Our Residents
As you consider taking your first step in residency training, we encourage you to apply to the University of Rochester. We look forward to introducing you to Western New York, sharing more about our program and are confident you will be pleased with what you find.
1st Year Residents 2nd Year Residents 3rd Year Residents 4th Year Residents Fellows
Co-Chief Residents
Hannah Bell, MD, PhD
Hometown: Baltimore, MD/Elkton, MD
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Family: My parents relocated to Rochester and love it here. I also have 2 cats and hope to add a dog to our household eventually.
Why did you select URMC for your residency? The people! During my interview, my interactions with the faculty, residents, and laboratory personnel were overwhelmingly positive. I selected URMC because I knew I would receive excellent training from world-class faculty and work with a great team. The city is also a very easy place to live, with many options for food and hiking.
Hobbies and interests: Yoga, video games, cooking tasty vegan food, and running.
Social media handle: Instagram: @hannahbanana2828
Where would you like to end up/career goals or aspirations? I hope to work in an academic setting specializing in hematopathology or clinical microbiology.
Olalekan Lanipekun, MBBS
Hometown: Ogbomosho, Nigeria
Medical school: University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences, Ilorin, Nigeria
Hobbies: I like spending time outdoors, riding my bike, and I recently took up golfing. I enjoy rock music, my favorite bands are Black Sabbath, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Savatage, Korn, and Rammstein.
What made you choose URMC?I was looking for a residency program with brilliant faculty, great residents, and a diverse patient population, and URMC met and exceeded all my expectations. It is an amazing learning environment full of people who are ready to teach and help out every time. There are multiple research and fellowship opportunities and the guidance from experienced faculty mentors enables residents to make informed decisions about their future career plans. Rochester is a nice place to live with many golf courses and lots of summer and winter activities.
What are your career goals? I am interested in GI, GU, cytopathology, and several other subspecialties. I would love to work at URMC and contribute to the growth and expansion of the Pathology Department.
PGY-4
Alex Besen, MD
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, NY
Medical school: New York Medical College
Family: My parents, sister, and extended family are scattered around the northeast.
Hobbies: Creative writing and video games.
Social media handle: Twitter: @alexmbesen
What made you choose URMC?
I went to college at RIT, then worked in Specimen Management at URMC. I enjoyed the pathology department’s environment and collegiality and really loved living in Rochester, so I wanted to return.
What are your career goals?
I’m going into a Hematopathology fellowship and would like to be able to find a position that balances clinical hemepath work with teaching residents and medical students.
Fun fact about you?
I attended the great Wayne Gretzky's final NHL game before retirement. Unfortunately, I lost the commemorative hockey stick.
Andrew Johnson, MD
Hometown: Auburn, NH
Medical school: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine
Family: I am the oldest of two siblings, and the majority of my family is scattered around the Northeast
Hobbies/interests: I regularly go rock climbing and hiking, and play sports including tennis, soccer, golf, jujitsu, cycling, volleyball, kayaking, skiing, and ping-pong! Lawn games like Spikeball and Kan Jam hold a special place in my heart as well. Other non-active interests I have are cooking, video games, movies and TV shows, and board game nights.
Social media handle: Instagram: @ajredhead
What made you choose URMC?
The two major things I was looking for were location in the Northeast and a great group of supportive people. From the first moment I saw and spoke to the faculty and residents at URMC, they could be described as nothing other than a family. The supportive and charismatic environment combined with ample opportunities to pursue career interests in a fantastic program made URMC the easy choice for me!
What are your career goals?
I decided I wanted to be a forensic pathologist when I was 18! While I love many aspects of pathology and medicine as a whole, becoming a medical examiner will forever be my dream career.
Fun fact about you?
I played quidditch (the sport from Harry Potter) all 4 years of undergrad for Hofstra University and the regional tournament was held every year in Rochester. To this day quidditch is the roughest sport I have ever played.
Jared Lee, MD
Hometown: Miami, FL
Medical school: University of Miami
Hobbies/interests:
What made you choose URMC?
The positive work culture and friendliness of the residents and the sheer amount of mentorship opportunities.
What is the best feature of your residency program? : I feel that our faculty genuinely care about resident feedback in enhancing the residency experience.
Hobbies/interests: Wine tasting, Dancing, Running, Horror Flicks, listening to R&B, EDM and Indie Rock Music
What is your favorite thing(s) about Rochester? The summers in Rochester are exceptionally beautiful, both in terms of access to nature and the numerous festivals going on every month.
What are your career goals? Still figuring it out! Potentially GYN, Derm or Molecular pathology
One thing you wish you knew before you started your residency here? I wish I knew proper microscope care!
Olivia Sagan, MD
Hometown: Arlington, MA and Strongsville, OH
Medical school: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Family: Myself, my husband, and our newly adopted dog
Hobbies/interests: Photography, board games, traveling, and watching movies/TV
Social media handle: Twitter: @OASPath
What made you choose URMC?
URMC has everything I was looking for in a residency program: Large volume, caring and dedicated faculty, a focus on residents as educators, and friendly and welcoming residents. Rochester is also a perfectly sized city in a beautiful area of the country.
What are your career goals?
I am applying for GI fellowship this year. I am channeling my love of teaching through the pursuit of a career in academic medicine.
Fun fact about you?
I have logged over 1,000 hours playing Stardew Valley
Alicia Schmidt, DO
Hometown: Warner, NH
Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/interests: Arts and crafts, exploring the outdoors, drumming, my dog
What made you choose URMC?
I chose URMC for the people and the wide breadth of resources and opportunities.
What are your career goals?
I am still considering several different fellowships and career paths.
PGY-3s
Madhurya Ramineni, MBBS
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Medical school: Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Adilabad (India)
Family: Myself and my husband
Hobbies/interests: Yoga, cooking and reading about personal finance.
Social media handle: Twitter: @Madhury57496817
What made you choose URMC? great subspecialty exposure and wide range of fellowship opportunities. Most importantly I was happy and felt deeply connected with the team during the interview.
What are your career goals?
I am currently interested in molecular and GI/hepatobiliary pathology.
Margaret Smith, MD
Hometown: Portage, MI
Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine
Family: My family is mostly in the Midwest.
Hobbies/interests: Trivia, crochet, writing, window shopping, and baking. I also like catching up on all the tv shows and movies that when I tell someone I haven't seen it they act like I've personally insulted them.
What made you choose URMC?
I liked that URMC offered a large number of surgical specimens including transplants, varied CP options, and forensics exposure. I also liked what I heard about Rochester during my interview day. The city feels like a spot where the Midwest meets the East Coast which seemed like a perfect mix of where I grew up and somewhere new to explore. I love the proximity to Lake Ontario and other major cities along the East Coast. Also, getting to try traditional poutine.
Social media handle: Instagram: @kangakzoo
What are your career goals? I discovered the field of forensic pathology in middle school and immediately decided that is what I want to do with my life. A decade plus down the line I am still dedicated to becoming a forensic pathologist and will be pursuing fellowship and a ME job after residency.
Stephanie Thompson, MD
Hometown: The Bronx, New York
Medical school: Howard University College of Medicine
Family: My immediate family is in Rochester, with extended family in Monroe, NY, New Jersey, and New York City.
Why did you select URMC for your residency? I liked that URMC offers a large volume and diversity of specimens with subspecialty exposure and fellowship opportunities of interest. I really enjoyed my observership/pathology exposure. The environment is very collegial with great educators all throughout, from the ancillary staff to faculty, in addition to strong mentorship. These particulars as well as locale were positive and attractive draws to remain in Rochester for residency training. Rochester also has "great plates", which I knew nothing about until moving here.
Hobbies and Interests: Watching movies/tv shows, jumping double dutch, roller skating, track and field, singing, reading, arts and crafts, DIY projects, board games, and traveling.
Where would you like to end up/career goals/aspirations? I am currently interested in cytopathology, dermatopathology and pediatric pathology, and I'm looking forward to exploring all areas of pathology to expand my breadth of knowledge. I plan to do a fellowship, and utilize that training coupled with my passion to educate, mentor and promote interest in pathology for young scholars.
PGY-2
Heong Jin Christian Ahn, DO
Hometown: Seoul, Korea
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Family: I have two older brothers and one younger sister. Mother and father live in South Korea.
Why did you select URMC for your residency? All of my interactions with residents seemed really genuine. Felt like they were a close-knit group that had no false pretenses. The program itself is super flexible and the attendings were so kind!
Hobbies and interests: Reading and writing poetry. Learning all I can about ancient history and anthropology. Music especially classical, and cool-jazz. Enjoy museums and the ocean.
Where would you like to end up/career goals or aspirations? Still trying to figure it out but leaning towards hematopathology, GI, or thoracic pathology.
Nosaibah Hariri, MBBS
Hometown: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Medical School: King Abdulaziz University
Family: I'm married and we have a wonderful son.
Why did you select URMC for your residency? I was searching for a residency program with exceptional faculty members, supportive peers, and a diverse patient population, and URMC fulfilled all my expectations. It's an outstanding institution for learning, and everyone is willing to assist and share their knowledge. There are numerous opportunities for research, teaching and fellowships. Also, the experienced mentors guide us in determining our career paths.
Hobbies and interests: Knitting, cooking, and watching crime shows and documentaries.
Social media handle: Instagram: @NOSAIBAH_HARIRI
Where would you like to end up/career goals or aspirations? I want to explore all subspecialties before choosing a final career path. However, I am sure that I want to teach pathology at an academic institution.
Alex Schmidli, MD
Hometown: The Bay Area (San Francisco Bay Area)
Medical School: TUSM
Family: My family is mostly on the West Coast
Why did you select URMC for your residency? It was important to me to train at a residency program that had strengths in both Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology. I was impressed with the central lab, the large patient population served, the range of cases that the hospital system sees, and the culture of the program. There are great opportunities to get involved with research and teaching at URMC. I knew that training here would allow me to become a well-rounded and skilled pathologist and thoroughly prepare me for fellowship training.
Hobbies and interests: Archery, painting, sculpting, martial arts, working out, nature documentaries, museums, hiking, and cooking.
Where would you like to end up/career goal/aspirations? I ultimately would like to practice somewhere that is in/near a major city where I can serve a large patient population and see a broad range of cases.
Jordan Schneider, MD
Hometown: Dover, NH
Family: Looking forward to moving to Rochester with my fiance and our enormous orange cat, Squash.
Why did you select URMC for your residency? I chose URMC because of the vast fellowship opportunities, as well as the amazingly welcoming faculty and residents on interview day!
Hobbies and interests: I am a big fan of trivia, and love to play Jeopardy and do crossword puzzles in my spare time! I enjoy cooking as well, and am currently doing lots of experimentation with a sourdough starter that was gifted to me. I am also a very slow runner and enjoy just getting outside whenever I can.
Where would you like to end up/career goal/aspirations? I have wanted to pursue forensic pathology for a very long time, and look forward to getting more experience during residency that either supports that choice or steers me in a new direction!
Hangchuan Shi, MD, PhD
Hometown: Shenyang, China and Rochester, NY
Medical School: Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (MD) & University of Rochester Medical Center (PhD)
Family: Myself, my wife, and our lovely daughter.
Why did you select URMC for your residency? Rochester holds a special place in my heart – it's where I met my wife, welcomed my daughter into the world, and completed my PhD at URMC. I love this city and proudly call it my hometown. URMC has played a significant role in shaping my professional skills and personal growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that has nurtured me. URMC, along with the city of Rochester, offers the perfect balance of work and life. As a large medical center, URMC provides sufficient exposure to a diverse range of samples and cutting-edge technologies. As a right size city, Rochester offers a welcoming community of mentors, educators, colleagues, neighbors, and friends in a stress-free and friendly environment.
Hobbies and interests: Engaging in research, reading Japanese detective novels, and tasting instant noodles from different countries.
Where would you like to end up/career goal/aspirations? My career goal is to become a GU pathologist-scientist working at a university hospital.
Virginia Venta Pacheco, MD
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Medical School: Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC)
Family: I have a twin (fraternal), 2 older siblings, and mom and dad, who currently live in DR. Moved to Rochester with my Fiancé
Why did you select URMC for your residency? When searching for programs to apply to, there were certain criterias I wanted it to fulfill. Firstly, I’ve always wanted to be in a program that offered diverse cases where I could learn and become the best professional I could be. Secondly, I preferred a location in the Northeast. Thirdly, I sought a supportive environment with warm and nice people willing to teach. All of this were met when I applied and had the opportunity to interview in URMC. They made me feel welcome and I knew I wanted to be part of their family.
Hobbies and interests: Sports like tennis, soccer, golf (learning), paddle, etc. I also love reading, watching anime and playing cozy video games.
Social media handles: Instagram: @ViviVenta & @ViviPathology (which I intend to be more active on)
Where would you like to end up/career goals or aspirations? Still trying to figure it out. I have been exposed to most AP areas by now, and I have liked most of them. Currently leaning more towards GI or Breast, but still open to keep exploring.
PGY-1
Anna Agafonova, MD
Hometown: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Medical School: Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
Family: I live with my husband and our two very spoiled corgis. They’re full of personality and always keep us entertained!
Why did you select URMC for your residency? I was lucky to attend the open house in September and was genuinely shocked by how warm and welcoming the program was. The residents were truly happy—and it showed. I was also amazed by the academic strength of the program, the variety of cases, and the incredible research opportunities. The faculty struck a perfect balance between being deeply knowledgeable and incredibly supportive. All of those feelings were reaffirmed on my interview day, which felt truly special. Everyone I met made me feel seen and welcomed. It was clear to me that this was my dream program.
Hobbies and interests: I’m a big fan of video games and anime—it’s a huge part of my life and even inspired me to start learning Japanese. Visiting Japan was an unforgettable experience and deepened my love for the culture. I also enjoy listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time outside with our corgis is one of my favorite ways to unwind.
Social media handles: Twitter: @llluxintenebris
Where would you like to end up/career goal/aspirations? Right now, I’m especially interested in hematopathology and pediatric pathology, but I’m keeping an open mind as residency will expose me to many different areas. I’m excited to explore what feels like the right long-term fit.
Sabrina Hollar, DO
Hometown: I was born in Amherst, New York but grew up in Mount Vernon, Indiana
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker Colorado
Family: I have three sisters - two older sisters and an identical twin - and a younger brother!
Why did you select URMC for your residency? During my two-week audition rotation at URMC, I was immediately drawn to the program. I was incredibly impressed by the high quality of teaching from the faculty, as well as the supportive, collegial environment fostered by the residents. The sense of community and dedication to education left a lasting impression on me, and I knew early on that URMC was where I wanted to train. Additionally, with extensive family in upstate New York, choosing URMC felt like a natural and meaningful decision—one that aligns both professionally and personally with my goals.
Hobbies and interests: Outside of medicine, I’m passionate about the arts and creativity—I love drawing and painting and enjoy knitting and crocheting as a relaxing outlet. I’m also an avid reader and movie enthusiast, with The Lord of the Rings being my all-time favorite series in both forms. I enjoy exploring the outdoors through travel and hiking, and I find a lot of joy in admiring the beauty of nature. Recently, I’ve taken up yoga and have really enjoyed the balance it brings to my routine. I'm also a dedicated football fan—go Buffalo Bills!
Where would you like to end up/career goal/aspirations? I’m deeply passionate about pursuing a fellowship in gastrointestinal pathology. While I’m still exploring whether I’d ultimately like to work in private practice or academic medicine, I’m drawn to both settings—private practice for its clinical focus and fast pace, and academia for the opportunity to teach and contribute to medical education. My goal is to find a path that allows me to stay engaged with the diagnostic challenges of GI pathology while also fostering continued learning and collaboration.
Aaron Jones, MD
Hometown: Canandaigua, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Family: I have a fiancé who works in Rochester and all of my immediate family members live in Upstate NY.
Why did you select URMC for your residency? I wanted a program that had a high volume with complex cases, but also one that was small enough that the program felt tight knit and fostered a supportive learning environment. I also wanted a program that was close to family.
Hobbies and interests: Backpacking, board games, video games, pickle ball, and hanging out with friends and family!
Where would you like to end up/career goal/aspirations? I am still exploring the many different fields of the specialty. I would like to continue growing my career in the Upstate NY region after residency.
Sergei Savin, MD
Hometown: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Medical School: Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
Family: I live with my wife and our two corgis.
Why did you select URMC for your residency? Everyone I met during the interview process was incredibly kind and supportive. The program offers strong training, great fellowship options, and a welcoming culture. After a few years in NYC, I was also ready for a quieter, more nature-filled place—Rochester was a perfect fit.
Hobbies and interests: I’ve played soccer since childhood and I’m a big Liverpool fan. I enjoy hiking, running, video games, anime, and playing the handpan. I’m also passionate about mentoring IMG physicians through the Match process.
Social media handles: @CorgiPath
Where would you like to end up/career goal/aspirations? I’m interested in breast, GU, and GYN pathology, and hope to pursue a career in academic medicine and teaching.
Fellows
Mouaz Alsawas, MD
GI Pathology Fellow
Rebecca Flugrad, MD
Medical Directorship
Evgenii Kovtunov, PhD
Microbiology Fellow
Dijiana Poljak, MD
Breast/GYN Fellow
Kristin Rybski, MD
Dermatopathology Fellow
Liz Yang, MD
GI Pathology Fellow
Betty Wu, PhD
Microbiology Fellow