Pediatric Residents Class of 2024

 

Christina Gulla, DO

College: University of Delaware
Medical school: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Pediatric Interests: Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Rheumatology
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, trying new foods, playing with my dog, watching TV
Bio: Hi, I’m Christina! I was born and raised in northern New Jersey (the BEST state!) so I am incredibly happy I matched at HUMC in Hackensack, NJ. I briefly left the state for college in Delaware where I majored in Biology and minored in Italian Studies. I then made my way back to NJ for medical school at RowanSOM in Stratford, NJ where my love for pediatrics blossomed. I always intended to work close to home to be near my support system and so that I could serve the community that raised me. Even though my interview day was virtual, HUMC felt like the total package program for me. I was able to see that this program was a great fit that would not only help train me to become a competent and compassionate pediatrician, but also support me in achieving all my future goals. I am so excited to join the residency family at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital!

 

Catherine Hahn, M.D.

College: Georgetown University
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Pediatric Interests: Neonatology, Hospitalist Medicine, Infectious Disease
Hobbies: Singing, reading, baking cupcakes, cheering on the New York Yankees, anything Disney, and spending time with family and friends.
Bio: I was born and raised in Westwood, NJ about 20 minutes from HUMC. My interest in pediatrics began at a young age from my experiences with my own pediatrician. I find it very rewarding to impact a child’s life in their early years when they have so much potential and their entire future is ahead of them. Working with children brings me immense joy, as I admire their bright spirits and tenacity. For undergrad, I ventured to Washington, D.C. and attended Georgetown University where I majored in English with minors in Biology and Theology. I am a graduate from the inaugural class of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. It has been a privilege to help shape the school’s curriculum and bring its mission to life. During my pediatrics rotation, the faculty at Hackensack were incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and deeply cared for their patients. I am fortunate to join the wonderful team here. I am thrilled to be able to serve my home community and continue training at HUMC!

Sangati Kadakia, M.D.

College: Drexel University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Pediatric Interests: Primary Care, Neonatology, Hematology/Oncology Hobbies: Baking/nutrition, brunching, dancing, working out, painting, traveling, spending time with my friends and family 
Bio: I grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and had the chance to explore Philadelphia during undergrad. Moving to Grenada for medical school was an amazing experience where I was able to explore, learn, grow, and make amazing friends. After coming to Hackensack for clinicals, I immediately felt like it was a great fit because of the people, the mentorship, the diversity, and the proximity to the city. I’m passionate about working with this population because children are unbelievably resilient, innovative, creative, and smart. They have a unique lens through which they view the world and it’s a privilege to help them develop in the early phases of their lives. 

Candace Pallitto, M.D.

College: Georgetown University 
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine 
Pediatric Interests: Neonatology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Pulmonology, General Pediatrics 
Hobbies: Working out, hiking, playing basketball/most sports, learning how to golf, snowboarding, gardening, and cooking 
Bio: I am a born and raised Jersey girl who ventured away for a few years to attend college at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. where I studied Biology of Global Health and played lacrosse. I wanted to be close to family and friends so I came back to New Jersey for medical school where I had the opportunity to join the inaugural class of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. The Pediatric Residency Program at HUMC was the whole package for me - amazing physicians who love to teach, enthusiastic residents, a diverse patient population, research opportunities, and the ability to stay near family and friends. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the HUMC Pediatric Family and the wonderful field of Pediatrics! 

Madeline Parr, M.D.

College: Gordon College
Medical School: St. George’s University
Pediatric Interests: Critical Care, Hematology/Oncology, Hospitalist Medicine, Medical Education
Hobbies: Brunch, bird watching, 50 high points hiking challenge, cooking new cuisines.
Bio: Hey, I’m Madeline! I love pediatrics and all things nature and am always down for an ice cream run. I consider myself a transplant from all over as I was born in London, grew up in Boston, spent two years living in Grenada for medical school, and now I’m calling New Jersey home. I spent my third year of medical school at HUMC and felt captivated by the supportive learning environment that provides excellent care for all patients. I was thrilled to couples match at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital with my husband who is a surgery resident here!  Aside from love for pediatric medicine, on my days off you’ll find me traveling across the US in search of each state’s highest mountain to hike, birdwatching, reading a good book, or trying (and sometimes miserably failing) at cooking new recipes. Hackensack provides exceptional patient care and really prioritizes training the next generation of physicians, and I am honored to call it home for these three years.

Ana Milena Quintero, DO

College: University of Miami
Medical School: Touro COM
Pediatric Interests: Neonatology, Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
Hobbies: Podcasts, gym, sudoku, traveling, park walks, reading, sports
Bio: I was born in Santa Marta, Colombia and migrated to Miami, FL with my family at the age of 5. Though I grew up in the US, I was raised in a traditional Colombian household. My parents taught my brother and me that family comes first and that hard work, determination, and life-long learning are the key to achieving whatever we set our minds to. My interest in pediatrics was sparked early on in college after becoming a volunteer at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. I eventually found my way into research through my desire to help care for these sick children. After completing a pediatric sub-internship at HUMC during fourth year, I became more confident in my medical knowledge, clinical skills, and in building a rapport with patients and their families. Having spent match week here made it all the more special, because I got to celebrate with my future co-residents and attendings. I am excited to begin my journey in pediatrics in such a supportive and dedicated institution alongside a wonderful group of people. 

Nigel Scott, M.D.

College: Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Pediatric Interests: Primary Care, Adolescent Medicine, Social Medicine, Community Advocacy
Hobbies: Basketball, Running, Reading, Spending Time with Family
Bio: As a New Brunswick native and Rutgers alumnus, New Jersey has been home to my education both inside and outside of the classroom. Growing up seeing my mom serve as a youth sports coach, leader in the parent-teacher association, and advocate for the kids of my town spurred in me an interest in child advocacy. Pediatrics combined both my love of medicine with my goal of championing for the needs of kids. I’m so grateful to begin the journey at Hackensack University Medical Center in the community where it all started -- home in New Jersey. 

Catalina Soria, M.D.

College: University of California, Davis
Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina. 
Pediatric Interests: General pediatrics, Preventive medicine, Childhood obesity management and prevention, Advocacy, Social determinants of health and access to affordable and culturally sensitive medical care for children and their families.
Hobbies: I love salsa dancing, running outdoors, spending quality time with family and friends, photography, cooking, sightseeing, live music, festivals and just being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air!
Bio: I was born and raised in Davis, California. I am a first generation college student and the first medical doctor in my family. Growing up in an underserved community instilled in me a sense of genuine desire to care for others and help them grow healthy, be successful and resourceful. Being around children simply fills my heart with joy! Serving them as a physician has been my lifelong dream, since I was about 5 years old.  While attending college at UC Davis, I studied abroad in Italy and Spain, where I learned Italian and fell in love with the food, art and beautiful sights of the Mediterranean sea. After college, I had the opportunity to conduct Clinical Research at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and, as I served those living with chronic diseases; I became even more passionate about working with multiethnic vulnerable populations. During medical school in Guadalajara, México my training included clinical nutrition, which taught me the skillset to effectively help implement healthy lifelong choices for children and their families. My dream is to become a well-trained pediatric physician who also participates in academic medicine. I aspire to help create culturally sensitive sustainable community programs; as well as help bridge the gap in health care disparities through Clinical research, policy changes, community engagement, patient advocacy and mentorship. I am humbled by the opportunity to make my dream come true and train as a Pediatric Resident at HUMC! I look forward to serving, learning and growing with this beautiful diverse pediatric community and team, while also exploring the East Coast!