Meet Our Residents

Meet Our Residents

To contact any of our residents, please email Ann Marie Kozlowski, our residency program coordinator, at kozlowa@ccf.org.

• View all our 2024-2025 pediatric residents

PGY1

Name: Jasmin Abdallah, MD
Hometown: Ramallah, Palestine
Medical School: Al-Quds University 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "My favorite thing about the program is how much they care for us residents to make sure we are always doing well. I love the support we get from our co-residents, fellows, and attendings. As for my favorite thing about Cleveland, it has to be Mitchell's Ice Cream!" 
Fun fact about yourself: "My youngest sister is 23 years younger than me. So technically, when she is my age now, I will be almost 50!"

Name: Aya Aboulhosn, MD
Hometown: Btekhnay, Lebanon
Medical School: Lebanese American University (Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine), Lebanon
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I love that Cleveland has a lot of greenery, parks, a lake and a lot of sports events. Moving from Texas, I truly enjoy the minimal traffic here!"
Fun fact about yourself: "My first 2 years in undergrad were mainly focused on theater and acting. I always thought that I was going to become an actress!"

Name: Mikayla Bogan, DO
Hometown: Liberty Township, Ohio
Medical School: Ohio University - Dublin campus
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Cleveland has amazing food! My partner and I live in Little Italy and we’re constantly trying new restaurants. My favorite things about the program are my co-residents and the X+Y schedule!"
Fun fact about yourself: "I love woodworking, and I recently built my own coffee table and a cat tree!"

Name: Greg Carter, DO
Hometown: Austin, TX
Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I love the team atmosphere in this program. I feel supported and I know that's when I learn best. 
Fun fact about yourself: "I lived in Italy for a time during my undergraduate education and absolutely fell in love with the culture, people and food - so much so that I decided to major in Italian language! 

Name: Lama Dakik, MD
Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Medical School: American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "The supportive and positive environment curated by the program leadership, staff, and residents!"
Fun fact about yourself:  "I collect objects with a llama on them but misspelled as my name, 'Lama'."

Name: Jennifer Donais, DO
Hometown: Chatham, Ontario, Canada 
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland Campus 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I love all the fun things to do here in the Cleveland area. From the Metro Parks for hiking to all the great restaurants, there's always something fun to do!" 
Fun fact about yourself: "I climbed to the top of Mount Vesuvius in flip flops." 

Name: Amelia El-Mahdy, DO
Hometown: Strongsville, OH
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine - Cleveland
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "When I was ranking programs, Cleveland Clinic Children's stuck out to me because of how kind and welcoming the residents were and how well they collaborated with the nurses and hospital staff as well as the wide variety of patients that we get to care for. In terms of Cleveland, definitely staying close to home and family has been wonderful and also staying close to Mitchell's Ice Cream!"
Fun fact about yourself: "I have been inside of one of the Pyramids of Giza!"

Name: Alex Hernandez, DO, MBA, MS
Hometown: New York City, NY
Medical School: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "The faculty and residents are extremely supportive and kind. The work environment is collaborative and exciting."
Fun fact about yourself: "During college, I started an on-campus social justice fashion magazine, and it is still being run today!”

Name: Sam (Samrudhi) Joshi, MD 
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Love the supportive environment from my fellow residents to attendings to pharmacists to all our wonderful nurses!" Everyone is here to help you learn and succeed! I have really enjoyed getting to know my fellow co-interns so far and exploring Cleveland with them!" 
Fun fact about yourself: "I did Indian classical dance growing up."

Name: Jessica Kern, MD
Hometown: Park City, Utah
Medical School: University of California San Diego
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Cleveland is such an incredible city! Between the many unique neighborhoods, numerous parks and outdoor spaces, and weekly concerts/festivals/events, my Cleveland bucketlist just goes on and on." 
Fun fact about yourself: "I have crossed paths with Will Ferrell on three separate occasions! I think we are destined to be friends."

Name: Stefanie Madzsar, MD
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Medical School: Semmelweis University
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: “Favorite thing about Cleveland: There is so much to discover in this city. It is not always obvious so exploring the different neighborhoods will usually uncover a few gems. Between the park system and lake, I am always running out of weekends to try everything at least once.”
Fun fact about yourself: “I love to be out in nature and I will use any chance I can get! Warm, cold, rainy, I will be standing outside for a few minutes every morning.”

Name: Jordan Meade, DO
Hometown: Akron, OH
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "The relationships the residents have with each other! Huge team-oriented attitude!."
Fun fact about yourself: "I have a twin sister.”

Name: Julia Sanzone, DO
Hometown: Clinton Township, MI
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland Clinic Children's: "The people. The other residents are incredibly supportive and welcoming, and the staff genuinely cares about our success and overall wellbeing." 
Fun fact about yourself: "I spent a month volunteering in Southeast Asia and was able to teach English, build a sustainable agriculture farm, and build a home for a family that lost theirs in a flood." 

Name: Meghan Sawyer, MD
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Having grown up in the Cleveland area, most of my family still lives nearby and it's so nice to have them close! There's also always something to do with so many great MetroParks, museums, and restaurants. My favorite thing about the program is how supportive and friendly the culture is, and the schedule setup is definitely a plus!" 
Fun fact about yourself: "I started intern year by having a baby!" 

Name: Maitri Shah, MD
Hometown: Ottawa, Canada and Ahmedabad, India
Medical School: GMERS Medical College and Hospital Sola
Favorite thing about Cleveland Clinic Children's: "The best thing about the program for me is its strong focus on creating a family-like atmosphere. The people here are incredibly kind, making this place truly feel like a home away from home. About Cleveland - I am still exploring the city, but I’m already discovering some amazing hidden gems and unique spots. The vibrant music and food festivals create a wonderful environment. My favorite thing to do is sit by Lake Erie and take in the stunning view."
Fun fact about yourself: "I once organized and hosted a fun-filled summer camp for little kids in my apartment, complete with arts and crafts, games, and storytelling sessions."

Name: Taruni Suraj, MD 
Hometown: Bangalore, India
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University
Favorite thing about Cleveland: "The greenery everywhere and the warm welcoming people! Favourite thing about the program is the support we get from the chiefs and staff, the residents lounge, and the encouragement to learn and explore your interests." 
Fun Fact: "I believed I was a mermaid till I was 10 years old."

Name: Courtney Lyons Testa, MD
Hometown: Churchville, PA
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I really like the people here and how they foster an environment that encourages you to be yourself and thrive.
Fun fact about yourself: "I am a huge Philly sports fan! And I love rugby!"

PGY2

Name: Areesha Ahmad, DO
Hometown: Sanford, FL
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "The people and community I have the privilege of working with."
Fun fact about yourself: "I love hiking, rock climbing, and roller coasters!"

Name: Serene Ahmad, MD
Hometown: Garner, North Carolina
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "The program is so quirky and welcoming! It emphasizes wellness and encourages residents to explore whatever our interests may be. There’s plenty of exposure to common and not-so-common pathologies. I’m new to the city, but Cleveland clearly has a lot of personality."
Fun fact about yourself: "I can speak multiple languages (Arabic, English, Spanish) and am now learning Italian!"

Name: Reem Akiely, MD
Hometown: Amman, Jordan 
Medical School: The University of Jordan 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "My apartment's view of Lake Erie is one of my favorite aspects of Cleveland. The things that I love the most about CC Children’s and the program are the people, the safe learning environment, and the residents' lounge with the fish tank next to it." 
Fun fact about yourself: "Ice cream is my favorite food, and I enjoy it in winter more than I do in summer!" 

Name: Mariana Merlini Coelho, MD
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I love the Cleveland Clinic's strong focus on innovation, commitment to excellent patient care, diversity of pathology and exposure to rare and complex cases. The program's supportive environment and the presence of residents from different backgrounds create a rich and dynamic learning environment. Also, the chance to work with and learn from world-renowned experts is truly inspiring. One aspect that holds a special place in my heart is the opportunity to work with underserved and underrepresented patients, and the Cleveland Clinic provides the perfect platform for me to do that. Lastly, I love the fact that there is no traffic and there is a lot of nature to explore. 
Fun fact about yourself: "I love being outdoors, traveling, trying out different restaurants, bringing my daughter to toddler activities, practicing hot yoga, meditation, barre fitness, dancing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. I have watched Titanic 12 times and I am very excited about my new veggie garden." 

Name: Carolyn Coughlin, DO
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "My favorite part about our program is the people. Everyone is so supportive of one another and always rooting for each other to succeed!"
Fun fact about yourself: "My family is very important to me. I have over 60 first cousins and most live in the Greater Cleveland Area- makes holidays and family parties very fun!" 

Name: Sylvie Denuit, MD
Hometown: Brussels, Belgium
Medical School: The Ohio State University
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I had never been to Cleveland before matching here...crazy, I know. I love the old buildings, the brick houses and the different neighborhoods with their unique characters...but above all I love my co-residents and the multi-cultural aspect of the hospital and the program. I have felt so welcome and supported here. It's been such a pleasant surprise!"
Fun fact about yourself: "In my mind, I have many hobbies, but in reality I have time for none...I used to draw comics (Belgium is the land of comics), bake anything with chocolate (now I just make my twin's birthday cake once a year), ride motorcycles (I still do occasionally when the weather is nice), design rockets, and swim...now I am mostly just trying to survive residency while keeping my twins (boy/girl) alive." 

Name: Iman Fawad, MD
Hometown: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Medical School: Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU)
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "One of my favorite things about the program is the shared working environment for the pediatric residents during floor blocks."
Fun fact about yourself: "I've gone on about 30 flights in the past year!"

Name: Anfal Marafie, MD, RD, MS
Hometown: Kuwait and Virginia 
Medical School: Michigan State University
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "My favorite thing about Cleveland Clinic Children's is that it is a little home in a large distinguished hospital system. It's comfortable, warm, and cozy."
Fun fact about yourself: "I've studied at six different universities."

Name: Rob Minturn, MD
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "The many parks, including a beach, and the plethora of sports teams to go watch games! The best part of the program is the people, from co-residents to admin/leadership, there is constant support and comradery."
Fun fact about yourself: "I worked as a barista at Tatte in Boston during my master's degree, so I love great coffee. I also am excited to become a father this year to more than my dog."

Name: Sara Mohamed, DO
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine - Athens
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Cleveland has tons great places to explore - parks, restaurants, museums. I love the West Side Market too."
Fun fact about yourself: "I love to be outside, workout, read, and explore new coffee shops."

Name: Nick Nicoletti, MD, MS
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI 
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "One of my favorite things is going to the west side market every weekend with my tote in hand and earbuds in. Gotta love a main character moment. And I enjoy going to concerts around town! My favorite thing about the program is the people within it, and all the doctors, nurses, and staff you meet through your rotations. Children's is very welcoming and has such a culture of kindness and community." 
Fun fact about yourself: "I have way too many plants, I am propagating them all the time! Please take some!" 

Name: Bann Qadoura, MD
Hometown: Texas & Kuwait 
Medical School: Kuwait University Faculty of Medicine 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Many patients from Kuwait & other Arabian gulf countries send their patients to Cleveland Clinic to get the best & most advanced treatment. If I were to go back to Kuwait, I would like to provide the same care to my patients. I'm very happy to part of the Cleveland clinic children's team!"
Fun fact about yourself: "I like my coffee iced never hot no matter the season! Even if it's snowing.. it'll always be an iced latte."

Name: Kaitlyn Stanfield, DO
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "As a Cleveland native, I (tragically) love the Browns and all of our sports teams. We also have great MetroParks to hike in! Our program stands out to me because of our focus on community medicine and advocacy for the children in the Cleveland area!"
Fun fact about yourself: "I enjoy reading and am currently working my way through all the books Rory read on Gilmore Girls."

PGY3 

Name: Amro Al Mais, MD
Hometown: Barelias Lebanon 
Medical School: Beirut Arab University 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "One of the best things about Cleveland is its vibrant cultural scene, including museums especially The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, theaters, music venues, and diverse culinary options, which offer residents and visitors a rich array of experiences to enjoy."
Fun fact about yourself: "Amid the demanding schedule as a pediatric resident, still finding solace and delight in my passion for Italian cuisine – not only relishing its flavors but also creating delectable dishes!"

Name: Moath Azmi, MD/DO
Hometown: Jordan, Amman 
Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Mitchell’s Ice Cream."
Fun fact about yourself: "I can say 'Welcome' in 8 different languages." 

Name: Anthony Bernick, MD
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Medical School: Temple University
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "That the Browns can't put together a decent football team so the Steelers get 2 easy wins each year. But in all honesty Cleveland is great, plenty of places to explore and hangout." 
Fun fact about yourself: "I played collegiate football at Juniata College. Also further back won the geography bee and spelling bee in the 6th grade."

Name: Kim El Haddad, MD
Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Medical School: Lebanese American University, Lebanon
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Cleveland Metro Parks, lake and food scene. This place grows on you."
Fun fact about yourself: "I am always happier in the summer and you can tell! Winter is definitely not my thing."

Name: Abdel Rahman E’mar, MD
Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Medical School: The University of Jordan 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "What I find most commendable about our program, apart from its exceptional individuals, is its holistic integration. I can guarantee that every resident has the invaluable experience of encountering at least one patient for every question on the pediatrics board! It's an amazing comprehensive educational and clinical experience."
Fun fact about yourself: "My birthday coincides with the Independence Day of my country, and it's a national holiday there. Up until the age of 7, I was truly convinced that it was a celebration dedicated solely to my birthday."

Name: Sarah Foley, DO
Hometown: Independence, OH
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland Clinic or the program: "My co-residents have truly become some of my closest friends. From creative wellness events to weekly social gatherings, Cleveland Clinic has given me a second family to learn and grow with!"
Fun fact: "I am an avid hiker! The summer after my first year of medical school, I hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain for three weeks with my dad and sister. I hope to hike through all of the US National Parks someday and I would love to thru hike the Appalachian Trail."

Name: Sara Grewal, DO, MS
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Favorite thing about Cleveland is that there's no traffic! Favorite thing about Cleveland Clinic Children's and the program are the people who work here, the access to a 24-hour Starbucks, and the fun scrub colors and t-shirts we can wear at work." 
Fun fact about yourself: "I have a Master's Degree in Physics. I also have two German Shepherds and when we are not at work, my husband and I are spending our time with them."

Name: Kara Imbrogno, DO
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA)
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Cleveland Clinic is renowned for its world-class care, yet the humble culture of the pediatric program seemed to be the most genuine, resident-centered, and supportive of all the places I interviewed. Since orientation, this has rung true, and I'm excited to continue to learn from so many brilliant people in such an amazing environment."
Fun fact about yourself: "Ice cream is life, so even if it's absolutely Baltic outside, I'll be wondering if anyone wants to join me for a scoop (or 3!)."

Name: Rasha Abou Jaoudeh, MD
Hometown: Broumana, Lebanon
Medical School: Lebanese American University 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I love that there is always a new restaurant to try or a new place to go to, and there are so many fun things that are 1-2hrs away!"
Fun fact about yourself: "I love sea animals!"

Name: Elizabeth Jensen, DO, PhD
Hometown: Bath, Ohio
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Favorite thing about Cleveland: Edgewater Park and Mitchell's Ice Cream. Favorite thing about Cleveland Clinic Children’s: The compassion and support of residents and everyone on the medical team has for each other and for patients along with a passion for teaching. Also, wellness activities including impromptu fro-yo rounds!"
Fun fact about yourself: "I played trombone during college in the Marching 110 and was able to perform in Dublin, Ireland and Rome, Italy. I enjoy spending time with my two cats Fitz and Gatsby (named after The Great Gatsby!) One goal during residency is to visit all Cleveland and Akron Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park."

Name: Tim Mrowiec, MD
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine - Chicago
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Cleveland has all the fun of a big city but it's easier to navigate. And my co-residents are definitely my favorite thing about the program. They are encouraging, easy to work with, and so smart. (In fact, I think they might all be doctors!)."
Fun fact about yourself: "One time during a residency interview meet-and-greet, I was asked to go first and introduce myself. I said my name, my med school, and automatically started saying 'And a fun fact about me is...' No one asked me to do that; I was on autopilot! Having caught myself, I said 'Actually, no, I won't share a fun fact because that's so much pressure to think of one, and I don't want to put that on everyone going after me.' Then a few other applicants thanked me during this Zoom call. I was proud. This is a fun fact about myself."

Name: Irene Obuzor MD
Hometown: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Medical School: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana 
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I love how nice everyone is at the children’s hospital. There is support everywhere. Everyone literally wants to see you win. Feels like a cool family."
Fun fact about yourself: "I love music. I once flew to another country just to attend a concert!"

Name: Sophia Rafferty, DO
Hometown: Hudson, OH
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "I love hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and trying new restaurants around Cleveland with my co-residents."
Fun fact about yourself: "I have a postcard collection with postcards from all 50 states, and from over 20 countries!"

Name: Emily Rembetski, DO 
Hometown: Utica, NY
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "The people - everyone that I've met both in the city of Cleveland and at the program are kind, genuine, inclusive and excited to share their expertise."  
Fun fact about yourself: "I'm a foodie, and I am a self-proclaimed connoisseur of pizza. I have a sweet black lab named Luna that loves walks in the Metroparks and swimming at Edgewater Beach!" 

Name: Justin San Juan, DO
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "My favorite part about the program is that if there is something you want to do, we can make it happen at the Clinic. The flexibility in the program to create rotations based on your interests is something that I highly valued when choosing a place to train."
Fun fact about yourself: "I love exploring the national parks with my wife!"

Name: F. Zehra Shah, MD 
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Medical School: Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Favorite thing about Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic Children's or the Program: "Definitely the people! You walk in the doors and everyone is so welcoming and helpful, its incomparable. Witnessing life altering medicine and treatments with this bunch is beyond amazing."  
Fun fact about yourself: "My comfort meal is 20 McDonald's nuggets, 1 Double Big Mac, 2 large fries, 1 chocolate sundae and 1 apple pie - all in one go."

Presentations & Publications

Poster Presentations

Joshua Herber, MD, Arrhythmias and Fasciculoventricular Pathways in Patients with Danon Disease: A Single Center Experience. Poster. SADS Conference. 11th Annual International SADS Foundation Conference; Ann Arbor, MI, USA. October 2018.

Joshua Herber, MD, Arrhythmias and Fasciculoventricular Pathways in Patients with Danon Disease: A Single Center Experience. Poster. Cardiology 2019: Annual Update on Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Disease; Huntington Beach, CA, USA. February, 2019.

Sanu Yadav, Scurvy in the Era of Restricted Dietary Practices. Mid-West Gut Club Annual meeting, Jul 2019. Yadav, S R; Habash, N; Cernanec, J; Radhakrishnan, K; Naduvil Valappil, A M; Panupattanapong, S.

Sanu Yadav, An Adolescent with Recurrent Penoscrotal Swelling as Genitourinary Manifestations of Metastatic Crohn’s Disease. NASPGHAN, Oct 2019. Sanu R. Yadav, Molly Dewitt Foy, Audrey Rhee, Jacob A. Kurowski.

Abdulkader ZM, Stanjord S, Nahra A, Worley S, Rome E, Predictors of Transaminitis in Patients with Nutritional Insufficiency. Presented at: Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM), 2016; Washington, DC.

Abdulkader, ZM, Flank S, Worley S, Peterson J, Saker F, Are Certain Infants More Susceptible to Necrotizing Enterocolitis After Blood Transfusions? Presented at: Pediatric Academic Society, 2016; Baltimore, MD.

Abdulkader ZM, Shah V, Bhesania N, AlKhouri N, Prevalence of Extrahepatic Complications of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children. Presented at: Digestive Disease Week, 2015; Washington, DC.

Dhir, A., Flagg, A., Hanna, R, Incidence and Risk factors for Central Nervous System relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute leukemia. Presented at BMT Tandem Meetings, 2016; Honolulu, Hawaii.

M.Medina, E.Ye Mon, C.Cairns, S.Worley. Cleveland Clinic Annual Quality Event Poster Session. 2015.

El-Assaad, I, Al-Kindi GS, Oliveira GH, Boyle GJ, Aziz PF, "Sudden cardiac death in pediatric patients awaiting heart transplantation: implantable cardioverter defibrillators provide no survival benefit." Presented at ISHLT annual scientific meeting, 2015; Nice, France.

El-Assaad I, Al-Kindi SG, Oliveira GH, Wilkoff BL, Boyle GJ, Aziz PF, "Pacemaker implantation in pediatric heart transplant recipients is predicted by biatrial anastomosis and donor age but does not affect survival." Moderated Poster Presentation at ACC annual scientific meeting, San Diego, 2015.

Lina Patel, Kimberly Giuliano, Michelle Medina, Standardized Well Child Care Templates To Improve Risk Factor Screening in Accordance with Bright Future Guidelines. Presented at the 2015 PAS Meeting, San Diego.

Mandelia C. (2015), Liver Disease in Type 1 Diabetes: Are we looking hard enough? Poster presented at: NASPGHAN 2015; Washington DC, DC.

Mandelia C. (2015), Intractable hypernatremia and metabolic acidosis in a neonate- a diagnostic challenge Poster presented at: NASPGHAN 2015; Washington DC, DC.

Marwan Bakhach, Vaishal Shash, Natalie Bhesania, Sara Lappe, Naim Alkhouri, Protein Sparing Modified Fast (PSMF) - An efficacious approach to weight loss in severely obese adolescents. Presented at: 2015 PAS Meeting, San Diego.

Michal Bahar, Tanya Tekautz, Uwe Kordes, Johannes Wolff. Radiation Therapy for Choroid Plexus Carcinoma Patients With Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Advantageous Or Detrimental? Presented at the 2015 PAS Meeting, San Diego.

Simone Jhaveri, Vaishal Shah, Partha Saha, Sara Lappe, Natalie Bhesania, Naim Alkhouri. Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Children and Adolescents: Experience from a Tertiary Pediatric Obesity Program. Presented at the 2015 PAS Meeting, San Diego.

Sayad E, Dossul A, Cardenas S, Drug-induced Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing pneumonia (BOOP) in a pediatric patient. Presented at the American Thoracic Society 2016, San Francisco.

Shah V, Sayad E, Lappe S, Ibrahim S, AlKhouri N, Cardiovascular risk factors in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea.

Yamini, Effects of Occupational Tobacco Exposure on Foetal Growth, among Beedi Rollers in Coastal Karnataka. Poster to be presented at: American Academy of Pediatrics- National Conference and Exhibition, 2016, San Francisco, CA.

Publications:

Akhtar S, Patel L, Bakhach M, Haider A, Gonzalez-Martinez J, Rogers D, Tsillianidis L, Raissouni N, Schweiger M. Fifteen-year-old female with delayed progression of puberty and visual disturbances. Clinc Pediatr 2016; 55 (7): 664-7

Bakhach M, Shah V, Harwood T, Lappe S, Bhesania N, Mansoor S, Alkhouri N. The protein-Sparing Modified Fast Diet: An effective and safe approach to induce rapid weight loss in severely obese adolescents. Glob Pediatr Health 2016: 22: doi: 10.1177/2333794X15623245

Baskar S, Aziz PF. Genotype-phenotype correlation in long QT syndrome. Glob Cardiol Sci Pract 2015; 2:26

Baskar S, George PL, Eghtesad B, Radhakrishnan K, Hupertz V, Aziz PF, Alkhouri N. Cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac disorders in long-term survivors of pediatric liver transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2015; 19(1); 48-55

Baskar S, Ackerman MJ, Clements D, Mayuga KA, Aziz PF. Compound heterozygous mutations in the SCN5A-encoded Nav1.5 cardiac sodium channel resulting in atrial standstill and His-Purkinje system disease. J Pediatr 2014; 165(5);1050-2

Bhesania, Natalie; Anani, Anthony; Ochs, Heidi; Okwu, Vera; Magnuson, David; Kay, Marsha. Vomiting in A 2 Year Old With A "Twist"- Undiagnosed Gastric Volvulus. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition 2016; doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000000794

Dhir, A., Tekautz, T., Recinos, V., Murphy, E., Prayson, R., Ruggieri, P., Wolff, J. Lumbar spinal atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. 2015; 22(12): 1988-1989.

El-Assaad I, Al-Kindi SG, Abraham J, Sanatani S, Bradley DJ, Halsey C, Law IH, Balaji S, Shetty I, Aziz PF. Use of dofetilide in adult patients with atrial arrhythmias and congenital heart disease: A PACES collaborative study. Heart Rhythm 2016; doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.07.016

El-Assaad I, Al-Kindi SG, Oliveira GH, Boyle GJ, Aziz PF. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and wait-list outcomes in pediatric patients awaiting heart transplantation. Heart Rhythm 2015; 12(12): 2443-8

El-Assaad I, Al-Kindi SG, Oliveira GH, Houghtaling P, Wilkoff BL, Boyle GJ, Aziz PF. Pacemaker implantation in pediatric heart transplant recipients: Predictors, outcomes, and impact on survival. Heart Rhythm 2015; 12(8);1776-81

El-Assaad I, Aziz P. Sports Participation in Long QT syndrome: It is Time for the Dialogue..

Nagaraju L, Menon D, Aziz PF. Use of 3D Electroanatomical Navigation (CARTO-3) to Minimize or Eliminate Fluoroscopy Use in the Ablation of Pediatric Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2016; 39(6); 574-80

Mandelia C, Collyer E, Alkhouri N, et al. Plasma Cytokeratin-18 Level as a Novel Biomarker for Liver Fibrosis in Children with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2016; 63(2):181-187

Mandelia C, Bakhach M, Alkhouri N, et al. Liver disease in children with type 1 diabetes: are we looking hardenough?. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2015; 61(S2): S63

Oral Presentations:

Corcoran, Aoife. Irish Paediatric Society Annual Meeting 2018, 12/7/2019 Case report: B-cell lymphoma presenting as an isolated forehead lesion

Joshua Herber, MD; Simone Jhaveri, MD; Kenneth Zahka, MD; Gerard Boyle, MD; Elizabeth V Saarel, MD FHRS; Peter Aziz, MD FHRS. (May, 2019). Arrhythmias and Fasciculoventricular Pathways in Patients with Danon Disease: A Single Center Experience Oral Presentation presented at: Cleveland Clinic Annual Pediatrics Research Day; Cleveland, OH, USA.

Joshua Herber, MD. Secondary salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma mimicking benign Warthin’s tumor in a hodgkin lymphoma survivor. Should treatment history guide post-remission follow-up? Sixth International Symposium on Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; Rotterdam, NLD.  September 2018.

Brian Chen. Acute Cerebrovascular Accident in a Pediatric Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. 10th Biennial Conference on Pediatric Sleep medicine. Naples, Fl. Nov 14-17, 2019.

Lina Alkhaled. Growth Hormone Deficiency in a Patient with Ectodermal Dysplasia. ENDO, San Francisco, CA. Mar 2020.

Sampurna Shakya. Clinical Presentation of Infective Endocarditis in the Early 21st Century: A Descriptive Study. (Poster). IDSA 2017, San Diego, USA on October 7th, 2017.

Mohga Behairy: Persistent Hypogammaglobulinemia after Chemotherapy and Rituximab Despite B Lymphocyte Recovery. Behairy, M. Kerns, L. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Annual Meeting,  Philadelphia, PA. Mar 15, 2020.

Brendan Burke: Society of Critical Care Medicine, 2/17/2020, Acute airway obstruction in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.

Hamza Nasir: Severe Hypercalcemia in a 9 month old girl. Poster. ENDO, New Orleans, LA. March 2019.

Hamza Nasir: Severe Hypercalcemia in a 9 month old girl. Poster. PAS, Baltimore, MD. April 2019.

Hamza Nasir: Bihormonal pituitary adenoma in an adolescent male. Poster. ENDO, New Orleans, LA. March 2019.

Hamza Nasir: Identification of patients at risk of clinical deterioration. Poster. APPD Meeting, New Orleans, LA. March 2019.

Emine Tunc: The use of a CarePath in the diagnosis and management of appendicitis in children in a large integrated health system reduced the unnecessary computed tomography imaging.

Tunc E.M., Fertel B., Fraundorf E., Magnuson D. American College of Emergency Physicians Annual Meeting; Denver, CO, USA.  (October, 2019).

Emine Tunc: The use of a CarePath in the diagnosis and management of appendicitis in children in a large integrated health system reduced the unnecessary computed tomography imaging.

Tunc E.M., Fertel B., Fraundorf E., Magnuson D.AAP Section of Emergency Medicine Council of Quality Transformation New Orleans (October 2019).

Emine Tunc: Decreasing Discharge Medication Reconciliation Errors: An Interprofessional Collaborative Quality Improvement Project. Tunc, Emine; Pruitt, Jamie; Moore, Casey; Hoffmaster, Holly L.; Waehner, Erin; Cox, Amy; Cohn, Allan; Zayas-Santiago, Arnaldo. Poster presentation. CCF Patient Safety Day March 13, 2020.

Emine Tunc: 2 Year Old Male Presenting to Emergency Department with Sudden Right Arm Weakness. Tunc, Emine M.; Adams, Richard J., Hsich, Gary. Ohio ACEP resident assembly. Columbus, OH. August 2019.

Jenny Sun: Autoimmune Manifestations in a Child with Autosomal Recessive Hyper IgM Syndrome Secondary to Activation Induced Cytidine Deaminiase Deficiency. Poster. ACAAI American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 11/16/2018.

Jenny Sun: Approach to Food Allergy in Pediatric Primary Care, Poster. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2020 Annual Meeting, 03/14/2020.

Sarah Leluga: “Every True Rash Eventually Shows”. PHM, 2019.

Bahar, M., Dhir, A., Tekautz,T., Wolff,J.. (2015). Intercontinental Multidisciplinary Data Collection and Treatment Optimization Study for Patients with Choroid Plexus Tumors. Oral Presentation presented at: 20th Annual Society of Neuro-oncology Annual Scientific Meeting, November 2015; San Antonio, TX.

El-Assaad I, Al-Kindi S, Mcnally B, Aziz P. Patient and neighborhood level characteristics as predictors of survival in pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Oral Presentation at Heart Rhythm annual scientific meeting, 2015.

El-Assaad I, Al-Kindi SG, Abraham J, Sanatani S, Bradley DJ, Halsey C, Law IH, Balaji S, Shetty I, Aziz PF. Use of dofetilide in adult patients with atrial arrhythmias and congenital heart disease: A PACES collaborative study. Oral presentation at Heart Rhythm annual scientific meeting, 2016

Ei Ye Mon. QI project: “Improving Asthma Care through effective primary care co-ordination.” Shark Tank at the Ohio AAP Annual meeting. Columbus OH. 2017.

Wasim Khasawneh, Jessica Barry, Raidour Ahmed, Sarah Worley, Firas Saker, Jalal Abu-Shaweesh. Compared With CPAP, the Use of Non Invasive Ventilation Post-Extubation in ELBW Infants Is Associated With Increased Incidence of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Presented at the 2015 PAS Meeting, San Diego.

Mandelia C. (2015). Provider focused interventions to improve HPV vaccination rates among adolescents Oral Presentation presented at: Ohio AAP; Dublin, OH.

Mandelia C. (2016). Otorhinolaryngological Manifestations among HIV Positive Children in Coastal Karnataka. Oral Presentation to be presented at: AAP National Conference; San Francisco, CA.

Awards/Grants:

Zahra Hudda: PAS Nephrology Grant 2016

Senthuran Vijayarajah: 2016 Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award

Iqbal El-Assaad: 2015 Lower Clinical Award – Honorable Mention & Cardiology 2016 Outstanding Investigator Award

Cleveland Clinic Children's Pediatric Training Program Alumni