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.
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.
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.
Samantha Schaefer, MD
Board Certification: Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology
Education Background
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
Residency: University of Kentucky Children's Hospital - Lexington, KY
Fellowship: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center - Cincinnati, OH
Passions Outside of Medicine: Her two children, cooking, baking, reading.
Why did you decide to be a part of the Pediatric Residency Program?
I think it is incredibly important for physicians to share our knowledge and skills with the future of medicine. There is so much that goes into becoming a good physician, more than just facts. It is important to share our experiences and abilities so that the future of medicine can continue to be successful and continue to improve the quality of care for our patients.