Internal Medicine Residents

Jimmy Abbiati, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Jimmy Abbiati, MD

Hometown: Clearwater, Florida

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it represents my passion for giving back to the community that raised me and allows me to carry forward the legacy of excellence in medical care that I have been fortunate to receive.


Desteni Barnes, DO, Internal Medicine Resident

Desteni Barnes, DO

Hometown: Marianna, Florida

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: My decision to join BayCare stems from my positive experiences during my transitional year as a resident. I was consistently impressed by their demonstrated commitment to employee well-being, evidenced by their celebration of achievements, promotion of open communication and unwavering dedication to exceptional patient care. I’m eager to contribute to a health care system whose core values align so closely with my own.


Daniel Bosteder, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Daniel Bosteder, MD

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of North Texas
Medical School: Trinity School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare, Mease Countryside Hospital specifically, for the possibility to help build a program from the ground up. As the first class of resident physicians, it will be our duty to mold the culture of this program and create something uniquely ours. It’s exciting, but also an honor and a privilege.


Paola Campillo, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Paola Campillo, MD

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of Puerto Rico–Rio Piedras Campus
Medical School: Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the welcoming environment and strong sense of camaraderie I experienced during the interview. The program clearly promotes teamwork and support among residents and faculty. Beyond the professional atmosphere, the surrounding environment felt warm and familiar, like a place I could truly call home.


Desiree Drummond, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Desiree Drummond, MD

Hometown: Westmoreland, Jamaica

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: St. George's University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for its passion for patient-centered care, supportive learning environment, and diverse clinical exposure. Not only was I confident that I would grow as a physician and as a person in general here, but it also felt like home.


Phillip Ebanks, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Phillip Ebanks, MD

Hometown: St. Elizabeth, Jamaica

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of the West Indies
Medical School: University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jamaica
Why Choose BayCare: Having lived in the Tampa Bay Area, I’ve come to recognize that the name BayCare carries a great deal of meaning and is held in high regard by the community. This reputation was one of the many factors that drew me to the program. However, it was my interview experience, the hospital tour and even the lunch that truly solidified my interest. I was struck by the warmth of the team and how genuinely invested they were in getting to know me—not just as a candidate, but as a person. There was a clear sense of excitement and pride in the program. I left with the strong conviction that this was a place where I could truly grow, both as a physician and as an individual.


Karen Ellingson, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Karen Ellingson, MD

Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: Towson State University
Medical School: University of Science, Arts & Technology (USAT) Faculty of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I selected BayCare Mease Countryside Hospital for its emphasis on patient care, medical education and interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of the inaugural internal medicine residency class, I’m enthusiastic about contributing to the program’s foundation and working alongside a team dedicated to excellence in both training and patient care.


Theodora Joannis-Morris, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Theodora Joannis-Morris, MD

Hometown: Harlem, New York

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: AdventHealth University
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for its supportive, community-driven environment and dedication to hands-on learning. Everyone I met during the interview process was genuine and welcoming, and I knew this was a place where I’d grow both personally and professionally.


Sidhant Juneja, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Sidhant Juneja, MD

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: East Carolina University
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the genuine warmth and supportive environment I experienced throughout the interview process. It’s part of a well-established health care system in the Tampa area, and through my conversations with the program director, it was clear that everyone at Mease Countryside Hospital was genuinely excited to welcome a new residency class. That enthusiasm, paired with BayCare’s strong commitment to mentorship, teamwork and growth, made it the perfect place for me to train and serve the community.


Mark Leshyk, DO, Internal Medicine Resident

Mark Leshyk, DO

Hometown: Palos Park, Illinois

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: Illinois Wesleyan
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for a variety of reasons, but it ultimately came down to the people I interviewed with and the culture I felt that could be built. As a new residency program, I think that we can set the standard for exceptional care. I’m confident that BayCare will transform me not only into the best physician but also into the person I can be. I’m grateful to begin my training here and am excited for what the future will bring.


Jay Mehta, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Jay Mehta, MD

Hometown: Surat, Gujarat, India

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER)
Medical School: Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for several reasons, primarily due to the people I interviewed with and the program's alignment with my goals of compassionate patient care. The emphasis on collaboration, support and team camaraderie aligns perfectly with my values and fosters personal and professional growth. I’m very excited to be part of this program and look forward to learning from a respected team of professionals.


Alvin Mercado, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Alvin Mercado, MD

Hometown: Passaic, New Jersey

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: Montclair State University
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Why Choose BayCare: I ultimately chose BayCare because the program is highly interested in hearing residents’ goals and interests and in meeting those needs with mentors and other support. In my interview, I felt a genuine passion and thoughtfulness about medical education. I’m confident that I’ll be happy and fulfilled learning and serving in the greater Tampa Bay area.


Ajay Mittal, DO, Internal Medicine Resident

Ajay Mittal, DO

Hometown: Ocala, Florida

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Louisiana Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the “BayCare Effect.” The synergy between the various clinical departments, welcoming environment and top-class facilities make it an excellent place for advancing your medical education. As the region's largest academic health system, the residency program offers ample opportunities for learning while providing high-quality, compassionate care.


Chijioke Okonkwo, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Chijioke Okonkwo, MD

Hometown: Carson, California

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: California State University
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for several reasons, but what stood out most to me were the people I had the privilege of meeting during the interview process. It was clear that the program is built on a foundation of thoughtfulness, care and a true passion for medical education. Additionally, during my medical rotations in Florida, I enjoyed the warm weather and the state’s rich diversity and culture. I’m confident that BayCare will provide an environment where I can thrive and grow over the next three years.


Yinamari Ortiz Diaz, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Yinamari Ortiz Diaz, MD

Hometown: Corozal, Puerto Rico

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of Puerto Rico
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: Having had the opportunity to do a transitional year prior to residency, I had an idea of how intense residency could be, and it horrified me the possibility of feeling “miserable” for three years. When I met Dr. Frunzi, he said, “all residencies are hard, but there’s no good reason why they should suck.” Immediately, I knew I wanted to be part of his residency class.


Samiyah Rahaman, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Samiyah Rahaman, MD

Hometown: Clermont, Florida

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of Central Florida
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for the unique opportunity to be part of a brand-new initiative. I felt confident I could make a positive impact on the health care environment while working with faculty who were genuinely invested in their residents’ success.


Ariana Sims, DO, Internal Medicine Resident

Ariana Sims, DO

Hometown: Tavares, Florida

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: As a native Floridian, I was excited to complete my internal medicine residency in my home state. After my interview and attending the second look, I knew BayCare would provide great training in a beautiful setting with an amazing group of doctors leading the program.


Dcota Sims, MD, Internal Medicine Resident

Dcota Sims, MD

Hometown: Tavares, Florida

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I ranked BayCare as my top choice for several reasons. BayCare is in my home state, and you can’t beat Florida. It's close to family, which matters a lot to me. My primary reason is the faculty I encountered during the interview process. Everyone I spoke with was friendly; it felt more like a conversation among colleagues than a formal interview. I sensed that each faculty member is dedicated to the program and would be genuinely invested in me as a resident.


Brent Tai, DO, Internal Medicine Resident

Brent Tai, DO

Hometown: Changhua, Taiwan

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: College of the Holy Cross
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because I’m passionate about providing patient-centered care and fostering strong interdisciplinary collaboration, both of which align with BayCare's mission and values. The supportive environment, diverse patient population and emphasis on professional development make BayCare the ideal place for me to grow both clinically and personally as a resident. I‘m excited about the opportunity to contribute to and learn from a health care system that prioritizes compassionate care and excellence.


Yaroslav Zuyev, DO, Internal Medicine Resident

Yaroslav Zuyev, DO

Hometown: Hollywood, Florida

 

Education

Undergraduate Education: Florida Atlantic University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Louisiana Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare to continue my pursuit of medicine for a variety of reasons, but ultimately, it came down to the interview. It was evident this hospital system was built on honesty, integrity, care and a passion for medical education. I’m confident that together as a hospital system, we can continue to provide excellent care to the surrounding area.