Current Residents
Class of 2028
Kelley Appow, M.D.
Undergraduate school: Juniata College
Medical school: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Career interest: General Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, possibly Neonatology Fun fact: I’ve studied abroad in France twice!
Why JSUMC: I’m originally from this area of New Jersey and wanted to train and practice medicine in a community that I have a connection with. Over my rotations, I got to know the other members of the pediatrics team and I was drawn to the collaborative, close-knit nature of the team.
Austen Damerau, M.D.
Undergraduate school: Rutgers University
Medical school: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Career interest: Hospitalist
Fun fact: I enjoy baking and aspire to make the perfect peanut butter chocolate chip cookie. Why JSUMC: I did the majority of my pediatric rotations here and always appreciated the teaching atmosphere as well as the general connectedness of the residents.
Amy Fakhri Girgis, D.O.
Undergraduate school: Rutgers University
Medical school: Touro University
Career interest: Rheumatology, Cardiology
Fun fact: I enjoy exploring new parks and making arts and crafts!
Why JSUMC: I chose JSUMC because of its friendly culture, great training, excellent care, and who wouldn’t want to be close to the beach!
Kayleen Melvin, D.O.
Undergraduate school: Loyola University
Medical school: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career interest: General Pediatrics
Fun fact: I have a long haired miniature dachshund named Tito who is my entire personality. Why JSUMC: When I rotated and interviewed at JSUMC, the attendings and residents were super welcoming. It was obvious they really loved working there. Being close to the beach and my family is also a big bonus!
Joshua Orgel, D.O.
Undergraduate school: Georgian Court University
Medical school: Rowan Virtua School of Medicine
Career interest: Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Prehospital Medicine Fun fact: My wife and I co-own a Pediatric behavioral company and share 7 amazing, cute kids! Why JSUMC: JSUMC is the region’s pediatric #1 trauma center. The doctors provide academic level knowledge with family focused care.
James Rivelli, M.D.
Undergraduate school: Providence College
Medical school: St. George’s University
Career interest: Pediatric Endocrinology
Fun fact: I have a twin sister, and my younger siblings are also boy/girl twins! Why JSUMC: Feels like home.
Juliet Rozon, D.O.
Undergraduate school: Pennsylvania State University
Medical school: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career interest: Pediatric Gastroenterology but I’m open minded
Fun fact: I have a sourdough starter named Eloise, she’s alive and thriving! Why JSUMC: I am very fortunate to have matched my first choice here at JSUMC! Ultimately, in my decision to choose a residency program, I wanted to come back home, closer to my family and friends. I felt an immediate sense of a welcoming environment from staff and residents. I also sensed that I would be supported with my education throughout residency. And, being down the shore was the cherry on top!
Mili Shah, M.D.
Undergraduate school: St. John’s University
Medical school: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Career interest: Primary Care, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Fun fact: I have a mini-goldendoodle named Prince who I love to spoil:)
Why JSUMC: I fell in love with the program and really admired the camaraderie among the residents when I came for the second look! Everyone was so welcoming, and it just felt like the kind of place where I could really see myself. And of course, being so close to the beach is just a sweet bonus!
Syeda Zaidi, MBBS
Undergraduate school: Nishtar Medical University
Medical school: Nishtar Medical University
Career interest: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology
Fun fact: I have lived in three amazing countries - Pakistan, Australia and now the USA! Also, I am a fun mom to a very opinionated 5 year old!
Why JSUMC: From the moment I joined the meet-and-greets and attended the second look, I felt a strong sense of belonging. The residents were warm and welcoming, and I knew this was a place where I would thrive.
Lauren Vu, M.D.
Child Neurology
Undergraduate school: Temple University
Medical school: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Career interest: Pediatric Neurology
Fun fact: I made my prom dress and finished it by pulling an all nighter.
Why JSUMC: The P3R program made it easy to keep the amazing relationships I have already made at JSUMC during medical school! Plus, being at the shore is pretty great!
Nikitha Yenugonda, M.D.
Child Neurology
Undergraduate school: St. George’s University School of Arts and Sciences Medical school: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Career interest: Neonatal Neurology/General Child Neurology
Fun fact: I’m a former national badminton player for Trinidad and have trained with international athletes in NYC.
Why JSUMC: JSUMC is close to NYC and I have many family and friends in the area. I wanted a location near the city but also in a suburban setting. Jersey Shore seemed like the best choice!