Current Residents
PGY 2
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
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
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Alexander Nguyen earned his D.O. at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he served as SAAO chapter president and conducted research on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia in Biology and Psychology, with a minor in Astronomy.
He is interested in palliative care, inpatient medicine, rural health, medical education, and integrating mindfulness into patient care. Outside medicine, he enjoys creative writing, hiking, traveling, pickleball, culinary exploration, and music. He chose Augusta Health for its supportive culture and scenic Blue Ridge Mountain location.
Nana Kwadwo Opoku
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
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.
PGY 1
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.
Allison Jacobi-Dorbeck
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Dr. Allison Jacobi-Dorbeck is from Ontario, Canada. During medical school, she served as president of the Student Government Association, tutored peers in biochemistry, neuroscience, and pathology, and volunteered with outreach programs including the Vitals Clinic and Kids Companions. After graduation, she worked as a clinical research coordinator at Johns Hopkins University, contributing to clinical care and quality improvement projects in the emergency department.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Jacobi-Dorbeck is an instructor in recreational and competitive equestrian events, teaching dressage, stadium jumping, and cross-country jumping to riders of all ages and experience levels.
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.
Yazazew Kiros, MD
Addis Ababa University
Dr. Yazazew 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
FUNDACION UNIVERSITARIA DE CIENCIAS DE SALUD- FUCS
Dr. Edgar Arturo Palacios Gonzalez graduated from medical school in 2017 and completed his compulsory social service in Miraflores, Guaviare, Colombia. He gained experience as a general practitioner in Bogotá and with indigenous communities, while preparing for the USMLE and completing clinical rotations in the United States.
He is interested in outpatient medicine with underserved populations and may pursue a fellowship in Geriatrics or Infectious Diseases.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Palacios Gonzalez enjoys classic video games, running, and fondly remembers his black dog with a white chest spot. He was drawn to Augusta Health for its community-focused care and welcoming environment, and he enjoys Virginia’s scenery and vibrant Latin cuisine.
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.
