Pediatrics Residents

Elizabeth Escobar, MD

Education

Medical School: Pontifical Bolivarian University
Why Choose BayCare: Having the opportunity to work with the program allowed me to experience it from a unique perspective. I was able to see not only the strong academic foundation and the way residents grow clinically, but also the human side of the program. I truly appreciated how faculty and staff genuinely care about the residents’ well-being and success, and the strong sense of camaraderie and friendship among the team.

Emily Krzykwa, DO

Education

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: My decision to choose BayCare was shaped by the time I spent here as a student. Rotating across multiple specialties gave me a unique perspective into the program’s day-to-day culture, and what stood out most was how genuinely people showed up for one another. It felt like a place where I could be both challenged and supported. Being able to continue my training in the Tampa Bay area, a community I’ve come to love, made it an easy choice!

Nicholas Lemar, DO

Education

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for the experience and opportunities available here. The emphasis placed on my education and growth as a physician while on rotations was evident. The program is extremely supportive, and I felt welcome and was always treated like I belonged. I was confident that I would be challenged to grow and become an excellent pediatrician through this program.

Caleb Loden, DO

Education

Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida and lived in the Tampa Bay area until I started medical school. This place has had a big impact on my life and between my wife's family and mine, we have many connections to the area. Even before medical school, I had been a BayCare patient and saw firsthand how well this health care system was run. I was then able to rotate during my fourth year in pediatric hematology/oncology, and I was able to meet some of the great attendings who worked at St. Joseph's Children’s Hospital.

Roberta Moletta Brugger, DO

Education

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for its program culture. I had an incredible rotation here as a student, and after witnessing everyone’s dedication to resident education and the interactions among the healthcare team, I knew this was where I wanted to train.

Tristin Roberts, DO

Education

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because the people seemed genuinely caring and compassionate. The beautiful Florida beaches and theme parks are also a big plus.

Rita Shoukry, DO

Education

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the experience I had during my student rotations. Everyone was so kind and supportive, and wanted to help me learn as much as possible. All the residents worked so well together and treated me as part of the team. I knew that I would get excellent training here and be surrounded by people who truly cared about me.

Sara Wilcox, DO

Education

Medical School: Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for the welcoming culture and depth of training. The faculty are so willing to teach and support you in your career goals. During my interview I felt like my skills and interests were deeply valued and will be fostered by this program.

Andrea Davila-Garcia, MD

Education

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the people I interviewed with; everyone was so lovely and welcoming. I felt instant happiness and comfort with everyone I met. Also, it has great potential in the medical field and all the opportunities it will provide.

Kristen Garcia, DO

Education

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine – Tampa Bay Campus
Why Choose BayCare: Spending time with BayCare faculty and residents as a medical student made me feel welcomed as a person and challenged academically. The kindness from the BayCare pediatrics team was unmatched. I instantly knew that this was a positive space where I could continue to learn and grow not only as a physician, but also as a person as well.

Katherine James, MD

Education

Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for the positive social environment. I also love living in the Tampa Bay area!

Lauren Nuriddin, MD

Education

Medical School: Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Why Choose BayCare: I find the newness of the program is both refreshing and inspiring. I deeply appreciate BayCare’s adaptability, inclusivity, and innovation-qualities which I believe are essential aspects of an effective training program. Lastly, I was especially impressed by the program’s culture, commitment to supporting residents, actively incorporating their feedback, and continuously evolving to enhance the learning experience!

Cecilia Sanchez, MD

Education

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: Growing up, I was actually a patient here at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital! The incredible staff not only saved my life but also provided exceptional care throughout my childhood. My experience here inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, and now, in a full-circle moment, I can work and train at the very place that shaped my journey!

Madison Mellquist, DO

Education

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine – Tampa Bay Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for my residency because I knew I would receive an excellent education in a supportive and collaborative environment. From the moment I rotated here, I was drawn to the program’s positive atmosphere and the incredible people I get to work with every day. It truly feels like a home away from home. Additionally, having the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in makes this experience even more meaningful.

Rayhanah Waldin, DO

Education

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Bradenton Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of my amazing interview day and the great conversations I had with the faculty. I could tell this program really cares about their residents. I knew I would be receiving excellent training here and would develop great relationships with my co-residents and attendings. It also definitely didn't hurt that it is close to home!

Sabrina Weldon, DO

Education

Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because I’ve experienced firsthand the quality and compassion of their care as a patient, and it left a lasting impression on me. Growing up in Tampa, I’ve seen the positive impact BayCare has had on our community — not just through excellent healthcare, but through outreach, education, and support that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Being part of an organization that’s been such a meaningful presence in my own life and in the city, I call home feels like a natural and fulfilling next step.

Jesse Blair, DO

Education

Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it felt like home after rotating as a medical student. The providers and residents treated me with compassion and encouraged a positive learning environment. I knew I had to be a part of BayCare’s growing residency program and commitment to excellent patient care.

Samantha Bogard, DO

Education

Undergraduate: Missouri State University
Medical School: Missouri State University
Why Choose BayCare: Work-life balance mattered to me, and I could tell this program values resident wellness.

Dylan Passero, DO

Education

Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because I wanted a program where the culture felt like a good fit.

Julissa Rivera-Nieves, MD

Education

Undergraduate: Universidad Central de Bayamon
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Why Choose BayCare: I choose BayCare because the faculty here are approachable and invested in teaching us.

Marc Samouil, MD

Education

Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Why Choose BayCare: Choosing a residency program is one of the most important decisions in a physician’s career. Having grown up in the Tampa Bay Area, I have a strong sense of connection to the community. My siblings and I have always received exceptional care from BayCare, and its strong values left a lasting positive impact on my family. When it came to choosing a pediatric residency program, BayCare stood out as an excellent place to learn and practice medicine.

Joe Whitmore, DO

Education

Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine – Tampa Bay Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare not only because it's in my hometown, but because the leadership genuinely cares about us as people and future pediatricians. Being part of a new program that listens to residents and grows with us is something I'm excited to be a part of.