Family Medicine Residents

PGY I

Madeline Becks, DO

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergrad School: Sarah Lawrence College 
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Family Medicine: I chose family medicine because it is both the forefront and backbone of modern medicine. I am a big proponent of trauma-informed care and public health and I think family medicine has the greatest impact on its local community. I am particularly interested in behavioral health, lifestyle medicine and nutrition.
What do I like to do in my free time: I love to cuddle with my two cats and read! I primarily read existential philosophy, but I also enjoy classic literature, theology and psychology. When the weather is nice, I love to get coffee and go to estate sales and flea markets! I studied eco-chemistry in college, and I hope to one day build my own freshwater aquarium to house species like gar, eels, and sturgeon. 

Chris Alex Garapati, MD

Hometown: Vijayawada, India
Undergrad School: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur
Medical School: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur
What drew me to Family Medicine: Being part of a community and growing with my patients is what drew me to family medicine. During one of my rotations, a physician told me he had delivered the baby of a woman he had once delivered himself, which stayed with me and showed me the value of continuity of care. I'm drawn to this field for its ability to care for patients at every stage of life. My outreach experiences further strengthened my passion for working with underserved populations and making healthcare more accessible.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy going out with friends and family, exploring different places, landscapes, and food. I also love watching movies, series, and anime across all genres. The Office(US) is my favorite series to rewatch. I'm also really into Formula 1 and cricket, and following them is something I genuinely look forward to. Recently, I've also started working out regularly, which has become an important part of my routine.

Stedrea Hutchinson, MD

Hometown: Toronto
Undergrad School: University of Toronto
Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine
What drew me to Family Medicine: I chose Family Medicine because it prioritizes prevention and long-term patient relationships. I am dedicated to delivering consistent primary care that improves health outcomes through continuity and advocacy.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy reading, particularly mystery thrillers such as The One and The Housemaid Series, exploring new shows and comedies, and staying active. I also like visiting new cafés and plan to travel more. As a Jamaican, I enjoy all things Caribbean, including music, food, and films. 

Versha Kumari, MD

Hometown: Hyderabad (PAK) and Toronto (CA)
Undergrad School: Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences 
Medical School: Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences
What drew me to Family Medicine: I have always wanted to be a physician who could care for patients of all ages and feel confident doing so. Family Medicine gives me that opportunity while allowing me to treat the whole person, not just the disease. Building long-term relationships helps me understand my patients' struggles, fears, and goals, enabling me to provide compassionate, individualized, and truly patient-centered care.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I like to unwind by listening to music, singing my favorite songs out loud, and going for walks. I also enjoy going on drives with my husband and catching up with my parents and siblings back in Pakistan. Another hobby I love is experimenting in the kitchen and trying new recipes.

Pauline Beatriz Ong Siu, MD

Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Undergrad School: University of Santo Tomas 
Medical School: University of Santo Tomas
What drew me to Family Medicine: I am drawn to Family Medicine because it offers the unique opportunity to build lasting, meaningful relationships with patients and care for them as whole people. I am passionate about guiding and empowering patients to take an active role in their health, supporting them through both everyday challenges and major life transitions, and fostering a sense of trust and partnership that promotes their long-term well-being.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I like to read books, stay active, learn new recipes and explore new cuisines.

Shruti Vadali, MD

Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Medical School: Gomel State Medical University
What drew me to Family Medicine: Family Medicine drew me in for its breadth and continuity; caring for patients across all stages of life while addressing not just illness, but prevention and psychosocial well-being. I value the opportunity to build lasting relationships and truly understand my patients' lives beyond the clinic. Being able to serve as a trusted advocate, guiding individuals and families to make informed, healthier choices and make a lasting impact on their lives, is what makes this field especially meaningful to me.
What do I like to do in my free time: I love cooking and baking, and I'm always on the hunt for new cafés and restaurants to try. In my free time, you'll often find me outdoors with my dogs, hiking, working out, or traveling. I also enjoy unwinding with books and manga, or a good binge of anime, K-dramas, and Netflix.

PGY II

Kathleen Mae Palma Alfonso, MD

Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Undergrad School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines 
Medical School: San Beda University College of Medicine, Philippines 
What drew me to Family Medicine: I'm passionate about Family Medicine because it recognizes the importance of having a holistic approach to care, forming genuine connections with patients, and balancing clinical expertise with empathy in every encounter. It allows me to care for generations of families, fostering meaningful relationships that extend beyond hospital stays or clinic visits.
What do I like to do in my free time: Singing, listening to music, and writing songs. I like baking, watching basketball games, running, hiking, and playing badminton. I also love traveling and exploring different cultures.

Reinier Lacson, MD

Hometown: Philippines
Undergrad School: University of Santo Tomas 
Medical School: University of Santo Tomas 
What drew me to Family Medicine: Family Medicine enlightened me to be the primary barrier for my patients to any harm or diseases that they may be exposed or predisposed to. It would be a great privilege to take care of my patients and be a constant part of their lives in a very positive way.
What do I like to do in my free time: Watching random videos on youtube, playing video games, basketball, spending time with family, friends, and the love of my life.

Hurerah Shah Nawaz, MD

Hometown: Lahore/Toronto
Undergrad School: RCSI MUB 
Medical School: RCSI MUB 
What drew me to Family Medicine: I believe that medicine, at its core, is about connection. It's about understanding people, their stories, their struggles, and their strengths. Family Medicine is a speciality that allows harboring long term connections with patients and ultimately that is what drew me to it. 
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending time with my husband and my two cats. I love going to the gym and I'm a big foodie. I also love anything makeup or fashion related!

Eric Sanchez, MD

Hometown: Naga City, Philippines​​​​​​​
Undergrad School: Centro Escolar University 
Medical School: San Beda University 
What drew me to Family Medicine: I chose Family Medicine because it allows me to build lasting relationships with patients, provide holistic care that goes beyond illness, and empower them through health education. It offers endless possibilities to advocate for patients, serve communities, and help bridge gaps in the healthcare system. I am particularly drawn to the primary care of patients with musculoskeletal problems, as I value helping people, whether athletes or everyday individuals, stay active and maintain movement, which I believe is fundamental to overall well-being.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
What do I like to do in my free time: Playing volleyball and badminton, trying new sports, watching anime, singing, and exploring nature.

Jochebeth Trocino, MD

Hometown: University of the East - Manila, Philippines
Undergrad School: University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery - Manila, Philippines 
Medical School: University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery - Manila, Philippines 
What drew me to Family Medicine: I chose Family Medicine because I want to be the type of doctor that wasn't available to my family in my home country, where preventive care is often neglected. Additionally, I'm passionate about serving in medical missions and using my holistic skills to provide comprehensive care to underserved communities.. ​​​​​​​
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy singing karaoke, watching anime, practicing yoga, and experimenting with new recipes. I also love traveling and experiencing the beauty of God's creation in different places.

Fatima Tuz Zahra Abdullah, MD

Hometown: Attock, Pakistan
Undergrad School: Army Public School And College, Attock, Pakistan​​​​​​​
Medical School: Allama Iqbal Medical College, LAHORE, Pakistan​​​​​​​
What drew me to Family Medicine: The comprehensive nature of specialty, seeing patient's of all ages and seeing acute and chronic diseases. ​​​​​​​
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time I enjoy watching videos and speaking to my family.

PGY III

Rizal Abello, MD

Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Undergrad School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines 
Medical School: San Beda University College of Medicine, Philippines 
What drew me to Family Medicine: Family Medicine is near and dear to me because of how I grew up in the Philippines that greatly influenced my passion for this field. I admire Family Medicine on its dedication to community belongingness and how it provides an all-encompassing care to everyone; from the youngest to the eldest and from the simple to complex cases. This field, especially Primary Care, is an ever-evolving field which encourages us to be always on our feet and to develop our confidence in handling a diverse range of patients and diseases. Despite being a challenge, it is a challenge I welcome!
What do I like to do in my free time: I strive to maintain a healthy mind and body in all my endeavors! In my free time, I like working-out, running, and hiking. I am also passionate about the performing arts, specifically, dancing. Something specific and unique, is that I am fond of Disney Villains! I collect Funko Pops, Lenox figurines, merchandises, and I invest in reading their untold backstories through the novels by Serena Valentino. Also, I am a fur-parent to a total of 15 dogs.
 

Sneha Alexander, MD

Hometown: Mumbai, India
Undergrad School: Father Muller's Institute Of Medical Education And Research
Medical School:Father Muller's Institute Of Medical Education And Research
What drew me to Family Medicine: My commitment to Family Medicine blossomed during my rural internship in India, where I witnessed its profound impact and holistic approach. Beyond personal experiences, I value its role in community health crises, like the Covid- 19 pandemic, where I counseled families and emphasized preventative care. Family Medicine's focus on lifelong care aligns with my dedication to comprehensive, patient-centered approaches. Building enduring patient relationships enriches my practice. Additionally, its diversity of cases, spanning chronic conditions to infectious diseases and addiction medicine, presents continual learning opportunities. Ultimately, Family Medicine resonates with my mission to serve individuals and communities, making a lasting difference in healthcare.
What do I like to do in my free time: I relax by embracing a balanced mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Hosting friends for cozy gatherings filled with interesting conversations and delicious homemade meals is a favorite pastime of mine. I enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, experimenting with recipes from diverse cuisines. Board games bring out my competitive spirit and provide hours of entertainment with friends and family. I also find pleasure in hiking amidst breathtaking landscapes and exploring new destinations while indulging in the local cuisine. And when I need a break from the hustle, I'll groove to some Bollywood songs, tinker on the piano, or simply unwind with my saved playlists.

Sivagami Rajan, MD

Hometown: Chennai, India
Medical School: Narayana Medical College
What drew me to Family Medicine: I have a big family and therefore being able to care for and help people of all ages is a gratifying experience! I like being part of the first line in healthcare for my patients which enables me to have 'prevent first' as my approach. I love educating patients and find out what works best for them to remain healthy.
What do I like to do in my free time: I love reading, hiking ,binge watching Netflix especially horror movies.
 

Mayanthi Telge, MD

Hometown: Dubai, U.A.E
Undergrad School: University of Sydney
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
What drew me to Family Medicine: What drew me to family medicine is the ability to deliver continuity of care, reaching patients from diverse backgrounds. The field's focus on preventive care and health promotion deeply resonates with me, as it has a profound impact on overall well-being. Moreover, the opportunity to practice a blend of obstetrics and hospital medicine, aligning with my passions, keeps me intellectually engaged and fulfilled.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, and hosting dinners for friends and family whenever I can. I also like to brunch, stay active with exercise and dancing, and unwind by watching my favorite shows and movies on Netflix.
 

Tanvi Wadhwa, MD

Hometown: Gurgaon (IND) and Burnaby (CAN)
Undergrad School: The University of British Columbia
Medical School: Jagiellonian University Medical College
What drew me to Family Medicine: I like the continuity of care and the holistic approach to treating people afforded by family medicine. The opportunity to see patients with a vast variety of conditions and in diverse settings, makes family medicine challenging and exciting, giving me the chance to keep learning and growing as a person and as a doctor.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy activities where I spend quality time with my friends and family such as playing squash, badminton and board games (particularly Settlers of Catan and Codenames), watching shows and movies as well as cricket and tennis matches. I also like hiking and baking.