Internal Medicine Residents at St. Joseph's Hospital
Nahiyan Ahmed, DO
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Education
Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I wanted to give back to the community that watched me grow through all my major life chapters. Having family close by for support was also a huge plus, as I know they’ll be there for me throughout my residency journey. Additionally, the program fosters a home-like environment at work, which made BayCare feel like the perfect fit—supportive both inside and outside the hospital.
Miis Akel, DO
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Education
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: During my audition rotation, I connected with the residents. It was such a welcoming, non-malignant environment, and the attendings were incredibly willing to teach. I truly couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.
Alan Benelli, MD
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Education
Undergraduate: Florida International University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine Grenada
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the strong sense of unity fostered by the leadership and members of the team. During open house it was clear to me the program created a place for residents to grow as physicians and people. Ultimately, I was convinced BayCare was the place I could learn and challenge myself through residency.
Nicholas Blair, DO
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Education
Undergraduate: Florida State University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Bradenton, Florida
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the awesome hospital environment where everyone works with a positive attitude. I am looking forward to living in the Bay area and can’t wait to start treating patients from the community.
Taylor Collignon, DO
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Education
Undergraduate: University of Tampa
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Bradenton, Florida
Why did you choose BayCare: After rotating at BayCare as a medical student, I knew this would be a perfect fit for me for my residency training. I instantly connected with the other residents and faculty and felt a strong sense of camaraderie in the community at BayCare.
Vaibhav Gandhi, DO
Hometown: Hudson, Florida
Education
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I wanted to serve my home community, but what truly sold me was meeting the residents and administration. Everyone seemed genuinely happy, passionate about learning and teaching, and dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care.
Jean Carlos Gutiérrez-Silva, MD
Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico
Education
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Medical School: American University of of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: Since the moment of my interview, I felt truly welcomed and confident in the program’s vision for the future. Attending the open house reinforced that feeling—I was attracted to the culture, the supportive environment, and the incredible sense of community.
Saitejaswi Kanuri, DO
Hometown: Herndon, Virginia
Education
Undergraduate: George Mason University
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: During my rotation here as a medical student just a few months ago, it was the kindness, support, and collaboration of the team that made the experience so unforgettable. Everyone is always eager to help, and the culture here is genuinely inclusive and stress-free. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to growing alongside such a supportive and inspiring team.
Emily Kowalczyk, DO
Hometown: Rochester Hills, Michigan
Education
Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: The residents and faculty I spoke with ultimately made the choice for me. It was obvious that this group was a tight-knit family passionate about the health of the community and giving the best medical education to its residents. I knew that I would feel at home with the St. Joseph’s family.
Victor Krizan, MD
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Education
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada
Why did you choose BayCare: On my second look at the program, I saw how the residents and physicians took pride in their patients and formed meaningful connections that extended beyond medicine. I was also drawn to the fact that BayCare is a newer program, allowing for more collaboration and input to shape a strong team atmosphere.
Pamella Morello, DO
Hometown: Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
Education
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare after completing an audition rotation at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where I was immediately drawn to the program. The attendings, residents, and hospital staff created such a welcoming and supportive environment that I felt genuinely happy. Throughout my rotation, I gained extensive experience and knew without a doubt that BayCare was where I wanted to train.
Sarah Mourtada, MD
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Education
Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare as my top choice for residency because they value women’s health training in internal medicine and will support my growth in that field. During my interview and meet-and-greet, residents spoke highly of BayCare’s commitment to their well-being, allowing them to learn at their best.
Phillip Nazarewicz, MD
Hometown: Clinton, Maryland
Education
Undergraduate: University of the Incarnate Word
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences Center for Medical Education In English
Why did you choose BayCare: Having rotated at St. Joseph's Hospital as a student, I knew immediately that I wanted to continue my training at a quality institution with excellent medical professionals who foster an environment of clinical growth.
Abdul R. Omari, DO
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Education
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I am excited to receive excellent training with BayCare's train to retain model, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening your foundations and building upon them.
Alyzeh Orakzai, DO
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Education
Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because I love the beliefs of the program as well as the wonderful people who make the program what it is. From great leadership to amazing residents, I knew BayCare was the place I wanted to complete my internal medicine training!
Sarp Orgul, MD
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Education
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Why did you choose BayCare: The diversity in patient population of the Tampa Bay area, the incredible variety in clinical exposure, and the extremely supportive program leadership all make BayCare an excellent training environment. The warm weather of Tampa Bay is the cherry on top.
Angalina Quinones, DO
Hometown: Kissimmee, Florida
Education
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: During my second look for the internal medicine residency program at BayCare, it became clear to me that this is a family, and the leadership truly values the wellness of the residents. Everyone seemed excited and passionate about the education being provided. I was also excited about the chance to serve a diverse patient population with a good exposure to a wide range of pathologies.
Esteban Ramos, DO
Hometown: Naples, Florida
Education
Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare as I was able to do two months of clinical rotations in the nearby area and resonated with the atmosphere and environment of the Tampa Bay area. As I will be part of the internal medicine residency's 2nd class, I know this program has a bright future. I believe there is a great support system within and without the hospital, (and I get to be close to my family after 4 years of med school)!
Anjana Reji, DO
Hometown: Kerala, India
Education
Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Why did you choose BayCare: During my month-long rotation at BayCare, I was impressed by the supportive environment and the dedication of the residents and preceptors who eagerly shared their knowledge. I felt valued as part of the team, and it was clear that training at BayCare would provide the guidance and comprehensive education needed to shape me into a competent and compassionate physician.
Rosie Saikaly, DO
Hometown: Lebanon
Education
Undergraduate: University of California-Los Angeles
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: BayCare quickly became my top choice for residency after a wonderful audition rotation, where the welcoming and supportive residents and faculty made me feel right at home. Having spent my medical school years in Tampa, I have grown to love the area and am excited to stay local with my fiancé and sister, who also live here.
Malik Tunc, MD
Hometown: Paris, France
Education
Undergraduate: University of Tampa
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for several compelling reasons. Dr. Bazo’s inclusive leadership and the program’s enthusiastic nature inspired me. Furthermore, its novelty offers me a chance to leave my legacy by continuing to work here. BayCare’s excellency in cardiology aligns with my goal to pursue a cardiology fellowship. Finally, I have a strong connection to Tampa Bay from my undergrad at UTampa playing college basketball for the Spartans and research work at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Vladimir Valencia, DO
Hometown: Spring Hill, Florida
Education
Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for several reasons, but ultimately, my decision was driven by the desire to stay close to home. Additionally, my experience during the second-look opportunity played a significant role. It was clear that the residents were genuinely happy, and I was impressed by the program’s supportive environment and forward-thinking vision.
Patricia Ward, MD
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Education
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: When choosing a residency program, BayCare Health System’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa stood out to me as the perfect fit. I was drawn to the program’s welcoming environment, strong clinical training, and commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. I am excited to grow within a program that values teamwork, continuous learning, and serving the diverse needs of the community. I am especially interested in internal medicine with plans to pursue a fellowship in cardiology, focusing on preventative care and long-term patient outcomes.
Stephanie Woods, DO
Hometown: Manassas, Virginia
Education
Undergraduate: University of Mary Washington
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the supportive environment I experienced while interviewing and visiting St. Joseph’s. Dr. Bazo took the time to carefully review my application, ask thoughtful questions, and genuinely get to know me as a person. I truly appreciated the effort he made to understand me beyond just my qualifications. I believe that the leadership and training at BayCare will help me grow into the best physician I can be. I was also drawn to the beautiful setting of Tampa, Florida.
Xin Xin, MD
Hometown: Shijiazhuang, China
Education
Undergraduate: Qingdao University College of Medical Science
Medical School: Peking Union Medical University
Why did you choose BayCare: BayCare’s supportive culture, focus on education, and dedication to patient care made it the perfect place for me to grow and give back to the community I’ve come to love.
Binita Yadav, MD
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Education
Undergraduate: National Academy of Medical Sciences Kathmandu
Medical School: Nepal Medical College
Why did you choose BayCare: I am truly thrilled to be joining BayCare Health System at St Joseph’s Hospital as an internal medicine resident. The opportunity marks the beginning of an incredible journey where I look forward to deepening my clinical medical knowledge and making a meaningful impact on patient care. Beyond professional growth, I am eager to develop personally by building strong relationships with my colleagues, mentors and patients.