Internal Medicine Residents

Our Internal Medicine Residents are competent at managing acute/chronic conditions. They directly manage critically ill patients.  All residents experience a multicultural environment and diverse backgrounds while supporting each other's wellness.

PGY-3

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Ramzi Abbasi, MD

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional Career Interests: GI or Endocrinology
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, playing percussion instruments, being outside
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Try new food spots, northern Michigan hikes, hanging out with my church family

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Robert Alhaddadin, MD

Medical School: Hashemite University
Professional Career Interests: Cardiology/Hematology
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Acting, singing, movies, soccer, event organizer/participant
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Observing the beautiful nature, going to the lakes, hiking, and socializing 

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Cleris Christian, MD

Medical School: B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
Professional Career Interests: I am interested in pursuing Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. 
Why did you choose CMU: I chose Central Michigan University because of its strong emphasis on resident education, supportive faculty, and balanced exposure to both academic and community-based medicine. The program provides hands-on clinical experience with diverse patient populations while maintaining an encouraging environment that fosters growth, teamwork, and autonomy. I also appreciate CMU’s commitment to mentorship and scholarly development.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy exploring new places, caring for my plants, and getting lost in a good novel. I also love the comfort and joy of being around dogs and cats.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Michigan has so much to offer. One of my favorite things about living in Michigan is experiencing all four seasons. Each one brings something special — from vibrant spring blooms and sunny summer days by the lake to colorful fall foliage and peaceful snowy winters. I especially love going up north to enjoy the serene beauty of the forests and the calm of the Great Lakes. Fall is my favorite time of year, with its crisp air, scenic drives, and cozy atmosphere. Michigan’s natural beauty throughout the seasons makes every moment here feel refreshing and new.

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Haritha Darapaneni, MD

Medical School: Guntur Medical College, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences
Professional Career Interests: Cardiology but also exploring other interests
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, cooking, traveling, K-drama fan
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Hiking, exploring the nature

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Jad El-Hajj, MD

Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Professional Career Interests: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (or Cardiology, I am still deciding!)
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, photography, cooking, playing volleyball and soccer, rock climbing, cinema
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Exploring the outdoors

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Mashood Farooqi, MD

Medical School: Government Medical College Srinagar
Professional Career Interests: Cardiology, Hospital Medicine
Why did you choose CMU: I chose CMU because it provides an ideal balance of rigorous clinical training and a collegial, supportive learning environment. The program’s balance between academic opportunities and community-based training creates an ideal environment to develop the skills needed to practice compassionate, patient-centered care.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing football, cooking, and getting lost in a good book.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I enjoy exploring Michigan’s lakes and trails, visiting local shops, and spending time outdoors during the summer and fall.

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Amaresh Gogikar, MD

Medical School: Rangaraya Medical College
Professional Career Interests: Cardiology, Endocrinology
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, chess, badminton, cooking, dog lover
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Exploring the scenic beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes, enjoying the vibrant culture and food scene in Detroit, visiting the charming towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and taking in the natural splendor of the Upper Peninsula, especially around Pictured Rocks and Mackinac Island. 

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Priyatham Gurram, MD

Medical School: Mamata Medical College
Professional Career Interests: Hospitalist
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Astronomy explorer, roller skating, watching motorsports like MotoGP, Formula 1. 
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Exploring the nature, hiking, stargazing

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Lyluma Ishfaq, MD

Medical School: Government Medical College Srinagar
Professional Career Interests: Hematology/ Oncology, Endocrinology, Hospital Medicine 
Why did you choose CMU: CMU’s focus on academia, comprehensive training, commitment to community service, support and mentorship, diversity, and my connections to Michigan made it an ideal fit for me. Training across multiple sites provides exposure to numerous pathologies that instill a deep understanding of culturally sensitive and cost-effective care. The schedule has been thoughtfully designed to prevent resident burnout. The diversity within the program, focus on resident wellness and family-like atmosphere stood out to me as it promotes a collaborative learning environment. 
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Painting, craft activities, baking, shopping, anime, playing with cats and dogs
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Brunch at Fuzzy’s restaurant in Saginaw, ice cream at Michigan Cream and Sugar in Bay City, evening walks in Frankenmuth, trails and beaches around Bay City, kayaking in Traverse City, and shopping at Twelve Oaks Novi. Dearborn is a fun place to try out Middle-Eastern cuisine and Ann Arbor has cool cafes - Tiny Lions is my favorite! 

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Christelle Rahme, MD

Medical School: Universite Saint Joseph
Professional Career Interests: Hem-onc
Personal Hobbies/Interests: I love doing outdoor activities such as skiing, cycling, and jogging. 
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I haven't been in Michigan long enough, but I would love to canoe across the Great Lakes. 

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Charles St.-Germain, MD

Medical School: St. George's University 
Professional Career Interests: Gastroenterology or Hospitalist
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Playing and watching sports such as basketball, football, and soccer
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I am still new to the area so I am exploring

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Jocelyn Zusurekuu, MD

Medical School: Ternopil National Medical University 
Professional Career Interests: I am exploring various specialties within Internal Medicine, with a focus on finding the best fit for my career goals and passion for delivering high-quality patient care.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: In my free time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: New to the area, currently exploring all that Michigan has to offer.

PGY-2

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Mary Attalla, MD

Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
Professional Career Interests: I am currently exploring all that internal medicine has to offer, but I am interested in an endocrinology fellowship and academics!
Why did you choose CMU: CMU truly appeals to me for its strong emphasis on creating a supportive environment and prioritizing resident success. The diverse patient population and abundant procedural opportunities offer an ideal setting for both clinical and professional growth. I’m especially drawn to the 2-week block schedule, which promotes a healthier work-life balance and allows for more focused, immersive learning during rotations. As a Canadian, I also really appreciate its close proximity to home!
Personal Hobbies/Interests:  My hobbies include playing guitar and singing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Michigan is known for its natural beauty, Great Lakes, and beautiful beaches. As someone who enjoys hiking and being outdoors, I’m excited to discover the local trails, beaches, and scenic spots the state has to offer.

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Archita Chandra, MD

Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Professional Career Interests: Hospitalist
Why did you choose CMU: As a medical student, I felt well-supported by CMU residents and faculty in my learning, and I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie between residents even on tough shifts. Continuing my training at CMU as a resident was a clear choice to develop my clinical skills in such a supportive, close-knit community of learners. CMU is also a strong resource for local communities facing physician and healthcare shortages. This provides for a unique training experience, with opportunities to improve existing systems in order to provide quality care and help patients navigate their health in resource-limited settings. Truly, as a CMU resident, I am able to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of my patients, a realization that makes even the longest shifts better.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Spend time with family and friends, dance, play basketball, try new restaurants, travel, watch stand-up comedy
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Visit family, travel to the major cities and small towns, try new restaurants and bakeries

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Amritpal Garha, MD

Medical School: University of Limerick
Professional Career Interests: A little bit of everything
Why did you choose CMU: I chose CMU because it's a strong program with a welcoming community. The people here are genuinely kind and supportive, which makes it a great environment to learn and grow. As a Canadian, being close to home was a big bonus.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Traveling (!!!), listening to crime podcasts, cooking, and most importantly - drinking coffee.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Still exploring Michigan

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Lema Jaber, MD

Medical School: An-Najah National University
Professional Career Interests: Hematology, Immunology, and Critical Care
Why did you choose CMU: I chose CMU because of its supportive learning environment and strong emphasis on resident education. I was also drawn to the sense of community within the program and the commitment to fostering both personal and professional growth.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: I love cooking and exploring new cuisines. Lately, I’ve been learning the perfect way to make maqlubeh, a traditional Palestinian dish that always reminds me of home. I also enjoy listening to rock music and watching The Office after a long day.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Trying new restaurants around Midland, visiting Lake Michigan, and exploring Traverse City

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Wassim Jamaleddine, MD

Medical School: Lebanese American University
Professional Career Interests: Infectious Diseases and Critical Care
Why did you choose CMU: CMU’s core values of integrity, respect, compassion, inclusiveness, equity, social responsibility, excellence, and innovation align perfectly with what I’m seeking in a residency program. As residency represents the formative years of my medical training, I am truly grateful to have found CMU.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing classical guitar, tennis, and pickleball, and I also like going to the gym.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I’m fascinated by the Great Lakes and enjoy exploring the trails around them. I also love visiting nearby national parks and playing my guitar in nature.

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Tamara Kadi, MD

Medical School: American University of Beirut
Professional Career Interests: I am passionate about internal medicine with a strong interest in gastroenterology and academic medicine. I enjoy combining clinical work with research, particularly in studying healthcare disparities and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care. I also hope to stay involved in medical education and mentorship throughout my career.
Why did you choose CMU: I chose CMU because it offers an excellent balance of strong clinical training, supportive faculty, and meaningful research opportunities. I was drawn to the program’s comprehensive didactics, well-structured schedule, and emphasis on resident wellness and growth. The collaborative culture and sense of community I felt during the interview truly stood out to me.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Outside of medicine, I enjoy singing, spending time outdoors, and staying active through badminton and tennis. I love traveling, exploring new places, and discovering different cuisines. I’m very outgoing and enjoy meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and making lasting connections wherever I go.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I love that Michigan has so much natural beauty and a welcoming community. I enjoy exploring new places across the state, from its beautiful lakes and parks to local restaurants, cafés, and cultural spots. I also love spending time outdoors and being surrounded by family and friends here in Michigan; it truly feels like home. And having access to authentic Lebanese food nearby is always a plus!

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Jasvant Kumar, MD

Medical School: Chandka Medical College
Professional Career Interests: Hospitalist/Cardiologist
Why did you choose CMU: I was an exchange student at SVSU and visited CMU during that time. The experience left a strong impression on me, and I’ve since made up my mind to return here as a resident.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, adventurous road trips, exploring new destinations, and having meaningful conversations
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Enjoying small-town life while exploring Michigan’s lakes and hidden gems.

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Emilio Lopez Burgos, MD

Medical School: Universidad de Navarra
Professional Career Interests: Cardiology
Why did you choose CMU: CMU places a strong emphasis on comprehensive patient care, academic excellence, and supportive mentorship. It is a nurturing, friendly environment where you can grow both as a person and doctor.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing any sport or fitness in general, jamming on my guitar, or spending time outdoors with my dog.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I love exploring Michigan’s outdoors, from hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes to boating on the Great Lakes. I also enjoy visiting local towns, museums, and festivals for culture and relaxation.

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Jude Nowar, MD

Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology
Professional Career Interests: I'm planning to pursue a fellowship and remain open to exploring different specialties along the way. While cardiology and pulmonology/critical care are currently my primary interests, I’ve been increasingly drawn to gastroenterology as well.
Why did you choose CMU: While applying, I came across a video on CMU’s website where residents talked about the friendly and supportive environment, and that stood out to me. During my interview, I genuinely felt that same warmth and sense of community. On top of that, CMU offers strong academic training, where I know I’ll have the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the program. I’m confident it will help shape me into the best physician I can be.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Dance has always been a big part of my life, from classical ballet, which I’ve practiced and taught for many years, to contemporary dance. I also love staying active through outdoor activities and sports like hiking, tennis, badminton, climbing, and yoga. On the creative side, I enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, especially pottery and painting.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring parks and hiking trails, and checking out local farmers’ markets. I’m excited to visit different cities and explore the lakes around Michigan after all; it is the Great Lakes State!

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Ekeoma Onuoha, MD

Medical School: University of Debrecen Medical School and Health Science Center
Professional Career Interests: I am actively exploring different areas within Internal Medicine.
Why did you choose CMU: I chose CMU for its diverse, supportive community and strong teaching culture.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: In my free time, I enjoy watching reality TV shows, cooking, baking, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I enjoy exploring different cities across Michigan, and Holland is a favorite of mine. I love trying new restaurants, discovering local gems, and spending time by the lakes.

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Azem Quereshi, MD

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional Career Interests: I’m interested in developing a strong foundation in medicine to become a well-rounded and thoughtful clinician. Moreover, I look forward to exploring different subspecialty fields during residency, while learning from exceptional faculty who prepare residents to succeed, whether they choose to immediately enter clinical practice or pursue fellowship training after residency.
Why did you choose CMU: I was drawn to CMU’s Internal Medicine Program because of its strong emphasis on resident education, personalized mentorship, and academic scholarship. The faculty’s commitment to fostering growth and supporting residents pursuing subspecialty training is a defining strength of the program. I was particularly impressed by the program’s engaged leadership, whose guidance and dedication to resident development create a culture of excellence. In addition, I value CMU’s collaborative culture, which encourages commitment and service to Michigan’s medically underserved communities—a mission that resonates deeply with my prior legal experience advocating for individuals lacking access to essential resources.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: I like exploring small towns and local restaurants, trying out new recipes, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I love taking weekend trips to Michigan’s lakes and small towns—running along Lake Huron, visiting Traverse City for its trails and coffee shops, and exploring local farmers’ markets. I also enjoy spending time outdoors in Saginaw’s parks and trails.

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John Rahi, DO

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Why did you choose CMU: I felt that CMU would provide a supportive learning environment for me to grow as a physician. When researching different programs, I heard positive feedback from those who had matriculated through the IM program at CMU. I had the opportunity to visit CMU’s campus and meet with some of the faculty and residents, and was very impressed by the extensive simulation lab and focus that the program puts on didactics.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy watching sports and going to sporting events. I am also a watch and car enthusiast. I am fascinated by quantum mechanics and enjoy learning about the field.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Spending time with friends and family. Trying new restaurants.

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Alexander Szabo, MD

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Professional Career Interests: Outpatient Clinical Practice 
Why did you choose CMU: I joined the Central Michigan University Internal Medicine Residency because it embodies the spirit of medicine as both science and service — a place where intellectual rigor meets human compassion. CMU’s program resonates with my vision of becoming not only a skilled clinician but a physician who integrates research, empathy, and innovation to elevate patient care in underserved and complex communities. The emphasis on mentorship, hands-on experience, and community engagement mirrors my own belief that medicine is a calling best lived through action — through late-night discussions at the bedside, through teamwork that transforms uncertainty into healing, and through continual curiosity that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. At CMU, I found a program that doesn’t just train doctors — it cultivates thinkers, advocates, and leaders capable of shaping the future of internal medicine.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing with my friends online, where I am top 1% in the world for Battlefield 4. We work together on land, air, and sea to dominate the virtual battlefield and secure victory for our team. I enjoy watching anime, going for nature expeditions, reading science fiction (Warhammer 40K), and enjoying time with family.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I enjoy going on nature walks around the numerous trails abundant in the area and exploring the region's abundant wonders.

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Danish Zamir, MD

Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
Professional Career Interests: Preventive medicine and cardiology
Why did you choose CMU: CMU offers a strong academic foundation, supportive faculty, and diverse clinical training with an emphasis on hands-on learning and mentorship. I was especially drawn to its welcoming environment, collaborative culture, and focus on resident wellness.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Sports, fishing, spending time outdoors
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I enjoy getting outside whenever I can, whether it's hiking a local trail, kayaking, or catching a Detroit Tigers game on a day off.

PGY-1

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Basel Al-Khatib, MD

Medical School: Alfaisal University College of Medicine

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Ziad Awad, MD

Medical School: Alfaisal University (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Professional Career Interests: Critical Care and/or Geriatrics
Why did you choose CMU: I sensed camaraderie and chemistry right away, and it comforts me a lot to know I'll be part of such a community. It's like I'll still feel at home with CMU, like I'm still surrounded by family.
Personal Hobbies/Interests:  Gaming and fitness have been lifelong passions. Proudly poured thousands of hours across all game genres; nearly went semi-pro. I also pursue peak physical health & performance, winning various sports accolades.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Literally meandering... Michigan is beautiful!

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Amoolya Amaravadhi, MD

Medical School: Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences
 

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Marc Fakhoury, MD

Medical School: Université Saint Joseph Faculté de Médecine
 

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Samer Haifawi, MD

Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine
 

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Mohamed Halloum, MD

Medical School: University of Balamand Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences
 

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Tala Nasrini, MD

Medical School: Koc University
Professional Career Interests: Endocrinology and/or Women's Health
Why did you choose CMU: From the warm impression I got during my interview with leadership, faculty, and residents.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Interior design, ceramic art
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Exploring charming small towns like Frankenmuth and Traverse City, spending weekends by Lake Michigan or Lake Huron, Fresh flowers, bookstores, and cozy cafés on days off

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Muaz Salah, MD

Medical School: University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine
 

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Suhaib Shalan, MD

Medical School: Hashemite University Faculty of Medicine
 

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Hesham Tanbour, MD

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
 

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 Bashar Tayyem, MD

Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine

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John Wadie, MD

Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine

Preliminary Residents

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Luke Barrick, DO

Medical School: Kansas City University
Professional Career Interests: Ophthalmology
Why did you choose CMU: CMU has been exceptionally supportive of my pursuit of ophthalmology, tailoring my preliminary year to provide the clinical experiences needed for a seamless transition into a PGY-2 ophthalmology residency. Beyond this unique opportunity, I have been continually impressed by the program's supportive faculty and strong sense of community. I especially appreciate that many of the faculty chose to remain at CMU after completing their own training here, a testament to the program's culture and an attribute I value highly as a resident.
Personal Hobbies/Interests:  When I'm not working or studying, you'll usually find me outdoors with my wife fly fishing, hunting, or golfing. I enjoy sharing my hobbies with others and appreciate the lifelong process of mastering a craft. When the weather keeps me inside, I'm usually baking sourdough bread or tying flies at the vise.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Michigan is a beautiful state with many small towns to visit and landscapes to explore!

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Ryanne Lewis, MD

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Professional Career Interests: I am currently a prelim, and I plan to apply to anesthesiology for the next step of my training.
Why did you choose CMU: I believe CMU will provide excellent training with excellent faculty and staff.
Personal Hobbies/Interests:  I love to read, sew, crochet, and collect DVDs.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I'm still currently exploring.

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Santanna Patterson, MD

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Professional Career Interests: Dermatology
Why did you choose CMU: It was a great opportunity to be part of the inaugural Preliminary class, and the program felt so welcoming during the interview process.
Personal Hobbies/Interests:  I love to spend time with my family and to do outdoor adventures when possible.
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I am new to Michigan, so I am looking forward to exploring the area and finding new things to do.

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James Yu, MD

Medical School: University of Queensland
Professional Career Interests: Dermatology
Why did you choose CMU: CMU offers a perfect blend of academic rigor and clinical experience while fostering lifelong interpersonal relationships. Everyone involved with the program exudes kindness and I immediately felt welcomed by my senior residents, the support staff, and program directors alike.
Personal Hobbies/Interests:  Volleyball, language learning, playing chess, working out, doing archery, and playing cello
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Still exploring the area!