Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ

Jason Carvalho, M.D.

Post-Residency: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵEMS Fellowship

Medical School: St. George's University

Undergraduate: Rutgers University-New Brunswick, BA in Biological Sciences with Minor in Portuguese

Hometown: North Arlington, NJ

Field of Interest: Medical Education, Critical Care

Hobbies: Soccer, Car Restoration

Why FAU: Small personal class sizes, close relationships with residents and attendings, personalized plans for success

Something about me: Fluent in 3 languages

Duy Duong, D.O.

Post-Residency: Cleveland Clinic Indian River

Medical School: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University

Undergraduate: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵClass of 2014 in Exercise Science & Health Promotion

Hometown: Margate, Florida

Field of Interest: Emergency Medicine

Hobbies: I lift things up and put them down in the gym. I enjoy cruising with the top down in my mustang. I like to cook, but hate cleaning dishes.

Why FAU: South Florida is where family and home are, I figured why not keep it local? Although I did not audition in my fourth year the interview experience at Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵwas like stumbling upon a hidden gem that propelled it to number one on my rank list. I genuinely felt the faculty's enthusiasm and commitment to their residents. Coming from a medical school with a graduating class that could rival a small army (400), I set my sights to being a part of a smaller inseparable class where we would be more like a tight knit group of friends rather than a sea of strangers. An immersive longitudinal curriculum of pediatrics and trauma throughout our three years. Differing and diverse hospital systems to rotate throughout training with autonomy. Let's not forget the cherry on top: No snow.

Something about me: In my previous life I was an Olympic Weightlifting coach and amateur athlete. My best lifts were 95kg (209lb) snatch and 120kg (264lb) clean and jerk in the 69kg (151lb) weight class.

Niloufar Ghazi, D.O.

Post-Residency:ÌýVanderbilt University - Critical Care Fellowship

Medical School: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University

Undergraduate: University of Tehran (Bachelor of science in civil engineering)

Graduate: Florida State University (Master of science in civil engineering)

Hometown: Tehran

Field of Interest: Global health and EMS

Hobbies: Biking, reading, arts and craft, going to the beach

Why FAU: I rotated with Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵas a 4th year medical student and saw firsthand the mentoring and support the residents get here. I am a firm believer that with FAU's EM program I can reach all my career goals.

Something about me: I feel more comfortable writing in cursive than in print!

Manel Guessas, D.O.

Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: B.S in Nutrition at The Ohio State University

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Field of Interest: Emergency Medicine

Hobbies: hiking, traveling, shopping, and spending time with my family and friends

Why FAU: I rotated here as a medical student and absolutely loved it. Everyone is so friendly, genuinely enjoys teaching, and the location is great too!

Something about me: I can speak 4 languages and hope to add one more soon!

Jacquelyn Orr, D.O.

Post-Residency:ÌýBethesda Hospital East/West

Medical School: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University

Undergraduate: BS in Biology, University of Florida

Hometown: Parkland, FL

Field of Interest: Critical Care Medicine, Global Health

Hobbies: Hanging out with my family and friends, exercising, spending time outside, going to the beach

Why FAU: I auditioned here as a medical student, and the genuine close-knit, family dynamic between faculty and residents really stood out to me. I also really appreciated their unique longitudinal curriculum and overall learning environment.

Something about me: I have a Maltese named Bella who I am obsessed with

Eric Simms, M.D.

Post-Residency:ÌýCleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital / Broward Health Imperial point

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Undergraduate: Vocal Performance / Church Music Ministries, Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Hometown: Elko, NV

Field of Interest: Academic Leadership, Disaster and International Medicine, Aerospace Medicine

Hobbies: music, snowboarding, cycling, binging books and shows, foodie

Why FAU: small class size at a university program (but not dependent on residents to remain running); sunny South Florida; 3 distinct hospitals (2 level 1 trauma centers); great schedule

Something about me: There's a high probability I've gotten "sun" burned at night by the moon

Zachary Steinberg, D.O.

Post-Residency:ÌýBanner University Medical Center

Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine – Midwestern University

Undergraduate: Gonzaga University – B.S. in Chemistry

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Field of Interest: Sports medicine, EMS

Hobbies: traveling, sports, beach

Why FAU: Great location and very supportive faculty. Diverse pathology with many opportunities for procedures, and getting to experience a program with both an academic and community feel

Keenan Dunkley, M.D.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in Altamonte Springs, FL

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia

Undergraduate: BS in Biology/Minor in History from the University of South Carolina

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Field of Interest: Emergency Medicine, Disaster Relief

Hobbies: Running, Reading, History, Basketball, College Football, Investing

Why FAU: After attending both college and medical school in South Carolina, I was ready for a change and rotated as a medical student at FAU. Instantly, I loved the area, the residents, the weather, and the lifestyle South Florida offered. Additionally, I felt I could learn, grow, and become the best Emergency Medicine physician possible with the help of the faculty at Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵand the resources offered through the program. Core faculty were always happy to take the time to teach, challenged me to improve each shift, and were welcoming in their tutelage.

Something about me: I was a History minor and still enjoy historical study and discussion, specifically Classical Antiquity and Catholic History. I also have a lot of interest in business and investing with a hope to practice Emergency Medicine in South Florida after residency and earn my MBA down the road.

Jessica Johnson, M.D.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in Las Vegas, NV

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Undergraduate: Harding University

Hometown: Prairie Grove, AR

Field of Interest: Wilderness Medicine

Hobbies: Running, baking, fishing

Why FAU: It's a medium, tight knit group that greatly facilitates learning and relationships. We value fulfilling work and fulfilling lives outside of work. And we're in an awesome location!

Something about me: I studied abroad in Australia and got to dive with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef.

Alyssa King, D.O.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in Delray Beach, FL

Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Florida - Biology

Hometown: Stony Point, NY

Field of Interest: Sports Medicine

Hobbies: Fishing, crafting, exercising

Why FAU: I loved the faculty and senior residents when I did my away rotation here. Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵhas a strong base for education, learning, and an extremely happy and supporting environment.

Something about me: I started my own medium sewing business while in medical school and I have a Shih Tzu named Teddy.

Robert Ledbetter, M.D.

Post-Residency: Indiana University Simulation Fellowship in Indianapolis, Indiana

Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Tennessee BA: Philosophy of Science and Medicine

Hometown: Columbia, Tennessee

Field of Interest: Social aspects of medicine

Hobbies: Reading, writing, exercising, plants

Why FAU: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵis a place where you can get training to handle intense scenarios and see interesting pathologies with attendings who are genuinely interested in your education as well as your mental well-being.

Something about me: I've jumped off one of the highest bungee platforms in South America.

Christian Pilot, M.D.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in New Smyrna Beach, FL

Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Undergraduate: The University of Tampa

Hometown: Sea Girt, NJ

Field of Interest: Critical Care Medicine and Sports Medicine

Hobbies: Music production, Golf, Beach

Why FAU: Diverse pathology with both an academic and community feel. Large volume of procedures and excellent work/life balance. Amazing faculty and co-residents! Can’t forget about the coastal South Florida location.

Something about me: I have been producing music for several years and play the piano.

Andrew Arteaga, D.O.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in New Smyrna Beach, FL

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas

Undergraduate: University of Central Florida

Hometown: Merritt Island, Florida

Hobbies: Overeating, working out, and anything that gets me outside on the water.

Why FAU: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵhas wonderful attendings and residents. I had a great experience here rotating as a student. The pathology, procedures, and overall learning environment I experienced here were exactly what I was looking for.

Something about me: I'm a big fan of pineapple and ham on pizza and I'm tired of pretending that I'm not.

Alex Deri, M.D.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in Midlothian, TX

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Undergraduate: Southwestern University

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Hobbies: Traveling, Baking, Hiking, Movies/TV/Video Games

Why FAU: The faculty and residents were extremely friendly and welcoming, and the program spans multiple sites allowing for more diverse experiences. I’m also going to enjoy avoiding the north Texas winter weather that I have become TOO familiar with.

Something about me: I want to visit 100+ countries, and every national park while I’m able to enjoy them to the fullest.

Danny Gersowsky, D.O.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in Boynton Beach, FL

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: BS in Exercise Physiology at Florida State University

Hometown: Boca Raton, FL

Hobbies: Soccer, Rugby, Cycling, Traveling, Beach

Why FAU: I grew up in Boca Raton, so I wanted to return home for residency. FAUs family feel and unique longitudinal curriculum. Beautiful South Florida weather.

Something about me: I hope to travel to every country in my lifetime 

Salil Phadnis, M.D.

Post-Residency: Fellowship in Simulation at Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Medical School: University of South Florida

Undergraduate: University of Florida

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Hobbies: Movies, motorcycling, running, intramural soccer

Why FAU: It's not easy to convey the genuine vibe of a program over Zoom, but the faculty and residents did just that and convinced me this was a great place to learn and grow. Also, beaches.

Something about me: I'm a big Christopher Nolan fanboy.

Bailey Pierce, M.D., M.B.A.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in Boston, MA

Medical School: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Florida

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hobbies: Exercising, hiking, and listening to music/going to concerts

Why FAU: I chose Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵbecause it is close to my family so I'll be able to spend more time with them. Also, the weather down here is great.

Christian Schuetz, M.D.

Post-Residency: Community Practice in Orlando, FL

Medical School: University of South Florida

Undergraduate: University of South Florida

Hometown: Mesa, AZ

Hobbies: Playing/watching soccer, gardening, landscaping, attending EDM music festivals, learning Spanish to impress my wife and in-laws

Why FAU: Fantastic residents, faculty, and location! Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵprovides the resources and opportunities to become a rockstar EM doctor. The faculty really care about the residents and will do what they can to help us out.  All the residents treat each other like family. Did I also mention that Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵis in South Florida?

Elizabeth Calhoun, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Palm Coast, FL

Medical School: Florida State University

Undergraduate: Florida State University

Hometown: Boca Raton, FL

Hobbies: Family, Beaching, Gardening

Why FAU: Best of all worlds!

Spencer Greaves, M.D., M.P.H.

Post-residency: Community practice in Eau Claire, WI

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin (MD)

Undergraduate: Marquette University (BS Engineering)

Graduate: Dartmouth College (MPH)

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Hobbies: Amateur Rocketry, Working out, video games, travel

Why FAU: I love the beach and the ocean and the weather! Great faculty, simulation lab, and residents!

Something about me: Independence Day is my favorite holiday!

Rebecca Mendelsohn, M.D.

Post-residency: Fellowship in Aerospace Medicine at NASA/University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX

Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Undergraduate: Brown University

Hometown: Hollywood, FL

Hobbies: Scuba diving, unofficial theme park tour guide, Marvel movie aficionado

Why FAU: The people. When I rotated here, the attendings and residents were insanely welcoming and friendly, and went out of their way to ensure I had a good experience. When I became a resident, that ethos became even more apparent and amazing. Attendings and fellow residents have gone well out of their way to help me become the best physician I can be. Every program says it, but here, it's true: the people in this program are like family.

Something about me: I'm a dog person, but I have an awesome cat named Scooby.

Thomas Peterson, D.O.

Post-residency: Community practice in West Palm Beach, FL

Medical School: VCOM at Auburn University in Auburn, AL

Undergraduate: Spanish w/ minor in Chemistry at Brigham Young University

Hometown: South Jordan, UT

Hobbies: Lifting weights, water sports, reading, hiking

Why FAU: Because of the culture, patient population, location, longitudinal set up of the EM program

Something about me: I have a Miniature Schnauzer.

Ali Syed, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in McAllen, TX

Medical School: State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine

Undergraduate: BS Biology with Concentration in Neuroscience; State University of New York at Stony Brook

Hometown: Patchogue, NY

Hobbies: Swimming, basketball, fantasy sports, comedy, bollywood, NBA

Why FAU: Having spent my entire life in New York, I wanted to move away from the cold. I was always interested in Florida due to the warm weather, no state income tax, and proximity to the beaches. I did an away rotation here during my senior year of medical school, and I knew by the end of my first week that I wanted to be here. The core faculty members were approachable and the residents were extremely happy and had a good work/life balance. Out of all my away rotations and interviews, the residents at Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵshowed the highest amount of satisfaction: no program came close. Residency is supposed to be challenging, but I would rather be somewhere where I know I have a good support system. I knew without a doubt, that I wanted to spend my three years here.

Something about me: I would like to be a multibillionaire one day. Plan is to finish residency and then pursue a career in real estate and screenwriting on the side. Ideally would want to practice in Florida or Texas due to the warm weather and lack of state income tax.

Michael Turchiaro, D.O., M.P.H.

Post-residency: Community practice in Fort Worth, TX

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University

Undergraduate: South University

Hometown: Parkland, FL

Hobbies: Basketball, weight lifting, video games, music

Why FAU: I chose Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵbecause of the people and how amazing our staff is.

Something about me: I am a new Dad of a now one-year old daughter

Alexander Busko, M.D., M.P.H.

Post-residency: Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, AL

Medical School: University of Miami

Undergraduate: University of Georgia

Graduate: University of Miami, M.P.H.

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Hobbies: Fishing, exercising, reading, D.O.gs

Why FAU: I moved to south Florida after college and fell in love with the weather and living on the beach. Was super impressed with how friendly and easy going the faculty were on interview day and liked the idea of a residency where you’re on a first name basis with your attendings.

Something about me: Math and science were my least favorite subjects in high school. I went to college to be a writer, but switched my major from journalism to cellular biology and never looked back.

Zachariah Hatoum, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Naples, FL

Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Maryland, B.S. Finance

Hometown: Washington, DC

Hobbies: Traveling, soccer

Why FAU: Amazing faculty, great clinical exposure, opportunity to shape the program

Mohsin Khan, D.O.

Post-residency: Community practice in Naples, FL

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: Florida International University

Hometown: Miami, FL

Hobbies: Traveling, playing basketball/football, watching movies, playing video games

Why FAU: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵallows me to work and learn at an institution that is new and growing with academic faculty and staff that are very invested in our education. The area has plenty to offer including multiple hospital sites which have their own unique characteristics and pathology. The ability of being close to the beaches and enjoying warm weather year-round is a plus as well. Also, I completed internal medicine residency at Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵbefore I started emergency medicine residency.

Danielle Klein, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Pensacola, FL

Medical School: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵSchmidt College of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Florida

Hometown: Gainesville, FL

Hobbies: OrangeTheory, eating, being a wife and mom

Why FAU: Loved my medical school experience and wanted to stay in South Florida

Something about me: I'm an avid runner, I have completed multiple half marathons and 5Ks.

Zuheir Mirza, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Fort Myers, FL

Medical School: University of South Florida

Undergraduate: University of South Florida

Hometown: Orlando, FL

Hobbies: Reading, eating, general loafing about

Why FAU: EM faculty seemed genuinely involved with residents

Something about me: I'm proficient at winking with both eyes

Anabelle Taveras, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Boynton Beach, FL

Medical School: University of Illinois

Undergraduate: University of South Florida BS Finance

Hometown: Miami, FL

Hobbies: Spending time with family, fishing, food

Why FAU: Rotated here as a student, loved the small class and the family feel

Something about me: Medicine is my second career

Sean Argo, M.D., M.S.

Post-residency: Community practice in Port Richey, FL

Medical School: USF Morsani College of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of South Florida

Hometown: Rockledge, FL

Hobbies: Reading, gaming, spending time with friends and family

Why FAU: The faculty and leaving my footprint on a new program

Something about me: I grew up watching shuttle launches and want to go into space someday

Damien Carracedo, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Port Richey, FL

Medical School: FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Undergraduate: Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida

Hometown: Miami, FL

Hobbies: Beer brewing

Why FAU: Interested in new emergency medicine programs

Something about me: Boarded in Internal Medicine

Jeffrey Klein, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Pensacola, FL

Medical School: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵCollege of Medicine

Undergraduate: BS in Nutrition from the University of Florida

Hometown: Gainesville, FL

Hobbies: Fitness

Why FAU: Excellent Attending to Resident Ratio

Benjamin Mazer, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Atlanta, GA

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

Undergraduate: Pomona College

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Hobbies: Cooking, painting, exercising, photography

Why FAU: I wanted to be part of a new program so that I could help mold the program in the best interest of future residents

Something about me: Fun fact? I was nearly killed as a baby during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco. Random detail? I have three miniature dachshunds.

Daniel Parks, D.O., PA-C

Post-residency: Community practice in Fort Myers, FL

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: Pennsylvania College of Technology - Physician Assistant

Hometown: Williamsport, PA

Hobbies: Basketball, snowboarding, playing the drums, exercise/weight lifting

Why FAU: I found the core faculty to be motivated and inspiring. They have a vision and hold ideals that are similar to my own. I also love that it’s located in South Florida on the beach. I wanted to train in a community hospital type setting. Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵgives you the opportunity to work in a community hospital meanwhile giving ample exposure to a level 1 trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, STEMI centers, pediatric hospital, OB hospital and more.

Something about me: I have been working in the ED in some capacity (ED PA, resident, and now almost attending) since 2010. I truly enjoy emergency medicine. I'm happily married with two wonderful sons! I love to spend time with friends and family.

Matthew Wallace, M.D.

Post-residency: Community practice in Delray Beach, FL

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Undergraduate: Florida State University

Hometown: Davie, FL

Hobbies: Golf, Classic Cars, Homebrew Beer, Sports

Why FAU: Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵis very near my hometown which sparked my interest, however I was really drawn to the burgeoning program with a family like atmosphere.

Something about me: I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful kids who keep me busy outside of the hospital. Prior to Emergency Medicine, I completed an Internship in General Surgery, as well as an Internal Medicine Residency at FAU, with the goal of becoming dual boarded.