Residents

Class of 2027

Eric Bernstein, M.D.

Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Deerfield, IL
Why HUMC: HUMC serves a highly diverse population with a wide range of needs, both medical and otherwise, which was important to me when I was choosing a place to train. I also found that HUMC hits the sweet spot of being a fairly large academic hospital without losing the sense of community within the residency program.
Professional Interests: Undecided- leaning Hospitalist or Critical Care Medicine
Personal Interests: Martial arts, cooking, video games
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a:  An ice cream shop owner!
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, one of the key components of being a good doctor is the ability to take a moment to put yourself in the patient's shoes and incorporate the patient's values and circumstances into your approach.

Brian Cammalleri, M.D.

Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Long Valley, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC for residency because of the diverse patient population and complex cases. HUMC also has great academic faculty that enjoy teaching and create a very supportive and welcoming environment. I felt that it would be a great program to improve my clinical skills and help me become the doctor I aspire to be.
Professional Interests: Hospitalist Medicine, Cardiology
Personal Interests: Weightlifting, Lego building, and motorcycle riding
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Zookeeper
What being a good doctor means to me: Being a good doctor means always learning and improving. It also involves developing meaningful connections with each patient and treating the patient as a whole, rather than just their illness.

Erica DeCecco, M.D.

Graduated from Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC based off my interview day. I could tell that the residents were friends and willing to help one another. Faculty members who interviewed me were passionate about their roles at HUMC and made it known they had reviewed my application thoroughly. Being the largest teaching hospital in New Jersey, I knew that I would have amazing training here and be introduced to complex pathologies. I also love teaching, so working with medical students was something I was looking for in my residency program. The medical education track will give me the opportunity to really hone in on effective teaching skills.
Professional Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Personal Interests: Going to the beach, ice skating, watching Netflix/Hulu, trivia, exercise classes
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Veterinarian
What being a good doctor means to me: I think being a good doctor includes being empathetic, a good listener, a lifelong learner, and an advocate for patients. These qualities allow us to develop strong, trusting relationships with patients and their families, which is crucial to best care for them.

James Di Palma-Grisi, M.D.

Graduated from Università di Pavia
Hometown: Glen Rock, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC for a few reasons. When researching programs, I prioritized those with small class sizes in large academic centers. HUMC is in a familiar location, close to my childhood home and near my family and lifelong friends. The interview was informative and conversational, and explained the program structure in detail, including the highly specialized electives available to residents in later years. The outgoing residents spoke openly and highly about their program and answered all of my questions thoroughly.
Professional Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Cardiology, and Palliative Care.
Personal Interests: My two wonderful dogs. Traveling and learning about other cultures. Early modern history.
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: I would have wanted to be a park ranger.
What being a good doctor means to me: A good doctor understands the social and emotional context behind each patient encounter, and is well-versed in optimizing health outcomes while maintaining an environment of trust, respect and confidence.

Nada El Gazzar, M.D.

Graduated from St. George’s University
Hometown: Lodi, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) for my residency because it feels like coming full circle. Having grown up in Maywood, just a stone's throw away from Hackensack, and attending Hackensack High School, the hospital has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Spending my summers volunteering at HUMC during both my high school and undergraduate years, I formed a deep connection to the institution. It's where my passion for medicine was nurtured and where I always envisioned myself practicing. Now, as I embark on this next chapter of my career, I am thrilled to be able to give back to the community that has inspired and supported me along the way. Choosing HUMC for my residency is not just a professional decision; it's a personal one that allows me to fulfill a lifelong dream while serving the community that shaped me.
Professional Interests: Transplant Hepatology, Pulmonary & Critical Care , Hospitalist Medicine
Personal Interests: I love spending time with friends and family, bowling, sketching/ fashion design, and spending time outdoors
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Teacher or Flight Attendant
What being a good doctor means to me: A good doctor listens attentively to their patients, ensuring they feel valued and understood. Treating patients with respect and empathy, and recognizing the importance of communication and compassion in providing optimal care and support.

Jose Garcia, M.D.

Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Cedar Grove, NJ
Why HUMC: HUMC feels like a home away from home. Growing up in the area, family members and I have been treated at HUMC. As a HMSOM medical student, I have been afforded multiple opportunities to get to work with and build relationships with the incredible clinicians and other staff at HUMC who make it a special institution. I could not imagine a better place for me to learn and grow as a physician.
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Gastroenterology
Personal Interests: Golf, Pickleball, Fitness, Huge sports fan (J-E-T-S, JETS!, JETS!, JETS!), Spending time with family and friends
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: A football coach
What being a good doctor means to me: Approaching each patient every day with respect, a positive attitude, and giving my best effort in their care.

Reema Mody, D.O.

Graduated from Rowan-Virtua University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Edison, NJ
Why HUMC: During my interview, I found that HUMC has a small and strong community for its residents. I love that HUMC has a great learning environment because of the faculty as well as the unique and diverse patient population.
Professional Interests: Hematology and Oncology
Personal Interests: Planting, Hiking
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Teacher
What being a good doctor means to me: Showing empathy, and respecting for patient autonomy. and advocating for patients' rights; Engaging in lifelong learning.

Suraj Pothineni, D.O.

Graduated from Rowan-Virtua University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Fair Lawn, NJ
Why HUMC: HUMC offers a diverse and complex patient population, providing the resources, support, and compassion to help residents achieve their goals. Having grown up near the area, I am excited to return and have the opportunity to serve my community again. Lastly, it is an honor to be part of the number-one-ranked hospital in NJ!
Professional Interests: Geriatrics, Nephrology
Personal Interests: Running, Rock-climbing, Rooting for Chelsea FC
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Physics Teacher
What being a good doctor means to me: Being a good doctor means balancing their own self-confidence with the ability to admit they do not know and look beyond their current knowledge to help the patient holistically.

Ezra Schneier, M.D.

Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Teaneck, NJ
Why HUMC: I am excited to continue my medical education at a large academic center that has the close-knit feel of family among the residents and faculty. The atmosphere of growth that I found woven into the fabric of the program's faculty and residents makes me confident that I will receive excellent training at HUMC.
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Oncology
Personal Interests: Hanging out with family and friends, playing tennis, hiking, reading, watching the NY Giants try to win some games
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Biotech
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, a good doctor is kind, respectful, knowledgeable, trustworthy, has a growth mindset, is a good listener, and treats patients as family.

Pooja S. Shah, M.D.

Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Marlboro, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC because of its commitment to education across all levels of medical care. The collaborative environment at HUMC inspires me to evolve into a compassionate and empathetic physician.
Professional Interests: Endocrinology
Personal Interests: Cooking, Exercising, Hiking, Reading, Traveling
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Dietician
What being a good doctor means to me: Treating each patient with compassionate and personalized care.