Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia EM Residency Blog
Current Residents
Class of 2020
Jacquie Dash (Chief Resident)
Home town: Philadelphia
Undergraduate: La Salle University
Medical School: Rowan University
EM Interests: Resident Wellness, EMS
About me: I enjoy long walks on the beach and gin. I live in Jersey with my baby and husband.
Meghan Gorski (Chief Resident)
Home town: Villa Park Illinois
Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana champaign
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Critical Care, Wilderness Medicine
About me: When I have free time I enjoy exploring new areas and hiking. I’ve hiked portions of the smokey mountains and the Rockies, and the next place I hope to go is Yellowstone. What I want most for Christmas this year is a dog.
Lauren Lomaka (Chief Resident)
Home town: Richmond, VA
Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
EM Interests: Disaster Medicine, International Medicine
About me: In my free time I like to travel and cook/bake. Big fan of live music and happy hours.
Eunice Choi
Home town: Syosset, NY
Undergraduate: Boston College
Medical School: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound, International Medicine
About me: I enjoy sleeping, re-watching shows (especially Friends episodes) on Netflix, volunteering on international mission trips, traveling to new places, spending time with family. My friends call me the dog whisperer as I seem to always attract all their dogs. I want to own a pet shop/ doggy day care in the future once I retire.
Joe Choi
Home town: White Plains, NY
Undergraduate: NYU
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
EM Interests: Health Economics, Ultrasound
About me: I’m just an Asian guy in Philadelphia. Like to play and listen to music – everything except heavy metal.
Tom Fowler
Home town: Izmir, Turkey
Undergraduate: Wheaton College, IL
Medical School: USF in Tampa, FL
EM Interests: Disaster relief/refugee health, Advocacy
About me: Grew up on an olive grove, 5 of 6 kids, studied chemistry and worked as a programmer before medical school and working at the ‘stein. I like to write postcards, play random instruments and pickup new words from languages I run into.
Benjamin Gammon
Home town: Austin, TX
Undergraduate: University of Texas Austin
Medical School: University of Texas SOM San Antonio
EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine, Critical Care
About me: I do ride horses but I prefer bicycles. I do shoot guns but I prefer good bourbon. I play guitar. And when I say I do things I mean that I still have the ability and desire to do them, but mostly I spend my time partying with my 2yr old and preventing her from jumping off of or onto sharp/hot/tall/death-type things.
Kieren Kaveney Lupo
Home town: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: LECOM at Seton Hill
EM Interests: Community Health, EMS
About me: I’m obsessed with my dogs and if I wasn’t doing this I’d like to be a dog walker. Making cheesecake and buying new furniture are known to improve a sour mood. My favorite meal is mac n cheese with a 7-Eleven Slurpee and my husband still gets it for me on my birthday.
Tam Le
Home town: Torrance CA
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Medical School: LECOM at Seton Hill
EM Interests: ED efficiency, Critical care, Ultrasound
About me: I’m from sunny California where I mastered the art of tanning at the beach and eating carne asada fries. Now that those activities are not as readily available, I spend my free time working on DIY projects and binge watching Netflix!
Chelsea Mikolosky
Home town: Morrisville, PA
Undergraduate: Villanova University
Medical School: PCOM
EM Interests: Palliative Care, Pain Management
About me: I was born and raised in the Philadelphia area, and will probably never leave. I got married a year ago, to my high school boyfriend, no babies yet but one asthmatic cat named Tom Petty, which is enough responsibility for us both!
Owen Ortmayer
Home town: Davidson, NC
Undergraduate: UNC Greensboro
Medical School: George Washington University
EM Interests: Sports Medicine, Cardiology, Critical Care
About me: Was once a computer scientist, then a paramedic, then got the brilliant idea to become a doctor. Married to a lovely Wife Amanda and father to an amazing/occasionally crazy 1 year old Eva.
Monica Pajdak
Home town: Elmwood Park, NJ
Undergraduate: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Medical School: New Jersey Medical School
EM Interests: Toxicology, Education, Ultrasond
About me: From Jersey. Polish, Into travel, dance, culture & language, and anything artsy.
Oliver Sacks
Home town: New Hope, PA
Undergraduate: University of Hartford
Medical School: Drexel University
EM Interests: Sedation
About me: I was an EMT prior to starting medical school, and have always been interested in EM. Outside of work I enjoy cooking and spending time with friends.
Eric Schwartz
Home town: Miami, FL
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Jefferson Medical College
EM Interests: Procedural Sedation, Trauma
About me: I enjoy playing guitar and eating food. People seem to like me because I am polite and I am rarely late.
Erin Tuffy
Home town: Whitingham, Vermont
Undergraduate: Beloit College
Medical School: UNECOM
EM Interests: EMS, Resuscitation
About me: In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, contra and blues dance, and Netflix binges.
Class of 2021
Renee Dyer
Home town: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate: Bates College
Medical School: LECOM
EM Interests: EMS/Pre-Hospital and Critical Care
About me: I am an ice hockey Beer League-championship winning goaltender and huge Chicago Blackhawks fan, who also enjoys the finer things in life. In addition to spending time with my two herding dog rescues, I enjoy discovering new foods and restaurants, exploring new places, traveling, and trying new things. The world is an incredible place.
Matt Edgar
Home town: Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate: Dickinson College
Medical School: Rowan SOM
EM Interests: Aerospace Medicine and Combat Medicine
About me: I’m in the USAF, have an amazing wife with a kiddo on the way and already have two big baby great danes! I love philly, my church in center city, playing ball, and some good craft white beers.
Fiona Gibney
Home town: Tappan, NY
Undergraduate: Villanova University
Medical School: PCOM
EM Interests: International Medicine
About me: My interests include power yoga, hiking, interior design, traveling and watching documentaries. Most of my free time revolves around my perfect French Bulldog puppy, Lulu.
Jen Hwang
Home town: Miami, FL
Undergraduate: University of Miami
Medical School: Touro University Nevada
EM Interests: Medical Education, International Medicine
About me: I love traveling, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, salsa-dancing, beer gardens and having a great time with friends.
Steven Obrzut
Home town: Germantown MD
Undergraduate: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Medical School: Albany Medical College
EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine, Tropical Medicine, Public Health
About me: I love the outdoors! Rock climbing, hiking, and skiing are my particularly favorite activities. I also love cooking, especially baking bread
Hamil Patel
Home town: Edison, NJ
Undergraduate: Rutgers
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
EM Interests: International Medicine, Critical Care
About me: I love playing various sports especially basketball, football, and volleyball. I also travel a lot and am always ready to see and try new things. Listen to pretty much all kinds of music and really enjoy listening to new music.
Elizabeth Rosenberg
Home town: Denver, CO
Undergraduate: Tufts University
Medical School: Washington University in Saint Louis
EM Interests: Critical Care, Wilderness Medicine, Wellness
About me: I love to DO things. I am the queen of DIY and I like to be active – hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, pick-up sports, board games, etc. I also love food with friends, both cooking and eating out around town. Come and join me!
Shawn Sethi
Home town: Raleigh, NC
Undergraduate: NC State University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University
EM Interests: Education, Research, Trauma
About me:I love trying out new foods and restaurants, cooking, traveling, live music and any kind of street/food festival. Before med school I did a post-bacc program at Drexel and lived in Center City for 2 years, so I’m excited to be back in Philly!
Lukasz Sewera
Home town: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate: Illinois Wesleyan University
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago
EM Interests: Wilderness medicine, Education
About me: I enjoy spending time outdoors (particularly hiking and backpacking), traveling, trying new restaurants and breweries. I’ve been rock climbing indoors for a few months and hope to start climbing outdoors soon. At home, I like to read, cook and brew beer.
Dan Simpson
Home town: Stillwater, NJ
Undergraduate: King’s College
Medical School: PCOM
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Pediatrics
About me: My interests include anything involving the outdoors whether it be running, biking, hiking, canoeing, or a lazy day at the beach. I love getting involved with community service projects and anything related to social justice. I have a Russian blue cat named Jax who is my baby. Love to enjoy good food, wine (and El Vez blood orange margaritas), and quality time with friends in my free time.
Dylan Smith
Home town: Reading, PA
Undergraduate: Franklin and Marshall College
Medical School: Temple University
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Toxicology, Wilderness Medicine
About me: Lifelong Pennsylvanian. Love hiking, fishing and the beach. Die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. When I’m not working I’m usually exploring the city with my fiancee looking for new restaurants.
Kristyn Smith
Home town: Suwanee, GA
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: Rowan SOM
EM Interests: Residency curriculum development, Cultural and linguistic competency in emergency care, and Recruitment of URM medical students into emergency medicine
About me: Originally from the south, I have a love of warm weather and southern hospitality. In my free time I enjoy traveling, visiting museums, going to outdoor festivals, and learning to cook a new dish. I’m a sucker for a good wine and chocolate.
Seth Stallard
Home town: Boykins, VA
Undergraduate: Washington & Jefferson College
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
About me: I enjoy doing anything outdoors and spending time with my fiancé and two Australian Shepherds. I also love checking out local restaurants, craft breweries and traveling.
Douglas Stewart
Home town: Milwaukee, WI
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin
Medical School: University of Wisconsin
EM Interests: Palliative Care, Ultrasound, Sports Med
About me: After spending my whole life in Wisconsin (big Packers and Badgers fan!) I am very excited to explore some new terrain. I enjoy running, traveling with my lovely fiancée, eating at greatvrestaurants, craft breweries, street festivals, jazz, and 90’s R&B.
Class of 2022
Alyssa Alloy
Hometown: Wynnewood, PA
Undergraduate: George Washington University
Medical School: SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Community Health
About Me: Philadelphia born and raised, I love nachos, beer gardens, yoga, traveling, and a good Netflix binge.
Amy Bestick
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
EM Interests: critical care, medical spanish, foreign body removal
About Me: obsessive dog mom, low-key music snob (though I’ve lost my edge since leaving Seattle), perpetually trying to get back into running, wannabe art and instrument collector, currently reading 14 books on my kindle, lover of drug documentaries and mafia movies, spellchecker-in-chief.
Daniel Boron-Brenner
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Undergraduate: Colorado College
Medical School: AT Still University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Mentoring/Medical Education, EMS
About Me: In a past life, I was a bellboy, sold cakes online, assisted a professional cartoonist, worked at the 2nd busiest Trader Joes in the US, and was an EMT in the South Bronx before entering med school. I’m excited to finally be doing what I love (and getting health insurance to boot!)
Ari Davis
Hometown: Sharon, MA
Undergraduate: Tulane University
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine
About me: Just your average guy from Boston who believes God watches the Patriots on Sundays and that Marathon Monday is the best day of the year. My spirit animal is a black bear, my last meal would be southern BBQ, and my biggest fear are jellyfish.
David Hui
Hometown: Fremont, California
Undergraduate: University of California, Berkely
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine
EM Interests: Health Policy/Public Health
About Me: Born and raised in lovely California so of course my biggest fear is the northeastern winter. However, I’m looking forward to tolerating winters in Philadelphia because of the amazing foodie and brewery scene. In my free time I also love to rock climb, hike, and travel.
Jessica Krueger
Hometown: Woodland Park, Colorado
Medical School: SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University
EM Interests: Education, Resuscitation, Advocacy
About Me: When not working in the ED I can be found appreciating food at one of Philadelphia’s many fine restaurants or crafting something fun.
Seth Loofbourrow
Hometown: Lewiston, Idaho
Undergraduate: Lewis-Clark State College
Medical School: AT Still University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Community EM, EMS Direction, Tactical Medicine, EM research
About Me: I am an Inland Northwesterner, and an avid outdoorsman. I enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, guitar playing, some video gaming, and playing with my kids.
Petya Lozanova
Hometown: Vratsa, Bulgaria
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
EM Interests: Education, Recussitation
About Me: I am originally from Bulgaria but now am loving Philadelphia life! If I wasn’t doing emergency medicine, I’d be opening my own restaurant!
Kathryn Lucas
Hometown: Chesterton, Indiana
Undergraduate: Indiana University Nevada
Medical School: Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM interests: Critical Care, Wilderness Medicine
About Me: Prior to medical school I worked in Colorado as a whitewater raft guide, chemist, and in the medical field. I love to be outside and my hobbies include whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and adventuring..
Christopher Mitchell
Hometown: Newark, DE
Undergraduate: University of Delaware
Medical School: SKMC at Thomas Jeffferson University
EM interests: Medical Education
About Me: Eagle scout, ice hockey player and former theater kid. Die-hard Philly Sports fan, lover of all things nerdy. I’m basically Leonard from Big Bang Theory, but, you know, with sports and outdoors.
Steven Nguyen
Hometown: La Puente, CA
Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences COM
EM interests: Education, Informatics, Toxicology
About Me: Born and raised in southern California. Culture and travel buff so I’m up for anything and willing to explore everything. I’m a huge food enthusiast and I love cooking. Will eat for food!
Joseph Pinizzotto
Hometown: Toms River, NJ
Undergraduate: University of Miami
Medical School: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Trauma, Critical Care
About me: I enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors-trail running, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding and surfing. I grew up an hour outside of Philadelphia, but I’ve been away from the northeast for the past ten years. I’m looking forward to coming back and exploring the area!
Chad Siewers
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Undergraduate: Virginia Tech
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Simulation, MedEd, Wellness
About Me: Outside of the hospital you can find me spending time with my two doggos and seeking out every great beer, cocktail, and coffee Philly has to offer.
Meghan Tape
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Undergraduate: Northeastern University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: International Medicine, Disaster Medicine
About Me: I’m a USAF Flight Doc also trained in medical acupuncture. My husband and I love to travel the world with our 2 and 6 year old comedians who don’t believe our new Philly apartment is NOT a hotel. I’m always down for food, drinks, coffee or trying something new.
PA Class of 2020
Hao Chen
Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
PA School: Clarkson University
EM interests: critical care, ultrasound
About Me: I love cooking, trying new restaurants, traveling, and staying active. Good friends, Good food, and good music. What more do you need?
Wesley Paulson
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Undergrad: Colorado College
PA school: Wake Forrest
EM interests: Palliative Care, Wilderness Medicine
About Me: I have recently gotten into rock climbing (indoor and outdoor) and am super excited about it. I like potlucks and meals with friends, gardening, mushroom foraging, reading, exercising, and trying new things. I also love 1) CHEESE and 2) good food that is not cheese. I am excited to live in Philly and meet new people!
Class of 2023
Mike Chase
Hometown: Union, NJ
Undergraduate: Muhlenberg College
Medical School: Jefferson
EM Interests: Social justice, International medicine
About Me: Jersey born, but happy to be staying in Philly for four more years! Mildly (majorly) obsessed with anything related to food, whether it is cooking, baking, or going out to eat. I love the Philly food scene, and trying new restaurants and going to rooftop happy hours are some of my favorite things. I also enjoy running and doing acrobatics, which usually helps balance out my love for food.
Melissa Yu Dang
Hometown: Livingston, NJ
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: International Medicine, Palliative Care
About Me: I’m a Jersey girl who finally got out of Jersey (but barely). I love spending time with people, eating food, and most of all, eating food with people, so come share a meal with me! Other interests include traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and graphic design.
John Dubensky
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate: Juniata College
Medical School: PCOM
EM Interests: Addiction Medicine, Toxicology
About Me: Born and raised in the Steel City. Live music is the true American pastime. Hoping to write books one day, will continue doing medicine until that pans out.
Alex Dwyer
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Undergraduate: University of Missouri-Columbia
Medical School: A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Disaster Medicine, Ultrasound
About Me: I like old libraries and new coffee shops, hazy IPAs and any bar with a patio. Never met a dog or a St. Louis toasted ravioli I didn’t like. Can usually be found watching Parks & Rec and counting down the days until Christmas.
Brendan Heeb
Hometown: Canandaigua, NY
Undergraduate: skipped it … seemed unnecessary
Medical School: Albany Medical College
EM Interests: Critical Care, Advocacy
About Me: New to Philadelphia and originally from upstate New York. On my days off you can find me cooking (aka eating) or aggressively rooting for the Buffalo Bills.
Jon Hess
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) near Akron, OH
EM Interests: Aerospace medicine, International medicine
About Me: I’m all about new adventures and exploring the areas around me. I love rock climbing, hiking, skiing and eating a bunch of new foods after I’ve finished. Also huge live music fanatic. I’m in the USAF and I am looking forward to a career as EM Flight Doc!
Tori Kneller
Hometown: LaPorte, IN
Undergraduate: Indiana University
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Critical Care
About Me: I am a crazy cat lady and have the cutest cat named Louie. I like to be active and outdoors whether its waterskiing and being on the lake or going on runs or hikes. My guilty pleasure is watching the Bachelor with a glass of wine.
Daniel Morrad
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Undergraduate: San Diego State University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine, Ultrasound
About Me: Southern California Native. Love backpacking, cooking, jazz and funk guitar. Exploring new cities and trying all the food I can get my hands on keeps me sane!
Kyaw Naing
Hometown: Arcadia, CA
Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont SOM
EM Interests: Ultrasound
About Me: Born in Myanmar and grew up in Southern California. I am looking forward to exploring the food scene in Philadelphia. My hobbies are basketball, video games, and weight lifting.
Josh Reitz
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
Medical School: LUCOM
EM Interests: wilderness medicine, critical care
About Me: Married with 2 kids. I love all things outdoors. I also enjoy running, board games, cooking, and gardening.
Scott Rupp
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Undergrad: Saint Louis University
Medical school: Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD
EM interests: Wilderness Medicine or potentially Toxicology
About Me: I am a Captain in the United States Air Force training to become a Flight Surgeon. My hobbies include just about everything outdoors: hiking, camping, and climbing, as well as being a cinephile who always loves a good movie.
Allie Ryan
Hometown: Abington, PA
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Medical School: St. George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London
EM Interests: Ultrasound, Community Health, International Medicine
About Me: I always have at least two snacks on me at all times. Avid Philadelphia sports fan. I also love to travel, try do something active every day and enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and family.
Chelsea Schmidt
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Undergraduate: Colorado College
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Middletown
EM Interests: International Medicine
About Me: I love being outside as much as possible, whether it’s running, camping, skiing, or urban adventures. I dig travel, feminism, and visual arts. I have four brothers. My favorite foods are ketchup and gum.
Rick Tumminello
Hometown: Highland Lakes, NJ
Undergraduate: Cabrini University
Medical School: PCOM
EM Interests: EMS/Pre-hospital, trauma and critical care
About Me: Big fan of good food and strong coffee. Wannabe world traveler. Played rugby in college and still play guitar from time to time. Part time history nerd and will sink my teeth into half a book before getting bored and never finish it.
Alexander Yang
Hometown: Lincroft, NJ
Undergraduate: Penn State
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM interests: US, critical care, telemedicine, policy
About me: Favorite activities involve rocks, flying discs, and two wheels (with or without a motor). I eat with a titanium spork and Dremel my cat’s claws. Was a paramedic; but years of soft tissue/neuronal damage from experiencing Philly’s potholes in the back of an ambulance forced me into med school. If I wasn’t an EM doc, I’d be flying an Airbus A380. Check out http://www.campcranium.org!
PA Class of 2021
Jameson Boswell
Home town: Golden, CO
Undergraduate: University of Colorado
PA school: Red Rocks & Saint Francis University
EM interests: Wilderness Medicine
About me: I enjoy long trail runs with my dog, travel, climbing mountains, and cooking. I’m insane enough to enjoy long distance running and am competing in the Vermont 100 this year. If I weren’t in medicine I’d probably be running a food truck somewhere.
Hometown: Sharon, MA
