Emergency Medicine Residents
Class of 2027
Saba Ali, MD
Hometown: Mysore, India
Education
Undergraduate Education: K.V.G. Medical College
Medical School: Amrita School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: It really comes down to heart. From the very first interaction, BayCare didn’t feel like an institution; it felt like a community that truly lives by its values of respect, compassion and service. In the ER, where every second counts and emotions run high, you want to be surrounded by people who support you not only as a clinician but as a person. BayCare offers exactly that. Every person I met, residents, faculty, program coordinators and nurses carried this warmth, this genuine kindness that reminded me why I fell in love with medicine in the first place. Here, you’re not just trained to save lives; you’re taught to see the person behind every case, to lead with compassion even in chaos. Emergency medicine can be intense, unpredictable and humbling. But at BayCare, you never face it alone. There’s this incredible sense of family; people who push you, believe in you and pick you up when you need it most. Matching here wasn’t just a professional milestone or a step in my career but a step toward becoming the kind of responsible physician and solicitous human I’ve always wanted to be.
Giannina Alvarez Calderon, MD
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: Medical School of the Americas
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it truly cares for the community it serves—delivering compassionate, inclusive care that makes patients and staff feel valued and supported.
Tobias da Silva Araujo, MD
Hometown: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Education
Medical School: Faculdade de Medicina de Bahia
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for its reputation of excellence, supported by a dedicated team of highly qualified professionals who are passionate about teaching as well. The environment is both welcoming and collaborative, with a strong focus on prioritizing patient care through compassionate and outstanding service.
Mercedes Erpelding, MD
Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it offers a unique opportunity to help shape a new program within a strong, respected hospital system. I'm passionate about social medicine and deeply committed to caring for underserved communities, and BayCare’s mission aligns with those values. Being part of a democratic group (EMA) also means having a voice in meaningful decisions and fostering a truly collaborative environment where both patients and providers thrive.
Alexnys Fernandez-Pacheco, DO
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: BayCare offers incredible hands-on training, a supportive learning environment, diverse patient populations and experienced faculty, making it the ideal place to train emergency medicine residents.
Chiara Gonzalez Portillo, MD
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: Emory University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for its collaborative environment, strong emphasis on resident education and dedication to high-quality patient care within a supportive community that values both professional growth and personal well-being.
Cynthia Larroque, DO
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: Florida International University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose the opportunity to grow and train to become the best physician I can be, starting from day one through its unique hands-on experience. Coming from Miami, I was drawn to a program that shares my community-centered values. This program prioritizes resident learning and ensures that no time is wasted. That’s BayCare.
Megan Leslie, DO
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it’s where I was born and grew up receiving care. Now, as a physician, I’m proud to give back and serve the community that raised me.
Daniel May, DO
Hometown: Yorba Linda, California
Education
Undergraduate Education: Moody Bible Institute
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: BayCare was the perfect fit for me. Tampa is my home, and I believe I can get the best training for my career at St. Joseph's Hospital. It's a great program in a hospital system that supports its residents well.
Annelies Vanderveen, DO
Hometown: Clifton Park, New York
Education
Undergraduate Education: University At Albany, SUNY
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: BayCare is invested in creating a culture of growth, support and wellness, and I believe this shows in the care we provide our patients.
Class of 2028
Michael Sencaj, DO
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana
Education
Undergraduate Education: Purdue University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: BayCare’s approachable faculty and genuine focus on resident wellness make training here stand out. Paired with strong clinical education, it creates the right balance for growth in a community that I’m proud to be part of!