PGY1
Malak Al-Bitar, MD
Medical school: University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine
Why I choose Geisinger: What captured me most about Geisinger was the number of faculty members I met on my interview who had started their training careers there and chose to stay as attendings. That just told me enough about the culture and environment of the program.
Vidya Bollavaram, MD
Medical school: Indira Gandhi Medical College
Why I chose Geisinger: I chose Geisinger for its incredibly supportive culture, the clinician educator track and the outstanding fellowship opportunities it offers. Throughout the interview experience I learned about how much the program leadership cared about their residents and how invested they are in each resident's growth, success and well-being. I wanted to join a program that not only offered excellent clinical exposure and training but also created a safe and friendly environment where you can always be curious. Ultimately, I knew I could see myself training here for residency, fellowship and beyond!
Michael Carcella, DO
Undergraduate: Duquesne University
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: I chose Geisinger because it matched every aspect of what I was looking for in a residency program. The faculty and residents that I worked with on a visiting rotation served as excellent role models for how I wanted to eventually practice. Additionally, having the abundance of opportunities/fellowships that exist at a large tertiary center like Geisinger, while located in a smaller rural PA community, fit perfectly with the type of setting that I was looking for.
Diana Crowley, DO
Undergraduate: Susquehanna University
Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: I chose Geisinger because when I rotated through the program, I witnessed the expert mentorship, excellent teaching, and unmatched sense of community cultivated here. I knew choosing this program would open up opportunities for me to meet my full potential as a physician, a scholar, and an educator.
Lavanya Garnepudi, MD
Undergraduate: University of Maryland Baltimore County
Medical school: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: I chose Geisinger because of the culture, sense of community, and commitment to excellence and education. I feel supported to learn and grow as a person and physician.
Annum Hayat, MD
Undergraduate: Bloomsburg University
Medical school: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: The people along with the learning opportunities. Having been a part of this environment as a medical student reinforced my desire to remain with Geisinger.
Vyshnavi Kodali, DO
Undergraduate: New York Institute of Technology
Medical school: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: The welcoming culture of Geisinger and the surrounding community is something that can’t be beat! Our training is crafted to be well-rounded while still prioritizing our well-being. Everyone here is truly so kind, approachable, encouraging, and respectful of our goals.
Candace Miyaki, DO
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
Medical school: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: I chose Geisinger because when I visited, everyone was genuinely happy to be here. Residency is hard, so I knew I wanted to go somewhere I’d love going to work every day.
Favour Nelson, MD
Medical school: All Saints University College of Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: I chose Geisinger because of the huge emphasis on mental health and wellness in the program. It matters to me that I am in a program that genuinely cares about my well-being as a resident.
David Nye, DO
Undergraduate: Penn State University
Medical school: West Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: I wanted to train at an academic medical center not surrounded by a metropolis of skyscrapers and traffic. I grew up in rural smalltown USA not too far from Danville, and I wanted to receive a world class medical education while also giving back to a community like the one I grew up in.
Shriraj Patel, DO
Undergraduate: University of Richmond
Medical school: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Middletown
Why I chose Geisinger: I prioritized residency training at a tertiary care center and ultimately picked Geisinger after rotating here as a fourth-year medical student; it was clear that Geisinger’s emphasis on education, its culture of kindness, and its focus on patient care are all unparalleled. Beyond this, Geisinger is a unique training environment where experts in their respective fields are also the mentors invested in your personal and professional success!
Alejandra Perez-Chapman, DO
Undergraduate: Loyola University Maryland
Medical school: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: When I began my search for residency programs, I knew I desired certain criteria. I wanted to be closer to home, preferably at an academic program that encouraged research, one that offered fellowship training, and one that fostered a safe learning environment. When I interviewed at Geisinger, all staff, including interns were very happy in their positions. I knew then that Geisinger fit all my desired criteria and I too could be very happy training here.
Victoria Pierce, DO
Undergraduate: Texas A&M University
Medical school: University of North Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: I first became interested in Geisinger because it is a large tertiary care center with many fellowship opportunities, but the reason my husband and I wanted to couples match to Geisinger was because of the culture. Geisinger is home to some of the friendliest and kindest people we have ever met — and extremely friendly to couples match!
Israa Qureshi, MD
Medical school: Dow International Medical College
Why I chose Geisinger: While interviewing, I was looking for a program with a supportive work environment and an emphasis on teaching. At Geisinger, there is camaraderie between the faculty and residents. I like that it's a large academic center with a small-town feel. I’m glad to have found a program like this to complete my training.
Brian Singh, MD
Undergraduate: Virginia Tech
Medical school: American University of Antigua
Why I chose Geisinger: As soon as I finished my interview with Geisinger, I called my brother and told him this was the program for me. The faculty made me feel so comfortable during the interview process that I knew they would treat all residents like family, and I was not mistaken in my choice.
Abuzar Siraj, MD
Medical school: Khyber Medical College
Why I chose Geisinger: I chose Geisinger because of the robust clinical training and the collegial environment. Training in a large, tertiary referral center was a priority for me. The friendly interaction I had with the faculty and residents was unique and genuine and unlike any of the other programs I interviewed at. I knew Geisinger was the right fit for me right after my interview.
Jonathan Vamadeva, DO
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
Medical school: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Geisinger: I honestly had never heard of Geisinger before my girlfriend Kelli rotated through as a med student. Once she matched into the IM program, I wanted my own firsthand experience here, and it did not disappoint; I realized this place offers the perfect balance of complex patient presentations, a focused commitment to resident education, unlimited fellowship opportunities and a family atmosphere that I truly yearned for.