Grad Students, Postdocs, Residents and Fellows News
Internal Medicine
Chief Residents for 2023 - 2024 have been selected. The department welcomes these outstanding residents into these important roles:
- New Orleans: Dr. Allison Pinner, Dr. Jack Montgomery, and Dr. Daniel Holmes
- Baton Rouge: Dr. Dan Burgin, Dr. Catie Hammond, and Dr. Michael Lanasa
- Lafayette: Dr. Matt Perkins
The following residents and fellows who have been named UMC Difference Makers: Cardiology Fellows Drs. George Eigbure, Shree Radhakrishnan, Syed Saad, Nabeel Saghir, Gavini Shashitha; EM Resident Drs. Ronald Fenton, Beau Soccoccia, Mike Tseng; EP Fellow Dr. Robert Drutel; Heme-Onc Fellow Drs. Monique Germain, Shyam Mani; IM Residents Drs. Arash Ataei, Fernanda Correa, Trent Davidge, Daniel Holmes, Kemmian Johnson, Leandre Millett, and Dr. Saifullah Shahid (Lafayette).
Dr. Apre Dixon-Gleaves (Emergency Medicine) has been named UMC Intern of the Year at a recent luncheon at the Windsor Court. Dr. Dixon-Gleaves was lauded for her community engagement and excellent clinical work.
Dr. Ronald Fenton (Emergency Medicine) was nominated for UMC Resident of the Year.
Dr. Marie Bulathsinghala (Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Resident) received the oral presentation award for “Improving Critical Patient Transitions from OR to NICU Using a Standardized Handoff Tool” at the 10th Annual QI Forum.
Dr. Alpha Anders (PM&R Resident) was selected as President-Elect of the LSU School of Medicine-New Orleans House Staff Association for AY 2022-2023. He takes the reigns from Dr. Matthew Cutrer (PM&R Resident), who served as President of the House Staff Association (HSA) this past year.
Emergency Medicine residents Dr. Kasha Bornstein, Dr. Elizabeth LaRosa, together with EM Faculty Dr. Heather Murphy-Lavoie had an AAEM22 Photo Competition poster selected to be featured in an online poster showcase and on social media: ‘Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens in a Patient with Darker Complexion: Recognizing the Importance of Education on Clinical Skin Findings In Patients of Color'
Ophthalmology
John “Jack” E. Morgan, MD was presented with the Outstanding Research Award at the Annual Ophthalmology Resident Research Day for his project Papilledema Severity and Visual Field Defect Patterns in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.
Nathaniel “Banks” Rieveschl, MD was presented with the James M. Hill, PhD Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology Research for his project Assessment of Surgical Skills Training Using Bioniko Ophthalmic Surgery Models. (photo, below)
Nicole A. Legare, MD was presented with the Outstanding Research Award at the Annual Ophthalmology Resident Research Day for her project Comparison of Outcomes Using Venturi and Peristaltic Pump Phacoemulsification in a Single Residency Program.
Nicole A. Legare, MD and Kush K. Patel, MD (pictured below) were both awarded Outstanding Graduate Awards for the Class of 2022 which are selected by the faculty of the LSU Ophthalmology Residency Program as the seniors who embody the most desired characteristics of a graduate and who demonstrate excellence in clinical and surgical skills.
The Class of 2022, pictured below, left to right: Dr. Christine Connolly, Assistant Professor & Associate Residency Director; Residents Dr. Jawad Ahmad, Dr. Kush Patel, Dr. Zac Davis, Dr. Marlene Azar, Dr. Martine Domangue, Dr. Nicole Legare; Dr. Maria Reinoso, Associate Professor and Residency Director; Resident Dr. Ben Lee; Dr. Jayne S. Weiss, Chair; and Fellow Dr. James David
John Thompson, MD (PGY3) was presented the Lawrence J. Planchard Memorial Award for his top OKAP scores. Photo, below
Harshvardhan “Harsh” Chawla, MD (PGY3) presented his research Cost-Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Systems versus Specialist Referral for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening: The Impact of Anti-VEGF Therapy Selection at the American Ophthalmological Society's annual meeting in May, 2022 Colorado Springs, Colorado. Co-authors were Joshua H. Uhr, MD, Jonathan S. Williams, MD (PGY4), Maria Reinoso, MD, and Jayne S. Weiss, MD.
Pathology
Residents Dr. Christopher Girardo, Dr. Nibras Fakhri, and Dr. Hina Samad have graduated. Dr. Christopher Girardo will begin his fellowship at LSU Shreveport/Ochsner in Clinical Informatics. Dr. Nibras Fakhri will begin her sequential fellowships in Cytopathology and GU/Medical Renal Pathology at Methodist Houston. Dr. Hina Samad will begin her fellowship in Hematopathology at the University of Miami. Photo, below, pictured left to right: Dr. Hina Samad, Dr. Christopher Girardo, Dr. Nibras Fakhri
Dr. Christopher Girardo (pictured below) has been nominated as UMC Resident of the Year.
Dr. Liz Yang has been nominated as UMC Intern of Year.
The Pathology residents have honored Dr. Rachna Jetly (pictured below) as the Teacher of the Year. This award was established in 2010 by the LSU Pathology Residents to honor one faculty member who shows an extraordinary commitment to the program and to the teaching of residents. It is presented by the Chief Residents at the end of the year.
Pediatrics
2nd year fellow Jordan Doss (pictured below) presented the following posters at American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology:
- The Effect of Methotrexate on Neuroinflammation and Associated Neurologic Sequelae
- A Rare Case of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Presenting as Chronic Pharyngitis
3rd year fellow Dr. Minelys Alicea Marrero (pictured below) presented the following posters at the recent American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Annual Conference in Salt Lake City:
- Immunization Status and Response on Pediatric Post Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
- Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplant for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria-Aplastic Anemia: Case Series
Residency Program Director Dr. Chelsey Sandlin presented 2021-2022 Chief Residents Dr. James Connick and Dr. Sarah Leo with their chief chairs, given on behalf of both LSU Pediatrics and Children's Hospital. Speaking for all residents and faculty, Dr. Sandlin thanked the chiefs for a job well done this year. The department is fortunate to have Sarah stay on as an Allergy/Immunology fellow. James will also stay in the city and start his new job at Sprout Pediatrics in the coming months. (Photo below)
The department joined the graduating residency class for an Awards Ceremony in Worley Hall hosted by Program Director Dr. Chelsey Sandlin. Congratulations to award winners:
- Heather Valdin, MD - Penny Scurto, MD Outstanding Pediatric Resident Award
- Devyn Rohlfs Rivera, MD - Outstanding Medicine/Pediatric Resident Award
- Anna McFarlin, MD - Nicholas Gagliano, MD Outstanding Faculty Award (Given annually by the LSU Pediatrics Residents for excellence in teaching, and for sharing, through knowledge and example, the facts and feelings that prepare us for a lifetime of service to children)
- Chelsey Sandlin, MD - Suskind Outstanding Pediatric Faculty Award (Presented annually to the faculty member who has made an outstanding academic contribution to the education, research, clinical service and advocacy missions of the LSU Department of Pediatrics)
- Christian Nieves Rivera, MD - Outstanding Fellowship Teaching Award (Awarded annually by the residents in recognition of outstanding teaching and mentoring skills)
- Amy Bearison, MD and Seth McVea, MD - Gretchen Life, MD Award (Awarded to the graduating resident who embodies Gretchen's zeal for life and love for patients)
- Mike Evers, MD, Alex Ranucci, MD Ashley Reeves, MD and Jinnesse Taylor, MD - Alfonso Vargas, MD Research Award (For the residents who have demonstrated outstanding performance in pediatric research)
- Hannah Chachere, MD and Chad Lyman, DO - Outstanding Teaching Resident Award (Awarded annually by third year medical students for excellence in teaching during their pediatrics clerkship)
- Seth McVea, MD - Outstanding Cardiology Resident (Inaugural award - Selected by cardiology faculty to recognize a resident with outstanding clinical and professional performance on the rotation)
- Amanda Barkemeyer, MD - Intern of the Year Award (Given annually by Pediatrics PGY 1, 2 and 3 acknowledging an intern who exemplifies the values of our residency: dedication to the care of patients, advocacy for their patients, professionalism, interdisciplinary collaboration, and collegiality among residents)
- Snehaja Yadlapati, MD - Pediatric Alumni Award (For the senior medical student who has demonstrated outstanding interest and performance in pediatrics)
Lead Fellowship Program Director Dr. Kelly Gajewski hosted the Fellowship Graduation. Congrats to all graduates:
- Jamie Yeager, MD and Sarah Qayum, DO - Allergy/Immunology
- Stefanie Cheang, MD - Cardiology
- Amanda Glinky, MD - Gastroenterology
- Minelys Alicea Marrero, MD, Maria Español, MD, and Katie McQueen Amaker, MD - Hematology/Oncology
- Callie Roth, MD - Hospital Medicine
- Anne Nuttli Martin, MD and Anne Tufton, MD - Neonatology
The resident graduates met up for their annual Ralph's on the Park lunch at Dr. Jay Hescock's home. The group enjoyed the catered meal and some karaoke to celebrate the end of their residency. (Photo, below)
The department welcomes the following interns and fellows to the LSU Pediatrics Family:
Pediatric Interns:
- Stephanie Abazie, MD
- Alexis Brantley, MD
- Sarah Brewington, MD
- Andrew Harold, DO
- Shivani Patel, DO
- Anne Reed, MD
- Hope Retif, MD
- Alanna Sam, MD
- Caroline Self, MD
- Madeline Shannon, MD
- Madeleine Robert Stansberry, MD
- Nicholas Tadros, DO
- Morgan Viviano, MD
- Kathryn Wiggins, MD
- Snehaja Yadlapati, MD
Med/Peds Interns:
- Chloe d'Aquin, MD
- Nali Gillespie, MD
- Samuel Maltby, MD
- Tejal Naik, MD
- Carter Pesson, MD
- McKenzie Schwarze, MD
Peds/EM Interns:
- Lauren Blasen, DO
- Jonah Gevercer, DO
Allergy/Immunology Fellows:
- Sarah Leo, DO
- Devyn Rohlfs, MD
Cardiology Fellow:
- Jesus Jaile, MD
Gastroenterology Fellow:
- Amber Gafur, MD
Hospital Medicine Fellow:
- Tracy Omoegbele, MD
Nephrology Fellow:
- Jessica Rosario-Falero, MD
Hematology/Oncology Fellow:
- Heather Valdin, MD
Neonatology Fellows:
- Kathryn Cyrus, MD
- Mary-Elizabeth Lago, MD
Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) senior fellow John Strand recently presented at the annual PHM Conference. He presented his PHM Story, a new category for submission, which was presented as a pre-recorded video story telling.
PHM's newly graduated fellow Callie Roth presented her poster for her medical education research project: Social Determinants of Health Curriculum for Pediatric Clerkship Students at the same conference.
Physiology
Nicholas Fried, PhD defended his dissertation and graduated. He was awarded the 2022 Chancellor's Award for the School of Graduate Studies.
Dr. Nathan Sharfman successfully defended his PhD dissertation.
Josh Edevettal received his NIH F30 grant. He was also elected VP of Public Relations, Student Government Affairs.
Anna Whitehead, Brianna Bourgeois, and Taylor Templeton successfully passed preliminary exams.
Brianna Bourgeois won the Best Trainee Presentation at the 16th ADACE Scientific Retreat.
Danielle Levitt won the RSA Junior Investigator Meeting Award for the 2022 RSA Scientific meeting.
Danielle Levitt was a discussion leader at the GRS on Alcohol-Induced End Organ Damage (April 2022) and was elected to Chair next year's GRS. She was also an invited speaker for a 7th & 8th grade Girls in STEM and Healthcare Careers event at Berkner High School (April 2022, virtual).
Andrea Jones joined the Greater New Orleans Society for Neuroscience Outreach Committee.
The following presentations were made in the recent quarter:
- Brianna Bourgeois: Chronic binge alcohol administration and in vitro ethanol impair SIV-infected female macaque myoblast differentiation. Poster at RSA, Orlando, FL (June 2022).
- Brianna Bourgeois: Expression of miRNA Cargo in Adipocyte and Myotube Extracellular Vesicles of Chronic Binge Alcohol-administered SIV-infected Male Macaques. Oral presentation at Gordon Conference on Alcohol-Induced End Organ Damage, Ventura, CA (April 2022).
- Andrea Jones: Targeting cortical somatostatin signaling for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Virtual Presentation, Greater New Orleans Society for Neuroscience Trainee Seminar Series. April 2022.
- Danielle Levitt: At-risk alcohol and myoblast bioenergetic function in SIV/HIV. Oral presentation and poster at Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) & Conference on Alcohol-Induced End Organ Damage in Ventura, CA (April 2022).
- Danielle Levit:. Fat-free body mass protects against frailty in people living with HIV. Poster at RSA in Orlando, FL (June 2022).
- Jonquil Pore: Circulating adipokines in people living with HIV: association with alcohol use. Poster at RSA, Orlando, FL (June 2022).