Residents and Graduates
Class of 2025
Mannat Agnish, MD, MPH
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Undecided/General Pediatrics/Hospitalist/Critical Care
Fun Fact: I enjoy swimming; amateur artist; dog person
Why JSUMC: Very supportive program with a great learning environment; diverse patient population and cases; great location!
Alexandra Altamura, MD
Undergrad: Seton Hall University
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Career Interests: Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, and Neonatology
Fun Fact: I enjoy cooking with family and friends.
Why JSUMC: I applied to JSUMC because I wanted the ability to see a large breadth of cases while learning from experienced faculty and mentors that prioritize my learning and career goals.
Ioulia Furman, DO
Undergrad: Rutgers University
Medical School: Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, child abuse, complex care
Fun Fact: Watched every baking show known to humankind. Love baking and cake decorating while goofing around with my 10 year old little star. I am a catdog person!
Why JSUMC: Because we are all on the same wave:)
Avrohom (Avi) Levy, DO, MPH
Undergrad: Yeshiva University and MPH at NYU-College of Global Health
Medical School: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Health Policy, Community Health, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Fun Fact: My dog likes spicy food.
Why JSUMC: The family feel! During my interview day I was able to tell how JSUMC really cared about the residents and now as an intern I really can experience that. JSUMC is a program that supports and empowers their residents and can really make you feel at home!
Aishwarya Madhikar, MD
Undergrad: Rutgers University New Brunswick
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Interests: General Pediatrics
Fun Fact: I love binge-watching shows.
Why JSUMC: The culture here is so supportive and encouraging!
Melissa Messalti, MD
Undergrad: St. Joseph’s University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Not sure yet- would like to sub-specialize
Fun Fact: I speak 5 languages fluently!
Why JSUMC: JSUMC is a program that values its residents. We are supervised in a way that lets us become the best pediatrician we can possibly be by giving us ample opportunities to pursue our passions. Everyone loves JSUMC and we all care about the wellbeing of our patients. Plus having our home right by the beach isn’t too bad either!
Michael Mikhail, MD
Undergrad: Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Career Interests: Critical Care
Fun Fact: My dog is my personality
Why JSUMC: JSUMC is a place where a patient’s life is viewed just as dynamic and multi-dimensional as yours. We show a tremendous commitment to patient care, and never take short-cuts. In addition, the camaraderie between residents at this program is truly unmatched. Whether it’s post-call brunch, Theme Thursdays, or getting ice-cream together; the bond we develop is more than that of coworkers. Ultimately, I chose JSUMC because you have everything you need to holistically succeed in residency, from an open and collaborative learning environment to great friends that extend beyond working hours.
Daniela Oviedo, MD
Undergrad: University of Texas at Arlington
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Fun Fact: I’ve been jet skiing with DJ Khaled
Why JSUMC: I rotated here as a student and really enjoyed working with the residents, their dynamics, and willingness to teach.
Matthew Reichenbach, MD
Undergrad: University of Central Florida
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pulmonology
Fun Fact: Grew up in a military family mostly in Florida where I was a competitive swimmer for many years and into college.
Why JSUMC: I spent over a year in rotations here as a student and loved the hospital. During my pediatric rotations everyone was extremely kind and helpful. I knew that my learning experience would be top notch at JSUMC.
Gregory Anash, MD (Child Neurology)
Undergrad: Queens College, CUNY
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Child Neurology-Epilepsy
Fun Fact: Love training MMA and playing guitar in my free time!
Why JSUMC: To be the best you got to train with the best. The unique catchment area along with JSUMC’s reputation for excellence made going here a no-brainer.
Andrew Liu, MD (Child Neurology)
Undergrad: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Career Interests: Child Neurology
Fun Fact: I like to play ultimate frisbee!
Why JSUMC: Rotated here as a student and never looked back!
Class of 2024
Mary Kate Anderson, DO
Undergrad: The Catholic University of America
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM)
Career Interests: General Pediatrics
Fun Fact: My family owns a brewery in MH!
Why JSUMC: My co-residents!
Candace Callender, DO
Undergrad: University of Scranton
Medical School: PCOM-Philadelphia
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, General Pediatrics, Advocacy, Health Disparities
Fun Fact: When I went to Mexico, I was able to climb one of the ancient Mayan Ruins in Coba.
Why JSUMC: On my interview day, the residents and faculty were so warm and inviting, they viewed each other as family. I knew then that this would be a great program for me.
Gabriel Hemighaus, DO
Undergrad: Monmouth University
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Undecided; possibly Sports Medicine, NICU, Heme/Onc
Fun Fact: Played Division I football at Monmouth University
Why JSUMC: I was drawn to JSUMC by the welcoming nature of the people that I interacted with during the application process. The faculty here has proven to be extremely encouraging and supportive. Our training experience has prompted growth as a resident physician through diverse exposure and independence.
Christopher Hidalgo, MD, MPH
Undergrad: NYU
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Pediatric Endocrinology
Fun Fact: I used to do competitive gymnastics.
Why JSUMC: JSUMC felt like a big family and after coming here, my co-residents have become my second family.
Gregory Ison, MD, MS
Undergrad: Quinnipiac University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Medical Education
Fun Fact: I’ve driven to California and back with my girlfriend before residency started.
Why JSUMC: Close-knit feel, near family and friends, wide range of pathologies.
Jennifer Farah Labib, DO
Undergrad: NJIT
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist or NICU
Fun Fact: I have two doggy children!
Why JSUMC: Great location, busy pediatric service, access to all subspecialties, varied pathology, wonderful people!
Marriam Sajjad, MD
Undergrad: Rutgers University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Fun Fact: When I’m not at the hospital, you’ll either find me traveling to a new destination or picking up a new pair of shoes at the mall.
Why JSUMC: I chose JSUMC because I wanted to stay close to family.
Monica Shehata, MD
Undergrad: Rutgers University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Allergy/Immunology
Fun Fact: I have pet ducks.
Why JSUMC: I did most of my rotations at JSUMC during medical school and loved how well everyone worked together as a team.
Kyrollos Zare, DO
Undergrad: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Medical School: Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: General Pediatrics
Fun Fact: Zare means grass in Arabic.
Why JSUMC: Jersey boy and raised!
Arpita Bhriguvanshi, MD (Child Neurology)
Medical School: JLN Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
Career Interests: Epilepsy, Neuroimmunology, Neonatal Neurology
Fun Fact: I am a toddler mom. I love all things art. Archery could be an art that I would master one day. I am also actively trying to be an amateur fusion cook (combining eastern art of spices with western cuisine)
Why JSUMC: Love the camaraderie amongst co-residents. Great attendings in the role of educators. Diverse patient population. Wide range of neurological pathologies to learn from. Perfect balance of inpatient and outpatient clinical exposure.
Class of 2023
Ashley Carlo, DO
Undergrad: Monmouth University
Medical School: Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Fun Fact: Did theater growing up, love to bake, puppy mom to 2 shih tzus:)
Why JSUMC: Tight knit family feel between residents and faculty; wide variety of pathology/patient populations which made for a great learning environment; close to family
Andrew (Andy) Corson, MD
Undergrad: Stockton University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care
Fun Fact: I have a 3 year old chocolate lab named Easton and he is the best!
Why JSUMC: I was a third and fourth year medical student here and loved the hospital, faculty, and location!
Alden Dewey, DO
Undergrad: Wake Forest University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Endocrinology, Hospital Medicine, Rheumatology
Fun Fact: I have never chewed a piece of gum!
Why JSUMC: The program has essentially every speciality in pediatrics and provides a broad exposure. Even with cities nearby like NYC and Philadelphia, we still see a variety of interesting pathology. And living by the beach for residency certainly has its perks!
Josephine Miller, MD
Undergrad: Franklin and Marshall College
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Career Interests: Neonatology
Fun Fact: My family is from Poland and I spent a lot of time there growing up. Moving there for 4 years to attend medical school was one of the best choices! I married my husband in Warsaw just before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve been married for 3 years and loving life back in NJ at the Jersey Shore.
Why JSUMC: I chose JSUMC for residency because I wanted to be part of a growing pediatric health network in NJ that would provide full services to patients without having to go out of state to NYC or Philadelphia. JSUMC provided a place that felt like home with a great dynamic energy and people that made coming to work fun!
Punam Jain, DO
Undergrad: Drexel University
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: General Pediatrics
Fun Fact: I will never say no to Taco Bell!
Why JSUMC: Fun learning environment with supportive attendings.
Esther Shor, MD
Undergrad: Rutgers University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Primary Care Pediatrics
Fun Fact: I climbed the tallest pyramid in Mexico.
Why JSUMC: My co-residents!
Shanda Lewis, DO, MS
Undergrad: Hunter College - The City University of New York
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Middletown, NY
Career Interests: Urgent Care, ER
Fun Fact: I’m a chef and mixologist in my free time!
Why JSUMC: I chose JSUMC because the location is far enough for me to miss my family and friends, but close enough so that I can go home as often as I need to. During my interview, the attendings and administration were very thoughtful and welcoming. Residents were open and willing to answer all questions, and were in a great mood despite whatever stress they were experiencing at work, which was important for me. Additionally, knowing that I am someone who enjoys procedures, I was excited to know that residents are always offered to do procedures in all departments. Last, but not least, the beach and food in the area is a definite win! You can’t go wrong with either. There are so many beaches within a 5-30min drive that you can explore. There are so many restaurants around as well, so options are endless.
Brittany Baez, MD
Undergrad: Monmouth University
Medical School: American University of Antigua
Career Interests: Pediatric Endocrinology
Fun Fact: I love the beach!
Why JSUMC: I love how easily everyone got along.
Elizabeth Polott, MD, MPH
Undergrad: Mount Holyoke College, Brown University-Masters in Public Health
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Interests: Child Neurology
Fun Fact: I used to be part of a semi-professional ballet company.
Why JSUMC: JSUMC felt like a large close-knit family that was a supportive and nurturing environment to learn. In addition, there’s something in the water at JSUMC and we see everything from bread and butter Pediatrics to the rare and unusual which I thought I would only read about in books. This range of pathology was what I wanted in a program to broaden my learning experience.