Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellows
Year 1
Jonathan Duenas, MD
Hometown: Queens, New York
Undergrad School: Hunter College - CUNY
Medical School: Universidad Central del Ecuador
Residency: Berkshire Medical Center
What drew me to Pulmonology: I am drawn to the complex pathophysiology underlying severe illness and multi-organ dysfunction, while using bedside procedures to assess and support critically ill patients. Pulmonary physiology and pathology is exciting, requiring a broad understanding of multiple disciplines across medicine. An interplay that makes the specialty both unique and intellectually challenging. Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine represents the pursuit of becoming a complete physician that can help those who are critically ill and support their loved ones during vulnerable times.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife, going to the gym, and playing sports like billiards, handball, and soccer. I enjoy all types of food and play a variety of video games. For fun I like to learn about history, cooking, cars and motorcycles. I relax by going out for walks and catching up with friends and family.
Bibek Timilsina, MD
Hometown: Pokhara
Undergrad School: Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences
Medical School: Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences College of Medicine
Residency: Virtua Health, New Jersey
What drew me to Pulmonology: When the clinical picture is muddy and the stakes are high, I always find myself coming back to the basics of physiology and more often than not, that is where the answer is hiding. There is something deeply satisfying about thinking through a complex problem, making a decisive call, and acting on it in real time. And then there are the procedures be it bronchoscopy or managing a rapidly deteriorating patient at the bedside, moments where your hands and your mind have to work together perfectly. It is hard to imagine doing anything else. Most of all, it is the profound privilege of showing up for people at their most vulnerable that I fell in love with. That is what keeps me here.
What do I like to do in my free time: Love to travel around and learn about history of different places. At times I like going for hikes and trails. Playing with my kid.
Year 2
Kevin Carroll, DO
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad School: University of Dayton
Medical School: Ohio University - Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Kettering Health Network - Dayton
What drew me to Pulmonology: I was drawn to pulmonary & critical care medicine due to the complex physiology, procedures and working with multiple specialities in the ICU. The first wave of COVID-19 was during my intern year, where the majority of our time was spent in the ICU where I was exposed to all of the above, realizing P&CCM was the specialty for me.
What do I like to do in my free time: Playing with Waylon - my golden-doodle puppy, golfing and spending time with friends and family.
Andrew Vela, MD
Hometown: Boerne, TX
Undergrad School: McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Residency: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
What drew me to Pulmonology: As a general practitioner in a rural mountain town, I've seen many people hampered with lung conditions that ruined their much-deserved retirement years. I found myself wanting to help and restore their quality of life. But also, I wanted to be part of a multi-speciality team that serves critically ill patients. I find solving complex problem while providing empathy and care a rewarding challenge.
What do I like to do in my free time: Traveling with my wife and toddler, reading history, golf, and running.
Year 3
Keertana Seeli, MD
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Undergrad School: Al Ain Juniors, Al Ain, UAE
Medical School: Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India
Residency: Bayhealth, Delaware
What drew me to Pulmonology: I believe that solutions to all complexities exist in their basics. There is no better fit than PCCM for me as it brings me back to my basic pathophysiology and channels my resilience and empathy to provide meaningful patient outcomes - especially in moments between life and death. On the other hand, I am also eager to explore the realm of pulmonology and add to my knowledge and skills as an intensivist. I look forward to learning and treating pulmonary diseases to improve one’s quality of breath and, thus, quality of life.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy playing table tennis and volleyball—beat me if you can! I also like to hang out with my close friends and family, as good food and good company never go wrong.
Rahul Zain, MD
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Undergrad School: The Lyceum School
Medical School: Ziauddin Medical College
Residency: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center
What drew me to Pulmonology: The pace of working in an ICU in combination with the vast variety of cases seen on a regular basis is what drew me specifically towards Critical Care. With regards to Pulmonary; I strongly believe that there is anything purer than being able to help another human being breathe more comfortably.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy spending time with my wife, hiking, gardening, and lastly playing Call of Duty to blow off some steam!
Shital Oli, MD
Hometown: Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Undergrad School: Nobel Medical College
Medical School: Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar, Nepal
Residency: Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, New York
What drew me to Pulmonology: The multidisciplinary approach to working as a team for the best outcome in critical patients is one of the things that attracted me to this specialty. Seeing patients who initially come to the ICU in complex situations leaving the ICU with improvement is very satisfying. Also, working during the COVID period was really a great experience that motivated me further toward critical care.|The interesting part of pulmonology is that we can see ICU patients in the pulmonary clinic after discharge, from which we can learn the course of the diseases, and maintain continuity of care which ultimately helps achieve better outcomes.
What do I like to do in my free time: Watching movies with my family, and playing soccer, cricket, and tennis with my friends. I love to hike and am learning to ski.