House Staff

Melissa Becker, MD

Hometown: Covington, KY
Undergrad: University of Kentucky
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hospital Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Advocacy
Personal Interests: Pickleball, cooking and exploring new restaurants
Why did you choose Rainbow: I love that Rainbow is a large academic center, but the people make you feel as if you are part of their family. I really wanted to experience all types of disease processes from simple to complex but not sacrifice knowing all of my co-residents and Rainbow is just that. Everyone here is so supportive, and the program really puts residents first. I also love their commitment to advocacy and supporting the city of Cleveland.

Bethany Giedeman, MD

Hometown: Findlay, OH
Undergrad: Otterbein University
Medical School: Western Michigan Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hematology/oncology, medical education
Personal Interests: Playing piano, singing, reading, watching reality TV, online window shopping, spending time with friends and family
Why did you choose Rainbow: I felt so welcomed by the warm and genuine people that I interacted with during my interview day – I knew I’d feel at home and supported with this group of residents and faculty members. I love how the flight program gets you connected with mentors and a smaller group of co-residents. I am excited about the opportunities provided by the tracks and look forward to pursuing my interests in medical education and research!

Rachel Graf, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Undergrad: Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio State University
Professional Interests: NICU, advocacy, medical education
Personal Interests: Reading, coffee shops, cocktails, traveling, weightlifting, yoga
Why did you choose Rainbow: FFocus on serving the community, X+Y, strong fellowship matches, and rooted in neonatology history

Jayda Burton, MD Med/Peds

Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Undergrad: Burman University
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hospital medicine, medical education, community outreach
Personal Interests: Trying new restaurants and coffee shops, all things footy (#YNWA), farmers' markets, crime documentaries
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I was impressed by the supportive culture, the opportunities to explore my passions within medical education, and the hospital's commitment to advocating for members of the community.

Pavani Chilukuri, DO

Hometown: Troy, Michigan
Undergrad: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Medical School: Midwestern University - CCOM
Professional Interests: Unsure right now, most likely primary care, but interested in exploring GI, allergy/immunology, and endocrinology!
Personal Interests: Bharatanatyam, Carnatic singing, hiking, watching movies, spending time with family/friends, crocheting, traveling, and exploring restaurants in the area!
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I really enjoyed my interview experience and meeting the people here. Dr. Dell and Dr. Myers made it very clear that everyone that was interviewed truly deserved to be at Rainbow and genuinely meant it. Dr. Dell took the time to read through the applications and find shared interests among the interviewees! Rainbow had everything I was looking for in a program!

Rutha Chivate, MD

Hometown: Cranbury, NJ
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Undecided on specialty but I enjoy research and advocacy/community work!
Personal Interests: I love any arts and crafts, especially knitting, crocheting, and painting, I like to run and swim, I love being outdoors in nature
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I could tell even from interview day how invested people were in each other's learning, development, and well-being. I love the community here, everyone is so welcoming and friendly! I also appreciate the emphasis on teaching and growth and all the opportunities available to explore your interests.

Boyd Colbrunn, MD

Hometown: Hinckley, OH
Undergrad: Miami University
Medical School: University of Central Florida
Professional Interests: Primary care pediatrics
Personal Interests: Music, board games, reading, watching football, spending time with my wife and cats
Why did you choose Rainbow: Rainbow has a supportive culture among both faculty and residents, and Cleveland is close to my family.

Tatiana Crane, MD

Hometown: Indiana, Pennsylvania
Undergrad: Penn State University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Currently interested in PICU, but excited to experience everything in residency! My other interests include medical education and quality improvement.
Personal Interests: I love running and being active, exploring national parks and hiking (nothing crazy though!), cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family!
Why did you choose Rainbow: As a medical student at CWRU, I was lucky to have the chance to rotate through Rainbow for my pediatrics clerkship and clinical electives. Even as a medical student, I immediately felt at home with the residents and staff and always felt like an important member of the team. When choosing a program, I knew I wanted to be somewhere that provided a great training experience and promoted a good resident work/life balance. Rainbow always felt like a family to me, and I am so happy to be here! I was also hoping to stay in the Cleveland area to be near my family, so it's a win-win!

Dipra Debnath, MD

Hometown: Rochester, MI
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Undecided
Personal Interests: Running, weightlifting, cooking, NBA basketball
Why did you choose Rainbow: The opportunity to work with down to earth people at an outstanding children's hospital. Everyone here really cares about you - I got that sense on interview day and it has been fully backed up through residency so far. Cleveland is also a proud and lively city with a great Metropark system and food scene.

Nitya Deshpande, MD

Hometown: Canton, MI
Undergrad: Michigan State University
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Undecided, but interested in GI, intensive care, hospital medicine!
Personal Interests: Traveling, yoga, exploring the city!
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because it felt like the perfect mix of great pediatric training and supportive people. The X+Y schedule allows residents to balance lifestyle with learning. The environment has been collaborative and friendly, with an emphasis on resident wellness!

Joshua Doctor, DO

Kaitlyn Dunne, MD

Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Undergrad: Saint Louis University
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: I am currently undecided about specialties, but I am leaning towards primary care
Personal Interests: I enjoy reading, taking walks in the beautiful Cleveland Metroparks, and exploring new restaurants with friends.
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the people! Everyone here is very nice and wants the best for their patients. Rainbow is a great environment to learn due to the support from attendings and peers.

Natalie Elliott, MD

Allison Frankmann, MD

Elizabeth Gomez, MD

Hometown: Dayton, OH
Undergrad: Wright State University
Medical School: Boonshoft School of Medicine
Professional Interests: I am very interested in fellowship. Hospital Medicine is my main interest, however I am open to other subspecialties.
Personal Interests: I love to workout and also enjoy casual hiking. I follow soccer and UFC. I love to visit my family dog who is obsessed with playing frisbee!
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I wanted a strong, well-rounded pediatric training while caring for a diverse and medically complex patient population. I also valued the breadth of experiences and opportunities Rainbow offers to help me grow.

Noa Hamer, DO

Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Undergrad: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of osteopathic medicine
Professional Interests: Not entirely sure yet but I love variety so probably hospital medicine or EM.
Personal Interests: Music (Noah Kahan is my favorite), reading, trying new restaurants, doing anything outdoors, cuddling my dog Kodak, going to Detroit Pistons basketball games (and now the Cavs of course)!
Why did you choose Rainbow: Everyone is super supportive and there is just an overall positive energy felt. Great work environment and even better people!

Emily Huber, MD Med/Peds

Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Undergrad: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Professional Interests: Palliative care, AYA Heme/Onc, potentially dual hospitalist, equity & advocacy, medical education
Personal Interests: Baking (working on fun pastries!), seeing Broadway musicals, needlepoint, HIIT classes, trying out new ways to meal prep, traveling, exploring new restaurants/coffee shops!
Why did you choose Rainbow: It was immediately clear to me that faculty cared deeply about resident learning experiences, diversity, and patient advocacy/equity. Rainbow has so many subspecialty opportunities and complex patient presentations, which allows us to grow as resident physicians. Overall, everyone who I interacted with on my interview day was incredible and I knew it would be a supportive program where I could thrive.

Sonum Jagetia, MD

Katharine Keener, MD

Hometown: Ferndale, MI
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: General Pediatrics, child advocacy, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, and Adolescent Medicine
Personal Interests: I love watching sports (Go Blue!), chai tea lattes, listening to Taylor Swift, finding new bookstores, going to museums, and hanging out with my friends!
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I had an amazing interview day experience. The pediatricians that Rainbow wants to create- educators and advocates for their communities- was exactly what I was looking for.

Robert Kelley, MD

Medical School: Meharry Medical College

Erica Korbel, DO

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Undergrad: Boise State University
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Procedural subspecialities including ICU, GI, Pulm, or PEM. Global health & med ed tracks. The options are endless!
Personal Interests: Walking my dog, trying new restaurants around Cleveland, enjoying Edgewater beach, working out, watching Love Island, and listening to Taylor Swift.
Why did you choose Rainbow: Rainbow trains and prepares their residents so well with proper management of medically complex patients that it is possible to go into any specialty after residency. There are multiple tracks including the first global health track in the country, med ed, advocacy, and research, so everyone can find their niche. Everyone is so supporting and welcoming with a genuine interest in seeing residents succeed.

Jacqueline Kraft, MD Peds Neuro

Hometown: Livonia, Michigan
Undergrad: University of Toledo
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Professional Interests: I have a special interest in seizures and epilepsy, developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.
Personal Interests: I love reading, being in and around the water, spending time with my family and friends, trying new restaurants, and playing with my cats!
Why did you choose Rainbow: On my interview day, I was struck by the genuine interactions I had with everyone and their shared commitment to going the extra mile for their patients. That sense of authenticity and commitment to patient care really stood out to me and made Rainbow feel like the kind of place that would encourage me to do the same.

Morgan Lewis, MD, PhD

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Undergrad: Miami University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, early childhood mental health, breastfeeding medicine
Personal Interests: Soaking up family time with my husband and son, walking in the Metroparks with my crazy Labrador, and playing ice hockey
Why did you choose Rainbow: Cleveland has always been home for me, but Rainbow was an ideal fit for more reasons than just location. Everyone I've met at Rainbow is genuinely kind, passionate about caring for kids, and eager to teach. The residency program does an excellent job of balancing autonomy with support, and it is an all-around welcoming community. The complex patient population and sub-specialty exposure also offer plenty of opportunities for professional development and top-tier clinical training.

Nathan Lippincott, DO

Hometown: Delaware, Ohio
Undergrad: Baldwin Wallace University
Medical School: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: I have interest in fellowship, but I am still unsure which specialty I would like to pursue. I have interests in hematology/oncology, hospital medicine, and critical care. I am also passionate about medical education, quality improvement, and advocacy.
Personal Interests: I am a huge sports fan and especially enjoy the NFL, college football, and soccer. I also really enjoy watching movies and keeping up with the new releases in theaters. Most of all, I love spending time with my friends, whether that means playing golf or trying out new restaurants around Cleveland.
Why did you choose Rainbow: When I rotated at Rainbow as a medical student, I really sensed a great culture here. I wanted to attend a program where I knew I would receive strong training while being surrounded by supportive faculty and being part of a close-knit community. I felt that this program offered all of those things, and that's ultimately why I chose it.

Kevin McGovern, MD

Hometown: Columbus, OH
Undergrad: Miami University (OH)
Medical School: Wright State University
Professional Interests: Hospital Medicine, Intensive Care
Personal Interests: Cleveland sports, riding my bike, cooking, playing guitar, heavy metal/rock music…And hanging out with my wife, Melissa, of course!
Why did you choose Rainbow: The nicest people and an amazing culture of learning through caring for patients!

Ana Clara Geraldo Miranda, MD

Hometown: Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Medical School: Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Professional Interests: NICU and PICU
Personal Interests: Cooking, baking, weightlifting and traveling.
Why did you choose Rainbow: Here we have excellent teaching and a supportive environment. People genuinely care about you and will have your back.

Annika Mounts, MD

Hometown: Honeoye Falls, NY
Undergrad: SUNY Geneseo
Medical School: SUNY Upstate
Professional Interests: Primary care with a focus on advocacy and serving vulnerable populations.
Personal Interests: I love to spend time with friends and family, sew, thrift shop, and sleep!
Why did you choose Rainbow: My interview day made it clear that Rainbow was a special place where residents are respected and cared for. I knew that the graduated autonomy and intentional educational opportunities would support my growth as a pediatrician. When I did my second look, Rainbow simply felt like home!

McKenzie Parks, MD Med/Peds

Abigail Prendergast, DO

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad: Bowling Green State University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Advocacy
Personal Interests: Pickleball, traveling, Cleveland sports, reality TV, going to Trader Joe's, and spending time with my family
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the great sense of community. Everyone is super supportive, and the program truly values its residents! I also appreciated the x+y scheduling and was so excited for the opportunity to stay in Cleveland close to all my friends and family :)

Ansam Qaddoumi, MD

Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergrad: Rhodes College
Medical School: ETSU Quillen College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Still deciding!
Personal Interests: Hiking, reading, painting, cooking
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the amazing people and the community here, and I love how everyone is so welcoming and collaborative! Rainbow also has a wide variety of subspecialty exposure which is great for trainees!

Kanchan Railkar, MD

Hometown: Wayne, NJ
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Professional Interests: primary care, preventative medicine, nutrition, community engagement
Personal Interests: I love dance, tennis, yoga, jigsaw puzzles, audiobooks, live music, hosting friends, and playing with my nephews!
Why did you choose Rainbow: My story is full circle, from volunteering at Rainbow as a freshman in college to now being a resident here! I chose Rainbow because it offers the training I was looking for — at a free-standing children's hospital with an X+Y schedule and a unique continuity clinic that offers accessibility and resources to patients— with a community of residents who feel well supported through the transitions and added responsibility at each level of residency. And as a bonus, it gave me the chance to come back to Cleveland, a city that offers the hospitality of the Midwest with the liveliness of a big city!

Jillian Shapiro, MD Peds Genetics

Hometown: Framingham, Massachusetts
Undergrad: Cornell University
Medical School: Trinity School of Medicine
Professional Interests: I'm particularly interested in the overlap between neonatology and clinical genetics.
Personal Interests: Knitting and crocheting, playing flute, reading, watching Buckeye football, exploring coffee shops and restaurants in Cleveland
Why did you choose Rainbow: Rainbow and UH provide the perfect combination of pediatrics and genetics, which is super important to me! In addition to having a large, free-standing, strongly ranked children's hospital, the UH system also has world class genetic research and development. Rainbow also has the nicest people, and it was so evident on my interview day how invested everyone was in resident education and experience.

Kristin Singer, DO

Hometown: Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
Undergrad: Duquesne University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Newborn Nursery, NICU
Personal Interests: Baking, crafting, decorating birthday cakes, historical fiction novels
Why did you choose Rainbow: Rainbow stood out to me from the moment my interview began. I was impressed by the positive culture and how kind, welcoming, and genuine everyone was. It was clear that the residents and faculty cared about one another and were invested in creating a supportive learning environment. I knew training at Rainbow would provide me with a unique and in-depth experience caring for a complex patient population, while also challenging me to grow into the pediatrician I aspire to be!

Amanda Sugrue, MD

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: Heidelberg University
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C Edwards School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hematology and Oncology
Personal Interests: Soccer, weight lifting, CrossFit, hiking, skiing, and house plants
Why did you choose Rainbow: The people! Everyone was so kind and welcoming (even through zoom). I could tell the faculty/residents were all committed to creating a supportive environment and culture within the residency program.

Ilene Trinh, MD Med/Peds

Hometown: Orange, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hematology/oncology, medical humanities, medical education, refugee/immigrant health
Personal Interests: Going on food runs, playing piano/singing, reading, creative writing, and drawing/painting
Why did you choose Rainbow: As a former medical student rotator at Rainbow, I loved the collegial culture among the residents! The level of autonomy for trainees, breadth of subspecialty exposure, and strong emphasis on medical education throughout the program were also selling points for me. Rainbow has been a special place to train as a med student and now resident!

Kelly Wang, MD

Hometown: Flushing, New York
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Renaissance SOM at Stonybrook University
Professional Interests: Advocacy, Global Health, Immigrant and Refugee Health, Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology
Personal Interests: Pokemon (games and cards), travel, crocheting, singing, reading, trying new craft beers with friends, and spending time with my adorable cat!
Why did you choose Rainbow: From interview day alone, I could sense a strong community of support and overall, genuine caring people who I would trust as my future children's pediatricians. The tracks allow me to pursue professional interests early on and hopefully connect with leaders in the area to inspire real change. X+Y was a must-have when I was looking for residencies, and already, I appreciate having my 2 weeks of outpatient regularly, so I know I'll have full weekends off. My co-residents are so intelligent, funny, and caring that I can say confidently that the residency picks really good people. Rainbow combines broad, diverse training with a focus on wellness that I had not seen in any of my other interviews. Which is why I chose Rainbow!

Yumeng Mong Zhang, MD

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, GI
Personal Interests: Biking, tennis, crocheting, thrifting/antiquing, and reading
Why did you choose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the amazing experiences I had on rotations at Rainbow as a medical student. Above all, I fell in love with the community and the supportive and welcoming culture within the residency program. I am excited to continue exploring Cleveland and taking care of the community I have called home for the last few years!

Mai AlAdwan, MD

Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Undergrad: University of Jordan
Medical School: University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: I’m still figuring it out, but I’m really excited to see where I end up after residency.
Personal Interests: Trying different types of food, any outdoor activity, swimming and weight lifting.
Why I Chose Rainbow: Might be a cliche answer but I really felt comfortable and reassured after my interview!

Jessica Alvarado, MD

Hometown: Monument, Colorado
Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Research; Inpatient medicine; still undecided on a specific specialty.
Personal Interests: Rock climbing, running, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I primarily chose Rainbow for two main reasons: the breadth and diversity of patient care combined with a culture that is truly uplifting, patient centered, and fosters a love for lifelong learning.

Maha Ayub, MD

Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Jared Badgley, MD

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Undergrad: Purdue University
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Global Health, Neonatology
Personal Interests: Spending time with my family (wife, dog, and daughter), church, watching/playing sports (Boiler Up!), board games
Why I Chose Rainbow: 1) Interview: It was clear from my interview that the people I interviewed with actually read through my application and wanted me to be a part of their program. 2) Resident Run: From the interview and the first two months here, it is obvious that residents get first dibs on procedures, taking care of patients, etc. as compared to fellows. 3) Global Health: Rainbow has the oldest pediatric global health track and has NUMEROUS global connections instead of your traditional 1 or 2.

Nicholas Bean, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Mentor, Ohio
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Complex Care pediatrics and care for individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan!
Personal Interests: Analog photography and darkroom printing, skateboarding, and music
Why I Chose Rainbow: Northeast Ohio always has and always will be my home! I wanted to train at an institution that would allow me to give back to my community, and that would give me exposure to all types of subspecialty care. The close-knit and supportive culture was also a huge draw for me, both within the Med-Peds program and in how we are integrated into the Medicine and Pediatric sides! Everyone I spoke with throughout the recruitment and interview season was exceedingly kind, and that made a big impact on me.

Ashley Becker, MD

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: Xavier University
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: At the moment, I am most interested in Gastroenterology!
Personal Interests: Spending time with family and friends, exploring the Cleveland Metroparks, dance, reading, going to baseball/basketball/football games, trying new restaurants and coffee shops.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the strong sense of community here- the flight system allows you to become very close with your co-residents! The process in which Rainbow allows us to gain autonomy is intentional and robust, balancing supervision with trust to ensure we’re ready for independent practice. The support from faculty and senior residents is unmatched- every day I walk into work knowing there are people in this program who genuinely care for me and are ready to help when I need it!

Alec Bryson, MD

Hometown: Akron, OH
Undergrad: John Carroll University
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Pulmonology, Primary Care, Quality Improvement
Personal Interests: Hiking/being outside, yoga, golf, vinyl records, Cleveland sports
Why I Chose Rainbow: I love the city of Cleveland and Rainbow had a lot of what I was looking for in a program. It was a medium-large sized program, with a good volume and variety of patients, and x+y schedule. Above all, I really enjoyed my interview day and knew it would be a supportive program where I could thrive as a resident.

Gabrielle Butz, MD

Hometown: Canton, OH
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Professional Interests: Undecided
Personal Interests: Cooking, Bravo Reality TV, Cleveland and Ohio State sports, Orange Theory workout classes
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I felt like it was the best possible place for me to grow as a pediatrician. Everyone is so welcoming and has made it feel like home right away! Also, I’m the biggest Cleveland enthusiast! The lake, the sports, the food, the affordability!

Imani Campbell, MD

Hometown: Boynton Beach, Florida
Undergrad: University of Florida
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Still exploring, but Child Abuse and Child Advocacy is high on the list!
Personal Interests: I love to cook, spend time with family and friends, and explore Cleveland’s food scene and Metropark system.
Why I Chose Rainbow: On my interview day, I was impressed by the hospital’s commitment to serving its community and how it valued diversity among both residents and faculty to better serve its diverse patient population. Additionally, the level of acuity stood out to me, offering the opportunity to develop strong clinical skills while caring for a diverse and complex patient population. And x+y scheduling model!

Matthew Carlisle, MD

Hometown: Solon, Ohio
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Cardiology
Personal Interests: Reading, climbing, backpacking, hockey, board and video games, my cat
Why I Chose Rainbow: The interview day, proximity to home, subspecialty opportunity and patient complexity, x+y schedule, supportive faculty, receptive to couples matching (coordinating Y blocks!).

Cassandra Daniels, DO

Hometown: Lakewood, WA
Undergrad: University of Washington
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Undecided specialty but leaning towards primary care
Personal Interests: Plants, traveling, reading fiction, cooking, watching reality TV
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of how genuine people were on interview day. The program is truly intentional about serving the community while supporting trainees and providing excellent education for residents. After starting my training here, I couldn’t be happier with my choice!

Nada Deraz, M.B.B.Ch.

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Medical School: Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Personal Interests: Cooking, Baking, Traveling, Music, Audiobooks
Why I Chose Rainbow: Compassionate and family centered patient care. Fosters a supportive teaching environment.

Ifeoma Ezeilo, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Haverstraw, NY
Undergrad: SUNY Binghamton
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Professional Interests: Endocrinology, Sleep medicine, Rheumatology, A/I, global health, gun violence intervention
Personal Interests: Power heels, Pilates, reading manga, watching anime, yoga and competitive swimming
Why I Chose Rainbow: The people for sure! I think what I wanted most was to be at a program where I could be my true self and find my tribe. The kindness and unwavering support of those around me created a space where authenticity is not only encouraged but deeply valued.

Nadra Gaber, M.B.B.Ch., Peds/Neuro

Hometown: Egypt
Medical School: Cairo University Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interests: : My interests within pediatrics include neurology, with a focus on epilepsy and headache.
Personal Interests: : I enjoy organizing and cleaning, cooking, hiking, stargazing, desert camping, reading and watching Turkish series and TV in general.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital for its supportive and welcoming residency community, along with its commitment to resident development. I also value the location in Cleveland, which offers a family-friendly environment with access to parks and a vibrant city life without being overwhelming, and I’m glad to be close to friends in Cleveland and Columbus.

Marlisa Granderson, MD

Hometown: Canton, Michigan
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine – Flint
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Public Health
Personal Interests: Baking, cooking, listening to music/podcasts, traveling
Why I Chose Rainbow: Community, support, location, patient population

Ian Hollander, DO

Hometown: St. Louis
Undergrad: Eckerd College
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Pediatric Sports Medicine
Personal Interests: Making music, playing sports, cooking, following St. Louis sports (and now Cleveland sports too!)
Why I Chose Rainbow: I could tell that the faculty care a lot about the learning experiences of their residents and during my interview day I could see how close the residents are and how much they care about one another.

Mary Hyland, MD

Hometown: Rocky River, OH
Undergrad: Walsh University
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Bioethics, Global Health
Personal Interests: Running in the Metroparks, playing board games with my family, baking and going to the beach
Why I Chose Rainbow: I choose Rainbow because it gave me the opportunity to come home and serve the families of Cleveland! I loved the x+y schedule and the commitment to child advocacy here.

Michaela John, MD

Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Undergrad: University of Ottawa
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Pediatric emergency medicine, with a sprinkle of primary care; also global health and research.
Personal Interests: Trying new restaurants (especially sweet treats), traveling, swimming, reading, pottery, and NBA games.
Why I Chose Rainbow: Even virtually, Rainbow immediately felt like a family. Everyone was welcoming, and the residents spoke genuinely and highly of the faculty. I was drawn to the supportive environment, the diversity of cases and subspecialties, and the opportunity to be challenged.

Zoya Khan, MD

Hometown: Charleston, WV
Undergrad: West Virginia University
Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine – Charleston
Professional Interests: Neonatology, critical care, cardiology, advocacy
Personal Interests: I love baking, reading fiction, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with my family & friends.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose this program because my interview day had such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I was really impressed by the strong focus on well-being and the supportive environment. I was also drawn to the x+y schedule – it offers a great opportunity to learn from a wide range of specialties, which I know will really enrich my pediatric training.

Yun-Yu Liu, MD

Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Chioma Mbionwu, MD

Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Undergrad: University of Florida
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Endocrinology, Gastroenterology
Personal Interests: Violin, Pilates, Muay Thai
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow stood out to me because of how intentional and thoughtful the faculty were. During my interview, it was clear that they had thoroughly reviewed my application and genuinely wanted to get to know me beyond just what was on paper. Rainbow also has a very robust curriculum with a diverse patient population, so I felt confident that I’d receive an excellent education and be prepared to treat patients who look like me.

Danah Muhanna, MD

Hometown: Columbus, OH / Riyadh, KSA
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Not sure yet!
Personal Interests: Reformer pilates, cooking/re-creating recipes, all types of tea, plants + gardening, art
Why I Chose Rainbow: I rotated at RBC as a med student and was so impressed by the program; I felt that I could thrive as a resident here and would be well supported!

Hannah Parson, DO

Hometown: Amherst, Ohio
Undergrad: John Carroll University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Child Psychiatry, Neonatology, Advocacy and Ethics
Personal Interests: Crossfit/weightlifting, hiking, exploring Cleveland’s coffee shops, gardening, farmer’s markets and spending quality time with my family and friends!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow for its supportive learning environment and reputation for providing outstanding pediatric care! I really loved the strong sense of community I felt during my audition rotation and the positive learning culture that was reinforced by every team member. I also love their commitment to Child Advocacy efforts and wanted to help give back to the community that I grew up in!

Allison Ross, DO

Hometown: Cleveland! (South Euclid)
Undergrad: Indiana University (BA) and Arizona State University (post bacc, BS)
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Gastroenterology, nutrition, cardiology, sports medicine, preventative medicine
Personal Interests: Travel, music, Cleveland sports, dance, anything that gets me outside, and spending time with family, friends, and my two dogs.
Why I Chose Rainbow: As a native Clevelander born and raised on the East Side, choosing Rainbow felt like coming home. Its reputation speaks for itself – both as a top-tier medical center and an exceptional academic institution. I know I will receive an incredible education and training that will challenge me to become the best physician I can be. Just as importantly, everyone I’ve met has been incredibly welcoming, helpful, and kind. Most special of all, as a former Rainbow kid myself, becoming a resident here is truly a full-circle moment.

Mariam Salama, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Undergrad: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professional Interests: Immigrant, Refugee & Asylee Health, Humanitarian Health
Personal Interests: Sustainable home gardening, thrifting, DIY home renovation, mediocre early 2000s movies
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose UH/Rainbow Babies as my training home for its pervasive culture of collegiality. Each person I have interacted with across the UH/Rainbow community, from my peers to my program director(s!), from ancillary staff to hospital support staff, from coordinators to chiefs, has been nothing but kind and willing to lend a helping hand. From all that I’ve learned thus far, the abundance of grace extended to me as I am taught new things each day has reaffirmed my curiosity and excitement for medicine. This sense of collectivism bleeds into how patients are treated here: with warmth, compassion, and dignity. When I could have learned how to be a doctor anywhere, I chose here so that I might embody the same sense of dedication and service towards patients and their families that I have seen continuously modeled thus far.

Yustina Salama, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad: John Carroll University
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hem/Onc
Personal Interests: Traveling, biking, baking, spending time with family and friends
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the remarkable sense of camaraderie, warmth, and genuine bond I observed between the attending’s and residents on interview day. From the beginning, it was clear that this was a collaborative, supportive environment. I knew it would be a great place to train – not only because of its academic strength, but also because of the shared commitment to developing excellent pediatricians, and I was drawn to being part of a community so invested in both personal and professional development.

Monica Sun, DO

Hometown: Naperville, IL
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Rural Medicine, Global Health, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, General Pediatrics
Personal Interests: Ceramics, Rock Climbing, Backpacking, Baking breads, my pet rabbit Cumulonimbus
Why I Chose Rainbow: The people and the thoughtfulness of the new outpatient center and building to meet the needs of the community we serve! (building outpatient center on a bus line for easier access, pharmacy/WIC/other resources in the building, Women's clinic in the building so that caregivers can coordinate their healthcare when ensuring their child's care is met) everybody is incredibly friendly and creates a positive learning environment.

Anna Swensen, MD

Hometown: Arden Hills, MN
Undergrad: Bethel University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, allergy/immunology
Personal Interests: I love running, pickleball, traveling, walks and spending time with family and friends!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I rotated at Rainbow during medical school and loved the sense of community that I experienced! It is clear to me how much the residents care for and support each other, and how the faculty also support the residents so well. I also knew I would have a solid education at an amazing hospital with people who are genuinely interested in teaching. I am excited to continue my time at Rainbow now as a resident!

Emillee Vinogradsky, MD

Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Outpatient Clinic Management, Neonatology, Sports Medicine, Healthcare Administration
Personal Interests: Home renovation projects, cooking & baking, hiking, skiing, exploring new places with my family
Why I Chose Rainbow: The 2 week blocks and x+y schedule make the long hours of residency much more manageable. There is always a new rotation approaching to look forward to. Also, there is a lot to do in and around Cleveland and this is a great city to raise a family in.

Larissa Vollin, DO

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Undergrad: Arizona State University
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Hospital medicine, wilderness medicine, sports medicine, lifestyle medicine and nutrition
Personal Interests: Running, biking, indoor rock climbing, weightlifting, hiking, musicals, reading
Why I Chose Rainbow: Rainbow chose me! I am so fortunate to be a resident here for all of the amazing co-residents I get to work with and the incredible support we all have. I heard from almost all of my interviews how supportive each program was, but I was truly blown away by how much the program leadership, hospital and clinic staff, and residents care and have been so willing to help us.

Hannah West, MD

Hometown: Geneva, Ohio
Undergrad: Ohio University
Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine – Charleston
Professional Interests: Hospital Medicine, Advocacy, community outreach, Emergency Medicine
Personal Interests: Any and all animals, reading, taking my dogs on walks in new places around Cleveland, watching reality TV, baking.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I loved my interview day with Rainbow. Everyone I met was so nice and the program had a strong community/friendship feel to it. During my interview, I really appreciated the emphasis placed on resident wellness. I could tell the program valued lifestyle balance. Rainbow also is very connected to the community and has lots of resources that can be offered to patients, which was something that stuck out to me. There are so many unique patient cases as well as bread and butter that come into the hospital, so I felt like I would get a really well-rounded education here at Rainbow! x+y scheduling is a HUGE plus too!!

Jessica Williams, MD

Hometown: Southfield, MI
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Undecided but primary care, advocacy/community outreach, social determinants of health, adolescent
Personal Interests: Workout classes, trying new restaurants, reading, traveling, spending time with family/friends
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the supportive community I felt along the interview trail. Being a large academic center, I felt I would have the exposure to become a well-trained pediatrician while having an individualized curriculum with things such as the tracks. Also, the x+y and emphasis on community outreach were a big draw.

Mary Yeh, MD Med/Peds

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

Mara Atherton, MD

Hometown: Louisville, KY
Undergrad: University of Louisville
Medical School: University of Kentucky
Professional Interests: Neonatology, Critical Care, Complex Care
Personal Interests: Gardening, birdwatching, hiking, knitting and running
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I had such great interactions with the faculty on interview day. I felt like faculty were truly interested in hearing what skills I wanted to improve in residency. I also thought the residents seemed to really enjoy their time together. I took a weekend trip to Cleveland and really enjoyed visiting the Lakefront Nature Preserve and local restaurants. I love the volume and acuity of patients at Rainbow and feel like I've made strides of growth since starting intern year!

Laura Burns, MD

Hometown: Bloomington, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Adolescent Medicine, Special Needs Care, Academic Medicine
Personal Interests: Music, art, my cats
Why I Chose Rainbow: I went to medical school at Case Western Reserve University, then couples matched to Cleveland with my partner, another CWRU grad. We both love the city and were very happy to stay. In addition, we both loved our medical school experiences at the Cleveland hospitals, and we were excited to continue working at institutions that we knew would give us great educational opportunities in our respective specialties.

Rainbow is a great place for me to learn to be a pediatrician. As a student here, I found the work to be challenging, educational, and rewarding. At Rainbow, I help patients who experience a lot of negative social determinants of health, and I get to learn how to help them navigate their social challenges in addition to their medical ones. I feel like Rainbow is a place where I can find any opportunity, I would want to prepare me for any pediatric career I might choose to pursue.

Christine Campisi, MD

Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Research, Advocacy
Personal Interests: Running, hiking, crocheting, my cat Nero
Why I Chose Rainbow: Ultimately, I chose Rainbow because I could just tell on interview day that all of the residents and faculty I spoke with genuinely loved caring for this community and working with each other. I knew I would learn a lot and be challenged in terms of seeing complex cases here, but I also felt like I'd be well-supported by the program and my co-residents – and I have been.

Coreena Chan, MD

Hometown: York, Pennsylvania
Undergrad: Penn State University
Medical School: Ohio State University
Professional Interests: Primary care, advocacy
Personal Interests: My cat, baking, eating
Why I Chose Rainbow: The collaborative and supportive environment and dedication to patient care.

Adrija Chaturvedi, MD

Hometown: Solon, Ohio
Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Adolescent Medicine, Gastroenterology, General Pediatrics, Medical Education, Hospital Medicine, Emergency Medicine
Personal Interests: I love reading, cooking, listening to podcasts, going for long walks in the Metroparks, and spending time with friends and family!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I completed all of my pediatrics rotations at Rainbow during medical school and I was consistently impressed by how compassionate, welcoming, and intelligent the residents were. It was clear they got excellent training and exposure to a wide variety of cases, from bread and butter pediatrics to niche diagnoses. I knew that at Rainbow I would be supported both personally and professionally by my co-residents as well as program leadership. By the time I was applying to residency programs, I realized that Rainbow set the bar for all of the other programs I was looking at! It really felt like a natural choice for me as I wanted to get the best possible training while staying close to home.

Gabriella “Bella” Cotter, MD

Hometown: New Guilford, Ohio
Undergrad: Baldwin Wallace University
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: I am interested in pediatric intensive care, patient/family education, and social determinants of health.
Personal Interests: My husband and I enjoy trying new restaurants and have loved the Cleveland food scene! I also enjoy going on nature walks/hikes to explore my neighborhood and the many tow paths and bridal paths in the Cleveland area. I drink a lot of coffee and tea and love spending time outside with a sweet drink and a good book. On days off, I like to go to antique and thrift stores, concerts, and local seasonal events in the area or bake a new recipe!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I was drawn to Rainbow by the friendly atmosphere on interview day and the passion with which all of the staff talked about their program! There was a big emphasis on effective communication between team members and promoting resident independence. I also appreciated the x+y schedule and the structure of the resident outpatient clinic. Cleveland was a great city for my husband and I to couples match into!

Madison Cox, MD

Melindy Dorcin, MD

Hometown: Westbury, NY (on Long Island)
Undergrad: Trinity College (Hartford, CT)
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Professional Interests: Still pretty broad at this point!
Personal Interests: Baking and knitting
Why I Chose Rainbow: I fell in love with Rainbow as a medical student and while watching my older sister work here as a pediatric resident. I knew that the teaching and the people here were incredible, and I am so grateful that I get to become a pediatrician here!

Matilda Francis, MD

Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Undergrad: University of Virginia
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Professional Interests: Medical education, undecided on specialty but at this moment most interested in allergy/ immunology, GI, or primary care
Personal Interests: Classical ballet, yoga, exploring the Metroparks and new restaurants around Cleveland!
Why I Chose Rainbow: The supportive and welcoming community at Rainbow with emphasis on resident wellness stood out to me during my interview! I also was drawn to the wide variety of inpatient services with x+y schedule.

Irene Ganahl, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Lewisburg, PA
Undergrad: Wellesley College
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, women’s health, health equity, global health, quality improvement, advocacy
Personal Interests: Music (I have played violin since I was 3 1/2 -y/o), farmer's markets, being outdoors in almost all capacities, lap swimming, reading
Why I Chose Rainbow: I absolutely loved my interview! I wanted to train at an institution that prioritizes serving their community through high-quality care. And as Med-Peds, I felt so welcomed by both the Pediatric and IM categorical residents.

Alexander Ladron de Guevara, MD

Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: Florida International University
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Neonatology, Emergency Medicine, Gastroenterology
Personal Interests: Hiking, going to the beach, taking spontaneous trips, and spending time with family and friends!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow for many reasons! Not only is Rainbow part of a large, well-respected academic institution, but it serves as a strong stand-alone pediatric hospital. The opportunities here are abundant, yet the program's medium class size fosters a tight-knit environment. Rainbow also has the x+y schedule format, which provides a better balance for my personal and professional interests! The people here are also very kind and welcoming. Cleveland rocks!

Joseph Haight, MD

Kathleen “Katy” Hoffman, DO

Hometown: South Amherst, Ohio
Undergrad: Ohio Wesleyan University
Medical School: OU HCOM – Cleveland
Professional Interests: NICU, Hospitalist, Education, Advocacy, Community Outreach
Personal Interests: Trying new restaurants/cooking with my husband, running, musical theater, travel, quality family time, concerts and crafting
Why I Chose Rainbow: Growing up in northeast Ohio I always admired Rainbow for their innovative care and commitment to their community. On interview day it was easy to see Rainbow is one big, supportive family full of highly intelligent people. I knew this was the best environment for me to learn and grow in. It was also important to me that Rainbow uses x+y scheduling with specialty tracks available to further serve our interests.

Alexandra “Alex” Kinzer, MD

Hometown: Princeton, MA
Undergrad: Purdue University
Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Professional Interests: Open to everything
Personal Interests: Cooking, baking, hiking, running and being outside
Why I Chose Rainbow: I spent a year at UH in another residency program and loved the people that I met while I was at Rainbow! I also have family that live in Cleveland and value seeing them frequently.

Hyerin Kwak, MD

Hometown: Norman, OK
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Critical care (PICU), bioethics, medical education
Personal Interests: Woodworking, birdwatching, tennis, visiting Metroparks, home improvement, economics
Why I Chose Rainbow: +Y schedule, exposure to variety of pathologies, supportive faculty, reputation of training excellent pediatricians; and my husband and I wanted to be back in Northeast Ohio to be closer to friends and family.

Yusef Kunji, MD, Peds Genetics

Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Medical School: Wayne State University
Professional Interests: Genetics, Basic Science Research and Medical Education
Personal Interests: Trivia, reading, soccer, exploring nature and all things fantasy!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I was looking for a strong, academic Peds/Genetics program in the Midwest. During my interviews, Rainbow Babies stood out immediately. The residents and faculty were truly passionate about the care they provide to the diverse surrounding community. The x+y schedule also stood out among other programs as I want to preserve work/life balance as much as possible during residency.

Michelle Leahy, MD

Hometown: South Euclid, Ohio
Undergrad: University of Dayton
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Professional Interests: Advocacy, Hematology & Oncology and PICU
Personal Interests: Traveling, camping, strength training and playing soccer, trying new restaurants, binge watching Netflix shows, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with family :)
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow for so many reasons! I was drawn to the supportive culture that I felt on interview day, the x+y scheduling, and the opportunity to participate in tracks and serve a diverse patient population. Also, I wanted to stay in Cleveland to be near family and serve my own community :) Lastly, as a strong academic institution, I knew training at Rainbow would expose me to a wide variety of pathologies so that I could become a well-rounded pediatrician!

Rachel Lukwago, MD

Hometown: Sterling, VA
Undergrad: Old Dominion University
Medical School: Trinity School of Medicine
Professional Interests: NICU, Child Psychiatry, Hospital Medicine
Personal Interests: Hiking, Reading and Scuba Diving
Why I Chose Rainbow: The people are genuine, and the program is resident-run which allows for good autonomy.

Arnelle Osei, MD

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Undergrad: Carleton University
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Professional Interests: PEM/Primary care, NICU, or primary care on its own. However, no matter where I end up…child global health will be incorporated into my career.
Personal Interests: Traveling, watching reality crime shows, cooking, hanging out with friends and family
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I felt I would receive the comprehensive skills required to become an amazing general pediatrician while having the opportunity to explore specialization since Rainbow is a robust free-standing children’s hospital. Not to mention we are adamant about community engagements. Also, the x+y schedule is vital! I love the fact that I’m doing something different every two weeks and I have a pretty standard schedule!

Faiyza Osman, MD

Hometown: Troy, Michigan
Undergrad: Wayne State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Professional Interests: Largely undecided, but my interests so far include child & adolescent psychiatry, endocrinology, advocacy, and DEI.
Personal Interests: I love creative writing, cooking, reading (specifically historical fiction), and I'm hoping to learn piano soon!
Why I Chose Rainbow: Humility and wellness were emphasized as just some of the core values of the program, and I can confirm that it rings true. This program offers excellent training paired with a culture of humility from its faculty and trainees. I have the appropriate guidance and teaching I need while still having the opportunity to build confidence in my decision-making skills as a physician.

Kara Gilliam Partee, MD, MPH

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergrad: University of Tennessee
Medical School: East Tennessee State University
Professional Interests: GI, global health and legislative advocacyy
Personal Interests: Hiking, traveling, baseball, board games, music, and pullin’ for the Vols!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the emphasis on resident wellness and psychological safety here. Our leaders do a great job checking on us and supporting us!

Brooke Pennza, MD

Hometown: Troy, Ohio
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary Care
Personal Interests: Baking/cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because of the culture. All of the residents I met at my interview and second look seemed genuinely happy to be training at rainbow and I could see that the program truly valued resident wellness.

Sindhu Ramachandra, MD

Hometown: Somerset, New Jersey
Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: USF Morsani College of Medicine
Professional Interests: Effective communication in healthcare settings, advocacy, bench research
Personal Interests: I love dancing, baking and swimming.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I love the close-knit community and supportive learning environment that Rainbow offers. The program’s commitment to serving the community, coupled with its amazing research and mentorship opportunities, makes me grateful and excited to join the Rainbow family.

Riley Reed, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Canton, MI
Undergrad: Michigan State University
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, social determinants of health, DEI, mentorship
Personal Interests: Reading, travel, trying new restaurants in Cleveland, watching crazy reality tv shows, spending time with family and friends
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because he x+y scheduling was appealing to me and showed me that the program values wellness among their residents. In addition, working with underserved populations is important to me, and Cleveland and Rainbow has many opportunities (like the advocacy track!) for me to pursue that passion!

Steven Reehl, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Summit Hill, PA
Undergrad: Elizabethtown College
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, LGBTQ+ Healthcare, Medical Education, Advocacy
Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, shopping, finding new music, finding good coffee, and exploring Cleveland. I’m always looking for new ways to stay active and meet new people!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow for its reputation for excellence in pediatric care, commitment to children’s health and well-being, and the excellent residency opportunities.

Jack Reifenberg, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Professional Interests: HHospital medicine vs pulm/crit, quality improvement, medical education, legislative advocacy
Personal Interests: Soccer, making soup, trail running
Why I Chose Rainbow: I felt a strong sense of community during my interview day. Well-balanced clinical experiences within a diverse range of disciplines and settings through an x+y schedule.

Priyanga Selvakumar, MD

Hometown: Broomall, PA
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Professional Interests: Allergy and Immunology, Medical Education
Personal Interests: Indian classical dance, exploring the Cleveland food scene, traveling, plants, and k-dramas!
Why I Chose Rainbow: The people, x+y scheduling, tracks, and amazing vibes!

Hala Al Suqi, MD

Hometown: Doha, Qatar/Amman, Jordan
Medical School: University of Jordan
Professional Interests: Undecided and changes by the day but I like a variety of things: global health, palliative care, and emergency medicine.
Personal Interests: Yoga and meditation, writing, music, reading neuropsychology books, stargazing, coffee making and drinking, sketching and anything outdoors!
Why I Chose Rainbow: I fell in love with Rainbow and knew it was the place I wanted to be for many reasons; interview day just reaffirmed that for me leaving me filled with positive energy. Resident mental health and work life balance are really advocated for at this program, and everyone here is super supportive and friendly.

Gregory Sylvestre, DO

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Undergrad: Hunter College, The City University of New York
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Middletown
Professional Interests: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Sports Medicine
Personal Interests: I enjoy spontaneous day trips, videogames, Football, fitness, scenic drives, nature/hiking, and rewatching classic American mob films (Martin Scorsese – Goodfellas, Casino)
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I wanted a strong academic program that historically supported its resident's professional interests and personal well-being. I had a pleasant interview experience that left me feeling truly desired to be apart of Rainbow and the local Cleveland communities. Additionally, I felt Rainbow was forward thinking in its x+y schedule, EMR, and leadership structure. Also coming from NY, it was refreshing to move to a smaller mid-west city with lots of character! I enjoy the ease of access to sporting events, restaurants, nature parks, and interesting city venues.

Tia Szczesniak, MD

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergrad: Southern Methodist University
Medical School:Eastern Virginia Medical School
Professional Interests: I am currently interested in nephrology, neonatology, emergency medicine and hospitalist medicine. I can't wait to experience them more and see which one is my true fit!
Personal Interests: Pet therapy – my dog Minnie and I are a certified team. I love the work we do together! Baking; I love the small amount of joy sweets can bring.
Why I Chose Rainbow: Although I had never been to Rainbow outside of interview day, the emphasis on how they select their residents based on their individual strengths and description of core values made it my top choice by far. I knew the value was on education and creating better doctors and supporting rather than the ‘learn by being a workhorse’ mentality regarded in other places I interviewed at. Additionally, I love that Rainbow is such a big academic center where we frequently get to see and learn how to confidently treat conditions rarely seen elsewhere.

Brooke Wangler, DO

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Undergrad: Clemson University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, newborn nursery, community outreach, mental health
Personal Interests: Reading (fiction), traveling, crocheting, trying new restaurants, live music
Why I Chose Rainbow: My acting internship at rainbow sealed the deal for me as I witnessed the culture of the program – it was clear that the residents were deeply supported by each other and by the program itself.

Amber Estes, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Tinley Park, IL
Undergrad: The University of Chicago
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: I have many interests, and I see myself pursuing either primary care or a combined fellowship (infectious disease, cardiology, rheumatology…we’ll see!). I am passionate about advocacy, LGBTQ+ medicine, community engagement, and medical education.
Personal Interests: : I like to bake, cook, read, draw, dance, try new restaurants (there are many great ones in Cleveland), and check out the Metroparks while birdwatching. I also always love spending time with my two cats.
Why I Chose Rainbow: I chose Rainbow because I had a wonderful experience as a medical student and knew I would enjoy being here as a resident.

Mary Irwin, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergrad: Virginia Tech
Medical School: University of Cincinnati COM
Professional Interests: Dual hospitalist, critical care (PICU or MICU), adolescent + advocacy and med ed
Personal Interests: Plants, yoga, most popular fantasy series, trying local breweries, hiking, anime, reading a good book (fiction and nonfiction), ice cream (most varieties)
Why I Chose Rainbow: Great balance of excellent education/resources/PEM/specialists with supportive culture and ability to grow with graduated autonomy. Rainbow is also very cognizant of our unique patient population and prioritizes equitable healthcare + advocacy among its residents and faculty.

Andrea Janis, MD, Med/Peds

Hometown: Westport, Connecticut
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Hospital medicine, primary care, transitional care, medical education
Personal Interests: Baking, hiking, dogs, live music
Why I Chose Rainbow: I had an incredible interview day that demonstrated camaraderie amongst residents, emphasis on resident education, and support for resident wellbeing. I love the x+y schedule, which is pretty rare for pediatric residency programs! Additionally, opportunities for advocacy, research and any other interests are endless..

Jaysa Withey, DO, Med/Peds

Hometown: Flint, Michigan
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Dual Hospitalist, Integrative Medicine, Global Medicine
Personal Interests: DIY Home decor, plants!
Why I Chose Rainbow: Supportive culture was very important to me.