Pediatrics Residents

Vivian Aldana, DO

Hometown: Hialeah, FL
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I chose Baycare because it provides an opportunity to give back to the community that has become home over the years. It also felt like I was joining a built-in family.

Kevin Cialfi, DO

Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Undergraduate: SUNY Binghamton
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie Campus 
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for my pediatrics residency because of its strong sense of community, the opportunity to be part of a newer, evolving program, and the faculty’s clear dedication to resident education. I’m excited by the chance to grow here and actively contribute to the program’s continued development and success.

Katherine Douglas, DO

Hometown: Aurora, IL
Undergraduate: Augustana College
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because seeing how happy the current residents were made me realize this was the right fit.

Joshua Gaudineer, DO

Hometown: Tampa, FL
Undergraduate: University of South Florida 
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Brandenton Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose Baycare because it gave me the opportunity to work and care for the community I grew up in. Also, I get to work with the best team everyday!

Seriah Groen-Hoeksema, DO

Hometown: Tampa, FL
Undergraduate: Wheaton College
Medical School: Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: When I first toured St Joseph’s Children’s hospital I was impressed by the facility, but most importantly the people. The residents and administration were genuinely interested in me and helping me reach my goals. As a working mom, I have felt supported and loved at this program. The faculty continuously work to help me reach my end goals. I am so thankful I put Baycare as my number one and they chose me to attend here. I am also thankful that the residency is completely housed in one hospital, and I am not running around Tampa Bay for my rotations!

Gabriel Rodriguez-Santiago, DO

Hometown: Mount Dora, Florida
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine - Tampa Bay Campus
Why Choose BayCare: As a student, I was inspired by BayCare physicians who led with compassion, served diverse populations, emphasized hands-on learning, academic excellence, and active mentorship. I chose BayCare because these values align with my goal of becoming a well-rounded, skilled pediatrician committed to caring for all families.

Giulia Izzo Castellano, DO

Hometown: Lakeland, FL
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose the BayCare Pediatrics program because of its strong sense of family and unwavering support. From the moment I arrived, I felt truly welcomed and valued. The warm, collaborative environment made it clear this was a place where I could grow both personally and professionally.

Brandon Tucker, DO

Hometown: Tampa, FL
Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine—Auburn Campus
Why Choose BayCare: “After my rotation at BayCare I knew it was the program for me. It’s the perfect mix of academic-level training with the warm personalities of a community-based hospital.”

Jesse Blair, DO

Hometown: Tampa, FL
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

Hometown: Saint Louis, MO
Undergraduate: Missouri State University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Bradenton Campus
Why Choose BayCare: Work-life balance mattered to me, and I could tell this program values resident wellness.

Madison Close, DO

Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Undergraduate: Florida State University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it felt like a place where I could truly thrive, both professionally and personally. The warm, supportive environment in beautiful Tampa Bay and the strong emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care perfectly align with my passion for nurturing and advocating for children’s well-being.

Dylan Passero, DO

Hometown: Wesley Chapel, FL
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.

Niti Rajani, DO

Hometown: Tampa, FL
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine – Tampa Bay Campus
Why Choose BayCare: I’m drawn to BayCare because of the genuinely warm and supportive environment. Everyone I’ve encountered has been incredibly kind and caring, and they’ve always made me feel like part of the family.

Julissa Rivera-Nieves, MD

Hometown: Biayamon, Puerto Rico
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

Hometown: Tampa, FL
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

Hometown: Tampa, FL
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.

Andrea Davila-Garcia, MD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.