People

PGY 1 Residents

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Manal Ahmed, MD

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Vancouver, BC, Canada


Medical School

UT Southwestern


Academic Area of Interest

Social EM, Global Health, Medical Education


Why LSU?

I value training in a setting where passion and authenticity mark every patient interaction. From the beginning, it was quite evident to me that everyone at LSU fully, ardently believes in the program and the city. I am eager to be a part of a community that commits itself to the health of the local population with utmost humility.


Favorite thing about NOLA

I am quite new to the city, but I am already absolutely floored by the beautiful architecture and the lush greenery. This is a city with endless design inspiration!


Hobbies

Reading, writing, forever walks, painting, photography, floral arranging, bugging Kitty, FaceTiming my sweet baby niece Yus


 

Hannah Beals, DO

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Mobile, Alabama


Medical School

William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

EMS, Critical Care, Bioethics, Social EM


Why LSU?

There are lots of reasons I feel like LSU is the perfect place to for me to train but it came down me getting great vibes during the interview process. That and back when I was a paramedic I used to love when I transferred patients to UMC because the doctors were nice to me. I'm super excited to now be one of those nice doctors!


Favorite thing about NOLA

There's no other city like it. It's a totally unique culture with its own incredible history, art, music and flavors that just can't be replicated elsewhere.


Hobbies

Gardening, embroidery, cozy video games, hanging out with the love of my life, my husband, and our little Shih Tzu, Ellie.


 

Sterling Bowers, MD

He/him/his

Hometown, State

Burtonsville, MD


Medical School

Howard University College of Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

Sports Medicine, Critical Care, Social EM, International Medicine, Peds EM


Why LSU?

During my interview and second look, the vibes were great. There was an obvious family feel among the residents and faculty which was something I wanted in residency. With this program valuing diversity among its residents, I knew this was a place where I would feel supported. LSU's connection to the community was also a huge selling point for me. LSU provides great training with a variety of pathology while at the same time encourages residents to give back to the city of New Orleans and become immersed in its culture. Finally, LSU provided a new challenge for me. Having never lived in the South until now, I knew LSU would give me a great chance to grow into the physician I've always wanted to be.


Favorite thing about NOLA

So far my favorite part has been the food. There are so many restaurants to try within a short drive. Also the prices here are much cheaper than in DC.


Hobbies

Working out, reading, rooting for all DC sports teams, playing video games, trying new food/restaurants


 

Patrice Cherubin, MD

He/him/his

Hometown, State

West Palm Beach, FL


Medical School

Howard University College of Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

Social EM, Sports Medicine, Ultrasound, Peds EM


Why LSU?

I wanted to opportunity to explore how vast EM is and the opportunity to serve the local community. It was clear to me that LSU allows it's residents to explore emergency medicine and serve their local community all while exposing them to a wide range of cases and sick patients. Ultimately the the interview day and open house tour really sold it for me. Getting the chance to interact with the residents and faculty and hearing how they are ready to support me to become the best doctor I can be really allowed me to see myself as part of this EM program.


Favorite thing about NOLA

Though I've only been here for a short time so far, I really enjoy the food and the friendly atmosphere here. Most people can tell I am not from here but they are all still very welcoming and nice.


Hobbies

Playing piano, watching basketball, watching anime, playing video games


 

Mitha Dewi, DO

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia


Medical School

William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

Trauma, Ultrasound, Medical Education, Social EM, International Medicine, Rural Healthcare, Critical Care


Why LSU?

I did my very first audition rotation here and fell in love instantly. I loved the relationship between faculty and residents. Everyone truly looked like they got along and enjoyed being around one another. There is so much support and acceptance. I saw people celebrated for what made them unique and special. LSU also offers multiple types of EM training with rotations in a level 1 trauma center, to VA, to community settings. I felt pushed to my limit while still fully supported during my audition and I learned more in my one month than in many other rotations combined. The way trauma is handled here is unmatched. I am confident that once I am out of residency I will be fully equipped to handle anything that comes my way. I also truly feel like everyone in the program cares about your wellbeing and is very intentional about checking in with you during tough days.


Favorite thing about NOLA

Being from an island, I feel like NOLA has that island feel with city perks. I wanted to train somewhere that would have great acuity and you oftentimes need to be in a big city to get good trauma training and NOLA offers that while also having areas that don't feel like a big city which is great if you're like me and not a city girlie. There is so much culture and art. People are laid back. There are so many different unique parts of the city that it really feels like cities within a city.


Hobbies

Anything outdoors, like beach, hiking, snorkeling, etc; painting, jewelry making, antique store hopping, hardware stores, hanging out with other people's pets


 

Llynsie Iglehart, DO

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Dallas, Texas


Medical School

Sam Houston State Univerisity College of Osteopathic Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Sports Medicine


Why LSU?

I fell in love with the community, the people, and knowing I was going to receive solid training at one of the oldest programs in the United States. New Orleans is a vibrant city like non other, which gives it a heart beat of its own. The community within the program is strong and collaborative. I knew from my interview that LSU practices strong advocacy for social determinants of health and is deeply connected to its people. Additionally, I have a keen interest in pediatric emergency medicine. With LSU having one of the few EM/Peds programs in the country and a PEM Fellowship, I knew this institution would be a great place for me to expand on my interests. Lastly, but certainly not the least; the residents and the food. A place where you can enjoy the best food with the best people while training with the best sounds like a match made in heaven.


Favorite thing about NOLA

NOLA offers everything; festivals, shows, concerts, art exhibits, sports, food, etc. Yet you are always 15 minutes away or less


Hobbies

Swimming, traveling to somewhere with a beach, reading a good book, dancing, binging a good TV show


 

Andrew Liuzza, MD

He/him/his

Hometown, State

Covington, LA


Medical School

Louisiana State University Health Shreveport


Academic Area of Interest

Toxicology, Ultrasound, Social EM, Sports Medicine


Why LSU?

One of the main reasons I chose LSU is because I believe I will receive the best training in New Orleans. My mother attended nursing school in New Orleans at Charity Hospital in the 80’s, which was known as one of the best places to learn due its diverse patient population and exposure to a wide variety of health conditions. I knew that UMC, incorporating the spirit of Charity Hospital, would be the best place for me to learn and train. Doing my residency at LSU also allows me to be close to my family and friends, which was important to me. I am excited to finally be able to treat patients as a doctor, Geaux Tigers!


Favorite thing about NOLA

It’s very accepting city with a rich culture, Jazz, unlimited festivals, beautiful city park, and some of the best food in the country. It’s hard to explain, but there is no place quite like it. Also, the best place to truly experience Mardi Gras.


Hobbies

Fishing, kayaking, biking, video games, plant enthusiast


 

Nina-Simone Lobban, MD

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Garnet Valley, PA


Medical School

University of Miami Miller SOM


Academic Area of Interest

Social EM, Peds EM, Toxicology


Why LSU?

My interview for LSU, even though it was over zoom, made the program seem like such a welcoming and nurturing environement. I loved the focus on the patient population and focus on social EM. I wanted to train in an environment that mirrored where I trained in medical school and where the patient can get the most impact from my care.


Favorite thing about NOLA

I love the history and culture of NOLA. The food and the influences that formed the city are so rich. It reminds me so much of growing up in my home country of Jamaica.


Hobbies

Soccer, drawing, reading, rollerskating


 

Catherine Luo, MD

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Cerritos, CA


Medical School

University of Chicago


Academic Area of Interest

Social EM, Public Health, Harm Reduction, Global Health


Why LSU?

I was drawn to LSU's strong focus on social EM, and during my interviews, I immediately saw the program's clear and genuine dedication to serving the New Orleans community. On top of that, the program offers exposure to so many subspecialties of EM and a variety of ED settings that was unparalleled. LSU was the program I knew would foster my growth into the kind of ED doc I always wanted to be.


Favorite thing about NOLA

Definitely the food closely followed by all the street cats I've seen everytime I've been in the city! Looking forward to spending the next few years becoming part of the NOLA community.


Hobbies

Drawing, crochet, napping with my cat, video games, guitar, running, and biking


 

Natalya Meinhart, DO

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Washington, Indiana


Medical School

Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

Pediatric EM, Social EM, Wilderness Medicine, Toxicology


Why LSU?

I decided to do an audition rotation with LSU because I was hoping to do a combined Peds/EM residency. During my time here, I had the opportunity to see how welcoming the attendings, residents, healthcare staff, and locals all were. UMC has a beautiful emergency department with a wide range of patient presentations and a residency program made up of people who always seemed eager to help me learn more about what I was seeing. Although I was initially nervous to be so far away from home and in such a different environment than Indiana, I found myself dreading leaving at the end of the month. Also, here I don't have to worry about driving to work in the snow!


Favorite thing about NOLA

NOLA has a fascinating culture and history, with the most amazing food and music! I adore being able to walk down Frenchmen street and listen to a different band in every club or restraunt! I've always loved jazz and no place does jazz like New Orleans!


Hobbies

Exploring parks/walking trails, baking, golf, board games, puzzles, watching K-dramas, learning languages, and singing/listening to music


 

Yeji Park, MD

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Macon, GA


Medical School

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai


Academic Area of Interest

Social Medicine, Transitions of Care from the ED, Population Health, Medical Education


Why LSU?

The dedication of LSU to the community is palpable. There is this unique juxtaposition in the history and culture of New Orleans of broken infrastructure and structural violence that has marginalized so many, but at the same time a rich and vibrant soul to the heart of the community that keeps people thriving. The context of who we are treating in healthcare is essential if we want to transform the system of healthcare to work better for patients. There is a lot to learn here in how to take care of individuals and communities with the upmost awareness of their social environment and influences, and i can't wait to be challenged and immersed by it!!


Favorite thing about NOLA

Viet-Cajun Crawfish Boils, live music, esp the jazz and vocals, magazine street, second lines, being able to discover so many cool spots in different neighborhoods, and the cost of living, space and convenience of driving (coming from nyc :P)


Hobbies

Food and cooking!!! (love to be in the kitchen, collect cookbooks, and travel to eat), Reality TV binging (dating shows and any competition show), try-everything-once-in-lifer, hangin out with my human pup (aka my fiance)


 

Alisha Punjwani, MD

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Dallas, Texas > Chicago, Illinois


Medical School

University of Illinois College of Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

Social EM, Street Medicine, Community Outreach, Health Disparities, Public Health Policy & Implementation, Ultrasound, Medical Education, Nephrology, Critical Care


Why LSU?

Yes to the county hospital + strong academic center rare combination, the incredible and unparalleled training, the diverse pathologies seen here, etc etc. But what really sold me came down to the history of this place. When the late Charity Hospital was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, despite no longer having any infrastructure to function, Charity healthcare workers continued to relentlessly help recover their community in the midst of disaster. This is how we got our name Spirit of Charity, because, (as impressive as our new hospital is,) the essence to serve the people of New Orleans has and will always extend beyond the walls of any building. This is a place I knew, that as a resident, I would not only learn how to best do the resident things, but also where my persistence, my passion, my ideas, my "why" I went into medicine, would be celebrated not dimmed. And obviously New Orleans itself was a huge factor. I love this city. I am honored to be here.


Favorite thing about NOLA

It's the big things. The concert at Lafayette square or Greek Fest or Mardi Gras Parade. It's also the small things. The jazz trio on the corner of Frenchmen & Dauphine, the poet on his typewriter down Chartres, artists exhibiting their paintings all along Royal st, those delicious Beignets at Cafe Du Monde (you meant to eat only 1 but you accidentally ate all 3 and it's going to be ok). This city is full of secrets as much as it is full of joy, talent, beauty. It is a unique mixture of so many cultures. I can't get enough.


Hobbies

I love cooking, baking, walks with my dogs (malteses), music (I got my undergrad degree in oboe performance!), netflix, Costco runs (yes I'm a Kirkland girly), exploring my city, in general being horizontal.


 

Alexandra Sappington, DO

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

New York City through high school, Charlotte, NC now


Medical School

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

Sports Medicine, Event Medicine, Critical Care, Medical Education, Clinical Simulation


Why LSU?

As a typical type A medical student, I made a list of things that were important to me- high volume/acuity, rotations through multiple hospital settings, a program with plenty of opporunities to explore the vast number of interests that I have, a program that would support my national involvement and passion for mentorship, and a program that truly gives back to the community, just to name a few. LSU NOLA checks all of those boxes, and then some! I also grew up visiting New Orleans every summer with my family, so it feels like a home away from home.


Favorite thing about NOLA

What isn't to love (other than the summer heat)? You will never be lacking for things to do in New Orleans! It is a foodies dream, a major sports hub (but I Roll Tide, sorry), and an epicenter for the arts/culture


Hobbies

Teaching cycle classes at the local gyms (with all the free time we have), slowpitch softball, walking my dog in city park, enjoying the newly married life, and exploring all of the breweries


 

Katie Vess, DO

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Greer, SC


Medical School

Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus


Academic Area of Interest

Social EM, Hyperbaric Medicine, Critical Care, Ultrasound


Why LSU?

I was really impressed by LSU's commitment to divesity, equity, and inclusion in addition to the program being a well-renowned, 4-year emergency medicine program with a level 1 trauma center, and a strong longitudinal community curriculum.


Favorite thing about NOLA

So far...the food and the live music!


Hobbies

Reading, baking, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and running.


 

Gabrielle Williams, MD

She/her/hers

Hometown, State

Miami, FL


Medical School

St. George's University School of Medicine


Academic Area of Interest

Social EM, Sports Medicine, Ultrasound, Global Health, Peds EM, Medical Education


Why LSU?

LSU spoke to my exploratory nature with its diverse array of rotations and strong focus on social emergency medicine, which was a top priority for me. I appreciated their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the residents were absolutely amazing. They extended open arms and answered all my questions with honesty and kindness. Their warmth and openness, combined with the vibes and alignment of ideals, convinced me that LSU was the perfect fit for me.


Favorite thing about NOLA

#1 THE FOOD. #2 THE FOOD. #3 THE FOOD. Did I mention the food? I also love the the music and culture of NOLA. It's like being able to enjoy your grandma's homecooking while cutting up with her on the dance floor. There's something unique about being in a place with such a strong history and presence that feeds your soul and gets your body moving.


Hobbies

Graphic design, strength training, music, art, cooking/eating, watching anime with the love of my life, and exploring almost any and everything