how my academic interests as well as my personal values of relationships and community engagement were guiding me on my path to medicine.
After taking one gap year, I attended Washington State University in Spokane, Washington for medical school. While at WSU, some of my favorite activities were leading a high school mentorship program and being part of a research study on the perception of contraceptives shared on social media. I chose family medicine because I am passionate about longitudinal relationships, preventative medicine, and caring for patients of all different ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. My clinical interests include maternal-fetal health, palliative care, and lifestyle medicine. I am looking forward to training at the University of Rochester to learn how to care for the whole person and practice full-spectrum family medicine.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying my hand at new recipes, playing card games, dancing at Zumba classes, and daydreaming about one day owning a dog. I am excited to start exploring upstate New York and taking my medical training from one coast to the other!
Stefanie Blejec, DO
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi everyone! I grew up in New York City and over the years have lived in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. My dad immigrated to the US from Slovenia, and my mom grew up right here in Rochester! I’m a city girl at heart, but I’m excited to explore a new life rhythm in Rochester.
Before pursuing medicine, I studied creative writing at SUNY Binghamton and spent many years working in real estate. I’ve always had a strong interest in wellness, health, and advocacy, and decided to pivot my career toward healthcare in my mid-twenties. My first role in healthcare was as a Prenatal Care Coordinator through the Community Health Practicum at the Institute for Family Health. I had the opportunity to organize and co-facilitate Centering Pregnancy group prenatal visits and received birth doula training. These experiences taught me the joy of building relationships with patients over time, the strength of community in healthcare, and the beauty of a model that embraces the full context of people’s lives.
Later, I worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and returned to real estate during transitions. I’m genuinely grateful to have found my path to medicine, and I’m so excited to begin my journey as a Family Medicine resident at the University of Rochester. I look forward to partnering with patients on their healthcare journeys and fostering an open, nonjudgmental space for all.
My clinical interests include obstetrics, full-spectrum reproductive health, LGBTQ+ care, gender-affirming care, hormone replacement therapy, geriatric medicine, lifestyle medicine, and carceral medicine.
Outside of medicine, I love going on walks with my dog, nerding out over history, reading fiction, and staying active at the gym. I’m currently on a mission to build strength and learn how to lift heavy.
Theresa Coutinho, MD
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Hello everyone! My name is Theresa. I was born and raised in Haddon Township, New Jersey, in the suburbs just outside of Philadelphia. A child of Indian immigrants and a family full of healthcare workers, I knew right from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I graduated from Rowan University with my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and a minor in Psychology. During those years, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the free clinic connected to my future medical school. There, I fell in love with primary care. The ability to work up concerns from scratch, the close relationships, the comprehensive nature of the specialty, the continuity of care. I loved every part of it!
I went on to get my medical degree from Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey where I strived to connect with the inner city community. From providing college advising for high school students to interning in a dual-language summer preschool to teaching English as a Second Language to providing care coordination for that same student clinic, my time in medical school shaped my desire to become a comprehensive, community-centered physician who could take care of everybody. Within medicine, I have strong interests in medical education, mentorship, community medicine, and maternal-child health.
In my free time, you can find me singing musical soundtracks around the house, taking care of my plants, watching reality tv shows, crocheting, visiting coffee shops, and trying out new recipes.
LauraAnne Hirschler, DO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hello everyone! I was born and raised in Rochester, NY and I am overjoyed to be able to give back to my community through pursuing Family Medicine at Highland Family Medicine! Training at the University of Rochester is a full circle experience for me as I had a liver transplant at the age of 7 months old at the University of Rochester. The compassionate care I received growing up as a transplant recipient from my medical team inspired me to become a physician. Throughout high school, college, and medical school I have been a member of the Strong Memorial Hospital Transplant Volunteer Program, a role I continue to enjoy. I also discovered early in life that I had a keen interest in science which made attending Rochester Institute of Technology a perfect fit. I studied Biomedical Sciences and minored in American Sign Language which I continue to be fluent in. Also, very near and dear to my heart is volunteering for the Gliding Stars of Rochester, an adaptive figure skating program for individuals with disabilities, where I teach participants how to figure skate. I love watching my “Stars” overcome personal challenges they face, increase musculoskeletal strength and stability, and gain social-emotional skills. During high school and undergrad, I was a competitive figure skater and competed on a synchronized skating team as well as dabbling in ice dancing. These varied life experiences led me to attend Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I became heavily involved in Health Reach-Healthcare for the Homeless. This program fueled my passion to care for underserved communities, especially in my home city and strengthened my commitment to pursue Family Medicine because of the ability it offers me to provide holistic, full spectrum care for families of all backgrounds. I am especially interested in maternal-child health, breastfeeding and lactation medicine, and providing equitable healthcare for underserved populations.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking dairy free meals with my boyfriend, who is also pursuing residency here in Rochester. Managing my anaphylactic dairy allergy has forced us to become adventurous and skilled at cooking (it’s always a trial and error process). Spending time with my family and my two extremely fluffy cats, Marshmallow and Fluff, having coffee with my friends (I’m a huge espresso fan) and doing local organ donation advocacy work are also among some of my favorite past times. I am truly excited and grateful for the opportunity to attend residency at Highland Family Medicine and to be a part of this wonderful community!
Amy LoTemplio, MD
State University of New York Upstate Medical University
Hi all! I was born and raised in Plattsburgh, NY. Growing up I enjoyed playing a variety of sports and exploring the wonderful Adirondack Mountains. After high school, I attended to Colby College in Maine, where I studied biochemistry and environmental science. In college, I fell in love with biology and medicine and decided that I wanted to be a doctor. After college I spent some time doing bench research in Bar Harbor, Maine studying hematopoiesis. After this, I worked as a substitute teacher at my high school. After that, I worked for a year at a health-tech start-up called MyHealthMath based in Portland, Maine.
In medical school, I was lucky to be involved in an organization called Physicians for Human Rights where I worked to help facilitate medical forensic evaluations for asylum seekers. This work sparked my passion for working with refugee, immigrant, and asylee communities, and I continued to work with this patient population throughout medical school. I chose family medicine because I believe that family doctors are uniquely suited to addressing the societal and social factors that influence health. I enjoy being able to take care of anyone who walks in the door, regardless of their age, gender, identity, or health condition. I am very excited to train at the University of Rochester! Outside of work, I enjoy running, cycling, hiking, swimming, sports (ice hockey and soccer) and basically anything else outdoors.
Ian Mac Taggart, MD
State University of New York Upstate Medical University
Hi! My name is Ian and I grew up in Newark, NY, a small town between Rochester and Syracuse. Never straying too far from snow or the Erie Canal, I went on to study biomedical science at the University at Buffalo and attended medical school at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse. While at Upstate, I was part of the rural medicine program which provided the opportunity to do rotations near my hometown. Whether I was in the rural finger lakes or urban Syracuse, the breadth and adaptability of Family Medicine to fill needs in the community affirmed my passion for the specialty. I am beyond excited to begin residency here in Rochester and learn how to best serve this region that has supported me so much.
Outside of medicine, you can find me attempting to cook a new recipe in a reasonable amount of time, strategizing during a board game night, rooting for the Bills or McLaren F1 team, and spending time with my wife and our beloved Maine Coon cat Hershie.
Denisha McCurchin, MD
City University of New York School of Medicine
Greetings Friends! I am Denisha Miracle McCurchin and my life work is to heal through ministry, music, and medicine. As a woman of faith, Guyanese American and graduate of the CUNY School of Medicine, I endeavor to bring wholistic care to underserved populations in urban and rural areas. I realized that family medicine gave me the most leverage to provide care for entire communities and take care of people across the spectrum of life. In fact, I also, plan to complete a fellowship in surgical obstetrics to help quell the tide of maternal mortality in all communities especially those laden with health-related social needs. Moreover, I am vested in helping persons cultivate healthy lifestyles that promote health and prevent and reverse disease. Now, as a singer and flute player, I have had the opportunity to sing in myriad arenas: white coat ceremonies, graduations, churches, funerals, weddings and even in patient rooms. I also have a podcast with a colleague called Medicine in Ministry where we empower people with the tools to learn about their bodies and take charge of their health. I take joy in teaching, tutoring and public speaking, which are avenues for me to inspire generations of learners and stakeholders to live their fullest life.
Disclaimer: The views expressed on my YouTube channel and podcasts are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer.
Cassidy McGinn, MD
State University of New York Upstate Medical University
Hi everyone! I’m from Tully, a small farming town just 20 minutes south of Syracuse, NY. I spent the majority of my adolescence running the roads of my rural community and waitressing at local restaurants. After high school I attended SUNY Geneseo where I studied chemistry and ran cross country and track and field.
After college, I worked as a research chemist before deciding to attend SUNY Upstate for medical school. During my time in medical school, I was actively involved in the Rural Medical Scholars Program and took advantage of multiple opportunities to participate in rural clinical experiences. I spent my second and third year working with a family medicine doctor in Cortland which reaffirmed my passion for preventative care and integrative health. I’m currently interested in practicing full scope family medicine including preventative health, hospital medicine, obstetrics, and integrative medicine.
Alongside medicine, I enjoy running, lifting, baking, reading (and talking about books to anyone who will listen), coffee and live music. I am so excited to begin my career as a physician at URMC and work with patients from the greater Rochester area.
Catherine Ramos, MD
Albany Medical College of Union University
Hello! I was born and raised in the Mid-Hudson Valley, primarily in Marlboro, NY where there were more apple trees than people. I attended SUNY Albany where I majored in Biology and spent my time outside of the classroom volunteering as an EMT. Before starting medical school, I worked as a hospital nurse’s aide at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For medical school, I attended Albany Medical College where I was grateful for the chance to continue serving the community that I had already come to know so well. Throughout those years, I dedicated much of my time to mentoring fellow students, especially through my work with the First-Generation & Low-Income in Medicine Association (FGLIMed). I found joy in creating spaces where others felt supported and empowered to succeed. I also engaged in advocacy and research focused on disability inclusion and postpartum sexual health which further drove my commitment to health equity and patient-centered care.
In medical school, I was inspired to go into family medicine after reflecting on my experience growing up with one family physician caring for my entire family where I recognized how rare and meaningful that kind of continuity really was. As I worked with patients across different settings, I found myself drawn to this field for its emphasis on building long-term relationships, listening to each person’s story, and finding creative outside-the-box ways to help patients navigate the challenges they face. My clinical interests primarily reside where medicine meets advocacy, including preventive medicine, reproductive health, addiction medicine, geriatrics, and care for underserved populations.
In my free time, I am often playing with my cat Bean, baking cookies, experimenting with new kitchen recipes, listening to NPR, or riding my bike. I love exploring new places and local restaurants with friends and family. I am incredibly excited to be joining U of R and eager to get involved in the community!
Twisha Shah, MD
West Virginia University School of Medicine
Hello! I was born in Gujarat, India and I immigrated to the United States with my family when I was 7 years old. We have moved all over the country from South Carolina to Texas to Connecticut to West Virginia, and now to New York! My family is currently in Connecticut, which is the first place that has felt like home since I left India.
I pursued my undergraduate education at the University of Connecticut. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Biology. After graduation, I pursued a Masters of Science in Healthcare Genetics during which I spent significant time teaching genetics to high school students in a STEM program over the summer. Then I moved to West Virginia to obtain my M.D. at West Virginia University School of Medicine! During my time at WVU, I was involved in many different groups such as the Academic Council and the AMA to advocate for our student body. My favorite experience during medical school was volunteering with MUSHROOM, an outreach program for the unhoused population. This experience has helped me realize my passion to care for the vulnerable communities and advocate for all my patients, in and outside the clinic. Throughout medical school, I found myself drawn to women’s health and family medicine. I am so excited to learn more about obstetrics, reproductive justice, gender-affirming care, and health advocacy.
In my non-medical life, I love being outdoors with my dog, Ollie, and exploring new places with my husband, Ryan. I enjoy hiking, painting, crocheting, reading, and cooking!
Danielle Vargas, MD
New York Medical College
Hi everyone! My name is Danielle and I am from the Bronx, the best borough of New York City. I received my BA in Individualized Studies at New York University with an interdisciplinary concentration in science and society. Before medical school, I worked as a research assistant in a lab investigating mitochondrial DNA and was a member of a community based organization advocating for affordable housing and healthcare in the Bronx. I continued pursuing my interests in social justice, health equity, and mentorship throughout medical school at New York Medical College. I am excited to leave hour long commutes behind and experience all that Rochester has to offer!