Residents - Class of 2026 / PGY- 1
Abigail Bautista, M.D.
Graduated from University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine
Hometown: Waipahu, HI
Why HUMC: Smaller class size, many fellowship options, resident/faculty/patient diversity, cares for underserved populations, community hospital with academic resources
Professional Interests: Palliative care, primary care
Personal Interests: Cooking, baking, origami, going to the beach, hiking
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: I think I'd go to culinary/ pastry school and work in a bakery.
What being a good doctor means to me: Building trust/connections with my patients.
Elizabeth Bowman, D.O.
Graduated from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Bridgeton, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC for residency because of the amazing faculty and the emphasis on academic medicine. I also love the diversity of complex medical cases we see at HUMC and the dedication to compassionate care that all the staff share.
Professional Interests: Endocrinology, rheumatology
Personal Interests: Cooking, reading, swimming, running
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Bookstore owner
What being a good doctor means to me: Being a good doctor means treating patients with a devotion to every aspect of their wellbeing.
Nathaniel Costin, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Princeton, NJ
Why HUMC: HUMC offers the diverse and complex patients seen at similarly large academic centers with the close-knit community of residents and faculty more typically seen at smaller community hospitals. It is a wonderful place for me to practice and learn how to be the physician I want to be.
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Bioethics
Personal Interests: Reading, gardening, 20th century art
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Short story author
What being a good doctor means to me: It means being someone with integrity and a strong moral compass who is responsible and trustworthy. I want to be the type of doctor to whom my colleagues would send their own family members.
Youngrae Kim, M.D.
Graduated from Konkuk University College of Medicine
Hometown: Seoul, Korea
Why HUMC: The culture and the education at HUMC. From the interview to being currently on the job, EVERYONE is very welcoming, supportive and caring.
Professional Interests: PCP/internist/subspecialty - open to all possibilities as each has its own charms and appeals
Personal Interests: Judo, cycling, hiking, trumpet
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: High school biology/band teacher
What being a good doctor means to me: Providing for the best interests.
Lahari Kota, M.D.
Graduated from University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Hometown: Trumbull, CT
Why HUMC: During my interview, I was able to sense that this is a small, close knit program with a supportive environment. It was evident that the faculty were very invested in education, patient care, and propelling residents into their careers of choice.
Professional Interests: Hospitalist Medicine, Gastroenterology
Personal Interests: Home Improvement (interior design, furniture builds, etc.), Urban Sketching, Reading, Ancient History, Gardening
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Viable alternative career: Teacher; Unrealistic dream job: Archeologist
What being a good doctor means to me: Building relationships and trust with patients; keeping up to date on medical knowledge to provide evidence based care.
Arianna Leo, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Deer Park, NY
Why HUMC: I had the opportunity to do many of my clinical rotations at HUMC during medical school. After seeing the high volume of patients, complexity of cases, and encouragement and support of the faculty I knew that this program would provide the most comprehensive training experience for me.
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Medical Education
Personal Interests: Cooking, hiking, oil pastel art
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Travel blogger
What being a good doctor means to me: Being a good doctor means being a good investigator, listener, advocate, and educator.
Linah Munem, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Little Falls, NJ
Why HUMC: I loved my experience as a student at HUMC. The faculty is very nurturing and completely invested in our success, and I am close to family.
Professional Interests: I am undecided as to whether I will pursue a specialty, but am excited to explore gastroenterology this year.
Personal Interests: I love to spend time with my husband, David and our shitzu-poodle mix named Teddy. I also enjoy reading fantasy novels, keeping up with the latest fashion trends, and styling my family and friends.
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Fashion stylist
What being a good doctor means to me: A good doctor is one who recognizes that their patients are more than just lab values and test results and one who never compromises on compassion.
Vanisha Patel, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Jersey City, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC because it fosters a collegiate and friendly environment that pushes me to grow as a thoughtful and empathetic physician for this uniquely diverse patient population.
Professional Interests: Hematology/Oncology; Health Equity
Personal Interests: Running, Fitness, Hiking, Art History
If I weren't in medicine, I would be an: Anthropologist
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, being a good doctor means being a life-long learner who exhibits empathy and humility.
Tyler Schoch, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Park Ridge, NJ
Why HUMC: I grew up in the area and was really excited by the prospect of serving the community that helped me become who I am today. I did most of my rotations at HUMC and got to see first hand how the program was both supportive of their residents’ personal and professional development.
Professional Interests: Gastroenterology, hospital medicine, integrative medicine
Personal Interests: Running, cooking, golf, taking care of my bunny Rosie. I am an avid fan of the Yankees, Jets, and closely follow professional running.
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: I’d like to have been a chef
What being a good doctor means to me: Treating my patients the way I would treat a member of my own family.
Pooja Shah, M.D.
Graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine
Hometown: Dayton, NJ
Why HUMC: As a student rotating here, I saw that the attendings and senior residents loved to teach and get everyone on the team directly involved in patient care.
Professional Interests: Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Personal Interests: Dance, trying new foods and recipes, hiking, and singing in the shower
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Food critic
What being a good doctor means to me: It starts with being a good person - treating everyone with respect and listening to those around you.
Grace Shin, D.O.
Graduated from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Porter Ranch, CA
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC IM residency program as it aligns perfectly with my aspirations and offers an exceptional environment for my professional growth. During the interview process, the residents I met were not only warm and welcoming but also displayed remarkable camaraderie. It was evident that they had formed strong bonds with each other, creating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. The small residency class size stood out to me as a significant advantage. With fewer residents, I anticipate having more personalized attention from attending physicians and mentors. Another factor that influenced my decision was the presence of a strong support system. My husband is from the area, and his family's proximity means that we have a solid foundation of support outside of the hospital. Ultimately, my goal is to establish myself as a compassionate and proficient physician, contributing to the health and well-being of the community in which I serve. I am confident that the HUMC residency program in Internal Medicine will be instrumental in helping me achieve this vision, and I am excited to embark on this transformative journey.
Professional Interests: Hospitalist medicine
Personal Interests: Hiking, reading, traveling
If I weren't in medicine, I would: Help my family with their small business
What being a good doctor means to me: A good doctor is someone who embodies compassion, understanding, active listening, continuous learning, and leadership. They strive to provide the best possible care while treating patients as individuals with unique needs and experiences. They recognize that medicine is an ever-evolving field, and they actively seek opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development.
Yedidyah Weiss, M.D.
Graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Hometown: Miami, FL
Why HUMC: HUMC's proximity to family and reputation as a large and thriving academic center put it on my map. Learning about the tight-knit group of residents as well as its culture of camaraderie and respect for people of all backgrounds sealed the deal for me - I got the sense that people are truly looking out for each other and growing together.
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Hematology-Oncology, Informatics
Personal Interests: Any combination of family time, sampling new books and podcasts, spending time outdoors, and experimenting in the kitchen
If I weren't in medicine, I would be a: Teacher
What being a good doctor means to me: Respect for human dignity, humility to learn, hunger to grow, desire to heal.