Current Residents
Class of 2028
Kelley Appow, M.D.
Undergraduate school: Juniata College
Medical school: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Career interest: General Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, possibly Neonatology Fun fact: I’ve studied abroad in France twice!
Why JSUMC: I’m originally from this area of New Jersey and wanted to train and practice medicine in a community that I have a connection with. Over my rotations, I got to know the other members of the pediatrics team and I was drawn to the collaborative, close-knit nature of the team.
Austen Damerau, M.D.
Undergraduate school: Rutgers University
Medical school: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Career interest: Hospitalist
Fun fact: I enjoy baking and aspire to make the perfect peanut butter chocolate chip cookie. Why JSUMC: I did the majority of my pediatric rotations here and always appreciated the teaching atmosphere as well as the general connectedness of the residents.
Amy Fakhri Girgis, D.O.
Undergraduate school: Rutgers University
Medical school: Touro University
Career interest: Rheumatology, Cardiology
Fun fact: I enjoy exploring new parks and making arts and crafts!
Why JSUMC: I chose JSUMC because of its friendly culture, great training, excellent care, and who wouldn’t want to be close to the beach!
Kayleen Melvin, D.O.
Undergraduate school: Loyola University
Medical school: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career interest: General Pediatrics
Fun fact: I have a long haired miniature dachshund named Tito who is my entire personality. Why JSUMC: When I rotated and interviewed at JSUMC, the attendings and residents were super welcoming. It was obvious they really loved working there. Being close to the beach and my family is also a big bonus!
Joshua Orgel, D.O.
Undergraduate school: Georgian Court University
Medical school: Rowan Virtua School of Medicine
Career interest: Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Prehospital Medicine Fun fact: My wife and I co-own a Pediatric behavioral company and share 7 amazing, cute kids! Why JSUMC: JSUMC is the region’s pediatric #1 trauma center. The doctors provide academic level knowledge with family focused care.
James Rivelli, M.D.
Undergraduate school: Providence College
Medical school: St. George’s University
Career interest: Pediatric Endocrinology
Fun fact: I have a twin sister, and my younger siblings are also boy/girl twins! Why JSUMC: Feels like home.
Juliet Rozon, D.O.
Undergraduate school: Pennsylvania State University
Medical school: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career interest: Pediatric Gastroenterology but I’m open minded
Fun fact: I have a sourdough starter named Eloise, she’s alive and thriving! Why JSUMC: I am very fortunate to have matched my first choice here at JSUMC! Ultimately, in my decision to choose a residency program, I wanted to come back home, closer to my family and friends. I felt an immediate sense of a welcoming environment from staff and residents. I also sensed that I would be supported with my education throughout residency. And, being down the shore was the cherry on top!
Musab Samarrai, M.D.
Undergraduate school: Rutgers University
Medical school: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Career interest: Pediatric Allergy/Immunology with potential intersections in clinical research or pharmaceutical medicine
Fun fact: I have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and was editor-in-chief for a public health newsletter during pharmacy school!
Why JSUMC: JSUMC stood out to me for its strong clinical training, supportive and collaborative environment, and the opportunity to work with passionate faculty who are truly invested in resident growth. The early mentorship and opportunities to explore subspecialty interests made it the perfect fit.
Mili Shah, M.D.
Undergraduate school: St. John’s University
Medical school: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Career interest: Primary Care, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Fun fact: I have a mini-goldendoodle named Prince who I love to spoil:)
Why JSUMC: I fell in love with the program and really admired the camaraderie among the residents when I came for the second look! Everyone was so welcoming, and it just felt like the kind of place where I could really see myself. And of course, being so close to the beach is just a sweet bonus!
Syeda Zaidi, MBBS
Undergraduate school: Nishtar Medical University
Medical school: Nishtar Medical University
Career interest: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology
Fun fact: I have lived in three amazing countries - Pakistan, Australia and now the USA! Also, I am a fun mom to a very opinionated 5 year old!
Why JSUMC: From the moment I joined the meet-and-greets and attended the second look, I felt a strong sense of belonging. The residents were warm and welcoming, and I knew this was a place where I would thrive.
Lauren Vu, M.D.
Child Neurology
Undergraduate school: Temple University
Medical school: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Career interest: Pediatric Neurology
Fun fact: I made my prom dress and finished it by pulling an all nighter.
Why JSUMC: The P3R program made it easy to keep the amazing relationships I have already made at JSUMC during medical school! Plus, being at the shore is pretty great!
Nikitha Yenugonda, M.D.
Child Neurology
Undergraduate school: St. George’s University School of Arts and Sciences Medical school: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Career interest: Neonatal Neurology/General Child Neurology
Fun fact: I’m a former national badminton player for Trinidad and have trained with international athletes in NYC.
Why JSUMC: JSUMC is close to NYC and I have many family and friends in the area. I wanted a location near the city but also in a suburban setting. Jersey Shore seemed like the best choice!