Family Medicine Residency

United Health Services residency graduates are very successful in earning fellowships. Listed here are Family Medicine graduates who have earned fellowships since 1998:

Daniel Young, MD

I am a lifelong resident of the Binghamton area, received a Bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University and my medical degree from Upstate Medical Center at Syracuse, after which I completed my Family Medicine Residency here at United Health Services Hospitals. After 20 years of rural clinical practice with part-time medical student/resident teaching, I returned to the residency as director in 2012. I am board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and was named Fellow by the American Academy of Family Practice. I am Associate Professor at Upstate Medical Center and Chair of the department of Family Medicine at United Health Services, where I sit on the Quality Committee and the Medical Executive Committee.  I have been very active in organized medicine since 1991.  I am on the Board of Directors of the Broome County Medical Society, Treasurer of the New York State Academy of Family Practice and am a member of the Medical Society of the State of New York’s delegation to the American Medical Association.  In my spare time, I enjoy golf, hiking the Finger Lakes Trail, birding and performing magic.

Message from Dr. Young,

"Welcome to the Wilson Family Medicine Residency. Our program provides you a unique training experience that will help you meet your professional goals, be they private practice, group practice or post-graduate fellowship. The dynamic curriculum offers each resident an individualized education plan designed to help you maximize your training in the areas of your most significant interest. Our eclectic faculty represents a diversity of backgrounds in both clinical interest and training experience. You will become a full spectrum family physician by training in a clinic with a diverse patient panel, procedure clinic, dermatology clinic, musculoskeletal clinic, acupuncture on-site, OMT clinics and a fantastic clinic staff.

I hope you will come and see first-hand why the Wilson Family Medicine Residency offers the most comprehensive training available to insure your success in today's ever changing medical landscape."

Our Residency offers a unique opportunity for you to tailor your educational needs. We offer senior residents, in good academic status, the opportunity to pursue areas of concentration which enable the resident to use elective time to receive additional training:

Geriatric Medicine: Participate in a one block geriatrics rotation in your second year and focus on geriatrics, palliative care and nursing home/case reviews during third year. Maintain a more traditional geriatric patient population in the continuity outpatient clinic and participate in our geriatric and dementia clinics on a weekly basis.

Advisors: James Crosby, MD, Rana Ahmad, MD

Hospitalist Medicine: Focus is on additional training in hospital medicine and is ideal prep for those pursuing a career as a hospitalist physician, with additional blocks on in-patient rotations including Internal Medicine as well as ICU and/or CCU.

Advisor: Daniel Young, MD

Sports Medicine: Spend time working with Sports Medicine physicians and fellows in and around the Binghamton area including time in the Sports Medicine Clinic and with local high school, Division I college (Binghamton University) and professional athletic teams.

Advisor: Jocelyn Young, DO, Stanley Hunter, MD

Urgent Care Medicine: Exposures will primarily be in the urgent care centers in the region as well as additional training in acute care medicine at the Johnson City Family Care Center. Develop additional expertise in urgent care medicine. Train in the urgent care centers and in the Emergency Department.

Advisor: Daniel Young, MD

Women's Health and Obstetrics: Focus is on your patient load in the continuity clinic with a higher percentage of female and pre-natal patients that you will follow through to delivery and beyond as well as expanded training in obstetric ultrasound. Emphasis on gynecological procedures.

Advisor: Michelle Lombardo, MD

Daniel Young, MD

Program Director

Title: Program Director - Family Medicine Residency

Medical School: Upstate Medical Center

Residency: United Health Services Hospitals

Specialty Areas: Family Medicine, Child Sexual Abuse, Public Health and Organized Medicine

Background: Enjoys Golf, Hiking, Performing Magic

Awards: The Charles D. Sherman, MD Award in recognition of extraordinary assistance, availability and support to medical students by MSSNY (Medical Society of the State of New York)

Katherine Holmes, MD                                                                                                                                                                 

Title: Associate Program Director

Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA

Residency: Memorial Hospital of RI/Warren Alpert Medical School Brown University

Special Interests: Care Underserved Populations, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Awards: NYS Academy of Family Physicians Family Practice Educator of the Year 2016

Marita R. Powell, DO

Title: Director, Osteopathic Family Medicine

Medical School: NYCOM

Residency: Osteopathic Internship-Massapequa General, Family Practice Residency-Wilson Medical Center.

Specialty Areas: Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Communications and Biomedical Ethics

Background: Licensed Registered Pharmacist (Commonwealth of Massachusetts). Enjoys: family, writing, swimming, published poet.

Joshua D. Steinberg, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Medicine, Class of 1995

Residency: St. Joseph's Family Practice Residency - Syracuse, NY, Class of 1998

Specialty Areas: Patient Centered Care, Obstetrics, Evidence Based Medicine and Information Mastery

Background: Before United Health Services, was faculty at SUNY Upstate Medical University, hospitalist at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, and faculty at University of Cincinnati. Enjoys: Cooking, running and playing with his children.

Creator: Multiple medical iPhone apps (search: Joshua Steinberg in iTunes)

Awards: "Family Physician Changing our World" Award, Family Medicine Educational Consortium, Nov. 2017

Jocelyn Young, DO

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: University of Rochester/Highland Family Medicine

Specialty Areas: Masters of Science in Health Professions Education, certificate in Leading Professional Well-Being from the American Academy of Family Physicians, certificate in Palliative Care Educators Program from Harvard

Awards: Excellence in Graduate Medical Education from the American Academy of Family Physicians, Resident Teacher Award from the STFM, Advocacy Award from the AFMRD, Resident Award for Scholarship from
the AFMRD

I am a graduate of the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Rochester/Highland Family Medicine Residency Program where I served as chief resident. I returned to my hometown to join the faculty at UHS. Professionally, my interests include end-of-life medicine, medical education, women's health, hepatitis C management, and advocacy.  In the community I am involved with the local tv/radio station, WSKG, as a member of the community advisory board; and serve as a member of the Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network Board of Directors. In organized medicine, I am a board member of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians, a board member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and heavily involved in medical societies at the local, state, and national levels.  In my spare time I enjoy gardening, cooking, and cross stitching.

Suganya Mahinthan, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: Medical University of the Americas

Residency: United Health Services Hospitals

Specialty Area: Family Medicine

Andrea Barbis, PhD, LCSWR

Title: Faculty Social Worker; Assistant Coordinator, Behavioral Science

Education: Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology, Walden University, 2018; Master of Social Work, Arizona State University, 1998; Bachelor of Arts (Sociology & Early Childhood Development), State University of NY at Buffalo, 1996

Fellowship: Behavioral Science/Family Systems Educator, STFM, 2020

Specialty Areas: Trauma, psychological impact of interpersonal violence, adverse childhood experiences, EMDRIA trained in EMDR, Upstate Medical University, 2009, LGBTQ+, AFFIRM CBT Trained, 2019    

This is my 14th year with the UHS Family Medicine Residency.  My prior experience includes inpatient mental health with both children and adults, integrated psychotherapy in a pediatric office, and over five years as a therapist in a specialized sexual abuse treatment program. The latter is where I noted firsthand the importance of trauma informed care and the impact that adverse childhood experiences have on not only emotional but physical health.  I have also operated a part-time private psychotherapy practice since 2005. I was born and raised here, having graduated from Binghamton High School. When I moved to Arizona for my first graduate school and subsequently worked there, I did not anticipate settling in this area but realized it was a great centralized location to live, work and eventually raise my three children. When I find free time between work and raising three boys, I enjoy sewing and selling my creations at music festivals, gardening, hiking & camping, going to concerts and (poorly) skiing.

Jane Simpson, DO

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Campus

Residency: United Health Services Hospitals. Johnson City, NY

Fellowship: Palliative, Brown University, Providence, RI

Specialty Area: Family Medicine, Palliative Medicine

I am originally from the 1000 Islands region of New York State. I studied Biology and Political Science at Clarkson University and had research areas in constitutional analysis, and evolutionary biology.  I attended Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at Virginia Tech (VCOM) for medical school, and spent my 3rd and 4th years working with underserved populations in West Virginia. I completed my Family Medicine Residency at UHS Wilson Hospital in Binghamton, NY where I served as chief resident and then I completed a Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Brown University working at Rhode Island Hospital and The Meriam Hospital. After Fellowship I returned to UHS as faculty at the family medicine residency, faculty at the SUNY Upstate Medical University clinical campus, and as a Palliative Medicine attending. I spend my time working with the palliative care team in Wilson Hospital, precepting in the residency clinic, teaching at the resident and medical student levels, and rounding with the Family Medicine team at Wilson. I am passionate about medical advocacy, organized medicine, end of life care and helping patients and families make difficult medical decisions, as well as helping patients with pain control related to their chronic and acute illnesses. In my spare time I enjoy visiting the 1000 Islands to spend time with family and enjoy boating on the St Lawrence River. I also enjoy cooking, exploring new restaurants, travel, wine, and board games with friends.

Jacqueline Bhandari, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: SUNY Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY

Residency: Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, PA

Specialty Areas: Family Medicine

Michelle Lombardo, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine

Residency: University of Vermont Family Medicine

Fellowship: Maternal Child Health – Landmark Medical Center

Specialty Area: Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Obstetrics

Rana Ahmad, MD

Title: Program Director, Geriatric Fellowship; Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: Ishtar Medical College, Pakistan

Residency: St. Elizabeth's Family Medicine Residency, Utica, NY

Fellowship: United Health Services Family Medicine Geriatric Medicine

Specialty Area: Geriatric Medicine

James Crosby, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: SUNY Upstate University - Syracuse, NY

Residency: Wilson Family Practice Residency

Specialty Areas: Geriatrics, Dermatology

Background: United Health Services - Previous Residency Director, 30+ years on faculty. Fun: Grandkids, harmonica, piano, guitar, orchids, garden. Passion: Spirituality

PGY-1

Deborah Alfa, MD
Medical School: Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in Nigeria, West Africa. I left Nigeria at the age of 16 to Gambia, West Africa for my pre-medical sciences; I then attended Spartan Health Sciences in St. Lucia for my medical school. I also had the opportunity to complete all my clinical rotations in Chicago. Witnessing the devastating complications of preventable diseases in underserved communities fueled my desire for primary care. During my studies, I had the opportunity to serve with organizations like Sarah’s Circle, Care for friends whose mission is to provide people in the community with the basic human fundamentals; health care, food and housing. These experiences developed my interests within medicine, which include caring for the underserved community, providing health care access regardless of socioeconomic status, women’s health and global health. My interest outside of medicine involves anything that has to do with food; cooking, trying out new restaurants and new food with friends. I also enjoy traveling, the outdoors, watching way too much TV, and music. I am excited to be starting my family medicine residency at United Health Services hospitals! I know I will be well-equipped to provide care to a diverse patient population. 

Nahosi Bowa, MD
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in Zambia and have been interested in medicine for as long as I can remember. When the opportunity to study medicine in the Caribbean presented itself, I jumped at it. Enjoying crystal blue water on white sandy beaches after class was a unique and special part of the experience. After completing the first two years of medical school in the Caribbean, I moved to Chicago to do my third- and fourth-year clinical rotations, which were both exciting and challenging. I developed a lot as a person, met people from various walks of life, and even picked up a bit of Spanish. I got to experience the highs and lows of modern medicine through my encounters with patients in a way that I’ll never forget. After graduating from medical school, I did a Master's degree in Clinical and Health Research at Southampton University in the UK. It has taught me so much about the biomedical research that forms the foundation of current medical practice. It has also allowed me to discover my own research interests which include: telemedicine, the effects of vaping and decline in empathy during medical training. At present, I’m excited to be starting off my medical career in Family Medicine at UHS and look forward to everything that will come with it. Outside of medicine, I love exploring my creative side and really enjoy singing and hand-made embroidery. Baking is another activity I really enjoy and would like to get better at, but I don’t get enough opportunities to practice and so kitchen mishaps do happen from time to time. In the future, I hope to be able to travel more and learn to play the Ukulele.

Christian Edwards, MD
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine 

I am originally from the Metro Detroit area and went to medical school at American University of the Caribbean. During medical school I tutored molecular cell biology, immunology and anatomy. My interests include sports medicine and research. During residency I enjoy doing bedside procedures, inpatient resident rotations and clinic work. My hobbies include mountain biking, hiking, gardening and spending time with my wife and our pets; we have dogs, cats and rabbits! 

Olivia Hu, MD
Medical School: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook

Youthful me was keen on the lovely (really, honest!) beaches of Long Island and math. I loved to create things by baking, paper folding, and painting. Still, I knew I wanted to understand the interactions between people and diseases on many levels so I went for a combined BS-MD program at Stony Brook University, with a short break teaching abroad. I was involved in research into vertical transmission of the microbiome, a number of interest groups, and our free clinic where I found meaning in making real contact with our patients as humans. Now, I have come upstate for a residency to see even more breadth of patients and problems in family medicine. For now, my clinical interests include women's health, integrative medicine, and in-office procedures but I can't wait to get sucked in by more. In my spare time, I like to explore the area's bountiful farmers' markets and U-picks, make interesting new recipes, and learn all the secret spots of the area!

Ramandeep Mangat, MD
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine

I was born in Ludhiana, Punjab, India but moved to Toronto, Canada at a very young age where I grew up for most of my life. I completed my undergraduate at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario in BSc with Honors. I always had an interest in medicine growing up and decided to pursue my medical degree at St. George’s University where I did a global scholar’s program. I did my first year of basic medical sciences in Newcastle, England, my second year in Grenada, West Indies, and my third and fourth clinical years in the United States. I chose UHS for residency because of the diversity in its faculty and local community, the tremendous learning environment along with the unique opportunity to learn and gain experience in Osteopathic medicine, and the outdoor and recreational activities in the area including local community events. I enjoy watching sports, playing soccer, exercising and going to the gym, traveling and exploring new cultures, and trying new food! I want to practice the full scope of family medicine in the future and serve my local community with an overall goal to improve quality of care and access to primary care and preventive medicine.

Ruchi Parikh, MD
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine

I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. Fascinated by the human body, I studied human physiology at the University of Western Ontario and then went to medical school at Saba University School of Medicine. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, I grew up surrounded by people and different cultures. Saba was very different from Toronto and I loved the chance to explore the island and become a part of the community. My time on Saba also opened my eyes to barriers of care and after medical school, I had the opportunity to work on research and care teams that addressed these issues. My time with the Memory and Mobility Clinics in Kitchener, ON taught me so much about the importance of the holistic approach to care, ensuring that patients’ physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing are all taken care of, and how teamwork is crucial to providing the best care possible. The UHS Wilson FM program embodies this philosophy and is one of the reasons we are a great fit. My interests outside of medicine include hiking, reading, cooking, crafts, and travel.

Megan Rigotti, DO
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

I grew up right here in Vestal, NY. I loved growing up in the area with its amazing fall foliage and carousels. I went to Vestal High School and during my time there I began volunteering at Wilson Hospital during the summer. I continued my education at the University of Scranton where I studied biology and philosophy. After college, I worked as a scribe in the Emergency Departments at Wilson Hospital and Binghamton General Hospital. I loved meeting and talking to patients from all backgrounds and cultures. I continued to pursue my love of medicine and began medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I was able to work in my school's student run clinic, join various clubs and expand my knowledge there. I am very excited and proud to come back and practice medicine in my hometown that I love. My interests in medicine include women’s health and addiction medicine. My interests outside of medicine include reading, spending time with friends and family, and exploring all this area has to offer (my favorite being summer concerts in the park and the church festivals with great food)!

Sabba Sarwar, MD
Medical School: Windsor University School of Medicine

I was born in Pakistan, grew up in Brooklyn, and moved to Staten Island 5 years ago. For undergraduate, I attended Hunter College in New York and Windsor University for medical school. I was interested in taking care of patients from all walks of life and patient advocacy, which led me to pursue Family Medicine. I was an active member of NYSAFP as a medical student and now as a resident. I previously served on leadership commission, chair for student election committee and currently as part of the operations commissions and DEI at NYSAFP. My interests in medicine include patient advocacy, caring for marginalized communities, women's health and inpatient medicine. I chose this program because of the supportive faculty who is heavily involved in leadership and advocacy. During the interviews, I felt appreciated and knew I found my support group who will help me become a competent physician. Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my family, gardening, cooking, traveling, hiking, shopping, fashion and EATING! 

Peter Yang, MD
Medical School: Cebu Institute of Medicine

I grew up in the county of Queens, NY, one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the country, with my parents and younger brother. After graduating high school, I was accepted into SUNY Binghamton where I studied Cell and Molecular Biology and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science. During my 4 years of undergraduate study, I became especially interested in the relationship between food and health and worked as a Nutritional Sciences TA. Wanting to pursue a career that could combine my interest in the sciences as well as impact the health of the community around me, I decided upon medicine. I was accepted into the Cebu Institute of Medicine in the Philippines in 2015 where I had the opportunity to work with underserved communities, practice leading community workshops on preventative medicine, and eat some of the most delicious food known to mankind. After graduating in 2019, I came back to the States during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and worked closely with physicians who supported their communities through those hard times. My professional interests include preventative medicine and reproductive health. In my off time, you can find me swimming, biking, and exploring the outdoors.

PGY-2

Tanzeel Awadalla, MD
Medical School: Omdurman Islamic University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences 

Ansa George, MD
Medical School: David Tvildiani Medical University AIETI Medical School

I was born, raised and spent my formative years in a rural town in south India. In my town, access to a physician was the difference between life and death. Since childhood, I was fascinated by what physicians do and also wondered if I could become one. I completed my medical school from David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia followed by multiple rotations in Canada which I call home now as well as in the United States. The journey to my dream of becoming a physician took me through four countries spanning 12 years culminating in my residency here at UHS. The opportunities and exposure are simply endless at UHS FM program. I personally consider the mentoring by a dedicated faculty advisor and periodic feedback sessions from the faculty as a whole the best part of this program. The community support initiatives, home visits, excellent administrative support, the camaraderie between faculty, fellow residents, office and clinical support personnel all makes the UHS FM residency program more family and less work environment. I look forward to becoming a rural family physician which is when my life would come full circle. My favorite quote is “It is much more important to know what sort of patient has a disease than what sort of disease a patient has.” Sir William Osler (1904)

Joseph Giannetta, MD
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Hi, my name is Joe Giannetta. I am from Cortlandt Manor, New York. I went to undergrad and graduate school at The University of Scranton and medical school at Ross University School of Medicine. I am a huge New York sports fan and love the Yankees, Jets, Knicks, and Rangers! In my free time I like to play basketball, golf and cornhole. I am very competitive and hate losing. I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in Sports Medicine. I also volunteer with the Vines project, which includes delivering fresh veggies to patients in our community. I love this program because everyone is so nice, friendly, and welcoming. We are truly family! 

Henika Kaura, MD
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas

Hi! I’m Henika and I'm from Ontario, Canada. I attended the University of Waterloo and Medical University of the Americas. My passion lies within global medicine and serving the underserved. I am interested in advocacy and recently joined MSSNY. I like community projects such as our Vines project which entails providing vegetables to communities to enforce lifestyle change. I enjoy getting to know our residents and experiencing all that the city has to offer. I love our family medicine program. UHS provides a friendly and motivating environment to develop the skills and knowledge to become a great physician.

Lukas Kost, MD
Medical School: Medizinische Fakultat Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg 

I’m originally from Freiburg, Germany. I attended medical school at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. I completed a pediatric residency in Germany before moving to the US. I extended my scope in Family Medicine to be able to establish long-lasting relationships with families and to care for them throughout their lives. Our family medicine program offers a supportive environment to hone my skill set as a primary care physician. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, hiking in the great parks around Binghamton and playing soccer.

Saeed Mahmood, MD
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas

I grew up and completed my undergraduate studies in Brooklyn, NY and then went to medical school at Medical University of the Americas in the Caribbean. When thinking about residency programs, I wanted a program with a challenging full-spectrum curriculum, one that would support my medical interests and goals, and most importantly, a program that felt like a family. UHS Family Medicine exceeded all these criteria when I was fortunate enough to do a rotation here during my 4th year of medical school. I felt incredibly welcomed, and was immediately drawn to the kind, open and welcoming culture among the attendings, residents and staff. I enjoy training at UHS and living in Johnson City, NY for my residency training. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time outdoors, watching/playing cricket, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.

Bhreagh Orrell, MD
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas

I am a second year family medicine resident from Nova Scotia, Canada, and I absolutely have an accent. I was lucky enough to grow up in North Sydney, on Cape Breton Island, voted the most beautiful island in Canada, and I love being near the ocean. I attended Memorial Composite High School and from there attended Cape Breton University for my undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I worked as a registered nurse at the Northside General Hospital where I found a love for advocacy, patient care and medical knowledge, which prompted me to further my education in medicine. For the first time, I left home to move to another (warmer) island, St. Kitts and Nevis, to attend Medical University of the Americas. I am so grateful for my experience on the island, the knowledge I gained and the people I met. Following my academic studies on the island, I travelled throughout the United States to complete my medical rotations, one of which I was able to obtain through the UHS Family Medicine Residency program. Unfortunately, while here, COVID surged for the first time (in 2020) and required me to return home, however the one week spent here was one of my favorites. Therefore, I was incredibly fortunate to match here for residency. I now live here, in Binghamton, NY, with my greyhound Dolce. My hobbies include hockey, attending sporting events, outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family. My medical interests include rural, palliative and sports medicine. 

Jayapriya Palaniappan, MD
Medical School: Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute

My name is Dr. Jayapriya Palaniappan. I was born in India and grew up in Saudi Arabia and Canada. I went to Sri Ramachandra Medical school and completed my internship training there. 

When I virtually interviewed for this program, I felt that the faculty and residents were approachable and were genuinely trying to get to know each of us personally. The camaraderie and support is what makes our program special. My interests include procedures, outpatient medicine, palliative, and geriatric medicine. I am part of the OMT track and started the social media committee. I am also involved in various activities, such as wellness and refugee committee, conferences, and community outreach programs such as Vines. In my free time I like to paint, hike, play sports, travel, do photography and explore community events/ restaurants with friends and family!

Saeema Sayed, MD
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas

My name is Dr. Saeema Sayed and I am from Toronto, Canada.  I went to the University of Toronto for my undergraduate studies where I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Paramedicine. Although I really enjoyed being a Paramedic, I decided to further my education and go to medical school. As an M.D. I chose to do my residency training in Family Medicine because I enjoy outpatient medicine and everything it offers such as the ability to have continuity of care and to establish a lasting relationship with my patients. The UHS Family Medicine Program was my top choice for residency because of the friendly faculty, the ability to tailor my residency track to my interest and its close proximity to home (Toronto). I am an easygoing individual who enjoys to sleep, shop and eat!  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and truly believe in a good work-life balance.

PGY-3

Rehan Azeem, MD
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas

Emily Chao, MD
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine

James Docherty, DO
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sushmita Kasireddy, MD
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine

*Mark Makar, MD
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas
I grew up in Vancouver, BC where I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia. It was while completing my undergrad that I developed a passion for preventative medicine. I realized that family medicine would be the best avenue for me to pursue this passion by allowing me to build long term relationships with patients. After completing undergrad, I earned my medical degree at the Medical University of the Americas. 
 
I chose to pursue residency at the UHS Wilson Family Medicine Program because I was looking for a community- based program with invested faculty that truly cared about the residents’ education and well-being. I found this at UHS, along with working with an amazing group of people that I’m honored to consider colleagues. 
 
My interests in medicine include lifestyle, preventative medicine and patient education. Outside of work, you’ll find me playing basketball, or watching my team, the Toronto Raptors. I also enjoy working on home improvement projects, and will travel anywhere to try new food!

Brahmjot Parhar, MD
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine

I am originally from Vancouver, BC, Canada. I attended University of British Columbia for my undergrad and completed my Bachelors degree in Combined Major in Science. I travelled all the way to Saba University School of Medicine to complete my Medical Degree. I chose this program due to the variety of different tracks which were available. I have really enjoyed learning about OMM and acupuncture.  I have also enjoyed the community outreach programs that our program participates in such as the Vines program. My interests lie in outpatient medicine and doing a variety of outpatient procedures.

*Emily Ross, MD
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University

I grew up in the small town of Port Crane, NY, about a 20 minute drive north of Binghamton. For my undergraduate education, I attended Elmira College in Elmira, NY and triple majored in biology, biochemistry, and psychology. I was honored to graduate as the valedictorian of the 2016 class. Just a few weeks later, I met my now husband by a chance encounter on a flight. I launched right into medical school at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse, NY in August that same year. I lived in Syracuse for the first two years of school, and then moved back home to Binghamton for 3rd and 4th year. I completed my 3rd year rotations in Binghamton as part of the Binghamton Campus partnership between UHS and Upstate. Since I am a Binghamton native, a local residency was an obvious choice. It was also difficult to pass up the perks of having home cooked meals on a regular basis and the love and support of my parents and grandmother right nearby. I matched into my first choice, UHS Wilson's family medicine residency, in March 2020. After two COVID-related postponements, I finally got married in July 2021 surrounded by a wonderful crew of family and friends. When my very patient husband isn't working to accommodate my ever changing residency schedule, he teaches accounting at Binghamton University. Together, we enjoy going for walks and trying out new local restaurants. Upon completion of residency, I plan to join an outpatient clinic. My interests in medicine include preventive care, women’s health, and behavioral health. Some of my hobbies include playing soccer, hiking, swimming, cooking, baking, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Nayantara Sharma, MD
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
I am from Mississauga, ON, Canada and went to medical school at Saba University. I chose this program because I did an amazing family medicine rotation here, and absolutely loved the faculty and how kind they were. I have personal interests in women's health and geriatrics. My hobbies include playing the piano, tennis, swimming, traveling, being a foodie. 

Richard Webster, DO
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Medicine
I grew up close by to UHS in the neighboring town of Vestal, NY. I attended undergrad at nearby Binghamton University and then went to NYIT-COM on Long Island for medical school. As a student I rotated at UHS and was drawn to the family medicine program because of the supportive faculty and welcoming residents. I appreciate the diversity this program has offered me, ranging from a comprehensive inpatient experience to multiple different outpatient specialties. No matter what type of practice I choose in the future, I know I will be well-prepared. When not at work, I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball, hanging out with my fellow co-residents, and going on hikes all throughout the upstate NY area.

* Indicates Co-Chief Residents

Salary: $58,000 (PGY 1)

Insurance Coverage:

• Health Insurance: UHSH is partnered with Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to provide our employees with Blue Preferred (UHS PPO). UHSH covers a major portion of the health insurance premiums. Premiums are deducted bi-weekly from your paycheck.
• Pharmacy: Prescriptions may be filled through UHS, an Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield network pharmacy or through mail order.
• Life Insurance: Provided and paid for by the hospital, equal to your annual salary.
• Malpractice Insurance: Provided and paid for by the hospital.
• Dental Insurance: Standard and high option dental plans available at shared cost with the hospital.
• Vision Insurance: Shared cost with the hospital
• Wellness Rewards
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Direct Deposit

Personal Time Off: (vacations, holidays, board exams, interviews, unexpected absences including illnesses): 18 days (PGY-1), 25 days (PGY-2), 27 days (PGY-3)

Moving Allowance: A moving allowance of $300 is provided to each resident.

Professional Development Fund: 1st and 2nd year residents are allotted $750/year to be used towards conferences, books, and/or other items related to your professional development/education. Required programmatic dues will be paid for out of the fund. This allotment increases to $1,500 in your third year of residency which is designated for board application fees

Academic Appointments: All residents receive an academic appointment as a Clinical Assistant Instructor at Upstate Medical University (SUNY), Syracuse, New York.

Athletic/Gym Privileges: Residents have access to the non-fee based athletic facilities at Binghamton University: gymnasium, weight room, indoor and outdoor tracks, pools, racquetball and tennis courts.

Membership: All Family Medicine Residents will receive AAFP and STFM membership.

· American Academy of Family Physicians: www.aafp.org

· American Board of Family Medicine: www.theabfm.org

· Family Medicine Interest Group: http://fmignet.aafp.org

· Society of Teachers of Family Medicine: www.stfm.org

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Applications are accepted via ERAS (Electronic Residency Application System). Deadline to apply is December 31. Completed application includes:

• Personal Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• Official transcript from your medical school
• MSPE
• Three letters of recommendation
• USMLE and/or COMLEX scores

Application Criteria:

• We prefer applicants who have graduated from Medical School within the last five years, or who have not been away from clinical medicine for more than 5 years and /or who have had observerships in the U.S.
• First time pass is preferred. Applicants need to have passed Steps 1 and 2 (both parts) prior to the Rank Order List deadline.
• Have applied for and received or are soon to receive ECFMG certification, if applicable.