Current Residents

Class of 2019

Christopher Mondie, D.O. Chief Resident
Undergraduate: Rider University
Medical School: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Evidence based medicine, critical care, education
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Running / exercising, hiking, photography
Why you chose NBI: I began my medical career as a volunteer EMT in South Jersey. It had always been my goal to practice medicine in my home state. I had the opportunity to do “regional” rotations at NBI during my third year of medical school and have been here ever since. The pathology, learning, and camaraderie at NBI are second to none. In the future I hope to remain an active participant in academic medicine, teaching residents and continuing to advance my knowledge.

Bryant Gray, D.O. Chief Resident
Undergraduate: The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: EMS, resuscitation, critical care
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Traveling, fishing, snorkeling, ATVs, movies
Why you chose NBI: I’m from a small county in Virginia named King and Queen County. I went to undergrad in Southwest Virginia where I majored in Nursing and then returned back home where I worked as a registered nurse. After a short career in nursing I ventured to Tennessee for medical school. During my fourth year I was able rotate at The Beth. NBI was on my radar as a former attending I worked with as a nurse in Virginia trained here and was one of the best clinicians I had the privilege of working with. The people, pathology, and resident preparedness were all things that made NBI my top choice. After residency, I will begin a fellowship in EMS and Disaster Medicine here at NBI. After fellowship I’m open to new places but will likely move back south.

Peter Malamet, D.O. Chief Resident
Undergraduate: Duquesne University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Pain management, critical care
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Sports, outdoors, music festivals, friends and family!
Why you chose NBI: Born and raised in Frederick MD, I then moved to Pittsburgh for undergrad and Philadelphia for Medical School. It only made sense that I explore a new area for residency. I wanted to train at a place where I would see everything. I knew that If I trained at Beth I would acquire the knowledge and skills to work anywhere else. I’ll be serving with the Air Force when I leave Beth and I’m excited to see where this next step takes me!

Dustin St. George, M.D.
Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: EMS & Disaster Medicine, critical care medicine
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Diving, traveling, cooking, and just kicking it with my family
Why you chose NBI: Born and raised in Texas now transplanted to the Garden State. I Spent 5 years in the United States Navy prior to obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics from VCU and my MD from St. George’s University. The Beth was my top choice for Emergency Medicine Residency for three major reasons; autonomy through training, exposure to pediatrics and the family environment amongst the staff and residents.

Rick Figurasin, D.O.
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Locums / traveling doc
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: basketball, boxing, wiffle ball, weight lifting, cooking
Why you chose NBI: I grew up in Jersey and lived in Bergen County for most of my life. Because of that, I have a lot of family and friends in the area. Ultimately though, I wanted to go to a residency that had the volume and pathology that would prepare me well in the EM world regardless of proximity to home. Fortunately for me, Newark Beth is that place. As a student, I was impressed with how sick the patients were and how well the residents handled it. As a resident in the program, I love the autonomy our attendings provide while providing support when we need it. I love that we can rotate through a nearby trauma center and learn from the trauma team then come back to NBI and lead traumas on our own. My plans are to be a traveling doctor and I need to know how to handle everything without a consultant/trauma team/whatever. I’ve definitely been more than happy with my training at Beth!

Pooja Desai, M.D.
Undergraduate: Loyola University - Chicago
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Toxicology and ultrasound
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Traveling, hiking, music, dancing, painting, spending time with my friends and family
Why you chose NBI: I was born in India, moved to Chicago when I was 11 and have been in Jersey since last 5 years. I first came to the Beth as a fourth year medical student. I was not only impressed by the pathology you get to see here but also how well residents got along with each other and rest of the ER staff. I knew I would have a family here if I were to match at NBI. I will be moving back to Chicago this summer and looking back, I can say that this is one of the best things that happened in my life.

Kurien Mathews, D.O.
Undergraduate: Stony Brook University
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Administration, education
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Guitar, traveling, spending time with my family, girlfriend, friends, and my dog
Why you chose NBI: I was born in India and came to the US when I was ten years old. Growing up in Long Island, I spent time volunteering for the New Hyde Park Fire Department as a paramedic and a firefighter, which gave me a real taste for emergency medicine. Me choosing “The Beth” had a lot to do with the residents I got to know when I rotated here. The mix of a community and academic setting make NBI the ideal learning environment. The pathology here is second-to-none; we’re also given every opportunity to grow into excellent emergency physicians. As a senior soon to graduate, I’ll be starting my fellowship at Staten Island University Hospital as an administrative fellow.

Katherine Tokarcyzk, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Tox, wilderness medicine, EMS
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Traveling, outdoor activities, and animals!
Why you chose NBI: I grew up in the midwest, but have been enjoying the East Coast lifestyle by soaking up the beach and the city. I was fortunate enough to rotate at the Beth as a medical student and I genuinely feel that education I’ve received is unparalleled. After graduation, I plan on practicing high-quality evidence-based medicine at a community ED in Chicago.

Jessica Chineme, M.D.
Undergraduate: Seton Hall University / Duke University
Medical School: American University of Antigua
Interests in EM: The fast paced nature of the emergency department. The vast diverse patient complaints and pathologies; Resuscitation of patients, both medical and trauma. Procedural sedations; Airway managements: Endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, Obtaining advanced vascular access. etc.
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: I enjoy family times. I love cooking, singing and dancing, learning languages, experiencing new cultures. Basketball and football ( Soccer) are my favorite sports entertainments. I am a huge OKC and Manu fan.
Why you chose NBI: I was born the youngest of seven siblings in the popular country of Nigeria. My family migrated to the United States in my early teenage years. My love for medicine was born out of a quest to help people specifically the less fortunate struggling to make end meet. This was fostered by watching and assisting my mother who was a great noble nurse midwife working in her maternity clinic. I developed a burning desire to work with pregnant women and children. My path to medicine, now emergency medicine was a long journey though very satisfactory. Because of financial challenges, I pursue a career in nursing instead. Though I enjoyed the nursing field, found it rewarding, gained tremendous hands experience, obtaining my medical degree was a dream come through. After one year of Med-Peds residency, I was opportune to match into Emergency Medicine residency at Newark Beth Israel Hospital (NBI). Newark N.J. At NBI, I have been exposed to a multi-cultural patient populations. Diverse great pathology ( the sick of the sickest). I have gained excellent learning opportunities, both clinical and academics. Beth ED has provided me the unique opportunities to deal with the severe economic and health care disparities that is very prominent in our healthcare system today. For all the above, I am humbled and grateful to be a part of NBI Emergency Residency Family.

Class of 2020

Gurijay Singh Bains, M.D.
Undergraduate: UCLA
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Ultrasound, toxicology, EMS
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Guitar, eating tacos, hanging out with friends, traveling
Why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in California, but found a special home here at NBI as it has quickly become my home away from home. The program offers a fantastic education and amazing co-residents whom I consider my family. I love the pathology at this hospital, and I love how grateful patients can be after helping them with seemingly simple complaints. I’m honored and privileged to be a part of this program and I continue to strive to be the best version of myself.

Monica Choksi, M.D.
Undergraduate: Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick
Medical School: American University of Antigua
Interests in EM: Intubating, ultrasound, EMS, tox
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Hiking, traveling the world, cooking
Why you chose NBI: Upon completion of medical school I knew I wanted to return to Jersey. I was born and raised here, met my husband at Rutgers and have a majority of my family and friends living here. The acuity of patients and vast pathology we see everyday at NBI is what drew me to this program. Never rotating at NBI prior to applying I went with my gut instincts during the interview process and couldn’t have been happier matching here. After residency I’m considering a fellowship and opportunities to practice medicine in an academic setting.

Christopher DelMaestro, D.O.
Undergraduate: Drew University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Ultrasound, education, EMS
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Hiking, traveling, lifting, dark beers, baseball, exploring Jersey City, and spending time with my dog, Major
Why you chose NBI: I’m a Jersey boy at heart; I was born and raised in central Jersey and attended college in north Jersey where I played baseball for four years. Medical school took me down south to Tennessee and I did most of my clinicals out west in Arkansas, so I was always looking forward to training back home in the Garden State. As a medical student, the outstanding Newark pathology, the clinical acumen of the residents, and the approachability of the faculty I worked with at The Beth was second-to-none, and I knew after I rotated here that I needed to train at NBI. I couldn’t be happier with my decision and I would make the same choice again in a heartbeat. After residency, I’m considering multiple fellowships but regardless of which route I pursue, I plan on living near the Jersey Shore in the future.

Gregory Dorilus, M.D.
Undergraduate: Ramapo College of New Jersey
Medical School: UAG / Ross University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: EMS, tactical medicine, disaster medicine, international relief, ultrasound
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Traveling, watching movies, HGTV addict, pop culture, NFL, NBA
Why you chose NBI: Born and raised in NJ, happy to be back close to home and serving my local community. Fun Fact: I shadowed at NBI as a junior in college which sparked my interest in EM. I chose NBI because of the population it serves and the insane amount of pathology. Love the autonomy and the camaraderie between the residents. After residency, I plan on pursuing a fellowship in EMS and finding a job that lets me combine EMS/Disaster/and Tactical Medicine all in one!

Vin Guarino, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Miami
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Wilderness Medicine
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Rock climbing, snowboarding
Why you chose NBI: Igrew up in New Jersey before heading south for undergrad and medical school. From rotating at NBI as a student, I learned that The Beth offers amazing faculty and an intense training environment that produces providers able to practice anywhere in the country. Going forward I hope to combine my passion for medicine and the outdoors to pursue a fellowship in wilderness medicine.

Rati Krishna, M.D.
Undergraduate: New York University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: EMS, airway management
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Hiking, baking, traveling
Why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in NJ then went to NYU for college. I then traveled to Grenada for medical school for two years before coming back to NJ to do clinical rotations. I knew I found the place for me while rotating at The Beth. As a medical student I witnessed the high-level acuity patients with diverse pathologies and the close camaraderie and teamwork amongst residents and staff. After residency I will do an EMS fellowship and plan to stay in the area after graduation.

Brian Lin, M.D, M.S.
Undergraduate: University of California, Davis
Graduate School: University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Admin, education, event medicine
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Lifting, traveling, donuts
Why you chose NBI: I guess I’m a coastal guy. I was born in New Jersey but grew up in northern California. As a medical student, I spent significant amount of time rotating at several hospitalist in Northern Jersey. I wanted to train in a challenging environment and believe that the Beth provides the best opportunity to learn and serve. After residency I am considering several fellowships but hope to move back to California.

Jinal Sheth, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Critical care, medical education, simulation
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Painting, traveling, exploring local food places, IPAs
Why you chose NBI: I’m originally from Maryland, moved to New Jersey for residency. I did my clinical rotations in New York and loved the city life. I always wanted to stay on the east coast, close to home and NYC. I never rotated at NBI before, however during my interview i realized there was a great camaraderie between the residents, faculty, nurses, and APNs, which was one of the important things for me. After residency, I’m hoping to do a medical education and / or critical care fellowship, and possibly move back to Maryland.

Class of 2021

Avril Ano, D.O.
Undergraduate: Essex County College / Rutgers University - Newark
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: EMS, international medicine, pediatrics
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Soccer / basketball (ball is life), working out, cooking, photography, living my best life
Why you chose NBI: I am originally from the Ivory Coast (La Cote D’ivoire ) born and raised moved to the US after graduating high school. French is my first language so coming to the US had to learn English from scratch and I am thankful to Disney channel and the show “That’s so Raven” where I learned much of my English. How I came to pick Newark Beth is by working with former graduates. Before and throughout medical school I worked as a tech at one of the affiliated hospitals, Clara Maass Medical Center, where I was a tech in the emergency department. I worked with several graduates from NBI and they were amazing physicians with great personalities; I ultimately decided that if I ever got accepted to medical school I would do everything possible to train where they did. In a few years, I am hoping to bring my training to the underserved, especially the Ivory Coast, and make a difference.

Wai Soon Chan, D.O.
Undergraduate: Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Ultrasound (US), education, critical care medicine (CCM), toxicology
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Family, basketball
Why you chose NBI: I was raised in nearby Livingston, New Jersey and had known previous graduates of the program who spoke very highly of their training and their time at NBI. In a few years, I hope to be practicing emergency medicine in the tri-state area or completing a fellowship in CCM or US.

Jermaine Deacon, M.D, E.M.T.
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: EKGs, medical resuscitation, EMS
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Playing / watching sports, travel, food, video games
Why you chose NBI: I’m from Miami, FL. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and experience emergency medicine in a different demographic and population. After residency, I’m going to complete an EMS fellowship and stay involved with academic Emergency Medicine.

Michael DiPietro, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Scranton
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Toxicology, EMS, wilderness medicine
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Photography, running, hanging out with my dog Jack, trying every restaurant / bar in Montclair, and obsessing over Game of Thrones
Why you chose NBI: I grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania (like where The Office is) and stayed there my entire life and throughout undergrad. I then went to medical school at St. George’s University in Grenada, which is pretty much the exact opposite of Scranton, but always had a goal to come back to the Northeast. I did most of my clinical rotations in New Jersey, and when I had a chance to rotate at The Beth, I was blown away at the types of cases I was seeing, and how well I fit in with the staff and all the residents. I was fortunate enough to match here and couldn’t possibly be happier. After residency, I plan on staying in the Northeast, whether that’s New Jersey or Pennsylvania, and I’m still contemplating pursuing a fellowship in the Future.

Joshua R. Gilden, D.O.
Undergraduate: Yeshiva University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Prehospital care
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Family time, fishing, BLS / EMT, perfecting the art of sleeping
Why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in Teaneck, NJ. In high school, I caught the emergency medicine bug sophomore year when I decided to get my EMT certification. Since then, I have been an active EMT for 13 years for my hometown EMS. For medical school, I traveled to South Florida and studied in a jacuzzi on the daily #goodmove. I wanted to come back to the New Jersey area for residency to live near family #bettermove. I picked this residency because I as a student, I quickly recognized the training of an EM resident here is second-to-none #Bethmove. This residency is absolutely a close knit family, and applicants should be looking to inherit a ragtag group of siblings, parents, and long estranged uncles named Phadeus. After residency, I hope to complete a fellowship in EMS/Disaster Medicine and help shape prehospital care in America and abroad. #GoRedskins #LookmaImadeit

Ugo Okoroh, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Bradford, UK England
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Interests in EM: Toxicology and critical care medicine
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Soccer, traveling, hiking, running, lifting, foodie, dessert connoisseur, Netflix and spending time with family and friends
Why you chose NBI: Raised in the UK, moved to NJ a few years ago, love the local community and really happy to be here and give back. Why NBI? Diverse population, wide range of pathologies, plenty of learning opportunities and autonomy to develop your style of practice. Amazing attendings who are willing to teach and give plenty of feedback. Ample opportunities for procedures. I can honestly say there is no place I would rather be than here at Beth. Such a great dynamic between the residents, attendings, nurses, techs etc. Feels like one big family. After residency, I would like to pursue a Fellowship in Toxicology and Critical Care Medicine and practice worldwide.

Johnbosco (JayBee) Okpala, M.D, M.B.A.
Undergraduate: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, Nigeria.
Medical School: International American University College of Medicine, St. Lucia
Interests in EM: Administration, EMS
Hobbies and Interests outside of medicine: entrepreneurship, soccer, exploring nature, reading autobiographies and factual books when I can.
Why you chose NBI: I grew up in the countryside in Nigeria but moved to the States about 8 years ago. I fell in love with NBI after hearing so many good things about the program from some of my mentors who trained here. I also loved the set up of the program and its fine faculty. During my interview I liked how approachable the residents were; I knew it would be a fun place to work. I also liked the abundance of pathology the program boasts, and the confidence the graduates leave with. And lastly I like that the Beth seems like an underdog but with many top ranking specialties to its name such as the Heart & Lung Transplant Program, as well as the EMS program.

Pranali Sheth, M.D.
Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Disaster medicine, global medicine, community care
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Going to the beach, water sports, big cities, taking pictures, music, hiking, reading articles about animals, my cats Mowgli and Ninah, and fashion
Why you chose NBI: I grew up primarily in the wonderful city of Chicago as well as in a few big cities in the midwest-including Detroit and St. Louis. I spent some time after college in the ED as a scribe, doing EMS, and helping people around the world rebuild after major weather disasters. All these experiences inspired me to become an ED doc. This path took me to the beautiful island of Grenada for med school, which ultimately brought me to do my student rotation at NBI. I fell in love with the close-knit, supportive, hardworking, and humorous vibes at NBI. The variety in pathology brought in by the combination of working with a community population, being at a tertiary care transplant center, and by the proximity to one of the country’s busiest airports is unparalleled. In my free time I love to hang with my co-residents, play with my cats, go to concerts, and explore new cities. At The Beth, team work truly makes the dream work- and I am so happy to be a part of this program!