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Geisinger College of Health Sciences First-generation alumni features
Who is Kellyann Niotis, MD?
Geisinger Commonwealth ’16
Neurologist
Dr. Niotis is the first fellowshiptrained preventive neurologist specializing in risk reduction strategies for patients seeking prevention or slowing of their neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. She completed her medical internship and neurology residency at New York-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell Medical Center, serving as chief resident during her final year and the inaugural McGraw Fellow in Neurology Research. Dr. Niotis also completed a fellowship in movement disorders at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Union Square, as well as advanced training in cognitive disorders and preventive neurology under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Isaacson. She currently leads the neurology program within Dr. Peter Attia’s medical practice, Early Medical, focused on the applied science of longevity.
The practice deals extensively with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (how long you live), while simultaneously improving health span (the quality of your life). Previously, she managed the country’s first Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Niotis’ research interest is in personalized risk reduction interventions in patients at-risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals including Neurology, Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience, Movement Disorders, Alzheimer's & Dementia and Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, and has been presented at national and international conference. Her opinions have been featured in several popular media outlets including CNN and Healthline.
Who is Albena Gesheva, MD?
Geisinger Commonwealth ’22
PGY1 Psychiatry Resident, The Wright Center
Dr. Albena Gesheva, PGY1 psychiatry resident at the Wright Center, grew up in Scranton and graduated from the University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. In her time off, Dr. Gesheva likes to hike around the surrounding forests and ride bikes with her boyfriend. She has two fluffy feline children, Peach and Avocado (Avi), that she enjoys bothering. “I never let my schooling interfere with my education.” – Mark Twain
Who is Stephanie Tilberry, MD, MBS?
Geisinger Commonwealth ’22
OB-GYN Resident at Lankenau Medical Center
Born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, Dr. Stephanie Tilberry completed her undergraduate education at Colgate University, where she received a bachelor of arts in sociology. She then returned to the Scranton area and earned both her master of biomedical sciences (MBS) and doctor of medicine degrees from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. She is currently living in Philadelphia to pursue her residency in OB-GYN at Lankenau Medical Center.
Who is Tiffany Garcia, MD, MBS?
Geisinger Commonwealth ’22
Family Medicine Resident, WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital
Dr. Tiffany Garcia was born in Queens, NY, to immigrant parents from Colombia. She is the youngest of three, all of which completed higher education, but she is the first physician in her family. Dr. Garcia’s family moved to Reading, Pa., where she spent most of her life.
Dr. Garcia graduated from Reading High School in 2011 at the top of her class. She graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., in 2015 with a degree in neuroscience. During her time there, she also worked part-time and full-time during breaks.
Dr. Garcia received a master’s in biomedical sciences (MBS) at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pa., in 2017. In between her studies and before starting medical school in 2018, Dr. Garcia worked multiple jobs and volunteered in her local community.
Dr. Garcia earned her degree as doctor of medicine from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in 2022 where she was recognized as a primary care Abigail Geisinger Scholar. During medical school, Dr. Garcia was an active member of the Latino Medical Student Association serving as co-president for the school’s local chapter and attending multiple regional and national conferences including visits to the nation’s capital to advocate for issues pertinent to the Latino communities in the United States.
Dr. Garcia will be completing her residency in family medicine with WellSpan in Lebanon, Pa. Her plans are to work in underserviced urban communities much like the ones she lived in throughout her life where she hopes to use her skill of being bilingual in English and Spanish to help the growing Hispanic/ Latino population in these cities.
Who is Thomas M. Churilla, MD?
Geisinger Commonwealth ’13
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Thomas M. Churilla is a partner in Radiation Medicine Associates of Scranton (RAMAS.) He is a graduate of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, having entered as a member of its charter class, and receiving full tuition as a scholarship recipient.
Prior to enrolling in medical school, he was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Scranton. After completing an internship in internal medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pa., he completed his radiation oncology residency at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.
Board certified in radiation oncology, Dr. Churilla has presented and published numerous clinical research studies, several of which were accomplished in conjunction with NROC physicians and staff before he joined NROC. Areas of research interest have included: Brain metastases, Vitamin D deficiency in cancer patients, and population-based studies of anal cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.
He has also been recognized with several awards during training, including the 2017 RSNA Roentgen Resident Research Award at Fox Chase Cancer Center, 2016 ASTRO Resident Clinical Research Abstract Award, and the 2012 AMA Physician of Tomorrow Award.
Dr. Churilla is a member of several medical societies including ASTRO (the American Society for Radiation Oncology) ACR (the American College of Radiology) and ASCO (the American Society of Clinical Oncology.)
Who is Kristina L. Borham, MD Capt, MC, USAF?
Geisinger Commonwealth ’22
Resident in Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Dr. Borham is a resident in gynecologic surgery and obstetrics at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Class of 2024. She is currently active duty in the United States Air Force and will be serving for at least the next six years. Dr. Borham is from Pennsylvania and went to West Chester University for undergraduate and studied molecular biology at that time as a first-generation student. She is married to the love of her life, and they have a dog and cat that keep them quite busy. Dr.
Borham’s professional interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, trauma-informed care, educating on human trafficking and gynecologic surgery simulation. She enjoys mentoring trainees and assisting with goal setting.
“Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” – Michelle Obama
