2024 Pediatric Residency and Fellowship Yearbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction & Letter from Associate Chair and Program Director

2. Introducing Class of 2024: Pediatric Residents

3. Introducing Class of 2024: Pediatric Surgical & Subspecialty Fellows

4. Award Recipients

a. Resident Awar ds for Faculty and Staff

b. Fellow Professionalism & Teaching Awards

c. Resident and Fellow Resear ch Awards

5. Office of Medical Education

a. Pediatric Residency Program Administration

b. Pediatric Surgical and Subspecialty Fellowship Program Administration

6. Looking Back: 2021-2024

7. Thank you

The University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Program celebrates its 48th year educating new pediatricians, and its ongoing success training pediatric subspecialists of the future. 2024 marks the 28th year Connecticut Children’s has been the primary clinical site for the University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Program in addition to our 12 ACGME-Accredited Pediatric Surgical and Subspecialty Fellowship Programs.

The graduates from the class of 2024 have trained during an especially challenging time in Pediatrics as we grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, a child mental health crisis and historic patient volumes. These graduates have demonstrated resiliency and a commitment to always providing the highest quality of patient care over the past three years in a unique and at times difficult educational environment. The fortitude our trainees have shown is inspirational!

Together with the entire Connecticut Children’s faculty and staff, your remarkable efforts, have contributed to the overall success of our graduate medical education programs. We have continued to provide dedicated care to our communities while seeking new and innovative ways to ensure state-of-the-art education across the spectrum of medical training. We celebrate all the accomplishments of our newly minted pediatric specialists and subspecialists! Congratulations!

Andrea D. Orsey, M.D., M.S.C.E, M.S.-H.P.Ed.

Associate

Chair of Education

Program Director, Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Fellowship Program

Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist

Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Stewart Mackie, M.D.

Program Director, University of Connecticut

Pediatric Residency Program

Pediatric Cardiologist

Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Samuel Crooks, M.D.

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Louisiana State University - Shreveport

B.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology

After Graduation: Penn State, State College, Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program

Samuel will be continuing his training at Penn State, State College in Pennsylvania in Pediatric Cardiology.

Kayla Gonzalez, M.D.

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Cornell University

B.S. Biological Sciences

After Graduation: University of Michigan, Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship Program

Kayla is from a small farm town in NJ called Hackettstown! Fun fact: her hometown was the site where M&M Mars was founded! Her parents are immigrants from Cuba, and she’s a proud first generation Cuban American. Kayla received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and her M.D. from Rutgers NJMS in Newark, NJ. She enjoys being outdoors. Kayla also enjoys baking and cooking, and loves baking for other people! She’s passionate about community outreach and education, and found an interest in Pediatric Critical Care. Kayla will be continuing her training at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, MI in Hospital Medicine.

Harley Markel, M.D.

Technion American Medical School, Haifa, Israel

McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Human Anatomy and Cell Biology

After Graduation: Community Health Center of New Britain, Primary Care

Harley will be pursuing a career at CHC in New Britain, CT.

Marissa Aaron, M.D.

Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine

Tufts University

B.S. Biochemistry

After Graduation: Boston Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program

Marissa grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Tufts University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry. She spent a gap year in Atlanta volunteering as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line and in the Diabetes Clinic at a local hospital. She attained her medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. During her pediatric residency at Connecticut Children’s, she engaged in committees with a focus on improving the residency program and worked on a transgender care-related research project. She is excited to start her fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she hopes to continue to be involved in medical education and clinical research.

Neveen Al-Said, D.O.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus

Florida International University

B.S. Biological Sciences

After Graduation: Connecticut Children’s, Primary Care

Neveen grew up in Miramar, FL. She completed a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry at Florida International University. Neveen attended medical school at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL. After residency, Neveen is excited to be joining the Primary Care division at Connecticut Children’s!

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.D.

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Bucknell University

B.A. Geography; Spanish

After Graduation: Pediatric Associates of Bristol, Primary Care

Kaitlyn Anderson grew up in Orange, CT. She completed her undergraduate studies at Bucknell University, and medical school at the University of Connecticut. She lives in Farmington with her husband and 3 daughters, and is excited to join Pediatric Associates of Bristol, CT to pursue a career in primary care.

Adriana Bodlak, M.D.

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Georgia Institute of Technology

B.S. Biomedical Engineering

After Graduation: Boston Children’s Hospital, Hospital Medicine

Dr. Bodlak was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by her parents who are also physicians. She attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where she completed a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and a certificate in Social and Personality Psychology. She then attended the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine where she received her doctorate in medicine. Dr. Bodlak then attended the University of Connecticut’s Pediatric Residency Program where she has been able to further her interests in global health, medical education, and advocacy. Upon graduation, she will start her first job as a hospitalist in the medical ICU at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is excited to explore a new city and all it will have to offer. Dr. Bodlak also looks forward to gaining more clinical experience and seeing where her career takes her.

Sarah Burley, D.O., M.S.

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Boston University School of Medicine

M.S. Medical Sciences

The University of Chicago

B.A. Biomedical Sciences

After Graduation: Primary Care

Sarah was born in London, England, but grew up in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. She has lived all over the Eastern half of the U.S. while completing her education. She received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from The University of Chicago, her Masters of Medical Sciences from Boston University, and attended medical school at The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. After graduation, she will be moving with her husband, Ben, and their dog, Rudy, to the Northern Virginia area to pursue a career in primary care pediatrics.

Lauren Costigan, M.D.

Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science

Boston University - Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

B.S. Human Physiology

After Graduation: University of Connecticut at Connecticut Children’s, Chief Pediatric Resident

Lauren grew up in Barnstable, MA and completed her undergraduate studies in Human Physiology at Boston University. She then spent 2 years working at Dana Farber Cancer Institute before continuing her education at Rosalind Franklin University where she earned her medical degree. While in residency, Lauren and her husband, Jared, welcomed their son, Milo Logan, into the world. They live in West Hartford, CT with their black lab, Wrigley. After residency, she will be staying on as a Chief Resident with the UConn Pediatric Residency Program.

Matthew Cummins, M.D.

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Duke University

B.S. Chemistry

After Graduation: Lurie Children’s, Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program

As a CT native, Matt was lucky to return to his home state, and even rotate through the NICU in which he was born. After moving around from undergrad at Duke in North Carolina, to medical school at USC in California, and back to CT for residency, he is now heading to Chicago for what he hopes will be his final move to start Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Lurie Children’s. At the time, he intends to remain a fellow forever and pursue additional training in Critical Care, but is keeping his options open. He will be joined by his beloved dog, Mila, with whom he is excited to explore new parks, coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants.

Lindzey Faust, D.O.

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

University of Washington, Seattle

B.A. Biochemistry, Psychology

After Graduation: The Doctor’s Clinic, Primary Care

Lindzey is a Washington State native. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Washington in Seattle and then attended medical school at Pacific Northwest University. After graduation she is moving to Poulsbo, WA to work as a primary care pediatrician and to continue exploring one of her favorite places, the beautiful surrounding Olympic National Park

Sravya Gourishetti, D.O.

Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

B.S. Molecular and Cellular Biology

After Graduation: Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program

Sravya grew up in Boxborough, MA and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she completed her undergraduate studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Business in 2016. She worked at the University of Massachusetts School of medicine doing research in 2017 prior to going to North Carolina where she received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in 2021. After residency, she is excited to pursue a career in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine as a fellow at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in Boston, MA.

Einar Helgason, M.D.

University of Iceland Faculty of Medicine

University of Iceland, Reykjavík

B.S. Mathematics

After Graduation: Children’s National Hospital, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program

Einar Axel Helgason was born and raised in and around Reykjavik, Iceland. He finished a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Iceland before attending medical school at the same institution. After his internship year at Landspitali Hospital and a year and a half more as a junior doctor at Hringurinn Children’s Hospital, he was lucky enough to match at Connecticut Children’s. During his third year of residency he had daughter, Heida, the sister of proud siblings Arni, age 6, and Astros, age 15. His next project – in addition to spending a little more time with his extraordinarily patient wife and children – is to finish Pediatric infectious Diseases Fellowship at Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C.

Omar Ibarra Aleman, D.O.

University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas COM

Baylor University

B.S. Biology/Pre-Med

After Graduation: Stony Brook University Hospital, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program

Omar Ibarra was born in San Antonio but raised in Mexico City. He lived in Mexico City for most of his childhood where he and his family would go to theater in the summers or go see the Swan’s Dance in the castle of Chapultepec in the winter. Eventually he left the hectic expansive city to live in El Paso for a few years, and thereafter moved back to his birthplace of San Antonio. Omar Ibarra graduated from Baylor University in Waco and went on to do medical school at TCOM in the University of North Texas Health science center in Fort Worth, TX. In his daily life Omar enjoys food the most, travel, the beach, reading, 3d printing, hiking, and geeking out over new technology. Omar will be continuing his training at Stony Brook University in New York in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.

Jordan Johnstone, D.O., M.M.S.

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Drexel University, M.M.S. Medical Science

Seattle University, B.S. Biolog

After Graduation: University of Chicago at Advocate Children’s, Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program

Jordan grew up in Bozeman, Montana. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Spanish from Seattle University. Part of this time was spent at Universidad de Pontificia de Salamanca where she completed her intensive education in Spanish. She further went on to receive her Master in Medical Science from Drexel University while completing her thesis investigating the effects of socioeconomic status on neurodevelopmental changes in toddlers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. After graduate school, she continued working in research as the lead clinical research coordinator for the Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Next, she graduated medical school from Western University of Health Sciences in Oregon where she was inducted into Sigma Sigma Phi and Gold Humanism Honor Societies. After completing her pediatric residency training at Connecticut Children’s/ The University of Connecticut, she will start a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at Advocate Children’s/University of Chicago.

Megan Kabara, D.O.

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Oakland University

B.S. Biological Sciences

After Graduation: University of Michigan, Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program

Megan Kabara, grew up near Detroit, MI and obtained her undergraduate degree at Oakland University in Rochester, MI while completely her research in a biochemistry/genetics lab. She then went on to complete her medical degree at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Megan has enjoyed her time at Connecticut Children’s and appreciates the memories and mentorships. She will never forget the relationships cultivated during her residency. After residency, she will be moving back home to Michigan to start her Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Michigan.

Andrea Lizarazo, D.O., M.M.S.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

University of South Florida

M.M.S. Medical Science

Florida Gulf Coast University

B.S. Biology

After Graduation: University of Connecticut at Connecticut Children’s, Chief Pediatric Resident

Andrea Lizarazo is from Miami Florida. She received her B.S. in Biology from Florida Gulf Coast University. She received her MMS in Medical Science from the University of South Florida. She spent two years as Adjunct Faculty at Miami Dade College teaching Anatomy & Physiology before starting medical school at Lake Erie College of Medicine. She will be staying with UConn Pediatrics to complete a chief year. Following her chief year, she plans on pursuing a career in Primary Care.

Eugenia Loverde, M.D.

Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Medicina

Argentina

After Graduation: Prohealth Bloomfield, Primary Care

Born and raised in Argentina, Eugenia received her medical degree at the University of Buenos Aires and completed a residency at the British Hospital of Buenos Aires before moving to America. Although she had never even heard of the state of Connecticut before she got an interview for residency, she now loves it here and wants to settle down in the Constitution state with her husband Nick and one year-old daughter Delfina. She is super grateful to all the amazing people she’s had a chance to work with at Connecticut Children’s who have helped her, expanded her, and made her into the doctor she is today.

Christina Mallery, D.O.

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

University of Rochester

B.S. Cell and Developmental Biology

After Graduation: University of Connecticut, Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship Program

Christina is from Upstate New York. She completed her undergraduate studies in Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Rochester. She attended medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing her pediatric residency training at the University of Connecticut, she is pursuing a Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Connecticut.

Nickolas Mancini, M.D., M.B.A.

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

University of Connecticut School of Business

M.B.A. General Business

University of Connecticut

B.S. Biology

After Graduation: Brown University, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program

Nickolas grew up locally in Bristol, CT and attended University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT for his undergraduate education and earned his B.S. in biological sciences with a minor in physiology and neurobiology. He then performed animal research in a neurobiology lab at UConn Health that led him to pursue medicine. Nickolas attended medical school at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, CT and earned a dual degree M.D./M.B.A. through an accelerated program at the University of Connecticut School of Business in Hartford, CT. Outside of work, he loves to spend time with his family. He and his wife (Elaine) spend much of their time now with their 3 year old boy (Cole) and taking care of their 2 month old daughter (Lyla). He enjoys weightlifting, reading, watching movies, listening to music, hiking, gardening, and watching the New England Patriots. Following his Pediatric Residency at UConn/Connecticut Children’s, he will be continuing his training at Brown University for Pediatric Emergency Medicine!

Lindsay Oliver, D.O.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Colorado State University

B.S. Biological Sciences

After Graduation: Lone Tree Pediatrics, Primary Care

Lindsay Oliver grew up as a proud Army Brat moving all around the U.S. and Germany eleven times before the age of 18. She completed her undergraduate degree at Colorado State University in 3.5 years – the longest she’d ever lived in one place. Lindsay decided to stay in Colorado to attend medical school at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine before moving to Connecticut to compete her Pediatric Residency training. This summer, Lindsay is excited to be moving back under the shadow of the Rocky Mountains to live, garden, hike, and practice medicine as a primary care physician in Littleton, Colorado.

Grace Schwantes, M.D.

Medical College of Wisconsin

St Norbert College

B.S. Physics, Biology – Biomedical

After Graduation: University of Connecticut at Connecticut Children’s, Chief Pediatric Resident

Grace will be remaining at Connecticut Children’s for a chief year. Afterwards, she plans to pursue a career in rural pediatric outpatient medicine in her home state of Wisconsin.

Sydney Sherman, D.O.

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

B.S. Molecular and Cellular Biology

After Graduation: Washington University, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program

Sydney grew up in Coal City, Illinois and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and medical school at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. She and her husband, Patrick, have enjoyed their time in Connecticut for pediatric residency where they have grown their family by adding their son, Atlas, and their dog, Butter. They will be moving to St. Louis for Sydney to complete Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at Washington University.

Susan Washburn, M.D.

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

University of Vermont

B.A. Biology

After Graduation: Vernon Pediatrics, Primary Care

Susan grew up in Cheshire, Connecticut and completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Vermont. She returned to Connecticut for medical school attending the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and then stayed for residency. After graduation she will be joining Vernon Pediatrics and is excited to continue to care for the children of Connecticut. She currently lives in Farmington with her husband, Ethan, and dog, Maisy. In her free time she enjoys skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and baking.

Allison Sadowski, M.D. | Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program

University of Connecticut

Pediatric Residency

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

M.D.

University of Saint Joseph

B.S., Biology

After Graduation: Connecticut Children’s, Divison of Neonatology

Allison was born and raised in Connecticut. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Saint Joseph College. She then attended University of Connecticut School of Medicine for her MD. She completed pediatric residency through University of Connecticut/Connecticut Children’s. During fellowship, her research focused on human milk as well as quality improvement within the NICU. She is excited to have finally completed her training and is thrilled to stay at Connecticut Children’s as an attending neonatologist.

Kinga Zgutka, M.D. | Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program

Flushing Hospital Medical Center

Pediatric Residency

Medical University of Warsaw,

M.D.

After Graduation: Connecticut Children’s, Division of Neonatology

Dr. Kinga Zgutka was born in Poland and raised in Connecticut. She was interested in medicine from a young age and fell in love with neonatal care in medical school. She completed her medical school at the Medical University of Warsaw in Warsaw, Poland and went on to complete pediatric residency at Flushing Hospital in Queens, NY. Kinga enjoys her work and caring for her tiny patients, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She is extremely grateful for her Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship Training at University of Connecticut/Connecticut Children’s and will be staying at the institution as neonatal faculty!

Susana Collazo, M.D. | Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program

Goryeb Children’s Hospital/Morristown Medical Center

Pediatrics Residency

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

M.D.

Rutgers University

B.S., Exercise Science and Sport Studies

After Graduation: Cooper Medical School of Rowan Unversity, Division of Emergency Medicine

Susana was born and raised in Camden, NJ as the youngest of six in a large Puerto Rican family. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Rutgers University. Subsequently, she returned to her hometown to pursue her medical education at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Alongside her twin sister, Susana made history as the first Camden residents to graduate from the city’s new medical school. Susana then completed her pediatric residency at Goryeb Children’s Hospital in New Jersey. Seeking to broaden her expertise, she embarked on a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at Connecticut Children’s, where she honed her skills in managing diverse levels of acuity and patient volume within a busy academic setting. Additionally, she dedicated a substantial portion of her time to moonlighting in urgent care facilities. Susana enjoyed her time exploring all that Connecticut has to offer. Now, she eagerly anticipates returning to her alma mater and hometown this summer to further her career in academic pediatric emergency medicine.

Edgar Flores, M.D. | Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program

Stony Brook University Hospital

Pediatric Residency

Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

M.D.

University of Florida

B.S., Microbiology and Cell Science

After Graduation: Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Point of Care Ultrasound Fellowship Program

Edgar was raised in Kissimmee, FL. He attended the University of Florida where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science. He then moved to Long Island New York to attend medical school at Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He then completed his pediatric residency at Stony Brook University Medical center. He stayed on after residency and worked in the Emergency Department at Stony Brook. Afterwards he moved to Connecticut to complete his pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at Connecticut Children’s fellowship. He notes that his experience was exceptional and prepared him well as a future Pediatric Emergency Medicine attending. During fellowship he developed an intertest in point-of-care ultrasound. This interest was fostered during fellowship which led him to pursue a fellowship at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Pediatric point-of-care ultrasound.

Jing Marrero, M.D., M.P.H. | Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Program

University of Connecticut

Pediatric Residency

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

M.D.

Oregon State University Honors College

B.S., Microbiology

After Graduation: Connecticut Children’s, Division of Digestive Diseases, Hepatology and Nutrition

Dr. Jing Marrero grew up in the small college town of Corvallis, Oregon and attended Oregon State University. After graduation, she was eager to move and joined Teach for America, where she was placed in Connecticut. She taught middle school science and high school biology prior to starting medical school at University of Connecticut. She continued her training at UConn and was a pediatric resident and pediatric gastroenterology fellow at Connecticut Children’s. Dr. Marrero is excited to continue working at Connecticut Children’s as an attending pediatrician gastroenterology physician after graduation. In her spare time, she enjoys catching up on celebrity gossip, attempting to bake, and spending time with her family and friends.

Erin Pastor, D.O. | Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program

University of Connecticut

Pediatric Residency

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

D.O.

Philadelphia University

B.S., Pre-Medical Studies

After Graduation: Hematology/Oncology

Erin was born and raised in Narragansett, RI. She moved to Philadelphia, PA where she competed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University respectively. Prior to pursuing her medical degree, she remained in Philadelphia working at the University of Pennsylvania in both bench and clinical research. She then moved it Spartanburg, SC to attend medical school at VCOM. Following completion of medical school she returned to New England where she attending residency and fellowship at Connecticut Children’s. She is excited to stay in the area and work along those attendings who helped mentor her and foster her love for pediatric hematology and oncology. Erin enjoys spending her free time with her husband Matt, daughter Stella and her son Jack.

Ruwaa Samarrai, M.D. | Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Otolaryngology Residency

UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

M.D.

Rutgers University

B.A., Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

After Graduation: Otolaryngology

Dr. Ruwaa Samarrai, a native of Brooklyn, New York, stands on the brink of an illustrious career in pediatric otolaryngology. Graduating from Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, she continued her journey in medicine with a residency in tolaryngology-head and neck surgery at UConn in Connecticut, where she honed her skills and passion for the field. Driven by a desire to specialize further, she pursued a Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship at Connecticut Children’s in Connecticut, solidifying her expertise in caring for the unique needs of young patients. Looking toward the future, Dr. Samarrai aims to return to her roots in New York, where she plans to embark on her professional journey, serving the community she calls home. Beyond medicine, she finds solace in the pages of a good book, exploring new destinations through travel, and cherishing precious moments with her husband and baby girl. Driven by a dedication to both her profession and family, she embodies the balance of compassion and expertise that defines her approach to life and medicine.

Nicolle Burgwardt, M.D. | Pediatric Surgery Research Fellowship Program

LeBonheur Children’s

Pediatric Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Stamford Hospital

General Surgery Residency

Frank H Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University

M.D.

Stony Brook University

B.S., Health Science

After Graduation: Brown University/ the Warren Alpert Medical School, Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program

Nicolle was born and raised in Moriches, New York, and dreamed of becoming a surgeon at a young age. She attended Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Anesthesia. She began her medical career at Stony Brook University Hospital working as an anesthesia technician. She then completed medical school at the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University in their inaugural class, and stayed in Connecticut for general surgery residency at Stamford Hospital. During residency, she fell in love with pediatric surgery. In pursuit of that dream, she completed a pediatric surgical critical care fellowship at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN to increase her knowledge and skill taking care of critically ill children. She then returned back to Connecticut to participate in pediatric surgical clinical research at Connecticut Children’s, and will be starting her Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Brown University next year.

PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Chairman

Juan C. Salazar

M.D., M.P.H. Professor Physician-in-Chief

Program Director

Stewart Mackie, M.D.

Associate Professor of Pediatrics Cardiology

Associate Program Director

Eric Hoppa, M.D.

Associate Professor of Pediatrics Emergency Medicine

Associate Program Director

Jonah Mandell, D.O., M.A.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Primary Care

Senior Advisor to the Chair on GME

Edwin L. Zalneraitis, M.D.

Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Neurology

Associate Program Director

Jennifer Haile, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Primary Care

Senior Associate Program Director

Christine Skurkis, M.D.

Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Hospital Medicine, Inpatient Services

Associate Program Director

Emily Hogeland, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Hospital Medicine

Associate Program Director

Sharon Smith, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics Emergency Medicine

Associate Program Director

Sara Sanders, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Critical Care

PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Residency Program Coordinator II

Crista Aresti

Residency Program Coordinator

Thalia Flores, B.S.

Resident Team Assistant Zuleyka Bonilla

Resident Team Assistant Osariemé Oni

Resident Team Assistant Cameron Welch

PEDIATRIC SURGICAL AND SUBSPECIALTY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program Director

Jennifer Trzaski, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Pediatric Endocrinology

Associate Fellowship Program Director

Christine Trapp, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Endocrinology and Diabetes

Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program Director

Alex Golden, M.D., M.M.M.

Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Pediatric Cardiology

Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Program Director

Bella Zeisler, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Digestive Diseases, Hepatology and Nutrition

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship

Program Director

V. Matt Laurich, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Emergency Medicine

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Associate Fellowship Program Director

Katherine Baldwin, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Digestive Diseases, Hepatology and Nutrition

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associate Fellowship Program Director

Ruchika Jones, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Emergency Medicine

Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Fellowship

Program Director Associate Chair of Education

Andrea Orsey, M.D.,

M.S.C.E, M.S.-H.P.Ed.

Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Hematology/Oncology

Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program Director

Medical Director, Lipid Center

Sunitha Sura, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Endocrinology and Diabetes

Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship

Program Director

Allyson McDermott, M.D., MACM

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Hospital Medicine

Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program Director

Hassan El Chebib, M.D.,

F.A.A.P.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Infectious Diseases and Immunology

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery

Fellowship Program Director

Mark Lee, M.D.

Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery Orthopaedics

Administrative Director of Medical Education

Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program Director

Christopher Grindle, M.D. Associate Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology Otolaryngology

Marianne Custer, B.S., C-TAGME Manager, Graduate Medical Education

Amanda Ross, B.S., C-TAGME Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery

Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship Program Director

Melanie Sue Collins, M.D. Associate Professor of Pediatrics Pulmonary Medicine

Fellowship Program Coordinator

Vivian Bronson, B.A. Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology

Pediatric Surgery

Fellowship Program Director

EVP Surgeon in Chief

Christine Finck, M.D. Professor of Surgery Surgery

Fellowship Program Coordinator III

Kierstyn Connors, B.A., C-TAGME

Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Otolaryngology

Pediatric Surgery

Fellowship Associate Program Director

Richard Weiss, M.D.

Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Traumatology and Emergency Medicine Surgery

Fellowship Program Coordinator

Brittany Valentine, B.S. Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Hospital Medicine

Fellowship Program Coordinator II

Allison Williams, B.A. Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Surgery

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Resident Awards for Faculty and Staff

Pediatric House Officer Award for Excellence in the Delivery of Health Care

Recipients: Clinical Nutrition

Award for Excellence in Nursing

Recipient: Paige Wlochowski, RN

Outstanding Contribution to Residency Program

Recipient: Crista Aresti

R. Timothy Brown Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in an Affiliated Pediatric Field

Recipient: David Hersh, M.D.

Douglas H. MacGilpin Community Physician Award for Recognition of Outstanding Role Model

Recipient: Caleb Wasser, D.O.

Faculty Award Excellence in Teaching in a Subspecialty

Recipient: Hassan El Chebib, M.D.

Timothy W. Kelly Award for Excellence in Teaching in Acute Care

Recipient: Sara Sanders, M.D.

Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching

Recipient: Emily Hogeland, M.D.

Milton Markowitz Award for Outstanding Contribution to House Staff Education and Career Development

Recipient: Stewart Mackie, M.D.

Leon Chameides Lifetime Achievement Award

Outstanding Leadership in the Training and Education of Pediatricians and in the Care of Connecticut’s Children

Recipient: Catherine Wiley, M.D.

Fellow Professionalism & Teaching Awards

Fellow Professionalism Award

Recipient: Allison Sadowski, M.D.

Fellow Teaching Award

Recipient: James Wiley, D.O.

Resident and Fellow Research Awards

Kayla Gonzalez, M.D.

“Charting a New Path: Tracking of Electronic Health Record Use Metrics to Raise Pediatric Resident Workflow Efficiency”

Jacob “Coby” Kelner, D.O.

“Lung Ultrasound Score for Prediction of Surfactant Administration in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Failure”

Viven Solomon, D.O.

“Change From Remicade® To Infliximab Biosimilar Does Not Affect Short-Term Outcome In Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease”

Marissa Aaron, M.D.

“Subcutaneous Estradiol Use in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults”

LOOKING BACK: 2021-2024

We as a whole have embraced, in an organized way, wellness as a means to successful professional and personal lives. Our efforts have been recognized nationally, and they are focused on building interprofessional partnerships among residents, fellows, faculty and other allied health professionals with whom we work. Undoubtedly, this will be one of the keys to our continued success!

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS to all of our 2024 Pediatric Resident and Pediatric Surgical and Subspecialty Fellow Graduates!