Current Residents

  • PGY-3 (Class of 2026)

Malaz Abdalla, MDMalaz Abdalla, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine
Interests in IM: Interested in Gastroenterology, liver tumors and transplant. Interested in increasing health care accessibility, and equity in health care.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: I love reading books, especially interested in history and autobiographies. I enjoy cooking and baking. I'm a non-competitive boxer and runner.
Why you chose NBI: By the time I applied I was already in love with the program (the education quality, the location, and the wide range of patients and pathologies you get to tend to and see). My interview day just sealed the deal. I loved how enthusiastic and genuinely happy everyone was during the interview.

Emmanuel Ababio Agyemang, MDEmmanuel Ababio Agyemang, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology School of Medical Sciences, Ghana
Interest in Medicine: Blood Disorders and Cancer research
Hobbies and interest outside medicine: I enjoy a stand-up comedy and also love backpacking.
Why you chose NBI: During my interview, I was impressed by the excellent clinical training and fellowship opportunities available at Newark Beth Israel. Being one of the largest cardiac and lung transplant centers in the country, I was excited about the rare opportunity to learn about transplant medicine whiles in residency. Also, the diversity of the faculty and residents, and the camaraderie that existed among the residents was enough to let me know “The Beth” will be a supportive and collaborative environment to achieve my career goals.

Ephesians N. Anutebeh, MDEphesians N. Anutebeh, MD
Undergraduate: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
Medical School: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
Interest in IM: Infectious Diseases
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Soccer, swimming and tourism.
Why you chose NBI: It's Diversity, both in the staff and the patient population served.

Sri Sneha Bendapudi, DOSri Sneha Bendapudi, DO
Chief Resident
Undergraduate: Bryn Mawr College
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Middletown
Interest in IM: Pulmonology/Critical Care
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Spending time with family and friends. I enjoy the outdoors, playing badminton, love traveling as well. I also love trying out new cuisines and listening to music from different languages.
Why you chose NBI: I was born in India, spent my adolescent years in Europe, and moved to the US when I was a teenager, so I was looking for a residency program that emphasized education and clinical training equally and served a diverse population, all of which I found at NBI. I was particularly drawn to NBI due to its location – in the heart of Jersey, serving a diverse patient population and a wide variety of pathologies. Furthermore, when I interviewed at NBI, I was able to feel the warmth of the faculty and residents alike and how much happy they seemed, and I knew NBI was where I wanted to be. I am excited to be part of the NBI family!

Omowunmi Fakorede, MDOmowunmi Fakorede, MD
Chief Resident
Undergrade: Georgia Southern University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Interest in IM: Preventative Cardiology, Non-Invasive Cardiology
Hobbies and interest outside of medicine: Hogwarts Alumni. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, traveling and experiencing new cultures, photography, Astrophotography, and I recently picked up golf (it’s harder than it looks).
Why you chose NBI: Broad range of pathologies, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. My interview day was very reassuring. I wanted a place that would teach as well as nurture me to be the best possible version of myself and NBI felt like a great fit.

Kelvin Fernandez, MDKelvin Fernandez, MD
Chief Resident
Undergraduate: Montclair State University
Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)
Interest in IM: Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Hobbies and interests outside of medicine: Paintball, Video Games and E-sports, Weight lifting
Why you chose NBI: I have lived in Northern New Jersey my entire life, so staying close to home was important. I was first exposed to NBI during my time as an EMT while providing emergency medical care to the residents of Newark. During the interview, the current residents unanimously told me how supported they feel training under the faculty, which was a big deciding factor for me. Also, this program offers strong education and learning opportunities that make it a perfect match for my goals and interests in Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine.

Syed Aqeel Haider, MDSyed Aqeel Haider, MD
Chief Resident
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Ayub Medical College
Interests in IM: Pulmonary/Critical Care and Infectious Disease
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Hiking, Football, Basketball, World History, Philosophy, Anime, Spending time with family and friends, pretending to cook well.
Why you chose NBI: Newark is a city with a rich history and culture, this reflects in the hospital with a variety of patient populations, which makes it a great place to learn medicine and to become a competent physician. During interviews, I could see the camaraderie between everyone who works here, which made working here all the more appealing.

Tess Lameck, MDTess Lameck, MD
Chief Resident
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Cardiology and Global Medicine
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Traveling and spending time with family.
Why I chose NBI: NBI is well established and dedicated in serving the community. I wanted to be a part of an institution that valued the underserved and continued to find new ways to implement change. NBI does that exceptionally well. I am more than happy to be a part of this community. There is also a supportive environment that is tailored to strengthen the qualities you need to succeed.

Shaunna Lewis, MDShaunna Lewis, MD
Undergraduate: Brown University
Medical School: St. George's University
Interests in IM: Cardiovascular Disease, Critical Care Medicine
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Traveling, Cooking, Physical Training, Petting Dogs
Why I chose NBI: I chose NBI because of the close-knit relationships between residents and other faculty, diverse educational experience, and involvement in community outreach.

Nosike Obionwu, MDNosike Obionwu, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: College Of Health sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Interests in IM: Primary Care/Hospitalist/Nephrology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Soccer, video gaming, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Why you chose NBI: The population NBI serves affords me the opportunity to experience a wide range of pathologies at a renowned teaching hospital. I always wanted to train in a city that is culturally diverse in order to optimize my full potential as a physician and there is no better chance than to serve in Newark, the largest city in New Jersey. More importantly, the past residents I had the privilege to network with have gone on to achieve great things in their respective fields and that is something I look forward to in this journey.

Sarah Ramirez, MDSarah Ramirez, MD
Undergraduate: LIM College (undergrad), Rutgers Newark (post-bac)
Medical School: St. George’s University
Interest in IM: Hematology and Oncology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Spending time with my dog, cooking for family and friends, trying new restaurants, staying active, traveling
Why you chose NBI: I grew up near the Jersey Shore and moved to New York City shortly after graduating high school. Knowing I didn’t want to veer too far from home for residency, Newark Beth Israel was unique in providing a diverse patient population at an academic institution while remaining ideally situated near family and friends. I also felt a strong sense of support amongst the residents and faculty during my interview day, which will only help foster a better learning environment.

Alexanderia Williams, MDAlexanderia Williams, MD
Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Interest in IM: Hospitalist, Cardiology, GI, Global Health
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Traveling, going to museums, writing poetry, dancing, anything adventurous
Why you chose NBI: I desired a program with diverse patient demographics and diverse pathology. I wanted a program that valued the community they served and believed in community outreach. I chose NBI because they met all those expectations and provided much more. During the interview, they emphasized a robust clinical training and supervised autonomy. Which ensured me that at the end of residency I would be well equipped for practice. Also the camaraderie amongst the residents during the interview and the genuine support from the program director confirmed for me that NBI was the place for me.

  • PGY-2 (Class of 2027)

Kevin Arias, MDKevin Arias, MD
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: St. George's University
Interests IM: Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Outpatient Primary Care
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: I like to stay active through weightlifting, indoor rock climbing, and skiing. I also enjoy traveling to new countries, live stand-up comedy, and spending time with family and friends.
Why You Chose NBI: I chose NBI for three reasons; the team comraderies, the diversity of NBI, and the location. During my elective rotations I was able to observe the healthy comraderies between the residents, fellows, and attendings. I was relieved to see that I would be joining such a professional yet supportive team for the next 3 years of my medical practice.

NBI sits in the middle of a widely diverse community and is within close proximity to Newark International Airport which invites a broader range of uncommon or even potentially rare pathology to both challenge and broaden my diagnostic capabilities.

As a resident of the North Jersey area, it's nice to know that I will be able to stay by my family and friends while I complete my residency.

Humzala Ali Basham, MD

Humzala Ali Basham, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: United Medical and Dental College
Interests in IM: Hematology/Oncology, Pulmonology, Hospitalist
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Cooking, Video games, Anime, Exercising, going to the beach
Why You Chose NBI: I chose Newark Beth Israel Hospital as it offers me the opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse medical environment, allowing me to gain valuable insights into a wide range of conditions and the necessary skills for effective patient care. The welcoming and cooperative staff during my interview made me feel like I belonged here, ensuring a stress-free work environment. By working here, I'm confident I'll not only acquire the expertise needed to excel in my field but also pave the way for a successful future where I can realize my dreams.

Divine Dele, MDDivine Dele, MD

Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica
Interest in IM: Cardiology and Nephrology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Listening to music, reading blog posts and magazines, playing soccer, exercising, watching movies, traveling, hanging out with friends, and surfing the web.
Why You Choose NBI: After considering the significant commitment of three years, I chose NBI because of its encouraging learning environment, positive work culture, excellent clinical training for residents, and strong emphasis on impacting the local community's health.

Christina Dowe, MD, MPHChristina Dowe, MD, MPH
Undergraduate: Fordham University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests IM: Pulmonology & Critical Care, Hematology & Oncology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: working out, traveling, spending time with family and friends, cooking
Why You Chose NBI: I really enjoyed my time rotating in pulmonology at NBI as a med student and got to work closely with great attendings, fellows, and residents. I loved the close-knit feel I felt among staff members, which was also reflected by how much the resident I was working with at the time said she loved the program. Along with being close to home and having a wide range of complex pathologies, I know I am going to learn a lot here!

Cesar Feliz, MDCesar Feliz, MD
Undergraduate: Kean University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interest in IM: Cardiology, Hospitalist
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: I love traveling, playing basketball, swimming, dancing, engaging in photography and videography, and spending time with my family and friends.
Why You Chose NBI: I was very attracted to NBI because of its diverse patient population and commitment to serving a broad spectrum of patients from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a New Jersey local, I am also eager to serve my community. Lastly, I am interested in the fellowship opportunities, which will pave the way for a successful medical career.

Reethika Gongireddy, MDReethika Gongireddy, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Bhaskar Medical College
Interest in IM: Hospital Medicine. An open mind for fellowship.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Spending time with loved ones, enjoy being around dogs, exploring new food places.
Why You Chose NBI: Exposure to NBI’s diverse pathology and varied patient demographics will strengthen my skills for future practice. During the interview, I noticed a sense of strong unity & mutual support among the faculty & residents. I'm really happy and thankful to be part of such an amazing family. Furthermore, I have my closest family in New Jersey.

Mani Teja Kamireddy, MDMani Teja Kamireddy, MD

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Medical School: PSI Medical College, India
Interest in Internal Medicine: I am deeply passionate about Internal Medicine due to its challenging nature and the opportunity it provides to help a diverse range of patients with complex medical conditions. I find the problem-solving aspect of Internal Medicine to be intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Internal Medicine: I enjoy playing ping-pong in my leisure time, which allows me to stay active and unwind from the demands of medical studies and practice.
Why You Choose NBI: I chose NBI for its diverse patient population and solid academic affiliations, which I believe will enrich my learning experience and help me grow as a future physician.

Zoha Khan, MDZoha Khan, MD
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Interests IM: Cardio, GI, Pulmonary / Critical Care
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Watching Movies, Painting/Sketching, Video games, Traveling
Why You Chose NBI: I attended Rutgers Newark for my undergraduate studies and have lived in New Jersey for most of my life. It felt natural to serve this community that I've grown to love.

Nkengeh Tazinkeng Ntangatung, MDNkengeh Tazinkeng Ntangatung, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: University of Buea, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cameroon
Interests IM: Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Endoscopy
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Soccer, Opera/Classical Music, Graphic designing/videography
Why You Chose NBI: I was interested in training at a program that welcomes a diverse patient population and promotes diversity among its staff and residents. I also wanted a program with strong camaraderie among its residents, dedicated wellness programs, a strong education and learning environment, involvement in community outreaches, and a positive approach toward quality improvement. NBI checked all of these boxes.

Daria Pronina, DODaria Pronina, DO
Undergraduate: Binghamton University
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests IM: Hematology and Oncology, Infectious disease
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Reading, international travel, trying new recipes. Spending an occasional day at the shore.
Why You Chose NBI: I wanted to go to a residency where I know that will prepare me well to work with variety of patients and the conditions. I also wanted my hospital to have in-house fellowships. And of course proximity to NYC and North Jersey location was a great plus.

Joshua Thomas Qerbash, MDJoshua Thomas Qerbash, MD
Undergraduate: California State University Long Beach
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests IM: Interventional Cardiology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Football, Basketball, hiking, golfing and spending beautiful time with my two dogs and my lovely girlfriend
Why You Chose NBI: Newark Beth Israel is known for its strong program in internal medicine, providing residents with a comprehensive education and hands-on experience in a diverse and challenging clinical setting. I was particularly drawn to the diverse patient population that Newark Beth Israel serves, providing me with a unique opportunity to develop a well-rounded skill set and gain exposure to a wide range of medical conditions.

Nawal Suhail, MDNawal Suhail, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Aga Khan University, Pakistan
Interest in IM: Gastroenterology, Cardiology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Pilates, Badminton, Landscape Painting and Arabic Calligraphy.
Why You Chose NBI: NBI provides the perfect balance of diversity in patient population and provision of advanced goal directed medical care. The integration of Medical Education and importance given to the well-being of residents is another very attractive feature of this program.

  • PGY-1 (Class of 2028)

Astrid Camila Astacio Ureña, MDAstrid Camila Astacio Ureña, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU)
Interests IM: Cardiology, global health, and medical education
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: I enjoy fashion, cooking, poetry, and spending time in nature
Why You Chose NBI: I chose Newark Beth Israel because I wanted a place where I could grow as a physician while giving back to a community in need. From the moment of my interview, I saw how much the program values its patients and its people. The residents looked genuinely happy, the environment felt supportive, and the diversity and range of pathology made it clear I’d learn something new every day.

Mena Elmalh, DOMena Elmalh, DO
Undergraduate: Purdue University
Medical School: Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests IM: Pulmonary/Critical Care, Hospitalist
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Spending time with family, reading, photography
Why You Chose NBI: I chose NBI because of the opportunities to serve a diverse patient population. The community exposes me, not only to a wide array of pathologies, but also to cultures to help me grow as a physician and an individual. I was also drawn to NBI’s commitment to community service.

Colette Gazonas, MDColette Gazonas, MD (Preliminary)
Undergraduate: Cornell University
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Interests IM: As a preliminary resident, I intend to carry forward the knowledge and skills gained during my medicine year at NBI to enrich my future career in anesthesiology.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: I have a strong love for animals—especially cats! In my free time, I enjoy exploring new recipes in the kitchen, watching scary movies, and spending quality time with my mom, who I'm lucky enough to call my best friend.
Why You Chose NBI: I chose to pursue the next stage of my medical training at NBI because of its rich diversity—both in the range of patient presentations and the varied demographics it serves. I’m confident that the preliminary training I receive here will lay a strong foundation in medicine and prepare me well for a successful career in anesthesiology.

Aarti Gupta, MDAarti Gupta, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital
Interests IM: Rheumatology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Painting, cooking, exploring new places and new foods, spending time with my family and friends.
Why You Chose NBI: I’m drawn to this hospital because it serves a densely populated and diverse community, offering exposure to a wide range of pathologies that will enhance my clinical experience. The environment feels like a close-knit family, with strong camaraderie among residents that creates a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. The training here is rigorous and well-rounded, designed to shape physicians who are capable of excelling in any setting across the United States. With nearly all subspecialties available in-house, the opportunity to learn at a fellow level is invaluable and aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a highly competent and adaptable physician.

Rahul Jena, MDRahul Jena, MD (Preliminary)
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College , Pune, India
Interests IM: I’m planning to transition to neurology, and I believe internal medicine provides the essential clinical groundwork for any specialty. My future interests include – epilepsy, clinical neurophysiology, and cognitive neurology, all of which are closely connected to core IM principles.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: I enjoy tennis and other racket sports, listening to music, and exploring new restaurants, especially local cuisines and coffee shops. I’ve also been learning more about cooking and brewing coffee.
Why You Chose NBI: I was drawn to NBI because of its strong sense of community, diverse patient population, and broad exposure to subspecialties. The location near NYC is a bonus. I also appreciate the welcoming culture and supportive resident environment.

Hari Chandanaa Kistipati, MDHari Chandanaa Kistipati, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Dr. P.S.I Medical College
Interests IM: Hematology & Oncology, Cancer Research, Academic Medicine
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Baking, Reading, Podcasting, and I enjoy exploring new skills –whether a new language, instrument, or DIY project.
Why You Chose NBI: I am excited to join a program that truly feels like family, where the sense of community is strong and people are more than just colleagues—they are kind, supportive, and genuinely invested in each other's growth. I am drawn to the program’s diverse pathology and patient populations, which I know will enhance my clinical training and broaden my perspective. What ultimately influenced my decision was the program’s balance: it offers rigorous academic training within a supportive environment that values self-care, personal growth, and authenticity. I know challenges will come, but I am confident that with the support here, I will grow into the best version of myself, both as a physician and as a person.

Peter Messiha, MDPeter Messiha, MD
Undergraduate: Rutgers University – Newark, NJ
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests IM: What draws me to Internal Medicine is the way it challenges me to think critically and holistically. I enjoy piecing together a patient’s history, labs, and imaging to find the underlying cause of their symptoms. It’s like solving a complex puzzle where every detail matters. I’m especially drawn to the continuity of care in IM — building relationships with patients over time and being involved in every aspect of their health. It’s a field that constantly pushes me to think critically and never stop learning.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: I enjoy deep-sea fishing and weightlifting, which help me stay focused and balanced. I’m also passionate about photography and video editing, and I’ve used those skills to support youth programs at my church.
Why You Chose NBI: Having studied at Rutgers in Newark, I became familiar with the city’s diversity and sense of community. I was drawn to NBI for its strong academic environment, supportive faculty, and dedication to serving an underserved population. The program’s welcoming culture and focus on resident development made it the ideal place to continue my medical training.

Derya Mücahit, DODerya Mücahit, DO
Undergraduate: Rutgers University – Newark
Medical School: Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests IM: Nephrology, GI, Critical Care
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Playing chess, collecting vinyl records, and watching football
Why You Chose NBI: I have lived in Northern Jersey for most of my life and knew that I wanted to give back to the community in which I am from. Additionally, I worked at NBI for 4 years as a medical scribe so NBI feels like a second home for me.

Vanessa Osei-Bonsu, MD, MPHVanessa Osei-Bonsu, MD, MPH
Undergraduate: East Carolina University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests IM: I’m drawn to the intersection of internal medicine and public health, particularly how patient education can empower individuals to take an active role in managing their health. I also look forward to exploring the different subspecialties within internal medicine.
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: I enjoy hiking, jogging (looking forward to running my first 5K next month!), traveling, and trying new foods. I also like spending time with friends and family and listening to audiobooks.
Why You Chose NBI: Having family nearby made Newark Beth Israel feel like the right place to grow both personally and professionally. I’m drawn to the program’s comprehensive approach to clinical training, which is supported by an emphasis on teaching and resident development. The program’s commitment to community health and its diverse patient population further align with my professional goals. The high subspecialty match rate is also a valuable asset as I continue to progress in my training.

Jude Odinakachukwu Ossai MD, MB, BSJude Odinakachukwu Ossai MD, MB, BS
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: University of Lagos College of Medicine
Interests IM: Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Skating and fictional writing
Why You Chose NBI: Growing up just a few blocks from the hospital, I have experienced it from multiple angles — as a concerned relative, a grateful beneficiary of its community outreaches, and an inspired observer. These experiences nurtured a deep admiration for the hospital's impact and sparked a strong desire in me to one day become a part of its mission-driven team. The diversity of pathology managed by the program, coupled with the strong camaraderie among house staff, made it all the more compelling — a place where learning, service, and belonging intersect in the most meaningful way.

Albert Owusu-Ansah, DOAlbert Owusu-Ansah, DO
Undergraduate: University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Medical School: Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests IM: Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, & Allergy
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Traveling, exploring different museums and national parks. I love engaging in different sports; soccer, tennis, pickleball, basketball.
Why You Chose NBI: NBI serves a diverse patient population, which leads to a wide variety of pathologies, interesting cases, and fellowship opportunities. The faculty and the camaraderie among the residents were highlights of my interview day. I wanted to be part of a supportive academic environment.

Divya Shree Patel, DODivya Shree Patel, DO (Preliminary)
Undergraduate: York University
Medical School: Kansas City University
Interests IM: Preliminary – Neurology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Food, watching movies, television shows, podcasts, exercise, travelling, cooking
Why You Chose NBI: I’m excited to join the NBI community because of its strong focus on internal medicine and the diversity of its patient population. I know this will give me exposure to a wide range of pathologies, which is key in building a solid foundation for my future in neurology. What particularly stood out to me about NBI was its supportive and collaborative atmosphere among residents and faculty. I really wanted to be in an uplifting learning environment!

Jigar Patel, DOJigar Patel, DO
Undergraduate: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Medical School: Rowan-Virtua SOM, Stratford, NJ
Interests IM: Hospitalist Medicine, Outpatient Primary Care, Cardiovascular Disease, Critical Care Medicine
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Watching anime and movies, playing pickleball/volleyball, spending time with close family and friends, and exploring good food.
Why You Chose NBI: For my residency training and post-residency years, I wanted to stay in the north jersey area because of proximity to my close family and friends. NBI not only fits my geographic preference but also the quality of clinical experience that I was looking for in a residency program due to its busy, robust, diverse range of patient population that can allow me to experience and learn from a wide range of pathologies and clinical management cases. My interview experience at NBI was a real green light signal for me to choose NBI and make meaningful, life-long professional as well as personal connections.

Yazmin Reategui Almonacid, MDYazmin Reategui Almonacid, MD
Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Interests IM: Hematology / Oncology
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Jiu-Jitsu, Cooking, and running
Why You Chose NBI: I chose Newark Beth Israel because of its diverse patient population and strong commitment to serving the community, which aligns with my passion for providing equitable care. The opportunity to train in such a dynamic and hands-on environment is incredibly important to me. Additionally, being close to my family was a major factor in my decision. Having their support during residency means a lot and will help me stay grounded and focused.

Alyssa Swearingen, MDAlyssa Swearingen, MD (Preliminary)
Undergraduate: Columbia University
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Interests IM: Dermatology, Infectious Disease, Health Inequities
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Hiking, yoga, pilates, boxing, and reading fantasy fiction
Why You Chose NBI: I was drawn to NBI for its strong clinical training and commitment to community health. Having attended medical school in Newark, I'm passionate about continuing to serve its diverse population and addressing healthcare disparities.

Nahla Taher, MDNahla Taher, MD
Undergraduate: Fordham University
Medical School: St. Georges School of Medicine
Interests IM: Pulmonary Critical Care, ICU
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Hiking, Working out, cooking, DIY projects
Why You Chose NBI: What truly drew me to Newark Beth Israel was the incredible sense of community. From coworkers and residents to patients and community members, everyone contributes to a welcoming, family-like environment. During my time with the program, I felt a genuine spirit of camaraderie—residents and faculty not only supported one another professionally but also celebrated each other’s growth and success. That kind of environment is exactly where I want to train and grow as a physician and person!