PGY4
Mohadese Behtaj, MD
I was born in Lahijan, Iran. I received my M.D. from the Iran University of Medical Sciences. After graduation I moved to United States and started working with the department of Hematology/ Oncology at Case Western Reserve University. My main area of research involved evaluating the genomic classification and various biomarkers in small cell lung cancer. I enjoy biking, hiking, listening music and spending time with my family and friends. I am pursuing AP/CP training and my area of interests are surgical/oncologic pathology and bone and soft tissue pathology. Our program features individual sign-out sessions with faculty members, daily teaching conferences, including didactic lectures and unknown glass slide sessions. Our faculty members are very friendly and supportive.
Wei Chen, MD
I was born and grew up on the east coast of China. I attended Zhejiang University School of Medicine where I received my MD degree. After graduation, I completed residency in internal medicine and fellowship in medical oncology in Hangzhou. I moved to Cleveland in 2015, and am currently a resident in the AP/CP program at Case Western Reserve University/ University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. At present, my interests are in genitourinary pathology and gastrointestinal pathology, and I am currently working on projects related to prostate cancer markers expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. I think Case is a great place for pathology residency because of the great case diversity and specimen volume. The faculty here are dedicated and willing to teach residents. I enjoy traveling and movies in my spare time.
Wissam Dahoud, MD
I was born and raised in Syria and attended the medical school of Aleppo University, where I graduated in the top ten in my class. I then moved to Damascus University where I did my OBGYN residency training. My interest in pathology began through involvement in basic science research in the Reproductive Biology Department at Case Western Reserve University, where I worked for three years. I am currently in my third year of AP/CP residency training. My primary interest is in gynecologic pathology and I am excited for the next step in my career, which will be fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors, taking advantage of Cleveland’s lakes and woods.
Nafiseh Janaki, MD
I was born in Tehran, Iran, and received my medical degree from Beheshti University School of Medicine in Tehran. After graduation, I worked for almost 4 years as an emergency room doctor and family physician in southern cities of Iran. Before joining the UH Cleveland Medical Center residency program, I worked as a research fellow on prostate and lung cancer projects in the Biomarker Discovery Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Currently, I am a resident in the AP/CP program at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University. My interests are in cytopathology and genitourinary pathology and I am currently working on projects related to application of molecular testing in cytology and prostate cancer histomorphology. In my free time I enjoy traveling, dancing, and cooking.
Hamza Gokozan, MD
I am originally from Denizli, a mid-sized city located in southwestern part of Turkey, where I also attended medical school. After medical school graduation in 2012, I traveled to the U.S. for my postgraduate studies at the Ohio State University, and worked on a few projects relating to central nervous system development in mice and humans and digitized image analysis of brain tumors until I joined University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University as a resident in July 2015. I am currently a third-year resident at UHCMC, with interests in cytopathology and breast pathology. I am working on cytology-histology correlation studies of breast adenocarcinomas and ancillary test validations for cytology daily practice. Thanks to the collegial working environment here at UH, I am truly enjoying my time in Cleveland. My hobbies include singing, bowling, swimming, and sightseeing.
Sirisha Kundrapu, MBBS
I am currently a PGY3 resident in clinical pathology at CWRU/UH Cleveland Medical Center. I received my medical degree from Rangaraya Medical College in India. Due to the changing practice of medicine with the increasing applications of informatics and the opportunity to combine computer skills with medicine, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in medical informatics at Rutgers University. While working as Infectious Diseases research associate at the Cleveland VA Medical Center, I was able to apply informatics tools in the projects that led to significant reductions in redundant and inappropriate test orders, time to diagnosis and cost of testing. My goal is to expand upon the skills I have developed through my informatics background, research experience and residency training and become a valued clinical pathologist specialized in Blood Banking-Transfusion Medicine.
PGY3
SatyaPal Chahar, MBBS
I grew up in Rajasthan and received my medical education from Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, India. After that I worked as a primary care provider for a couple of years back home in India. Before starting my pathology residency, I worked as a research fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School for a year. I am currently a third year resident in the AP/CP residency program here at University Hospital/CWRU. The friendly work environment and support of my colleagues and attending faculty have made my residency training more joyful and interesting. In my free time, I enjoy running, biking, and hiking, for which the Cleveland Metroparks system have provided great opportunity.
Behtash Ghazi Nezami, MD
I am from Tehran, Iran, and graduated from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. During medical school, I pursued biomedical research in gastroenterology and urology. After moving to the United States I started my postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University from 2010 to 2015. I have published 45 journal articles and book chapters. For fellowship I lean towards molecular genetics and surgical pathology. My goal is to establish an academic career where I can combine teaching, research and clinical service. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, oil color painting, and sculpting. Over the past few years I have focused more on photography, especially portrait, and event photography, as well as landscape and macro photography. I take some time every week to maintain my website and online art-portfolio. I also enjoy attending cultural events, traveling, exercising and hanging out with friends.
Bhunesh Maheshwari, MBBS
I received my medical degree from Liaquat University of medical and health sciences, Pakistan and I am currently a PGY2 resident in the AP/CP program at UHCMC/Case Western Reserve University. After finishing medical school I did mandatory clinical training back home and research at Johns Hopkins. I think Pathology is unique in a fact that it bridges the gap between clinical and basic sciences. In spare time I enjoy spending time with family.
Rachael Nakfoor, MD
I was born in Lansing, MI and grew up in Atlanta, GA. Initially, I wanted to be a veterinarian and attended the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. However, I decided to pursue a career in human medicine and received my medical degree from Ross University. Prior to residency, I worked at my local Medical Examiner’s Office where I gained some hands-on experience in forensic pathology. Currently, I’m in my third year of residency in the AP/CP program. My areas of interest include microbiology, breast and gastrointestinal pathology. UHCMC/CWRU has enthusiastic faculty, friendly and supportive residents, and numerous research opportunities. In my free time, I enjoy sketching, photography, hiking, traveling and trying new recipes. Also, I enjoy playing with my two cats, Tigerlily and Bella.
Kara Roncin, MD
I was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, Canada and obtained my Bachelor of Science with honors in the field of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Saskatchewan. Soon after, I enrolled in medical school at Medical University of the Americas on the island of Nevis and completed another Bachelor of Science in Health Science in addition to obtaining my medical degree. During clinical rotations at various hospitals throughout the United States, I fell in love with the challenges that pathology presented. Pathology is behind every patient case, and can be essential to multiple facets of patient care. My subspecialty interests are genitourinary pathology and breast pathology, with particular interest in pathology services at the community level. Within the UH system, I am a current resident member of the Quality Improvement (QI) committee and the Special Topics committee. Some of my ongoing research projects are in the fields of transfusion medicine and digital pathology. In the future, I hope to establish some pathology-specific software projects, including interfacing for many of the tasks completed daily at most residency programs. Cleveland is a beautiful city, with essentially any activity one could hope for, and I enjoy spending time at the various events throughout the Northeast Ohio region, when I am not at home working on puzzles or any of my other hobbies.
Shawn Silver, DO
I grew up in Michigan and went to Michigan State University for both undergrad and medical school. I love Detroit sports, especially hockey, and have a unique ability to find free coffee anywhere in a hospital. Moving to Cleveland has been an exciting change for me and I enjoy exploring the restaurant scene and finding spots to share with the other residents. I’m interested in a career that combines my passion for community outreach, higher education, and pathology. Everyone at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve has been so welcoming, and I am excited to continue my education here and see where the next few years take me.
PGY2
Catherine Gestrich, DO
I’m from Bedford, Virginia and I attended Liberty University for undergrad where I studied Biology. I then attended West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 2017. My primary interests are pediatric and perinatal pathology. My current research project involves investigating the molecular pathology of pediatric glioblastoma. I specifically chose this program because of the wide variety of cases, the excellent (and friendly) faculty and the abundant research opportunities. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my Boston terrier and traveling.
Akisha Glasgow, MD
I am from Trinidad. I went to Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma for my undergraduate degree in Biology PreMed with a minor in Chemistry. I attended St. George's University for medical school and graduated in 2009, after which, I worked as a surgical house officer in Trinidad. I would like to specialize in Breast/Gyn pathology. I chose this program because I found that the attendings were not only very knowledgeable but also approachable. Some of my hobbies include fishing, reading, gardening and more recently biking.
Behiye Goksel, MD
Behiye Goksel Hi, I am from Turkey and graduated from Pamukkale University School of Medicine. Before residency, I did research at the Ohio State University on digital image analysis of brain neoplasms. I am currently interested in gynecological and breast pathology but still open to any other subspecialties. Research-wise, I am studying prognostic differences between African-American and Caucasian women with respect to endometrial cancer. I love traveling but because of lacking of time and resources, I spend my free time with friends, Netflix, and my mean cat, “Zipir”.
Audrey Jajosky, MD, PhD
I grew up in “Wild and Wonderful” West Virginia and completed my MD/PhD training at West Virginia University. As a clinical pathology research-track resident, I chose CWRU/UH because of the friendly faculty, opportunities for immune-cell engineering, and beautiful University Circle neighborhood. Since moving to Cleveland, I have enjoyed sailing on Lake Erie, running through the Cultural Gardens, watching the Cavaliers, listening to the Cleveland Orchestra, and experiencing all forms of incredible art. I also love the great outdoors: hiking, trail running, cross-country skiing, wake surfing, and playing sand volleyball. I plan to pursue a molecular pathology fellowship and work in an academic setting to develop anti-cancer immune-cell therapies with “memory.”
Amelia Nakanishi, MD
I'm from St. Louis, MO and graduated from St. George's University School of Medicine in 2017 with honors. I'm an AP only resident pursuing a forensic fellowship. My research interests include post-mortem toxicology and autopsy-based medical education. I know 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' by heart and roll sushi when it suits me.
Herleen Rai, MD
I am a Cleveland native, Canadian born American raised, and I have a lot of pride for The Land. My undergraduate degree was obtained at The Ohio State University (I will always bleed scarlet and grey). I received my M.D. degree from Ross University, where I had the unique opportunity to spend time on the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica. I choose this pathology program for many reasons, most important of which is the wide variety of cases we are exposed to and the inspiring faculty. This allowed me to find my niche, hematopathology, which I have decided to pursue as my career path. I have a passion for makeup artistry; the face is my canvas. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this passion is volunteering my skills and working with breast cancer patients helping to make them feel beautiful again and easing their minds during their stressful transition. I am also an avid NBA basketball fanatic, enjoy reading, and have a newly found love of traveling.
Yi Yuan Zhou, MD
Hi! My name is Yi Yuan, but I go by Yi (pronounced like the letter). I was born in Shanghai, China but grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacology at the University of Toronto and a Master of Science degree in neuroscience from the University of Ottawa. I attended Trinity School of Medicine in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. My current interests in pathology are in perinatal and pediatric pathology, but I am also interested in integrating new technologies to improve and facilitate how pathology is practiced and taught. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games, cooking, drawing, swimming, watching anime and other animated media, and reading.
PGY1
Nathaniel Havens, DO
Originally from South Jersey, I am a class of 2015 graduate of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed my undergraduate studies also at Rowan where I earned a degree in biochemistry with a Spanish minor. After medical school and some time in family medicine, I worked as an analytical chemist for Johnson Matthey. My current interests in pathology include molecular and hematopathology. I chose University Hospitals for many reasons, including the academic strength of the program, particularly the clinical pathology components, the people I met on the interview day, and the supportive, collegial environment. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the piano, hiking, traveling, and skiing. I also love to experience new restaurants and cuisines. Though originally trained as a classical pianist, I’ve recently begun experimenting with software synthesizers and sound design.
Brandon Maveal, MD
I attended University of Toledo in Ohio as an undergrad and then received my medical degree from Ross University. I have always loved biology, chemistry, and science in general. I have worked in many different fields, including farming, junk yard, UPS, and as a pharmacy technician. I truly enjoy learning, whether it is a new skill, new fact, or a life lesson. I enjoy hands-on learning by doing, but also enjoy a good book. I am a firm believer in exercising mind and body, so I exercise regularly. For fun I love to play guitar/bass, watch movies, go to concerts, listen to music, practice martial arts, and have fun with friends. I am easily won over with coffee and food.
Priya Nirmalanantham, MD
My name is Priya Nirmalanantham. I was born in Sri Lanka but moved to Canada at a young age, and grew up in Brampton, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate studies in Biology and Pharmacology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. I then went on to complete my medical degree at Saba University School of Medicine. Since graduating, I have been involved in research activities at Juravinski Hospital, looking at the molecular profile of FIGO 1 Endometrioid Endometrial Adenocarcinoma that behave more aggressively than expected with metastasis and recurrences. At a personal level, I am a spiritual person who loves sketching, painting, cooking, and reading. Overall, I am very excited and honoured to be entering the field of pathology and look forward to growing both professionally and personally over the next four years!
Abdullah Osme, MD
"I was born and raised in Turkey, and I went to medical school at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, in Istanbul. After my graduation, I worked as an emergency room doctor for two months and then completed one year of a family medicine residency. After that, I decided to pursue a career in the US and joined NEOMED. There I was involved in proteomics research about lipid metabolism of the liver for one and a half years. Subsequently, I joined Case Western Reserve University, where I conducted research analyzingmesenchymal stem cells and inflammatory bowel disease for another year and a half. I am currently a first year resident at University Hospitals. Outside medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family and cooking different Turkish cuisine. I also enjoy playing table tennis, and am always up for a challenge to a match!"
Haitham Rahman, MD
I was born and raised in Jordan. After moving to Houston, Texas, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Houston, and then attended Ross University School of Medicine. Throughout my medical career, I have been fortunate to join several excellent hospital systems where I have gained knowledge in a wide range of clinical and scientific research-related skills. My involvement in clinical research projects in the hematopathology department at MD Anderson Medical Center and my background in medical technology have greatly influenced my career path in pathology. I have an interest in pursuing a fellowship in hematopathology. I’m very excited to be part of Case Western Reserve University Pathology program; I chose this program because it has a great balance between anatomic and clinical pathology, a very supportive work family, and friendly work environment. During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to football games, travelling, working out at the gym, and I also love watching cooking shows and reading.
Theresa Spivey, MD
I am excited to be a part of the CWRU/UH Pathology program! I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and attended University of Central Florida in Orlando majoring in Psychology and Molecular & Microbiology with a minor in Business. After debating in which field to pursue graduate studies, I ultimately ended up at American University of the Caribbean SOM in St. Maarten. There I discovered my love of Pathology and desire to specialize in the field. My specific career goals are dependent upon my experience during residency where I hope to find my niche and setting (academic vs community). I enjoy teaching (I was the histology TA and pathology tutor at AUC), and the continuously evolving field that we are a part of. I hope to gain some experience in research as well as improving my presentation skills to fellow physicians and other providers. My interests outside of work include spending time with my dog, Huxley, and my significant other, Abe, who will be relocating with me to Cleveland. I enjoy travelling, anything involving food/cooking, hiking, video games, and movies/TV shows. Additionally, I am passionate about giving back to the community by volunteering at a local food pantry.
Graduate Destinations
2018 Graduates
Mahmut Akgul, MD
Surgical Pathology Fellowship, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Sirisha Kundrapu, MD MS
Transfusion Medicine Fellowship, UH - Cleveland Medical center / CWRU
Hadi Shojaei, MD
Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Fellowships, University of Pennsylvania
Hammad Tashkhandi, MD
Hematopathology Fellowship, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Molecular Pathology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh
Menglei Zhu, MD, PhD
Molecular Pathology Fellowship, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
2017 Graduates
Min Cui, MD, PhD
Gastrointestinal Pathology Fellowship, Mt. Sinai Medical Center
Faculty Position at UH - Cleveland Medical Center / CWRU
Aparna Harbhajanka, MD
Cytopathology Fellowship, UH - Cleveland Medical Center / CWRU
Faculty Position at UH - Cleveland Medical Center / CWRU
Liwei Jia, MD, PhD
Oncologic and Genitourinary Pathology Fellowships, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Guangyuan Li, MD, PhD
Molecular Pathology Fellowship, Mt. Sinai Medical Center
Catherine Stefaniuk, DO
Molecular Pathology Fellowship, The Cleveland Clinic
Faculty Position, University of Cincinnati
Irina Stout, MD
Surgical Pathology Fellowship, University of Minnesota