Pictured: Graduates of the Family Medicine Residency are, from left to right: William Gaetano MD, MPH; Mallory Sullivan, DO; Emir Hodzic, MD; James Cooney, MD; Sumesh Aggarwal, MD; Rensie Chiara Rigor-De Vera, MD; Vijay Vanumu, MD; Gazala Dave, MD; Naseem Paruk, MD and Mehdi Shamloo, MD.)
(Utica, NY – July 014) Ten physicians graduated Friday, June 27 from the St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency, bringing the total number of Family Physicians completing the nationally accredited, three-year, postdoctoral training program to 247.
The residency program was established in 1975 and expanded in 1995 when it relocated to its current location on 120 Hobart Street, Utica. Historically, 50 percent of the program’s graduates have stayed to work in the Upstate New York region to practice, adding to the primary care work force. In addition, one obstetrician gynecologist will complete the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopic Gynecologist Minimally Invasive Surgical Fellowship sponsored by St Elizabeth under the direction of Prabhat Ahluwalia, MD in July.
A graduation ceremony and dinner were held at the Yahnundasis Golf Club. Several awards were presented, honoring graduates, residents and faculty members. Speaking on behalf of the graduates was Gazala Dave, MD.
FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY GRADUATES:
Sumesh Aggarwal, MD-A graduate of Crimer Medical Institute, Ukraine. Dr. Aggarwal will be working as a hospitalist at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in Sugarland, Texas.
James Cooney, MD – A graduate of Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica. Dr. Cooney will be working at the Premier Care Urgent Care in Syosset, New York.
Gazala Dave, MD – A graduate of Terna Medical College, India. Dr. Dave will be working as a hospitalist at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Rensie De Vera, MD – A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Philippines. Dr. De Vera will be practicing traditional outpatient medicine at Peace Health Medical Group in Eugene, Oregon.
William Gaetano, MD – A graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies. Dr. Gaetano will be staying in Utica as an attending physician in St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Emergency Medicine Department. We look forward to working with Dr. Gaetano.
Emir Hodzic, MD – A graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies. Dr. Hodzic will be staying in the area as one of St. Elizabeth Medical Group’s Family Medicine physicians at the Town of Webb Health Center in Old Forge, New York. We look forward to working with Dr. Hodzic.
Naseem Paruk, MD – A graduate of Medical University of the Americas, Nevis, West Indies. Dr. Paruk anticipates that he will be working as a hospitalist.
Mehdi Shamloo, MD – A graduate of Saba University School of Medicine, Dutch Caribbean. Dr. Shamloo plans on practicing outpatient medicine at Warden Wood Health Center in Toronto, Canada.
Mallory Sullivan, DO – A graduate of New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of New York Institute of Technology, New York. Dr. Sullivan will be staying in the area as one of St. Elizabeth Medical Group’s Family Medicine physicians in Waterville, New York. We look forward to working with Dr. Sullivan.
Vijay Vanumu, MD – A graduate of Rangaraya Medical College, India. Dr. Vanumu plans to practice traditional outpatient medicine at Allina Health in St. Paul, Minnesota.
AAGL GYN SURGICAL FELLOWSHIP GRADUATE: Jyothi Chetiyaar, MD
Residency Program Director, Mark Warfel, DO and Associate Program Director, Francis Chabot, MD presented awards. Fellowship Director Prabhat Ahluwalia, MD presented the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Gynecology diploma.
AWARDS PRESENTED:
The Jeannette Schwartz-Anne Smith Award, given to a first-year resident for clinical achievement, was presented to Martin Tolentino, MD.
The Department Chief Award for Excellence in the first year was presented to Mohammed Rizvi, MD.
The Surgical Associates of Utica Award for the best knowledge and understanding of surgery during residency training was presented to Troy Slover, MD.
The Golden Apple Award for commitment to high standards of education and unsurpassed dedication in teaching residents was presented to Hung Nguyen, MD.
The Distinguished Faculty Award for commitment to high standards in clinical education and dedication to the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program was presented to Family Medicine Physician, Satish Gedela, MD.
The Award for Excellence in ENT is awarded to the resident with the best knowledge and understanding of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery during residency training. This award was presented to William Gaetano, MD.
The Harold T. Golden Award for Excellence, given to a graduating resident for demonstration of a comprehensive interest and ability, concern for the family as a unit, willingness to be innovative, show commitment to patients, have sincerity, and be compassionate and involved was presented to Rensie De Vera, MD.
The William J. Zombek, MD Memorial Awardwas given to the resident who exemplifies excellence in clinical performance, quality patient care, and overall positive mannerism to patients served, as well as positive relationships with peer and support personnel was presented to Mallory Sullivan, DO.
The Roger D. Moore, MD Award, given to a graduating resident that demonstrates extraordinary integrity during his or her three-year residency was presented to Mallory Sullivan, DO.
The Residency Program presented the Sister Rose Vincent Gleason Award, for demonstrated consistent support and embracing the mission and vision of the Family Medicine Residency Program, to Robert C. Scholefield, RN, MS, Senior Vice President of Operations, Mohawk Valley Health System.
Chief residents for the 2014-2015 program year are: Paul Gambino, MD and Noha Abdelhamid, MD.