Our Residents
Our Residents
Class of 2027
George Albert, MD
Medical School: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
George Albert is a PGY-4 resident in Adult Neurology. He studied at the University of Rochester as an undergraduate, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience. He then worked for one year in a research lab at the University of Rochester Medical Center before starting medical school at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. George is originally from the small town of New York Mills, NY. In his free time, George enjoys using his 3D printer, using his telescopes for amateur astronomy, hiking, and skiing. His clinical interests include health services and outcomes research, neurocritical care, and epilepsy.
Margaret Barlet, MD
Medical School: Duke University
Margaret (Meg) Barlet is a PGY-4 resident in adult neurology. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College, where she majored in Physics and minored in Religion. She attended medical school at Duke University, where she spent an extra research year investigating clinician and family communication about death. Having grown up in the Rocky Mountains, Meg enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, son, and lab-shepherd rescue Bilbo (Bo) Waggins. She also enjoys baking personalized birthday desserts, watching women’s rugby, and enabling her husband’s passion for complicated board games. Her clinical interests include ethics, communication, decision-making, and palliative care.
Alexander Gerhardstein, MD
Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine
Alex Gerhardstein is a PGY-4 resident in Adult Neurology. He graduated from Wake Forest School of Medicine in 2023. He received a Bachelor of Science from Wake Forest University in Biology, focusing on Ecology coursework. Alex originally hails from the town of Hawthorne in Northeast New Jersey. He enjoys spending time at the Jersey Shore with his family, participating in outdoor activities such as hiking and lacrosse, and cooking his family’s traditional meals. His clinical interests include medical education and Neuro-Oncology.
Timothy McWilliams, MD, MPH
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Timothy (Tim) McWilliams is a PGY-4 resident in adult neurology. He graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine with a dual degree in Medicine and Public Health. He attended University of Alabama at Birmingham for his undergraduate education receiving a bachelor's degree in biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. In his free time Tim enjoys hobbies including soccer, running, and weightlifting as well as spending time with his three dogs. His clinical interests include Epilepsy, outpatient neurology, LGBT advocacy, and Global Health.
Jonathan Spiegel, MD
Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Jonathan (Jon) Spiegel is a PGY-4 resident in adult neurology. He graduated from The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He garnered a Bachelor's of Science and a Bachelor's of Arts from Brown University in Neuroscience and Philosophy, respectively. Jon has completed research related to neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, and ethics. He is passionate about advocacy related to animal rights, environmentalism, and inclusivity in medicine. In his free time, Jon enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, reading, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with his co-residents. His clinical interests include general neurology, movement disorders, complementary neurology, and palliative neurology.
Wade Whitt, MD
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Wade Whitt is a PGY-4 resident in adult neurology. He completed medical school at University of Rochester. Before that, he graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in public health with an emphasis in epidemiology. Throughout his time in undergraduate and medical school, Wade completed a variety of research projects both at the bench and the bedside on topics from SNARE proteins to the use of EEG as a biomarker for delirium, and most recently geriatric assessment in patients with glioblastoma. His clinical interests include neuromuscular diseases, neuro-oncology, geriatrics, and advanced care planning, although he remains open to a variety of subspecialties of neurology. Wade grew up in Reston, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, watching sports, especially his beloved Baltimore Orioles, hiking, swimming, listening to history podcasts, and weightlifting.
Ryan Wolfe, MD
Medical School: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Ryan Wolfe is a PGY-4 resident in adult neurology. He graduated from the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in 2023. Prior to that, he received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, with a minor in Theology. Ryan was born and raised in Stamford, CT, within the NYC metropolitan area. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, playing the guitar, exploring new restaurants, watching the New York Knicks, and visiting historical sites across the United States. Ryan’s clinical interests include movement disorders, vascular neurology, quality improvement, and the comprehensive care of older adults.
Class of 2028
Tameem Ahsan, MD
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Tameem Ahsan is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology who graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston after completing his bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular neuroscience at Temple University in Philadelphia. While born in Canada, he grew up for the most part in the Philadelphia area. As an Eagle scout he continues to enjoy the outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking, or simply exploring new places with friends and families. Indoors, he showcases his competitive spirit through video and board games. Tameem has evolving clinical interests in neuro-intensive care, neuroscientific research, medical education, as well as palliative care.
John Ciarletta, MD
Medical School: University of Buffalo School of Medicine
John Ciarletta is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology who attended the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, he studied Information Systems at Hofstra University. He grew up in Middle Village Queens and later moved to Bayville on Long Island. John has an interest in general neurology, medical education, and quality improvement. In his time outside the hospital, John enjoys playing guitar/piano, cooking, listening to podcasts, reading history books, and spending time with his wife.
Andrew Duffy, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Andrew Duffy is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology. He graduated medical school at Thomas Jefferson University after obtaining dual undergraduate degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Rochester. Additionally, he participated in the Take 5 Scholars Program at the U of R during a gap year before medical school where he studied the History and Culture of 20th Century America through Musical Contexts. He will be especially impressed if you are a classic rock fan and listen to Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, or U2. Andrew is originally from the Hudson Valley, thirty minutes outside of New York City and enjoys going to concerts, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his friends and family. He is interested in medical education and is eager to continue exploring many areas of neurology including cognitive neurology, movement disorders, and neuro-immunology.
Benjamin Fang, MD
Medical School: University Of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Ben Fang is a PGY3 resident in Adult Neurology who attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He previously attended the Eastman School of Music, after which he performed and taught music for several years before turning to a life in medicine. He is interested in comprehensive patient care as well as medical education. He enjoys the outdoors, running, biking, and spending time with his two Bernese Mountain dogs and two Siberian cats.
Catherine Nicholas, MD
Medical School: University Of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Cate is a PGY-3 Adult Neurology resident who attended Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons after studying sociology at Fordham University and completing a premedical postbaccalaureate at Bryn Mawr College. Before switching to adult neurology, she trained in general pediatrics and child neurology at the University of Rochester. She is interested in global health, medical education, neuropalliative care, and general neurology. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband, Ben, and their 3 dogs and cat. She likes to cook, garden, travel, hang out with friends and family, and spend time in nature.
Courtney Seigel, MD
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Courtney Seigel is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology. She attended Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana after studying neuroscience at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, hiking, trying out new restaurants and coffee shops, and listening to true crime podcasts. She has growing clinical interests in neuropalliative care, neuroimmunology, and medical education, but remains open to all subspecialties in neurology.
Rachel Siegel, MD 
Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine
Rachel Siegel is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology who attended the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia after studying environmental biology at Washington University in St. Louis. She has interests in outpatient neurology and movement disorders. Rachel grew up in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, a small town outside of New York City. In her spare time outside the hospital she loves watching Formula 1, hiking, reading, trying new restaurants, and watching TV.
Samantha J. Stallkamp Tidd, MD 
Medical School: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Samantha is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology who attended the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine in Cleveland Ohio after studying Neuroscience at The Ohio State University. She is passionate about disability advocacy, medical education and research. Samantha grew up in Lima, Ohio a small community in Northwest Ohio. In her time outside the hospital, she loves watching football (Go Buckeyes and Who Dey!), cheering on other Ohio sports teams (Go Guardians and Cavs!), reading, brewing mead and wine with her husband Josh who is an Orthopedic surgery resident, and seeing friends and family.
William Yakubik, MD
Medical School: University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
William Yakubik is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology. He attended the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine in Burlington, Vermont after studying cellular neurophysiology at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. In his time outside the hospital, he loves soccer, fishing, skiing, playing board games, and being outdoors. His academic interests include medical education, neuromuscular medicine, and general neurology.
Class of 2029
Jose Emiliano Arriola Villafuerte, MD
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Jose Arriola is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology. He graduated from medical school at Thomas Jefferson University after earning his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. Originally from Lima, Peru, Jose eventually made his way to Philadelphia for medical school (Go Birds!). He enjoys playing soccer, watching the NBA, and spending time with friends. His professional interests include working with the Latino community, medical education, and various fields within neurology, such as stroke, headache, and palliative care."
Mara Bahri, MD, MSc
Medical School: The Ohio State University
Mara Bahri is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology. She received her medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to medical school, she completed a Master of Science in Integrative Neuroscience at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and worked professionally in clinical research and healthcare consulting.
Her clinical interests include neuroimmunology, headache, and general neurology, and incorporating alternative approaches to patient care, including sleep optimization, mindfulness, and nutrition. Outside of medicine, Mara enjoys traveling, DIY projects, birdwatching, and spending time with her family and tuxedo cat.
Lindsey Dressler, MD
Medical School: University of Buffalo
Lindsey is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology who attended Jacobs School of Medicine in Buffalo, NY after completing a post-baccalaureate at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. She studied Biochemistry and Mathematics at The State University of New York at Geneseo. She is particularly interested in science communication, patient advocacy, medical education, and clinical research. Lindsey grew up in Buffalo, NY, and is an obligatory Buffalo Bills fan. In her free time, she can be found weightlifting at the gym, dancing at EDM concerts, exploring upscale restaurants across the city, and spending time with her friends, family, and two dogs (Oliver and Fat Baby–yes, that is his legal name). She also has a twin sister, Andrea, who is an internal medicine pharmacist at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Bhageerathi (Bhagee) Ganesan, MD
Medical School: The Ohio State University
Bhagee is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine after earning an undergraduate degree in biomedical science (also at Ohio State). She grew up in New Albany, Ohio, a suburb roughly 20-25 minutes outside of downtown Columbus, OH. Her professional interests include, but are not limited to, movement disorders, neuromuscular medicine, health policy, South Asian health, and theology/the medical humanities. In her spare time, she enjoys watching cooking and crafting shows (and trying her own hand at painting, crochet, and her own vegetarian/plant-based culinary creations, with highly variable degrees of success), cheering for the Buckeyes when they’re on TV, language learning, and exploring historical sites and places in nature across the US.
Kevin Kim, MD
Medical School: Wayne State University
Kevin is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology. He attended Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, after earning a degree in Biomolecular Sciences from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His professional interests include clinical neurology and medical education. He looks forward to exploring the many subspecialties that neurology has to offer! In his free time, he enjoys cheering for Detroit-based and UofM sports teams (Go Blue!), watching history and travel documentaries, and spending time in nature.
Jason Li, MD
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Jason Li is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology. Originally from the Bay Area in California, he received his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University and completed his medical education at Indiana University School of Medicine. He is particularly passionate about caring for the aging population and advancing medical education. Outside of medicine, Jason enjoys playing badminton, running, and watching different anime series.
Kathryn Mancini, MD
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Kathryn is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology who grew up in Bellingham, Ma, and graduated from Albany Medical College with her MD after attending the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for her undergraduate education. Before starting medical school, she worked as a CNA in a nursing home as well as at the Neural Stem Cell Institute. She has a strong interest in medical education and artificial intelligence in medicine. Kathryn loves to stay active and played soccer through college. She enjoys reading epic fantasy, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with her partner and two cats.
Priya Swaminathan, MD
Medical School: University of Utah
Priya is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology who attended the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah after studying Hispanic literature and culture at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She is academically interested in neuroimmunology. She is passionate about sustainability and animal rescue. She loves spending time outdoors and with her dog and two cats.
Class of 2030
Daniel Cairns, MD
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine
Daniel is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology who attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine after studying history at the University of Notre Dame. He also grew up in Rochester and attended McQuaid Jesuit High School in Brighton. He is excited to explore the many options that neurology has to offer. Outside the hospital, he enjoys walking his dog, reading, watching football (Go Irish and go Bills!), watching movies, and spending time with his family, many of whom are still in the area.
Jacob Gordon, MD
Medical School: Stony Brook UniversityJacob is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology who attended the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University after studying Integrative Neuroscience at Binghamton University. He grew up in Falmouth, Maine, a small coastal town just outside of Portland. His interests within neurology include vascular neurology and neuroethics. Outside of the hospital, Jacob enjoys playing classical piano, reading and discussing philosophy, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.
Jessica MacIntyre, MD
Medical School: University of Connecticut
Jessica is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology. She attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience and a Master of Science in Surgical Neurophysiology from the University of Connecticut. Outside of medicine she enjoys exploring local restaurants, caring for her collection of houseplants, going on outdoor adventures, and spending time with friends and family. She also looks forward to relaxing after work with a cup of tea and a good book. She is passionate about medical education and advocacy.
Alex Schick, MD
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine
Alex Schick is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology. She earned her MD with Distinction in Research and Distinction in Community Health from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society and received the Robert J. Joynt, MD, PhD Prize for Excellence in Clinical Neurology. Before medical school, she studied psychology and neuroscience at the University at Buffalo, graduating summa cum laude and recipient of the Dean’s Outstanding Senior Award, and completed a Postbaccalaureate Research Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she developed a passion for clinical research while studying metabolism and nutritional neuroscience. During medical school, her research, teaching, and community outreach experiences further shaped her interests in neuro-oncology, movement disorders, medical education, and community engagement. In her free time, Alex enjoys tackling the New York Times crosswords, watching football (Go Bills!), exploring Rochester's coffee shops, reading, playing board and video games, going to the movies, and spending time with her cat, Fern.
Mikayla Spott, MD
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
Mikayla is a PGY-1 resident in adult neurology who attended Drexel University College of Medicine. Originally from Dalton, Pennsylvania, Mikayla grew up in a rural area with her parents, sister, and mini Australian shepherd (named Coco Chanel). While working towards her bachelor's degree in behavioral neuroscience at Lehigh University, she knew she wanted to become a neurologist. Throughout medical school , she developed a passion for movement disorders research and medical education. Outside of neurology, Mikayla enjoys skiing, reading, cooking new dishes, traveling, and petting dogs.
Tanner Tarkleson, MD
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine
Tanner is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology who attended the University of Rochester for medical school after studying Neuroscience & Behavior at the University of Notre Dame. He is passionate about mentorship and palliative care. Outside of work, he enjoys watching Notre Dame football, playing golf, and trying new breweries/restaurants with his wife Meghan (a pathology resident here at UR).
Allison Thayer, MD
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Ally is an Adult Neurology PGY1 resident who attended the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo after studying Neuroscience and Hispanic Studies at Vassar College. She is passionate about medical education and global neurology. Ally grew up in Rochester. Outside of the hospital, she loves running, watching soccer (come on you Spurs!), jig-saw puzzling, going to live shows, playing the ukulele, and spending time with family and friends.
Danielle Yerdon, MD, MPH
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medicine
Danielle is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology from Syracuse, NY. After studying neuroscience at Yale University, she attended Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and also spent a year in Ithaca, NY obtaining a Master of Public Health with concentration in Environment, Climate, and Health from Cornell University. She is especially interested in addressing the contributions of environmental exposures to neurologic disease, as well as in neuroimmunology, cognitive neurology, and medical education. In her free time, she loves to spend time outdoors, whether that's hiking, gardening, kayaking, or going to the beach, as well as to dance, draw, and paint! Some favorite memories from her times in college and medical school include sharing dance with children with special needs and disabilities and with persons affected by cancer.