Internal Medicine Residency Program

About Us

The Cleveland Clinic Akron General 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.
• Subspecialty/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.

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

Cleveland Clinic Akron General is a 532-registered-bed teaching and research medical center in downtown Akron. The health system also includes several ambulatory care and wellness centers, emergency departments, Lodi hospital (a critical access hospital), and a rehabilitation center. We serve as a referral center in this area for higher-level care. Cleveland Clinic Akron General is recognized regionally and within Ohio for its expertise and care. We offer a comprehensive list of medical and surgical services. Our residents are exposed to a wide variety of illnesses and pathology, thus making us an ideal center for learning clinical medicine and fertile grounds for research and scholarly activities.

Training facilities include:

• 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 Akron General 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. 

Educational curriculums and 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 as Teachers: Our residents receive a formal appointment as Clinical Instructors of Internal Medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. They routinely work with medical students and are actively engaged in activities to enhance their teaching skills.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum: This curriculum was started in 2023-2024 with the purpose of creating and expanding a learning opportunity for residents to advance their knowledge of DEI in healthcare and to better serve patients. Through this curriculum, residents will teach and learn about health care disparities and how they can play a part as a medical professional.

Explore the Learning and Teaching in Medicine (LTM) curriculum at Cleveland Clinic Akron General

At Cleveland Clinic Akron General, 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 & 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. At Cleveland Clinic Akron General, 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.

Check out the latest on Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s Facebook page.

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.

Sincerely,

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

Jennifer Hayes
Program Manager
330.344.6140
hayesj2@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 – PGY2

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.

The CCAG Internal Medicine Residency Experience

Andrei Hastings, MD – Class of 2024

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.

Jason Close, MD – Class of 2023

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.

Resident Wellness

At Cleveland Clinic Akron General, we strongly believe that resident wellness is essential for effective learning. We ensure our residents have activities and resources to help support their physical and mental wellness. We provide gym memberships to our world-class health and wellness centers. Residents have access to the Caring for Caregivers program, which offers access to behavioral health counselors and resources. We also host annual retreats and events throughout the year. In addition, Cleveland Clinic’s GME Department hosts “Resident Appreciation Day” every year with activities and giveaways.

The Internal Medicine Residency Wellness Curriculum provides sessions during the academic year to educate residents on the importance of work-life balance and to offer opportunities to enjoy fun activities with colleagues. These include:

• Yoga, narrative medicine writing workshops, meditation, and holiday celebrations
• Didactics on topics such as mindfulness, resiliency training, managing energy, work-life balance, nutrition, fatigue management, and finances
• Grief and bereavement discussions facilitated by our palliative care team

Resident Fun Day

Each year, Cleveland Clinic’s GME and Medical Staff Departments hosts a Fun Day Retreat where residents are excused from clinical duties for an afternoon of fun and activities. This opportunity offers the residents a chance to relax and get to know each other in a more social setting.

Resident Wellness

1 of 9

• Resident Holiday Gift Exchange 2023.

• Career Event 2023 at Michael Angelos with a panel of alumni as guest speakers.

• Department of Medicine Holiday Party 2023 at Firestone Country Club.

• Resident Picnic and Potluck in the Metroparks 2024.

• Group of residents enjoying a Cleveland Guardians game.

• Solar Eclipse Watch Party from CCAG parking deck 2024.

• Residents and physicians playing a game of cricket with family at the Spring Picnic 2024.

• Thank a Resident Day 2024.

• Department of Medicine supplying a Hot Cocoa Bar for residents and faculty 2023.

Clinical Rotations

Preliminary

• Inpatient Medicine: 20 weeks
• Electives: approx. 14 weeks
• MICU: 4 weeks
• CVICU: 4 weeks
• MICU Nights: 4 weeks
• Emergency Medicine: 4 weeks
• Research: 1 week, another week can be requested if needed

PGY – 1

• Inpatient Medicine: 20 weeks
• Continuity Clinic: 12 weeks
• MICU: 4 weeks
• CVICU: 4 weeks
• MICU Nights: 4 weeks
• Electives: approx. 8 weeks
• Research: 1 week, another can be requested if needed

PGY – 2

• Inpatient Medicine: 4 weeks
• Continuity Clinic: 12 weeks
• MICU: 4 weeks
• MICU Nights: 4 weeks
• Night Float: 4 weeks
• Electives: approx. 18 weeks
• Away Rotation (optional): 4 weeks

PGY – 3

• 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: approx. 14 weeks

Teaching Faculty

Allergy

• Bela Faltay, MD
• Anuja Kapil, MD
• Jeanette Kubicki, CNS
• 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
• George Litman, MD
• Yassar Nabeel, MD
• Vinay Pai, MD
• Negar Salehi, MD
• Robert Schweikert, MD
• Khaled Sleik, MD
• Sergey Vitebskiy, MD
• Faisal Matto, MD

Critical Care

• Jorge Bleik Ataucuri Vargas, MD
• 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
• Abdelaziz Mohamed, MD
• Michael Passero, MD
• Alan Rudick, DO
• Mona Turakhia, MD
• Lokesh Venkateshaiah, MD
• Samuel Wiles, MD

Dermatology

• Carl Barrick, DO
• 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
• Jeffrey Neher, MD
• Amandeep Singh, MD

General Internal Medicine

• Carrie Caruso, MD
• Daniel Chapa, MD
• Tala dela Paz, MD
• Brian Harte, MD
• Reese Hofstrand, MD
• Muhammad Husnain, MD, M.Ed.
• Peter Kunze, MD
• Matthew Kwon, MD
• Shawn Lotfian, MD
• Pritika Manaktala, 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

Hospice/Palliative

• Pritika Manaktala, MD
• Molly Scantling, MD

Hospital Medicine

• Kavitha Subramanian, MD
• Christine Wang, DO

Infectious Diseases

• Donald Dumford III, MD
• Anthony Leung, DO
• Rajiv Sahni, MD
• Kasturi Shrestha, MD
• Vansha Singh, MD
• Rana Wajahat, MD
• David Watkins, MD
• Ken Wong, MD

Nephrology

• Darryl Anderson, MD
• Andrew Chiao, DO
• Jayaprakash Dasari, MD
• Datinder Deo, MD
• Charina Gayomali, MD
• Thomas Kayani, MD
• Rajat Maheshwari, MD
• Vinh Nguyen, MD
• Pranjal Sharma, MD
• Mansumeet Singh, MD
• Tom Tan, MD
• Olga Voroshilova, MD

Neurology

• Adam Barron, MD
• Dhimant Dani, MD
• Abeer Farrag, MD
• Joao Gomes, MD
• Catherine Hassett, DO
• Sidonie Ibrikji, MD
• Ahmed Itrat, MD
• Gwen Lynch, MD
• Yousef Mohammad, MD 
• Santosh Ramanathan
• Carlos Rosales
• Andrew Russman, MD
• Ted Weissfeld, MD

Obesity Medicine

• Malini Desai, MD
• Shweta Diwakar, MD

Pharmacology

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

Pulmonary Medicine

• Anas Al’Khtaeeb, MD
• Jorge Bleik Ataucuri Vargas, MD
• 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
• Ann Leano, MD
• Abdelaziz Mohamed, MD
• Michael Passero, Jr., MD
• Vimala Rapaka, MD
• Alan Rudick, DO
• Mona Turakhia, MD
• Lokesh Venkateshaiah, MD
• Samuel Wiles, MD

Rheumatology

• Nikita Hegde, MD
• Niharika Sharma, MD
• Inderprit Singh, MD

Otolaryngology

• Cassie Carney, DO
• Bruce Sterman, MD

Neurointensivists

• Samer Abubakr, MD
• Vivek Sabharwal, MD

Application

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.

• 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 Satisfactory Scores.
• COMLEX 1&2: Minimum 1st pass rate or Satisfactory Scores.
• Must have successfully completed USMLE Step I, Step II CK and/or Comlex 1 and Level 2 CE prior to Rank List deadline.
• Three LOR's.
• Dean's Letter.

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. 

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 CK and/or Comlex Level 1 and Level 2 CE prior to Rank List deadline.
• H1-B and J-1 Visas are accepted.
• Must have graduated from medical school within the past 5 years.

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.

Current Residents

Meet our Current Internal Medicine Residents

PGY-1

Akram Abushamma, MD

• Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
• Undergraduate: University of the People, Online
• Medical School: National Ribat University College of Medicine, Sudan
• Interests/Hobbies: Open water diving and scuba diving

FNU Anamika, MD

• Hometown: Bhiwani, India
• Medical School: University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Dancing, making Instagram reels, event planning, watching movies, and playing chess

Kirti Arora, MD

• Hometown: Ludhiana, India
• Medical School: Dayanand Medical College, India

Nicole Buturla, DO*

• Hometown: San Fracisco, California
• Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley, California
• Medical School: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine, Arizona
• Interests/Hobbies: Travel planning, Yelp Elite member, and pickle ball

Sakshi Dixit, MD

• Hometown: Jagraon, India
• Medical School: Government Medical College Patiala, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Traveling, organization, dancing, and working out

Astha Guliani, MD

• Hometown: Barrington, Illinois
• Medical School: Pt. B.D.S. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Dance, fashion, dramatics, and literacy

Muhannad Haddadin, MD

• Hometown: Amman, Jordan
• Medical School: University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine, Jordan
• Interests/Hobbies: Soccer

David Ibrahim, DO*

• Hometown: Enschede, Netherlands
• Undergraduate: Oakland University, Michigan
• Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan
• Interests/Hobbies: Cooking and gaming

Deeven Karki, MD

• Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
• Medical School: Nepal Medical College, Nepal
• Interests/Hobbies: Basketball

Adeel Ahmad Khan, MD

• Hometown: Multan, Pakistan
• Medical School: Nishtar Medical College and Hospital, Pakistan
• Interests/Hobbies: Tennis

Nino Kovaljesko, MD

• Hometown: Akron, Ohio
• Undergraduate: University of Akron, Ohio
• Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University, Ohio

Rachel McNulty, DO

• Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
• Undergraduate: The Ohio State University, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio

Daniel Pastel, MD

• Hometown: Garfield Heights, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
• Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Bird watching, paddle boarding, rock climbing, biking, cross-country skiing, board games, camping, hiking, and reading

Biyas Thapa, MD

• Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
• Medical School: Rangpur Medical College, Bangladesh

Ravi Tummala, MD*

• Hometown: Houston, Texas
• Medical School: Narayana Medical College, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Athletics, half-marathon runner, debater, and fencing

*Preliminary Residents

PGY-2

Fatima Abdulle, MD

• Hometown: West London, London
• Medical School: Near East University Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus
• Interests/Hobbies: Massive foodie, loves exploring different culinary cultures, running, hiking, yoga, and photography

Ahmed Abushamma, MD

• Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
• Medical School: University of Medical Sciences & Technology Faculty of Medicine (UMST), Sudan
• Interests/Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, camping and a multitude of sports, interests include languages and literature, humanitarian work, and travel

Sushmitha Boppana, MD

• Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
• Undergraduate: University of Akron, Ohio
• Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Painting, journaling, henna art, exploring National Parks, bicycling, and trying new recipes

Emily Cohen, DO

• Hometown: Meadville and Cochranton, Pennsylvania
• Undergraduate: Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
• Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Crocheting, beach glass hunting, baking, horseback riding, learning Japanese, golfing, hunting, and fishing

Heloni Dave, MD

• Hometown: Vadodara, India
• Medical School: Medical College Baroda, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Tennis, gardening, cooking, and traveling

Theresia Davita, MD

• Hometown: Yogyakarta, Indonesia/Somerset, PA
• Medical School: Universitas Pelita Harapan Fakultas Kedokteran, Indonesia
• Interests/Hobbies: Gym, yoga, body pump, body combat, traveling, diving, thrifting, and organizing social events

Ali Ejaz, MD

• Hometown: Multan, Pakistan
• Undergraduate: University of Cambridge, Pakistan
• Medical School: Lahore Medical College, Pakistan
• Interests/Hobbies: Break dancing, close-up parlor-style magic, working out, cooking, video games, and technology

Vasu Gupta, MD

• Hometown: Jalandhar, India
• Medical School: Dayanand Medical College, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Photography, brewing coffee, watching Sci-Fi movies, playing mixed doubles in badminton, swimming, world history, and theories about light and time

Suchi Shah, MD

• Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
• Medical School: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Medical Education Trust Medical College and S.B.K.S. Medical Institute and Research Centre, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Numismatics, hosting dinner parties, experimenting with low-oil recipes, teaching communities of children to skateboard and Bollywood dance, hiking and exploring unknown terrain, and adventure sports

Bana Shawareb, MD

• Hometown: Amman, Jordan
• Medical School: University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine, Jordan
• Interests/Hobbies: Reading, hiking, playing the violin, knitting, watching movies, and baking

Taylor Tharp, DO

• Hometown: Lake Milton, Ohio
• Undergraduate: The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Exploring the underwater world with scuba diving, taking peloton classes with Cody Rigsby and Ally Love, staying active with yoga, snow skiing, and lake surfing, caring for two rescue cats, and making holiday cookies

Rita Marie Zak, MD

• Hometown: West Lafayette, Indiana
• Undergraduate: Purdue University, Indiana and Cleveland State University, Ohio
• Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Tennis, piano, cooking, spending time with family

Mohammad Zeineddine, MD

• Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
• Undergraduate: American University of Beirut, Lebanon
• Medical School: American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Lebanon
• Interests/Hobbies: Martial arts (boxing), soccer, top golf, horse-back riding, hiking, swimming, civilization studies/philosophy (Greek methodology and religion-Monotheism, Polytheism, Homer, Nietzsche)

PGY – 3

Andrew Ackerman, DO

• Hometown: Canton, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Walsh University
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Musician who enjoys playing drums, guitar, and piano in my band, Black Roads, avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, camping, and fishing, passion for cooking, baking, and sharing food with my friends and family

Wesam Aleyadeh, MD

• Hometown: Kingston, Ontario
• Undergraduate: Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada
• Medical School: Hashemite University Faculty of Medicine, Jordan
• Interests/Hobbies: Cooking, writing, indoor gardening

Loai Dweik, MD

• Hometown: Amman, Jordan
• Undergraduate: American University of Beirut, Lebanon
• Medical School: Alfaisal University College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia
• Interests/Hobbies: Exploring zoos, disc golf, traveling, volleyball, cycling, baking, collecting monumental coins, and historic documentaries

Gwendolyn Kuzmishin, DO

• Hometown: Akron, Ohio
• Undergraduate: The College of Wooster, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Live music (alternative, rock, and classical music), judging high school speech and debate tournaments, golfing and playing volleyball, needlepointing and crafting, working out on the peloton, and spending time with two cats

Ragavi Lanka, MD

• Hometown: Sylvania, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan
• Undergraduate: The University of Akron, Ohio
• Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Weight-lifting, participated in NEOMED’s adrenaline club activities and recreational volleyball, tennis, listening to music, learning about music history, cooking, baking, and reading

Guy Leonard, DO

• Hometown: Mars, Pennsylvania
• Undergraduate: University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
• Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Virginia
• Interests/Hobbies: Golfing, reading, skiing, traveling, cooking, and singing

Olga Lytvynova, MD

• Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Cleveland State University, Ohio
• Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Organizing events in the community, participating in fundraising events, preparing baked sweets for events, attending events and exhibitions, and volunteering at local organizations

Rohan Prasad, MD

• Hometown: Bellefontaine, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Saint Louis University, Missouri
• Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri
• Interests/Hobbies: Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, tennis, chess, and watching sports

Pratik Rath, MD

• Hometown: Surat, India
• Medical School: Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Lawn tennis, coaching tennis, hiking, football, volleyball, cricket, backpacking trips, reading and researching about health and nutrition

Judson Sprandel, DO

• Hometown: Green, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Die-hard Cleveland sports fan, soccer, bodybuilding, traveling, shoe collecting, skiing, and prolific gamer

Raj Jessica Thomas, DO

• Hometown: Northeast Ohio
• Undergraduate: University of Toledo, Ohio
• Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), Virginia
• Interests/Hobbies: Photography, visiting museums, ornamental gardening, antique, enthusiast, pottery, avid podcast listener, and cooking Indian cuisines

Jashanjit Turka, MD

• Hometown: Patiala, Pubjab, India
• Medical School: Government Medical College Patiala, India
• Interests/Hobbies: Prolific writer, reading, cycling, athletics, cross-country, half marathons, amateur swimmer, avid watcher

David Vavrinak-Davis, DO

• Hometown: Hubbard, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Baking (especially cake decorating), cooking, running, hiking, python coding, traveling around the world, and spending time with my partner, family, friends, and pet

Chief Residents

Venkat Tondapu, MD

• Hometown: Strongsville, OH
• Undergraduate: Youngstown State University
• Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
• Residency: Internal Medicine Residency, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Ohio
• Interests/Hobbies: Cast iron & grill aficionado, computers, tech video games, basketball, dance: Bhangra, Indian traditional, and hip-hop styles

Akash Singh, MD

• Hometown: Chandigarh, India
• Medical School: Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, India
• Residency: Internal Medicine Residency, Jefferson-Einstein Montgomery, PA

Alumni

2024 Graduates

• Hussein Awada, MD – Hematology and Oncology Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH
• Bijal Desai, MD - Diagnostic Radiology Residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
• Andrei Hastings, MD – Associate Medical Director and Hospitalist at AdventHealth Lake Wales, Lake Wales, FL
• Rajshri Joshi, DO – Infectious Disease Fellowship at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
• Raveena Kelkar, MD – Hospitalist at TUFTS Medical Center, Boston, MA
• Rachel King, DO – Hospitalist at Jackson North Medical Center, Miami, FL
• Ashish Kumar Umesh, MD – Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
• Rahul Prasad, MD – Hospitalist in Northeast, OH
• Faris Shweikeh, MD – Hospitalist at Adventist Health Central Coast, San Luis Obispo, CA
• Salam Taraben, MD - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH
• Venkat Tondapu, MD – Chief Resident at CCAG Internal Medicine Residency Program, Akron, OH
• Revanth Yendamuri, MD – Infectious Disease Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, OH
• Yuhao Zeng, MD – Hospitalist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA

2023 Graduates

• Olayinka Adebolu, MD – Hospitalist at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Muhammad Ali, MD – Oncology Hospitalist/Assistant Professor at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Nishad Barve, MD – Hospitalist at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton, Ohio
• Jason Close, MD – Pulmonology and Critical Care Fellowship at Summa Health, Akron, OH
• Nathaniel Gilbert, MD – Rheumatology Fellowship at University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio
• David Gonzalez, DO – Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
• Abhilash Marakini, MD – Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio
• Mark Metry, DO – Endocrinology Fellowship at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia
• Anjali Nidhaan, MD – Rheumatology Fellowship at Prisma Health/University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina
• Palak Rath, MD – Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York
• Sterling Shriber, MD – Emergency Medicine Residency at Summa Health in Akron, Ohio
• Radisa Tosanovic, DO – Cardiology Fellowship at Aultman Hospital, Canton, OH
• Rabia Ziulfiqar, MD – Endocrinology Fellowship at University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio

2022 Graduates

• Pranav Bollavaram, MD — Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH
• Olivia Hallas, DO — Radiology at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in Cleveland, OH
• Puneet Kang, MD — Internal Medicine Residency at University Hospitals/Case Western in Cleveland, OH
• Shubham Adroja, MD — Hematology Oncology Fellowship at Houston Methodist in Houston, TX
• Anas Alameh, MD — Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship at MetroHealth in Cleveland, OH
• Hanad Bashir, MD — Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH
• Alyssa Carvalho, MD — Endocrinology Fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO
• Ansaam Daoud, MD — Rheumatology Fellowship at University Hospitals/Case Western in Cleveland, OH
• Samer Gobreial, DO — Hospitalist at Ohio Health in Mansfield, OH
• Andrew Goldblum, DO — Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University of Missouri in Columbia, MO
• Disha Peterson, DO — Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
• Nicole Mae Lao, MD — Hospitalist at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI
• Joseph Lim, MD — Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI
• Gauranga Mahalwar, MD – Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Physician at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
• Tanya Marshall, MD — Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA
• Sujith Modugula, DO — Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA
• Neha Sharma, MD — Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX 

2021 Graduates

• Batool Abuhalimeh — MD Vascular Medicine Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland,OH
• Hamzah Alfahel, MD — Primary Care, PeaceHealth Medical Center, Eugene, OR
• Yazan Alhalalmeh, MD – Endocrinology Fellowship at Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
• Hassan Awada, MD — Hematology and Oncology,University of Buffalo/Rosewell Park Cancer Center
• Tajinder Bajwa, MD — Hospitalist,Kaiser Permanente, Modesto,CA
• Ming Han Cha, MD — Hospitalist,Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg,VA
• Michael Khabbaza, DO — Primary Care, Cleveland Clinic, Independence,OH
• Phuong Nguyen, DO — PM&R, Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY
• Modupe Oladele, MD — Anesthesiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
• Saher Khalid, MD — Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
• Rachel Powers, DO — Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
• Michaela Randall, MD — Anesthesia, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
• Yeshwanter Radhakrishnan, MD — Nephrology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
• Rami Sabri, MD — Hospitalist, Ashtabula Regional Medical Center, Ashtabula,OH
• Rashi Sandooja, MD — Endocrinology,Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
• Christopher Yurosko, DO — Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH

2020 Graduates

• Ja’far Alzu’bi, MD — Cardiovascular Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
• Tarik Atassi, DO — Hospitalist/Nocturnist, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH
• Alibel Bello, MD — Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL
• Yashu Dhamija, MD — Allergy/Immunology Fellowship, The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
• Ahmad Jabri, MD — Cardiovascular Fellowship, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH
• Taylor Kann, DO — Rheumatology Fellowship, Florida
• Monisha Kumar, MD — Endocrinology Fellowship, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
• Colin McLaughlin, MD – Hospital Medicine Inpatient Physician, Avon Hospital, Avon, OH
• Jean Mutambuze, MD — Radiology, Case Western, Cleveland, OH
• Joanna Peng, MD — Anesthesiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Kurian Pannikottu, MD — Cardiology Fellowship, Garden City Hospital, Detroit, MI
• Rachel Powers, DO – Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
• Elizabeth Verghese, MD — Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH

2019 Graduates

• Ahmad Ababneh, MD – Consultant of Internal Medicine, Abdali Hospital, Jordan
• Alessandra Boufford, MD — Hospitalist, Aultman Hospital, Canton, OH
• Udit Dhal, MD — Infectious Disease Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 
• Aastha Jasrotia, MD — Hospitalist,Signature Health Care, Brockton Hospital, Brockton, MA 
• Sonika Malik, MD — Endocrinology Fellowship, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Odessa, TX 
• Arrvind Raghunath, MD — Hematology Oncology Fellowship, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
• Narine Sharkhatunyan, MD — Primary Care, Acton Medical Associates, Acton, MA 
• Komal Thind, MD — Hospitalist, Sound Physicians, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH 
• Rama Vura, MD — Geriatrics Fellowship, Brown University, Providence, RI 

Simulation Center

Internal Medicine Residents at Cleveland Clinic Akron General have access to a large state-of the-art Simulation Center where we offer an integrated approach to life-like clinical situations. Here learners can hone their skills in a variety of scenarios and utilize task trainers that provide procedural competence in central line placement, arterial line placement, thoracentesis/paracentesis, lumbar puncture, and endotracheal intubation. In addition to practicing procedural skills, residents participate in a structured ultrasound curriculum with the opportunity to fine-tune their skills on live volunteers; take part in crashing patient/code blue simulations on a high-fidelity, computerized mannequin; and attend cardiovascular intensive care simulations that prepare them for commonly encountered cardiology emergencies.

Research & QI

Through Internal Medicine and Subspecialty research, we take an interdisciplinary approach to moving medicine forward. Residents are involved in research and scholarly activities under the guidance of the Health Scientists and the Biostatisticians within the Department of Health Sciences. We offer guidance, support, as well as dedicated time for these activities. Each year, our residents present their scholarly work at local, state, and/or national meetings and have their work published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Involvement in our research program has been instrumental in the immensely successful fellowship placement of our residents year after year. For details, see our Alumni section.

• View selected Internal Medicine Publications

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

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

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.

Introducing the Enhanced Patient Safety Curriculum at Cleveland Clinic Akron General

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.

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.

Informatics Track

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. Resident 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.