Get to know our current chief residents and housestaff. Find out more about each resident below.

Assistant Chiefs of Service (Chief Residents)

Kai-Li Liang

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Medical School: Stony Brook University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Academic medical oncology and medical education.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I enjoy cooking and baking, watching old movies and documentaries, and taking my cat on hikes!

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Bayview’s focus on patient-centered care (including home visits), the enthusiasm for teaching, and culture of support that stems from the top down.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The diverse food scene including Ekiben, Bmore Licks, and Verde Pizza!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Maryland College Park 

Ronak Patel

Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
Medical School: Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

What are your career goals?
Hematology/Oncology.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Basketball, football, esports, horror movies.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Incredibly supportive and nurturing environment with a tightknit family, commitment to patient centered medicine, humanism, and community outreach.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The diversity in neighborhoods, each with its own identity and quirks.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Rutgers University.

Kathia Smith

Hometown: Nassau, The Bahamas
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Cardiology.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Traveling, cooking, and trying new restaurants.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The sense of community and how everyone is willing to help anyone needing help even if they don’t request it.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
All the cool neighborhoods to explore and new restaurants to try.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
The University of Chicago.

Senior Residents (PGY-3)

Cat Ahlberg

Hometown:Venice Beach, CA
Medical School:Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
My goal is to complete fellowships in both pulmonary/critical care and palliative care. I hope to be an intensivist with research interests in end-of-life care in the MICU.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I am obsessed with my three cats and spend as much of my time playing with them as possible. I spend all of my extra funds on travel and particularly enjoy learning to cook food from around the world. I also enjoy singing, crafting (although how good I am at it is debatable) and spending time outdoors with friends.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I know that many programs will say that they feel like a family and I can’t speak about them, but Johns Hopkins Bayview truly is a family is every sense of the word. I felt so supported from the moment I matched; from the program leadership to my co-interns and residents, everyone is there for each other 100%.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
B’More Licks! I am an ice cream addict and they have so many options. Plus, being right next to the park means it’s a beautiful place to sit and it is possible to socially distance with friends.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Maine

Ofure Akhiwu

Hometown: Benin City, Nigeria
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I am still in the process of exploring all specialties. Hoping to be in a space where I can care and advocate for a diverse patient population.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I love cooking, gardening and interior decorating.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The people I work with. They care so much about their patients and each other. It’s such a wonderful supportive community. I feel I can be myself here.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The trails and nature parks. Especially the waterfalls.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Canisius College

Nicole Campion Dialo

Hometown: Westwood, MA
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
To strengthen the capacity of public-health and healthcare systems in low-resource communities in a way that builds health equity, both locally and globally.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Spending time with family, hiking, running, doing yoga and learning languages.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The view! You can see all the way to the harbor from the south side of the hospital. The sunrises and sunsets are beautiful. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and eager to help us learn.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The diversity of charm found in the dozens of different neighborhoods that have unique quirks and history. Baltimore is small enough that you can learn your way around quickly, and big enough that there’s always something new to discover.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Notre Dame

Jad Farha

Hometown: Marjeyoun
Medical School: American University of Beirut

What are your career goals?
To pursue a career in gastroenterology and to apply my knowledge and skills in the form of devices or systems that aim to solve a health problem and improve quality of life.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Diplomacy and healthcare technology. I also love travelling to explore different cultures and cuisines.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The team spirit and support that is expressed at all levels of the hospital, from the faculty to the co-residents/interns!

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The waterfront promenade, the eclectic variety of restaurants and the live bands!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
American University of Beirut

Emily Gao

Hometown: Madison, CT
Medical School: Yale Medical School

What are your career goals?
I’m interested in primary care and community-hospital partnerships to promote healthy living and preventive care. I'm also interested in community engagement with medical research.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Podcasts, walking, arts and crafts

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love the supportive environment—from my fellow house-staff and nursing to the attendings/fellows and staff in the hospitals and clinics. Everyone cares about the patients and people support each other.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I’m new to Baltimore, so there is so much I don’t know and am eager to learn about, but so far I love walking around the city and seeing the pride that people seem to have in Baltimore. The bus stop benches where I live are labeled “Baltimore: Greatest City in America.” I like walking and listening to a podcast (plug for “The Rise of Charm City”) while passing by wall murals, admiring people’s customized roof decks and seeing people fishing with their grandkids in Canton Waterfront park.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Williams College

Mark Lieber

Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Medical School: University of California, Irvine School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I ultimately plan to do HIV and LGBTQ primary care. I also love global health and medical journalism and hope to weave those into my career whenever I can.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I’m a big fan of yoga and swimming. I also love watching and talking about documentary films (I used to work in doc production in a previous life), the Planet Earth series will always be hard to beat. I’m also spending a lot of time with my new cat, Chloe, who I adopted when I moved to Baltimore.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love how supportive and friendly everyone is—it really does feel like a family. I also love how personalized my residency experience has already been. The leadership team, faculty, and senior residents all seem genuinely invested in supporting me, regardless of my goals and interests.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
It’s hard to say since we’re starting during a pandemic and most things are closed, but I do love my neighborhood (Mount Vernon) and have already explored a number of cool coffee shops and restaurants (take-out only) that are just blocks from my apartment.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Stanford University

Zach Lorenz

Hometown: Middletown, DE
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

What are your career goals?
I am hoping to pursue a career in infectious diseases and general internal medicine as a clinician educator. 

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I am a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and amateur woodworker. I also love to read adventure fantasy and science fiction.  

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I chose Bayview because even on the hardest days of residency I’m surrounded by people who remind me of the physician I want to be. The program is intentionally built to encourage us to grow as compassionate healers.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
It’s where I met my wife. Also, the waterfront eats.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Johns Hopkins University—Go Jays!

Laura Maas

Hometown: St. Charles, Missouri
Medical School: University of Missouri-Columbia

What are your career goals?
Academic gastroenterology, clinical investigations in inflammatory bowel disease, medical education.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I greatly enjoy spending time with my pup, Dorie, exploring the city, and playing pickleball.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Johns Hopkins Bayview is an incredible place, where everyone, including residents and attendings, go above and beyond to provide excellent patient-centered care. In addition, we have strong support from faculty in terms of mentorship for research, fellowship and future career planning.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Baltimore has a wide variety of unique neighborhoods that are fun to explore. In addition, it has a great food scene - some of my favorites include 1157 Bar + Kitchen, Nick’s Fish House and Clavel.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Notre Dame -- Go Irish!

Laneisha Maldonado Jaime

Hometown: Aguada, Puerto Rico
Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University

What are your career goals?
Hematology oncology, research and health in under-represented populations

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I enjoy the beach, ballet and spending time with family and friends

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
What I love most about Johns Hopkins Bayview is the culture of respect manifested in every aspect of healthcare, especially embracing diversity and inclusivity.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The waterfront around the Inner Harbor

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Universidad Adventista de las Antillas

Ilana Nelson-Greenberg

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Medical School: Penn Medical School

What are your career goals?
Primary care practice and innovative care delivery

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I love outer space! And in particular, early space travel, when they were making it to the moon with only slide rulers as their tools. I also love to explore cities where I live with friends.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I came here, like many others, for the people! And because it’s a rigorous academic environment, with a focus on vulnerable populations and especially on primary care. I am extremely excited to be here.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I haven’t been able to explore the city in a deep way yet (for obvious reasons). For now, I’ve really been appreciating the ice cream scene, with some pizza touring involved.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Brown University

Lia Penn

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Addiction medicine, primary care, and/or endocrinology

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Traveling, running/walking the trails around Baltimore and spending time with my dog and fiancée

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The learning environment here is very open. Everyone is super helpful and wants to teach. I can ask questions and feel supported in both my decision making and growth as a physician.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Baltimore is the best. I love summer crab feasts and all of the amazing food in the city!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Villanova University

Lochan Shah

Hometown: San Diego, California
Medical School: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Cardiology, leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery and treatments

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Running, traveling (24 countries and counting!), dancing, hiking and then refueling myself with ice cream shops around town

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love Johns Hopkins Bayview’s core values of patient-centered care; humanism; delivering medicine as a public trust; the spirit of being a patient advocate inside and outside the hospital; and how much everyone cares about the patients and communities they come from. I couldn’t choose just one!

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I love the waterfront promenade (especially on sunset runs)

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
UC Berkeley

Dan I. Soffer

Hometown: Aventura, FL
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Academic medicine, otherwise undecided

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Spending time with my wife and child, being involved with my community, self-reflection, studying biblical texts, playing piano

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I am surrounded by a diverse group of incredible, growth oriented role models who love what they do, invoke in me a sense of joy in medicine on a regular basis and push me to grow to be the best version of me that I can be.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
My local community

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Florida

Ty Sweeney

Hometown: North Attleboro, MA
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Preventive cardiology

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Exploring different cultures through food, rock climbing and collecting books that I tell myself I will read one day

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Everyone here truly thinks of medicine as a public trust and strives to make the community stronger each day. I am incredibly proud of this culture and to be a part of the Johns Hopkins Bayview family.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The Baltimore accent

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Boston University

Karthik Meiyappan Udayappan

Hometown: Pleasanton, CA
Medical School: University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
The fundamental question we answer for our patients is the question "Doc, what is wrong with me?" Studies show diagnostic error will affect each of us, directly or indirectly, at least once in our lifetime. I would like to contribute to this burgeoning movement to reduce misdiagnosis related harm through educational, patient safety and systems, entrepreneurial, and technology development initiatives.

Concurrently, I believe healthcare cannot be subject to the same market forces as other commodities. The caliber of medical care you'd want your own family to receive will undoubtedly be rooted in emotional labor and deep empathy.  But because these are rarely measured and incentivized, economics disproportionately favors more and more medical procedures, gadgets, and drug development. As one result, providers ever-increasingly need "to be more efficient" and patients feels things are done to them rather than for them. I want to work to reverse this. 

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Tennis, ice cream (updated opinion- Taharka Bros!), golden retrievers, dachshunds, german shepherds, watching fireflies in the twilight, watching documentaries, learning about history and geopolitics, and of course friends and family!

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
People’s kindness, selflessness, and thoughtfulness that belies their amazing individual accomplishments! A “diamond in the rough” place where I am pushed and supported equally. 

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Variety! It’s a city of neighborhoods and each neighborhood has its own charm—from the beautiful views of the sky line of Federal Hill to the cobblestone streets of Fells Point. I also love Baltimore’s proximity to outdoor activities and its proximity to other cities—DC, Philly, NYC

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Miami (double ‘cane!)

Junior Residents (PGY-2)

Mona Abraham

Hometown: Flowery Branch, GA
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

What are your career goals?
Interested in nephrology, critical care, health equity, holistic wellness.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Yoga, cooking, traveling

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The people are amazing! Everyone wants to support you which helps a lot with the transition to intern year. The culture is really special here at Bayview. Also the salad bar in the cafeteria is 10/10.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
It’s a great location, there’s a lot to do here but also close to other major cities if you want to take a weekend/day trip (DC, NY, Philadelphia)

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Georgia Tech

Vivian V. Altiery De Jesús

Hometown: Boquerón, Puerto Rico
Medical School: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Oncology, Bioethics, Research, and Medical Education

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Some of my main interests outside medicine are photography, manga/anime, writing and reading. Landscapes, animals, and plants are my favorite theme. Looking forward for the four seasons change and capturing the new flora and fauna that the Northeast has to offer. I love writing from poetry to fiction and non-fiction.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
One of the things I love is Bayview’s mission to train physicians in medicine as a public trust. I am eager to learn from the epitome of medical education and patient centered care. I am eager to learn as much as I can and be able to pass it forward to the future generations of physicians.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
This is very hard because I need to choose only one! I would say the National Aquarium. I am fascinated by marine life and how it seems to be a completely different world. And also, the drastic and beautiful change of season, especially the blooming of spring.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus

Rickisha Berrien-Lopez

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Undecided, but I am committed to working with low-income and underserved populations.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Spending time hiking and camping with family and friends. I also love baking and make wonderful plant-based desserts!

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The beautiful Johns Hopkins Bayview campus atmosphere.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The Inner Harbor, it’s a lovely place to walk around.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
The University of Chicago

Bryce Churilla

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I’m currently still deciding! I have an interest in Pulmonary/Critical Care, Gastroenterology and Geriatrics. I want to explore ways to improve outcomes for older adults in the inpatient setting.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I love going on adventures with my dog Mabel! I’m also a big foodie so I’m excited to try new restaurants around Baltimore. I love musical theatre and can’t wait to see more shows!

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I chose Johns Hopkins Bayview because I felt an overwhelming sense of family at this program. There is so much support and caring amongst residents and faculty!

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I love being close to the harbor! I’m still exploring Baltimore but have found so far it’s a really walkable city with lots to do!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Pittsburgh

Matthew Crow

Hometown: Collierville, TN
Medical School: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What are your career goals?
I am undecided if I want to pursue fellowship, but I believe I would like to end up in academic medicine.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Discovering new coffee shops, breweries, and local restaurants as well as distance running.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I decided on Bayview because I knew that in addition to providing a rigorous academic training program I could trust this program and its faculty to help me become a more kind, more empathetic, and more culturally competent physician.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I love being by the Inner Harbor. There’s something really calming about living by the water, and something really satisfying about walking to local restaurants and coffee shops.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Sa Do (John) Kang

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Gastroenterology, research, education

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I love food in general—Korean food is my favorite and I can never have enough of it! I also enjoy crossfit and olympic lifting.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Although I haven’t met anyone yet in person, I am excited to be a part of the Hopkins Bayview family.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
So far, I love the diversity of food options, which I think is a reflection of the cultural diversity of the city.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Duke University

Matt Keenan

Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I am interested in public health, infectious disease, and primary care. I remain open minded about what to do after residency and am considering a fellowship in one of these interests.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I enjoy travelling, reading, chess, and sports. I most enjoy spending time with my wife (Sarah) and dog (Molly).

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love the compassionate and innovative environment (as well as the convenient Chipotle access).

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Rooftop decks and crab

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Notre Dame

Matt Lankiewicz

Hometown: Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Medical School: SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University

What are your career goals?
Hematology! I’d like to take care of patients with sickle cell disease, hemophilia, and other blood disorders.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I like walking my dogs, Wilbur and Grace, fishing and boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and spending time with my fiancé, Caroline.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
So far, the people. Everyone has been fantastic and helpful, from the administrators, to the current residents, and the incoming class that I’m just starting to get to know!

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Its uniqueness! No other city has the great mix of things Baltimore has: lacrosse, crabs, history, the best restaurants and bars, the harbor, etc. It’s a one of kind place.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Johns Hopkins University

Daniel Li

Hometown: Clarksville, Maryland
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Medical oncology, patient care, clinical research, multidisciplinary collaboration 

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Trying new restaurants and food with friends and family, travelling to new places 

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
How all staff (attendings, residents, nurses, pharmacists, techs, therapists, social workers, case managers) take the time to teach and answer questions 

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Views of and along the Inner Harbor 

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Duke University

Charlee McLean-Powell

Hometown: Portland, Jamaica and Baltimore, Maryland
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
To provide care to individuals living in underserved communities. To pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology. To pay it forward by helping future students pursue medicine. In addition, aid in the establishment of a medical facility in my hometown of Portland, Jamaica.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I enjoy playing games and watching movies with my family, yoga, sketching/drawing, traveling, and cooking/baking.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love the collegiality; everyone is so supportive and eager to help. The commitment to providing patient-centered care.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I like the diversity of the neighborhoods, the many food options and being close to my family and friends.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Morgan State University

Deborah Mi

Hometown: Hong Kong
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

What are your career goals?
Interventional pulmonology, with a specific interest in thoracic oncology 

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Running, yoga, concerts and festivals, trying new restaurants, fashion/art/design, thrifting for vintage furniture 

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
My co-residents! Especially my class, which might be the best class, no bias over here.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Summer evenings on rooftops/patios, unique neighborhoods, hidden gem restaurants/bars 

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Wesleyan University

Alinafe (Lina) Mpanda

Hometown: Hamden, Connecticut
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

What are your career goals?
Pursue a subspecialty, currently thinking GI, then practice as a clinician and researcher focused on translational medicine.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I enjoy traveling, cooking, trying out new restaurants, watching movies, and hiking.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The focus on patient centered care, showcased by programs like the Aliki initiative.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I’m new to Baltimore, but so far, I’ve enjoyed the time spent by the harbor, particularly in the Fells Point area.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Sacred Heart University, in Fairfield, CT.

Sohemi Pagan Leon

Hometown: Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico
Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University

What are your career goals?
I am interested in serving underserved populations, medical education, and providing the best care to my patients.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Spending time with family, friends, and dog. I enjoy trying new types of food and restaurants.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The welcoming, supportive, and kind individuals who make up the Johns Hopkins Bayview Family!

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The diverse food scene.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Central Florida

Anna Shah

Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Academic general internal medicine with a focus in primary care

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Playing piano, hiking and spending time in nature, figure skating, running

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love the close-knit community and the mission of medicine as a public trust that is at the center of clinical care to ensure we can best serve patients as individuals and the greater Baltimore community.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I am excited to explore Baltimore but from what I know, I like that Baltimore has a variety of activities to offer.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Miami

Daniel S. Thomas

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

What are your career goals?
I have strong interests in health policy and primary care innovation, along with a research interest in the intersection of medicine and psychiatry (I almost went down that route!). My goal is remain involved in underserved communities as a clinician while leading the development of alternative care delivery models.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I love to run (casually) and hike, especially in Patterson Park. I adore books and am always buying even more of them than I can read. I enjoy both finding good restaurants and cooking my own dishes; I hope to open my own café one day. I’m active in a local cross-cultural church called Hope Baltimore and live in Highlandtown.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
As an intern, I’m still learning the ropes. What drew me to Johns Hopkins Bayview was the strong culture of medicine as a public trust first and foremost instead of as a business enterprise or research-centric ivory tower.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Outside of the touristy waterfront, few outsiders think highly of the city. That’s why the people here are so fiercely protective of it. Their civic pride is resilient and legendary, especially as expressed through the many murals and local eateries.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Baylor University

Catherine Wu

Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
General internal medicine, GI

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Tennis, reading, travel, food

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The faculty, staff and residents have been so warm and welcoming.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I like how cute and historical the brick rowhomes are and how each neighborhood has its own character.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Davidson College

Interns (PGY 1)

Selamawit Addissie

Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Silver Spring, MD
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
To serve my community as a primary care physician here in the DMV area and participate in global missions as well.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Spending time with my family and friends, baking and painting.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The amazing and down to earth people I met during my interview spoke volumes about the community here at Bayview and I consider it such a privilege to be a part of the Bayview family.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The diverse community is by far the #1 thing I love about Baltimore. The beautiful harbor as well as the rich history and culture the city has to offer has also been fun to explore.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Maryland College Park

Devika Agrawal

Hometown: Tacoma, Washington
Medical School: University of Maryland

What are your career goals?
Become an empathetic and culturally competent physician that serves my community

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Hiking, writing (poetry, etc), playing with my cat, traveling, listening to music

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The culture of inclusivity.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The uniqueness of each neighborhood and the strength of the communities that inhabit each one.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Johns Hopkins University

Ramkumar (Kumar) Balasubramaniyan

Hometown: New York, New York
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Hematology-Oncology

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
History, sports, food, films/TV, trivia games

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The welcoming and supportive atmosphere, as well as the dedication to holistic approach to medicine.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I’m still new to Baltimore, but so far I’ve enjoyed the great food as well as how friendly everyone is.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Vanderbilt University

Michael Bejjani

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Medical School: American University of Beirut

What are your career goals?
Pursuing a career in gastroenterology involving both medical education and research.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Sports, traveling, and trying different cuisines.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Everyone here is welcoming, supportive, and committed to patient-centered care. The faculty and administrative staff are all invested in helping us succeed and reach our future goals.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Walking along the inner harbor, the diverse food scene, and Bmore Licks for ice cream.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
American University of Beirut

Shivani Bhatnagar

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

What are your career goals?
Spreading an appreciation of geriatrics and improving medical education

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Experimenting in the kitchen, binge-watching shows, and being outdoors!

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
This is one of the few programs that doesn’t just tolerate a primary care or geriatrics curriculum, but actually embraces it.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
As someone moving from a land-locked metroplex, I adore how close we are to the water!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
The University of Texas at Dallas

Michelle Colbert

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Medical School: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Rheumatologic dermatology and dermatopathology

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Nail polish, basketball, reality TV

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love how welcoming the people at Bayview are. It creates a healthy learning environment for everyone. Also, the food in the cafeteria is amazing.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Patterson Park and rooftop decks!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Arizona State University

Luisa A. Diaz Arias

Hometown: Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Medical School: Universidad de los Andes Facultad de Medicina (Colombia)

What are your career goals?
I want to become an outstanding neurologist, scientist and neuroengineer.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I love learning new languages, practicing yoga, running, and swimming.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
It is the people that make this place special.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I love Fells Point and Federal Hill

Yehuda Eidensohn

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

What are your career goals?
Academic medicine, with interests in infectious disease and cardiology

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Spending time with my wife and three boys, reading, and running

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love how faculty and staff are welcoming and warm.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Baltimore has a friendly vibe and a wonderful sense of community.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Towson University

Ayi Eta

Hometown: Belton, South Carolina
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I hope to practice nephrology and/or critical care

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Painting, cooking, weightlifting, anime.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I was very excited to see how diverse the residents and faculty are! I’m looking forward to working and learning from a group of people from all walks of life.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I’m a foodie and I’ve heard that Baltimore has some of the best seafood. I’m looking forward to trying out as many places as I can.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of South Carolina Honors College

John Feemster

Hometown: Wausau, Wisconsin
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

What are your career goals?
Interested in academic neurology, sleep disorders, movement disorders.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Cooking, trying new foods, exploring the outdoors

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The people are why I chose Johns Hopkins Bayview. Everyone is extremely helpful and the level of intelligence that is exhibited by my coworkers is incredible.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The food! I never have to walk very far to find good wings, seafood, or any other dish that I am interested in trying.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
St. Olaf College

Christian Griffin

Hometown: New York, New York
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

What are your career goals?
As a clinician, I want to pursue critical care. As a humanist and an educator, I want to work in medical education, teaching doctors how to use their expertise to communicate with and support patients and their loved ones.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I am an avid hiker, camper, a cappella singer, and lover of great narratives in literature and on television.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I love the emphasis on activism, education, and humanism at this institution, paired with the excellence of a renowned academic medical center.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I love all the historic architecture!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Yale University

Zachary Kassir

Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I am currently undecided. I am really excited to explore the different subspecialties throughout residency!

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Working out (I love running along the waterfront and in Patterson Park). Rock climbing. I also love to cook (especially middle-eastern food) and am a big-time movie lover!

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The balance between rigorous clinical experiences and a fantastic culture that makes you feel supported and prioritizes your personal growth and well-being

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I love the waterfront - exploring the pier, going for runs along the water, and all the amazing seafood restaurants!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Cornell University. Go Big Red!

LeeAnn Li

Hometown: Vienna, Virginia
Medical School: University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA)

What are your career goals?
To practice neurology as a physician-scientist in an academic setting, expanding on my doctoral research in regenerative engineering for neurological disorders, while incorporating teaching and community-supporting efforts.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Gardening, cycling, yoga, climbing, getting outdoors and good food with family and friends; dabbling in the arts (both as a creator and appreciator). Meditation and my Catholic faith help ground me.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The strength of academic training alongside being a welcoming and humanistic environment to live and learn

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
You get the city feel without the traffic and long commutes, and it simultaneously feels more neighborly and easily explored on foot/bike!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Virginia (UVA)

Hania Tariq Mumtaz

Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I aspire to a career that addresses the macro-level forces that dictate patients’ lives. To that end, I want to be involved in higher level policy that inevitably brings patients into the realm of medicine downstream. I hope to split my time between the bedside and policy-making, as policies are only as effective as how well-informed they are by actual, lived realities.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Poetry in both English and Urdu, journaling, reading, sending letters & cards, running, cooking Pakistani cuisine, plants (particularly succulents), collecting art, climate change policy, geopolitics, learning new languages, traveling, and most importantly, making time for friends

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The warmth of the people! Everyone has time for a chat.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I love that it’s so centrally located – so many places to see that are a short jaunt away! I also love that it’s green and walkable.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
At the University of Central Florida and graduate studies subsequently at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy

Sunwoo Park

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea; Germantown, Maryland
Medical School: FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I am interested in primary care, rheumatology, and medical education

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Exploring new restaurants, walking, playing piano, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and trying out different iced vanilla lattes.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Aside from the robust training, I am most impressed by the culture at Bayview – the faculty and residents are very welcoming and friendly!

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The waterfront and diverse food scene

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Georgetown University

Parth S. Patel

Hometown: Edison, New Jersey
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

What are your career goals?
I’m undecided on a subspeciality. I am interested in improving patients’ experiences with the use of technology and honing my teaching abilities to work with patients and students from a variety of backgrounds.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Podcasts, running, spending time with friends and family and cheering on Liverpool FC.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Emphasis placed on caring for the whole patient and the supportive environment fostered by program leadership.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The uniqueness of the different neighborhoods and variety of cuisines available.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
The College of New Jersey

Karishma Popli

Hometown: Great Falls, Virginia
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Academic neurology with a focus on medical ethics and global health. Currently interested in neurocritical care and movement disorders.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Dance, photography, podcasts, exploring new restaurants in the area (especially all the great Baltimore ice cream shops!), walking around the harbor, and spending time with family and friends.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The incredible support and mentorship from everyone in the Bayview community from the leadership team, faculty, senior residents, and fellow co-interns – everyone has your best interests at heart and are always supportive.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
I can’t choose just one! I really like the charm of distinct Baltimore neighborhoods, the proximity to the harbor, and the ability to easily take day trips to DC or Philadelphia. Also all the incredible ice cream shops in Baltimore!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Duke University

Kori Porosnicu Rodriguez

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
Adult neurology; I hope to develop an academic medicine career rich with initiatives in medical education, research, health equity, and community outreach. I have a particular interest in palliative care and studying communication styles.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Art, creative writing, dancing, hiking/running

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Johns Hopkins Bayview has a fantastic culture of kindness that is evident in its warm patient-centered care, close-knit teams, and supportive educators.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Baltimore’s street murals!

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Columbia University

Jeffrey Schneider

Hometown: McLean, Virginia
Medical School: NYU School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I plan to pursue a hematology/oncology fellowship and a career combining research with clinical practice

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Walking my dog Remi to the park, sports, board games, live music.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The strong commitment to personalized and equitable patient care

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Walks along the harbor and in Patterson Park

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Haverford College

Pooja Selvam

Hometown: Woodstock, Maryland
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I am currently undecided, but I have an interest in Ccardiology, critical care, and endocrinology. I’m committed to providing patient-centered care and pursuing research in whichever field I choose.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I love dancing, hiking local trails, yoga, singing, reading, exploring new restaurants/coffee shops, and spending time with my friends and family.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The incredible community, diversity, and possibilities for growth. This is a community where people look out for each other both during our training and beyond.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The food/desserts and waterfront views! I love the crabcakes at Thames Oyster house, mango sorbetto at Pitango and walking along the Fell’s waterfront.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Andrew Suchan

Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What are your career goals?
Gastroenterology

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I love playing volleyball, listening to underground music, collecting vinyl records, writing narrative medicine and fictional stories, Boston sports, and watching terrible reality TV with my friends.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
The people and strong leadership that helps us get to where we want to go.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
How vibrant the different communities and neighborhoods are, as well as The Sound Garden record store

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
University of Akron

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Julie Yi

Hometown: Monterey Bay, California
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University

What are your career goals?
Academic neurology

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
Baking for friends, reading memoirs, long walks along the water, HIIT workouts

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
Emphasis on teaching and supportive environment.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
Summer evenings along the waterfront.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Duke University

Julia Zirpoli

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Medical School: University of Maryland

What are your career goals?
I am passionate about providing quality preventive health care, and building trusting relationships with my patients through open communication and shared decision-making.

What are some of your main interests outside of medicine?
I play the violin, guitar, and I sing. I also enjoy weightlifting and working on DIY projects in my 1880s Baltimore City rowhome.

What is one thing you love about Johns Hopkins Bayview?
I especially appreciate Johns Hopkins Bayview’s commitment to primary care and geriatrics.

What is one thing you love about Baltimore?
The people! Baltimore is my home, it is where I began my career, and it is a community I love serving.

Where did you complete your undergraduate studies?
Bridgewater College in Virginia