Residents
Class of 2025
Noreen Ahmed, M.D.
Associate Chief
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Washington Township, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC because I saw firsthand during medical school how thoughtful, empathetic, and compassionate the medical staff were in the care of their patients. I also wanted to be part of a program that fostered my learning and growth while exposing me to medically complex and varied patient presentations.
Professional Interests: Hematology, Oncology
Personal Interests: Playing piano, crocheting, drawing, watching Netflix
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Museum curator
What being a good doctor means to me: I think that being a good doctor means always putting your patients first while also taking care of yourself at the same time. It requires being a good listener, being an advocate, and being comfortable with making mistakes but also being able to learn from them.
Zhongying Liu-An, M.D.
Graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Hometown: Tenafly, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC because of the amazing faculty and supportive colleagues. HUMC provides me with opportunities and technology to further my career in medicine. I am thrilled to serve the community that I live in.
Professional interests: Global Health, Health Equity
Personal Interests: Golf, traveling, trying new cooking recipes
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Chef
What being a good doctor means to me: Patients trust me and develop a long term relationship with me.
Sara Hazaveh, M.D.
Head of Research Committee
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Egg Harbor Township
Why HUMC: HUMC offers a high volume of diverse and complex patient population to care for and learn from. I did many of my rotations at HUMC as a medical student and I found that the residents are very supportive of each other and everyone was very welcoming. I also worked with so many passionate physicians at HUMC and I am excited to learn from them.
Professional interests: Hematology-Oncology, Cardiology
Personal Interests: Painting/drawing, running, working out, music, exploring/traveling
If I weren't in medicine, I would be: An astrophysicist working at NASA or an artist
What being a good doctor means to me: Being able to passionately contribute to the health and well-being of every patient by incorporating compassion, empathy, professionalism, respect, honesty and a strong work ethic. Establishing a partnership with each patient to create a medical management plan that is appropriate for their unique clinical/personal context and can provide excellent care. Advocating for patients and needs.
Marissa Heyer, M.D.
Associate Chief
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Emerson, NJ
Why HUMC: I love HUMC because it is the perfect combination of large academic institution with a community hospital feel. The faculty encourages me to think critically and is committed to helping me achieve my fullest potential. Lastly, the residents are all so welcoming and supportive; I can always count on my co-residents to make me smile!
Professional Interests: Medical Education, Cardiology, Critical care, Ultrasound
Personal Interests: Peloton, hiking, crocheting
If I weren't in medicine, I would be an: Interior Designer
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, a good doctor is someone who not only thinks critically and analytically, but also empowers their patients through empathy and advocacy. Medical knowledge is important, but so is the ability to connect with your patients on a personal level.
Maciej Kabat, M.D.
Associate Chief
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Nutley, NJ
Why HUMC: Giving back to the community that has done so much for my own family, is the main reason behind my preference for HUMC. My earlier volunteering engagements, choice in medical school, and previous clinical rotations were all done within the Hackensack Hospital Network. During my clinical rotations I was even mentored by the very same team of oncologists who treated my mother's breast cancer and the same surgeons who removed my appendix. I wish to continue actively pursuing opportunities to serve those who have done so much for me and my family.
Professional Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Personal Interests: Biking, Formula One, Soccer, Hiking, Cars
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Biomedical engineer
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, a good doctor is someone who not only possesses the necessary medical knowledge and skills but also demonstrates genuine empathy and compassion towards their patients. An exceptional doctor goes beyond diagnosing and treating patients. They take the time to truly listen and understand the concerns of their patients that might not appear on their lab work. When a doctor combines medical competence with compassion, it creates a nurturing environment where patients feel heard, understood, and cared for.
David Kim, M.D.
Graduated from St. George's University School of Medicine
Hometown: Paramus, NJ
Why HUMC: I used to work at HUMC prior to medical school, and it is where my medical journey began and want to continue.
Professional Interests: I am interested in cardiology, but I'm exploring and leaving myself open to new possibilities.
Personal Interests: I love the outdoors. I love playing basketball with my friends! I am also a new golf enthusiast.
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: National Geographic Photographer or a stay-home dad for my puppy
What being a good doctor means to me: Being a good doctor means being passionate about your patients well-being, being available in their time of need, and being diligent in the pursuit of ever growing knowledge of medicine.
Lauren Peabody, D.O.
Graduated from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Princeton, NJ
Why HUMC: As NJ's largest teaching hospital with an impressive case mix index the training at HUMC is unrivaled. I was attracted to the diversity of pathologies and complexity of the medical cases cared for by the teaching teams. I also value the different perspective ambulatory medicine offers and the 6+2 schedule is the perfect mix of hospital and clinic medicine. Most excitedly, HUMC incorporates a residents as teachers curriculum that is preparing me for my dream job as an academic hospitalist.
Professional Interests: Academic Hospitalist medicine
Personal Interests: I enjoy long walks around my neighborhood. I also enjoy gardening, crafting and maintaining my Etsy business and spending time with my husband and our cat.
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Florist or Landscape architect
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, being a good doctor means having your patient's best interest in mind awhile taking into account their personal goals by building a collaborative relationship in which they feel heard and involved. It also means going out of your way to close all the loops at the end of the day so there are no gaps.
Roma Padalkar, D.O.
Associate Chief
Graduated from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Summit, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC because of the supportive close-knit residency program with a focus on academics.
Professional Interests: Global Health, Critical Care Medicine, Infectious Disease
Personal Interests: Scuba Diving, Travel, Cooking
If I weren't in medicine, I would be an: Archaeologist
What being a good doctor means to me: Someone who listens and works with patients to come up with a personalized care plan.
Caden Quintanilla, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Why HUMC: In medical school, most of my clinical professors were physicians who worked at HUMC. They were passionate about teaching and I could tell that they would help me achieve the goal of becoming a competent and independent physician.
Professional Interests: Hospitalist and Primary Care
Personal Interests: Discussing philosophical topics ranging from the philosophy of mind and consciousness to economics. I also enjoy going to the gym, boxing, and spending time with family and friends.
If I weren't in medicine, I would be an: Clinical psychologist
What being a good doctor means to me: Always going the extra mile for your patients. Whether that means staying a few minutes after your shift is up or helping out a team member if it means that the patient will receive the optimal care. In one word: selflessness.
Sakina Shamsi, D.O.
Graduated from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: East Meadow, NY
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC because of its ideal location, patient population, Innovative 6+2 schedule, great working and learning environment.
Professional Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Personal Interests: Traveling, meditation, pewter art, arts and crafts using Cricut machine.
If I weren't in medicine, I would be an: Fashion designer
What being a good doctor means to me: I believe that taking ownership of the patient is one of the fundamental qualities of a competent doctor that will never change. Also crucial, in my opinion, are listening skills, empathy, and a genuine concern for your patient.
Shucen Wan, M.D.
Graduated from North Sichuan Medical College
Hometown: Sichuan. China
Why HUMC: It is the best hospital in NJ. Never see a hospital that has the highest google review in terms of number and rate. My husband grew up here and we got married here.I love the diversity here.
Professional Interests: Rheumatology and Hematology/Oncology.
Personal Interests: Running in nature. Swimming long distance in Olympic size pool. Getting whole body massage once a week
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Dancer who expresses the beauty of art
What being a good doctor means to me: Treating the patient like a family member and caring for their concerns, healing them not only physically but mentally as well.
Eli Zolotov, M.D.
Graduated from Charles University Third Faculty of Medicine
Hometown: Holon, Israel
Why HUMC: I was initially attracted to HUMC because it is a small university IM residency program. It combines all the advantages of a university program, such as opportunities to engage in interesting research and to teach students, as well as exposure to a broad variety of pathologies, with a warm and intimate learning environment. My interview experience further convinced me that I was making the right choice. The residents, faculty members, and PD were warm and friendly, and created a welcoming atmosphere. I felt that the program would be a great fit, and I’d have ample opportunity to improve my clinical skills alongside such a kind and supportive team.
Professional Interests: Hem-Onc, Multiple Myeloma, and Clinical Research
Personal Interests: Traveling to new places, diving into the underwater world, and exploring the beauty of nature
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Teacher
What being a good doctor means to me: Being a good doctor means being one part detective, one part teacher, two parts empathetic human, and always operating with a "patients-first" philosophy... plus having the superpower to survive on just coffee and good intentions.