Meet Our Advisors
Our team is passionate about going the extra mile to transform your dreams of becoming a physician into a reality.
Surgical Specialties
Internal Medicine
Faculty
Douglas Duffee MD, MDiv, FACP
Current Faculty Attending and Former Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency
Dr. Doug Duffee MD, MDiv, FACP is a board-certified General Internist and Faculty Attending Physician for an Internal Medicine Residency. Additionally, he recently completed a 3-year term of service as Program Director for the same Internal Medicine Residency. Involved as an academic preceptor since 2012 as part of his private practice of Traditional Internal Medicine, he moved to full-time academic education in 2019. While a resident at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, he published the initial clinical description of what is now called PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.
He is actively involved in the recruiting of and working with medical students and Internal Medicine residents, having interviewed, advised, and collaborated with many over the past few years as part of building the Internal Medicine Residency program. This has also involved the reviewing of many more Residency program applications. Prior to 2019, Dr. Duffee garnered 23 years of private practice experience in 2 unique settings; a large multispecialty group in Clearwater Florida, and a solo practice (built from the ground up) in Pueblo Colorado. Additionally, he has served administratively as Chief of Staff and Board Member at Largo Medical Center in Largo Florida, and currently chairs the Research Committee, amongst other roles. In keeping with his love for the comprehensive Generalist approach to medicine, he obtained a Master of Divinity degree in theology now used in supporting the Internal Medicine Residency wellness program and in community volunteer activities.
Billy Zhang, MD
Former Associated Program Director/ Internal Medicine
Dr. Billy Zhang is a board-certified Internist with several years of experience interviewing medical school and Internal Medicine residency applicants. He studied at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St. Kitts and completed his internship at Drexel University/Hahnemann University Hospital and residency at Lankenau Medical Center. After residency, Dr. Zhang relocated to New York City where he served as a clinical preceptor for medical students and residents and later as an Associate Program Director for NYC HHC Woodhull Medical Center Internal Medicine residency where he was heavily involved in the primary care curriculum development. He has also assisted residency applicants in all elements of residency preparation of all specialties, including the development of personal statements, building effective applications to communicate clear messages, and giving feedback to improve interview skills, especially in students where English was a second language. Currently, Dr. Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education for the California University of Science and Medicine, School of Medicine and cares for patients in Southern California. In addition, he provides primary care didactics to local residency programs.
Ahed Makhoul, MD, MBA
Hematology/Oncology Fellow (Former Palliative Care Attending) / Cleveland Clinic Foundation
With over 9 years of experience, Dr. Ahed Makhoul is a double board-certified Internal Medicine and Hospice/Palliative Medicine Physician, currently advancing his expertise as a Hematology and Oncology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Beyond his extensive clinical background, Dr. Makhoul holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and is a Board Certified Coach (BCC), equipping him with a comprehensive skill set to support aspiring physicians.
As an International Medical Graduate (IMG) himself – and a #1 ranked medical school graduate – he intimately understands the unique challenges and triumphs of the residency application journey. Dr. Makhoul is passionately dedicated to leveraging his diverse experience, from supervising medical students, residents, and fellows in their clinical rotations to his direct work with patients facing serious illnesses, to provide unparalleled, personalized guidance. He is committed to helping you refine your interview skills, strategically prepare for the Match Day, and ultimately achieve your residency goals.
Dr. Makhoul, while helping international medical students with The Match Guy, does not represent the Cleveland Clinic or its IM residency program.
Junaid Farooq, M.B.B.S/M.D CRCP
Staff Physician at Berkshire Health Systems, Massachusetts & St. Mary’s Hospital, New York
Dr. Farooq is a graduate of Yusra Medical & Dental College in Islamabad, Pakistan. He completed his residency at Charleston Area Medical Center/West Virginia University in Charleston, WV. He trained in a unique fellowship track, specializing in Infectious Disease & Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Farooq brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served in various leadership capacities among residents and fellows both during his residency and fellowship.
Joseph Sleiman, MD
Gastroenterology Faculty /Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
Dr. Sleiman is an associate staff at Cleveland Clinic. He earned his medical degree from the University of Balamand in Lebanon before completing a research fellowship in Thalassemia at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. He completed Internal Medicine residency at Cleveland Clinic, where he completed ClinSchoP track training in clinical research and biostatistics followed by Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.
His research focuses on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immunotherapy-induced colitis, and machine learning applications in GI. He received the 2019 Back to Bedside ACGME grant and mentors another grant for the 2022 cycle. Pfizer funds his radiomics project on advanced imaging detection for stricturing Crohn’s disease. Dr. Sleiman serves as a reviewer for the American College of Gastroenterology Case Reports Journal and is the current Social Media Editor for Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. He is actively involved in medical education and mentorship, guiding trainees on networking and residency/ fellowship applications.
Fellows
Mohanad Hamandi, MD,
Cardiology Fellow/ Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
Dr. Hamandi completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Presbyterian program and is currently a cardiology fellow at the Mayo Clinic. He earned his medical degree from Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany, and prior to residency, completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in structural heart interventions at Baylor Heart Hospital in Dallas. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, 2 book chapters and 70 abstracts to date.
Dr. Hamandi has mentored numerous medical students and residents in both research and the residency/fellowship application process. During residency, he served on the recruitment committee, interviewing applicants and gaining valuable insight into what programs look for. He also played a key role in recruiting research associates during his postdoctoral fellowship. He is actively involved with the American College of Cardiology, particularly through the Fellows-in-Training section. With his extensive experience in research, mentorship, and competitive applications, Dr. Hamandi offers strategic advising and personalized interview preparation for IMGs applying to Internal Medicine and for residents seeking to match into competitive cardiology fellowships.
Melis Sahinoz, MD
PGY- 5 Cardiology Fellow / Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Dr. Melis Sahinoz is a second-year cardiology fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with a passion for cardiovascular prevention and imaging. Born and raised in Ankara, Turkey, she graduated with high honors from Hacettepe University School of Medicine, ranking among the top of her class. She later completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Vanderbilt, focusing on hypertension, immune cell activation, and sodium metabolism. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Vanderbilt, where she stayed to continue her training as a cardiology fellow. During residency, she served as Co-Chair of the Housestaff Advisory Council, working closely with leadership to improve the training experience for residents and fellows. Throughout her training, Dr. Sahinoz has been actively involved in translational and clinical research, leading and collaborating on projects in lipid management, cardiovascular risk prediction, and wearable health technology. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributed to textbook chapters, and presented her work at major national and international conferences. Her scholarly work has been cited over 500 times. Having personally navigated the challenges of the match as an international medical graduate, Dr. Sahinoz is deeply committed to mentoring and empowering IMGs. She provides personalized strategies and interview preparation to help trainees successfully match into top- tier Internal Medicine residency and cardiology fellowship programs.
Firas Bahdi, MD
Advanced GI Endoscopy Fellow/ UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Firas Bahdi is a current advanced endoscopy fellow at UCLA. He brings to the table extensive experience in guiding internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship applicants. Dr. Bahdi excels in offering strategic, individualized advice and practicing mock interviews to help candidates shine in their real interviews, ultimately leading them to a successful match. Many of his mentees have matched into their top choice program including some prestigious training programs.
Dr. Bahdi earned his medical degree from the University of Aleppo Faculty of Medicine before engaging in clinical research at both the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and UCLA. He completed his internal medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine in 2022, where he was recognized with several honors, including the Henry D. McIntosh Outstanding Resident Award, Resident as Educator Award, Best Research Award and Outstanding Ambulatory Care Award. Dr. Bahdi later completed his gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at UCLA in 2025.
Cindy Trabouls, MD
GI Fellow/ The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Dr. Cindy Traboulsi is a second-year GI fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Originally from Lebanon, she completed her medical education at the American University of Beirut where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Upon graduating, Dr. Traboulsi moved to the United States and worked at the University of Chicago Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. As the Lab Manager, she collaborated with various GI fellows and faculty members on numerous research projects. Dr. Traboulsi then moved to Pittsburgh for her internal medicine residency at UPMC. During her residency, Dr. Traboulsi has mentored medical students and participated in interviewing internal medicine applicants. As a GI fellow, she continues to be involved in mentorship and medical education.
Waddah Malas, MD
PGY-7 Cardiologist / Electrophysiology Fellow / Mayo Clinic
Dr. Waddah Malas earned his Medical Diploma from the University of Damascus in Syria in 2017. In 2018, he joined the Emory University Cardiovascular Research Institute, where he completed a research internship focused on women’s health and microvascular dysfunction. Dr. Malas completed his Internal Medicine training and Cardiovascular fellowship at Loyola University.
Currently, Dr. Malas is a PGY-7 Electrophysiology Fellow at Mayo Clinic. In addition to his fellowship, he continues to practice as a certified internal medicine physician. Dr. Malas is dedicated to mentoring International Medical Graduate, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of physicians.
Samer Alkassis, MD
Hematology/Oncology Health Science Clinical Instructor/ UCLA
Dr. Samer Alkassis's journey began at the University of Damascus, Faculty of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree. In 2016, he embarked on a new chapter by relocating to the United States. At UCLA, he served as a clinical research coordinator. Subsequently, he started his internal medicine residency at Wayne State University. In 2022, he returned to Los Angeles to continue his specialization in hematology/oncology at UCLA and graduated as the chief fellow. He also completed his Masters degree in Clinical Research during his fellowship. His aspiration is to evolve into a clinician-educator, inspiring the next generation of physicians, pioneering innovative oncological treatments, and providing unwavering support to his patients.
Adeeb Sebai, MD
Internal Medicine & Vascular Medicine Physician
Dr. Adeeb Sebai is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and Vascular Medicine specialist currently practicing at United Vein & Vascular Centers. He recently completed his Vascular Medicine fellowship at the University of Chicago – NorthShore and previously completed his Internal Medicine residency at McLaren Oakland, Michigan State University in 2023.He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree summa cum laude from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia, where he was recognized with numerous honors, including the Dean’s List, First Degree Honors, and a Merit-Based Scholarship.
Before residency, Dr. Sebai worked as a research collaborator at the Mayo Clinic and served as an instructor at Alfaisal University, where he taught medical students in USMLE preparation courses and mentored many aspiring physicians pursuing residency in the U.S. Dr. Sebai is actively involved in advancing the field of vascular medicine. He serves on the Venous Task Force of the American Society for Vascular Medicine and was selected by the American Heart Association to moderate expert panel discussions on vascular care. His diverse experience has equipped him with valuable insight, which he now uses to guide applicants through the residency match process, research involvement, and strategic application planning.
Heya Batah, MD
Hematology/Oncology fellow/ Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
Dr. Batah is currently a first year Hematology/Oncology fellow at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, OH and graduated from Wayne State Medical School in Detroit, MI. Throughout her training, she has been a part of multiple organizations that have helped mentor pre-medical and medical applicants. She was the President of PhiDE, a pre-medical fraternity, the Vice President of the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) for several years, and a leader for the Women in Medicine organization at her residency program. She presented abstracts at both ASCO and ASH, winning an abstract achievement award for her research in AML, and was invited on the Cancer Advances Podcast at Cleveland Clinic to further discuss her research on extensive stage small cell lung cancer. As an elective, was chosen to be a medical media resident for ABC News in New York City where she edited and published medical news stories aired on ABC and Good Morning America. Dr. Batah is very experienced and passionate about being an advisor for medical students and recent graduates to guide them through the application process and help get them into their dream program.
Yazan Abboud, MD
Gastroenterology Fellow/ UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Yazan Abboud is currently a first-year gastroenterology fellow at UCLA. Prior to that, he completed his internal medicine residency and served as an assistant chief resident at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Originally from Damascus, Syria, he earned his medical degree in 2019 before moving to the U.S., where he completed clinical rotations at multiple centers, and a research fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
With his roles during residency as an assistant chief resident, chair of resident research, and member of the clinician educator track, Dr. Abboud has mentored international and U.S. medical students, offering personalized guidance to strengthen residency applications and improve match outcomes. Committed to education, mentorship, and research, Dr. Abboud has received numerous awards, including "Intern of the Year," "Most Scholarly Resident of the Year" (three years in a row), and the "Golden Apple Award for Medical Student Education." He has authored and co-authored publications in prestigious journals such as JAMA, Gastroenterology, and CGH, with numerous presentations at local and national conferences. He also serves as a peer reviewer for over ten academic journals, reflecting his dedication to advancing medical education and research.
Residents
Antoine Bejjani, MD
PGY-3 Internal Medicine Resident/ University of Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Antoine Bejjani is a third-year IM resident at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Originally from Lebanon, he completed his medical education at the American University of Beirut where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. After graduating, Dr. Bejjani moved to the United States and worked in the Thrombosis Research Group at the Brigham and Women's Hospital for two years. As a research fellow, he collaborated with various cardiology faculty members on numerous research projects. Dr. Bejjani then moved to Pittsburgh for his internal medicine residency at UPMC. During his residency, Dr. Bejjani has mentored medical students and participated in interviewing internal medicine applicants. He is currently applying for cardiology fellowship.
Besher Shami, MD
Internal Medicine Resident, Berkshire Medical Center
Dr. Shami is an internal medicine resident at Berkshire Medical Center. He started his medical journey as an international medical graduate at the University of Aleppo then he pursued his postgraduate training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at Aleppo University Hospital, where he was elected Chief Resident—leading and mentoring over 150 residents throughout their clinical training. In 2023, Dr. Shami moved to the United States and joined the Mayo Clinic in Florida as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension. His research focused on polycystic kidney disease and associated hypertension.
With extensive clinical and research experience both internationally and in the U.S., Dr. Shami offers valuable guidance to international medical graduates and medical students navigating the complexities of the U.S. residency match process.
Mo Tabary, MD
PGY2 Internal Medicine Resident/ Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Tabary completed his medical education at Tehran University of Medical Sciences before relocating to the United States in 2021 to advance his career in medicine and research. Following his transition, Dr. Tabary worked as a distinguished Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Pittsburgh. His exemplary contributions earned him the prestigious Postdoctoral Alumni Award in 2024 for his outstanding mentorship and research endeavors. Subsequently, he successfully matched into the Integrated Internal Medicine Residency/Cardiology Fellowship Program at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, USA. Alongside his medical pursuits, he is interested in medical education.
Elizabeth Rimsky, MD
Internal Medicine Resident / Northwell Health – Staten Island University Hospital
Dr. Elizabeth Rimsky is completing her Internal Medicine residency at Northwell Health’s Staten Island University Hospital and plans to continue her training as a cardiology fellow. She earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Throughout residency, she developed strong clinical and academic interests in structural heart disease, electrophysiology, and outcomes research. She has led and co-authored multiple cardiology studies, including investigations in TAVR valve performance, dual-chamber leadless pacemakers, heart failure readmission reduction, and MRI safety in device patients, and has presented her work at national meetings such as ACC, AHA, HRS, and TCT.
Dr. Rimsky has guided numerous students and residents through the ERAS application process, offering targeted support in CV building, research strategy, personal statements, and interview preparation. With her combination of clinical excellence, academic productivity, and extensive advising experience, she provides personalized, strategic mentorship for medical students and IMGs applying to Internal Medicine residency. She is deeply committed to helping aspiring physicians refine their professional story, stand out to programs, and achieve their long-term goals in medicine.
Anmol Goyal, MD
Internal Medicine Resident/ Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Goyal is an Internal Medicine resident at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and a graduate of Maulana Azad Medical College, India. After graduating in 2022, she joined Stanford University as a postdoctoral research fellow. During that span, she published numerous papers and was among the few trainees selected for grants at national conferences like ASH and ASTCT.
Throughout medical school and residency, Dr. Goyal has guided students on their own journeys to residency with a very personalized approach. Having been raised in the US, graduated from an international medical school, and recently matched into residency, she understands the various obstacles one might face. She enjoys learning about applicants' journeys, and aims to work together to build the most well rounded application to highlight each individual's strengths, aiming for the best match possible!
Danny Hadidi, MD
Internal Medicine Resident/ St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, MO
Dr. Hadidi is a PGY-2 Internal Medicine Resident at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, MO. He graduated from Damascus University in 2022 then spent two years at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), focusing on research in Hematology/Oncology, specifically on multiple myeloma and heme metabolism. An active mentor, Dr. Hadidi has guided numerous medical students and graduates through securing research positions and preparing for residency applications. As an International Medical Graduate (IMG), he offers tailored support to help navigate the complexities of the U.S. medical system.
Surgical Specialties
General Surgery
Benjamin Scott, MD
General Surgery Graduate/ BID Harvard/ Plastic Surgery Fellow, UPMC
Dr. Scott received his B.A. in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Following three years playing in the Arena Football League, he completed the post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at the University of Pennsylvania and matriculated to Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, where he served on the admissions committee as a student advisor. He went on to complete general surgery training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, followed by a two-year post-doctoral plastic surgery research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. After finishing his general surgery training, he joined the plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh as an independent resident.
Alessandro Martinino, MD, PhD
General Surgery Resident/ Duke University, Durham, NC
Dr. Martinino was born and raised in Rome, Italy, and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in 2022. After medical school, he completed a year of clinical research in transplant surgery at the University of Illinois Chicago, followed by a year and a half of research at the Duke Transplant Research Lab. He is currently pursuing his PhD at Maastricht University, which he is expected to complete by October 2025.
Dr. Martinino recently matched into the categorical General Surgery residency at Duke University. He also serves as President of the Junior Researchers Committee of the Association of Italian Surgeons in North America (AISNA) and is a co-founder of the TUGSS Society, reflecting his strong commitment to academic surgery and international surgical collaboration. With firsthand experience navigating the challenges of the IMG journey, Dr. Martinino offers valuable insight into research, guidance on how to match into categorical General Surgery, interview preparation, and PhD pathways.
Adel Alhaj Saleh, MD
MIS/Bariatric Surgery Fellow/Stony Brook University Hospital, NY
Dr. Alhaj Saleh is currently an MIS/Bariatric surgery fellow at Stony Brook Hospital, NY.
As an International Medical Graduate (IMG) with a wealth of experience, including a full surgical residency in his home country and years of work spanning four different countries across three continents, he is what you might call a non-traditional applicant! After dedicating four years to research in the U.S. and completing three preliminary years, his persistence has paid off as he finally secured a categorical spot, ultimately finishing his general surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center.
Dr.Alhaj Saleh is deeply committed to aiding IMGs, particularly older graduates and non-traditional applicants, who are interested in surgery. His assistance can range from navigating the application process to rapidly acclimating to a new system and, ultimately, standing out as an exceptional candidate.
Tomer Lagziel, MD
PGY-3 General Surgery/ Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai / NYC
Dr. Lagziel is a surgery resident at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York, USA. A distinguished graduate, he received his Medical Doctorate with Honors from the New York State Program at Tel-Aviv University in 2023. During medical school, from 2021-2022, Dr. Lagziel undertook a research fellowship at Johns Hopkins, specializing in the Acute and Reconstructive Management of Burns, Critical Care, Trauma/Oncologic Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Surgical Education. A seasoned speaker, he has presented at numerous prestigious academic conferences, including the American Burn Association, the Academic Surgical Congress, and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons. Moreover, Dr. Lagziel has contributed to over 30 research papers published in reputable surgical journals, primarily focusing on burn surgery, plastic surgery, regenerative medicine, and critical care.
Ioannis (Yiannis) Ziogas, MD
PGY-4 General Surgery/ University of Colorado
Dr. Ioannis (Yiannis) Ziogas is a PGY-4 General Surgery Resident at the University of Colorado. He is currently pursuing a 3-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Pediatric and Transplant Surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado along with a PhD in Clinical Investigation at the University of Colorado. He graduated summa cum laude (top 3%) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School, Greece in 2019. Before starting his residency in 2022, he completed a Master of Public Health from the University of Edinburgh, UK and a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Pediatric and Adult HPB and Transplant Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Upon completion of his residency, he aspires to pursue a career in pediatric hepatobiliary and transplant surgery. Ioannis has extensive experience in clinical and translational research with >130 publications, non-profit organization management, preparation for standardized exams (USMLE/ABSITE), and mentorship of US residency applicants. He is particularly passionate about helping IMGs match in categorical general surgery positions, and thus he is part of the general surgery residency selection committee and has played a pivotal role in the development of a novel holistic review method for the recruitment of IMGs at his residency program.
Zaina Habrawi, MD
Breast Surgeon in New York
Dr. Zaina Habrawi is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon practicing in NY. Dr. Habrawi received her medical degree from the University of Aleppo in Syria and completed her surgical residency in Aleppo, Syria. She has practiced medicine in both her home country and Dubai before pursuing an SSO-approved breast surgical oncology fellowship at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock Texas.
In the USA, she was able to secure fellowship training and is currently practicing in NYC as a breast surgeon with a private practice group without having to do a U.S. residency. She will be able to guide you through the mazes of the healthcare system exploring your options for practicing medicine in the USA without repeating a residency.
Souhail Zeineddin, MD, MS
PGY-4 General Surgery Resident/ Northwestern University
Dr. Zeineddin is a general surgery resident at the Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. He started medical school at the University of Aleppo in Syria, then earned his Medical Diploma from The International American University in Saint Lucia in the Caribbean in 2018. He completed his preliminary general surgery intern year at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. Then he continued the next two years at Creighton University in Phoenix Arizona. After finishing 3rd year, he moved to Chicago to be a research fellow at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital at the Department of Pediatric Surgery. During that time he earned his MS in Health Services and Outcomes Research in 2022. After two years of research, he was recruited by the Department of Surgery at Northwestern University to finish his last two years of residency, set to graduate in 2025, pursuing a fellowship in pediatric surgery.
Elie Ramly, MD
Harvard-trained Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills/Plastic Surgery and General Surgery Graduate
Dr. Ramly is a Beverly Hills-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon, trained at Harvard’s Mass General Brigham program and fully trained in plastic surgery and general surgery in the US. After earning his medical degree at the American University of Beirut, he matched into categorical general surgery residency at Oregon Health & Science University, and subsequently matched in plastic surgery residency at Harvard where he completed his training. He has extensive research experience, having completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard (MGH) and NYU, with over 90 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, more than 1,775 citations, an h-index of 24, and an i10-index of 45.
Over the past decade, Dr. Ramly has served on residency and fellowship recruitment panels, reviewing hundreds of applications and interviewing dozens of candidates and has also coached dozens of students in residency interview preparation, personal statement preparation, and career development.
Orthopedic Surgery
Jesse Seilern, MD
Orthopedic Surgery Resident/ Emory University
Dr. Seilern started his medical journey at the Medical University of Vienna. After graduation, he did US Clinical Rotations and Research at Emory before matching in orthopedic surgery residency at Emory. Dr. Seilern is dedicated to mentoring international medical students, leveraging his insights and experiences to guide them through the complexities of matching into competitive U.S. residency programs.
Francisco Rodriguez Fontan, MD
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon/ Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Dr. Rodriguez Fontan is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in Hand and Upper Extremity surgery. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, he completed his medical education and worked as a general physician before moving to the United States. He conducted two years of orthopedic research at the University of Colorado prior to matching into Orthopedic Surgery Residency there, which he completed successfully. Dr. Rodriguez Fontan pursued advanced subspecialty training through a Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He has since joined a private orthopedic practice in Washington state.
Matan Grunfeld, MD
Orthopedic Surgery resident at the University of Colorado
Dr. Matan Grunfeld is an Orthopedic Surgery resident at the University of Colorado and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College, where he developed a diverse research foundation in pediatric orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and a growing passion for osseointegration and limb reconstruction. He has guided numerous students through the Match process, ERAS strategy, and interview preparation. He also served as a medical school admissions interviewer and contributed extensively to medical education through mentorship, tutoring, and clinical skills instruction.
Neurosurgery
Dr. Hussam Abou-Al-Shaar, MD
Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Neurosurgery Fellow/The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas
Dr. Abou-Al-Shaar received his medical degree from Alfaisal University College of Medicine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he graduated summa cum laude, valedictorian and the top of his class. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Abou-Al-Shaar completed 10 months of post-doctoral research fellowship in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah and a year of neurosurgery internship at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine in New York. He completed his neurosurgery residency training at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Currently, he is a Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Neurosurgery Fellow at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Dr. Abou-Al-Shaar is actively involved in teaching medical students interested in neuroscience and neurosurgery. He was selected by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons to serve as the Neurosurgery Publications resident fellow and was also selected as a member of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies among others. He has a passion for research with more than 200 publications and many national and international presentations.
Mirhojjat Khorasanizadeh, MD
Neurosurgery Resident/ Medical College of Wisconsin
Dr. Khorasanizadeh completed his medical degree at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Following his graduation, he served as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Neurosurgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, from 2020 to 2022. Subsequently, he started a Neurosurgery Pre-Residency Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, from 2022 to 2024. Dr. Khorasanizadeh has successfully matched into Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is dedicated to mentoring future applicants, particularly those aspiring to enter neurosurgery or explore the pre-residency fellowship path.
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Andrea Amabile, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident/ University of Pittsburgh (UPMC)
Dr. Andrea Amabile is an integrated cardio–thoracic surgery resident at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. After graduating as valedictorian from medical school and obtaining a Master of Biostatistics in Italy, he joined the Division of Cardiac Surgery at Yale University, where he led the Clinical Outcomes Research Group as a postdoctoral associate (2021–2022) and research faculty (2022–2023). He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, with a particular focus on minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery. His work has been presented at national and international conferences, including AATS, STS, EACTS, WTSA, ECTSS, HVS, ACC, and AHA. In 2024, he received the Benson R. Wilcox Award from the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association.
Dr. Amabile is the first trainee invited to sit on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS). He also serves as the North America representative on the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) Residents Committee, a member of the board of the Global Thoracic Surgery Residents Association (GTSRA), and has held leadership roles as President of the Junior Researchers Committee of the Association of Italian Surgeons in North America (AISNA) and Secretary of the Yale Italian Society. He is also an expert in advising and guiding medical students through the highly competitive cardiothoracic surgery match process, offering strategic mentorship based on firsthand experience and insight.
Urology
Donald Falbo, DO
PGY1 Urology Resident/ Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA
Donald Falbo is a Urologic Surgery resident at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, PA. He completed his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University and earned his medical degree from Rocky Vista University (RVUCOM) in Denver, Colorado. While at Ohio State, he graduated with Research Distinction after successfully defending a thesis on cytotoxicity studies of 3D-printed nitinol bone fixation devices.
He also worked as a Patient Care Assistant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH, where he was recognized as Employee of the Year in 2020 prior to starting medical school. During his time at RVUCOM, he served as Vice President of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons club. Dr. Falbo is passionate about all aspects of the Match, especially guiding medical students through the application and interview process.
David Hinojosa-Gonzalez, MD
PGY-3 Urology Resident/ Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
David Hinojosa-Gonzalez is a PGY-3 Resident in Urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He graduated in 2020 from Tecnologico de Monterrey’s medical school in Mexico and later joined Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School for a 2-year research fellowship. He has authored various publications related to the match and IMGs, as well as mentored and prepared numerous peers in the Match process in all aspects of applications ranging from personal statements, ERAS CV and interview preparation. He’s an avid researcher with over 100 publications and presentations, which helped him carve his way into the field where only <2% of the resident workforce are IMGs. Outside of medicine he enjoys music, being a proficient piano and guitar player as well as soccer enthusiast.
Christopher J Kim, MD, PharmD
Urologist/ Duke University Graduate/ Practicing in Georgia
Christopher J Kim, MD, PharmD graduated from Duke University Medical Center in 2024 and is now practicing in Georgia. Dr Kim completed his PharmD in 2011, graduating Summa Cum Laude and worked at Hackensack University Medical Center as a staff pharmacist prior to entering medical school in 2014. Dr Kim was awarded a full academic scholarship to Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. During his time in urology residency, he has authored many peer-reviewed research articles and mentored several international medical school graduates in both research as well as the residency match process. In his free time, he loves to go hiking and try new restaurants in the triangle.
Ophthalmology
Filippos Vingopoulos, MD
PGY3 Ophthalmology Resident/ Stanford University
Dr. Vingopoulos matched into Ophthalmology residency at Stanford University after completing 4 years of post-doctoral research fellowship at Harvard Medical School. As an international medical graduate (IMG) from Greece, he adeptly navigated the competitive residency match system, which included interviews at more than 10 esteemed residency programs. Ultimately, he achieved his first-choice placement in this highly competitive field.
With recent experience in the residency match system, Dr. Vingopoulos has assimilated the knowledge and expertise from his esteemed mentors at institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, Weill-Cornell, NYU, and Stanford, all of whom boast decades of experience serving on residency committees. Dr. Vingopoulos's mentoring approach has been highly personalized, offering one-on-one guidance to over 50 medical students hailing from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, Tufts, BU, and Weill-Cornell and helping them match into competitive specialties. He has also mentored several international medical students and graduates into matching their dream specialty and focuses on cultivating essential soft skills for interview preparation and takes a holistic view of each applicant, going beyond the CV to develop eloquent, well-rounded candidates sought after by residency committees—those who are the ideal match for their respective teams.
Nadim Azar, MD
PGY3 Ophthalmology Resident/ University of Utah
Nadim Azar, MD, graduated with high distinction from the American University of Beirut with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2017. He earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut in 2021. He then completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Duke Eye Center where he focused on research in ocular immunology, artificial intelligence in ophthalmology and pioneering innovative methodologies for detecting dry eye disease. He has presented his research at numerous conferences and has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Dr. Azar is passionate about mentoring and guiding medical students, particularly in the field of ophthalmology.
Kareem Sioufi, MD
Ophthalmology Attending/ Medical University of South Carolina
Dr. Kareem Sioufi was born in Damascus, Syria. He started medical school in Syria and left his hometown in 2012 to finish his MD at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences Saint Kitts. Prior to residency, he completed a research fellowship in ocular oncology at Wills Eye Hospital and a postdoctoral research fellowship year at the Retina service of Wills Eye Hospital. He then completed an internship in general surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) followed by ophthalmology residency at Storm Eye Institute MUSC. Following residency, he completed his retina fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle before joining a private practice group in Atlanta, GA.
He has published over 40 peer-reviewed won multiple awards including the Lawrence Yannuzii Award Atlantic Coast Retina Conference 2016, NEI ARVO Travel Award 2017, Ophthalmology Times Scholar 2018 and 2020, MUSC HELMA Research Award 2021, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Residency Excellence award 2021.
OBGYN
Selim Misirlioglu, MD
PGY-3 Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident/ New York City Health and Hospitals-South Brooklyn Health Campus
After graduating from Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Misirlioglu completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology training in Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine (Turkey). He practiced as an Attending Surgeon at a Koc University Hospital, Istanbul, particularly in the field of Gynecologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS). He managed the department of MIGS data and served as a co-chair of MIGS clinical research. He published more than 20 peer-reviewed original articles in SCI-E journals and more than 50 abstract papers in the national congress of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) as a first- and co-author.
Between 2018-2022, he started as a Research Scientist in the Gynecology Research Laboratory and Preclinical Therapeutics Program at the New York University Langone Health Perlmutter Cancer Center (PCC), an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. He led the development of new Patient Derived Xenograft (PDX) tumor models and in vivo testing of experimental cancer therapeutics center-wide. As a team member of translational science projects, their articles are published in world-renowned high-impact journals like Cancer Cell, Gynecologic Oncology and Cancer Discovery. Following that, he completed his surgical internship (PGY-1) at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein School of Medicine Department of General Surgery between 2022-2023 before matching into ObGyn at New York City Health and Hospitals-South Brooklyn Health Campus.
Faraj Touchan, MD, FACOG, MIGS
Teaching Faculty, RWJ-Barnabas Health OB/GYN Residency Program
Faraj Touchan is a board-certified Minimally Invasive and Robotic Gynecologic Surgeon with specialized expertise in complex pelvic surgery and endometriosis excision. He serves as faculty for the RWJ-Barnabas Health OB/GYN Residency Program, where he trains residents, mentors trainees, and acts as a robotic surgery proctor and residency interviewer.
Previously, Dr. Touchan was an Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, contributing to surgical education and advancing minimally invasive training. Internationally recognized for his work in robotic endometriosis surgery, he remains committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field through mentorship, education, and continued clinical innovation. In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Touchan remains committed to academic advancement through teaching, mentorship, and ongoing collaboration in the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
Plastic Surgery
James D. Fisher, MD, PhD
PGY-6 Plastic Surgery Resident/ University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Fisher completed his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Dr. Fisher enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), where he pursued both an MD in the School of Medicine and a PhD in the School of Engineering. He has served on the admissions committee as a student representative for the School of Medicine, the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD Program) and the Swanson School of Engineering’s Department of Bioengineering. He has conducted nearly 100 student interviews over the course of his training. Further, Dr. Fisher has mentored dozens of students over the years, the vast majority of which have successfully gone on to matriculate into top tier medical schools and successfully match.
Dr. Fisher is currently a PGY-6 plastic surgery resident at the University of Pittsburgh. He is passionate about basic science research and helping medical students match into residency.
Krishna Vyas, M.D., Ph.D., MHS
Practicing Plastic Surgeon, New York/ Mayo Clinic Graduate
Krishna Vyas, M.D., Ph.D., M.H.S. graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Honors Program at the University of Kentucky in 2009, then went on to receive a Master of Health Sciences degree in microbiology, immunology, international health, and vaccine science from the Johns Hopkins University in 2010. Vyas completed his MD and PhD with honors at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2016. He then completed a six-year rigorous integrated residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He completed a fellowship with The Aesthetic Society in Manhattan, followed by a highly selective fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. Dr. Vyas has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and award-winning national and international presentations.
Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Vyas was appointed as an Instructor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic, a hospital consistently ranked as the top hospital in the world. While at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Vyas held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Mayo Clinic Resident and Fellows Association. During this time, he engaged with trainees and leaders in graduate medical education and institutional administration. Dr. Vyas held junior staff attending privileges as Assistant in Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He is currently in private practice in Manhattan where he has privileges at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital (MEETH), Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, and several surgery centers.
As a passionate mentor, Dr. Vyas has guided hundreds of aspiring students, physicians, surgeons, and researchers. His contributions to the field have earned him several awards and recognitions, including the Presidential Scholarship and honorary title of Kentucky Colonel in his home state.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Jay Shah, MD, MBA
PGY 1 Otolaryngology Resident/ Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Dr. Jay Shah earned his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business as a Samvid Scholar. He is currently an Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery resident at Emory University in Atlanta, where his interests center on the intersection of surgery, healthcare delivery, and entrepreneurship.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Neuroscience and minors in South Asia Studies and Chemistry, where he also served as Student Body Vice President. His research focuses on healthcare disparities and surgical outcomes, with lead-author publications in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, and Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. Dr. Shah is deeply committed to teaching, leadership, and mentorship. He has served as a teaching assistant in Anatomy, Quality Improvement, and Otolaryngology courses, supporting the academic and professional development of medical students. His MBA training further enhanced his skills in structured communication, case-based discussion, and public speaking—tools he uses to help students prepare effectively and present themselves with confidence during interviews.
Joshua Wright, MD
Otolaryngology Resident/ Duke University, NC
Dr. Wright is a PGY-2 Otolaryngology resident at Duke University’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery. Born in Jamaica, he graduated as valedictorian from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Medical Sciences with distinction.
Prior to residency, Dr. Wright completed research fellowships at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Duke University and have published numerous peer-reviewed publications in craniofacial surgery, pediatric airway, laryngology and health equity. He has presented at major national and international conferences and received several awards. He is passionate about mentoring aspiring medical students and improving access to surgical care in underserved communities.
Other Specialties
Pediatrics
Elham Rayzan, MD
Pediatric Resident/ Boston Children’s Hospital
Dr. Rayzan is originally from Tehran, Iran, and received her MD from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. She went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship at the Research Center for Immunodeficiencies in Tehran. She completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, where her work focused on defining the transcriptome of recent thymic emigrants (T cells involved in GvHD) and engineering CAR T cells expressing resistant granzyme B to enhance therapeutic efficacy—prior to matching into the Pediatric Residency Program at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Having successfully navigated the U.S. residency application process as an international medical graduate, Dr. Rayzan brings invaluable insight and mentorship to other IMGs—particularly those aspiring to match into pediatrics or pediatric subspecialties. She is deeply committed to advancing global pediatric hematology/oncology through both research and education.
Daniel Kang, MD, MEd, FAAP
Former Program Director / Pediatric Hospitalist
Dr. Daniel Kang, MD, MEd, FAAP is a double board-certified Pediatric Hospitalist. He completed his pediatric residency at UC Irvine and was also Chief Resident. He stayed at UC Irvine where he served as Associate Program Director and then Program Director for the pediatric residency program, with over 80 residents, including combined Child Neurology and Pediatric Genetics residents. He now serves as Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education, helping to provide oversight to all residency and fellowship programs at UC Irvine. In addition, he received his Master of Education for the Health Professions from Johns Hopkins University, his alma mater.
Given his prior roles in residency leadership, he has conducted hundreds of interviews over the years and has been heavily involved in the recruitment process. With his passion for mentoring and working with students, Dr. Kang is also an assigned career advisor for the school of medicine, guiding medical students through the application and interview process, reviewing personal statements and application materials, and aiding with mock interviews. Overall, he is well-versed and experienced with the application process, and looking forward to partnering with you.
Yonairy Collado Puello, MD
Pediatric Cardiology Fellow/ Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C.
Dr. Yona Collado Puello is a pediatric cardiology fellow at Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C. She is a former Pediatric Chief Resident at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Her residency training at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh provided her with invaluable clinical and research experiences, culminating in her role as Chief Resident, where she gained indispensable knowledge about the residency application and recruitment process. These experiences have provided her with a distinctive skillset as she mentors students and residency applicants. As a foreign medical graduate herself, she recognizes the unique challenges faced by foreign medical graduates and is committed to creating individualized plans that will help applicants showcase their strengths in valuable ways as they navigate the residency application process.
Nour Gebara, MD
PGY-6 Pediatric Critical Fellow/ Texas Children’s Hospital - Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Gebara is a pediatric critical care fellow at Texas Children’s Hospital- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA. In 2018, she earned her Medical Diploma from The American University of Beirut. She then moved to the United States and worked as a research fellow/visiting scholar at the Department of Endocrinology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as part of the Center for Pediatric Research in Obesity and Metabolism (CPROM). She was able to publish several manuscripts and attend conferences during that time. In 2020, she started her professional training in Pediatrics at UPMC-Children’s hospital of Pittsburgh. She continued to work in research and published a couple of case reports. Following residency training, Dr. Gebara secured a fellowship spot at Texas Children’s Hospital- Baylor College of Medicine, where she is currently completing her training and hopes to remain involved in research.
Family Medicine
Yash Thakker, MD
PGY-3 Family Medicine Resident/ Penn Medicine Doylestown Health
Dr. Ash is a PGY-3 Family Medicine Resident at Doylestown Health. He graduated from AMC MET Medical College in 2020 and practiced as a general practitioner for two years before matching at the Doylestown Health family medicine residency program in 2023.
He was able to overcome being an old IMG who had low step scores with a strong and well-rounded application — he is confident that he can help you achieve that as well. As your advisor, Dr. Yash will provide personalized advice tailored to your unique situation, optimize your application and personal statement, recommend networking strategies, and help you improve your interviewing skills. While helping candidates through The Match Guy, he does not represent Doylestown Health or its residency programs.
Mohammed Anwer, M.D., M.B.B.S.
Family Medicine Graduate | ER & Urgent Care Physician
Dr. Mohammed Anwer is a board-certified family medicine physician with a diverse international medical background and a passion for acute care medicine.
He holds dual degrees in MD and MBBS. His first medical school was in Yemen, Taiz University School of Medicine, with an MBBS degree. His 2nd medical school was at a Caribbean medical school, Xavier University School of Medicine, reflecting his exceptional medical training. He completed one year of internal medicine residency in Yemen before he was forced to leave because of the war. He did 3 years of research at the University of Kentucky before matching into Family Medicine. He recently completed his Family Medicine residency, where he gained extensive experience in hospital medicine, emergency care, and urgent care settings. He is passionate about helping applicants with the Match process, specially IMGs with older year of graduation and those interested in family medicine.
George Bissada, MBBS
Family Medicine Resident/ Heritage Valley Health System, Beaver, PA
Dr. Bissada is a Family Medicine resident at Heritage Valley Health System. He earned his medical degree from Alexandria University in Egypt in 2021. Following medical school, he completed two years of clinical research at the University of Utah. After completing his residency, he plans to pursue a fellowship in Sports Medicine.
Dr. Bissada is passionate about medical education, evidence-based practice, and mentoring international medical graduates. He offers strategic guidance on matching into Family Medicine, including how to strengthen your application, improve your chances of success, and prepare effectively for interviews.
Emergency Medicine
William DaSilva, MD
Emergency Medicine resident/ Albany Medical Center, NY
Dr. DaSilva is an Emergency Medicine resident at Albany Medical Center with a passion for helping students navigate the residency application process and succeed in their medical careers. He was born and raised in Canada and completed his undergraduate degree in Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario before moving to Brisbane, Australia to attend medical school at the University of Queensland. During this time, he worked as a full-time COVID Case investigator, completed several core medical school rotations at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans and was committed to pursuing various research projects. Dr. DaSilva was a presenter and award winner at many regional and national conferences for his research involving the diagnostic approaches to chronic hyponatremia and prognostic indicators of metastatic bone disease. Having had over 50 EM residency interview invitations, Dr. DaSilva plans to use his extensive knowledge of the emergency medicine residency application process, and experience with couples matching to help other applicants achieve their goals.
Heather Ngai, MD
Emergency Medicine Resident/ Harbor-UCLA
Dr. Ngai is an emergency medicine resident at Harbor-UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Morehouse School of Medicine, with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. During medical school, she tutored and mentored medical students. She is currently an advisor for underrepresented minority students at Drew UCLA. She pursued her own opportunities in research, extracurriculars, and academics that led her to match at her first choice EM residency program. Dr. Ngai excels at holistically analyzing applications and creating tailored plans to help students navigate the residency application process.
Mumin Hakim, MBBS, MBA
Emergency Medicine Chief Resident/ Jacobi Montefiore Emergency Medicine
Mumin Hakim is an Emergency Medicine chief resident at the Jacobi Montefiore Emergency Medicine Residency Program, affiliated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. He completed his medical education at Yenepoya Medical College in Mangalore, India. His journey in the United States began as a research fellow at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Before embarking on his career in Emergency Medicine, Mumin spent two years in General Surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center and completed a fellowship in Burn Surgery at Jacobi Medical Center.
Mumin is dedicated to mentoring medical students during their Emergency Medicine rotations and has provided invaluable guidance to many International Medical Graduates navigating the complexities of the match process and the USMLE. He firmly believes that early mentorship can be transformative and is eager to support others in their medical careers and completed his MBA from the University of Cumbria, UK
Psychiatry
Adeolu Funso Oladunjoye, MD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow/ Harvard | MGH, Boston, Massachusetts
Funso Oladunjoye, is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at MGH/Harvard. He originally hails from Nigeria where he completed his medical education. In the U.S., he earned an MPH in Maternal & Child Health with Epidemiology from Boston University School of Public Health. He has held research roles at prominent institutions including the University of Texas at Houston and Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Then he completed his psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine before pursuing fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Harvard.
He serves as the Deputy Editor of the American Journal of Psychiatry Residents Journal and is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association's Public Psychiatry Fellowship. He served as co-chair of the state’s resident and fellow committee of the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians Resident and fellow committee collaborating in efforts towards education and advocacy. His academic contributions include over 100 publications and numerous awards such as the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Regional Award, the American Society of Addiction Medicine Ruth Fox Scholarship Award, and the BCM Alpha Omega Alpha Honor medical society. He is currently a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
Alexander Malati, DO
PGY-4 Psychiatry Resident/ University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas
Alexander Malati is a psychiatry resident at the Baptist Health–University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Psychiatry Residency in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he currently serves as Chief Resident. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2022 and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma in 2017.
Dr. Malati has a deep appreciation for the challenges of the Match process, having experienced it from multiple perspectives. As the son of a first-generation IMG, he witnessed firsthand the rigors of immigrating to the U.S. to pursue a medical career. He and his wife successfully couples matched despite being only the second graduating class from his medical school.
Now matched into his goal fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UAMS, Dr. Malati brings both personal and professional insights to the Match process. Over the past two years, he has gained extensive experience in residency recruitment, providing him with a strong understanding of the Match from a program’s perspective.
Neurology
Marinos Sotiropoulos, MD
Behavioral Neurology Fellow, Harvard Medical School & Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA
Dr. Sotiropoulos grew up in Athens, Greece and graduated from the University of Athens Medical School in 2019. Cultivating a profound interest in medical education and instructional improvement, he participated in the development of a modern, multimodal Neuroanatomy lab experience and taught neuroanatomy, neurology, neuroscience and teaching skills to medical students, graduate students and the general public. He then moved to Boston to pursue a postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Neuroimmunology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where he researched clinical outcomes, serum biomarkers and molecular immunology in multiple sclerosis.
He completed residency at the Mass General Brigham Neurology Residency Program at Harvard Medical School, where he served as chief resident and graduated with a certificate in medical education, the Best Resident Feedback Award and the Senior Resident Teacher of the Year Award. He is currently a Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry fellow, focusing on functional neurologic disorders. He teaches neurology and neuroanatomy at multiple levels and researches the best ways to teach neurology and neuroanatomy to medical students, residents and non-neurologists. Outside medicine, he is interested in investigative journalism, fashion, architecture and design.
Anesthesiology
Yun-Han Chen, MD
Anesthesiology Resident/ University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Chen completed his medical degree at Barts and The London School of Medicine in the UK, followed by Foundation Year and Core Anaesthesia Training. He then worked as a trust registrar before moving to the U.S., where he spent two years involved in clinical research in anesthesiology. During this time, he was promoted twice—eventually serving as the Lead Research Coordinator overseeing both local projects and NIH multi-center studies.
Despite the challenges of being an older graduate, Dr. Chen successfully matched into a top anesthesiology residency program in the U.S. His journey has given him a deep understanding of how to strategically strengthen an application when traditional metrics aren’t in your favor. As an advisor, Dr. Chen is passionate about helping international medical graduates navigate complex pathways to match successfully into anesthesiology residency.
Adam Watkins, MD
Anesthesiology Resident/ University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Watkins earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida State University, graduating magna cum laude with minors in Chemistry and Film Studies. During his undergraduate years, he was active in tutoring student-athletes and community volunteering. At Geisinger School of Medicine, Dr. Watkins served as Class Council President and received multiple awards for professionalism and service. He conducted research in orthopaedics, pharmacology, and community health, collaborating with institutions like the Hospital for Special Surgery and Geisinger Health System. Passionate about mentorship, Dr. Watkins has guided dozens of U.S. medical students through the residency match process across multiple specialties. As a first-generation college student and future physician, he is committed to empowering others to recognize their strengths and achieve their goals.
Shriya Tanti, MD
PGY 2 Anesthesiology Resident/ Yale New Haven Hospital
Shriya is currently an Anesthesiology resident at Yale New Haven Hospital. She completed her M.D. degree at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Georgia State University. She graduated with her Neuroscience degree in 3 years and later went on to work as a medical assistant at an interventional pain clinic before starting medical school.
Shriya is well-versed in helping her students obtain meaningful research experiences, away rotations, and networking. Her strengths are in medical education, strategic career planning, and crafting her student’s narratives to help them stand out during the application process. She looks forward to working with her students and helping them navigate this rewarding, yet challenging, journey.
Radiology
Hamza Ibad, MBBS
Diagnostic Radiology/Molecular Imaging resident/ Johns Hopkins University
Hamza Ibad is a Diagnostic Radiology/Molecular Imaging resident at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Ibad was born in New York, and raised in Toronto, Canada while holding strong roots to Pakistan. Dr. Ibad graduated from the Aga Khan University Medical College, Pakistan in 2021 and pursued a post-doctoral research fellowship at Johns Hopkins in the Department of Radiology (Musculoskeletal Division). Dr. Ibad's research and clinical interests include deep-learning applications for automated image interpretation, osteoarthritis, and sarcopenia-related health outcomes. He is passionate about the globalization of radiology and medical education. In his free time, Dr. Ibad is an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy, basketball, and baking.
Mohammad Mirza-Aghazadeh-Attari, MD, MPH
Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology Advisor
Mohammad is a transitional year resident who will begin his diagnostic radiology residency at Johns Hopkins. He earned his MD-MPH from Tabriz University in 2021 and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in Interventional Radiology at Johns Hopkins in 2022.
Mohammad is deeply committed to academic medicine and scientific journalism. He serves on the trainee editorial boards of Radiology: Imaging Cancer and the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, and he was awarded the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Research Scientist Award during his postdoctoral fellowship. He is also actively involved in organized radiology communities, serving on multiple committees within the Society of Interventional Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America, and Society of Interventional Oncology. Mohammad will be pursuing training in Interventional Radiology as part of a dual certification ( Diagnostic Radiology - Interventional Radiology) track after obtaining American Board of Radiology eligibility.
Neda Khalili, MD, MPH
Radiology Resident/ Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine
Dr. Neda Khalili is a radiology resident at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. She earned her medical degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and went on to complete postdoctoral research fellowships at the Neuroradiology Division of Johns Hopkins University and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Neda is passionate about radiology education, mentorship and increasing medical student engagement with the field. She has mentored medical students and research fellows through clinical clerkships, research projects, and the residency application process. She has held leadership roles within the American Association for Women in Radiology (AAWR) Members-in-Training Committee and the American College of Radiology (ACR) Resident and Fellow Section. Neda has also helped develop a mentorship program connecting mentees with mentors in radiology. She is committed to supporting aspiring radiologists and enjoys working with applicants to build compelling, personalized residency applications.
Darwish Alabyad, MD, MS
PGY-1 Radiology Resident/ George Washington University in Washington
Originally from Syria, Dr. Alabyad embarked on his journey in the U.S. during his high school years. He recently completed his medical studies at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, where he actively participated in numerous quality improvement research initiatives in collaboration with the Neurology Department at Emory University School of Medicine. He also received Master’s of Science from Georgetown University in Physiology and Biophysics. Dr. Alabyad is a Diagnostic Radiology resident at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He aspires to specialize in Neuroradiology in the future.
Dermatology
Nina Rossa Haddad, MD
Dermatology Resident/ Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD
Dr. Haddad is a Dermatology resident at Johns Hopkins Medicine and an international medical graduate from Lebanon. Having successfully navigated the challenges of matching into one of the most competitive specialties as an IMG, Dr. Haddad is passionate about mentoring others on similar paths. She has guided over 10 undergraduate and medical students—including MD-PhD candidates—through the application process and many of her mentees have gone on to match at top-choice programs.
She has an exceptional research background, with publications in leading journals including Nature Communications, JAAD, and JID, along with multiple national oral presentations. Her work has been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Johns Hopkins Research Excellence for Outstanding Achievements Silver Award and a Clinical Research Scholar Grant from the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS) to support her continued research at Hopkins. Dr. Haddad provides personalized, strategic guidance to help applicants navigate every step of the competitive dermatology residency process.
Jaya Manjunath, MD
Dermatology Resident/ Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
Dr. Manjunath is a matched dermatology applicant currently doing her internal medicine internship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston (2025–2026). She will begin her dermatology residency at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital (2026–2029). Originally from Toronto, Canada, she graduated from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
During medical school, Dr. Manjunath completed the highly competitive Johns Hopkins Itch Research Fellowship (2023–2024) and contributed to over 30 publications. She also founded a national conference focused on geriatric dermatology and has more than a decade of experience in teaching and mentorship. She has guided over 50 students through medical school research, application review, and dermatology advising. Dr. Manjunath is passionate about helping applicants build individualized, compelling applications, and she’s excited to share the strategies and resources that helped her—and many of her mentees—succeed in one of the most competitive specialties in medicine.
Rachel Reingold, MD
Dermatology Resident, Weill Cornell University, NY
Dr. Rachel Reingold is currently a fourth-year Dermatology resident at Cornell University in Manhattan, New York. She conducted her intern year at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where she was elected as “Intern of the Year” based on her clinical acumen and dedication to her patients. She is originally from New York and received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine where she was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society representing the top 10% of her medical school class. Dr. Reingold was selected to be a Research Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she continues to conduct research via academic grants. She has multiple publications in journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, The Journal of Urology, and Journal of Thoracic Oncology.
Dr. Reingold has had eight years of experience working as a college, medical school and now residency advisor and mentor, where she utilizes her organizational skills to curate strategies and personalized plans for successful matching. Dr. Reingold strives to ease the residency application process by providing invaluable insider perspective and guidance to optimize outcomes in this rigorous process.
Mo Afarideh, MD, MPH
Dermatology Resident/ Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
Dr. Afarideh is a Dermatology Resident at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and a former Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Autoimmune Skin Diseases Unit. His research focuses on autoimmune blistering disorders, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and dermatomyositis, including clinical trials on novel therapeutics and validated scoring systems. He previously received the Dr. Smith H. and Lucille Gibson Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award at Mayo Clinic, where he studied gaps in dermatologic epidemiology across different age groups in the U.S. Dr. Afarideh has extensive experience advising IMGs on the dermatology match process and mentoring aspiring dermatologists.
Pathology
Alexis Bousamra, MD
Pathology Attending/ Former APD Allegheny Health Network
Dr. Bousamra has been part of the Pathology faculty at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) since 2015. He also served as Associate Program Director from 2017 until 2020 at AHN. After earning his degree in Medicine in 2007 at the American University of Beirut (Lebanon), he completed 2 years of Anatomic Pathology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, followed by a pathology residency at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. He became board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) in 2013.
Subsequently, Dr. Bousamra moved to Houston, TX to complete two fellowships (Surgical Pathology and Breast Pathology) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Currently, he practices general Surgical Pathology with an emphasis on Breast Pathology. Dr. Bousamra has extensive experience in interviewing applicants. He also gave his residents two sessions on Social Skills and Networking. He offers valuable insight into how to approach the residency match and interview process.
Cody Marshall, DO
Attending Pathologist/ UPMC Jameson Hospital.
Dr. Marshall is a community hospital based pathologist within the UPMC health system, Pennsylvania, USA. In 2019, he earned his medical diploma from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. In the fall of 2019, Dr. Marshall began his Anatomical and Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine residency with Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. In 2023, Dr. Marshall completed his residency, passed his licensing exams, and began a fellowship in cytopathology. Dr. Marshall completed this fellowship in the spring of 2024 and started a second fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Gastrointestinal Pathology. After this was completed Dr. Marshall decided to stay within the UPMC network and began practicing at UPMC Jameson community hospital in 2025.
Hafsa Nebbache, MD
PGY 3 Pathology Resident/ University of Kentucky
Dr. Nebbache is a third-year resident in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Kentucky, USA. She earned her medical diploma from the Algiers Faculty of Medicine in Algeria. Dr. Nebbache will complete her cytopathology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in 2025-2026. She is actively involved in Graduate Medical Educational committees, including various national and international pathology societies such as the College of American Pathologists and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology. Driven by a passion for mentorship, Dr. Nebbache shares her expertise and experience with aspiring medical students, particularly guiding students interested in the pathology field.
PM&R
Mustafa Dodurgali, MD
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Resident/ Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Mustafa Dodurgali is a PM&R resident at Yale School of Medicine. He graduated from medical school in Turkey. Aspiring to pursue his medical career in the United States, he moved to Boston, MA, in 2022 to join the Spaulding Neuromodulation Center at Harvard Medical School as a research fellow. During his time in Boston, he completed the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, receiving the Clinical Research Scholar Award in 2022. He continues to be a Teaching Assistant for the program and was recognized with the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award in 2023 and 2024 for his contributions to medical education.
Dr. Dodurgali began his PM&R residency in 2024. His academic interests include sports and pain medicine, rehabilitation technology, and the integration of artificial intelligence in medical education. He serves as Secretary of the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) Resident/Fellow Council and plays an active role in national leadership and mentorship initiatives within the PM&R community. His work reflects a strong commitment to advancing the field of rehabilitation medicine and fostering the next generation of physicians.
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Elie Bitar
Head of the Support team
A highly motivated and ambitious medical graduate from Syria, interested in general surgery, with a stellar academic record and a keen interest in health and research. Possessing strong leadership and communication skills, multilingual abilities in English, Arabic, Russian, and German, and a passion for music as a guitarist and singer.
Leen Azzam
A highly motivated medical graduate with strong interests in emergency medicine, surgical skills, and medical education. She is passionate about mentoring and supporting medical students and international graduates. Outside of medicine, her hobbies include event planning, volunteering as an F1 marshal, and exploring new cuisines. She brings enthusiasm, organization, and a global perspective to her work supporting future doctors.
Bisan Al Hajjar
Motivated medical student with a strong passion for learning and exploration. Known for solid academic performance, excellent communication skills, and fluency in English and Arabic. In addition to medicine, enjoys karate, basketball, and piano, reflecting discipline, teamwork, and creativity.
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