4. Award Recipients
a. Resident Awards for Faculty and Staff
b. Fellow Professionalism & Teaching Awards
c. Resident and Fellow Research Awards
5. Office of Medical Education
a. Pediatric Residency Program Administration
b. Pediatric Surgical and Subspecialty Fellowship Program Administration
6. Looking Back: 2020-2023
7. Thank you
The University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Program celebrates its 47th year in educating new pediatricians, and its ongoing success in educating pediatric subspecialists of the future. 2023 marks the 27th year Connecticut Children’s has been the primary clinical site for the University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Program and currently 11 ACGME-Accredited Pediatric Surgical and Subspecialty Fellowship Programs.
The graduates from the class of 2023 have navigated training through global COVID-19 pandemic with many unexpected twists and turns. The world of pediatrics faced an impressive surge when emerging from the pandemic like never before that nearly resulted in a medical tent in our hospital’s front lawn! These graduates have shown resiliency and a commitment to always giving high quality pediatric care over the past three years in a unique and at times difficult educational environment. The fortitude our trainees have shown during these challenging times is inspiring! Your remarkable efforts, together with the entire CT Children’s faculty and staff, s 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 provide state-of-the-art education across the spectrum of medical training. We celebrate all the accomplishments of our newly minted pediatric specialists and subspecialists!
Andrea D. Orsey, MD, MSCE Associate Chair of Education Program Director, Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Fellowship Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Stewart Mackie, MD Program Director, University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Pediatric Cardiologist Visiting Associate Professor of Pediatrics
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
B.S. Biology and Biotechnology
After Graduation: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, University of Connecticut at Connecticut Children’s Emily grew up in Holden, MA and completed her undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology & Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She spent two years working as a leukemia clinical research coordinator at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute following her undergraduate studies before continuing her education in medical school. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed pediatric residency at University of Connecticut School of Medicine/Connecticut Children’s. She is completing her chief pediatric residency year of 2022-2023 at University of Connecticut School of Medicine/Connecticut Children’s, and will be continuing her training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at University of Connecticut School of Medicine/ Connecticut Children’s.
Nancy Presnick, D.O.New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Franklin & Marshall College
B.A. Neuroscience
After Graduation: Primary Care, Children’s Hospital of Montefiroe
Nancy will be pursuing primary care at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore following graduation. She is passionate about advocacy and medical education and enjoyed spending an additional year at UConn and Connecticut Children’s as a chief resident.
Lauren Nolan, M.D.
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
University of Connecticut
B.S. Molecular and Cell Biology
After Graduation: Primary Care, Pediatric Partners
After completing her chief residency year, Lauren will be joining a local private practice to start her career in primary care.
Allama Iqbal Medical College
Pakistan
After Graduation: General Pediatrics
Sobia is from Lahore, Pakistan. She went to medical school in Pakistan. She did her pediatric residency and pediatric hematology/oncology in Pakistan. She is planning to pursue her career in pediatric hematology/oncology following a year in community pediatrics.
Christie Devoe, D.O.
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Maine
B.S. Biology
After Graduation: Primary Care, Core Pediatrics
Christie is from Scarborough, Maine. She went to University of Maine for undergrad and medical school at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine before moving to CT for residency. She is excited to start working as a general pediatrician in Seacoast NH! She enjoys traveling, baking, hiking, biking, and spending time with her husband and dog.
Elizabeth Flerlage, D.O., M.S.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, M.S. Medical Physiology
New York University, B.A. Psychology, ASL
After Graduation: Pediatric Cardiology Fellow, Advocate Children’s Hospital
Elizabeth Flerlage grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. She completed a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Child & Adolescent Studies and American Sign Language at New York University. She returned to Chicago to complete a M.S of Medical Physiology at Loyola University Chicago. Elizabeth attending medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing pediatric residency training at University of Connecticut, she is pursuing a pediatric cardiology fellowship at Advocate Children’s Hospital located just outside Chicago, IL.
Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
Florida Southern College
B.S. Pre-Med
After Graduation: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Eastern Virginia Medical School/ Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
Devon grew up in Tiverton, RI, and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Southern College in 2010. He spent several years working in different professional fields before enrolling in medical school at Campbell University in North Carolina and graduating in 2020. He completed his pediatric residency training at the University of Connecticut in 2023 and is furthering his training in the field of pediatric emergency medicine at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA.
Kayla Gonzalez, M.D.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Cornell University
B.S. Biological Sciences
After Graduation: Chief Resident, University of Connecticut at Connecticut Children’s Kayla is from Hackettstown, NJ and went to undergraduate studies at Cornell University. She then went back to New Jersey for medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She is staying on with the UConn Pediatrics Residency Program next year for chief year.
Amanda Guzikowski, D.O.
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
University of California, Los Angeles
B.S. Psychobiology
After Graduation: Hospitalist, Washington University Department of Pediatric Hospitalist Medicine
Amanda Guzikowski is moving to St. Louis, MO to be with her husband as he finishes his residency/fellowship in Radiology. She will be working for St. Louis Children’s Hospital/Washington University Department of Pediatric Hospital Medicine both at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and their community hospitals sites. She is excited to continue her career in hospital medicine including the newborn nursery. She will greatly miss all the faculty and resident family here at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the children of Connecticut!
Trenten Lancaster, M.D.
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
The Pennsylvania State University
B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
After Graduation: Hospitalist, Mount Nittany Health
Trent grew up in small town USA, and after completing his medical school in Hershey, PA, went on to complete his residency in the concrete jungle of Hartford. As fate would have it, he would go on to return to his rural roots in State College, Pennsylvania. Home of the Nittany Lions, among the rolling hills of Happy Valley, he became a pediatric hospitalist and outpatient general pediatrician, with a focus on newborn medicine, and hopes to foster collaboration between multiple medical schools and health systems in the area such as Penn State, Geisinger, and UPMC, at a small private hospital housed on Mount Nittany. He, as you may know, is extremely excited to spend the rest of his life in his newly bought, way too large home (with jacuzzi tub and sunroom) amongst those rolling hills with his awesome fiancé, yappy chihuahua, and chill cat.
Brook Martell, D.O.
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Minnesota – Duluth
B.S. Biology
After Graduation: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Brook grew up in rural Minnesota and completed undergraduate work at University of Minnesota-Duluth. Brook received her doctorate at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. After residency, she is beginning a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.
Khushboo Modi, M.B.BS.
Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College
India
After Graduation: Primary Care, Connecticut Institute for Communities
Khushboo did her medical school from Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, India. After completing her medical school, she came to Connecticut Children’s, UConn to pursue her dream of pediatric residency. After residency, She joined a practice in rural/underserved area in primary care setting in Connecticut. In her free time, she likes to paint, cook and hike
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado
Peru
After Graduation: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellow, Cohen Children’s Medical Center
Tessi is very excited about becoming a pediatrician and continuing her training in hematology oncology. She will be moving to Long Island with her partner, dog Loki, and cat Tomás. They will now be closer to family and close to more Peruvian restaurants to enjoy.
Timothy Phamduy, D.O.
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Massachusetts Lowell
B.S. Biotechnology
After Graduation: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Dayton Children’s Hospital
Raised in Lowell MA, Tim completed his undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Biotechnology at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell. He subsequently earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences during which time he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. After completing an internship at Maine Medical Center, he was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base as a general medical officer. Upon completing his active duty service commitment, he matched at UConn/Connecticut Children’s for pediatric residency. After residency, he will be continuing his career at Dayton Children’s as a pediatric emergency medicine fellow.
Geoffry Ryan, D.O.
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Purdue University
B.S. Health Sciences
After Graduation: Primary Care, Children’s Medical Group
Geoff grew up in Greeley, Colorado and attended Purdue University where he completed his undergraduate studies in Health Sciences. He received his Osteopathic Medical Degree from Marian University in Indianapolis and will be joining Children’s Medical Group in Bloomfield, CT. He and his wife Anna, who is also a pediatrician, live in Glastonbury with their two cats Max and Colby, and their dog Micah. They love living in Connecticut, exploring all the great things New England has to offer and are looking forward to continuing caring for children in the Hartford area upon completion of Geoff’s training at Connecticut Children’s.
Amanda Smith, D.O.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bucknell University
B.S. Biology
After Graduation: Hospitalist, Connecticut Children’s Amanda grew up in Long Island, NY and completed her undergraduate and graduate education throughout the state of Pennsylvania. She was happy to return to the northeast for her residency training and will be staying with Connecticut Children’s after graduation as a hospitalist in the newborn nursey.
Kelly Smith, M.D.
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
College of the Holy Cross
B.A. Spanish, Pre-Health
After Graduation: Pediatric Endocrinology Fellow, University of Connecticut at Connecticut Children’s Kelly grew up in Canton, CT and completed her undergraduate studies at the College of the Holy Cross. She then spent two years working at The Ethel Walker School before continuing her education at the University of Connecticut where she earned her medical degree. While in residency she and and her husband, Michael, welcomed their son, Brayden Oakley, into the world. After residency, she will be staying at Connecticut Children’s for her pediatric endocrinology fellowship.
Sidney Stewart, D.O.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
B.S. Biology - Microbiology Concentration
After Graduation: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Akron Children’s Hospital
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
Arizona State University
B.S. Human Nutrition
After Graduation: Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care Physician, Phoenix Children’s
Annah Swan grew up in Arizona and received her undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition from Arizona State University. Here, she met her now husband and, together, they moved to Portland, Oregon for her medical school education at Oregon Health and Science University before coming to Connecticut for residency. After graduation, she will be returning home to work at Phoenix Children’s in Arizona as an Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care Physician.
Hayley Talboy, D.O., M.S.
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Drexel University, M.S. Medical Science
The College of Idaho, B.S. Biology
After Graduation: Pediatric Cardiology Fellow, University of Wisconsin
Hayley was born in Boise, Idaho and graduated from Nova Southeastern University Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing pediatric residency at the University of Connecticut, she will be moving to Madison, Wisconsin to begin her pediatric cardiology fellowship. She will be joined by her husband and beloved pets.
Elyssa Wiegand, M.D.
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
University of Michigan
B.S. Neuroscience
After Graduation: Urgent Care in Colorado
Elyssa was born and raised in Michigan. She attended undergrad at the University of Michigan where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience. She then attended Western Michigan University for medical school. Elyssa plans to pursue a career as an urgent care physician in Colorado after graduation.
M.B.B.S Jordan University of Science and Technology
M.D. Pediatrics Jordan University of Science and Technology
Pediatric Endocrinology, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH
After Graduation: Pediatric Endocrinologist, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
Rawah was born and raised in Abu Dhabi-United Arab Emirates, attended medical school at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, moved to Cleveland in 2018 and have completed Pediatric Endocrinology training in 2021. She is currently finishing her pediatric residency training at Connecticut Children’s. Outside of medicine, she enjoys travelling, exploring different cities and countries, cooking, live music and theaters. She is eager to start her career as a Pediatric Endocrinologist in July 2023!
Hala Saneh, M.D. | Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program
Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center
Pediatric Residency
Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences
M.D.
After Graduation: Connecticut Children’s, Assistant Professor, Neonatology
Hala was born and raised in Lebanon, a small Middle Eastern country known for its rich history and cultural diversity. She obtained her medical degree from the Lebanese University of Beirut. In 2018, she moved to the United States and completed her pediatric residency training at Lincoln Medical Center in New York City. She then moved to Connecticut Children’s for her neonatology fellowship. Hala is interested in lung diseases of the preterm newborn, and her fellowship research was focused on studying the therapeutic effect of extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells in repairing preterm lung injury. She enjoyed very much her fellowship training and is excited to start her career as an attending neonatologist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and the University of Connecticut.
Shaheen Andreas, D.O. | Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program
University of Connecticut
Pediatrics Residency
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
D.O.
Wellesley College
B.A., Anthropology and Chemistry
After Graduation: Boston Children’s Hospital, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Shaheen was born and raised in North Shore Massachusetts. She attended Wellesley College for her undergraduate education where she majored in Anthropology and Chemistry. She continued her educational career with medical school at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. From there she decided to stay in New England and start her pediatric residency at UConn/ Connecticut Children’s. She loved her experience in residency and so stayed at UConn/ Connecticut Children’s for her Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship. During this time she fostered her interest in academics, simulation education and quality improvement. After completion of her fellowship she will be returning to Massachusetts to work in the emergency department at Boston Children’s Hospital/ South Shore Hospital and become a part time instructor at Harvard Medical School. She is grateful for the opportunities provided to her from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and through Connecticut Children’s, and knows this will help in her future career in Boston.
Kathryn Schissler, D.O. | Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Pediatric Residency
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
D.O.
University of California
B.S., Molecular and Cell Developmental Biology
After Graduation: Brown University, Emergency Medical Services Fellow
Kate grew up just north of Boston and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz. Prior to medical school, she spent two years researching sudden infant death syndrome at Boston Children’s Hospital. She then obtained her medical degree from Kansas City University and completed her Pediatric residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, FL. During her time as a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow at Connecticut Children’s, her research interests have included prehospital readiness, non-accidental trauma, newborn fever, and quality improvement. She is thankful for all of her mentors who have helped shape her career as she continues her training at Brown University as an Emergency Medical Services Fellow while working as an attending at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI.
Ana Menendez, M.D. | Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program
Flushing Hospital Medical Center
Pediatric Residency
Universidad Dr. Jose Matias Delgado Escuela de Medicina El Salvador
M.D.
After Graduation: Connecticut Children’s, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology
Ana Menendez is a Pediatric Endocrinology fellow at Connecticut Children’s Medical center since 2020. She has experience first-hand the most common endocrine conditions seen in the pediatric population. Her main research focus has been pediatric obesity and adipose tissue in collaboration with the surgical department. She has also focused on care of minorities within the Hartford area. She wishes to continue her growth as an Endocrinologist with her mentors that have guided her throughout this last 3 years.
Mariyam Hashmi,
M.B.B.S.Charleston Area Medical Center
Pediatric Residency
Dow International Medical College
M.B.B.S.
| Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Program
After Graduation: University of Kentucky/Kentucky Children’s Medical Center, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Dr. Mariyam Hashmi was born in Karachi, Pakistan but grew up in Richland, Washington. She spent most of her childhood travelling across the United States and Canada and has lived in many geographical regions. She returned to Karachi to complete medical school at Dow International Medical College/Dow University of Health Sciences. From there she relocated to Charleston, West Virginia to complete a pediatric residency at Charleston Area Medical Center/West Virginia University.
Dr. Hashmi has a particular interest in pediatric neurogastroenterology and motility which she was able to pursue further during her pediatric gastroenterology fellowship at Connecticut Children’s/University of Connecticut. Dr. Hashmi is planning on returning to the southern Appalachian region to start a pediatric neurogastroenterology and motility program at Kentucky Children’s Hospital at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky with the hopes of helping the medically underserved population in the area. She is a proud mother to two beautiful children and enjoys spending quality time with her family as well as traveling.
Chong Weng, M.D. | Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Program
Zhengzhou University/ Peking University
Orthopedic Surgery Residency
Zhengzhou University
M.D.
After Graduation: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Resident
Dr. Chong Weng completed his residency in China. He moved to Connecticut from Los Angeles. He will be moving to Omaha for his next PM&R residency. Connecticut is a great place to live and work. The attendings are genuinely interested in the lives of the residents on both an educational and personal level. Many kind suggestions were offered for my training and personal career goal. These factors provide a unique, highly supportive educational environment I did not experience at any other programs I considered.
Ryan Tabtabai, M.D. | Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship Program
SUNY Health and Science Center at Brooklyn
Otolaryngology HNS Residency
University of Connecticut
M.D.
University of Connecticut
M.P.H., B.S., Biological Sciences and Psychology
After Graduation: Northwell Health Staten Island University, Pediatric Otolaryngologist
Dr. Ryan Tabtabai is a Connecticut native who grew up in Shelton, CT. He attended the University of Connecticut for his undergraduate studies where he double majored in Psychology and Biological Sciences. He continued his education at UConn School of Medicine where he developed a strong interest in Otolaryngology. Dr. Tabtabai completed his otolaryngology residency training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where he gravitated toward the care of pediatric patients with hearing and airway disorders. He has most recently completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center where he received superb clinical and technical training. Dr. Tabtabai will be taking a position within Northwell Health at Staten Island University Hospital with dreams of growing a robust pediatric otolaryngology practice.
Jacob Campbell, D.O. | Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program
University of Connecticut General Surgery
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
D.O., M.P.H.
Springfield College
B.S., Sports Biology
After Graduation: Connecticut Children’s, Pediatric Surgeon
Jacob was born in Connecticut and raised in a small town in Massachusetts. He went to college at “The Birthplace of Basketball” Springfield College in Springfield, MA. It was here that he met his future wife. After receiving his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in sunny South Florida, he returned to his New England roots to UConn to train in general surgery. It was during that time that his family grew to include three young boys. After completing general surgery training in 2021, he began his pediatric surgery fellowship here at Connecticut Children’s. He will be joining the staff of Connecticut Children’s as a Pediatric Surgeon in October.
Chairman
Juan C. Salazar
M.D., M.P.H.
Professor Physician-in-Chief
