Transitional Year Residents

Rifa Ali, MD

Hometown: Ponte Verda, Florida

Education:

Undergraduate Education:  University of Florida
Medical School:  University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Future Specialty: Radiology
Why Choose BayCare: I was drawn to the warm and welcoming atmosphere embodied by the faculty and residents, along with the opportunity to learn diverse skills and procedures through varied clinical environments and patient populations.

Kyrie Bernardi, DO

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Education:

Undergraduate Education: Washington & Jefferson College
Medical School: LECOM Bradenton
Future Specialty: Radiology
Why Choose BayCare: The team at BayCare is incredibly welcoming and supportive. Both the people and the structure of the program emphasize developing a strong foundation of knowledge while consistently promoting wellness.

Andreas Chai, MD, PhD

Hometown: Winter Spring, Florida

Education:

Undergraduate Education: Johns Hopkins University
Medical/Graduate School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Future Specialty: Dermatology
Why Choose BayCare: To give back to the Central Florida community that raised, supported, and shaped me into the person I am today. Serving here seems like a full-circle moment – an opportunity to give back to those who’ve given me so much.

Jade Howard, MD

Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida

Education:

Undergraduate Education: Florida State University
Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine
Future Specialty: Dermatology
Why Choose BayCare: After time in Atlanta, I felt drawn home to Florida. As a Nole, FSU's mission deeply resonates with me, and BayCare offers the perfect setting to serve my community.

 

Yassine Lahlou, DO

Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida

Education:

Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas
Future Specialty: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Why Choose BayCare: The culture cultivated by the faculty and staff is fantastic! Everyone is warm and welcoming, and this program has a family-like energy. This program emphasizes a well-rounded general medical education to prepare an intern for success in their future specialty while emphasizing wellness and work-life balance!

 

Calista Long, MD

Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Education:

Undergraduate Education: La Salle University
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine
Future Specialty: Dermatology
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the well-rounded curriculum that is truly tailored to our unique advanced specialties. Additionally, there is a great emphasis on wellness in this program, with regularly scheduled wellness and bonding activities. The faculty are extremely supportive of our education and goals.

 

Duaa Malik, MD

Hometown: Sanford, Florida

Education:

Undergraduate Education: University of Central Florida
Medical School: University of Virginia
Future Specialty: Radiology
Why Choose BayCare: Location near Central Florida, focus on both academics and community engagement, and flexibility to customize my schedule as a transitional year to my career goals.

 

Sameer Paul, DO

Hometown: North Royalton, Ohio

Education:

Undergraduate Education: St. Bonaventure University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton
Future Specialty: Radiology
Why Choose BayCare: Commitment to excellent patient care and resident education. Caring for the underserved and bridging healthcare inequities.

 

Raymond VerVoort, MD

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Education:

Undergraduate Education: University of West Florida
Medical School: Florida State University
Why Choose BayCare: Having witnessed BayCare’s commitment to its mission statement firsthand throughout medical school, the decision to stay within their system and continue to grow and learn from their faculty was the obvious choice.

 

Rutva Vora, MD

Hometown: Rockledge, Florida

Education:

Undergraduate Education: Davidson College
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Future Specialty: Anesthesiology
Why Choose BayCare: As an FSU College of Medicine alum, I felt strongly aligned with FSU’s mission of addressing the needs of underserved communities, providing patient-centered care, and promoting wellness. The BayCare Transitional Year Program felt like a natural fit to continue growing in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

 

Manting Xu, MD

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Education:

Undergraduate Education: Williams College
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Future Specialty: Radiology
Why Choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because I knew I would be training and caring for patients with amazing faculty, staff, and fellow residents in an environment that puts patients first. I look forward to learning about and providing the best patient care, which I will carry with me throughout my career.

 

Yayao Yao, DO

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Education:

Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton
Future Specialty: Radiology
Why Choose BayCare: I chose the BayCare program because of the people. Everyone treats each other like family, and I believe the camaraderie among the faculty and co-residents will truly help me grow both professionally and personally.