Pathology Residents
For a list of our residency graduates, please see our Alumni page.
PGY4
Shanelle De Lancy, MD
I was born and raised in the twin island republic, Trinidad & Tobago. Following high school, I opted to remain close to home. I attended St. George’s University SOM in the neighboring island of Grenada, where I discovered my passion for pathology. Following a brief stint as a learning strategist, I found myself engrossed by medical education and have been working as a teaching fellow in the Department of Anatomical Sciences at my alma mater. I hope to continue teaching medical students throughout residency. My current field of interest is hematopathology but I will be keeping an open mind throughout training. Outside of medicine, I enjoy trying new restaurants and foods, reading novels, NBA, playing board/card games, listening to music and hanging out with my family and friends.
Luvy Delfin Mendez, MD
I can proudly say I am a Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals first-year pathology resident. I was born and raised in Cuba. I received my medical degree with honors from the University of Medical Sciences in Havana. A few years later I finished Family Medicine and Anatomic Pathology residencies. Then, I attended two fellowships in Oncopathology and Molecular Pathology. I practiced in the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology in Havana, Cuba for two years, where I gained strong clinical knowledge that allowed me to engage in a wider variety of research topics and clinical trials mostly related to prostatic adenocarcinoma and bone and soft tissue tumors. Later on, I was part of the Labopat team, Puebla Mexico for almost a year. I am confident that the Case Western Reserve University/UH Pathology Program, has all the elements to develop well-rounded pathologists. In my free time, I enjoy camping and traveling. I also take pleasure in cooking for my family and friends and trying new restaurants here and there. I love dogs and a cup of coffee anytime.
Oziel Valdez Sanchez, MC
My name is Oziel Valdez-Sanchez. I am the eldest son in my family, and I have one brother and one sister. I was born in 1990 in Monterrey, Mexico, where I graduated from ‘Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon’ School of Medicine, which is the biggest university in northeast Mexico. I consider that I have an inquisitive mind, am someone who likes to understand the “whys” and the “hows” of the disease process, and other topics beyond medicine, and I think that pathology is the medical specialty that best matches those interests. Outside of medicine, I like to do simple things such as having a conversation on any topic with a good friend, taking a walk, contemplating the scenery and practicing meditation.
Daniel Shen, MD
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. I attended the University of Toronto as an undergraduate studying human biology and physiology. Subsequently, I received my medical degree from St. George's University. As a child, I spent my summers in my uncle's lab in Nanjing, China where I began to discover my interest in life sciences. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as an assistant researcher at University Health Network, where I familiarized myself with the laboratory environment and underwent training to use confocal microscopes. Outside of academics, I like to meet people, read the news, watch shows, follow sports and travel abroad.
Mingfei Yan, MD
Hi, my name is Mingfei. I was born and raised in China, and I went to medical school at Xi’an Jiaotong University in my hometown. Afterward, I went to The Chinese University of Hong Kong for a PhD, during which time I researched breast cancer biology. After moving to the U.S., I worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center for prostate cancer research before I was matched into the pathology residency program at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals. I found pathology a very promising specialty for me to pursue postgraduate medical training since it really allows us to dig inside the pathogenesis of different diseases, and thus help us to make an accurate and personalized diagnosis as well as to innovate novel therapeutics for patients. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, cooking, watching movies and traveling, etc.
PGY3
Alwalid Ammoun, MD
Hi, this Alwalid and you can call me Waleed, as most people around me do. I was born in Syria and I grew up in different places in the Middle East. I received my medical degree from Damascus University and I moved to the United States right after graduation. I was involved in research projects at NYU, focusing on the enhanced clearance of pathological conformations of both Amyloid beta and tau proteins in Alzheimer’s disease, using both active and passive immunization approaches.
When it comes to spare time, I’m very adventurous, I like soccer and biking and I work out regularly. I enjoy reading, music, traveling and learning about different cultures and that would always include trying new recipes. Also, I’m always down for a good concert or show.
My future career goals are still open and depend on my experience during residency, and among many reasons that made me choose Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals is the strength of both AP and CP, so I’m quite sure that will help me find my niche.
I’m very excited and proud to be part of this team, and I look forward to working with all of you.
Rabail Aslam, MBBS
My name is Dr. Rabail Aslam Rai. I attained my MD degree at one of the premier medical schools in Pakistan. I moved to the USA a few years back and have since established myself as a physician-scientist. I am currently completing my postdoctoral fellowship training at RUSH University Medical Center. My team at RUSH has worked on innovating a novel multiplex imaging technique that has the potential to revolutionize diagnostic imaging. I am super excited to be starting my residency training at Case Western Reserve University, this summer.
In addition to volunteering at PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Chicago & I am also an active member of a few local NGOs. I love teaching medical students in my spare time. I also enjoy photography, playing piano, listening to audiobooks, cooking healthy meals and high energy athletic training.
Emily Bulson, DO
Hi! I am originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I studied biomedical science at GVSU in Grand Rapids, Michigan prior to obtaining my medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. Through my surgical experience before medical school and during my clinical years, I developed a passion for the diverse field of pathology and I am ecstatic to be joining Case Western Reserve’s pathology team at UH!
My current interests are just as vast as the field and I am eager to further explore all subspecialties. After narrowing my focus during residency, I hope to pursue a fellowship and work in an academic setting. In my spare time, I like to stay active. I enjoy the outdoors, taking my dog to the park, playing ping pong, and learning new songs on the piano.
Waleed Khan, MD
I was born in Multan, Pakistan, and moved to Canada prior to my first birthday. I grew up in Mississauga, Ontario Canada, and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo. There I developed my love for medicine and more importantly my love for pathology. I had the opportunity to work with an endocrinologist in osteoporosis research involving atypical femoral fractures. It is there, that I was connected with different pathologists and my love for pathology had further grown. After working on different research projects for a couple of years I decided to pursue medicine at St. George's University in Grenada. Outside of medicine, I like to work with my hands. I love working with computers and have built desktop computers for myself and my family, I love playing video games, and working on my car. I am a huge NBA fan and plan to go to as many sporting events as I can while living in Cleveland. I am excited and greatly looking forward to spending at least my next 4 years here!
Arshna Qureshi, MBBS
I was born and grew up in Delhi, the capital city of India known for its enriched culture and vibrant history. I received my medical diploma at Lady Hardinge Medical College. After my graduation, I moved to the United States as a Research Fellow at the Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine (ITMM) in Cleveland. At ITMM I have been primarily working on developing a novel method for restoring bone marrow and stem cell functions after brain-death. In addition, I have been involved in the design and regulation of a clinical trial aimed at allaying unpropitious effects of blood transfusion via experimental drugs such as ethyl nitrite a resnitrosylating agent. My other academic interest include medical education, digital pathology, and informatics. During my free time, I volunteer at Cleveland Ibn Bin Siba Clinic, a local free clinic serving the uninsured and underprivileged community members. Outside of medicine, I enjoy trying out different cafés – Presti’s and Algebra Tea House are among my favorites here. While I continue to be mesmerized by snow, I enjoy hiking and traveling when the weather permits. Over the recent years, I have become increasingly fond of the peace and tranquility offered by the small yet beautiful city of Cleveland, a change of heart that the “Delhiite” in me still finds it hard to believe. I look forward to spending many more wonderful years here in Cleveland
PGY2
Achal Acharya, MBBS
I received my medical education in Kathmandu, Nepal at KIST Medical College. After graduating from medical school I worked as a medical officer in a hospital in Nepal and was also a lab assistant at Kathmandu Path Lab prior to starting at UH. Some of the main draws of University Hospitals at CWRU for me are the strength of the Clinical Pathology division and matching strength of the Anatomic Pathology division. I look forward to engaging in research with the UH faculty on topics like the identification of molecular markers and pathways for development of novel therapeutics. Another major draw of UH for me was that it is also headquarters for the National Center for Regenerative Medicine. This is an area that I see myself working in even as a pathologist. My fellowship interests include molecular and genetic pathology. I am specifically interested in the molecular aberrations of a variety of solid tumors. My out of work interests include mystery and detective novels and film, and adventure sports. I am also an amateur sitar player.'
Amel Ahmed, MD, PhD
My name is Amel Ahmed. I was born and raised in Egypt. I graduated from Assiut Medical School; one of the largest and oldest medical schools in Egypt. After graduation, I was appointed as a junior faculty in the Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Assiut Medical School where I got my Master’s degree. Then, I did my PhD research project at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX. After this, I returned to Egypt to continue teaching medical students at the University and to do research.
I am very excited to start my pathology residency at UH/Case Western Reserve University. This will be a great new chapter in my life that I am looking forward to. I am very interested to learn about neuropathology in particular. I am glad that I will be working with the distinguished faculty at Case Western Reserve University. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my husband and my two lovely daughters. We like to have “family time” every evening and watch comedy Arabic series. We also like to travel and explore new places.
Anne Dharamraj, MD
I am from Swartz Creek, Michigan. I attended Lesley University’s Audubon Expedition Institute where I completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies. I obtained my medical degree from Ross University. I am still exploring what areas in pathology I would like to specialize in. There is so much that I find interesting!
My hobbies include gardening, skiing, hiking- anything in the great outdoors! I enjoy visiting apiaries and learning how to landscape with native plants. The newest addition to my family is a Portuguese Water Dog named Murray.
Prabesh Gautam, MD
I was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, also known as the city of temples. After receiving my medical degree from the Three Gorges University College of Medical Sciences, China, I pursued three years of residency training in Pathology at Kathmandu University, Nepal. I practiced as a general pathologist in an academic center in Nepal for a year, where I got to teach medical students. I also got an opportunity to serve as a Lab Head in one of the Private diagnostic labs, SRL, Nepal. After that stint, I moved to the Maldives, where I practiced for two and a half years in the ministry of health-associated hospitals. My current field of interest is hematopathology and molecular pathology. Besides medicine, I enjoy hiking and playing ping-pong; recently, I became fond of exploring the underwater world. I believe physical fitness is the key to mental well-being, and I regularly jog, run and hit the gym. My spouse, a pediatric PGY1, and I are excited to come to the US and train further in the field.
I am excited to be a part of the UH Cleveland Medical Center Pathology team and look forward to working with you.
Tsigab Hagos, MD
I am from Ethiopia. I attended Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, and graduated in Nov 2015. After graduation, I worked at Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences as a lecturer and general medical practitioner, initially in the department of surgery and then in the department of pathology. I came to the US in 2018 and was doing a couple of observerships in pathology. In addition, I was also working as a Telemetry cardiac monitoring technician at Memorial Hermann hospital, the Woodlands, Texas. Now I'm extremely excited to be starting my AP/CP pathology residency at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University and to be a part of the pathology program family. I am currently interested in GIpathology and Cytopathology and also would like to keep it open mind throughout my training. In my spare time, I enjoy doing yoga, walking, spending quality time with family and friends, and cooking.
Jing Wang, MD, PhD
Hi, this is Jing Wang and you can call me Jing (pronounced like gene). I was born and grew up in China. I received my medical degree from Xi'an Jiaotong University in my hometown. Then, I pursued a Phd degree at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore and studied telomere and telomerase in cancer biology. For me, pathology is one of the best clinical subspecialties to combine my medical education and research background and I enjoy finding different patterns of diseases with my eyes. I am excited to join Case Western Reserve's pathology team at University Hospital. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, yoga, hiking and traveling.
PGY 1
Reba Daniel, MBBS
Hi! My name is Reba. I was born and raised outside Philadelphia. I moved to India soon after high school to begin medical school at Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. While in medical school, besides studying, my interests included dance and walking through town trying amazing food from local restaurants and street carts. Living in Pondicherry, I was lucky enough to be able to go to the beach whenever I needed to de-stress. Since graduation, I have worked as a pharmacy technician, medical scribe, and as a research assistant in GU pathology with a focus on prostate and bladder carcinomas. Working in research, I realized how much information we can obtain by looking at various characteristics of a single cohort. As I begin residency, I hope to stay open-minded to figure out which subspecialties best fit me. In my spare time, I love to catch up with friends and when we do, we usually go try out new brunch places! I have a cat whom I love dearly and annoy a lot! I am a fan of Broadway and musical theatre. My wish is to travel and explore new places.
Hallie Dolin, MD, PhD
My name is Hallie, and I'm originally from Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2014. After that, I completed my medical education at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, earning an MD and a PhD. Pathology is one of my passions, and I'm especially interested in the effects of the immune system, inflammation, and infection on different organ systems. Previously, I researched the use of retinoic acid as a potential sepsis treatment. While I'm undecided about which areas of pathology I'd like to pursue, I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can about all of them. Ultimately, my goal is to pursue translational medicine at an academic medical center.
In my free time, I enjoy knitting, swimming, reading and writing fiction and poetry, singing and playing the guitar, and spending time with my pets. I'm happy to be close to my family in Columbus, and I'm excited to get to know the people of the University Hospitals community.
Sanita Gurung, MD
My name is Sanita Gurung. I was born in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, where I spent most of my childhood. I am very excited to be a part of the University Hospital/Case Western Reserve University Pathology program.
I went to medical school at Weifang Medical University, China. I pursued my pathology residency program at Central South University, China under China government scholarship. On completion, I joined the National Public Health Laboratory, one of the tertiary centers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Then I went to work as a general pathologist in rural areas and help to improve the service and standard in the field of pathology.
I am passionate about voluntary work and actively engaged in health awareness programs in my community. I am a vegetarian but eggs are an exception in my diet. I like hiking and exploring new places. I love watching crime investigation series and going out to movies. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn at UH Cleveland Medical Center and to train under some of the best professionals in the field of pathology.
Rita “Rivka” Hayes, MD
Hello. My name is Rita Hayes, but I go by Rivka. I grew up in Ft. Myers, FL and went to the University of Florida in Gainesville for my undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology: Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. I have one younger brother who is still in high school. For random interesting tidbits, I somewhat had a peacock for a while (he showed up and moved in one day), you will almost definitely see me using a fountain pen at some point, and I play the guqin.
Ebruphiyo Okpako, MD
I grew up in Ughelli, a small town in South-South Nigeria. I had my first degree as a Doctor of Optometry from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. I had my medical education from Texila American University, Georgetown Guyana. After medical school, I worked as an Instructor of Pathology and Pathophysiology for three years. Currently, I am working as a medical intern at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. I am the third of five children. I love to cook, try out new recipes, listen to good music and sing. I also love to read about history of a people.
Alireza Setarehaseman, MD
Hi, I was born and raised in Iran. Always so passionate about science. After completing my internship at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, I worked as a general practitioner in an underprivileged area for two years. To pursue my dream of becoming a pathologist in a world-class academic center, I moved to the United States. I have worked in different settings such as an inpatient assistant volunteer, American Red Cross volunteer, research assistant at Cleveland Cancer Center, and got the chance to join the pathology department of the Cleveland VA Medical Center as a research associate and gained valuable experience in both anatomical and clinical pathology. I am so proud and grateful to join the amazing family of University Hospitals pathology program and willingly looking forward to learning from all of you. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and trying new restaurants and foods. I enjoy listening to and playing music and also am a fan of martial arts.