Current Residents

Class of 2024, PGY3s

Jake Alvaro, MD, Chief Resident
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: I enjoy outdoor winter activities with my wife, especially beach trips! Exercise and health are life-long interests of mine, which I find essential to residency. Also, I love helping, attending, and serving in my local church!
Why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in New England. I relocated to NJ for my clinical rotations. During my 4th year of medical school, I decided to rotate at NBI, and I could not have been happier with the experience! The program's atmosphere is upbeat, positive, and the current residents are truly looking to help, teach, and support each other. The attending physicians are ready and willing to answer questions from all learners, which is a huge benefit. The acuity and scope of pathology I have been exposed to already is enough to preview the expanse of clinical experience I will receive here as a resident. My wife and I are glad to be a part of the Beth family and look forward to many more years in NJ!

Cassandra Lira, MD, MS, Chief Resident
Undergraduate School: Rutgers University, The State University of NJ – New Brunswick
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Global Health & Ultrasound
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Traveling the world, Disc Golfing, Fitness, and Movies
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was born and raised here in northern New Jersey and stayed close to home for my undergraduate and master’s degrees. I traveled to Grenada for medical school before returning to New Jersey for my clinical rotations. I knew immediately after rotating at NBI that this was where I wanted to match. The diversity of patient complaints, the young enthusiastic attendings, and the autonomy given to the residents were just some of the reasons NBI stood out as an excellent place to train. Feeling as though I was part of a family was high on my priority list and what sealed the deal for me was the relaxed banter between the residents. The camaraderie between the staff was so easily appreciated that it made me feel right at home. After residency, I hope to do a fellowship in Global Health and bring medicine to underserved areas of the world.

Cedrick Lubin, MD, Chief Resident
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: working out, playing soccer and tennis, cooking, traveling, music (fun fact: I used to be a DJ before medical school)
Why EM: My first exposure to emergency medicine was when I scribed for 3 years prior to medical school. EM was always fascinating to me since it's a very broad specialty (you never know what is coming through the doors). Also, I always wanted to practice in a field that is very hands on and procedure based.
Why you chose NBI: Never rotated there as medical student. The warm and welcoming interactions I had during the interview process were key to my decision. And also, the variety of pathologies that are seen at the Beth!

Annaclaire Brodnick, MD
Undergraduate School: Cornell University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Trauma, Medical Education, Health Equity, Mentorship Programs
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Interior design, graphic design, traveling, and sailing
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was raised in Westchester, New York, however my parents are from New Jersey. My grandma used to live in Newark and my uncle was born at NBIMC. I grew up knowing it was an amazing hospital and was thrilled when I had the opportunity to rotate in their ED during my fourth year of medical school. I instantly fell in love with The Beth—between the amazing teamwork and comradery among everyone in the department to vast pathology and wonderfully diverse patient population. I knew it was a special place and that I would absolutely get top-notch training among a fabulous group of individuals who seemed truly excited to come to work each day. I could not be more thrilled to have matched at NBIMC and look forward to joining the team, working hard, and learning.

George John, DO
Undergraduate School: Boston University
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: International Medicine, Community Outreach, Ultrasound, Critical Care
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, breweries, learning new skills, and attempting to cook…failing and finding awesome restaurants/bars instead
Bio and why you chose NBI: Coming from northern New Jersey, I knew I wanted to train at a great program that was close to my family. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to rotate through NBI as a medical student due to the pandemic. However while researching programs, I kept coming across NBI as a program that stood out among others for their variety in pathology, high acuity of patients, and a leadership that provided ample support but also fostered growth and independence. The final piece came together for me during my interview. I had a great time speaking to the residents (both at the pre-interview meet and greet and during the interview) and the attendings. Everyone was so genuine and friendly that it felt less like an interview and more like a conversation between family and friends. I knew this program would be a great fit for me and I look forward to the next few years of my training at NBI. After residency, I hope to stay around the tri-state area finding ways to combine my training with community outreach and possibly pursue fellowship training.

David Ly, MD
Undergraduate School: University of Texas at Arlington
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Toxicology, ultrasound, critical care
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Traveling, hiking, biking, netflix
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in Dallas TX and lived there for most of my life including for undergrad. After college, I spent some time working as a scribe which inspired me to pursue emergency medicine and led me to St. George’s University in Grenada for medical school. I did most of my clinical rotations in New Jersey and had the wonderful opportunity of rotating at The Beth. I was blown away by the patient acuity, diverse pathology, the approachability of the residents, faculty, and staff, and couldn’t be happier matching here. After residency, I am considering a fellowship in toxicology or critical care with the potential plan of moving back to Texas.

Kris Mincieli, DO
Undergraduate School: Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey – New Brunswick
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Ultrasound, EMS
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Snowboarding, Golf, Travel
Bio and why you chose NBI: As a lifelong resident of New Jersey, it was important for me to continue my training here. After having the opportunity to rotate at NBI, I knew I wanted to pursue residency training here. NBI had high acuity and pathology I didn’t see at other hospitals.

Aakash Saraiya, DO, MBA
Undergraduate School: Villanova University
Your graduate school: Cornell University
Medical School: Rowan University
Interests in EM: Venture Capital, Entrepreneurship, Digital Health, Medical Technology
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Traveling, Wine Tasting, Basketball, Fitness, Snowboarding, Cooking, Podcasts, Reading.
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in Bergen County, NJ but have spent the majority of my adult life, in and around, the Philadelphia suburbs. My interest in medicine sits at the intersection of emergent care, med-tech and digital health and I was looking for a program that would allow for an immersive EM experience. After my rotation with NBI, I was sold. NBI offered me the opportunity to not only come back home but also train at a program with a variety of pathology and hands-on teaching. These attributes were important to me because of my long-term goal of incorporating innovation/design-thinking within the realm of Emergency Medicine. Underserved communities and neighborhoods are where new methods of care delivery and technological innovation can have the greatest magnitude of impact and the ability to train at a program that allows me to experience that firsthand, is second to none.

Class of 2025, PGY2s

Lauren Brannan, MD
Undergraduate School: Fairleigh Dickinson University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Trauma and Medical Education
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: The beach, traveling.
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was raised in Orefield, Pennsylvania but completed my undergrad years in North Jersey ultimately coming back here for my last two years of medical school. I was fortunate enough to rotate at NBI as a student which made it very clear this was the place I wanted to train at, not only for the acuity but also the atmosphere. The support the residents receive as well as how close everyone is were two huge factors for me.

Ryan Conklin, MD
Undergraduate School: University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Administration & Sports Medicine
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: entrepreneurial pursuits, artificial intelligence research, blockchain technology, water sports, atving, snowmobiling
Bio and why you chose NBI: I grew up in rural Eagle, Wisconsin. Graduated college with a biology healthcare services degree, subsequently worked for 3 years as a business account manager. After graduating medical school, I performed a 1-year preliminary surgery residency with Rutgers NJMS. Emergency Medicine aligned with my entrepreneurial goals and I decided to apply EM. After rotating through 5 hospitals while a surgical resident it was grossly apparent how strong the NBI EM residents were and the primary reason why NBI was my number one choice to become the best possible EM physician. We’re a close-knit family at NBI and couldn’t be happier with my decision. My 10-year goal is to have a C level role while actively practicing.

Kristen Delcalzo, MD
Undergraduate School: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: critical care, global health, and ultrasound
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: traveling, reading, wine, karaoke, pasta
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey so I knew I wanted to stay in NJ if possible. I ended up doing an ultrasound rotation at NBI during my 4th year of medical school and knew this is where I wanted to be. The pathology, volume of patients, and energy from the staff made the decision a no brainer. To top it off, I was lucky enough to have my best friend match into the same program! #bestieatthebeth

Matthew DeLuca, MD, MS
Undergraduate School: State University of New York – The College at Brockport
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Airway, laceration repair, resuscitation, ultrasound
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Spending time with my wife, Michelle, and our two dogs, Henry and Cardi.
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. I grew up playing ice hockey and ultimately finishing my career as Captain of Brockport’s NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with anatomy and exercise physiology, which led me to pursue a Masters Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I then graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine. As a student, I had the opportunity to rotate at NBI and was so thoroughly impressed by the quality of the current residents. I felt welcomed as part of the team and knew that I would thrive there as an emergency medicine resident. I am grateful for the opportunity to train in this high volume, high acuity medical center and hope to one day become the chair of an emergency department in the Tri-State area.

Helena Halasz, MD
Undergraduate School: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Medical School: Semmelweis University (Budapest, Hungary)
Interests in EM: ultrasound, MedEd, social EM
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: hiking, indoor rock climbing, reading and binging TV shows
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was born in Hungary and moved to NJ when I was 8; I went back to Budapest for medical school and fell in love with EM during COVID. I wanted a training program that was intense and tight-knit, and the residents at NBI had only good things to say about their training. In short, I felt that working at NBI would prepare me for practicing in all kinds of settings. Additionally, although my time abroad was fantastic, it was hard being away from family, so the idea of going back to NJ definitely enticed me. Down the line, I might pursue fellowship — but I’m keeping my options open!

Jonathan Madonick, MD
Undergraduate School: James Madison University
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Interests in EM: global health, ultrasound, pediatric emergency medicine
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Skiing, surfing, hiking, and recreational sports with friends. I also enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and binge-watching TV shows with my fiancé and dog, Bear.
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was born in Massachusetts, moved to New Jersey for most of my childhood, then moved to Virginia. During all the moves, my family always had our NJ home. I always wanted to end up returning home to Jersey, where most of my friends and family are. Although I never rotated here, NBI had a strong transgenerational reputation for being a great hospital with many opportunities and the ability to train physicians to work in any resource setting. After my fiancé and I interviewed with our respective departments, we knew NBI was the place we would both call home for residency.

Linh Nguyen, MD
Undergraduate School: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: St. George's University
Interests in EM: Global health, Ultrasound, Pediatrics
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Surfing, karaoke, Beyonce
Bio and why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in San Diego. I did an EM rotation at NBI during my 4th year of medical school and loved working with the team here. I felt it was a place I could get great training while being supported by my colleagues. One of my favorite memories of medical school was opening up my Match email with my best friend to see that we both matched at the Beth! #bestieattheBeth

Meagan Russell, MD, MPH
Undergraduate School: University of South Florida
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Resuscitation, Global Health
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Disney, traveling, family, and sleeping
Bio and why you chose NBI: I’m from Long Island but grew up in Florida so I knew I wanted to be somewhere between the two and near family. I was lucky enough to do my core rotations in New Jersey, and an elective in EM at the Beth which is where I knew I wanted to be! From the variety of pathology to the diverse patient population and autonomy the attendings provide, I couldn’t imagine training anywhere else. After residency, I plan on staying in New Jersey but am always open to new adventures.

Class of 2026, PGY1s

Adebayo Aina, MD
Medical School: National Medical University A.k.a Bogomolets
Interests in EM: Addiction Medicine, Administration, Pain, Advanced Resuscitation
Other interests and extracurricular outside of Medicine: I love spending time with my family, traveling and exploring new places with friends and family.
Bio and why I chose NBI: I grew up in Nigeria, finished med school in the Ukraine and currently reside in Brooklyn. I got to know about Newark Beth Israel through my great mentor who I look up to and happened to finish residency from NBI. I was looking for a residency program that is committed to scholarship, leadership and teamwork, as well as care centered on both the patient and the community. Looking at how competent my mentor was after finishing from NBI, I had no doubts that this is the place for me and I am 1000% committed to joining the program, giving my best effort to learn as best as I can and becoming a very competent ER doctor.

I look forward to becoming a very competent ER doctor so I can give back to the community and make a difference, no matter how small or big that difference might be.

Samir Khirie, MD
Undergraduate School: Cornell University
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Interests in EM: EMS, Critical Care, Sports Medicine
Other Interests/Extracurriculars: Cooking, Stand-Up Comedy, Hiking, Powerlifting, Video Games, Movies.
Bio and why you choose NBI: I was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Jersey City before moving around a bit in North Jersey with family. After college, I was first drawn to EM as an EMT and then again while rotating in different ED's during medical school. I've always envisioned myself living and working in the communities I was brought up in. With that in mind, I came across NBI in my program research. While I did not rotate at NBI, I became familiar with it's EM residency program during my interview and in-person second look.

The patient volumes, diverse pathologies, and high acuity, coupled with the faculty support and resident autonomy, solidified my decision. In addition, everyone was friendly and inviting. I felt a connection. My passion for practicing medicine always centered around working with like-minded people in underserved medical settings, and I have no doubt that I have found the perfect match at NBI. After residency, my plan is to continue serving disadvantaged communities in the region and potentially pursue fellowship.

Harrison J. Clark, MD
Undergrad: Lehigh University
Med School: St. George’s University School of Medicine (Harvard of the Caribbean)
Interest in EM: Austere and Wilderness Medicine, EMS
Interests: I spend a lot of my free time at the firehouse. I joined after college and gained a second family. I love to cook and do just about anything outside. I recently took back up surfing and I’m a big golfer. I’m just hoping my handicap survives residency.
Bio: I grew up in suburban NJ and knew I wanted to stay here for training. I chose EM organically. I became an EMT, then scribed in the ED, and discovered through my rotations that I just felt vey comfortable in this environment. I rotated at NBI and was most impressed by how well the residents worked together. I also take pride in training in Newark, an area and a population in which I know I will get a very well-rounded education. In a few years, I hope to take my training and travel to remote parts of the world to see if I can’t do some good for people who need it the most.

Andy Lai, MD
Undergraduate: Syracuse University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interest in EM: Critical Care, Ultrasound, Medical Education
Other interests and extracurriculars: Cooking, Traveling, Swimming, discovering new wines and cafes!
Bio and why NBI: I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. I completed my undergraduate at Syracuse University and a dietetic internship at Stony Brook Medicine. Before starting medical school in Grenada, I worked as a Registered Dietitian. During my 4th year electives, I completed an audition rotation at NBI and fell in love with the Beth team, the education, and the diverse pathology at NBI! However, above all, I love the family atmosphere at The Beth! After residency, I plan to pursue a fellowship and work in an underserved community/academic ED in the Tri-State area.

Anthony Steven Flores, MD
Undergraduate: St. Peter's University
Medical School: St. George's University
Interests in EM: EMS/Disaster Medicine, Critical Care, Ultrasound
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: cooking, exercising, writing, hanging out with my dogs, video games
Bio and why you chose NBI (where you grew up, how you came to NBI, where you hope to be in a few years and anything else you’d like prospective applicants to know): My name is Anthony, I was born and raised in Union City, New Jersey. I've always loved the history, culture, and diversity of Newark, so for me it was a great honor to be able to give back to the community through my training at NBI. In the future, I hope to continue working in New Jersey, giving back to the people who helped raise me.

Penafrancia Malcampo, DO
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in EM: Wilderness Medicine, EMS, Disaster Medicine, International EM
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: From traveling, photography, hiking, dancing, I have a different hobby/project every couple months to satisfy my endless curiosities.
Bio and why you chose NBI: I came to NJ from the Philippines when I was 7 years old. Ever since then, I stayed in NJ! I came to NBI because I can see myself becoming the type of EM physician that I envision to be – (one that can handle high volume, pediatrics, and serving the underserved community with empathetic care and evidence-based medicine) here. A residency leadership that is empathetic and that shows that they care about my professional (and personal!) growth is very important to me and was a significant factor in me choosing NBI.

Priyanka Rao, MBBS
Medical School: Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
Interests in EM: EMS, pediatric EM
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: basketball, painting
Bio and why you chose NBI: Having worked here as a scribe I saw first hand the diverse patient pathology, and was impressed by the friendly people, supportive faculty, and strong leadership. After residency, I plan on practicing in an academic setting.

Emma Jane Culleton, MD
Undergraduate: The College of New Jersey
Medical School: University of Limerick School of Medicine
Interests in EM: Ultrasound, EMS
Other interests and extracurriculars outside of medicine: Soccer, basketball, rugby, playing guitar, photography, videography, traveling
Bio and why you chose NBI: I grew up in New Providence, NJ! During my undergrad I became an EMT in Union, NJ and frequently brought patients to NBI. I was always impressed with how the attendings, residents, PA’s, NP’s, nurses, techs, etc all worked in tandem, often in an extremely chaotic environment, to provide the best possible patient care. I also worked as a scribe in Cooperman Barnabas in Livingston, NJ and many of my favorite attendings/mentors who I hope to emulate had completed their residency at NBI. So I knew NBI would provide me with the best training for EM and future career opportunities. I hope to do an US fellowship and/or administration fellowship and to work as an attending within the RWJBarnabas system one day!