Family Medicine Residents
Class of 2029
Ugur Deniz Ayar, MD
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
Education
Undergraduate Education: Bahçeehir Üniversitesi Tp Fakültesi
Medical School: Bahçeehir Üniversitesi Tp Fakültesi
Why Choose BayCare: It truly felt like the right fit for me. During my interview and second look, I experienced a supportive, welcoming environment, and I could easily see myself growing there. The sense of community among residents and faculty stood out to me, along with the program’s balanced and structured training. I also appreciate the flexibility within family medicine to explore different interests while maintaining a strong outpatient focus and a balanced lifestyle.
Justin L. Banjany, DO
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of its extensive provider network, community presence and focus on education. I chose family medicine because of its rounded training and many future opportunities.
Isabellyana Dominguez, MD, MS
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the supportive, welcoming environment I experienced during my interview. I was also drawn to the strong full-spectrum training and emphasis on community health. I chose family medicine because I’m passionate about helping underserved communities and reducing health disparities. Being bilingual allows me to connect more deeply with patients and provide more accessible, patient-centered care.
Karina Gil, MD
Hometown: Dominican Republic
Education
Undergraduate Education: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) School of Medicine
Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because from the very beginning it felt like a place where people genuinely support each other and take pride in what they do. That sense of community really stood out to me. I chose family medicine because I love building long-term relationships with patients and caring for the whole person through every stage of life.
Digal Nayak Sharon Joy, DO
Hometown: Binghamton, New York
Education
Undergraduate Education: University at Albany, SUNY
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I was drawn to the program’s connection to the community and its emphasis on continuity, which aligns with how I want to practice medicine. I chose family medicine because it allows me to build long-term relationships and care for patients in a more comprehensive, meaningful way. I’m originally from upstate NY but now call Tampa home.
Dzana Kovacevic, DO
Hometown: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare:I chose BayCare because everyone I met made me feel valued and appreciated. I feel as though it's the perfect place for me to become the best physician I can be for my future patients. I believe a good family medicine physician can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
Olivia Schuh, DO, MS
Hometown: Mulberry, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the people and the environment I experienced during my interview. It was evident that the organization’s mission is genuinely lived out through compassionate patient care and strong team dynamics. I felt a clear sense of support, authenticity and commitment to excellence that made BayCare the ideal place for my training.
Melina Simonpietri Tesoro, MD
Hometown: Venezuela
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: The BayCare Family Medicine Residency Program was my top choice because of its supportive faculty and commitment to helping residents grow into well-rounded physicians, with strong training in both inpatient and outpatient care, as well as the opportunity to work at a community-based clinic serving diverse patients. I enjoy building long-term relationships with my patients, helping them navigate the health care system, and emphasizing prevention and healthy living.
Anita Titus, MD
Hometown: Washington, New Jersey
Education
Undergraduate Education: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it felt like a place where I could truly thrive, both personally and professionally. I was drawn to family medicine for the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and care for individuals and families through every stage of life. I love the variety and human connection this specialty offers. I’m excited to continue my journey and serve the Florida community.
Edwin Zhu, DO, MM
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Education
Undergraduate Education: City University of New York Queens College
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare St. Joseph’s Hospital-South for its strong balance of inpatient training and continuity-based outpatient care, as well as its mission-driven and community-centered approach. I chose family medicine because I value long-term relationships and caring for the whole person. I’m particularly drawn to the opportunity to serve a diverse community while developing into a well-rounded physician.
Class of 2028
Stephanie Anabella Izquierdo, MD, MPH
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: Florida International University
Medical School: St. George's University
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because they value seeing the person beyond the medical chart, emphasizing empathy and thoughtful, compassionate care.
JaLisa Jones, DO, MPH
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: Spelman College
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: St. Joseph Hospital is dear to me; my dad, a 7-year stroke survivor, received exceptional care there. Expanding these compassionate, high-quality services to Riverview is both profound and much needed.
Gabrielle Moraes Sicard, MD
Hometown: Curitiba, Brazil
Education
Medical School: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná
Why Choose BayCare: BayCare feels like home with supportive faculty and a welcoming environment. The excellent structure, engaged attendings and family atmosphere foster growth, learning and professional development every day.
Thuy-Linh Nguyen, DO, MPH
Hometown: Cooper City, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Liberty University; MPH: Johns Hopkins University
Why Choose BayCare: Everyone at BayCare (especially St. Joseph's Hospital-South) is so brilliant, kind and supportive! I love the opportunities to improve health disparities through Tampa Family Health Centers and love the beautiful, vibrant Tampa Bay area.
Logan Primeaux, MD
Hometown: Welsh, Louisiana
Education
Undergraduate Education: Louisiana State University
Medical School: The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: During my BayCare Family Medicine Residency interview, I felt a genuine family-oriented atmosphere and employee care. Combined with abundant resources for advanced patient care, it became the perfect choice for my training.
Estefania Roger-Barreto, MD
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Central Florida
Medical School: American University School of Medicine-Aruba
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for its supportive environment, strong community presence and opportunities to train in full-spectrum family medicine while continuing to grow as both a physician and a patient advocate.
Maham Shaikh, MD
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Education
Undergraduate Education: Jinnah Sindh Medical University
Medical School: Jinnah Sindh Medical University
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the supportive culture, approachable faculty, and the chance to train in a program that truly values patient-centered care.
Class of 2027
Sarah Abdelghani, MD
Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
Education
Medical School: National Ribat University
Why Choose BayCare: I was drawn to BayCare’s mission of compassionate, community-focused care and am excited to be part of the first group of residents helping shape this new Family Medicine program.
Yumna Hasan, MD
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Education
Medical School: Deccan College of Medical Sciences
Why Choose BayCare: I’m proud to be a part of the inaugural class! So grateful for supportive mentors, passionate co-residents and a diverse patient population. It’s an ideal environment to grow into a compassionate physician.
Abraham Isaak, MD, MSc
Hometown: Egrimekel, Eritrea
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Asmara
Medical School: Orotta School of Medicine and Dentistry
Why Choose BayCare: BayCare combines a wide network of resources, a diverse patient population, with Tampa Bay’s location advantage, enriching both professional and personal growth.
Youngwan Kim, PhD, MD
Hometown: Houston, Texas and Seoul, Korea
Education
Undergraduate Education: Yonsei University College of Medicine
Medical School: Yonsei University College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: BayCare and Tampa Family Health’s mission to serve diverse communities aligns with my faith and values. My family’s experience with care barriers deepened my passion for the underserved.
Munahal Nasim, MD
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Education
Medical School: Nishtar Medical University
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for my family medicine residency due to its commitment to community health, supportive learning environment, diverse patient population and opportunities for hands-on experience in a collaborative setting.