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

Ramy Ballout, MD

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean

Professional Career Interests: I am currently exploring all that Internal Medicine has to offer, but I am interested in Cardiology and Pulm/Crit

Why did you choose CMU: CMU stood out to me as a program that provides a warm and supportive environment that is keen on helping you succeed in your endeavors. Having a wide range of patient populations and plenty of procedural opportunities I knew this would provide excellent opportunities for professional growth. Being from Michigan is a bonus that I get to be close to home!

Personal Hobbies/Interests: Reading, cooking, fitness, spending time with my wife and family

Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Exploring the different lakes and parks while enjoying the four seasons. Trying out new restaurants.

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Ghazwan Bahro, MD

Keith Bouffard, DO

Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Professional Career Interests: Infectious disease and hospital medicine

Why did you choose CMU: Growing up in Livonia in Metro Detroit, and graduating from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, my love for Michigan and its people has shaped my desire to practice medicine in this vibrant state. Central Michigan University is the ideal choice for my residency in Internal Medicine, combining my passion for serving Michiganders with a commitment to staying and making a difference here. As a Michigan native, serving the people of this state holds great importance to me. CMU shares this commitment, focusing on addressing the unique healthcare needs of Michiganders. Joining CMU means becoming part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of patients throughout the state.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: I’m constantly listening to music and enjoy hip-hop, R&B, hard rock, classic rock, and country. I enjoy cooking new dishes for friends and family, barbecuing, and breaking out the smoker. I also enjoy playing video games, jamming on my base guitar, golfing, and watching trashy television/reality TV shows.

Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Explore Ann Arbor and get lost downtown and go to a Wolverines game. Explore Metro Detroit: Check out the Detroit Institute of Arts, get your history fix at the Henry Ford Museum, and eat some awesome Middle Eastern food. Hang out on the Lake: Spend a chill day by the water and go for a boat ride. Skiing in Harbor Springs at Nubs Nob and exploring Petoskey. Traverse City wine tasting: Check out the local wineries and hang out in downtown Traverse City.

Justine Czajka, MD

Medical School: Jagiellonian University Medical College

Professional Career Interests: While I am most interested in Primary Care, I am willing to explore my interest in other subspecialties.

Why did you choose CMU: CMU is very supportive of resident education and progressively increasing responsibility throughout the program. The 2-week block schedule allows for a good balance between inpatient services, outpatient electives, and the clinic.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: I get joy from spending time with others while cooking, playing board games, and going on a hike with my dog, Rubin.

Favorite Things to Do Around Michigan: I'm excited to explore the unique activities of each season in Michigan. Visiting the lake in the summer, apple picking in the fall, ice fishing in the winter, and flower festivals in the spring.

Afrasayab Khan, MD

Medical School: Government Medical College, Srinagar

Professional Career Interests: During my residency, I'm eager to dive into various Internal medicine subspecialties, approaching them with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

Why did you choose CMU: Thanks to its affiliation with CMU, the program prioritizes academics and research, providing a nurturing learning environment. Additionally, the community-based training exposes residents to a diverse variety of patients, fully preparing them to practice medicine in a real-world setting.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: I really enjoy hiking and camping! There's something so freeing about hitting the trails, and just soaking up the fresh air. I can't wait to immerse myself in nature by hiking and camping up in the serene upper peninsula. Also, I love going out with friends and family to explore fancy restaurants, trying new flavors, sharing laughs, and creating amazing memories.

Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I absolutely love checking out the stunning Great Lakes. Whether I'm splashing around in the water, or just kickin' back on the beach, it's pure bliss.

Gaurav Luthra, MD

Medical School: SABA University School of Medicine

Professional Career Interests: I have a broad interest in various fields of medicine. Currently, I am exploring different electives to discover my passion and determine which specialty aligns best with my skills and interests. I am committed to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field.

Why did you choose CMU: First and foremost, the program's strong reputation for clinical excellence and comprehensive training appealed to me. After talking to residents, I was impressed by the diverse patient population and the opportunity to work with experienced faculty who are dedicated to resident education and mentorship. Furthermore, the sense of community and camaraderie among residents at Central Michigan University stood out to me. The collaborative and supportive atmosphere, coupled with a commitment to work-life balance, creates an ideal environment for learning and thriving as a resident. Lastly, the location itself is an appealing factor. Central Michigan University's proximity to a diverse patient population and a wide range of healthcare facilities provides ample opportunities to develop clinical skills and encounter a variety of medical conditions.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: One of my favorite pastimes is reading, as it allows me to immerse myself in different worlds and gain new perspectives. Writing is another passion of mine. Whether it's jotting down my thoughts in a journal or crafting creative pieces, I find fulfillment in expressing myself through words. Writing allows me to reflect, process emotions, and share stories in a meaningful way.

Favorite Things to Do around Michigan: As I am still exploring Michigan, I am discovering a multitude of favorite things to do in this diverse state.

Adil Mohammed, MD

Medical School: Mamata Medical College

Professional Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Cardiology

Why did you choose CMU: I chose Central Michigan University because it offers a well-structured university program with a comprehensive academic curriculum that aligns with my career goals. The university provides a plethora of resources aimed at enhancing our clinical skills, which is crucial for our professional development. Personally, I appreciate experiencing all four seasons in Michigan, adding to the appeal of the location. The program's supportive and motivating culture resonates with me, and the presence of top-class faculty promises an excellent learning opportunity. The friendly atmosphere amongst the residents creates a conducive learning environment, fostering collaboration and growth. Additionally, the university's rich research resources offer exciting prospects for advancing medicine, which greatly influenced my decision.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: I'm quite the sports-loving individual, with a deep admiration for Lionel Messi; being a soccer player myself, he's a true inspiration. Tennis is another passion of mine, and I often head out to the court for a game. Beyond that, I find joy in swimming, as it's an activity that I truly enjoy.

Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Yet to explore Michigan's breathtaking natural beauty.

Denise Mourad, MD

Medical School: Université Saint Joseph de Beirut

Professional Career Interests: Interested in both Pulmonary and critical care, Cardiology

Why did you choose CMU: This program offers me exposure in multiple settings and to multiple populations. It helps me improve as a clinician while feeling advised and mentored.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: Exercising, cooking, and outdoor activities

Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Exploring outdoor venues, restaurants around me, and places where I can meet people. I also want to visit the different cities in Michigan as much as I can.

Jaspreet Nannar, MD

Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine

Professional Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology. Open to learning about other sub-specialties.

Why did you choose CMU: It was important for me to be at a program that was supportive of its residents and valued a work-life balance. At CMU, I believed I was going to get the training to become a confident physician and receive the guidance and mentorship to pursue a fellowship.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: Running, Tennis, Hiking

Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I'm still exploring but I plan on visiting Traverse City and Mackinac Island.

Natasa Petreska, MD

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Breeha Saeed, MD

Medical School: King Edward Medical University

Professional Career Interests: I am interested in Endocrinology and Cardiology. I am open to other specialties as well.

Why did you choose CMU: I heard great things about the program especially the focus on didactics. The amount of support available is enormous.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: Reading, writing, cooking, and traveling

Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Dining out and visiting the lakes.

Sachin Singh, MD

Medical School: MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences

Professional Career Interests: I am interested in Cardiology but still exploring the different subspecialties in Internal Medicine. I am confident the exposure I receive during training at CMU will help me decide.

Why did you choose CMU: The program is very well-rounded and versatile, big enough for the diverse pathology and small enough for everyone to know each other. The simulation lab and strong academic curriculum were also big drivers.

Personal Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Basketball

Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I have enjoyed visiting Bay City, Birch Run, and the suburbs of Detroit.

PGY-2

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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, socializing

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Cleris Christian, MD

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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

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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

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.