OUR RESIDENTS
Van Pham, M.D., PGY 2
Hi everyone! I grew up in Boston and attended Boston University School of Medicine. Excited to embrace NYC and learn from the teachers - doctors and patients alike - at SUNY Downstate! I chose family medicine for its widescope and holistic practice on developing equitable systems and enduring patient relationships. Outside of the workroom, I can be found reading for my book club, baking sweets, trying new restaurants, or playing board/video games with friends and family.
Aditya Hirday, M.D., PGY-2
I am originally from Nepal, I have been enjoying the vibrant diversity of a big city, from its multicultural food scene to the blend of people. This environment offers me both personal and professional growth, allowing me to take meaningful steps toward my dreams. I am particularly interested in hospital medicine and urgent care, and I am passionate about giving back to the community. Outside of work, I’m a fun-loving, outdoorsy person with a passion for basketball, exploring beautiful parks, hiking, discovering new restaurants, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Brianna Sarowa, M.D., PGY 2
Hi! I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I went to medical school at St. Georges University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. I chose family medicine for the wide scope of practice, continuity of care and a holistic approach to health including lifestyle and wellness. My medical interests include global health, public health and lifestyle medicine. I am so excited to be in NYC for my residency training for many reasons; an opportunity to train at an academic institution, the diverse patient population and faculty, the great food, and there is always something fun to do! Outside of work I enjoy film photography, cooking, hiking, biking, being outdoors and traveling. On a weekend off you can find me at a local museum, park or coffee shop!
Samuel Hernandez, M.D., PGY 2
Hi! My name is Sam. My favorite things are building things, being outside, viewing and making art, discovering delicious foods, and long-distance train travel. I grew up in Houston, Texas, but lived in Upstate New York for several years before deciding to pursue medicine. My goal is to become part of a community where I can provide basic essential care for everyone, which made family medicine a natural choice of specialty. I'm extra lucky to be able to complete my residency training in an amazing place like Brooklyn NY!
Tahirah Powis, M.D., PGY 2
"Greetings, native New Yorker here! Born to a wonderful family that’s been a melting pot of wisdom, cultures and diverse personalities much like this city. New York is where I’ve learned to recognize, respect, and empathize with others & their cultural differences. Getting to serve my community is a dream fulfilled. When I don’t have a stethoscope around my neck, I most enjoy finding the nearest beach to feel the sun on my skin. "
Bhavana Sunkara, M.D., PGY 2
Hello everyone. I am originally from Andhra Pradesh, India. I graduated from GSL Medical College. I worked in Brooklyn before matching in SUNY Downstate and did not want to work anywhere else because of the vast and diverse patient population. The opportunities to learn are truly endless! My medical interests are sports medicine as well as Geriatrics. Additionally, my hobbies include traveling, biking, shopping and exploring different restaurants.
Aliza Saskin, M.D., PGY 3, Chief Resident
Hi! I’m from Toronto, Canada and went to Tulane for medical school in New Orleans. I chose family medicine for the wide scope of practice and opportunities to interact with patients of all ages. Specifically I am interested in reproductive health and functional medicine. Outside of medicine I love cooking new recipes and being outdoors. I’m an avid runner and enjoy hiking and exploring new parks.
Eva Holzner, MD, PGY 3
Hi all! My name is Eva (think Wall-E), I'm originally from California but moved to NYC for college and never left! I love Family Medicine because I love primary care and the opportunity it provides to develop long-term meaningful relationships with patients. I chose Downstate because I wanted to continue working with underserved patients while training at a tertiary care center that provides comprehensive high-acuity services and care. Outside the hospital you can usually find me doing arts and crafts, going out for trivia, playing board and video games, or just hanging with my partner and friends doing any of the above!
Stephen Coyle, M.D, PGY 3, Chief Resident
During medical school I grew a passion for family medicine and had immersive clinical exposure that guided my career direction. My professional interests include public health, sports medicine, and addiction medicine. In my down time I enjoy spending time outdoors, caring for my house plants, and reading books. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead, the doors that will open, and the wonderful people I’ll meet!
Regine Vincent, M.D., PGY 3
Hello, my name is Regine! I was born in Haiti and grew up in South Florida. I attended University of Miami for my undergraduate studies and THE Ohio State University College of Medicine for medical school. I feel fortunate to be a resident here at SUNY downstate where I get to live out my passion of serving underserved populations in a diverse community, while being immersed in an academic institution. Currently my interests include global health, maternal health and adolescent medicine. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring international cuisines, and photography.
Gurshan Sandhu, MD, PGY 3
Hello! My name is Gurshan Singh Sandhu. I am from Punjab, India and also grew up in Vancouver, Canada. I am a graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. I chose Family Medicine at SUNY Downstate for the immense opportunities to serve a diverse community of patients and the robust training experience. My medical interests are inclined to lifestyle medicine and palliative care. In my free time I enjoy adventuring the outdoors and traveling.
Shaakir McIntosh-Samuel, M.D., PGY 3
My name is Shaakir McIntosh-Samuel (he/him/his) and I am an African-American male who was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to parents who hail from the island of Grenada. I moved to Brooklyn when I was 4 years old and have lived in various parts of Brooklyn including Crown Heights, Canarsie and East Flatbush. I attended Hobart College for my BSc. in Biology and Ross University School of Medicine for my M.D. I am also currently working on my Masters of Public Health at Tulane University. I chose Family Medicine here at SUNY Downstate with the hope of becoming a practicing physician and providing medical care to the members of my community right here in Brooklyn, NY—specifically the underserved minority groups who have suffered relentlessly to health disparities within the current healthcare system.
Some of my hobbies and interests include community service, reading sci fi novels, creative writing, playing and watching sports, listening to music and gardening. My medical interests include Palliative Care, Global Health, & Adolescent Medicine.
Jim Huang, M.D., PGY-1
Hello everyone! My name is Jim, and I am a proud native from Atlanta, Georgia; my family is of Taiwanese descent. I graduated from undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University and attended Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine right across the Hudson River in New Jersey. I was drawn into the continuity of care that is the heart of Family Medicine. My interests include both primary care and sports medicine. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner, weightlifting at the gym, watching anime, and playing my Nintendo Switch. I am excited to continue my medical training in this part of the country and look forward to the learning opportunities ahead of me!
Shawn Medford, M.D., PGY-1
Hi! I’m from Boston, MA. I transitioned into medicine after studying economics at Brown University for my undergraduate studies and engineering at Boston University for a masters program and working in healthcare strategy consulting. I attended medical school at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. before moving to Brooklyn for residency. My medical interests include hospitalist medicine, primary care, and digital health.
I’m proud to serve our largely Caribbean patient population especially as my family is from Trinidad and Tobago. Outside of medicine, I enjoy exploring restaurants, experimenting in the kitchen, and diving into a good book. Fitness is also a huge part of my life - I enjoy training for CrossFit, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and running.
Kelsey Dowers, M.D., PGY-1
Hi everyone! My name is Kelsey. I was born and raised in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and attended St. George’s University in Grenada for medical school. I chose Family Medicine because of the wide scope of practice, emphasis on preventive medicine, and the opportunity to develop long-term, impactful relationships with my patients. My medical interests include public health and women’s health. When I’m not in scrubs, I enjoy exploring new restaurants, playing the steel pan and traveling. I look forward to serving this community and can’t wait to see what new adventures Brooklyn brings me!
Nicolle Chevasco, M.D.,PGY-1
“Hi! I am originally from Colombia but grew up in Tampa, Florida. I graduated from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada. I chose to specialize in family medicine due to the diverse patient population and the opportunity for continuity of care. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my English Bulldog and my partner, as well as exploring new cuisines in New York and trying out different workout classes."