MEET THE RESIDENTS
Class of 2025
Class of 2027
Class of 2026
Nishat Ananya
Chief
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Middletown, NY
EM Interests: Medical Education, Critical Care
Why I Chose HUMC: I felt very supported during my time at HUMC and knew I could become a competent physician with HUMC’s guidance. Despite the high volume and high acuity patient population, I felt that I can learn and practice emergency medicine properly and still have time for friends and family. The staff, residents, and faculty at HUMC always look out for each other and work together to improve patient care and the community's quality of life.
Fun Fact: I speak 4 languages, 5 if you count Latin (even though it’s not a spoken language anymore).
Hila Baer
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Pediatric EM
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose Hackensack ED for its dynamic, high-volume environment, which offers exposure to diverse pathologies and high-acuity cases. The friendly, close-knit resident community makes the experience even more rewarding.
Fun Fact: Outside of the ED, I enjoy traveling, nature walks, reading, and rewatching the same 4 sitcoms over and over again.
Ujwal Boppana
Medical School: St. George's University
EM Interests: Critical Care, Ultrasound, Pain Management
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC for its rigorous training, diverse patient population, and supportive environment. The talented faculty and emphasis on teaching, teamwork, and wellness impressed me.
Fun Fact: I'm an avid gamer and have logged too many hours playing StarCraft for my own good.
Emma Daly
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Middletown
EM Interests: Medical Education
Why I Chose HUMC: I had the opportunity to rotate at HUMC as a 4th year medical student and had a wonderful experience. The learning opportunities both on and off shift were vast and all of the residents/faculty were so welcoming, kind, and excellent teachers. Additionally, I was born and raised in NY, about 25 minutes from HUMC, and I am super grateful to be close to home where all of my family still lives.
Fun Fact: I played Division II college basketball and still love to challenge myself physically, most recently by running the NYC marathon! I additionally love the beach, trying new restaurants/coffee shops, spending time with my family, and adventurous activities such as skydiving.
Peter Dunn
Chief
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Middletown
EM Interests: EKGs, Critical Care, Ultrasound
Why I Chose HUMC: The willingness to teach from the faculty, the family mindset of the residents, the exposure to a wide range of pathology and acuity, location in the greater NYC area
Fun Fact: I currently have over 11,000 unclaimed Dunkin' rewards points in my app.
Nima Lama
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Disaster Medicine, Pain Medicine, Ultrasound
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because it feels like the perfect fit for me. The wide range of patient pathologies and complex cases encountered here really excites me, and I know they'll challenge me to become a better physician. I love the nurturing learning environment and the strong culture of mentorship. The commitment to resident education is something I deeply value, and the camaraderie among residents makes me feel like I'm joining a family. The focus on wellness and the inclusive, supportive culture are just what I need. Plus, being close to home is a huge bonus, adding a great balance to my life.
Fun Fact: I love playing basketball, going to concerts, and trying new foods. Hiking and trekking for amazing views are some of my favorite activities. Plus, I have a real soft spot for animals!
Lindsey Mathis
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Sports Medicine
Why I Chose HUMC: The close relationships among faculty and residents in the setting of a high-acuity, high-volume, and fast-paced emergency department were what attracted me to HUMC. I knew I would graduate fully prepared for any pathology or situation. The residents are close-knit and the faculty are always there to support you in any way they can.
Fun Fact: I love going to the gym! I also can often be found reading a book on my phone, and I love spending downtime with family and friends.
Iyann Aden
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie Campus
EM Interests: Critical Care, Global Health, Health Inequities in Emergency Medicine
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because of it being a large academic center with high volume and large patient diversity. The close-knit feeling between residents and the location being close to NYC was another big plus for me!
Fun Fact: I love being outside and trying new restaurants if I have time. I am also a huge reality TV fan! I love catching up with family and friends as much as I can.
Sherin Oommen
Medical School: St. George's University
EM Interests: Critical Care, PEM
Why I Chose HUMC: HUMC offered a diverse patient population with high acuity cases and a large patient volume. Being born and raised in Jersey, I was already familiar with how valuable the Hackensack system is in providing high quality healthcare with compassionate doctors. After meeting some of the faculty and residents during my interview, it only further solidified how amazing, kind, and dedicated they are to their patients, and how equally enthusiastic they are in providing excellent training for their residents.
Fun Fact: Hiked on a glacier in Iceland! Also got hit in the face with a little volcanic rock on that same hike. 10/10 recommend.
Daniel Sanchez
Medical School: St. George’s University
EM Interests: Critical Care and Ultrasound
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because I was confident that its high-volume, high-acuity Emergency Department, dedicated faculty, camaraderie among residents, and extensive sim lab exposure would prepare me to become an independent and confident physician.
Fun Fact: I was a member of the 17 and under boys' soccer team that represented Hawaii in the Olympic Development Program.
Julia Wickman
Chief
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Medical Education, Pediatrics
Why I Chose HUMC: At HUMC, the faculty and staff are always willing to teach, personal and professional growth are encouraged, and there are endless opportunities to engage in complex patient care. It is a privilege to work alongside supportive and knowledgeable faculty while providing high quality care to the Hackensack community!
Fun Fact: A lifelong goal is to visit all 63 US National Parks! I prefer visiting in the winter because of the beautiful snow, fewer crowds, and greater chances of seeing wildlife. To date, my favorite park experiences are snowshoeing in Yosemite and hiking through the caves of Pinnacles. As of June 2024: 6 parks down, 57 to go!
Emma Zoubek
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound and Patient Safety
Why I Chose HUMC: I really enjoyed rotating there as a student. There was a welcoming environment and the camaraderie between residents and attendings was very apparent. It also seemed like the perfect place to train with high patient volume and acuity!
Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling and have been to 11 different countries so far! I also spend my free time baking and reading.
Class of 2028
Class of 2027
Ahmad Abid
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Critical Care, Sports Medicine
Why I Chose HUMC: I thoroughly enjoyed my rotations as a medical student in the HUMC ED as you could clearly see a strong sense of community among the faculty and residents. The combination of a strong teaching curriculum and being one of the busiest EDs in the country makes for an invaluable training experience in my eyes.
Fun Fact: I enjoy keeping active with sports in my spare time, a fun fact about me is that I can dunk a basketball! I also enjoy risk taking activities and have gone skydiving in the past, and in the future hope to learn how to fly small planes.
Gabriella Acoury
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: EMS, Medical Education, Critical Care
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC for its diverse patient population, its status as a Level 1 trauma center, and the opportunity to serve the very community that shaped me. I grew up just twenty minutes away, and being able to care for the people who supported me means the world. Training in the fifth-busiest ER in the country in 2025 is the cherry on top, as this program offers the high volume and acuity I was looking for in residency.
Fun Fact: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I ran a marathon to raise money for cancer research through MSK’s Fred’s Team. I am also an EMT, and I love watching Marvel movies and spending time with my two pugs!
Dylan Amin
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
EM Interests: Critical Care, Pain Management, Medical Education
Why I Chose HUMC: During my fourth-year rotation at HUMC, I had an outstanding experience. I consistently felt supported by both the faculty and residents, and I was able to care for a diverse patient population as a result of the hospital’s high volume and acuity.
Fun Fact: I met Shaq (DJ Diesel) on vacation and had the opportunity to play catch with him
Hannah Bashar
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Critical Care, Sports Med, Med Ed
Why I Chose HUMC: The residency program has a great intersection of volume, acuity, and faculty who create a robust educational environment. Having completed my medical school rotations here at HUMC, I wanted to continue to hone my skills while giving back to the community who helped me get to where I am. I know this program will make me feel confident approaching any patient presentation post-graduation.
Fun Fact: Life is a constant quest to complete my “To Read” book list on Goodreads - 57% completion rate right now!
Noelle Bessette
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Sports Medicine, Procedures, Education
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because of the high patient volume and wide range of pathologies seen. From my first time in the HUMC ED, I felt the supportive nature of both the residents and attendings and knew it was a place where I could flourish and grow. I also grew up in New Jersey, only about 45 minutes from here, so getting to stay in the area is a big plus.
Fun Fact: I was a member of the first Rutgers athletics team to win a Big Ten championship (shout out field hockey!) and I still play in 2 different women’s leagues.
Zachary Coles
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
EM Interests: Medical Education, Social EM, Street Medicine
Why I Chose HUMC: diverse patient population, volume, proximity to family and friends
Fun Fact: I've worked part-time since I was 16 years old, and most recently worked at a deli delivering bagels during my 4th year of medical school
Sheam Jahan
Medical School: Rowan-Virtua SOM
EM Interests: PEM, Interventional Pain, Health equity, and underserved populations
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because of its commitment to serving a diverse patient population and its reputation for clinical excellence. I’m drawn to the collaborative environment, high acuity cases, and strong academic support that will challenge me to grow while allowing me to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Fun Fact: I took culinary classes when I was younger, and I’ve loved cooking ever since. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and cuisines.
Ahsan Khan
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: EMS, Ultrasound
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC for its location, high-acuity and diverse patient population. When I decided to pursue emergency medicine, HUMC was at the top of my list. After meeting the faculty and residents, I was impressed by their enthusiasm for mentorship and the strong sense of camaraderie within the team. The opportunity to teach and mentor medical students was also important to me.
Fun Fact: I like working on cars and autocross.
Jieun Kim
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem, NY
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Global Health
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC for its high-acuity environment, strong clinical training, and supportive culture. Growing up in New Jersey and attending high school just minutes away, I’m excited to train close to home and serve a diverse, multilingual community I understand well.
Fun Fact: Between prayer and love stories, I find just enough emotional maintenance to keep going.
Ahmad Saleh
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
EM Interests: U/S, Pain management , ICU
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose Hackensack University Medical Center because of its reputation as the top hospital in New Jersey and its strong academic and teaching environment. I had the privilege of completing a fourth-year rotation here and was deeply impressed by the collaborative atmosphere, the emphasis on teaching, and the high standard of patient care.
My connection to HUMC is also personal. I moved to New Jersey in 2014, and since then, it has become home. Most of my extended family, including many of my cousins, live here, and I’ve built strong roots in this community. Before medical school, I worked as an EMT in Paramus, where we frequently transported patients to HUMC. Those early experiences left a lasting impression and sparked my dream of one day joining the team at this exceptional institution.
Fun Fact: I’m the tenth of eleven siblings, which means I mastered negotiation and patience early on. I hold a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo—helpful both in sparring and securing the last slice of cake. I’ve traveled to 15 countries, feeding my love for new cultures (and even more so, new cuisines). Food and sweets are my weakness, and I proudly consider dessert a necessary food group.
Amina Syed
Medical School: St. George’s university school of medicine
EM Interests: Critical care, EMS
Why I Chose HUMC: I have always aspired to complete my residency training in a program that offers exposure to a high volume of patients with diverse pathologies, and HUMC clearly provides both. During my interview with Dr. Haji, other attendings, and residents, I felt a genuine sense of warmth, support, and belonging—it truly felt like I had found my new home.
Fun Fact: I love to cook and enjoy creating my own spice blends, experimenting with flavors from different cultures. In my free time, I find joy in decorating my home, especially incorporating antique pieces that add character and history to the space.
Class of 2029
Class of 2029
Suzanne Ayoubi
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
EM Interests: Critical Care, Medical Education, and Trauma
Why I Chose HUMC: Choosing HUMC felt like an easy decision after my rotation here. From day one, I felt like part of the team and saw firsthand how committed the faculty and residents were to both education and patient care. The combination of a busy emergency department, diverse pathology, and a strong sense of camaraderie made it a place where I knew I would thrive both professionally and personally. Being able to stay in New Jersey, a place I love, and remain close to my family made the decision even more meaningful.
Fun Fact: Outside of medicine, I love traveling and exploring new cultures. I’ve visited more than 15 countries, and one of my lifelong goals is to see every continent in the world.
Yeeun Lina Choi
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Toxicology, Community Medicine, Medical Education
Why I Chose HUMC: HUMC is where I fell in love with Emergency Medicine. The wonderful faculty and staff here nurtured my interest in EM and encouraged me to train alongside them. I was also captivated by the vast level of acuity and diversity of patients I experienced at this busy emergency department. I knew that the experience I get here will prepare me to be a great physician no matter where I practice.
Fun Fact: In between busy shifts, I am currently working on transitioning my competitive tennis skills to competitive pickleball.
Carly Cobbol
Medical School: Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: My interests in emergency medicine include global health and academic medicine. I’m fascinated by how healthcare is delivered around the world and believe some of the greatest opportunities to improve patient care come through collaboration, education, and adapting medicine to different communities and resources. I also hope to pursue a career in medical education, mentoring future residents and medical students along the way.
Why I Chose HUMC: Hackensack checked every box for me. I wanted to train at a busy Level I Trauma Center where I’d be challenged every day, work alongside incredible faculty, and learn from attendings who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. I also wanted opportunities to get involved in research and academic medicine while training at an institution that’s always striving to improve patient care. Just as importantly, I wanted a program where residents genuinely support one another, and everyone I met was down-to-earth, welcoming, and passionate about teaching. Being able to stay in Montclair, with easy access to New York City, while training at such an incredible institution made Hackensack feel like the perfect fit. I’m excited to grow here over the next few years and become the best emergency physician I can be.
Fun Fact: Before starting residency, I spent two months rotating in Cape Town, South Africa. I trained at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, where I rotated through pediatric surgery and the burns clinic, and at Victoria Hospital, where I worked in surgery and palliative care. It was an incredible experience that broadened my perspective on global health, especially the social determinants of health in medicine.
Valeria Fernandez
Medical School: NJMS
EM Interests: Medical Education
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because I wanted to train at a high-volume, fast-paced emergency department while being surrounded by a supportive and close-knit team. From the beginning, I felt that HUMC was a place where I could grow into a confident emergency physician while genuinely enjoying the people I work with.
Fun Fact: I love spending time with my dog and I love to dance!
Christa Frodella
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Research, Wilderness Medicine, Sports Medicine
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because the ED offers outstanding exposure to a diverse, high-acuity patient population, allowing residents to build confidence managing everything from routine emergencies to the most complex cases. Equally important, the faculty are deeply committed to resident education and provide exceptional mentorship in a supportive, collaborative learning environment.
Fun Fact: Before becoming a physician, I earned a PhD in Veterinary Medical Science.
Marc Good
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound, EMS, Global Healthcare, Aerospace Medicine
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC for residency because of the great experiences I had as a medical student here during rotations. I saw first-hand the immense volume, complexity, and diversity of patients this hospital cares for. The strong bonds that the residents and faculty had in the emergency department was also something I value. It felt like the ideal environment to continue my training and grow into the emergency physician I aspire to be.
Fun Fact: My peak rating on chess.com is 1780.
Emilie Morse
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Sports Medicine and Ultrasound
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because it was evident that the program fosters a supportive learning environment and provides strong clinical exposure with a diverse patient population and large patient volume. Having been raised only a few miles away from the hospital, I was also very excited for the opportunity to return home and serve the community that first inspired me to become a physician.
Fun Fact: I love puzzles! When I finish one, I glue it, frame it, and hang it up on my puzzle wall.
Paavan Patel
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School Of Medicine
EM Interests: Aerospace Medicine, EMS, Event Medicine
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because of all the amazing faculty, intense volume, and the diverse population. Going to Hackensack’s medical school helped me build connections and find amazing mentors that showed me how amazing EM can be!
Fun Fact: I was (legally) allowed to shoot fireworks at people on top of a dragon in Barcelona! No one got hurt… I think?
Hayley Smith
Medical School: St. George’s University
EM Interests: Sports medicine, Pain Management
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC for the high acuity, high volume, and patient diversity. The supportive leadership and close-knit residents create a welcoming environment and the perfect place to learn.
Fun Fact: I drive stick.
Jarrell Wiley
Medical School: Rowan-Virtua School Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Pain Medicine/Ultrasound
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose Emergency Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center because it offers the opportunity to train at one of the nation's premier emergency medicine programs and a Level I Trauma Center. I am excited to learn in a high-acuity environment where I will encounter a wide variety of pathologies and develop the clinical skills needed to confidently care for critically ill and injured patients. My goal is to receive rigorous, comprehensive training that will prepare me to excel in any emergency medicine setting. The hospital's close proximity to several major cities provides exposure to an incredibly diverse patient population, allowing me to better understand and serve patients from a wide range of backgrounds. I was also drawn to the program because of its outstanding faculty, whose breadth of expertise, dedication to teaching, and supportive mentorship foster an exceptional learning environment. Equally important, Hackensack's strong commitment to resident well-being reassures me that I will be challenged, supported, and empowered to grow into the best emergency physician I can be.
Fun Fact: I'm a huge Formula 1 fan and enjoy participating in realistic sim racing events in my free time.
Alex Zincani
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Critical Care, Wilderness Medicine, Med Ed/Simulation
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC for a few reasons. First of all, while rotating as a student in the ER, I felt that all of the attendings and residents created a productive environment, where student and resident learners alike could thrive and learn in the chaos of the ED. The department has high volume and high acuity, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Also, I'm from the area and was born in Bergen county, so it is a privilege for me to get to work in and serve the community that my family and I are from!
Fun Fact: I was awarded employee of the month, for a month where I was mostly on vacation.
Connor Wirth
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
EM Interests: Toxicology, excited to explore and discover additional interests through residency
Why I Chose HUMC: I chose HUMC because I had the opportunity to experience the program early-on as a medical student at HMSOM. Working in this specific ED early in my training allowed me to build relationships with the attendings, residents, and residency faculty, who were consistently welcoming, supportive, and invested in teaching. Those experiences confirmed that it was a place where I could grow as an EM physician. The P3R pathway also made the application process more seamless, and seeing previous graduates from my medical school thrive in the residency program via the P3R pathway gave me confidence that HUMC was the right fit. I knew I wanted to stay in New Jersey, and this program offered the supportive culture and strong, busy, action-packed clinical training I was looking for.
Fun Fact: I'm a huge soccer fan and almost never miss a game