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Pediatrics Residency Program Faculty
Program Leadership
Jennifer Casatelli, MD
Pediatrics Residency Program Director
Education Background
Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine – Tampa, FL
Residency: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine – Tampa, FL
Board Certification: Pediatrics
Passions Outside of Medicine:
Paddleboarding, running, boating, walking her two dogs.
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
I have loved teaching since I was a resident. Most of my career has been spent as a hospitalist and participating in the education of students and residents. I have a passion for education. I love helping residents and students fulfill their lifelong dream of being a doctor and reaching their full potential.
Carlos Abanses, MD
Pediatrics Residency Associate Program Director
Educational Background
Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine - Tampa, FL
Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Hospital - Winston-Salem, NC
Fellowship: The Children's Mercy Hospital - Kansas City, MO
Board Certification: Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Passions Outside of Medicine: Golf, Skiing, Music
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
My kids will tell you I love to teach, whether it is on the soccer field, on the ski slopes, school subjects or in the hospital. I enjoy helping others figure out a problem and help see them reach the “I got it” moment. That is the perfect time to add the next step. That is how you get better and become more knowledgeable.
Core Faculty
Christina Canody, MD
Board Certification: Pediatrics
Education Background
Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine - Morgantown, WVA
Residency: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine – Tampa, FL
Passions Outside of Medicine: Traveling to the Caribbean, attending sporting events with her boys (husband and two teen sons), family Jeep rides with her golden, Cali, and craft breweries.
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
I am excited to be a part of the residency program as I have valued those who taught me and had such a big influence on my career. I want to give back and also be able to mentor young physicians to enhance their confidence and motivate them to find their passion in medicine.
Diana Lone, MD
Board Certification: General Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology, and Oncology
Education Background
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine/Midwestern University – Downers Grove, IL
Residency: General Pediatrics: Advocate Children’s Hospital/Lutheran General Hospital – Park Ridge, IL
Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology: University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
Passions Outside of Medicine: Running, swimming, traveling, and spending time with my husband and my dog.
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
I love teaching trainees and showing them the amazing advances in medicine and the resiliency of our patients and parents. I hope to inspire the next generation of doctors to practice evidence-based medicine, to provide compassionate care to children, and to find a fulfilling and meaningful career in medicine.
Carolyn Marasco, MD
Board Certification: Pediatrics
Education Background
Medical School: S.U.N.Y HSC College of Medicine – Syracuse, NY
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University
DuPont Hospital for Children – Wilmington, DE
Passions Outside of Medicine: Family, Disney, Villanova Basketball, Girl Scouts, Crafting, sports
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
I love teaching and enjoy sharing my passion for pediatrics. As a physician champion for health and wellness, I am focused on helping residents, students and physician understand the importance of treating ourselves has our First Patients. Our wellness and care for ourselves affects how we live and deliver medical care and treatment our patients and families.
Cesar I. Menchaca, MD
Board Certification:
General Pediatrics & Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Education Background
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria, IL
Residency: Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital - Chicago, IL
Fellowship: Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA
Passions Outside of Medicine:
Spending time with my wife, kids, & Roomba. Reciting the Paw Patrol movies by heart. Trying different types of lactose-free ice cream. Chasing lizards. Relaxing strolls through Publix. And I can’t talk about my last passion due to the rules and regulations of said club.
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
I was drawn to the program by my genuine passion for medical education and enthusiasm for finding innovative ways to teach and reach learners. I love watching trainees grow throughout their journey and I enjoy fostering their potential by challenging them along the way. I hope to contribute to the growth of this great program and I am thankful for the opportunity to be here!
Kristine Rietsma, DO
Board Certification: Pediatrics
Education Background
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie, PA
Residency: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine – Tampa, FL
Passions Outside of Medicine: Family, running, boating, playing the piano and reading.
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
I love being involved in teaching and working with others. I love the genuine camaraderie that is built among the residents and attendings after hours of working hard together. It is a great way to build good relationships with our future pediatricians while teaching them to provide compassionate and high-quality medical care.
Kaitlin Sapp, MD
Board Certification:
Pediatrics, Neonatology
Education Background
Medical School: USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa FL
Residency: USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa FL
Fellowship: USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa FL
Passions Outside of Medicine:
Family [aka keeping up with two wild and wonderful daughters, along with my husband and two dogs], Baking, Reading for fun
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
I wanted to be involved in the pediatric residency program to foster my passions for teaching and neonatology. Through this role, I am excited to support and mentor residents, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in pediatric care and make a meaningful impact on their future patients.