Family Medicine Residency

Katherine Holmes, MD

Title: Program Director, Family Medicine Residency
Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Residency: Brown University Department of Family Medicine, Maternal Child Health 
Fellowship: Brown University
Special Interests: Care Underserved Populations, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Awards: NYS Academy of Family Physicians Family Practice Educator of the Year 2016

Dr. Katherine Holmes joined the residency faculty in 2014 and became associate residency director in 2017. After completed the National Institute for Program Director Development Fellowship in 2023, she became Program Director in May of 2024. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Holmes worked in a federally funded health center and for a short time in a private practice setting.  She has completed a maternal child health fellowship in 2005, buprenorphine training in 2005 and acupuncture certification in 2009.  Her clinical interests include women’s health, reproductive counseling for patients, obstetrical care, treatment of substance use disorders in primary care, and treatment of mental health. Since joining the faculty, Dr. Holmes has helped to start the pediatric literacy program by collaborating with the national organization Reach Out and Read and has developed a partnership with the community organization VINES, enabling delivery of fresh vegetables to some of our patients with food insecurity. More recently, she has received a grant to get a food pantry on site at the residency clinic. Her scholarly interests include screening for and better treating social determinants of health as well as reducing health care disparities.  Recent work has also focused on helping medical learners find ways to respond and find support when faced with microaggressions in the clinical learning environment. Her personal interests include yoga, reading, baking, and spending time with family. 

Message from Dr. Holmes:

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

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

PGY-1
General Floor Medicine	3 blocks
ICU	.5 block
Palliative	.5 block
Pediatrics - Inpatient	1.5 blocks
Night Float	1.5 blocks
Obstetrics	2 blocks
Outpatient Pediatrics	1 block
Surgery	1 block
Emergency Medicine	1 block
Community Medicine	.5 block
Ambulatory Medicine	1 block
Primary Care Clinic Office Hours	4 hours/week
PGY-2
General Floor Medicine	3 blocks
Pediatrics	1.5 blocks
Night Float	1 block
MSK1	1 block
Behavioral Science	1 block
Community Medicine	.5 block
Ambulatory Medicine	1 block
Gynecology	1 block
Geriatrics	1 block
Medicine Elective	1 block
Elective	1 block
Primary Care Clinic Office Hours	12 hours/week
PGY-3
Night Float	.5 block
General Floor Medicine	1.5 blocks
Emergency Medicine	1 block
Practice Management	1 block
Outpatient Pediatrics	1 block
Dermatology	1 block
Psychiatry	1 block
MSK2	1 block
Ambulatory Medicine	1 block
Sub-specialty	1 block
Electives	2 blocks
Out of Town Elective	1 block
Primary Care Clinic Office Hours	16 hours/week

 

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

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

Advisors: James Crosby, MD, Rana Ahmad, MD

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

Advisor: Jocelyn Young, DO, Stanley Hunter, MD

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

Advisor: Katherine Holmes, MD

Katherine Holmes, MD                                                                                                                                                                 

Title: Program Director, Family Medicine Residency

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

Residency: Brown University Department of Family Medicine, Maternal Child Health 

Fellowship: Brown University

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

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

Dr. Katherine Holmes joined the residency faculty in 2014 and became associate residency director in 2017. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Holmes worked in a federally funded health center and for a short time in a private practice setting. She completed a maternal child health fellowship in 2005, buprenorphine training in 2005, acupuncture certification in 2009, and has recently graduated from the National Institute for Program Director Development (NIPDD) in 2023. Her clinical interests include women’s health, reproductive counseling for patients, obstetrical care, treatment of substance use disorders in primary care, and treatment of mental health. Since joining the faculty, Dr. Holmes has helped to start the pediatric literacy program by collaborating with the national organization Reach Out and Read and has developed a partnership with the community organization VINES, enabling delivery of fresh vegetables to some of our patients with food insecurity. Her scholarly interests include screening for and better treating social determinants of health as well as reducing health care disparities. Recent work has also focused on helping medical learners, both medical students and residents find ways to respond and find support when faced with microaggressions in the clinical learning environment. Her personal interests include yoga, reading, baking, and spending time with family.

---

 

Daniel Young, MD

Title: Associate Program Director

Medical School: Upstate Medical Center

Residency: United Health Services Hospitals

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

Background: Enjoys Golf, Hiking, Performing Magic

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

---

 

Joshua D. Steinberg, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi folks.  I’m a full-spectrum core faculty family physician at the UHS Wilson Family Medicine Residency.  I earned my bachelors from Yale, my MD from SUNY Upstate in Syracuse, and graduated residency at St. Joseph’s in Syracuse, NY.  I have 25 years experience in patient care and education.  I present regionally and nationally on clinical care and medical education.  I have been published in American Family Physician.  I run a nationwide collaborative curriculum project in obstetrics and I’m the local champion of the IMPLICIT Interconception Care program.  I do research with students and residents for fun (really!).  And as a hobby and service to our profession, I write free point-of-care decision-support software for smartphones. I am a husband and father of two energetic boys.  You might bump into me running and biking with my kids, or making poor showings at triathlons.   And have a vision.  My personal vision is that a cadre of well-trained family physicians equipped with good information and good values can help to fix most of what ails American healthcare.  
 

---

 

Jocelyn Young, DO

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

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

Residency: University of Rochester/Highland Family Medicine

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

Awards: NYS Academy of Family Physicians - Family Medicine Educator of the Year (2023), Excellence in Graduate Medical Education from the American Academy of Family Physicians (2017), Resident Teacher Award from the STFM (2019) , Advocacy Award from the AFMRD (2019), Resident Award for Scholarship from the AFMRD (2018)

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

---

 

Suganya Mahinthan, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: Medical University of the Americas (MUA)

Residency: United Health Services

Special Interests: Care for the under served population, social determinants of health, women’s reproductive health, URM in medicine, anti-racism in healthcare, microaggressions training, inpatient medicine, gender affirming care, Hep C management, and POCUS.

Awards: AFMRD Resident Award for Scholarship and STFM POCUS Certificate

I was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in Toronto, Canada. I received my Bachelor's of Science from the University of Toronto. I attended MUA for medical school, and spent my 3rd and 4th years working with diverse and underserved populations in both the US and Canada. I am a graduate from the Family Medicine Residency at UHS Wilson in Binghamton, NY where I also served as chief resident. After residency, I stayed on as faculty at our program and as clinical assistant professor in the department of family medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. I spend my time precepting in the residency clinic, rounding with the inpatient Family Medicine Team, caring for my own patient panel, and teaching both residents and medical students. I also co-lead the microaggression training as well as the POCUS curriculum development and teaching at our residency program. I have been involved with New York State Academy of Physicians since residency, and currently served as a board member. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting family and friends in Toronto, trying new foods, exploring Upstate NY, and adding to my collection of hot sauce. 

---

 

Jacqueline Bhandari, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

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

Residency: Lancaster General Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Lancaster, PA

Specialty Areas: Family Medicine, Women's Health, Medical Care for Refugees, Immigrants and Underserved Populations

Before working for United Health Services, I worked in a private full spectrum medical practice in Buffalo, NY where I began my medical work with resettled refugees. I am currently the lead advisor for the resident lead Refugee Medical Care committee for the residency program, that is involved with providing update medical care to newly resettled refugees and immigrant. I also have a strong interest in women's health and pediatrics. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four children and am very involved in my church. In addition, I like hiking, gardening and knitting. 

---

 

Rana Ahmad, MD

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

Medical School: Ishtar Medical College, Pakistan

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

Fellowship: United Health Services Family Medicine Geriatric Medicine

Specialty Area: Geriatric Medicine

 

---

 

James Crosby, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: SUNY Upstate University - Syracuse, NY

Residency: Wilson Family Practice Residency

Specialty Areas: Geriatrics, Dermatology

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

---

 

Upasana Tiwari, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Medical School: Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune, India

Residency: UHS Wilson Family Medicine

Specialty Areas: Family Medicine

---

 

James Docherty, DO

Title: Director of Osteopathic Education

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

Residency: United Health Services Hospitals

Specialty Areas: Family Medicine, Osteopathic Practice and Principles

Awards: Resident Advocacy Award from the AFMRD, Mark j. Marmora award for excellence in osteopathic medicine

I am originally from Long Island, NY. I graduated from Hofstra University with both a Bachelor's and master’s in biology with an emphasis on molecular biology. After teaching undergraduate biology at Hofstra University and Nassau Community College, I entered New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. I spent an extra year in medical school - classically called a "fellowship" or "scholar" year - to receive extra training in academic medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and complete coursework for a Master's in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (NMM). During this time, I participated in many research projects with the most prominent being managing a clinical trial investigating effects of OMT on Parkinson's Disease. Throughout medical school, I engaged with various advocacy groups, mainly the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) and the American Medical Association (AMA) in the capacity of Northeast (region 7) Vice Chair and Chair of the Committee on Medical Education (CME) in the Medical Student Section (MSS), lobbying in Albany and Washington D.C. I completed Family Medicine Residency at United Health Services, continuing my interest in both osteopathic medicine by graduating with Distinction of Advanced Osteopathic Training and advocacy by serving as the Resident and Fellow Section (RFS) Vice Chair in the AMA and Chair in the MSSNY. I am now the Director of Osteopathic Education overseeing the osteopathic recognition programs with both internal medicine and family medicine residents, as well as, fourth year medical students. I split my time between running OMT clinics, precepting in the office, rounding in the hospital, and organizing the osteopathic opportunities available to our learners. 

---

 

Bhreagh Orrell, MD

Title: Family Medicine Residency Faculty

Residency: UHS Wilson Family Medicine

---

 

Calvin Brown, LCSW-R, CASAC

I have lived in Vestal, NY most of my life. I went to SUNY Oneonta for undergrad and SUNY Binghamton to get my Master’s in Social Work. I worked at the UHS Methadone Clinic for 10 years before joining JC Primary Care as a Faculty Social worker in June of 2023. Some of my professional interests are: harm reduction, medication assisted treatment, gender affirming care and social determinants of health. For fun I like to hang out with my kids, cook, watch sports, work out and play golf. 
 

---

 

Sarah Eaton, LCSW-R

I received my BA in Experimental Psychology and Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!). After completing my master’s I moved back home to Binghamton, NY where I was born and raised. I worked for eight years in the Emergency Room at Binghamton General Hospital (BGH) in the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program. Subsequently, I transferred to the Methadone Clinic at BGH where I facilitated the admissions for the program. I recently started as faculty social worker in April 2023. In my free time you will find me at the gym, spending time with family, or working on a home renovation project. 

PGY-1
 

Hannah Bender, MD (they/them)
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Clinical Campus 

Hi! I’m Hannah and I grew up in various rural areas across Western NY. I earned my bachelor’s at University at Buffalo in 2014 then moved to Virginia to study reproductive physiology and complete my master’s degree at EVMS. I went to Upstate for medical school and had the wonderful opportunity to experience a year-long family medicine rotation, where I realized how deeply meaningful longitudinal patient relationships are to me. I enjoy living life alongside my patients and finding ways to creatively problem solve to help people find healthcare solutions that work for them. My specialty interests include gender-affirming and LGBTQ+ care, gyn & reproductive care, sex worker-specialized care, prison medicine, and sex medicine. I enjoy weightlifting, crochet, taking my dog to the beach, watching Formula 1 races, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with my spouse.

---

Arina Gorskaya, MD (she/her)
Medical School: American University of Antigua

Hi, my name is Arina Gorskaya. I hail from Russian and now am a very happy resident of NY. I went to American University of Antigua where I earned my medical degree. What drew me to UHS was its array of different learning opportunities such as OMT, acupuncture, behavior tract and more importantly its warm and welcoming community of educators. I enjoy gardening, listening to music, cooking, dancing and going for walks in my spare time. I welcome anyone that decides to join our team.

---

Niveita Johnson, MD (she/her)
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas 

Hi! I’m Niveita, and I’m from Ontario, Canada. I was born in Quebec, and was raised in Ontario. My interest in medicine came from volunteer experiences that I did during my High School years and Undergrad. After that I had the privilege and opportunity to travel to places during my clinical rotations and experience the diversity among them, which led to my interest in Family Medicine. I also had the chance to complete a Sub-internship here at UHS while I was in Medical School, and it's where I truly bonded with Family Medicine and decided it's my area! This program provides us with such an enormous positive environment, which I am fortunate to be a part of.

My professional interests include preventative medicine, and general medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy outdoor activities and exploring. I love reading, even though I am so behind! I have a sweet tooth (love me a good treat! - chocolate). I also recently picked up golfing and film photography! I enjoy my hangout times with my friends/family/co-workers! If you see me around, say hi!

---

Oluwabusola Lawal (she/her)
Medical School: Xavier University School of Medicine

Hello, I am Busola. I was born and raised in Nigeria. I was interested in being a medical doctor from a young age. My background and experiences in Nigeria gave me a deep commitment to making a positive impact through healthcare. Because of my passion for medicine I have pursued multiple avenues of medical training to broaden my knowledge and skills. I graduated from my first medical training at Olabisi Onabanjo Univeristy, Nigeria; then I went on to complete internship at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; after which I relocated to the United States. I completed a second medical training at Xavier University School of Medicine.

I chose family medicine residency because of my passion for serving the underserved population and providing holistic care. I am dedicated to community health. Having a balanced approach to life is important in such a demanding field. Cooking and spending time with loved ones are some ways I recharge and maintain well-being. I am excited to be here at UHS.

---

Fairy Maheta, MD (she/her)
Medical School: St. Matthew's University

Hello, I am Fairy Maheta. I was born in the diamond city of Surat, India, but grew up in London, United Kingdom. My fascination with human biology led me to complete a Biomedical Science degree at Kingston University London, which paved the way for my medical education at St. Matthew's University in the Cayman Islands. I am thrilled to begin my journey as a Family Medicine resident at UHS Wilson and embark on the next chapter of learning and growth. From a young age, I have been an avid reader, particularly enjoying fantasy and thrillers. One of my favorite authors is Sarah J Maas, whose imaginative worlds have always captivated me. Besides reading, I have a passion for cooking and baking, often experimenting with fusion recipes that blend Indian and Western cuisines. I find great joy in sharing these culinary creations with family and friends. I am also a big cricket fan and looking forward to experiencing more American sports, especially ice hockey and basketball. 

---

Revathi Muthuraman, MD (she/her)
Medical School: Madurai Medical College

I was born and raised in a small town in southern India. I completed my medical school and OB-GYN residency in India. Following medical school, I practiced family medicine in a rural hospital, which motivated me to pursue a career in family medicine in the United States. The majority of my US clinical rotations were undertaken at UHS, where I found both the faculty and residents to be amicable and easily approachable.

My area of focus lies within women's health and preventive care, and I possess a strong enthusiasm for continuous learning. During my leisure time, I take pleasure in spending time with my family and friends, as well as engaging in activities such as cooking and gardening. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to be a part of the UHS family for the next 3 years.

---

Pooja Patel, MD (she/her)
Medical School: St. Matthew's University School of Medicine 

Hi! My name is Pooja. I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. I received my Honours Bachelor of Science from Ontario Tech University and my MD from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine. My interest in family medicine started at a young age through observing my own family doctor and the impact he had on his patients and community. My passion for family medicine was solidified after completing an elective in family medicine during my fourth year. There I was exposed to the breadth of family practice and truly appreciated how seamlessly PCP’s integrated within their communities and became an extension of patient’s families. I chose UHS for its diversity, focus on resident wellness, camaraderie, and the rich opportunities for learning such as a range of subspecialty electives and research. I am confident that the UHS Family Medicine residency program will allow me to grow into the physician I aspire to be so that I may build trusting relations with my patients, provide exemplary care, and educate the community in preventative medicine. My clinical interests include pediatrics, in-office procedures, and inpatient rotations but I look forward to exploring all other subspecialties! In my spare time I enjoy watching anything sci-fi or fantasy such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars! I also enjoy pilates/yoga, cooking, and reading. I know New York offers some great outdoor activities and am looking forward to exploring a lot of that!

---

Judaja Prescott, MD (she/her)
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine 

Hi, I’m Judaja! I am from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and studied medicine in Grenada at St. George’s University. I have always valued a whole-person approach to Medicine that caters to the health of Mind, Body and Community as an interconnected unit. During my clinical rotations in New York, I gravitated towards Family Medicine’s knowledge of the interplay between organ systems, its focus on the social determinants of health, and the vital role we play in patient education across all ages. I am excited to be a part of this program where I can explore my interests in Community outreach, Academic Research, OMT, and Medical Acupuncture. Outside of medicine, I enjoy nature walks, yoga, snorkeling, playing instruments and a good sci-fi/action movie!

---

Rosine Plummer, MD (she/her)
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine

Hey!! My name is Rosine, I was born and raised in Rwanda, a country known as a “land of a thousand hills” in the eastern parts of Africa. Following high school, I moved to Sioux City, Iowa played soccer and completed a bachelor’s in science in biology and minor in psychology at Briar Cliff University. Then, I earned my medical degree at the American University of Antigua school of medicine. I am thrilled to continue my residency training at UHS Wilson Medical Center in Binghamton, a place that reminds me so much of my home country. Growing up I was enthusiastic about math; however, it wasn’t until my own experience with profound healthcare disparities, lack of adequate and access to healthcare that my curiosity in medicine sparked. During this time, I quickly learned that a lot of the diseases were preventable, and since then I had made it my goal to be part of the solution in ensuring adequate healthcare is available to all. I chose the family medicine program at UHS, specifically for their commitment to the community they serve, their priority to provide holistic healthcare to that is indeed equitable and accessible to all, while creating a supportive learning environment for their residents in training.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking different cultural dishes, spending time with family and friends, and exploring nature. I am looking forward to the next UHS soccer game.

---

 

PGY-2

Jensine Agenmonmen, MD (she/her)
Medical School: University of Limerick Graduate Entry Medical School 

Hi! I’m Jensine, I was born in Washington DC; however, I spent my formative years in Lagos, Nigeria. I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa because I was interested in the interplay of factors that made the human body healthy. I soon came to know this ‘interplay of factors’ as the social determinants of health. My interest in understanding these factors began not too long after I left Nigeria. It became very apparent to me that a vast majority of diseases that Nigerians were suffering from, stemmed from unequal access to these determinants of health. This piqued my interest in pursuing medicine, and ultimately, specializing in Family Medicine, a specialty that aims to provide holistic care to patients. Following completion of my undergraduate degree, I moved to the beautiful country of Ireland, where I attended medical school at the University of Limerick School of Medicine.

My interests in medicine include women’s health, global health, and preventative care. Some of my hobbies include photography, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Very excited to spend the next few years getting the best training here at UHS!

---

Aaron Bridgemohan, MD (he/him)
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine

Hello, I’m Aaron and I'm from Ontario, Canada. I completed my undergrad at the University of Waterloo and went to Saba University School of Medicine. Going to medical school on Saba was a completely different from growing up in Canada but it was nice to experience my Caribbean heritage. During medical school I rotated at many different hospitals and I’ve seen more of the United States than I’ve seen of Canada. My first experience with family medicine was when I shadowed a family physician during undergrad. I was amazed at the long term and collaborative relationships she built with her patients. I knew that was something I wanted as well.  The UHS FM program will provide me with the opportunity to learn and grow in a welcoming and friendly environment. Outside of medicine I love to watch hockey and I’m a huge fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs (so painful). I also collect model trains and love my Corgi Theodore!

---

Vejay Budhu, MD (he/him)
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Hi, my name is Vejay and I was born in Canada and grew up in Brampton, Ontario. At a very young age I was interested in being a doctor; in pursuit of this dream I attended the University of Toronto and earned my Honors Bachelor of Science Degree. My journey then led me to Ross University School of Medicine where I earned my Medical Degree. I am very excited to be here at UHS and am looking forward to the amazing opportunities that lie ahead. In my spare time you probably will find me either studying, playing sports, listening to music, or watching anime and tech videos. I also love spending time with my family, building new things, and learning more about technology.

---

Shane Gopaul, MD  (he/him)
Medical School: St George’s University School of Medicine 

Hey! I was born in Guyana, studied in Canada and completed medical school at St. George’s University. I’ve had the privilege of learning in very diverse communities and am excited to continue that training here in Johnson City, NY. I’m looking forward to working in a program that shares my values in community outreach and health equity. I love sports, my fiancée Indu and puppers Thangu, and having a good laugh. Don’t be shy, I’d love to chat!

---

Jacqueline Lau, MD (she/her)
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine 

I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, but travelled to different cities for my studies - Hamilton for my undergraduate, Ottawa for law school, Grenada for medical school, and now finally settling in Johnson City for residency. I developed an interest in medicine during my time in law school learning about health disparities and the importance of health care advocacy. UHS gave me the opportunity to pursue my interest in advocacy while exploring other areas, such as preventative care, women's health, and integrative medicine.  Outside of medicine, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and spoiling my corgi, Spiffy.

---

Nicolette McLain, DO (she/her)
Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi, my name is Nicolette McLain and I grew up here in Vestal, NY. I attended Vestal Central High School and continued my education at Broome Community College and then Binghamton University. I went on to work at our local hospitals as a medical office assistant, nursing assistant, mental health technician as well as an independent home health care aide. I knew my passion was in medicine so I continued my education at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. It was there that I fell in love with family medicine and rural medicine. My goal as a family physician is to provide a more personalized form of medicine and utilize osteopathic manipulative techniques to help my patients find balance in their bodies and provide relief from pain. My interests outside of medicine include cooking, baking, reading, yoga and spending time with my family. I am excited to be back home and giving back to the very community that made me who I am today!

---

Seyedeh Mirrazavi, MD (she/her)
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas

I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia at the age of 17. I attended the University of British Columbia for my undergraduate studies and Medical University of the Americas for medical school. Living in Canada and the Caribbean, I was constantly surrounded by diversity, and attribute this to my love for people and their unique stories.

Family Medicine and I found each other at the end of my third-year rotations. I love the ability to create meaningful relationships with patients and to work collaboratively to improve their quality of life. During my last year of medical school, I had the opportunity to complete an elective rotation at UHS Family Medicine program. During my time here every faculty and staff member I met was so kind and approachable. This experience gave me the sense that this program was not just a team but a family. I feel extremely fortunate to be part of such a positive and supportive program.

My interests in medicine include women’s health and preventive medicine. Outside of work I enjoy going on long walks, trying new places with good food and spending quality time with friends and family.

---

Michael Powell, MD (he/him)
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Medicine

I’m a Binghamton Area native who lived through our two floods, still has a B Mets jersey, and regularly has to explain what a spiedie is, so it’s a real honor to be back to serve the community I love. I had considered a career as a physician since I was young because I love science, enjoy being with people, and wanted to follow the example of the great physicians in my life. But it was through my time volunteering at UHS and in Syracuse, my philosophy education at The University of Scranton and great mentors at Upstate Medical University that inspired me to pursue Family Medicine. My professional interests include broad spectrum outpatient care, addiction medicine and palliative care, and I’m very excited to not only care for patients but hopefully make our community a healthier place. When I’m not working you can find me juggling, practicing piano, trying to catch up on Marvel and Star Wars shows, and spending time with my family and friends.

---

Katie Skolnick, MD (she/her)
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Medicine

I was born and raised in Fairport, NY, just outside of Rochester. I studied biology and chemistry during my undergraduate education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with the goal of entering the health care field. I decided on becoming a physician in undergrad after shadowing an oncologist because I was inspired by the way the physician, patients and their families worked together through difficult experiences to help the patients reach their goals. After college, I moved back to upstate NY and attended medical school at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse. While in medical school, I enjoyed learning about the different facets of medicine through student leadership, service, and research opportunities. I spent my third year and part of my fourth year at the Upstate Clinical Campus in Binghamton which is when I fell in love with family medicine and this program. Some of my interests in medicine include obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics but I have yet to experience an aspect of family medicine that I do not enjoy. I also have an interest in medical education and hope to work with medical students and residents throughout my career. Outside of medicine I like to stay active by playing softball and snowboarding. I also enjoy reading, streaming new shows, and eating ice cream at one of the many local shops!

---

PGY-3

Deborah Alfa, MD (she/her)
Medical School: Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine

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

---

Nahosi Bowa, MD (she/her)
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine

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

---

Christian Edwards, MD* (he/him)
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine 

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

---

Olivia Hu, MD* (she/they)
Medical School: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook

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

---

Ramandeep Mangat, MD (he/him)
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine

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

---

Ruchi Parikh, MD (she/her)
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine

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

---

Megan Rigotti, DO (she/her)
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

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

---

Sabba Sarwar, MD (she/her)
Medical School: Windsor University School of Medicine

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

---

Peter Yang, MD (he/him)
Medical School: Cebu Institute of Medicine

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

 

* Indicates Co-Chief Residents

SALARY: $60,890 (PGY 1)

Insurance Coverage:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To connect with us on Instagram, click here.

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

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

Application Criteria:

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

United Health Services residency graduates are very successful in earning fellowships. Listed here are Family Medicine graduates who have earned fellowships over the past 5 years:

Resident	Fellowship
Joseph Giannetta, MD	Sports Medicine, United Health Services Hospitals, Johnson City, NY
Tanzeel Awadalla, MD	Sleep Medicine, MAYO Clinic, Rochester, MN
Rehan Azeem, MD	Geriatrics, United Health Services Hospitals, Johnson City, NY
Karyssa Bowron, MD	Sports Medicine, United Health Services Hospitals, Johnson City, NY
Sohaib Mannan, MD	Geriatrics, Brown University, Providence, RI
Jane Simpson, DO	Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI
Anna Liggett, MD	Geriatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
B. Max Kammerman, MD	Sports Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Sandita Seecharan Reddammagari, MD	Geriatric Medicine, United Health Services Hospitals, Johnson City, NY