Emergency Medicine Residents
PGY-I
Vivian Deng, DO
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Undergraduate School: Wesleyan University
Medical School: LECOM at Elmira
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: Emergency Medicine is a fast-paced specialty with remarkable variety, where I'm constantly problem-solving across a wide range of clinical scenarios. There are numerous hands-on procedures, from intubations to laceration repairs, while treating patients of all ages and conditions. This breadth of practice excites me and fits my drive to thrive on constant change and decisive action under pressure.
What do I like to do in my free time: Going on nature walks with my dog, cooking, gardening, golfing
Derek McGuire, DO
Hometown: Newcastle, Oklahoma
Undergraduate School: University of Oklahoma
Medical School: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I was drawn to Emergency Medicine by the opportunity to be the first point of care for patients in critical need. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the ED, the ability to perform hands-on procedures, and the challenge of stabilizing patients in high-stress situations.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, camping, hunting and playing pickleball.
Sindhu Nadipallo, MD
Hometown: Ashburn, VA
Undergraduate School: Drexel University
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The variety of patients we see and environments we can work in, the opportunity to be hands-on, and having to be knowledgeable in all areas of medicine. .
What do I like to do in my free time: Working out at the gym, reading, spending time in church, and getting together with friends and family. I also enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and eating good food.
Alyssa Strassburg, DO
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergraduate School: SUNY Old Westbury
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I chose emergency medicine for its ability to spark curiosity, require creativity, and embrace unpredictability in a fast-paced environment. I consider it a privilege to provide care to anyone on what may be the worst day of their life-regardless of their background, insurance status, or personal circumstances. I love connecting with patients, learning their stories, and helping them return to the things they love most in this world.
What do I like to do in my free time: Most of my spare time is dedicated to my dog, cat, gecko, partner, family, friends, and Buffalo sports teams. When I can, I love playing board games, listening to audiobooks, enjoying video games, and creating art -including leatherworking, painting, and sewing.
Kaylee Townsend, MBBCh
Hometown: Glenwood, Iowa
Undergraduate School: University of Central Missouri
Medical School: University of Galway
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I am drawn to the field of emergency medicine because it allows me to provide immediate care to patients in their times of need, making a tangible difference and positively impacting their lives. In addition, the fast-paced environment and the diversity of patients are aspects of the field that I value, as they make every day unique and enable continuous learning and growth.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy spending time with my husband, staying active at the gym or outdoors, baking sourdough or out other goodies, and playing with my dogs.
Collin Van Gorden, DO
Hometown: Vestal, NY
Undergraduate School: Binghamton University
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I chose Emergency Medicine because you never know what you are going to get. The need for a hands-on approach and the opportunity to perform procedures is exactly the type of medicine I want to practice. I like the fast paced nature and helping patients when they need it the most.
What do I like to do in my free time: Stay physically active, spend time outdoors, work with my hands on epoxy resin crafts etc., relax on the couch watching TV.
PGY-II
Rachel Arakawa, MD
Hometown: Heʻeia, Hawaiʻi
Undergraduate School: Chaminade University of Honolulu
Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The variety of patients we see and environments we can work in, the opportunity to be hands-on, and having to be knowledgeable in all areas of medicine.
What do I like to do in my free time: Working out at the gym, reading, spending time in church, and getting together with friends and family. I also enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and eating good food.
Emily Hodack, DO
Hometown: Kirkwood
Undergrad School: Binghamton University
Medical School: LECOM
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The fast-paced environment, teamwork approach to caring for patients, and variety of complaints. You never know who is going to walk through the doors of the ED and that makes for a unique shift every day.
What do I like to do in my free time: Watching garbage TV, snuggling with my cat, and enjoying a beverage in the sun.
Timothy Holmes, DO
Hometown:
South Jordan Utah
Undergrad School: Utah Valley University
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I chose EM because it allows me to use my hands and provide immediate and sometimes lifesaving care, while making a tangible difference in peoples lives. The unpredictable nature of the ER presents unique challenges and opportunities each day which keeps me constantly engaged and on my toes.
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending time with my family and playing golf.
Darby Kasper, DO
Hometown: Columbia Crossroads, PA
Undergrad School: The Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I was drawn to emergency medicine because I desire to provide quality compassionate care to a complex population of patients seeking care for acute medical conditions. Emergency medicine is a unique field that allows me to provide care to patients of all demographics, and with a diverse range of needs.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy figure skating, spending time with my family, hiking with my dog, and helping out on my family’s dairy farm.
Hannah Shantillo, DO
Hometown: Vestal, NY
Undergrad School: University of Scranton
Medical School: LECOM
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: Emergency medicine often allows me to be the initial provider when seeing a patient. Having the ability to be the first one to listen and understand what is troubling the patient drives me to be the best physician I can be. Being responsible for starting the patients' course of treatment and helping them navigate their hospital experience on their way towards improvement is fulfilling to me and something I look forward to in my career.
What do I like to do in my free time:
Spending time with my family and friends, going for walks, gardening, and trying new restaurants!
Tinna Thrastardottir, MD
Hometown: Reykjavik, Iceland
Undergrad School: Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada
Medical School: St George's, University of London, UK
What drew me to Emergency Medicine:
I am drawn to the fast paced and dynamic nature of Emergency Medicine with its diverse population group and wide range of medical presentations. Having been on the receiving end of emergency care, I understand the anxiety and urgency that accompanies a visit to the Emergency Department. I aspire to be the reassuring presence that patients first encounter, offering a listening ear, empathy, and hopefully some immediate, effective solutions. My compassionate nature and desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives draws me to Emergency Medicine, where I believe I can have a significant impact.
What do I like to do in my free time:
On my free time, you’ll often find me engrossed in a documentary series on Netflix or enjoying a good movie, TV show, or book — Line of duty, Fargo, Stephen King novels. I also enjoy discovering new places, hiking different trails, running, and baking. I also have two cats that often get most of my attention.
Thaddeus Wiktor, MD
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Undergrad School: University of California San Diego
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The diverse range of patient conditions, requiring continuous learning and offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives during challenging times.
What do I like to do in my free time: Mountain biking, skiing, hiking, reading sci-fi/fantasy books, hanging out with family and friends.ts
PGY-III
Rawan Alkhatib, MD
Hometown: Irbid, Jordan/ Mississauga, Canada
Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I was drawn to emergency medicine because of the diversity of patient problems, the fast-paced environment, and the sense of camaraderie and teamwork between healthcare professionals in the emergency setting.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy training in jiu jitsu, playing chess, and curling up to read a mystery or fantasy novel.
Christopher Cape, MD
Hometown: Eliot, Maine
Undergrad School: University of New Hampshire
Medical School: Frank H. Netter, MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I was drawn to Emergency Medicine for the variety. You never know what or who is going to walk through the door, and you have to always be prepared for anything. More than that, though, I love the people in the Emergency Department, both the patients and my coworkers.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy hiking, alpine and cross-country skiing, skijoring with my dog. I have an older Jeep that constantly needs work and I like wrenching on that. I also do a lot of work on my home and enjoy doing renovation projects.
Jennifer Demuro, MD
Hometown: Woodbury, CT
Undergrad School: University of Connecticut
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I originally pursued a career in General Surgery and completed several years of residency in Florida. I discovered that there were elements of medicine that were missing in the surgery field and that emergency medicine was a much better fit for me on a personal level. I immensely enjoy trauma and the fast-paced nature of the ER. I previously worked as an EMT and look forward to serving the emergency patient population again.
What do I like to do in my free time: Hang out with my (5) cats, running, sailing, ice skating and snowboarding. I am obsessed with murder and crime shows
Orest Konyk, MD
Hometown: Bukovinian State Medical University
Undergrad School: Bukovinian State Medical University
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I started working as a Patient Care Tech in Emergency after high school and seemed to never be able to leave Emergency Medicine after that. It's a lifestyle at this point.
What do I like to do in my free time: Ski, Snowboard, Hike, Make Sausage, Bread, Smoke meat, Build Garage Gyms, Sauna, Tennis, Coffee, and Pizza
Patrick Rowe, MD
Hometown: Fresno, CA; Durham, NC
Undergrad School: Lincoln Memorial University
Medical School: St. George's University
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The variety of patients that could walk in at any moment and be ready for anything on a moment's notice. I was also drawn to EM by the amount of hands-on work and being able to make an immediate difference in someone's life.
What do I like to do in my free time: Working out, playing video games, hanging out/catching up with friends, going for hikes or rock climbing, and watching sports (mostly hockey or soccer)