PGY-1 Internal Medicine Residents – Everett
Hermella Alemneh, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Being a first generation doctor.
Where is home for you?
Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am passionate about serving underserved communities and patient advocacy.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy hiking, traveling and reading books.
Kevin Cheng, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Completing every stage of my education in a different continent/coast.
Where is home for you?
Vancouver, BC.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Managing chronic conditions, working with underserved communities, medical education, and clinical research.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Powerlifting, hiking, traveling, learning new recipes, and spending time with family.
Michael Cruz, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Personally, I’m a proud Dad, but professionally, I’m proud of both my publication history, as well as my teaching experience as both an undergraduate and medical student. My educational focus was on mentorship for the underserved and underrepresented in science and medicine.
Where is home for you?
Currently Snohomish, Washington, but I have plenty of fond memories growing around the Pacific on various U.S naval bases including Yokosuka Japan.
What are your interests related to medicine?
In terms of career interests, I’m open to everything at the moment, but if you had to pin me down for an answer, I’d say I’m interested in Gastroenterology, Critical Care, Palliative Care, and Hospitalist medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
The main way I destress is I go to the gym and lift weights, but I’m also a casual foodie and chess-enjoyer, an avid gamer, and a sci-fi and fantasy nerd.
Jonthan Dang, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
To be the first in my family to pursue a career in medicine.
Where is home for you?
Eatonville, Washington and Honolulu, Hawaii.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy pickleball, soccer, longboarding, snowboarding, board game nights with friends, and playing super smash bros. ultimate.
Oluwatosin (Tosin) Fajana, MBBS
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Pursuing a career in medicine and making a difference through community engagement and clinical practice.
Where is home for you?
Everett, WA.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I enjoy Primary care – working with various populations and spectrum of disease, as well as rheumatology and endocrinology subspecialties.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy visiting new places, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Spencer Hassman, DO
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Releasing an album while in medical school. Loved writing it, playing it, and getting a chance to perform part of it in my med school’s lobby was so cool. I guess I’m pretty proud of my kids, too.
Where is home for you?
I’m a Portland, OR native, but have lived all over the US, most recently (and for the longest time) in Nampa, ID.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am interested in critical care, interventional bronchoscopy, translational research, and all things internal medicine! I also enjoy learning about oncology, cardiology, POCUS, and EBM.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I love music, being outside with my family, being outside by myself, Star Wars, and an ever-growing laundry list of short-lived but passionately researched and/or pursued hobbies.
Bhav Kahlon, MBBS
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Becoming the first female physician in the family and making my parents proud.
Where is home for you?
I was born in Surrey, Canada but spent more than a decade in Punjab, India so it will always be home.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am passionate about providing healthcare to the underserved population and building long term relationships with my patients. I am interested in G.I. as well as hospitalist medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy cooking and baking, spending time with family/friends, exploring new food places and reading fiction.
Felicia Lew, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My proudest accomplishment is my daughter.
Where is home for you?
Bothell, WA.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I will be going on to complete a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Washington. I am interested in comparative medicine, personalized and targeted cancer treatment, and improving quality of life through palliative care and hospice.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest with my husband, daughter and 2 dogs. I am a marathon runner and foodie.
Katie Miotke, DO
PROFILE
Where is home for you?
Issaquah, WA.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I have several interests in medicine, including quality and patient safety (especially promoting Just Culture), street medicine, and critical care!
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I’m a huge fan of video games and read lots of fantasy books in my spare time. I also enjoy cuddling with my cat Lara & playing both the harp and piano!
Cameron Richards, DO
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I feel very privileged to be a first-generation college student. My upbringing and education have allowed me to give back through a variety of community service projects.
Where is home for you?
I was raised in Maltby, Washington and consider the greater Seattle area as my home.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I have a passion for urban underserved communities. I aspire to connect with individuals throughout my medical career to promote health literacy and wellness while reducing disparities.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Snowboarding and rock climbing are two of my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy powerlifting and have a great interest in nutrition. You’ll find me sharing a meal with family and friends at any opportunity.
Pete Smith, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Completing medical school while working full-time and raising 3 kids.
Where is home for you?
Abbotsford, British Columbia.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Critical care and underserved populations.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Jiu jitsu, downhill mountain biking, hiking, and trail running.
Kennedy Tobin, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I am proud to be the first in my family to pursue a career in medicine.
Where is home for you?
I was born on Oahu, HI, but I primarily grew up in Eatonville, WA. Both places feel like home to me.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am interested in Diagnostic Radiology, specifically the development and utilization of artificial intelligence.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Pickleball, longboarding, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and spending time with family, friends, and my partner, Alyssa.
Derek Wengryn, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Completing medical school and getting to start residency.
Where is home for you?
Lafayette, CO.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am interested in hospital medicine and quality improvement.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy spending time with my partner, Angela and our two dogs, rabbit, and hamster. I enjoy hiking, snowboarding, soccer, and playing golf (although I do not claim to be good at it).
Suk Zhou, DO
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I am most proud of becoming the first person in my family to graduate from college and medical school in the United States.
Where is home for you?
Seattle, WA.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am interested in cardiology, pulmonology/critical care, quality improvement, healthcare equity, and medical education.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy kayaking, going on fishing adventures with my parents, exploring local coffee and patisserie shops, and admiring kintsugi pottery.
PGY-2 Internal Medicine Residents – Everett
Aisha Alam, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Becoming the first female physician in my family.
Where is home for you?
Vancouver, Canada.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Increasing healthcare access for underserved and rural communities.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Hiking, spending time with friends and family and trying new cuisines.
Aseel Alsamarraie, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Becoming someone who is empowered by empowering others and using that to drive how I practice medicine.
Where is home for you?
Everett, Washington.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I’m interested in advocating for patients and medical professionals alike with my work in healthcare quality improvement and medical education.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Yoga, hiking, road trips, and game nights.
Kafiya Arte, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My siblings and I retired our hardworking mother in December 2021!
Where is home for you?
Marysville, Washington.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am passionate about primary care and health advocacy. As a first-generation child of Somali refugee parents, I understand that consistent access to equitable, patient-centered primary care is paramount to disease prevention, early detection, and effective intervention. I am excited to do my part in providing this service to my community here in Snohomish county.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Like a true PNW native, I enjoy spending my free time outdoors whether I’m hiking, paddle boarding, or just taking scenic walks. I recently took up surfing while living in Barbados and am excited to explore the WA surf scene! I also love traveling and immersing myself in different cultures; I’ve traveled to/lived in 20+ countries and counting! If it’s too cold to explore the outdoors you’ll find me curled up by my fireplace, watching the latest competition reality TV show while drinking Somali tea.
Katie Buckman, DO
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I received the Excellence in Public Health award from the United States Public Health Service for creating a fundraiser that raised over $10,000 to keep a local free clinic running. I am also proud to be one of the co-founders of What Matters in the End at Pacific Northwest University, a CME conference regarding end-of-life care education.
Where is home for you?
Eugene, Oregon.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am passionate about providing healthcare to rural and underserved populations. I have a wide variety of interests in medicine, including preventative care, geriatrics, hospice and palliative care, critical care, addiction medicine, and physician advocacy.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dogs, family, and friends. I am an amateur golfer and love to play any time I can. I also enjoy photography, snowboarding, hiking, baking, cooking, and naps.
Monica Carroll, DO, MPH
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Receiving my medical degree and starting my journey as a physician.
Where is home for you?
Duvall, Washington.
What are your interests related to medicine?
• Providing care to underserved populations
• Working alongside other physicians to treat complex medical conditions
• Public Health
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating and spending time with my husband, puppy, family, and friends.
Jonathan Cheng, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I am proud to be the first physician in my mother’s family and am proud to be the second American physician in my father’s family.
Where is home for you?
King County & Snohomish County, Washington.
What are your interests related to medicine?
My current career interests are in primary care and hospitalist medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I love to read (favorite series: Pendergast, Prey), watch movies (favorite genre: Horror), and eat fried chicken.
Keely Coxon, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Taking the initiative to change careers and pursue medicine.
Where is home for you?
Everett, Washington.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Community-based medical practice and teaching; research.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy rock climbing (sport, trad), skiing, endurance sports, photography, baking and going to local coffee shops. I also volunteer as a member of the Junior League of Seattle.
Matt Engel, DO, MPH
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I am excited to be starting residency. But I’m probably most proud of the fact that my son is a year and a half old and still thriving. Being a parent has been a challenge, but the tiredness and frustration has started to yield towards excitement and anticipation as I watch him develop into a spirited and expressive individual.
Where is home for you?
Born in Colorado, but been a nomad for most of my adult life.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am extremely interested in all facets of inpatient medicine. I appreciate the dynamic and often frenetic nature of the hospital. Outside of clinical work, I have a passion for quality improvement and translational research.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
My family and I enjoy hiking and camping outdoors. We play a variety of board games and enjoy watching movies when we are being homebodies.
Gursimran Singh Grewal, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
The community service work to the date and the impact its had on our communities over the years! Achieving my MD and the service opportunities that come with it as well.
Where is home for you?
Tukwila, Washington.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Reading, journal reviews, club meetings (ethics, medical interest group, etc).
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
The great outdoors! I enjoy spending time with my dog and travelling. Also spending time with friends and family in new destinations.
Tony Huynh, DO
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
The progress I have made on my path to becoming a physician is my proudest accomplishment to date. Everyone has a different path towards becoming a doctor and everyone has their own challenges. For me, I was the first in my family to go to university and the first to enroll in medical school. To finance this, I worked as a Scientist to help support my family. This job also allowed me to explore my passion for research. It was not a straightforward journey, but I love every step on this challenging path. I aim to continue it to not only become a good physician but one who continually learns and improves.
What are your interests related to medicine?
My biggest interest in relation to medicine is academic research. I had the opportunity to work as a R&D Scientist for a few years before enrollment in medical school. This professional history compounded with my scientific curiosity during school, and I involved myself with various research projects. Amongst them, was the exploration of cancer pathways and potential diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. I believe that the eagerness to remain current with landmark trials and a constant pursuit for new knowledge are invaluable to me. I want to incorporate valid, peer-reviewed research into the way I practice medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Outside of residency, I have a lot of hobbies I try to keep up. While being active, I greatly enjoy skiing, hiking, playing basketball, and playing disc golf. Other days, I play the piano, read, write, play board games, and try new coffees. I love trying new foods and enjoy the opportunity to explore different types of restaurants!
Adam Panzer, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Creating a student-physician mentorship community for first-generation medical students.
Where is home for you?
New York City.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Helping to resolve barriers to access and producing a more patient-centered health care system.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Cooking, rock-climbing, and baking bad bread.
Nicholas Rintala, MD
Mahnoosh Taheri, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Volunteered for Canadian Blood Services as a team leader and scheduler for 3 years.
Where is home for you?
Vancouver, Canada.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Primary care and all areas of internal medicine, especially critical care, cardiology, hematology/oncology, and challenging symptoms in general. As a former vice principal and high school teacher, I also plan on being part of academic medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy cooking Persian foods, baking birthday cakes, biking by a lake, running on a beautiful trail, skiing on a snowy day, meeting new people, and learning about their language and culture. I love to get creative in the kitchen and invite friends over to try my new food in our little place. I enjoy learning and joining group dance at a party. I am a coffee person; it’s always a bonus if it’s with good company, view, and weather.
Imee Ramirez Talavera-Paragas MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My proudest accomplishment to date is learning how to love myself, and to be able to fully appreciate life by remembering that we are all human beings, and not just humans doing.
Where is home for you?
I was born in the Philippines, raised on Guam, and have been a Seattle transplant for a decade.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I’m highly interested in Primary Care, Preventative Medicine, Geriatrics, and Gastroenterology.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I love going on long walks with my chihuahua, traveling to new places with my family, trying new restaurants and boba shops, and napping.
PGY-3 Internal Medicine Residents – Everett
Mariam Alamgir, MD, MBA
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Staying true to my values and living my dream of becoming a physician.
Where is home for you?
Pennsylvania.
What are your interests related to medicine?
My interests include general internist, rural medicine, healthcare administration, and preventative medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I love spending time with family and friends, painting, bird watching/feeding. My newfound love in Washington has been exploring nature and hiking.
Sujan Badal, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Receiving my MD degree.
Where is home for you?
Kathmandu, Nepal.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am interested in oncology, clinical research, and quality improvement projects. I enjoy working with underserved and diverse patient populations.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
Soccer, outdoor activities, hiking, and sci-fi movies.
Riley Brazil, MD, MPH
PROFILE
Where is home for you?
Lake Hills, Washington.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am passionate about making healthcare safer, especially for vulnerable people and communities.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy swimming, hiking, and camping out in nature. When I’m home, I enjoy cooking and baking.
Dong Soon Choi, DO, PhD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Having my family and choosing medicine.
Where is home for you?
Texas.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Personalized medicine, prevention, oncology, and endocrinology.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy exploring nature, fishing, traveling, and cooking.
Jordy de Lisle, DO
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Becoming a doctor while maintaining a healthy marriage & being a dog dad.
Where is home for you?
Tacoma, Washington and Salt Lake City, Utah.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I’m interested in G.I. and critical care. I’m also interested in hospitalist medicine and general outpatient medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I play guitar, jog with my dog, and I absolutely love spending time with my wife, Kate.
Nigel Jagoo, DO, MS
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
• AAFP Leadership Project Award & Best Leadership Project Award
• “Free Health Clinic for Migrant Women in Palm Beach County”
What are your interests related to medicine?
Underserved primary care medicine, where I focus on building relationships with my patients. I want to get to know them beyond any ailments, understand their struggles, their barriers and partner with them towards their own good health.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I like playing/watching soccer, and I recently started fly fishing. I also like spending time with my baby nephew.
Michelle Liang, MD
PROFILE
Where is home for you?
Irvine, California.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am interested in healthcare policy and economics, and also all areas of internal medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy tennis, running, snorkeling, and surfing.
Edwin Llamas, MD, MS
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Helping my mother get chosen to receive a house from Habitat for Humanity.
Where is home for you?
Yakima, Washington.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I enjoy point of care Ultrasound and Pulmonary/critical care medicine.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I like to stay active by playing basketball, tennis, lifting weights, etc. I also enjoy watching anime and playing video games such as Fortnite.
Wagma Nizami, MD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My son.
Where is home for you?
Toronto, Canada.
What are your interests related to medicine?
General internist, primary care, and infectious disease.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I love spending time with family. I also enjoy exploring, whether it’s discovering new places, trying new foods, or hiking. I think one thing I’d like to do more of in the future is travel.
Nikhila Palle, MD
PROFILE
Where is home for you?
Toronto, Canada.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I enjoy primary care, but also taking care of patients with complicated conditions. I also care about providing care to underserved populations.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy hiking, watching true crime TV, cooking and baking.
Bo Peng, MD, PhD
PROFILE
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I could not be happier being able to spend quality time with my wife Wei, my son Wilson and daughter Harper. I also have many supportive close friends and colleagues that I enjoy spending time with them. Also, I was lucky enough to win the table tennis tournament during my time in medical school.
Where is home for you?
I was born and raised in China. I lived there until I was 23. After that, I was lucky to spend about a decade residing in beautiful Vancouver, Canada.
What are your interests related to medicine?
Providing care for women—especially women in pregnancy. I also have a huge interest in infertility early pregnancy related conditions. My biggest wish toward the future of medicine is whether we can provider better understanding to diseases and tailor management based on gender-specific needs for better care.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy table tennis, snowboarding, cooking, and hiking.
Sean Terada, MD
PROFILE
Where is home for you?
Honolulu, Hawaii.
What are your interests related to medicine?
I am interested in primary care and working with underserved populations. I also have an interest in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout healthcare.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of residency?
I enjoy swimming, volleyball, and tennis.