Pediatric Residency

House Staff

House Staff Contact Information

If you wish to contact our residents, please email Peds_Chiefs@uhhospitals.org.

Pediatric Chief Residents

Matthew “Zach” Dawson, MD

Hometown: I moved a lot as a kid!
Undergrad: Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Neurology, Child Abuse, Peds Hospitalist – also Humanism in Medicine, point of care ultrasound, and medical education
Personal Interests: Reading (sci-fi and fantasy, biographies, history of medicine), running and soccer – ask me about pick-up or getting involved with soccer leagues!
Favorite Things About Cleveland: Cleveland is a city that really inspires the people who live in it. I moved ±15 times before I got here, and I’ve never lived in a place where everyone is so proud about their town and so eager to work on it to make it better. Having the only national park in Ohio nearby is also a great perk! You get all the best of Midwest hospitality with the vibe of a big Metro area.

Debra Rosenbaum, MD

Hometown: New York, NY
Undergrad: Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
Professional Interests: Undecided
Personal Interests: Spending time with my husband and daughter, hiking, playing basketball
Favorite Things About Cleveland: There’s (almost) never traffic! (That’s a big deal for a New Yorker.)

Rachel Welch, MD

Hometown: Mentor, OH
Undergrad: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
Professional Interests: Infectious Disease, primary care, epidemiology
Personal Interests: Rock climbing, cycling, running, yoga, cooking
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because they are so dedicated to the community. At Rainbow, the attendings, fellows and residents truly care about their patients and their families. There is a strong culture of advocacy and helping those most in need that really stood out to me. I also loved how much the residents get along and enjoy hanging out together!

Alissa Zeglin, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Barrington, IL
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Haywood, IL
Professional Interests: Academic medicine, primary care
Personal Interests: Crafting, reading

PGY-1

Rebecca Audette, MD

Hometown: Millbury, MA
Undergrad: University of New Hampshire
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Currently considering hospitalist or PICU. Also interested in research and MedEd
Personal Interests: Exploring new parks and hikes outdoors, crossword puzzles (especially with friends), baking, reading, watching tv/movies, exploring new breweries, spending time with friends
Why I Chose Rainbow: Even during my virtual interview I could tell that Rainbow was a supportive environment with a sense of community among residents. I appreciated that program leadership emphasized resident wellness initiatives and ways that they are trying to improve resident burnout including the X+Y schedule. I also was drawn to the strong emphasis on education and the education structure which creates a really well rounded residency experience.

Ashley Augustine, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, TN
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary Care, General Pediatrics
Personal Interests: Baking, cooking, yoga, hiking, hockey
Why I Chose Rainbow: My rotations at Rainbow really pushed my growth as a clinician because even as a new medical student, I was challenged to lead the care of my patients. Navigating this role was scary, but I felt supported by everyone I worked with, as so many residents and attendings encouraged and helped me embrace that position. This mixture of autonomy and mentorship, both in culture and curriculum, was something I held in high regard when I looked at residency programs, and Rainbow continually stood out. Add in my interest in x+y scheduling and the great Ophthalmology programs in Cleveland for my fiancé’s training and choosing Rainbow was a slam dunk. I am so thrilled to continue my training here!

Kati Baillie, MD

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Undergrad: University of New Mexico
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Medical Education, undecided on specialty but interested in: pediatric emergency medicine, primary care, NICU, hospitalist
Personal Interests: Running, reading, snowboarding, hiking with my pup Millie, spending time with friends and family
Why I Chose Rainbow: The people, X+Y scheduling, exposure to so many sub-specialties, med-ed track, emphasis on wellness

Virginia Busby, MD

Hometown: Jenks, OK
Undergrad: Rice University
Medical School: University of Oklahoma
Professional Interests: Medical education, hospitalist vs. critical care
Personal Interests: I love puzzles (sudoku, kakuro, etc) and spending time with friends and family, especially if it involves food!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I love the X+Y schedule-it gives me so much peace of mind knowing that after every 6 weeks, I will have two guaranteed golden weekends. I also loved the tracks because I am very interested in medical education.

Elisabeth Cahill, MD

Hometown: Rocky River, Ohio
Undergrad: John Carroll University
Medical School: University of Toledo
Professional Interests: Critical Care, Education
Personal Interests: Hiking, bouldering, star wars, harry potter, marvel, kayaking, dogs
Why I Chose Rainbow: The People! And I wanted to be back in my city in a program that would support and challenge me.

Emily Certo, DO

Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Undergrad: University of New England
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: General pediatrics
Personal Interests: Sports, spinning, biking, being outside, going to the beach, spending time with friends and family!
Why I Chose Rainbow: When I was rotating as a medical student it was the first hospital I had ever been in where I truly felt like a valuable member of the team, people took an interest in me and who I was outside of work and everyone remembered my name! The competency and confidence that the residents showed was impressive and motivating. I knew it was a place I would be supported, challenged and cared for all in one!

Jefferson Chandler, MD

Hometown: Willamette, Oregon
Undergrad: Southern Virginia University
Medical School: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Professional Interests: Always been in love with primary care, but open to exploring subspecialties. It is important to me to establish strong therapeutic relationships with my patients that can grow and develop with them.
Personal Interests: I love spending time outdoors with my wife and two kids! Running, kayaking, biking, hiking, and bird watching are some of my favorite pastimes. Indoors I like to play the piano, do puzzles and read.
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow was my first interview and I told my wife that if Rainbow offered a guaranteed position I would accept it and cancel all of my other interviews on the spot! My Rainbow connection was partly a gut instinct, but also based on the impressive track record that Rainbow has in providing exemplary patient care, training compassionate physicians and being a leader in health care.

Shradha Chhabria, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Undergrad: Georgetown University
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; MPH at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Professional Interests: Obesity medicine, global health equity, non-communicable disease epidemiology, health disparities, cultural competence in healthcare delivery
Personal Interests: Traveling, trying and making vegetarian food from around the world, yoga, meditation, and exploring all that Cleveland has to offer!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I really value that Rainbow is a top notch academic center that focuses on providing the highest quality of care to all children and families in Cleveland, including the significant portion that are underserved. I also really appreciate the program’s focus on wellness with an x+y schedule that is integrated with that of the medicine program (yay Med-Peds!), and that Rainbow is incredibly supportive of its residents.

Adrianne Cornette, MD

Hometown: Fort Thomas, KY
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Medical School: University of Kentucky
Professional Interests: Endocrinology
Personal Interests: Reading, traveling, going on walks and hikes
Why I Chose Rainbow: You get to see a wide variety of pathologies, from the very common to more rare. You have autonomy as an intern. While the class size is bigger, you still get to know everyone. The program puts a lot of focus on their residents and their well-being.

Amy Dadisman, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad: John Carroll University
Medical School: The Ohio State University
Professional Interests: Allergy & Immunology and Med-Ed
Personal Interests: Being a cat mom, Netflix/Hulu/HBO Max/etc., trying new restaurants, cooking, and I recently took up embroidery!
Why I Chose Rainbow: Cleveland is amazing, the people that work at Rainbow are caring and collaborative. We see bread & butter pathology alongside the rare diagnoses, truly endless opportunities for whatever you are interested in!

Gates Failing, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Abington, PA
Undergrad: Elizabethtown College
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, hospital medicine, allergy/immunology, US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
Personal Interests: Listening to NPR podcasts (Marketplace, Fresh air), reading biographies (anything by David McCullough), swimming, bicycle commuting, skiing, Amtrak train trips, visiting National Parks, baking homemade bread
Why I Chose Rainbow: X+Y scheduling, geographic proximity of hospital/clinics, multidisciplinary resident clinic opportunities, supportive residents/faculty

Kaushik Ganesh, MD

Hometown: Clifton, NJ
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Medical Education
Personal Interests: Tennis, hiking, music, cooking, fitness, and finding new restaurants to try!
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow has a wonderful culture of camaraderie and collaboration, and it shows in how invested they are in the community and the patients they serve. This program advocates for their residents and has a huge focus on resident wellness too! I noticed that the residents here truly seek out and love spending time with their co-residents, and knew each other well. Multiple tracks for professional interests, X+Y schedule, and strong mentorship between residents/fellows/faculty shows how invested the program is in helping their residents grow and succeed. Lastly, the city of Cleveland is close to my friends and family, who I love spending time with!

Barbara Ornelas Garza, MD

Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico
Undergrad: Tecnologico de Monterrey
Medical School: Tecnologico de Monterrey
Professional Interests: School health, health literacy, mental health, and childhood obesity/nutrition.
Personal Interests: International cinema, museums, painting with watercolors, and exploring new restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I fell in love with the workplace culture and the values they uphold toward patient care. In addition, the program's strong emphasis on resident wellness while balancing a solid academic and clinical training foundation was just the perfect combination that exceeded my expectations of what a residency program could even offer.

Sara Greene, MD

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Undergrad: Wright State University
Medical School: St. George's University SOM
Professional Interests: General pediatrics, health disparities, social determinants of health, advocacy
Personal Interests: Tennis, yoga, skiing, hiking, cooking, travel, spending time with family and friends
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of their dedication to excellence, welcoming environment, and commitment from attendings to teaching

Miranda Gregori, MD

Hometown: Bucks County, PA
Undergrad: Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: Thomas Jefferson-SKMC
Professional Interests: Answer still loading.
Personal Interests: I enjoy making new things: from bread baking to arts and crafts; I am always in the middle of a project!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I was really excited by the idea of an X +Y program. Rainbow was one of the first (and still one of the few) programs to make a major change for the benefit of its residents and their education. That speaks volumes about the supportive and friendly environment here.

Rebecca Healy, DO

Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergrad: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Buies Creek, NC
Professional Interests: LGBTQIA+ Health Equity (Endocrine/Adolescent/Primary Care), Advocacy, Medical Education
Personal Interests: Reading (fantasy, literary fiction, romance, anything), Harry Potter, Disney, traveling, musicals, and my pets.
Why I Chose Rainbow: During my interview, Rainbow felt like the right fit for what I wanted for my career. Rainbow is a resident centered program that fosters autonomy from day one. I was also drawn to the formal mentorship program within the flights, X+Y scheduling, and the availability of resources for underserved populations at our resident clinic.

Brandon Hoff, MD, Peds Genetics

Hometown: Arlington, TX
Undergrad: University of Oklahoma
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Patient safety; health informatics; public health
Personal Interests: Cleveland MetroParks; playing with my dog; finding new TV shows to watch
Why I Chose Rainbow: Everyone at Rainbow is so friendly, encouraging, and supportive. Rainbow is a large children's hospital that serves most of Northeast Ohio, with an incredible diversity of clinical opportunities. Faculty and program leadership understand how challenging being a resident can be, and wholeheartedly support resident wellness and diversity. Also, the X+Y (6+2) rotation schedule gives all residents a dedicated outpatient experience without being bogged down with inpatient responsibilities. We have specialized tracks that allow residents to pursue excellence in their areas of interest early in their career. Finally, we have the Silver Junior rotation that promotes independence and autonomy early in residency.

Collin Huth, MD

Hometown: New Philadelphia, OH
Undergrad: Wheeling Jesuit University
Medical School: Marshall University
Professional Interests: Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine
Personal Interests: Rock Climbing, Disc Golf, Sampling the local breweries
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because it was close to home for me and the people I met during my interview just seemed genuine. I lived in Cleveland before medical school, so I knew that it was a city I would be happy living in for residency.

Suhib Jamal, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Community work
Personal Interests: Education
Why I Chose Rainbow: I believe in serving the community that has invested in me, and working and training at rainbow provides the best opportunity to make a difference right here in my hometown

Emily Kain, MD

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Undergrad: Hope College
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Endocrinology, neonatology, medical education
Personal Interests: Outdoor activities, climbing, traveling, and reading
Why I Chose Rainbow: I felt so welcomed by all of the people I met during my interviews and social hours! I liked that Rainbow has a strong focus on resident wellness and mental health. I also really loved the idea of the flights within the residency program – it will be so great to have a smaller group of people for peer-to-peer mentoring and socializing with!

Elisabeth Kamano, MD, Peds Neurology

Hometown: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Undergrad: University of Virginia
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Professional Interests: Neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy, quality improvement
Personal Interests: Traveling, trying new restaurants, hiking, going to the beach, learning new languages, watching Harry Potter, sharing funny memes with friends
Why I Chose Rainbow: My interview day was an absolute delight – everyone I met was so lovely, I heard about a few projects I wanted to be a part of, and I wanted to learn from everyone.

Harshita “Hershey” Kumar, MD

Hometown: Plano, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Bran
Professional Interests: Social determinants of health, foster care medicine, gender-affirming care
Personal Interests: I love gardening and have a lot of houseplants that I hauled all the way from Texas to Ohio! I enjoy concerts and live music, bar trivia, reading, board games, macrame, and baking
Why I Chose Rainbow: Many MANY reasons! X + Y scheduling, emphasis on resident wellness, good balance of inpatient and outpatient medicine, plenty of elective options and tracks to personalize your curriculum, good response to resident feedback, and most of all…some of the most incredibly supportive chiefs, co-residents, and faculty I've ever encountered!

Monica Larson, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Undergrad: Wheaton College, IL
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Professional Interests: Hospital medicine (both IM and pediatrics), inpatient care for medically complex people across the lifespan, advocacy and research for community violence, global health equity
Personal Interests: Traveling to visit friends & family, swimming, hiking & camping, always trying to cook new recipes.
Why I Chose Rainbow: The faculty I knew were excellent educators and mentors, and excited to encourage my multifaceted interests. It's a hospital with a nice mix of general inpatient medicine and subspecialty services that will train me as a hopeful hospitalist.

Anisha Lobo, MD

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergrad: The University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: Texas A&M College of Medicine
Professional Interests: I am currently undecided but really enjoy inpatient medicine! I am keeping a very open mind but am interested in GI or Cardiology.
Personal Interests: I enjoy baking, cooking, and exploring the outdoors – especially water activities! I also love to explore new restaurants!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow for the community! Despite having virtual interviews, the camaraderie and support was so evident amongst the residents. Now being part of the program, I can confirm that the culture is even better than I thought! My husband (IM) and I couples matched, and both programs have been extremely supportive!

Priya Mohan, MD

Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Endocrinology and Advocacy
Personal Interests: Trying new restaurants, tennis, reality TV/anything on Netflix
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of its focus on advocacy and its commitment to the community it serves. I was looking for a program where I would not only be able to become a great pediatrician, but one where I would also be well supported. Everyone at Rainbow from the attendings to the residents have been so welcoming. Also the X+Y schedule was a bonus!

Nisha Nanavaty, MD

Hometown: Centerville, Ohio
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Toledo
Professional Interests: Medical education & inpatient medicine! Undecided on subspecialty vs general hospitalist medicine right now.
Personal Interests: I love to paint, play tennis, and try out new restaurants!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I got great vibes from both the open house and my interview day! I love the X+Y schedule and how much the residency values resident wellness. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming to us new interns.

Karishma Palvadi, MD

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: Baylor University
Medical School: Texas Tech El Paso
Professional Interests: Undecided but maybe ICU or hospital medicine
Personal Interests: Cooking, baking, hiking, attempting to play tennis, spending time with my friends and family, game nights!
Why I Chose Rainbow: My interview day sold me. Everyone was so nice and the residents seemed genuinely happy! The X+Y system was a huge factor as well. I wanted a program where I could get a great education but also one that takes resident wellness seriously and Rainbow seemed like a great fit!

Diana Ponitz, MD

Hometown: Shaker Heights, OH
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Professional Interests: Adolescent medicine, advocacy
Personal Interests: Gardening, DIY projects, woodworking, playing with everyone’s dogs and cats
Why I Chose Rainbow: I love the X+Y schedule; it allows you to fully engage with inpatient rotations and also have periods of time away from the hospital with free weekends! There’s commitment to clinical care, teaching, and resident wellness. The residents seemed happy and supportive of each other. I’m also thrilled to be back in NE Ohio and living near my family

Emily Qin, MD

Hometown: Richmond, IN
Undergrad: Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
Medical School: Northwestern University (Chicago, IL)
Professional Interests: Primary care with a focus on adolescent medicine, reproductive medicine, and health education curricula in public schools K-12.
Personal Interests: I’ve always been a big fan of musicals but the $15 student tickets at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago got me hooked on plays and now I've committed to Cleveland Play House membership. Also spend a lot of time playing modern board games and tending to my domesticated lagomorphs 🐇
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow is phenomenal! 🌈It's a tertiary referral center with great subspecialty care that serves urban and rural communities and has the only level 1 pediatric trauma center in the region. The comprehensive primary care at the Midtown resident clinic is also impressive, but what made Rainbow rise to the top of my list was how well the program supports its residents through the ups and downs of life. The structure of the program and the wonderful people in charge here do a really good job of promoting balance in all things.

Kendyl Schreiber, MD

Hometown: Reno, Nevada
Undergrad: Baylor University
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Undecided, Advocacy, MedEd
Personal Interests: Yoga, Hiking with my pup Pepper, Reality TV, trying new restaurants
Why I Chose Rainbow: Amazing program that gave me the opportunity to explore every field of pediatrics. Not to mention the kind and welcoming Rainbow family!

Miriam Stats, MD

Hometown: Burlington, Vermont
Undergrad: Northeastern University
Medical School: Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
Professional Interests: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Child Abuse Pediatrics, Global Health
Personal Interests: Outside the hospital you'll find me hiking with my dog, exploring restaurants with my fiancé, or at a yoga class!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I felt that everyone I met was kind, supportive, and down to earth. I loved the programs commitment to advocacy. I also think Cleveland is a hidden gem of a city with endless opportunities.

Gwendolyn Thomas, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad: Miami University in Ohio
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Combined Pediatrics and Internal Medicine primary care, Hospital medicine, Advocacy, Medical Education and leadership
Personal Interests: Attending musical concerns like the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center or at Severance Hall, playing flute, swimming or boating on Lake Erie, hiking through beautiful Cleveland Metroparks.
Why I Chose Rainbow: To be trained in and serve the city I was raised, to be close to family and because Rainbow Babies and Children is the regions foremost pediatric children's hospital with innovative research and many educational leadership opportunities for residents. It also offers a wonderful combined internal medicine-pediatrics residency program.

Carolyn Vekstein, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad: Brown University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Undecided, but potentially hospitalist medicine, medical education, advocacy, patient and peer wellness & mental health
Personal Interests: Cooking/baking, exercise (running, yoga, spinning), reading, spending time with my husband, our dog, and family/friends!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I fell in love with Rainbow when I rotated as a medical student. The residents are warm, down to earth, eager to learn, and excited to teach. They treat each other like family. This family atmosphere extends to the fellows, attendings, and program directors. The PD and APDs care deeply about the residents and their wellness, are receptive to feedback, and place emphasis on getting to know each resident individually. I also was drawn to the medical education opportunities through the Med Ed track. Finally having grown up in Cleveland, I am thrilled to be back serving the community that means so much to me!

PGY-2

Sathya Areti, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Richmond, VA
Undergrad: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
Professional Interests: Child Abuse and Neglect, Legislative Advocacy, Genetics, Medical Education
Personal Interests: Hiking, Tennis, Traveling, Cooking, Baking (anything with chocolate)
Why I Chose Rainbow: I loved the people I met during my interview and found amazing opportunities for research and advocacy for Cleveland’s extremely diverse population. I also really appreciated the emphasis on resident wellness with the X+Y schedule.

Aviva Beleck, MD

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Undergrad: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Medical School: Stony Brook University
Professional Interests: I love heme/onc, but not 100% positive what I will decide to further specialize in.
Personal Interests: I love to design and sew clothing – I used to want to be a Broadway costume designer! I love hiking and swimming and spending time outside.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I was really drawn to the comradery that I was able to see on my interview day, and the relationships between residents and attendings. I am also passionate about medical education, and am excited about the Med Ed track!

Saya Bery, MD

Hometown: West Chester, PA
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Professional Interests: Advocacy, public health, peer wellness and mental health.
Personal Interests: Trying new foods, traveling, creating floral arrangements, reading, knitting/crocheting, and being a plant mom.
Why I Chose Rainbow: On my interview day, I fell in love with the program, especially Rainbow’s focus and commitment to physician/resident wellness. As someone who cares deeply about peer wellness, I thought Rainbow seemed like a perfect fit! I also wanted a program that was devoted to the service of its community, providing opportunities for outreach and advocacy as a resident.

Raktima Datta, MD

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Medical Education & Advocacy
Personal Interests: Arts and crafts, cooking, trying new restaurants, readings, and all things Harry Potter.
Why I Chose Rainbow: All of the residents and PDs were super nice on my interview day, and I could tell the program was committed to resident wellness because of the 6+2 scheduling and strong mentorship. Cleveland looked like an awesome city too with all of the different foods to try/things to do. I knew that combination would help me become the best doctor I could be while maintaining my mental health.

Shanna Dorcin, MD

Hometown: Westbury, NY
Undergrad: Quinnipiac University
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Professional Interests: Mentoring (especially my fellow minorities in medicine!), Serving underserved communities
Personal Interests: TV Shows (especially True Crime and Reality TV), Movies (love a good Rom-Com) Cooking, Eating, Reading, Yoga.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I knew I could get great training here!

Melody Bellora Edmondson, MD

Hometown: Holland, Michigan/San Diego, California
Undergrad: Point Loma Nazarene University
Medical School: Loma Linda University
Professional Interests: Critical care, cardiology, medical education, bench research
Personal Interests: Singing/choir, rock climbing, petting other people’s dogs, game nights
Why I Chose Rainbow: I couples matched with my husband (UH also has a fantastic neurology program) and we both loved the emphasis on medical education and the opportunities for different fellowships since we are both interested in specializing. I also remember from my interview day being super impressed by all the resources at Midtown Clinic to meet the specific needs of the community it serves.

Savannah Fotheringham, MD

Hometown: Red Bluff, CA
Undergrad: Point Loma Nazarene University
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care pediatrics, advocacy, clinical and community research, patient and family education
Personal Interests: Travel, cooking, hiking, pediatric advocacy and education, community engagement, and family time
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow for the family atmosphere, humanistic values, robust outpatient curricula, mentorship, diverse patient population, and great advocacy education and opportunities.

Ana Gonzalez Herrera, MD

Hometown: Hermosillo, Mexico
Undergrad: Universidad de Monterrey
Medical School: Universidad de Monterrey
Professional Interests: Hematology/Oncology and Advocacy
Personal Interests: Anything outdoors like hiking, kayaking, and swimming, I also love cooking, so I’m open to any new recipes and finally I love reading anything from novels to history books.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I felt like I bonded so well with people on my interview day and loved that, also the great clinical and research opportunities we have and why not, the cute name of the hospital!!

Hanan Haydar

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Medical School: Beirut Arab University
Professional Interests: Infectious diseases, mainly multi drug resistant and emerging infections; infection control, medical education and advocacy
Personal Interests: Cooking, gardening, skincare/makeup, fashion, traveling
Why I Chose Rainbow: Proud to call Rainbow my home; when I joined this institution for my infectious diseases fellowship three years ago, I worked with fantastic faculty and mentors who shaped my life and helped me grow professionally and personally. At Rainbow, everyone is very thoughtful and passionate about medicine and medical education. Rainbow is a large academic center that respects patients and employee diversity. This place has excellent program leadership that will push you to be the best version of yourself every day.

Eleanora (“Ellie”) Hicks, MBBCh

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Undergrad: Queen’s University, Kingston, ON
Medical School: University College Dublin, Ireland
Professional Interests: Gastroenterology, hematology & oncology, patient advocacy
Personal Interests: Cooking, swimming in the ocean, spending time with friends & family!
Why I Chose Rainbow: With interviews being online this year it was often hard to get a sense of the program – that was certainly not the case at Rainbow! The residents and faculty were warm and welcoming, and their genuine enthusiasm for pediatrics shone through! Additionally, their dedication to providing holistic care and advocating for their patients was admirable, and something I knew I wanted to be a part of!

Adriana Hoffman, MD

Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: University of Florida
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Professional Interests: Neonatology and Pulmonology
Personal Interests: Hiking with my dogs, baking and traveling
Why I Chose Rainbow: The residents I worked with as a medical student were exceptional – patient, kind, and always willing to teach and this extends to the faculty and fellows as well. Rainbow Babies feels like a second home to me and I love all the good food places and hiking trails of the MetroParks. Cleveland is an awesome place to continue my training!

Alexa (“AJ”) Jordahl, MD

Hometown: Plymouth Meeting, PA
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh
Professional Interests: Academic medicine and medical education
Personal Interests: I love to be crafty and creative (knitting, crocheting, baking etc.), my fiancé Michael and I are looking into getting a puppy soon!
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow has a great, well respected program with a good size and breadth of medicine, plus it was recommended to me by my preceptors in Pittsburgh. It’s also close to my friends and family back in Pittsburgh!

Courtney McCall, MD

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, general pediatrics
Personal Interests: Cincinnati Reds baseball, spending time with my husband and pets, traveling, crime shows
Why I Chose Rainbow: The people – everyone I interacted with on my interview day was so friendly, supportive, and genuinely cared about one another. I immediately felt at home and knew I wanted to be a part of such an amazing program.

Bridgette McCormick, MD

Hometown: Crown Point, Indiana
Undergrad: Indiana University Bloomington
Medical School: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Developmental and Behavioral pediatrics, Heme/onc, NICU, undecided! Community education and outreach.
Personal Interests: Hiking, painting, running, animal welfare and rescue
Why I Chose Rainbow: I felt like Rainbow in particular was really dedicated to resident education and had a lot of unique initiatives based on the goal of improving resident education, such as the Silver Junior rotation and X+Y schedule. I also love the diverse patient population and that this hospital system serves such a variety of patients from urban Cleveland to rural Ohio. They both come with their own unique health care challenges that I think really helps prepare Rainbow residents to be great pediatricians. I also felt that the faculty seemed really dedicated to serving the community and being a part of that community and meeting the specific needs of those it serves.

Taylor McDaniel, MD

Hometown: Mason, OH
Undergrad: Miami University
Medical School: University of Toledo
Professional Interests: Advocacy and Mental Health. Interested in inpatient medicine but still undecided!
Personal Interests: Avid TV watcher, board game player, and coffee taster. Baking, hanging out with my cat and husband, and exploring the outdoors.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because during my interview, each person I met was so kind, and relatable. I loved the 6+2 schedule, and how it would let me focus on inpatient and outpatient individually. The residents that I met at the meet and greets were so nice and welcoming and spoke so highly of their faculty and the positive relationships that they had with them. I can’t wait to be part of the Rainbow family!

Shrushti Mehta, MD

Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Undergrad: University of Missouri–Kansas City
Medical School: University of Missouri–Kansas City
Professional Interests: I am currently undecided – I know that I love the inpatient world, so I’m interested in hospital medicine or infectious disease as well as medical education and advocacy.
Personal Interests: reading, cooking/baking, hiking, running, exploring new coffee shops!
Why I Chose Rainbow: On my interview day, even though everything was virtual, I could still tell that all the residents were like a big family and were always looking out for each other. I loved the emphasis on advocacy, resident wellness and diversity.

Joseph Park, MD

Hometown: Erie, PA
Undergrad: Carnegie Mellon University
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Undecided, but currently interested in sports med, primary care, heme-onc, and GI
Personal Interests: Watching and playing sports (namely basketball, soccer, and football!), trout fishing, coffee (#chemexforlife), and martial arts.
Why I Chose Rainbow: The sincerity and kindness of everyone I interacted with at Rainbow. Seeing how happy the residents were to be there and the way they loved and championed their program. Great combination of a strong academic center that serves as a tertiary care center with plentiful resources while still being committed to community health/advocacy and the camaraderie of a tight-knit work community.

Nehaly Shah Patel, MD

Hometown: Riverside, CA
Undergrad: California Institute of Technology
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, preventive/lifestyle medicine, research on ACEs
Personal Interests: Spending time with family, hiking, cooking, reading, watching TV/movies, cleaning/organizing

Sarah Redmond, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA
Undergrad: University of Washington
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Infectious diseases, public health/epidemiology, or maybe rural primary care
Personal Interests: Running, hiking, plant/animal/mushroom identification, knitting, local history
Why I Chose Rainbow: I went to Case for med school and rotated through UH/Rainbow. I decided to stay for multiple reasons including the patient population, the breadth of training both clinically and from a research standpoint, as well as the collaborative attitude among staff at Rainbow. From a med-peds point of view I also appreciated the adult population and the opportunity to rotate through a large VA hospital.

David Ritzenthaler, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Sandusky, OH
Undergrad: Xavier University – Cincinnati
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care with vulnerable populations, medical education, addiction medicine, increasing access to care, doctor-patient communication
Personal Interests: Spending time with my wife and our dog (a greyhound named Bleu!), cooking, improv comedy, podcasts, finding new restaurants
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow has a strong commitment to the community, which is exemplified by the Rainbow Center for Women & Children, a clinic and grocery store located right where our patients live. RBC has great faculty who really care about resident learning, career goals, and well-being.

Carlos Ronquillo, MD

Hometown: El Paso, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas at El Paso
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, TX
Professional Interests: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Medical Education, Child Advocacy
Personal Interests: Sports (NBA, NFL, MLB, NCAA), Weightlifting, Traveling, Movies, Music Festivals/Concerts
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose this program for several reasons. The program leadership at Rainbow are passionate about the program, resident education, and the community they serve. They also heavily emphasized the importance of resident wellness and dedication to continued improvement. The interview social at Rainbow was also one of the best/most fun, hands down. I was drawn by the strong sense of camaraderie among residents and felt I would fit right in. After only one week into my intern year, I can confidently say that I will leave this program as a very well-trained pediatrician prepared for the next step of my career.

Noor Saeed, MD

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH
Professional Interests: Primary care, advocacy, preventative medicine, social determinants of health
Personal Interests: I love babies, coffee, puzzles, rap music, hugs, libraries, the moon, my family, and pasta!
Why I Chose Rainbow: Strong emphasis on community advocacy, mental health training, steps to increase diversity and address injustices, X+Y schedule, proximity to home

Christina Shrefler, MD

Hometown: Willoughby Hills, OH
Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Medical School: The Ohio State University
Professional Interests: Primary care, emergency medicine, newborn care, family-centered care, medical and patient education, quality improvement, advocacy, ethics, mental health, environmental health
Personal Interests: Hiking and running in greater Cleveland’s gorgeous terrain (Squires Castle! Buttermilk Falls! Edgewater! Cuyahoga Valley National Park), nonfiction reading (especially Michael Pollan, Bill Bryson, Malcolm Gladwell, Mirelle Guiliano, CS Lewis), crafts, spending time with family, going to church, trivia, board games, the USS COD (Cleveland’s WWII submarine on Lake Erie’s coast), musicals (CLE has the largest theater district outside of NYC! – can get tickets to traveling Broadway shows for as little as $10), space exploration, Fighting Irish football, British panel comedy shows.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I appreciate the intuitiveness of the X+Y schedule and the comprehensive resources available to patients at clinic (legal, social work, dental, optometry, and obstetrics and more on location!). The PD’s experience-based discussion of concrete changes the program has taken to improve resident wellness in recent years (no intern call, X+Y schedule) and convincing understanding of the psychology behind resident wellness displayed on interview day was also meaningful. Other aspects of Rainbow I loved were medium program size, institutional dedication to family-centered care, Angie’s Garden (rooftop oasis), additional week of vacation at the end of intern year, and the program coordinators’ warm hospitality. Beyond the hospital itself I love Cleveland’s Metroparks, diversity, low cost of living, four seasons, diversity and relatively central location in the country.

Garrett Simkins, MD

Hometown: McLean, Virginia
Undergrad: James Madison University
Medical School: University of Virginia
Professional Interests: General Pediatrics, Academic Medicine
Personal Interests: I love astronomy, creative writing, podcasts (usually about philosophy and psychology), working out, and spending time with friends.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I was most drawn to Rainbow because the people were warm, fun, down to earth, and full of genuine interest in being excellent pediatricians and teachers. My interview day was one of very few that I left feeling energized by, rather than drained! The structural pieces of the program – like an X+Y schedule, and the opportunities to get involved with medical education – were also big draws. Finally, the program seemed truly interested in balancing a fulfilling out-of-work life with a strong and engaging work-life.

Benjamin Smith, MD

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Critical Care Medicine, Medical Education
Personal Interests: Movies, Music, Pop Culture, History, NFL Football (Go Steelers!!!)
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow for several reasons, but one of the most important to me was familiarity. Having spent a great deal of time in Cleveland as an undergrad at Case, I always admired the positive role that Rainbow played in the greater community. I was also extremely impressed with the program’s focus on developing residents as teachers and cultivating an environment of support and wellness for all who work here.

Samantha Smith, MD

Hometown: Middleburg Heights, OH
Undergrad: Ohio State University
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Primary care, comprehensive care and developmental/behavioral pediatrics
Personal Interests: Cooking and baking, trying new restaurants and breweries, exploring the Metroparks, Cleveland sports and Ohio State football (Go Bucks!)
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the strong sense of community. The collaborative and supportive energy I felt on interview day was unparalleled and the attendings seemed very approachable and invested in both resident education and advocacy. Rainbow’s unwavering commitment to Cleveland and the patient population it serves is unmatched. The 6+2 scheduling is also a huge draw!

Emma Strode, DO

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!)
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: I am currently undecided! Love outpatient pediatrics but also considering fellowships in Peds EM, endocrine and PICU. I’m super interested in advocacy and medical education too!
Personal Interests: Hiking, swimming, skiing or any activity outside, trying new local restaurants, traveling, and reality TV
Why I Chose Rainbow: Virtual interviews were difficult for sure, but with Rainbow the residents were so welcoming, kind and genuinely interested in you and it was great to see how close the residents with were with each other. I wanted a program that I would not just be colleagues but friends with my co-residents and I have that here! The X+Y schedule is also the best!

Rebecca Sturgis, MD

Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Heme/onc (although I’m open to any and every specialty including general pediatrics!), community engagement, and advocacy.
Personal Interests: Reading, kayaking, napping, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with my friends, my boyfriend, and my dog!
Why I Chose Rainbow: Even though it was a virtual interview, I was absolutely blown away by how amazing the program was. The faculty and administration genuinely seemed to care about the residents and made resident wellness a top priority. The residents all seemed to be close to each other and made efforts to hang out with one another outside of the hospital. And the X + Y schedule was a huge deciding factor for me as well! I was also looking for a children’s hospital that had roots in the community and provided services to those who needed them most, and Rainbow has that kind of reputation in Cleveland. It’s hard to get a feel for a program during interview season – let alone having to do it all virtually – but I’m happy to say that all my impressions I had about the program during my interview turned out to be true!

Shwetha Sudhaker, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Berwyn, PA
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hospitalist medicine, adult congenital heart disease, & advocacy
Personal Interests: Cooking, reading, finding new restaurants, spending time with my family and friends and their pets, musicals
Why I Chose Rainbow: I thought there was great mentorship from all the attendings I worked with, and all the residents I met seemed happy.

Natalie Vajda, MD, MPH

Hometown: Broadview Heights, OH (CLE suburb)
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Urban Health, Public Health, Pulmonology, Clinical Genetics
Personal Interests: I love spending time with my husband, Derek, 2-month-old daughter, Grace, and 10-year-old German Shepherd rescue, Cash! I also love spending time with my family and friends in Cleveland, and visiting the friends we made when we moved all across the country! I enjoy hiking, jogging, traveling, cooking, baking, reading and boating in the summer with my family.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I grew up knowing that Rainbow is a fantastic children’s hospital, and it remains one of the top children’s hospitals in the country. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to train in Cleveland and help serve patients from my city!

Rachel VanCoillie, MD, Peds/Genetics

Hometown: Shelby Township, MI
Undergrad: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Global health and all things genetics!
Personal Interests: Hiking, camping, yoga, dancing – being active is my jam. I also love trying new restaurants, checking out live music, and going to sporting events (can’t wait for the Lions to play the Browns!)
Why I Chose Rainbow: Despite interviews being virtual, I couldn’t stop thinking about the positive vibes I felt after my conversations with both the pediatrics and genetics residents/faculty, which was important to me as a combined resident. I felt that Rainbow offered kind people that I would click with, a real emphasis on wellness and advocacy, and a fun city to live in.

Krysta Walker

Hometown: Findlay, OH
Undergrad: Ohio State University
Medical School: Wright State University
Professional Interests: NICU, PICU, hospitalist medicine
Personal Interests: Taking walks with my husband and my puggle, Boo. I also enjoy hiking, traveling, spending time with my family, watching reality television and exploring new restaurants.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I was very impressed that in the midst of virtual interviews, they were able to make the interview day feel very personalized. The faculty and residents were so welcoming and supportive! It was evident that Rainbow continues to evolve to address the needs of the community it serves. I knew that at Rainbow I would be a part of a community that would help me become the best pediatrician possible.

Emily Watson, DO, Peds Neurology

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Undergrad: Purdue University
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Child Neurology, Child Advocacy
Personal Interests: Spending time with my two cats, reading (I own too many books), and writing novels. I love Broadway musicals!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I wanted to go somewhere with 4 seasons. During my interview, despite it being done virtually, I had a gut instinct about this program and the people I met! Cleveland is also very artsy and cultural! I love that!

Meagan Zulfer, MD

Hometown: Fairborn, OH
Undergrad: Cedarville University
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Rheumatology, neonatology, patient and medical education
Personal Interests: Hiking, barre, weekend trips, and exploring local museums, shops and restaurants
Why I Chose Rainbow: I fell in love with this program during my interview. It was obvious that the faculty prioritizes both resident education and wellness. I could tell the residents knew each other well and truly enjoyed spending time with each other. Also, the size was perfect, allowing for both resident autonomy and the opportunities of a large academic center.

PGY-3

Tanya Abraham, MD

Hometown: Olney, MD
Undergrad: University of Maryland
Medical School: New York Medical College
Professional Interests: Still deciding!
Personal Interests: Reading, rock climbing, playing volleyball, and baking
Why I Chose Rainbow: I loved the opportunities for advocacy and research that the program provides as well as the close-knit and supportive environment. It was my favorite pre-interview dinner!

Sofia Bertoloni-Meli, MD

Hometown: Bloomington, IN
Undergrad: Indiana University
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Endocrinology, Medical Education, Hospitalist Medicine
Personal Interests: I love to travel and cook foods from different countries. I also love to read.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose rainbow because of the emphasis on education, the friendly and accepting environment, and the diverse population.

Kammeron Brissett, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Professional Interests: Advocacy, Social Determinants of Health, Underserved Communities, and Emergency Medicine
Personal Interests: Documentaries, True Crime, Skincare/Makeup, Traveling, trying new restaurants, Music, concerts, dance fitness, and spending time with family.
Why I Chose Rainbow: The reasons are endless! I loved the people during my interview and AI. I was challenged academically however the environment was also safe for questions and mistakes. Program leadership is responsive to resident input. The 6+2 schedule encourages resident wellness. Our ambulatory clinic has programs and services to address the total health of our underserved community. There are multiple avenues for mentoring and exploring specialty specific and other interest such as advocacy and global health. Lastly, Cleveland is a city with great character and much to explore as far as nightlife, restaurants, Metroparks, museums, theater district, sports and so much more!

Mackenzie Carter, MD, Med/Peds

Medical School: University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine

Stephanie Fabry, MD

Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Primary care and child psychiatry
Personal Interests: Hiking, skiing, scuba diving, and playing with my dog
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I loved how passionate the residents and the program leadership are for Rainbow Babies. I also liked how dedicated the staff is to resident wellness. I am excited to be a part of the Rainbow family!

Hannah Forte, MD

Hometown: Lake Angelus, MI
Undergrad: Loyola University of Chicago
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Advocacy (particularly legislative advocacy), neonatal intensive care, and hospitalist medicine
Personal Interests: Tennis, reading, spending time on/by the lake, playing with my 2 new cats (though I really want a dog!)
Why I Chose Rainbow: The strong commitment to advocacy that actually benefits the community, like through the Rainbow Women and Children’s Center! Plus the schedule lets me really dive into 6 weeks of inpatient medicine while giving me an immersive outpatient experience as well (plus a few guaranteed golden weekends). But really, above all else, seeing how happy the residents are and how involved and caring the program administration was on my interview day sold it. The PD and APD’s really know their residents well and I wanted to be at a program that prioritized getting to know me as an individual so they could help me succeed.

Kendall Franz, MD, Med/Peds

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

Gabriel Frato, DO

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad: Lake Erie College, Painesville, OH
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Hospital medicine, cardiology, community outreach, social determinants of health (especially food insecurity)
Personal Interests: Cooking/baking, trying new restaurants and breweries, spending time with family and friends, and anything outdoors
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow for a number of reasons. The most notable to me was the passion and commitment displayed by the program leaders and residents for pediatric medicine, the program, their colleagues, and the community they serve. Interested in community outreach and social determinants of health, I knew I wanted to join a program that was devoted to their community, and I felt that strongly at Rainbow. In addition to that, I wanted a rigorous academic and clinical training program that would prepare me to become the best pediatrician while also prioritizing resident wellness with the X+Y schedule.

Ashley French, MD

Hometown: Youngstown, OH
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Professional Interests: General pediatrics, medical education
Personal Interests: Yoga, spinning, eating and trying new restaurants!!! Pretending I’m a good cook :P, binging Netflix series, relaxing and hanging out with friends and family
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the awesome people that I met on my interview day and now my amazing co-interns, the program leadership, the awesome city, the diverse patient population that they serve, and the proximity to my hometown. It’s a large academic center that really cares about its residents! I’m super excited to take care of the kiddos here in Northeast Ohio!!! :D

Abigail Gibbs, MD

Hometown: Austin, Texas
Undergrad: The University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Professional Interests: Neonatology, Nephrology
Personal Interests: Sewing, cooking/baking, cycling, yoga
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow is such a supportive and inspiring place to be. All the residents I that met on my interview day were happy and confident in their work. They do a lot for the youngsters of Cleveland!

Lekha Grandi, MD

Hometown: Dix Hills, New York
Undergrad: Brandeis University
Medical School: New York Medical College
Professional Interests: I am currently undecided and love everything from NICU, Hospitalist Medicine to Peds Cardio and Peds Pulm!
Personal Interests: I am a huge foodie and love trying new cuisines and going to new restaurants. I am excited to explore the food scene here in Cleveland. I also love travelling, spending time with friends, knitting, reading, and dancing!
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow is very committed to serving the community and advocating for the patients they serve. Everyone was so warm and welcoming here at Rainbow! It felt like a close knit family!

Laurel Green, MD, Peds/Genetics

Hometown: Casper, WY
Undergrad: University of Wyoming
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Pediatric genetics, endocrinology
Personal Interests: Spending time with my puppy, backpacking, hiking, biking, and photography.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I knew on my interview day that it was the right place for me. Everyone was so thoughtful and kind and clearly were passionate about medicine and excited to teach the next generation of pediatricians.

Haley Haskett, MD

Hometown: Omaha, NE
Undergrad: University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Medical School: University of Nebraska College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hospital medicine, critical care, infectious disease, medical education.
Personal Interests: Exploring Cleveland’s neighborhoods with my dog, yoga, going to art museums, trying new restaurants, crocheting, and being creative!
Why I Chose Rainbow: It was clear that Rainbow’s leadership is dedicated to resident education and well-being. On my interview day, I was blown away by faculty and resident engagement during a conference and am confident that Rainbow will provide an ideal environment for me to learn how to be a great pediatrician!

Daniel “Danny” Himelstein

Hometown: Media, PA
Undergrad: Haverford College
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Professional Interests: GI, medical education, advocacy
Personal Interests: Tennis, reading, cooking, being outdoors
Why I Chose Rainbow: During my interview day I was inspired by the camaraderie and friendship I saw amongst the residents. I loved the passion the faculty exuded for teaching and training the residents. I wanted to find a program that believed in serving the community they work in. I am excited by Rainbow’s intention to support Cleveland and work with community partnerships to provide the best care to their patients.

Allison Hines, MD, Peds-Neuro

Hometown: Vienna, WV
Undergrad: West Virginia University
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Child Neurology with an emphasis on neurodevelopment and Autism.
Personal Interests: I enjoy anything food! Whether I am shopping at local markets, cooking, or eating out. I also love to go to Crossfit and to weightlift.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I immediately felt at home with the faculty and other residents. They truly seemed interested in letting me explore my clinical interests instead of conforming to theirs.

Jaisree Iyer, MD

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Undergrad: St. Bonaventure University
Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professional Interests: Undecided, but interested in medical and patient education & global health!
Personal Interests: Cooking, baking, and trying foods from all different cultures!
Why I Chose Rainbow: It is so cheesy, but I really love the residents here! I have such a strong support system despite all the craziness of COVID, which says so much!

Adrianna Jackson, MD

Hometown: Conyers, GA (but spent 14 school age years in Garnerville, NY)
Undergrad: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine – Flint
Professional Interests: NICU, primary care, advocacy, working with underserved populations, health disparities
Personal Interests: Working out (CrossFit), watching all sports especially professional/ college football and basketball, traveling with friends and family, spending time with my dogs
Why I Chose Rainbow: Out of all of my interviews, I felt most welcomed at home. Everyone was so supportive and friendly, and they love to teach…that is still true today as I begin my first few days of intern year. I also chose rainbow because of the variety of patients and phenomenal training I will receive. The 6+2 schedule was a huge plus! Rainbow has a strong advocacy program and is working to bring diversity within their residency program. I hope that I can recruit more minority residents (especially African Americans and Latinos) to come here, so the program can actually reflect the patient population we serve!

Tanya Khan, MD

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio
Undergrad: Kent State University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Professional Interests: Local and national policy, advocacy, medical education
Personal Interests: TV, food, Costco, interior design
Why I Chose Rainbow: Happy residents in a good city.

Amy Kim, MD

Hometown: I moved several times growing up, but I’m originally from the Seattle area.
Undergrad: Wheaton College, IL
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary Care
Personal Interests: Baking, crafting, crochet, animals
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I really admired Rainbow’s commitment to patients and teaching. I trusted that I would get a great education as well as a sensitivity to patient needs. I also really enjoyed working with all the people at Rainbow and wanted to continue after medical school.

Collin Kramer, MD

Hometown: Coralville, IA
Undergrad: Grinnell College
Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Pediatric cardiology, pediatric electrophysiology and device therapy, clinical research, translational research, medical education
Personal Interests: Cycling, board games, NFL & fantasy football (I became a Browns fan on match day!), true crime documentaries and podcasts.
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow offers a complete pediatrics residency with the unique 6+2 schedule which provides a great balance across our 3 years of training. The positive culture and huge emphasis on resident wellness stood out on interview day. My wife and I also loved that Cleveland offers big city perks despite not being a massive metro.

Sara Manetta, MD

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Undergrad: Penn State University, University Park, PA
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Professional Interests: NICU and critical care, advocacy, child abuse and neglect, social determinants of health, wilderness medicine
Personal Interests: Baking, eating baked goods, hiking and camping, soccer
Why I Chose Rainbow: I felt that Rainbow’s focus on community health, outreach, and advocacy overlapped well with my interest, and really exemplified the characteristics of a physician I hope to become. But more than that, I felt at ease with the residents and leadership. They had created a welcoming environment full of compassion, not just for their patients but for the residents as well.

Alyssa Melber, MD

Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergrad: University at Buffalo
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Professional Interests: Primary care
Personal Interests: Yoga, reading, baking, exploring local restaurants
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the people, everyone I met was so welcoming and supportive of one another. I also liked the 6+2 schedule and the connection the program has with the community they are caring for.

Ryan Mifflin, MD

Hometown: Stow, OH
Undergrad: University of Akron, Akron, OH
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Professional Interests: Palliative care
Personal Interests: Current and retro video games, going to concerts, reading
Why I Chose Rainbow: How welcoming and supportive everyone in the program is, how passionate the program is about the community they serve, and how many resources the Rainbow Center for Women and Children offers.

Sarah Miller, MD

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Allergy and Immunology, Medical Education
Personal Interests: Baking, hiking, pickleball, painting, reading (especially the Harry Potter series!), and spending time with family and friends
Why I Chose Rainbow: I rotated at Rainbow during medical school and I loved the supportive and nurturing environment here. I wanted to be a part of the incredible clinical work being done at Rainbow, and I was excited about the medical education and child advocacy opportunities as well. I also love the city of Cleveland and can’t wait to explore the Metroparks!

Daniel “Dan” Mohan, MD

Hometown: Toledo OH
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Neonatology, PICU
Personal Interests: College football/basketball, NFL, Tennis, video/board games, nonfiction literature, everything food related
Why I Chose Rainbow: Cleveland is a great city, with great food. Not too far from home. The residents and the program really impressed me.

Ryan O’Sullivan

Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
Undergrad: Lafayette College
Medical School: Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Professional Interests: PICU, NICU
Personal Interests: Running, biking, hiking
Why I Chose Rainbow: Going into app process I knew I wanted to be at a medium to large program with a lot of subspecialty contact and fellows. On my interview day I loved Dr. Ponitz’ emphasis on feeling fulfilled at work as a core component of wellness. I left my interview with the sense that the residents/faculty care deeply not just about being an excellent academic children’s hospital but also about caring for the underserved children of Cleveland and surrounding communities.

Hannah Spellman, MD

Hometown: Sharon, MA
Undergrad: Barnard College, New York, NY
Medical School: Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Professional Interests: General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, Medical Education, Bioethics.
Personal Interests: Reading YA literature, spending time outside, Israeli dance and tap dance.
Why I Chose Rainbow: Everyone here is kind, welcoming, and warm! I was drawn to the program’s values of humanism, compassion, and service. There is a deep commitment to the individual patient and the whole community, coupled with an emphasis on supporting each individual resident being their best self.

Meenal Thadasina, MD

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M University
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Professional Interests: GI
Personal Interests: Skiing, Hiking, Reading, Cooking, Dancing, Traveling
Why I Chose Rainbow: I fell in love with this program on my interview day. The residents at Rainbow are close knit and friendly, faculty is supportive, and Cleveland is a beautiful and fun city. This program feels like home. I knew that at Rainbow I would truly be happy and become the best Pediatrician that I could be.

Matthew Tran

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia
Undergrad: Wofford College
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Professional Interests: Medical Education, Pediatric Cardiology/Pediatric Hospitalist
Personal Interests: I love to watch, play, and coach soccer. My favorite sports team is Atlanta United FC. I also love to go on runs and long bike rides. I value personal wellness and enjoy spending time with my 3 other siblings and close friends from undergrad.
Why I Chose Rainbow: X+Y program. Value resident wellness highly. Faculty/Residents on my interview were amazing and welcoming. Beautiful facilities. I am close to my brother who lives in Michigan.

Zhuo “Tina” Yang, MD

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Professional Interests: Undecided, maybe hospitalist or primary care
Personal Interests: Eating, traveling, wine and board games, and being a new cat mom
Why I Chose Rainbow: I loved how friendly everyone was! Residents got along with each other, and I felt that the program directors truly cared about the residents.

Louise Welsh, MD, Med/Peds

Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine

Sydney Zierden, MD

Hometown: Cardington, OH
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Primary care, preventive medicine, community outreach
Personal Interests: Running, playing the piano, walking with my dog
Why I Chose Rainbow: I was looking for a program that placed emphasis on service. The Rainbow Center for Women and Children was proof that Rainbow cares deeply about its patient population and truly teaches its residents to be servant leaders. Additionally, everyone I met on my interview day was kind, genuine, and excited about Rainbow!

PGY-4

Tolulope Ifabiyi, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Undergrad: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI
Professional Interests: Primary care, hematology-oncology, Global Health, working with medically underserved populations
Personal Interests: Spending time with family and friends, cooking, baking, dinner parties, traveling, musical theater/Broadway shows, singing
Why I Chose Rainbow: Supportive faculty, close-knit group of residents, dedication to resident education, established Child Global Health tract, diverse patient population

Lauren Sackett, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Independence, OH
Undergrad: University of Dayton, Dayton, OH
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
Professional Interests: Adolescent/young adult Heme-Onc, congenital heart disease, adult and pediatric hospital medicine
Personal Interests: Cooking, baking, reading, being my nephew’s favorite aunt :)

Michelle Sergi, DO, Peds/Genetics

Hometown: Lowellville, OH
Undergrad: University of Akron, Akron, OH
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland, OH
Professional Interests: Pediatrics/genetics, prenatal/neonatal genetics, pediatric palliative care, Amish population
Personal Interests: Dance, scuba diving, cooking, baking, skiing, anything outdoors, wine-making, sewing, traveling
Why I Chose Rainbow: I felt Rainbow provided a welcoming environment to train and learn as well as a place that truly cares about treating children mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Angeline Sawaya, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Westland, MI
Undergrad: Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
Professional Interests: Med/peds hospitalist, transitions of care, Global Health, local health disparities, healthcare for Spanish-speaking patients, pediatric camps
Personal Interests: Being a cat mom, traveling, exploring Cleveland, drinking coffee, eating lots of cheese, going to church, cooking new recipes!
Favorite Things About Cleveland: Cleveland has the amenities of a big city without the cost! I love to eat and try new restaurants, and Cleveland has too many to name. There is always a different neighborhood with a different vibe to explore: Ohio City, Tremont, Little Italy, the Flats, just to name a few!