Current Residents
PGY3
Ahmed Elsaiey
Ain Shams University
Dr. Ahmed Elsaiey is from Egypt, where he completed medical school and a clinical internship. He moved to the U.S., spending four years as a research fellow at Harvard Beth-Israel Deaconess and two years in transplant medicine research in Houston. He has numerous first-author peer-reviewed publications and is passionate about bringing his research and clinical experience to internal medicine residency.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys photography, table tennis, scenic drives, exploring new destinations, and cooking. He was drawn to Augusta Health for its supportive staff, excellent resources, and work environment, and enjoys Virginia’s serene landscapes and weather.
Aheema Gazi
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia Campus
Dr. Aheema Gazi completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond and medical school at VCOM Virginia. She has extensive research experience in chemistry and molecular biology and clinical experience in outreach programs serving underserved populations. She has also contributed to hospice care, CASA advocacy, and UNICEF leadership.
She is interested in internal medicine with a focus on quality improvement, hospital-based care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Outside of medicine, she enjoys gardening and baking. She was drawn to Augusta Health for its community-focused culture, supportive environment, and emphasis on both rigorous clinical training and collaboration.
Linda Hernandez Gonzalez
Tecnologico de Monterrey Escuela de Medicina Monterrey
Dr. Linda Hernandez Gonzalez completed medical school in Mexico and studied abroad in Lille, France, and Barcelona, Spain. She has a strong interest in public health and received an altruism award in medical school. She has practiced medicine serving underserved populations and volunteered at multiple clinics, including the Charlottesville Free Clinic.
She was drawn to Augusta Health for its commitment to community care and evidence-based medicine.
Joanna Huckabay
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Joanna Huckabay is from Louisiana and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In medical school, she received multiple awards for leadership and service, including the Servant’s Heart Award and Dean’s Distinguished Student Award. She volunteered with hospice programs and served in the rural medicine interest group.
She is interested in hospitalist medicine and population health. She was drawn to Augusta Health for its community mission and dedication to patient care, and loves Virginia for its mountains and changing seasons.
Emma Kyei
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Born in Ghana, Dr. Emma Kyei moved to the U.S. at age 11 and completed her education in Virginia, including a degree from Christopher Newport University. She earned her medical degree at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine and returned to Virginia for residency.
She is exploring both primary care and hospital medicine. Outside of medicine, she enjoys baking, cooking, drawing, painting, and sewing. She was drawn to Augusta Health for its community-focused care and supportive environment, and values being close to family and lifelong friends.
Shamsun Nahar
2026-2027 Chief Resident
Dhaka Medical College
Dr. Shamsun Nahar is from Bangladesh and graduated from Dhaka Medical College. She completed rotations across multiple U.S. states, engaged in independent research, and worked as a Limited License Physician in a nursing home in Rochester, NY. She is now an internal medicine resident at Augusta Health.
She is exploring her career and scholarly interests. Outside of medicine, she enjoys painting. She was drawn to Augusta Health for its patient-centered care, diverse clinical experiences, and supportive learning environment, and appreciates Virginia’s natural landscapes and community feel.
Alexander Nguyen
2026-2027 Resident Recruitment Leader
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Alexander Nguyen earned his D.O. from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and is completing his internal medicine residency at Augusta Health. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, majoring in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Astronomy. His research has focused on inpatient palliative care and the role of hospice services in rural communities.
He is interested in practicing primary care through a palliative lens, emphasizing continuity, thoughtful communication, symptom management, and care aligned with each patient’s goals and values. He hopes to remain in the Shenandoah Valley, serve the surrounding community, and contribute to graduate medical education and mobile clinic outreach. Outside of medicine, he enjoys biking, exploring national parks, writing short stories, and cooking. He chose Augusta Health for its supportive culture, strong sense of community, and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain setting.
Nana Kwadwo Opoku
2026-2027 Chief Resident
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Nana Kwadwo Opoku earned his B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering at VCU and completed medical school at VCOM-Virginia. He enjoys soccer, playing the drums, and spending time with his children.
He was drawn to Augusta Health for its integration of nutrition, wellness, and community health, as well as the opportunity to help shape the program. He appreciates Virginia’s natural beauty, welcoming communities, and proximity to family.
Adam Rasoul
2026-2027 Chief Resident
Hawler Medical University
Dr. Adam Rasoul enjoys gardening and spending time with family. Prior to residency, he volunteered with EMS and worked in various roles.
He is passionate about pulmonary and critical care, focusing on ICU care and feeding guidelines during critical illness. He enjoys cooking, gardening, and working out. He was drawn to Augusta Health for its beautiful facility, excellent staff, and focus on community care in the Shenandoah Valley, which he also loves for its scenic mountains and Skyline Drive.
Ahmed “Safi” Shaikh
Liaquat National Medical College
Dr. Ahmed Safi Shaikh was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, where he completed medical school and worked as a house officer. His experiences instilled in him a commitment to community and resilience.
He is interested in cardiology and enjoys hiking, culinary exploration, video gaming, F1 racing, and aviation. He was drawn to Augusta Health for its supportive mentors and diverse patient population and appreciates Virginia for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and accessible communities.
PGY2
Ramyar Abdullah
Hawler Medical University
Dr. Ramyar Abdullah is originally from the small village of Pshtashan but has spent most of his life in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. He studied medicine at Hawler Medical University and is pursuing his career interest in Hematology/Oncology. Outside of medicine, Dr. Abdullah enjoys road trips, video games, and reading classic fiction. A fun fact about him is that his two favorite TV shows are Attack on Titan and Succession. Dr. Abdullah was drawn to Augusta Health after visiting the area to see his cousin—he was captivated by the natural beauty, the friendliness of the people, and the welcoming environment he experienced during his interview.
Muthana Al Abo
University of Aleppo, Syria.
Dr. Muthana Al Abo comes to us from Duke University where he has been conducting research and completing clinical rotations as a visiting physician since 2017. His research at Duke has focused on genitourinary cancers and on RNA splicing events in aggressive prostate cancer. He has collaborated with multiple oncologists and scientists at Duke and has become a leader of his projects there. He has continuously participated in clinical rotations including longitudinal patient care while at Duke. Prior to his work at Duke, Dr. Al Abo conducted research at the NIH as a postdoctoral fellow for several years. He plans to specialize in oncology. Dr. Al Abo speaks 4 languages.
Dr. Al Abo enjoys being active – running, biking, swimming and hiking. He enjoys listening to and performing music.
Ahmad Al-Aloosi
University of Baghdad – College of Medicine
Dr. Ahmad Al-Aloosi graduated from the University of Baghdad in 2018 and completed two years as a general resident, six months in a rural outpatient clinic, and a year in preliminary internal medicine. He moved to the U.S. in 2023 to pursue an MPH and prepare for residency.
Dr. Al-Aloosi is interested in general internal medicine, particularly inpatient care, with a focus on cardiology. His priority is building a strong foundation in internal medicine while gaining broad clinical experience.
He was drawn to Augusta Health for its friendly, peaceful environment. Living in Virginia for nearly three years, he enjoys the state’s four seasons, scenic greenery, and affordability.
Hadeel Atoum
Hashemite University School of Medicine
After completing medical school and internship in Jordan, Dr. Hadeel Atoum was a primary care doctor in Jordan for 4 years. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center lab in Jordan. Her research focused on AI analysis of ECG data. She volunteered for 5 years with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Jordan to provide medical care to underserved communities. Prior to that, she volunteered with Doctors for Humanity. She enjoys cooking and notes that it has the power to bring people together.
Mohamed Hossny
Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Egypt
Originally from Egypt, Dr. Mohamed Hossny earned his medical degree from Alexandria University and completed a one-year Clinical Research Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic, where he continues his research. He brings strong U.S. clinical experience and a commitment to hospital medicine, patient-centered care, and quality improvement.
Dr. Hossny also volunteered as a Compassionate Companion at Mayo Clinic. Outside of medicine, he is a former professional taekwondo athlete, certified scuba diver, husband and father, and lifelong FC Barcelona fan.
He was drawn to Augusta Health for its supportive community and focus on resident well-being, and enjoys Virginia’s natural beauty, friendly people, and scenic balance of peaceful living with city access.
Dr. Hossny achieved the DDW poster of distinction award for Diagnositc Performance and Cost Implications of Fecal Elastase in Evaluating Steatorrhea and Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction
Shehzad Alam Khan
Khyber Medical College
Dr. Shehzad Alam Khan grew up in Peshawar, Pakistan, and earned his medical degree from Khyber Medical College, where he also completed his internship and began residency in Internal Medicine. During medical school, he was active in the Social Welfare Society and collaborated with UNICEF Pakistan to train healthcare workers in remote areas through the IMNCI program, helping improve childhood health outcomes.
Dr. Khan is interested in Hematology and Oncology. Outside of medicine, he enjoys exploring new foods, traveling, playing cricket, ping pong, and video games.
He was drawn to Augusta Health for its scenic surroundings and welcoming environment, and appreciates Virginia for its friendly and open community.
Istevan Khazmi
Hawler Medical University
Dr. Istevan Khazmi previously worked as a “doctor in the air,” escorting patients worldwide to ensure their safe transport. His career interests are still developing, with particular curiosity in cardiology and gastroenterology.
Fluent in four languages, Dr. Khazmi enjoys cooking and playing ping pong in his free time.
He was drawn to Augusta Health for its supportive, family-like culture that nurtures residents personally and professionally. Living in Virginia, he appreciates the friendly people, beautiful mountains, and scenic landscapes that make the state feel like home.
Yazezew Kiros, MD
Addis Ababa University
Dr. Yazezew Kiros had a distinguished medical career in Ethiopia before relocating to the U.S. He conducted research on infectious diseases, including COVID-19, HIV, leishmania, and tuberculosis at Mekelle University, where he also specialized in gastroenterology, served as associate professor, and led the medical school. He worked to provide confidential, stigma-free care to commercial sex workers living with HIV/AIDS and founded Awash Hospital, a 70+ bed trauma center, to care for war casualties.
Driven by a desire to provide stability for his family, Dr. Kiros relocated to the U.S. while continuing his commitment to patient care, research, and medical education.
Edgar Arturo Palacios Gonzalez, MD
Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Colombia
Dr. Edgar Arturo Palacios Gonzalez graduated from the Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS) in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2017. After completing his mandatory social service in Miraflores, Guaviare, he worked as a general practitioner in both urban and rural settings, including caring for underserved and indigenous communities. During this time, he also prepared for the USMLE examinations and completed clinical rotations in the United States.
Dr. Palacios Gonzalez has a strong interest in Primary Care and Infectious Diseases, with a particular passion for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to diverse and underserved populations. Outside of medicine, he enjoys staying active through running and cycling, and appreciates the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Virginia. He chose Augusta Health for its strong commitment to compassionate, community-focused care and its supportive learning environment.
Rahimeen Rajpar
Jinnah Sindh Medical University
Dr. Rahimeen Rajpar completed medical school in Pakistan and worked as a medical officer in Karachi’s ED, COVID ward, and ICU. In the U.S., she completed clinical rotations in Orlando, Brooklyn, Houston, and Chicago. She collaborated on research in Los Angeles studying cellular and molecular pathways relevant to neurodegeneration and hepatocellular cancer, and volunteered with UNICEF Pakistan as a global health officer, leading efforts to eradicate polio in remote regions. She also designed a smart pill bottle to improve medication compliance.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Rajpar is a dedicated cat rescuer with 10 cats and enjoys spending time with her family in Virginia.
Sneha Annie Sebastian
Azeezia Medical College, Kerala, India
Dr. Sneha Annie Sebastian is from Alberta, Canada, and completed medical school in India. She pursued clinical rotations in the U.S. and Canada and worked as a research scholar at the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services. Passionate about cardiology, her research focuses on outcomes-based preventive cardiology, earning her the Paul Dudley White Scholar Award from the American Heart Association. She is also committed to community health, including outreach initiatives in underserved populations and HPV advocacy.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Sebastian enjoys photography, biking, and caring for indoor plants, and she’s always on the lookout for the next aurora borealis. She was drawn to Augusta Health for its supportive, welcoming program and loves Virginia’s lush greenery and scenic roads.
PGY1
Georgina Abah
Bingham University College of Sciences, Nigeria
Dr. Georgina Abah earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University for Development Studies in Ghana before completing her medical education at Bingham University College of Health Sciences in Nigeria. She has completed clinical experiences in both Nigeria and the United States and has a strong interest in using research to inform clinical decision-making.
Her research experience includes work with the National Cancer Institute’s Clinical Epidemiology Unit on ovarian cancer, as well as breast and colorectal cancer research. She is also passionate about community health and has participated in initiatives providing care to underserved populations. Her clinical interests include primary care, population health, and rural medicine. Outside of medicine, she enjoys braiding hair, taking long walks, cooking, and spending time with family.
Arooj Abidi
Islamic International Medical College, Pakistan
Dr. Arooj Abidi grew up in Islamabad, Pakistan, where she earned her medical degree before working as an emergency department medical officer. She later moved to Virginia to pursue a Master of Public Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, concentrating in Cancer Prevention and Control Science.
During her MPH studies, she worked as a research assistant with the NCI-funded VA-ACCERT Center at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and in the Department of Epidemiology, where she studied colorectal cancer screening and mortality disparities across Virginia. She also led research on multiple myeloma progression through the Lymphoma Myeloma Collaborative Research Initiative at VCU Health and received an ASH Abstract Achievement Award and the Christopher “Kim” Buttery Award for excellence in chronic disease epidemiology. Her interests include hematology and oncology, particularly plasma cell disorders and lymphoma, cancer screening disparities, and real-world evidence research. Outside of medicine, she enjoys baking, hiking, and coffee.
Anita Apau
University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Ghana | MPH from Johns Hopkins
Dr. Anita Apau earned her medical degree in Ghana and has built a career focused on community service, public health, advocacy, and patient care. She worked with International SOS and the United Nations COVID-19 Field Hospital in Ghana, contributing to clinical care and pandemic response. She later earned a Master of Public Health in Infectious Diseases from Johns Hopkins University, where she developed expertise in population health, disease prevention, and health equity.
During her graduate studies, she worked with the Maryland Department of Health and led COVID-19 contact tracing research. She later worked as a physician in Afghanistan supporting humanitarian operations through clinical work with the World Food Programme. Her academic interests include hematologic conditions and malignancies, hospital medicine, community-based care, and bedside ultrasonography. Anita was drawn to Augusta Health’s individualized mentorship and commitment to community health. Outside of medicine, she enjoys photography and spending time with family and friends.
Ramez Bakhtari
VCOM, Virginia
Dr. Ramez Bakhtari grew up in Clifton, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from George Mason University before attending VCOM-Virginia for medical school. During medical school, he served as a campus ambassador and OMT facilitator and volunteered at community events, including concussion testing for high school athletes.
He was drawn to Augusta Health because of its supportive environment, strong resources, and commitment to community-focused care. He looks forward to becoming a well-rounded, competent, and compassionate physician while serving Augusta County and the surrounding communities. Outside of medicine, Ramez continues to play and coach soccer. He is a longtime Manchester United fan.
Mariam Elsharnoby
Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Egypt
Dr, Mariam Elsharnoby earned her medical degree from Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt. Before residency, she completed clinical experiences in Egypt, Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom and conducted oncology research at Mayo Clinic in Florida. She recently moved from Northern Virginia to join Augusta Health. Her interests include general internal medicine, primary care, and exploring a variety of internal medicine subspecialties. She also enjoys clinical research and medical education.
Mariam was drawn to Augusta Health because of its supportive learning environment, commitment to patient-centered care, and welcoming culture. Outside of medicine, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures and cuisines, visiting local coffee shops, learning about history, swimming, rowing, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends. She was also a competitive swimmer and rower growing up.
Sarah Fashakin
Georgetown University | MPH Boston University
Dr. Sarah Fashakin earned her BS in Biochemistry from Baylor University, her MPH from Boston University and her MD from Georgetown University. Her educational background has given her exposure to bench, translational and qualitative and quantitative clinical research in various fields like microbiology, gastroenterology, public health, OBGYN, pathology and urology, where she has a peer-reviewed publication.
Following her medical school, she gained valuable experience in the Histopathology and Tissue Shared Resource at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she collected, processed, stored, and provided human tissue specimens for translational cancer research. She also volunteered with the Center for Food as Medicine, contributing to the development of accessible educational materials that promote awareness of the positive and negative effects of nutrition on health. Looking ahead, Sarah hopes to pursue a fellowship in nephrology after her residency.
She was drawn to Augusta Health because of its commitment to innovation, its dedication to the surrounding community, the opportunities for sound clinical training and the culture of collegiality among its staff. Outside of medicine, she enjoys poetry, prose, painting, anime and music.
Sarah Ha
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Sarah Ha was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, and grew up in Reston, Virginia. She attended James Madison High School before earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her medical degree from PCOM. She is interested in pursuing a career as a hospitalist and looks forward to developing her clinical skills during residency at Augusta Health.
Sarah was drawn to Augusta Health because of its strong commitment to serving the community. Being from Northern Virginia, she also appreciates being relatively close to family while exploring a new part of the state. Outside of medicine, Sarah enjoys shopping, comedy, and traveling to New York City. She also hopes to pursue one of her personal goals someday: trying stand-up comedy.
Morgan Hill
VCOM, Carolinas Campus
Dr. Morgan Hill earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indian River State College after beginning his career as a patient care technician at a community hospital in Florida, where he spent much of his time working in the ICU. He later attended the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. His early experience in critical care sparked a lasting interest in pursuing a career in critical care medicine.
Morgan was drawn to Augusta Health because of its strong sense of community and the genuine, welcoming nature of the people who live and work here. Outside of medicine, he enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing video games with his wife and friends, working on cars, and riding his motorcycle through the mountains. He is also a devoted animal lover and enjoys spending time with his pets. His favorite color is purple.
Lina “Vikki” Mata-McMurry
Universidad de Cuence Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Ecuador
Dr. Lina “Vikki” Mata-McMurry earned her medical degree from Universidad de Cuenca in Ecuador. Before residency, she served as the medical director of a rural community health post and later became a postdoctoral research fellow with the International Trauma System Development Program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her experience spans clinical care, trauma research, and global health, including implementing trauma registries across Latin America and South Africa. She has also provided emergency and critical care at a foundation hospital in Ecuador. These experiences have strengthened her passion for caring for underserved communities and improving access to quality health care.
Vikki was drawn to Augusta Health because of its commitment to strengthening and advancing the health and well-being of the community. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and arts and crafts.
Fernando Matos
Universidade de Fortaleza, Brazil
Dr. Fernando Matos is originally from Fortaleza, Brazil, where he earned his medical degree from the University of Fortaleza. During medical school, he completed a semester of clinical rotations at the University of Miami. He later became board-certified in Family and Community Medicine and practiced as a primary care physician, with particular interests in quality improvement and caring for underserved communities. After moving to the United States, he completed a research year in rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh. His clinical and scholarly interests include general internal medicine, rheumatology, clinical research, and quality improvement.
Fernando was drawn to Augusta Health because of its well-rounded curriculum, strong commitment to community health, and supportive learning environment. Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and attending live music events. He especially appreciates Virginia’s mountains, hiking opportunities, and convenient access to major cities.
Tina Pham
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Tina Pham earned her bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, with concentrations in Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as Anthropology, from the University of Virginia. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, she developed a passion for teaching and mentoring. Before and during her medical training, she worked in multilingual clinics serving the Vietnamese community in Northern Virginia.
Tina was drawn to Augusta Health because of the genuine commitment to the community shared by both the hospital and its people. She especially appreciates the welcoming environment, beautiful grounds, and supportive spaces for residents. Outside of medicine, Tina enjoys creating pen-and-ink illustrations. She also participates in collaborative nonprofit art anthologies and enjoys embroidery, pop-up cards, and scrapbooking. Virginia is home for Tina, and she especially enjoys its greenery and four distinct seasons.
Emma Putnam Melillo
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Emma Putnam Melillo is originally from Connecticut and attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate education before earning her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University KPCOM. She is interested in critical care and looks forward to continuing to grow as a physician through her experiences at Augusta Health.
She was drawn to Augusta Health by the opportunity to learn from colleagues and patients while becoming an active and collaborative part of the community. Having first discovered the Shenandoah Valley during her time at Virginia Tech, she especially enjoys exploring the area’s local hiking trails.
Paris Slagle
Ross University
Dr. Paris Slagle earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. Before beginning residency, she spent 10 months as a stay-at-home parent caring for her two young children. Earlier in her career, she worked as a certified nursing assistant from 2019 to 2021, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experiences caring for patients and her own family have helped shape her goal of becoming a compassionate hospitalist serving communities in Central Virginia.
Paris was drawn to Augusta Health because of its strong sense of community, commitment to outreach and engagement, and reputation for providing high-quality care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys gardening and scrapbooking. She grew up on a game bird farm where her family raised guineas, quail, and pheasants. She also appreciates Virginia’s combination of history, vibrant cities, natural beauty, and four distinct seasons.
Warda Zulfiquar
Khyber Teaching Hospital, Pakistan
Dr. Warda Zulfiqar grew up in northern Pakistan, where the mountains, greenery, and four-season climate reminded her of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. She earned her medical degree from Federal Medical College in Islamabad and, after graduation, worked at a large government-run tertiary care hospital serving a diverse and often underserved population. Her experiences caring for patients with limited resources and volunteering with nonprofit organizations providing medical care strengthened her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and serving vulnerable communities.
Her clinical interests include internal medicine and endocrinology, as well as medical education. Outside of medicine, she enjoys scrapbooking, interior decorating, shopping, and exploring new cuisines and local restaurants with her family. If she had not pursued medicine, she says she probably would have become an architect.