Our Residents

Class of 2019

Matthew R. Leach, M.D.

matthew_leach@URMC.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Hinsdale, Illinois

Medical School:  University of Michigan

Matthew R. Leach is a PGY-4 Resident in Adult Neurology. He attended medical school at the University of Michigan after obtaining his bachelor's in English Literature & Biology from Washington University in St. Louis.  Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Matthew enjoys reading, cooking, old movies, and exploring new places.  Clinically, his interests include academic medicine and neurocritical care.

Michael P. Leone, M.D.

Michael_Leone@URMC.Rochester.edu

Hometown:  Erie, Pennsylvania

Medical School:  Marshall University

Michael P. Leone is a PGY-4 Resident in Adult Neurology. He attended medical school at Marshall University after obtaining his bachelors degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh. He is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania - as is his wife, Kara. They enjoy traveling and spending time with family. Michael enjoys computers, electronics, and watching movies with his wife. He also enjoys playing soccer, skiing, and other sports.

Kathleen C. Munger, M.D.

Kathleen_Munger@URMC.Rochester.edu

Hometown:  Honolulu, Hawaii

Medical School:  University of Rochester

Kathleen C. Munger is a PGY-4 Resident in Adult Neurology. She attended medical school at the University of Rochester after earning a degree in Neuroscience and Anthropology at Wellesley College in Boston. She is originally from sunny Honolulu, Hawaii. In her free time, Kate enjoys crafting and traveling.

Mitchell R. Onken, M.D.

Mitch_Onken@URMC.Rochester.edu

Hometown:  Blue Grass, Iowa

Medical School:  Jagiellonian University

Mitchell R. Onken is a PGY-4 Resident in Adult Neurology.   Mitch grew up in a small town in eastern Iowa. He went to Brigham Young University where he graduated with a B.S. in Music and Chemistry. After college, Mitch took a job at the University of Maryland researching neurodegenerative diseases. He worked for a few years in Maryland, before moving to Europe, where he studied medicine at Jagiellonian University in Krakow Poland. Mitch is a PGY-4 at the University of Rochester and he couldn't be happier. The expectations are high, but the atmosphere is supportive and friendly. In his free time, he generally spends time with his wife and 4 kids; but occasionally has a few moments to play the piano or go mountain biking.

Amanda Opaskar, M.D.

Amanda_Opaskar@URMC.Rochester.edu

Hometown:  Cleveland, Ohio

Medical School:  University of Michigan

Amanda Opaskar is a PGY-4 resident in Adult Neurology. She attended medical school at University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI. She is originally from Cleveland, OH. In her free time, Amanda enjoys playing the violin, running, and cooking. She also loves to ski during the winter time.

Blanca Y. Valdovinos, M.D.

Blanca_Valdovinos@URMC.Rochester.edu

Hometown:  Garden Grove, California

Medical School:  University of Rochester

Blanca Y. Valdovinos is a PGY-4 resident in Adult Neurology. She attended medical school at the University of Rochester after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She is originally from beautiful Southern California.  She enjoys traveling with her fiancé and spending time with their cute dog Bruno.  

Class of 2020

Melanie K. Braun, M.D.

Melanie_braun@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Rochester, New York

Medical School:  University of Rochester

Melanie is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology.  She attended medical school at the University of Rochester after earning a degree in Biology from Ithaca College where she also played varsity lacrosse. During medical school, she developed an interest in teaching and global health, both of which she hopes to include in her career. She is originally from Rochester, NY. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with friends and family, biking, watching movies, trying new restaurants, attending festivals, and traveling.

Ryan Canissario, M.D.  

Ryan_canissario@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  New Windsor, New York

Medical School:  SUNY Downstate

Ryan Canissario is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology. He earned a B.S. in Applied Economics & Management from Cornell University in 2007 before working in New York City as a project manager for a digital marketing agency. Though successful in the field, he decided to change careers in order to pursue his passion for medicine. He completed Columbia University's postbac premed program and subsequently attended medical school at SUNY Downstate. Ryan is originally from the mid-Hudson Valley region of New York. When not in the hospital, he enjoys cooking Italian food and spending every opportunity he can outdoors.

Dimitrios G. Manou, M.D. 

Dimitrios_manou@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Rochester, New York

Medical School:  University of Rochester

Dimitrios (Jim) Manou is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology.  He attended medical school at the University of Rochester after obtaining his bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology from the University at Buffalo. Originally from the Rochester area, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, sports, and traveling.

Kristen L. McCartney, M.D.

kristen_mccartney@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Sanford, North Carolina

Medical School:  University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Kristen McCartney is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology.  She attended medical school at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She previously graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biochemistry. Kristen is originally from Sanford, North Carolina and is a diehard Tar Heel fan. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball, singing, and snuggling with her cat, Lexie.

Tyler A. Rehbein, M.D.

Tyler_rehbein@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Lino Lakes, Minnesota

Medical School:  University of Minnesota

Tyler Rehbein is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology.  He attended medical school at the University of Minnesota after earning his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Genetics from the same institution. During medical school he engaged in neuroradiology research with diffusion tensor imaging. Being from Minnesota he enjoys spending time outdoors and around the lakes. In his free time he enjoys running, hiking, swimming, camping, reading, and computers.

Nicholas J. Taylor, M.D.

nicholas _taylor@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Buffalo, New York

Medical School:  Ohio State University

Nicholas Taylor is a PGY-3 resident in Adult Neurology.  He attended medical school at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, where he completed his undergraduate training, and met his wonderful wife Carly. Nick was born and raised in a small town near Buffalo, NY. Nick and Carly take care of a snake, a leopard gecko, a dog, and (as of the time of writing this) their 2 month old daughter, Evelyn. In Nick's limited free time with a daughter at home he enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing computer games, karaoke, and hiking (Rochester has awesome parks and miles of trails – look into it!)  Nick has found the environment at U of R to be full of friendly people, busy, but supportive and open to changes to improve patient care and resident quality of life: many problems being discovered based on resident feedback with solutions implemented by the residents in real time with full support from department leadership. During residency Nick developed interest in quality improvement. He learned that call and service time during his recently completed PGY-2 year offered both opportunity for independent decision making and readily available support when needed. 

Class of 2021

Michael H. Cohen, M.D.

michael_cohen@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown: New York City, New York

Medical School:  University of Buffalo

Michael​ Cohen is a PGY-2 Resident in Adult Neurology. He attended medical school at the SUNY at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences after earning a degree in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science from The University of Michigan. He was born and raised in Manhattan, and would be happy to help you navigate the NYC subway system if you plan a visit to the Big Apple. In his free time, Michael enjoys playing soccer and riding his bicycle.

Kelly L. Donohue, M.D.

kelly_donohue@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown: Jamestown, New York

Medical School:  University of Cincinnati

Kelly Donohue is a PGY-2 Resident in Adult Neurology. She attended medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, OH after earning a degree in Psychology with minors in Biology and Coaching from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. She is originally from Jamestown, NY but has come to consider herself a Hoosier with a love for Indiana University football. In her free time, she also enjoys watching the Philadelphia Eagles, trying new restaurants, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends. 

Lauryn E. Hemminger, M.D.

lauryn_hemminger@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown: Gilroy, California

Medical School:  University of Rochester

Lauryn Hemminger is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology. While attending medical school at the University of Rochester, she spent a year doing research in neuro-oncology and palliative care. Lauryn is originally from Gilroy, California, also known as the garlic capital of the world and shares a birthday with her younger brother. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, a dairy and vegetable farmer in the Finger Lakes, and her two rescue dogs.  

Joseph S. Modica, M.D.

joseph_modica@urmc.rochester.edu

Patrick J. Rooney, M.D.

patrick_rooney@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Skaneateles, New York

Medical School:  University of Buffalo

Patrick Rooney is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology.  He attended medical school at the Jacobs School of Medicine in Buffalo, NY after earning a degree in neuroscience at Middlebury College where he participated in track and field.  In his spare time, Patrick still enjoys running and being outdoors.  Whether it’s bird-watching, skiing, or kayaking, Patrick enjoys living in upstate New York because there is something different to do each season.  Although he doesn't plan on owning a pet during residency, Patrick grew up with Bernese Mountain Dogs and is always happy to meet a new 4-legged friend. 

Matthew R. Womeldorff, M.D.

matthew_womeldorff@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho

Medical School:  University of Utah

Matt Womeldorff is a PGY-2 resident in Adult Neurology. He grew up in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Matt graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Prior to attending medical school at the University of Utah, Matt taught high school biology in Arkansas for two years with the Teach For America program. During medical school, he engaged in brain tumor research, further developed his passion for teaching and leadership, and married his high school sweetheart, Kayla. He is excited about all aspects of neurology. In his spare time, Matt enjoys reading non-fiction, trying new restaurants, hiking, and spending time with his wife watching shows and movies.  

Class of 2022

Natalia Chunga Iturry, M.D,

natalia_chungaiturry@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Medical School:  San Fernando Medical School at San Marcos University

Natalia Chunga Iturry is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology.  She is originally from Lima, Peru, where she attended San Fernando Medical School at San Marcos University. After graduating, she spent a year doing research in neuropsychiatric disorders with diffusion tensor imaging at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her interests include translational medicine and public health. In her free time, Natalia enjoys hiking, watching sports, exploring bakeries, and cooking Peruvian food.

Jennifer Corcoran, M.D.

jennifer_corcoran@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown: Manasquan, New Jersey

Medical School:  University of Rochester

Jennifer Corcoran is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology. She attended medical school at the University of Rochester after earning a degree in chemistry from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She is originally from Manasquan, NJ, a small town at the beautiful Jersey shore. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys cooking, reading non-medical literature, and hiking.

Matthew Dupree, M.D.

jamesmatthew_dupree@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown: Atlanta, Texas

Medical School:  University of Oklahoma

Matthew Dupree is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology. He attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma after earning a degree in Biology at Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City. As a transplant from Oklahoma he finds the summers absolutely gorgeous and is really looking forward to having a true fall. He enjoys hiking, traveling, taking his dog on walks, exploring the new surrounding food scene, slowing down to spend some time with friends, and basically anything else that allows him to be outside for even just a little bit. That is at least the case until winter comes, so he's told.

Andrew Huang, M.D.

andrew_huang@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Walnut Creek, California

Medical School:  Dartmouth Medical School

Andrew Huang is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology who​ attended the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine in Hanover, New Hampshire after studying philosophy and molecular & cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley. He has enjoyed longer distance running, squash, tennis, reading the new yorker, and the nyt's modern love column. He has growing interests in teaching, medical ethics, the philosophy of medicine, ​​palliative care, and neuro intensive care.

Michael Ibarra, M.D.

michael_ibarra@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Grand Rapids, Michigan

Medical School:  University of Texas at San Antonio

Michael Ibarra is a PGY-1 resident in Adult Neurology.  He attended medical school at the Long School of Medicine in San Antonio after earning a degree in Biology from Texas Tech University. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and raised in El Paso, Texas. In his spare time he enjoys working out, playing basketball, reading noir books, and traveling.

Diana Li, M.D.

diana_li@urmc.rochester.edu

Hometown:  Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania

Medical School:  Temple University

Diana Z. Li is a PGY-1 Resident in Adult Neurology. She attended medical school at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University after earning a degree in Human Evolutionary Biology from Harvard. She was born in Philadelphia and raised in Montgomeryville, PA. In her spare time, she enjoys music, painting, traveling, and exploring local cuisines.