Meet Our Fellows

Megha Puri M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine at Saint Peter's University Hospital/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NJ

Research/Clinical Interests: Appropriate and wise use of healthcare resources to ensure the needs of our older adults are addressed. Special interest in the process of dementia and the methods to address the risk factors, slow the progression and manage the needs as the severity increases.

Pooja Mathew, M.D.

Residency/Fellowship: Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Queens, NY (Internal Medicine), Hackensack University Medical Center (Geriatrics Fellowship)

Research/Clinical Interests: I am excited to bring a profound dedication to enhancing the lives of our elderly patients. With a focus on pain management and a commitment to spending quality time with each patient, I am dedicated to improving comfort and care for our senior population. I strive for a compassionate approach and hope that with the specialized training at HUMC to promise to advance our mission of delivering exceptional, patient-centered care.

Former Fellows

Bilal Ashqar, M.D.

Clinical Fellow, Department of Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, Geriatrics

Residency/Fellowship: JFK/Raritan Bay Medical Center, NJ (Internal Medicine), Hackensack University Medical Center (Geriatrics Fellowship)

Research/Clinical Interests: Dr. Ashqar is devoted to the holistic care of the elderly, focusing on the deprescription of unnecessary medications and optimizing treatment regimens. He advocates for a health system that emphasizes the significance of geriatric syndromes, aiming to reduce treatment costs while enhancing patient outcomes. His dedication extends to mentoring future medical professionals in geriatric care excellence.

Sidrah Rafiq, M.D.

Geriatric Fellow, Department of Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center

Residency/Fellowship: New York Medical College, Denville/Passaic (Internal Medicine), Hackensack University Medical Center (Geriatric Fellowship)

Research/Clinical Interests: Dr. Rafiq is adept at building positive relationships with patients by delivering compassionate and empathetic care. As a future geriatrician, I would like to help seniors stay active and independent as they grow older and help with mobility, fall prevention, and overall functionality. In addition to clinic work, she enjoys working as an adjunct professor and working with medical students.