Gastroenterology Fellowship Fellows
Year 1
Amlish Gondal, MD
Hometown: Pakistan
Medical School: King Edward Medical University
Residency: Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital
What drew me to Gastroenterology: Gastroenterology offers a unique blend of longitudinal patient care- preventive and curative procedures allow us to make a tangible impact on quality of life of our patients.
What do I like to do in my free time: Reading and exploring the country.
Tiana Dodd, DO
Hometown: Cool Ridge, WV
Undergrad School: West Virginia University
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Charleston Area Medical Center
What drew me to Gastroenterology: I chose gastroenterology because it offers a mix of inpatient, outpatient, and procedural-based care. It is one of the few specialties that allows physicians to manage acute medical emergencies through procedural intervention, treat chronic diseases with life-changing therapies, and educate patients on the importance of cancer screening and prevention. I am especially drawn to the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients throughout their care. Because the endoscopy suite can often feel intimidating and overwhelming, I look forward to creating an environment where patients feel comfortable, informed, and reassured throughout the process.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I enjoy traveling both locally and internationally. I also enjoy hiking and birdwatching using my Merlin app. I like to relax by spending time with my fiancée and our two cats, Franklin and Nittany.
Year 2
Ibrar Atiq, M.B.B.S.
Hometown: Pakistan
Undergrad School: Punjab College of Science
Medical School: Allama Iqbal Medical College
Residency: UHS - Wilson Medical Center
What drew me to Gastroenterology: I chose Gastroenterology because its the perfect mix of detective work, hands-on procedures and meaningful patient interactions. The gut is truly the body's second brain, and understanding it offers insight into overall well-being. Plus, lets face it, in what other specialty can you discuss gas, bloating and bowel movements all day and still be considered a serious medical professional?
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I like to read, spend time with my family and friends, go hiking and try new cuisines.
Bibek Karki, M.B.B.S.
Hometown: Latham, NY
Undergrad School: Birat Science Campus
Medical School: Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital
Residency: Hurley Medical Center/Michigan State University
What drew me to Gastroenterology: Since medical school, I have been drawn to gastroenterology for its profound opportunity to improve a patient's quality of life by addressing acute and chronic digestive issues. It is an ideal balance of clinical medicine and hands-on procedures. The specialty offers a longitudinal patient relationship and the immediate gratification of performing procedures that provide both diagnosis and relief.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I love reading books, meeting friends and family, watching movies, and taking a long walk outdoors.
Year 3
Raja Chandra Chakinala, MD
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Undergrad School: Sri Chaitanya Junior College, Hyderabad, India
Medical School: Bhaskar Medical College, Hyderabad, India
Residency: New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center
What drew me to Gastroenterology: I knew I wanted to be a gastroenterologist even before getting into Internal Medicine residency. I have always been fascinated by the gastrointestinal system, which I see as a marvel of biological engineering, with its intricate network of organs, hormones, enzymes, and microbiota working in harmony to sustain life. My passion for this field also stems from its blend of detective work and hands-on care, the constant drive for therapeutic advancements, and, above all, the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients grappling with gastrointestinal disorders.
What do I like to do in my free time: Traveling (countries, national parks) and exploring new restaurants & cuisines with friends/family, photography, hiking, playing and watching various sports (recent obsession: pickleball), watching movies and binging on tv shows, listening to music, and audiobooks.
Rewanth Katamreddy, MD
Hometown: Ongole
Undergrad School: Kurnool Medical College
Medical School: Kurnool Medical College
Residency: New York Medical College-Saint Micheal's Medical Center
What drew me to Gastroenterology: Gastroenterology continued to intrigue me since my medical school days. The diversity of the field, with a good mix of hands-on skills, minimally invasive procedures, and cognitive stimulation, appealed to me. I am fascinated by its physiology, particularly the Gut-Brain axis and Microbiome, and their impact on overall health. It offers me an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives by diagnosing and treating GI disorders.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I play pickleball, hang out with friends, play chess, and watch movies.