SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024
Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Acknowledgments
Our nonprofit Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium (GME-SNC) model immerses our resident and fellow physicians in diverse community venues where they are most needed. The GME-SNC model improves the distribution of primary care doctors throughout rural and other medically underserved areas and increases the likelihood that these physicians choose to work in these settings after completing their training.
The Wright Center offers training locations at our community health centers in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties and with mission-aligned partners at regional public health-based learning environments and hospital systems, caring for patients throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. These strong affiliations provide diverse, innovative learning environments with exposure to a broad range of patient demographics, different organizational structures, various EHR programs, and increasingly complex team dynamics.
Like-minded community stakeholders, resources, and assets align with The Wright Center to address foundational health care issues by advancing local solutions with national implications. A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona provides the educational infrastructure for our National Family Medicine Residency (NFMR). By partnering with four mission-aligned Federally Qualified Health Centers in Ohio, Arizona, Washington, and Washington, D.C., NFMR operates as a unique educational partnership that trains community-minded physicians. These partnerships deliver competent, compassionate physicians who are well-positioned to serve their communities for decades to come.
We are exceptionally grateful to the partners that offer relevant and community-based training opportunities to our NFMR physician learners:
Dinner and Cocktails
MASTER AND MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Harold Baillie, Ph.D., Chairman, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, and Helayna Szescila, Deputy Chief Governance Officer
OPENING ADDRESS
Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP, President and Chief Executive Officer
WELCOME ADDRESS
Jumee Barooah, M.D., FACP, Senior Vice President, Education and Designated Institutional Official
RESIDENT REMARKS
Chilsia Shafi, M.D., President, House Staff Council
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Humza Quadir, M.D., Class of 2022, Internal Medicine Residency
Presentation of Awards & Certificates
THE WILLIAM M. WATERS, PH.D., EXCELLENCE IN ADVOCACY FOR EDUCATION AWARD
Presented by Gerard J. Geoffroy, Chairman of The Wright Center for Community Health
For the graduating resident or fellow physician who does The Wright Things, The Wright Way, for The Wright Reasons to assist vulnerable populations in our communities
THE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
Presented by Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP
For exceptional mission-driven academic leadership
THE BOST AWARD
Presented by Harold Baillie, Ph.D., and Helayna Szescila
For the individual who most demonstrates inspiration, guidance, and support of the mission of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education
ROBERT E. WRIGHT, M.D., OUTSTANDING RESIDENT AWARD
Presented by Harold Baillie, Ph.D., and Helayna Szescila
For the individual who demonstrates excellence in patient care, teaching, and community spirit
DR. STEPHEN J. PANCOAST COMPASSION, KINDNESS, SERVICE, AND HUMILITY AWARD
Presented by Harold Baillie, Ph.D., and Helayna Szescila
Honors the legacy of Stephen Pancoast, M.D., who retired in 2021 after serving as an integral member of our care team at the Ryan White HIV Clinic for more than 20 years
Presentation of Awards continued.. .
GERARD J. GEOFFROY PATIENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD
Presented by Gerard J. Geoffroy
In recognition of the most passionate and impactful resident contribution to the empowering engagement of patients, families, and community
THE WRIGHT CENTER ‘VALUES IN ACTION’ SPIRIT AWARD
Announced by Harold Baillie, Ph.D., and Helayna Szescila
In recognition of a residency program whose learners have demonstrated extraordinary behaviors that exemplify The Wright Center’s Core Values
FELLOWSHIP IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Yaser Khalid, D.O., Chief Fellow
For the faculty member who has most demonstrated excellence in teaching
OUTSTANDING FELLOW AWARD
Presented by Samir Pancholy, M.D., FACC, MSCAI, Program Director
For the graduating fellow who demonstrates excellence in patient care, teaching, and community spirit
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE GRADUATES
Presented by Tanya Torres, Coordinator, Cardiovascular Disease and Samir Pancholy, M.D., FACC, MSCAI
FELLOWSHIP IN GASTROENTEROLOGY
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Fouzia Oza, M.D.
For the faculty member who has most demonstrated excellence in teaching
OUTSTANDING FELLOW AWARD
Presented by Vikas Khurana, M.D., Program Director
For the graduating fellow who demonstrates excellence in patient care, teaching, and community spirit
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO GASTROENTEROLOGY GRADUATES
Presented by Michelle Grochowski, Coordinator, Gastroenterology, and Vikas Khurana, M.D.
FELLOWSHIP IN GERIATRICS
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Muhammad Ishaq, M.D.
For the faculty member who has most demonstrated excellence in teaching
OUTSTANDING FELLOW AWARD
Presented by Brian Ebersole, Vice President Academic Affairs and Associate Designated Institutional Official
For the graduating fellow who demonstrates excellence in patient care, teaching, and community spirit
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO GERIATRICS GRADUATES
Presented by Russell Day, Coordinator, Geriatrics and GME Workforce Operations,Training & Development Specialist, and Brian Ebersole
NATIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY
FACULTY OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Lawrence LeBeau, D.O., Program Director
For the faculty member who has most demonstrated excellence in teaching
INTERN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Lawrence LeBeau, D.O.
For the intern who has gone above and beyond and demonstrated the highest degree of altruism, accountability, duty and respect for others
OUTSTANDING RESIDENT AWARD
Presented by Lawrence LeBeau, D.O.
For the graduating senior who most demonstrates excellence in patient care, teaching, and community spirit
COMMUNITY-ORIENTED PRIMARY CARE PROJECT AWARD
Presented by Lawrence LeBeau, D.O.
Recognition for the project that best supports Community-Oriented Primary Care
ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY DIRECTORS AWARD FOR ADVOCACY
Presented by Lawrence LeBeau, D.O.
For the resident who has demonstrated skills and interest in legislative or regulatory advocacy and, by doing so, impacted the future of health care and of family medicine
SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF FAMILY MEDICINE AWARD
Presented by Lawrence LeBeau, D.O.
For the individual who has demonstrated interest in teaching medical students, participation in patient education, peer teaching, and is valued as a teacher by patients and peers
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO NATIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE GRADUATES
Presented by Samantha Ponce, Coordinator, National Family Medicine, and Lawrence LeBeau, D.O.
PSYCHIATRY
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Presented by Brian Ebersole
For the faculty member who has most demonstrated excellence in teaching
INTERN OF THE YEAR
Presented by Brian Ebersole
For the intern who has gone above and beyond and demonstrated the highest degree of altruism, accountability, duty and respect for others
Presentation of Awards continued...
INTERNAL
MEDICINE RESIDENCY
THE SANDY A. FUREY M.D., FACP, GOLDEN STETHOSCOPE AWARD
Presented by John Diakiw, M.D.
For the graduating senior who most serves as a role model for underclassmen
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Kyle Fistner, D.O., Chilsia Shafi, M.D., Sandeep Mandal, M.D., Syed Zaidi, M.D., and Lakshmi Pappoppula, M.D., Chief Residents
For the faculty member who has most demonstrated excellence in teaching
INTERN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Douglas Klamp, M.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Education Officer, and Physician Chair of Resident and Fellow Talent Acquisition, and Program Director
For the intern who has gone above and beyond and demonstrated the highest degree of altruism, accountability, duty and respect for others
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO INTERNAL MEDICINE GRADUATES
Presented by Kristen Welch, Coordinator, Internal Medicine, Douglas Klamp, M.D., and Timothy Burke, D.O., Associate Program Director
REGIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Amatus Legbedion, M.D., Chief Resident
For the faculty member who has most demonstrated excellence in teaching
INTERN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented by Amatus Legbedion, M.D., Chief Resident
For the intern who has gone above and beyond and demonstrated the highest degree of altruism, accountability, duty and respect for others
SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF FAMILY MEDICINE AWARD
Presented by Amatus Legbedion, M.D., Chief Resident
For the individual who has demonstrated interest in teaching medical students, participation in patient education, peer teaching and is valued as a teacher by patients and peers
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO REGIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE GRADUATES
Presented by Lauren Molinaro, Coordinator, Family Medicine, and Stephanie Gill, M.D., MPH, Program Director
Closing Remarks
Harold Baillie, Ph.D., and Helayna Szescila
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE GASTROENTEROLOGY
Yaser Khalid, D.O.
Future Plans: Non-Invasive Cardiology
Fouzia Oza, M.D.
Future Plans: Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship Harbor UCLA Medical Center Los Angeles, CA
GERIATRICS
Muhammad Ishaq, M.D.
Future Plans: Resident Physician Rochester Regional Health Rochester, NY
NATIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE
Jacob Darnell, D.O., M.A.
Future Plans: Addiction Medicine Fellowship University of Washington Boise, ID
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician
Joshua George, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Attending Temple University Family Physicians Philadelphia, PA
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Baylor Scott & White Health North Garland, TX
Stephanie Egwuatu, D.O.
Sandya George, D.O.
NATIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE
Katlyn Jones D.O., MPH
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician TMC One Tucson, AZ
Fatema Nassar, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician TriHealth Liberty Township, OH
Enne Shah, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Float Provider HealthPoint WA
Joshua Lloyd, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Granger Medical Holladay, Utah
Leon Nguyen, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician/Hospitalist Sutter North Medical Group Yuba City, CA
Emily Silberstein, D.O.
Future Plans: Assistant Professor of Clinical Family Medicine University of Rochester Primary Care Network Rochester, NY
Hsuan-Chieh Jasper Luoh, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Seattle, WA
Alisa Pham, D.O., M.S.
Future Plans: Rural Maternal and Child Health Fellow WVU School of Medicine Martinsburg, WV
Mary Tabakin, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Chevy Chase, Maryland
Leonardo Mejia, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician TMC One Tucson, AZ
Dunal Riveland, D.O.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician
Wei-Jen Yankelevich, D.O., Ph.D.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Mid-Atlantic Kaiser Permanente Silver Spring, MD
Udit Asija, M.D.
Future Plans: Gastroenterology Fellowship
The Wright Center Scranton, PA
Kyle Fistner, D.O.
Future Plans: Addiction Medicine Fellowship Geisinger Scranton, PA
Apeksha Kakkar, M.D.
Future Plans: Infectious Disease Fellowship
University of Florida Gainesville, FL
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Maria Rose Dominic, M.D.
Future Plans: Endocrinology Fellowship
Ochsner Clinic Foundation New Orleans, LA
Naeem Ijaz, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist United Health Services Binghamton, NY
Gursharan Kaur, M.D.
Future Plans: Primary Care Peace HealthGroup Sedro-Woolley, WA
Jawahar Durrani, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist Bayview Physicians Group Suffolk, VA
Peter Iskander, M.D.
Future Plans: Gastroenterology Fellowship The Wright Center Scranton, PA
Abhaya Khatiwada, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist Mercy Hospital Springfield, MO
Sadaf Fatima, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
Ayushi Jain, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
NYC Health & Hospital Bronx, NY
Aishwarya Krishnaiah, M.D.
Future Plans: Infectious Disease Fellowship
University of California Irvine, CA
Aamir Makda, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
Apogee Physicians Milford, DE
Sarasija Natarajan, M.D.
Future Plans: Pulmonary Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine
University of Florida Jacksonville, FL
Khadijah Sajid, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
St. Luke’s Allentown, PA
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Sandeep Mandal, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
CCHS, University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
Lakshmi Pappoppula, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
Carolina East Medical Center New Bern, NC
Chilsia Shafi, M.D.
Future Plans: Infectious Disease Fellowship
University of Florida Gainesville, FL
Sajeel Mirza, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
Bay View Physicians Group Suffolk, VA
Preya Patel, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
Mohammed Musa Najmuddin, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist
TidalHealth Salisbury, MD
Aniqa Raheem, M.D.
Future Plans: Internal Medicine Faculty Arkansas
Ali Shah, M.D.
Future Plans: Nephrology Transplant Fellowship
University of Chicago Chicago, IL
Sabeeka Shah, M.D.
Future Plans: Infectious Disease Fellowship
Brown University Providence, RI
Sumnima
Shrestha, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist Carolina East Medical Center New Bern, NC
Omar Syed, M.D.
Future Plans: Endocrinology Fellowship University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Mashu
Shrivastava, M.D.
Future Plans: Endocrinology Fellowship SUNY Upstate Syracuse, NY
Lekha Yadukumar, M.D.
Future Plans: Hematology & Oncology Fellowship University of Iowa Iowa City, IA
Shila Simkhada, M.D.
Future Plans: Hospitalist UnityPoint Health Sioux City, IA
Future Plans: Hospitalist Great River Health System West Burlington, IA
Aayushi
Future Plans: Endocrinology Fellowship
UH Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH
Future Plans: Clinical Fellowship Barnes-Jewish Hospital St. Louis, MO
Syed Zaidi, M.D.
Jiayi Zheng, M.D.
Sood, M.D.
REGIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE
Tony AbdelMaseeh, M.D.
Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician
Highland Physicians Family Health Center Honesdale, PA
Aniq Hakim, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient/Inpatient Hybrid Family Medicine Physician Ontario, Canada
Mohana Partheeban, M.D.
Future Plans: Geriatrics Fellowship Duke University School of Medicine Durham, NC
Neil Espiritu, M.D.
Future Plans: Primary Care Physician
Sutter Health Modesto, CA
Anitesh Jaswal, M.D.
Future Plans: Inpatient/Outpatient Adult Practice Parrish Medical Center Titusville, FL
Nirshanthika Raviendren, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Physician Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vivek Gautam, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Physician
Lehigh Valley Health Network Allentown, PA
Amatus Legbedion, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Physician The Wright Center Scranton, PA
Omar Saeed, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient Primary Care Physician Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Ruhi Goraya, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Physician Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Edwin Mogaka, M.D., Ph.D.
Future Plans: Primary Care Physician Lehigh Valley Hospital Tobyhanna, PA
Ankit Sethi, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Physician
Blue Oak Medical Clinic Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
REGIONAL
FAMILY MEDICINE
Sahil Sharma, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Physician Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Safwaan Suleman, M.D.
Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Physician Toronto, Ontario, Canada
DENTAL
NYU Langone Dental Medicine Postdoctoral Program for Advanced Education in General Dentistry
Rishi Priyanka Mallampalli, BDS
Michael Joseph Regan, DMD
Future Plans: Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA
Future Plans: Dentist The Wright Center Wilkes-Barre, PA
Thank You
We extend our sincere gratitude to all past and current board members who have actively contributed to advancing our mission over the past year. Thank you for your service.
THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH
Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP | President and Chief Executive Officer, Ex-Officio, Non-Voting
Gerard J. Geoffroy | Chair
Deborah Kolsovsky | Vice Chair
Mary Marrara | Secretary
Kenneth Okrepkie | Interim Treasurer
Pedro L. Anes • Mary Ann Chindemi, R.N. • Patricia Desouza • LeeAnn Eschbach, Ph.D.
Kim Heritsko • Tracy Hunt • Mary Klem, M.S., R.D., CSO, LDN • Richard Krebs
Lewis Marcus • Joseph Marinelli, R.Ph., MBA • Ellen Walko
THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP | President and Chief Executive Officer
Harold Baillie, Ph.D. | Chair
James Gavin | Vice Chair
Carol Rubel | Secretary
Teri Ooms | Treasurer
Jumee Barooah, M.D., FACP, DIO, Ex-Officio, Non-Voting • Peter Amato, DNM • Holly Binnig, M.D. Ronald Bukowski • Ariane Conaboy, D.O. • Michael Curran • Crystal Berry • Sharon Obadia, D.O. • Michael J. Paglia, M.D., Ph.D. • Scott Schermerhorn, Esq. • Douglas Spegman, M.D. • Debra Youngfelt
THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR PATIENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP | Co-Chair
Mary Marrara | Co-Chair
LeeAnn Eschbach, Ph.D. | Vice Chair
Ellen Walko | Secretary
Gerard J. Geoffroy | Immediate Past Chair | Interim Treasurer
Ayushi Jain, M.D. | Chief Resident Liaison
Yash Despande M.D. | Resident Leader Liaison
Pedro L. Anes • Gail Cicerini • Paul Haugland • Charlie Hemak • Lorraine Lupini
Kari Machelli, R.N. • Jacob Miller, M.D. • Girard Petula, Ed.D. • Sarah Quinlin-Sheridan
Carol Rubel • Tammy Saunders • Melissa Simrell
In loving memory of William M. Waters, Ph.D., Former Vice Chair, The Wright Center for Community Health; and Former Co-Chair, The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement
We also humbly acknowledge our resident and fellow physicians who entrust us with their respective education, our patients who place their confidence in our care team and our faculty, employees and staff who actively deliver our mission and vision every day.
MISSION:
To improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.
VISION:
For our Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net consortium framework that integrates patient care delivery, workforce development, and innovation to be the leading model of primary health care in America.
VALUES:
Do the Wright thing Be privileged to serve
Be an exceptional team player
