Internal Medicine Residency Program

Overview

The Cleveland Clinic Akron General (CCAG) Internal Medicine Residency Program is approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Twelve (12) Categorical Internal Medicine (3-year program) and three (3) Preliminary (1- year program) positions are available each year. Residents are board-eligible for certification in Internal Medicine upon completion of the categorical program.

Teaching modalities

During residency training, learning occurs primarily by providing direct care to patients. We pay utmost importance to the clinical learning environments and offer high-quality patient care experiences in all areas of residency education. This clinical learning is supported by high-quality teaching rounds and conferences (faculty lectures, case presentations, diagnostic testing, journal club, patient safety and quality, wellness, and other topics in clinical medicine). We conduct weekly board review sessions, as well as simulation-based training for procedures, rhythm management, ACLS protocols, and point-of-care ultrasonography.

Ambulatory medicine (primary care) is provided at the Internal Medicine Center of Akron (IMCA), where resident continuity clinics are held. Residents longitudinally manage the health of their own panel of patients under faculty supervision. The curriculum is structured to provide for increasing autonomy, approaching independent practice at the end of residency training. In addition, residents work with subspecialists in their clinics in select areas as part of their ambulatory training.

Inpatient rotations

• Core rotations are where residents admit patients and manage their care as the primary team. These include the hospital medicine service, as well as the medical and cardiovascular intensive care units. Here, the senior residents are team leaders who guide the interns and acquire semi-autonomous responsibility for the care of their patients. They get ample opportunity to perform procedures. These rotations are designed to exponentially enhance patient care skills and decision-making capabilities for our residents.
• Sub-specialty/elective rotations are experiences in several subspecialties in medicine, other specialties, and research opportunities. Our residents can choose from a large list of rotations based on their preferences and career aspirations to further advance their knowledge and skills in medicine.

Internal Medicine Subspecialties:

• Allergy & Immunology
• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Geriatrics
• Hematology/Oncology
• Infectious Disease
• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Pulmonology
• Research
• Rheumatology

Non-Internal Medicine Subspecialties:

• Addiction Medicine
• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Ear, Nose and Throat
• Emergency Medicine
• Obesity Medicine
• Obstetrics/Gynecology (outpatient)
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics (outpatient)
• Pain Management
• Pathology
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Radiology
• Sleep Medicine
• SOUND Hospital Rotation

All of our teaching faculty are board-certified in their specialty/subspecialty.

Resident support

• Our formal advisor program transitions medical students to residency. Residents meet with core faculty 2-3 times per year to discuss career-building, well-being, and mentorship opportunities.
• Residents receive a formal appointment as clinical instructors of Internal Medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. Residents routinely work with medical students and are actively engaged in activities to enhance their teaching skills.

Training facilities

• The Heart & Vascular Center is the first accredited Chest Pain Center in Summit County (Certified in diagnostic testing, treatment, and research).
• The McDowell Cancer Center (the largest inpatient unit in the area) provides patients with access to the newest therapies, diagnostics, and surgical techniques.
• We are the first Primary Stroke Center in the area designated by the Joint Commission with active reperfusion and stroke team protocols. This allows CCAG to serve as a regional referral center for many area hospitals. In addition, we provide epilepsy care, neurocritical care, and neuro-interventional services. 
• The Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art venue for a broad spectrum of applications. Hands-on simulation helps teams and individuals develop preparedness and insight that is best learned and practiced in realistic conditions. 
• Additional training opportunities are available in specialties such as emergency medicine, pathology, radiology, and anesthesiology. Other areas for exposure are our Hemodialysis Unit, Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, Wound Center, Neuroscience Institute, Endoscopy Lab, Pulmonary Function Lab, Respiratory Therapy and Sleep Lab. 

Welcome

A letter from the Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program

Thank you for your interest in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Our program has existed since 1946 and has a long-standing history of providing excellent education to our students and residents. We have a strong and committed faculty who are actively involved in resident education and research. The atmosphere at Akron General is one of the friendliest and most supportive in my personal experience, and I have seen many others express the same.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General is recognized regionally and within Ohio for its expertise and care. This accomplishment is a result of our performance in advanced treatment guidelines, the incorporation of evidence-based medicine into patient care, technological advancements in information processing, and research at this institution.

As the largest regional hospital within the Cleveland Clinic Enterprise, Akron General provides excellent educational experiences in a bustling clinical environment. Being a Level I Trauma Center, we offer the opportunity to provide comprehensive care for severely ill patients.

Our residents perform a variety of procedures and interact one-on-one with the teaching faculty. They lead their teams and achieve progressive independence in patient management and procedural skills.

The majority of our residents go on to subspecialty training, as evidenced by our high fellowship placement rate. Those interested in primary care or hospital medicine are prepared for a successful career in medicine. They are guided further to develop themselves in the fields of education, research, administration, information technology, quality and patient safety, and other areas related to the field of medicine.

I strongly believe in respecting our students and residents as adults and providing learning environments that are stimulating enough for growth but not uncomfortable. I am also a strong advocate for resident well-being, and we have built a comprehensive wellness program to support our residents. Akron General offers each of its residents a learning environment that is academically challenging and personally rewarding. We will provide you with the skills to become an excellent physician, no matter what field you choose.

I encourage you to review the information on our website. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you during the interview season.

Amit Diwakar, MD, MEd
Program Director
330.344.1543
diwakaa@ccf.org

Tina Castle
Program Manager
330.344.4126
castlet2@ccf.org

Taylor Hart, MEd
Program Manager
330.344.2098
hartt3@ccf.org

Resident Life

A Day in the Life of an IM Resident at Cleveland Clinic Akron General

- Vasu Gupta, MD (PGY-2)

I wake up at the crack of dawn, 4:45 AM precisely. The world outside is still asleep as I shuffle to the kitchen, the comforting hum of the coffee maker signaling the start of another day. As the rich aroma fills the air, I begin my morning routine, gearing up for what lies ahead.

Arriving at work by 5:45 AM, I am met with warm smiles from the night crew, their relief palpable as they prepare to head home. There's a sense of camaraderie in these early hours, knowing we're all in this together.

By 6:30, it's time for a much-needed caffeine boost and breakfast run, usually to Panera or the cafeteria, grabbing fuel for the day ahead. The morning kicks off with chart reviews from 6:45 to 8, a flurry of activity as we ensure everything is in order.

I get ready to pre-rounds on my patients at 8, and it's all hands-on deck as we prepare to join the larger team for rounds at 9! It's a dynamic environment, with attending physician, pharmacy colleagues, and sharp medical students all contributing their expertise.

Rounds themselves last until 11:45, a comprehensive overview of our patients' statuses and treatment plans. Lunch is a welcome break, a chance to refuel both body and mind as I dive into the noon conference from 12 to 1.

The noon conference proves to be captivating, with lectures and activities that leave me eager to learn more. Returning to the lounge, it's time to tackle orders, complete notes, and discharge patients.

After another essential cup of coffee to combat the mid-afternoon slump, it's time for the second rounds at 3 PM. These rounds offer not only the opportunity for follow-up but also mini-didactics, ensuring continuous learning throughout the day.

As the day winds down, there's a chance to settle in, sharing laughs and camaraderie with colleagues before preparing to hand over to the night team. Efficient sign-outs at 5 PM pave the way for a brief moment to chat with the incoming crew, sharing insights and updates before finally heading home, ready to rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.

CCAG Internal Medicine Residency Experience

Over the past few years, my residency has filled me with immense gratitude for the opportunity to help others in their most vulnerable moments. At the start of my journey there was momentary self-doubt, but through repeated encounters with various disease processes and encouragement from my peers and faculty, my confidence grew. I have also been fortunate to share my knowledge and life experiences with junior residents and students, knowing that my guidance has been invaluable to their development. Whether teaching the management of diabetic ketoacidosis, the placement of a central line, or simply how to make chimichurri for our countless BBQs, these experiences have helped me grow as a person and have led to increased trust and responsibility. Though I was away from my family, I found solace and camaraderie among my fellow residents. I will fondly remember staying behind for an hour or two to relax with my peers in the resident lounge—a testament to the great culture we shared and one of the many things I will miss when I leave.

- Andrei Hastings, MD (Class of 2024)

When looking back at my residency experience, the one theme that keeps coming back is community. The community of wide-eyed interns with whom I started residency in the early days of the pandemic. The community formed in a particularly difficult night shift or resuscitation attempt. The community of well-rounded physicians with whom I graduated. If it wasn't for the people around me, the people that the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Internal Medicine Residency introduced me to, I am certain I would not be the physician I am today. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

- Jason Close, MD (Class of 2023)

Resident Wellbeing

At Cleveland Clinic Akron General, we strongly believe that resident wellbeing is essential for effective learning. Akron General is really a unique community where the residency cohorts become like family. Rooted in our supportive and inclusive culture, we foster community in every aspect of our residents’ experience.

We ensure our residents have activities and resources to help support their physical and mental wellness. There are multiple events throughout the year that contribute to the morale of the residents. We support our residents everyday but especially on ‘Resident Appreciation Day,’ residents find themselves spoiled with activities and giveaways. The GME Office and the Medical Staff Department hosts an annual ‘Resident Fun Day’ where the residents are excused from clinical duties for a day of fun and activities usually at an offsite location. This opportunity offers the residents a chance to relax and get to know each other in a social environment.

Throughout the academic year, there are small wellness conferences and educational sessions to educate residents on the importance of work-life balance, sleep deprivation, fatigue management, financial lessons and to offer opportunities to enjoy fun activities with colleagues.

Every year, one of the PGY3 residents is nominated as a ‘Wellness Chief.’ This role has a large impact and is a huge support for the residents. There may even be designated time for interacting with the Wellness Chief outside of work shifts. This chief helps to plan and put on wellness events for the residency.

Meet the 2025-2026 Wellness Chief

Fatima Abdulle, MD

Clinical Rotations

Preliminary

Rotation	Duration
Inpatient Medicine	20 weeks
Electives	~14 weeks
MICU	4 weeks
CVICU	4 weeks
MICU Nights	4 weeks
Emergency Medicine	4 weeks
Research	1 week

PGY – 1

Rotation	Duration
Inpatient Medicine	20 weeks
Continuity Clinic	12 weeks
MICU	4 weeks
CVICU	4 weeks
MICU Nights	4 weeks
Electives	~8 weeks
Research	1 week

PGY – 2

Rotation	Duration
Inpatient Medicine	4 weeks
Continuity Clinic	12 weeks
MICU	4 weeks
MICU Nights	4 weeks
Night Float	4 weeks
Electives	~18 weeks
Away Rotation (optional)	4 weeks

PGY – 3

Rotation	Duration
Inpatient Medicine	8 weeks
Continuity Clinic	12 weeks
CVICU	4 weeks
Night Float	4 weeks
Emergency Medicine	4 weeks
Geriatrics	2 weeks
Neurology	4 weeks
Electives	~14 weeks

Teaching Faculty

Allergy

• Pazhanisamy Amudha, DO
• Bela Faltay, MD
• Anuja Kapil, MD
• Anushka Khaira, DO
• Dylan Timberlake, MD

Cardiology

• David Cutler, MD
• Deepakraj Gajanana, MD
• Anubhav Garg, MD
• David Hedrick, MD
• Vinayak Hegde, MD
• Aditya Hendrani, MD
• Indiresha Iyer, MD
• Anmar Kanaan, MD
• Zenab Laiq, MD
• Yassar Nabeel, MD
• Vinay Pai, MD
• Robert Schweikert, MD
• Khaled Sleik, MD
• Sergey Vitebskiy, MD
• Faisal Matto, MD

Dermatology

• Valerie Fuller, DO
• Angela Funovits, MD
• Jacqueline Graham, MD
• James Libecco, MD
• Eliot Mostow, MD
• Raj Patel, MD
• Jennifer Popovsky, MD

Endocrinology

• Daniela Ciltea, MD
• Nicole Dombroski, DO
• Kevin Miller, MD
• Michael Morocco, MD
• Yassin Mustafa, MD

Gastroenterology

• Faris El-Khider, MD
• Adbdulfatah Issak, MD
• Meredythe McNally, MD
• Jeffrey Neher, MD

General Internal Medicine

• Carrie Caruso, MD
• Daniel Chapa, MD
• Muhammad Husnain, MD, M.Ed.
• Eric Karr, DO
• Peter Kunze, MD
• Shawn Lotfian, MD
• Tala dela Paz, MD
• Eugene Pfister, MD
• Simranjot Sahota, MD
• Jeffrey Solomon, MD
• Alan Wiggers, DO

Geriatrics

• Kathleen Rogers, MD
• Fangfei Xiao, DO

Hematology/Oncology

• Weiquan Lu, MD
• Laurie Matt-Amaral, MD
• Judy Peih-Ying Tsai, MD
• Sirisha Perumandla, MD
• Santosh Rao, MD
• Guy Tillinghast, MD

Hospital Medicine

• Doris Nguyen, MD
• Ifijen Oleghe, MD
• Kavitha Subramanian, MD
• Chaitanya Valluri, MD
• Christine Wang, DO

Infectious Diseases

• Donald Dumford III, MD
• Dhatri Kotekal, DO
• Anthony Leung, DO
• Kasturi Shrestha, MD
• David Watkins, MD
• Ken Wong, MD

Nephrology

• Darryl Anderson, MD
• Valeria Jorge Cabrera, MD
• Andrew Chiao, DO
• Jayaprakash Dasari, MD
• Datinder Deo, MD
• Charina Gayomali, MD
• Michael George, MD
• Thomas Kayani, MD
• Rajat Maheshwari, MD
• Vinh Nguyen, MD
• Mansumeet Singh, MD
• Tom Tan, MD
• Olga Voroshilova, MD

Neurology

• Samer Abubakr, MD
• Mohammad Ahmad, MD
• Adam Barron, MD
• Brittany Bolt, MD
• Bing Yu Chen, MD
• Dhimant Dani, MD
• Joao Gomes, MD
• Shweta Goswami, MD
• Catherine Hassett, DO
• Sidonie Ibrikji, MD
• Ahmed Itrat, MD
• Gwen Lynch, MD
• Yousef Mohammad, MD 
• Santosh Ramanathan, MD
• Andrew Russman, MD
• Vivek Sabharwal, MD
• Ted Weissfeld, MD

Obesity Medicine

• Shweta Diwakar, MD

Otolaryngology

• Cassie Carney, DO
• Bruce Sterman, MD

Palliative Care

• Molly Scantling, MD

Pharmacology

• Melanie Boros, PharmD
• Larry Frazee, PharmD
• Patrick Gallegos, PharmD

Pulmonary and Critical Care

• Marcela Azevedo, MD
• Anthony Cucci, MD
• Donald Decoy, MD
• Amit Diwakar, MD
• Sarah Duda, MD
• Andrew Garrow, MD
• Randall Harris, MD
• Ahmed Hussein, MD
• Hussein Hussein, MD
• Zachary Jerusalem, MD
• Sany Kumar, MD
• Julia Lantry, MD
• Anas Marii, MD
• Abdelaziz Mohamed, MD
• Mohamed Mohamed, MD
• Kenneth Mueller, DO
• Michael Passero, Jr., MD
• Rachel Powers, DO
• Vimala Rapaka, MD
• Alan Rudick, DO
• Michael Smith, MD
• Mona Turakhia, MD
• Elizabeth Verghese, MD
• Lokesh Venkateshaiah, MD
• Samuel Wiles, MD

Rheumatology

• Nikita Hegde, MD
• Niharika Sharma, MD

Current Residents

PGY-1

Mariam Asif, MD
Allama Iqbal Medical College, Pakistan

Girahnaz Baloch, MD
Bolan Medical College, Pakistan

Rakshita Ramesh Bhat, MD
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, India

Manjeet Goyal, MD
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, India

Aakanksha Gupta, MD
Dayanand Medical College, India

Cassandra Holub, DO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania

Emma Humphrey, DO
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

FNU Inaara, MD
Aga Khan University Medical College, Pakistan

Alec Ingros, DO
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Saroj Jha, MD*
Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Nepal

Chanchal Maheshwari, MD
Karachi Medical and Dental College, Pakistan

Obumneme Okoro, MD*
Nnamdi Azikiwe University College of Health Sciences, Nigeria

Charlotte Purnode, DO
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Thomas Serowik, DO
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Balambika Somu Iyyappan, MD
Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, India

*Preliminary Residents

PGY-2

Akram Abushamma, MD
Medical School: National Ribat University College of Medicine, Sudan

FNU Anamika, MD
Medical School: University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, India

Kirti Arora, MD
Medical School: Dayanand Medical College, India

Sakshi Dixit, MD
Medical School: Government Medical College Patiala, India

Astha Guliani, MD
Medical School: Pt. B.D.S. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, India

Muhannad Haddadin, MD
Medical School: University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine, Jordan

David Ibrahim, DO*
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan

Deeven Karki, MD
Medical School: Nepal Medical College, Nepal

Adeel Ahmad Khan, MD
Medical School: Nishtar Medical College and Hospital, Pakistan

Nino Kovaljesko, MD
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University, Ohio

Rachel McNulty, DO
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Biyas Thapa, MD
Medical School: Rangpur Medical College, Bangladesh

*Preliminary Residents

PGY-3

Fatima Abdulle, MD
Medical School: Near East University Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus

Ahmed Abushamma, MD
Medical School: University of Medical Sciences & Technology Faculty of Medicine (UMST), Sudan

Emily Cohen, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Heloni Dave, MD
Medical School: Medical College Baroda, India

Theresia Davita, MD
Medical School: Universitas Pelita Harapan Fakultas Kedokteran, Indonesia

Ali Ejaz, MD
Medical School: Lahore Medical College, Pakistan

Vasu Gupta, MD
Medical School: Dayanand Medical College, India

Daniel Pastel, MD
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Ohio

Suchi Shah, MD
Medical School: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Medical Education Trust Medical College and S.B.K.S. Medical Institute and Research Centre, India

Bana Shawareb, MD
Medical School: University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine, Jordan

Taylor Tharp, DO
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Rita Marie Zak, MD
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Ohio

Mohammad Zeineddine, MD
Medical School: American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Lebanon

Chief Residents

Andrew Ackerman, DO
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Gwendolyn Kuzmishin, DO
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Simulation

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic Akron General places a strong emphasis on simulation-based learning as a core element of resident education. This commitment stems from the central role our residents play in delivering high-acuity care in the Medical and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units, as well as the expanding use of bedside ultrasound on the general medical floors. Our comprehensive simulation curriculum is designed not only to develop technical proficiency but also to prepare residents to confidently navigate complex clinical scenarios and emergencies, where procedural skills and sound clinical judgment are essential.

Residents train in a fully equipped, on-site Simulation Center that offers a wide array of mannequins and task trainers for procedural skill development. These tools provide hands-on experience with core internal medicine procedures, including central and arterial line placement, thoracentesis, paracentesis, lumbar puncture, and endotracheal intubation. High-fidelity mannequins are also used to recreate realistic clinical scenarios, allowing residents to integrate procedural techniques with clinical reasoning. Residents regularly participate in simulation sessions focused on arrhythmia recognition, code management, and the treatment of various shock states. Those with an interest in airway management can take part in additional sessions to practice techniques for challenging airway situations. To further broaden their experience, residents also rotate through nearby simulation centers, gaining exposure to different teaching environments and approaches that reinforce and expand their skills.

Residents also engage in a structured Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum that spans the academic year. Through hands-on sessions with standardized patients, they develop competency in bedside echocardiography, lung ultrasound, and venous assessments. Skills that we recognize are becoming increasingly essential to hospitalists’ practice.

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Scholarly Activity

Research

The Internal Medicine residency program has adopted an interdisciplinary approach to advancing medical science through research and scholarly activity. Supported by the Department of Health Sciences, the residency provides guidance on developing research proposals, quality improvement initiatives, case reports, abstracts, posters, presentations, and manuscripts.

Residents are allocated dedicated time and expected to participate in research and scholarly activity under the mentorship of Clinical Faculty and a Health Scientist, Biostatistician, and Librarian.

Additionally, residents have access to research grants and funding for expenses related to attending and presenting at scientific conferences. Each year, residents present their scholarly work at national, state, regional, and local meetings and publish their work in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

At a minimum, residents are required to complete the following during their time in residency:

• PGY-1: Develop and present a Mini-Clinicopathological case report
• PGY-2: Participate in a quality improvement project
• PGY-3: Develop and present a Clinicopathological Conference case report

Participation in research and scholarly activity has proven crucial in securing highly successful fellowship placements year after year.

For more information about resident research in the Department of Internal Medicine, please contact:

Adina Brett-Morris, PhD
Health Scientist
330.217.0609
bretta2@ccf.org

Quality improvement initiatives

In response to the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Internal Medicine Residency Program is proud to announce the integration of a comprehensive Quality Improvement (QI) curriculum within its Internal Medicine Center of Akron clinic setting. This innovative initiative aims to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, equipping residents with essential skills to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and foster a proactive approach to addressing systemic challenges.

Central to the curriculum is the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Residents will work closely with their clinic cohort attending to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions. By leveraging collective expertise and perspectives, residents will develop a holistic understanding of healthcare delivery and its complexities.

As part of the curriculum, residents will have the opportunity to lead QI projects within their respective clinic cohorts, empowering them to drive meaningful change and contribute to the advancement of healthcare quality. Additionally, faculty mentors will provide guidance and support throughout the process, fostering professional growth and development.

Enhanced patient safety curriculum

We are excited to launch a revamped Patient Safety Curriculum for our second-year Internal Medicine residents. This curriculum is designed to enhance their ability to manage safety events confidently and meticulously. Aligned with the ACGME's patient safety milestones, it blends online learning, immersive workshops, and real-world problem-solving.

The program begins with an interactive online module where residents explore patient safety fundamentals, including types of safety errors, reporting mechanisms, and systemic factors. This foundation paves the way for a hands-on mini workshop, where tools like fishbone diagrams and root cause analysis come to life, sharpening analytical skills and preparing residents to lead safety initiatives.

The curriculum culminates with the Patient Safety Case Conference, where residents, guided by faculty, apply their skills in detailed case analyses. They demonstrate proficiency in identifying, analyzing, dissecting, and strategizing resolutions to safety events. With continuous feedback and rigorous evaluations, our curriculum transcends traditional learning—it transforms, reinforces our commitment to safety, and cultivates a proactive culture among future healthcare leaders. Join us in prioritizing patient safety at the forefront of medical education.

Learning and Teaching in Medicine (LTM) curriculum

We proudly offer the Learning and Teaching in Medicine (LTM) curriculum, initiated in 2023, designed to empower our internal medicine residents as skilled teachers and lifelong learners. This innovative program sharpens teaching abilities and fosters continuous learning, ensuring our residents excel as clinicians and teachers.

The LTM curriculum is a comprehensive journey grounded in team-based learning (TBL). It includes monthly noon conferences from September to June led by our expert faculty and dedicated LTM team. Our team meticulously designs these sessions to include pre-class preparation, comprehensive readiness assurance tests, and dynamic, application-focused activities.

This structured approach ensures our residents are excellently prepared to teach effectively and engage deeply with their learning, enhancing their confidence and competence. By the end of their residency, our residents will have advanced teaching and learning strategies skills, excel in delivering and receiving feedback, utilize evidence-based practices, and foster a safe and supportive clinical learning environment.

We have received an extremely positive response in the first year of the LTM curriculum. Here, we do more than train skilled clinicians; we are dedicated to cultivating future leaders in medical education who inspire and lead by example. Join us on this transformative educational journey, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medicine through excellence in teaching and learning.

Educational Tracks

Clinician-Educator Track (CET)

Unlock your potential as a future medical educator with the Clinician-Educator Track at Cleveland Clinic Akron General (CCAG).

Are you driven by a passion for teaching? Do you envision yourself at the forefront of medical education in the future? Dive into the Clinician-Educator Track (CET) at CCAG, where your journey to becoming an influential teaching physician begins.

Why choose the CET program at CCAG?

Launched in the 2022-2023 academic year, our innovative two-and-a-half-year track is crafted specifically for internal medicine categorical residents who are destined to lead and teach. Starting in the second half of your internship year, we welcome two driven categorical interns after a competitive selection process from within the intern cohort. This exclusive pathway enhances your medical training and culminates in a distinguished CET certificate upon your residency completion.

What sets our program apart?

In the United States, an increasing number of residency programs recognize the value of clinician-educator pathways. Our CET curriculum at CCAG stands out by centering on adult learning principles and practical teaching tools that promise to prepare you thoroughly for roles in medical education.

Experience and learn:

• Hands-on Teaching: Directly deliver lectures, facilitate team-based learning sessions, and lead educational activities across various clinical settings.
• Skill Development: Hone your abilities in curriculum development, utilizing effective feedback tools, understanding emotional intelligence, and cultivating leadership skills.
• Portfolio Building: Craft a robust educational portfolio showcasing your comprehensive skills and experiences in undergraduate (UME) and graduate medical education (GME).

The outcome of your journey

By the end of the CET program, you’ll have mastered adult learning theories, effective teaching strategies, evidence-based clinical diagnosis, and advanced clinical reasoning. You’ll be equipped to develop, implement, assess, and enhance medical curricula. Moreover, you’ll excel in providing and receiving constructive feedback. Our inaugural cohort of CET trainees will graduate in 2025, ready to redefine medical education and patient care.

Are you ready to shape the future?

Join us at CCAG and step into a role that transcends the traditional—become a clinician-educator who not only teaches but transforms medical education and patient outcomes.

Clinical Informatics Track (CIT)

The Internal Medicine Residency program at CCAG is starting a Clinical Informatics track for the 2024-2025 academic year, intended for residents with a special interest in the evolving world of clinical informatics. This track is created in collaboration and with the support of Dr. David Kaelber, MD, PhD, MPH, Chief Health Informatics Officer/VP of Health Informatics and Patient Engagement Technologies and the Case Western Reserve University Clinical Informatics Fellowship Program Director.

From aspiring informatics fellows to those who want to learn how to use the Epic electronic health record (EHR) more efficiently in their everyday practice, this track will further their knowledge of clinical informatics.

Clinical informatics is a fast-growing field that is becoming increasingly integral to physician practice. Participants will serve as a conduit of information from frontline residents to the clinical informatics team and vice versa, voicing concerns from practicing residents to the clinical informatics team and raising awareness about new EHR and other health information technology features and functions, changes in practice, downtime, and other relevant developments.

Residents will improve their efficiency with the EHR via training modules, badges and certificates that will help them in their day-to-day work and improving their marketability for the future. They will be go-to sources for their fellow residents for any Epic or other clinical informatics related questions. Experience through the Clinical Informatics track will serve as initial exposure to the field of clinical informatics for those who think they may be interested in eventual clinical informatics fellowship.

Career Support

Our residency program is deeply committed to supporting residents in achieving their long-term professional goals. A cornerstone of this commitment is our annual Career Event, where residents engage with faculty, program alumni, and leaders from a range of medical subspecialties. This event provides structured opportunities for networking, learning about diverse career paths, and exploring fellowship options.

Throughout training, residents participate in individualized career meetings with program leadership. These sessions help identify interests early, track professional growth, and ensure timely support with CV development, personal statements, and interview preparation.

Integrated into our educational framework is the Learning and Teaching in Medicine Curriculum, which equips residents with essential skills in clinical education, bedside teaching, feedback delivery, and small group facilitation. This curriculum is designed to prepare future clinician-educators and foster excellence in teaching.

For residents pursuing subspecialty training, we provide structured fellowship application guidance and timelines, including mock interviews, letter-writing workshops, and mentorship pairings with faculty who have successfully navigated the process.

A strong mentorship and advising structure ensures that every resident is paired with a faculty advisor early in training. These relationships provide longitudinal support for both professional and personal development. Residents also have access to specialty-specific mentors for more targeted career planning.

Our residents benefit from the involvement with NEOMED (Northeast Ohio Medical University) as they gain academic appointments, further enhancing opportunities for scholarly collaboration, teaching, and academic advancement. This connection fosters an enriching environment where residents contribute meaningfully to undergraduate medical education and pursue academic medicine pathways.

Alumni

2025 Graduates

Preliminary alumni*

Name	Program	Location
Andrew Ackerman, DO	Chief Residency of Internal Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Wesam Aleyadeh, MD	Hepatology Fellowship	National Institute of Health (NIH)
Nicole Buturla, DO*	Dermatology Residency	University Hospitals
Loai Dweik, MD	Nephrology Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Gwendolyn Kuzmishin, DO	Chief Residency of Internal Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Ragavi Lanka, MD	Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship	Maine Medical Center
Guy Leonard, DO	Hospitalist	Northeast Ohio
Olga Lytvynova, MD	Bone Marrow Transplant Fellowship	University Hospitals
Rohan Prasad, MD	Hospitalist	Cleveland Clinic (Main Campus, Marymount and Medina Hospital)
Pratik Rath, MD	ICU Hospitalist	Prisma Health
Judson Sprandel, DO	Hospitalist	Northeast Ohio
Raj Jessica Thomas, DO	IBD and Nutrition Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Ravi Tummala, MD*	Neurology Residency	Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Jashanjit Turka, MD	Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
David Vavrinak-Davis, DO	Hospitalist	AdventHealth in Port Charlotte

2024 Graduates

Name	Program	Location
Hussein Awada, MD	Hematology and Oncology Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Bijal Desai, MD	Diagnostic Radiology Residency	The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Andrei Hastings, MD	Associate Medical Director and Hospitalist	AdventHealth Lake Wales
Rajshri Joshi, DO	Infectious Disease Fellowship	University of South Florida
Raveena Kelkar, MD	Hospitalist	TUFTS Medical Center
Rachel King, DO	Hospitalist	Jackson North Medical Center
Ashish Kumar Umesh, MD	Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship	Mayo Clinic
Rahul Prasad, MD	Hospitalist	Northeast Ohio
Faris Shweikeh, MD	Hospitalist	Adventist Health Central Coast
Salam Taraben, MD	Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency	Cleveland Clinic
Venkat Tondapu, MD	Chief Resident	Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Revanth Yendamuri, MD	Infectious Disease Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Yuhao Zeng, MD	Hospitalist	Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian

2023 Graduates

Name	Program	Location
Olayinka Adebolu, MD	Hospitalist	Einstein Medical Center
Muhammad Ali, MD	Oncology Hospitalist/Assistant Professor	Medical College of Wisconsin
Nishad Barve, MD	Hospitalist	Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital
Jason Close, MD	Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship	Summa Health
Nathaniel Gilbert, MD	Rheumatology Fellowship	University of Toledo
David Gonzalez, DO	Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine	Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Abhilash Marakini, MD	Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Mark Metry, DO	Endocrinology Fellowship	West Virginia University
Anjali Nidhaan, MD	Rheumatology Fellowship	Prisma Health/University of South Carolina
Palak Rath, MD	Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship	University of Buffalo
Sterling Shriber, MD	Emergency Medicine Residency	Summa Health
Radisa Tosanovic, DO	Cardiology Fellowship	Aultman Hospital
Rabia Ziulfiqar, MD	Endocrinoloy Fellowship	University of Cincinnati

2022 Graduates

Name	Program	Location
Pranav Bollavaram, MD	Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency	The Ohio State University
Olivia Hallas, DO	Radiology Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Puneet Kang, MD	Internal Medicine Residency	University Hospitals/Case Western
Shubham Adroja, MD	Hematology Oncology Fellowship	Houston Methodist
Anas Alameh, MD	Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship	MetroHealth
Hanad Bashir, MD	Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship	The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati
Alyssa Carvalho, MD	Endocrinology Fellowship	Washington University School of Medicine
Ansaam Daoud, MD	Rheumatology Fellowship	University Hospitals/Case Western
Samer Gobreial, DO	Hospitalist	Ohio Health
Andrew Goldblum, DO	Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation	University of Missouri
Disha Peterson, DO	Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship	Mayo Clinic
Nicole Mae Lao, MD	Hospitalist	Medical College of Wisconsin
Joseph Lim, MD	Critical Care Fellowship	Medical College of Wisconsin
Gauranga Mahalwar, MD	Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Physician	Cleveland Clinic
Tanya Marshall, MD	Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship	Allegheny General Hospital
Sujith Modugula, DO	Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship	Allegheny General Hospital
Neha Sharma, MD	Clinical Assistant Professor	University of Texas Health Science Center

2021 Graduates

Name	Program	Location
Batool Abuhalimeh	Vascular Medicine Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Hamzah Alfahel, MD	Primary Care Fellowship	PeaceHealth Medical Center
Yazan Alhalalmeh, MD	Endocrinology Fellowship	Ohio State University
Hassan Awada, MD	Hematology and Oncology Fellowship	University of Buffalo/Rosewell Park Cancer Center
Tajinder Bajwa, MD	Hospitalist	Kaiser Permanente
Ming Han Cha, MD	Hospitalist	Southside Regional Medical Center,
Michael Khabbaza, DO	Primary Care Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Phuong Nguyen, DO	PM&R	Montefiore Medical Center
Modupe Oladele, MD	Anesthesiology Fellowship	Montefiore Medical Center
Saher Khalid, MD	Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine	University of Arizona
Rachel Powers, DO	Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Michaela Randall, MD	Anesthesia Fellowship	University of Nebraska
Yeshwanter Radhakrishnan, MD	Nephrology Fellowship	Mayo Clinic
Rami Sabri, MD	Hospitalist	Ashtabula Regional Medical Center
Rashi Sandooja, MD	Endocrinology Fellowship	Mayo Clinic
Christopher Yurosko, DO	Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic

2020 Graduates

Name	Program	Location
Ja’far Alzu’bi, MD	Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship	Albert Einstein Medical Center
Tarik Atassi, DO	Hospitalist/Nocturnist	MetroHealth
Alibel Bello, MD	Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Yashu Dhamija, MD	Allergy/Immunology Fellowship	The University of Cincinnati
Ahmad Jabri, MD	Cardiovascular Fellowship	MetroHealth
Taylor Kann, DO	Rheumatology Fellowship	Florida
Monisha Kumar, MD	EndocrinologyFellowship	Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Colin McLaughlin, MD	Hospital Medicine Inpatient Physician	Avon Hospital
Jean Mutambuze, MD	Radiology Fellowship	Case Western
Joanna Peng, MD	Anesthesiology Fellowship	University of Chicago
Kurian Pannikottu, MD	Cardiology Fellowship	Garden City Hospital
Rachel Powers, DO	Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship	Cleveland Clinic
Elizabeth Verghese, MD	Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship	MetroHealth

Application

Eligibility and selection of residents

We appreciate your interest in Cleveland Clinic Akron General and hope that we've provided you with the information you need to choose the residency program that best suits your needs. Akron General is able to offer an exceptional medical education experience because of our knowledgeable and hard-working staff.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General is recognized regionally and within Ohio for its expertise and care. We maintain a standard of excellence that promises nothing but the best care for our patients and therefore, nothing but the best education for our medical students and residents.

Application process

• Residency applications and the additional items below must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
• Application Deadline: Mid-September (exact date changes yearly)
• Interview Dates: October to January (exact date changes yearly)
• Expected Program Length: Three years

Application consists of:

• Medical School Academic Transcript
• USMLE 1&2: Minimum 1st pass rate or competitive scores
• COMLEX 1&2: Minimum 1st pass rate or competitive scores
• Must have successfully completed USMLE Step I, Step II and/or Comlex 1 and Level 2 prior to Rank List deadline
• Three LOR's
• Dean's Letter/MSPE

All information must be submitted through ERAS before an application can be reviewed. Interviews are by invitation. If you have been selected to interview, we will reach out to you by email and/or online scheduling software using the contact information you have provided.

We strongly consider applicants who signal our program. We also consider applicants with a geographic preference for this area.

International applicants

Important information for international medical graduate applicants:

• Applicant must be ECFMG certified before NRMP Rank Order List deadline
• Must have successfully completed USMLE Step I, Step II and/or Comlex Level 1 and Level 2 prior to Rank List deadline
• H1-B and J-1 Visas are accepted

We cannot check the individual status of each application. Once you have applied via ERAS, you will be contacted within two to three weeks if you have been selected for an interview. Due to the number of applicants, we cannot send letters of regret if you are not selected for an interview.

Interested in rotating?

Please visit Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s Elective Rotation Information Page.

Benefits

Resident benefits and wellness support

Our residency program is committed to supporting the professional growth and personal well-being of our residents. We offer a generous educational package that includes an educational allowance, board review allowance, food stipend, and travel funds. Additionally, residents receive ample time off each academic year, with full support for time away to attend conferences, board exams, interviews, and review courses.

Comprehensive health benefits

Medical insurance is provided through Aetna and includes 100% coverage for preventive care. A variety of plan options are available to accommodate individual and family needs. Coverage also includes a prescription drug benefit available at all Cleveland Clinic and CVS Pharmacy locations. Dental coverage is offered through Cigna, and vision insurance is available through EyeMed. Residents may also take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help manage out-of-pocket expenses.

Financial and leave support

Residents are covered by Cleveland Clinic’s Disability and Life Insurance policies and have access to a 401(k) retirement plan through Fidelity Investments. Maternity and parental leave are available to all full-time caregivers beginning on the date of hire. Mothers receive 100% paid maternity leave for 8 weeks following childbirth, and all parents receive 100% paid parental leave for 4 weeks following the birth or adoption of a child.

On-site amenities and wellness resources

Free on-site parking is available to all residents. White coats and scrubs are provided, with laundering services conveniently available on site. Scrubs are stocked and accessible throughout the hospital.

To promote physical and mental wellness, residents receive complimentary memberships to our world-class Cleveland Clinic Health and Wellness Centers. In addition, our "Caring for Caregivers" program offers access to confidential behavioral health support, counseling services, and a variety of wellness resources to ensure a healthy work-life balance.