OUR RESIDENTS
Josimar Hernandez, M.D., PGY 1
Hi friends! I graduated from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Manhattan and I am thrilled to stay in NYC for residency here at SUNY Downstate. I was born in Mexico City and raised in Dallas, TX where I spent most of my life before going to med school. I am passionate about working with underserved, Spanish-speaking populations and am interested in primary mental health care within a family medicine context. Outside of work I enjoy salsa dancing, trying out new taco places, and spending countless hours on Spotify (let's exchange playlists!).
Van Pham, M.D., PGY 1
Hi everyone! I grew up in Boston and attended Boston University School of Medicine. Excited to embrace NYC and learn from the teachers - doctors and patients alike - at SUNY Downstate! I chose family medicine for its widescope and holistic practice on developing equitable systems and enduring patient relationships. Outside of the workroom, I can be found reading for my book club, baking sweets, trying new restaurants, or playing board/video games with friends and family.
Brianna Sarowa, M.D., PGY 1
Hi! I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I went to medical school at St. Georges University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. I chose family medicine for the wide scope of practice, continuity of care and a holistic approach to health including lifestyle and wellness. My medical interests include global health, public health and lifestyle medicine. I am so excited to be in NYC for my residency training for many reasons; an opportunity to train at an academic institution, the diverse patient population and faculty, the great food, and there is always something fun to do! Outside of work I enjoy film photography, cooking, hiking, biking, being outdoors and traveling. On a weekend off you can find me at a local museum, park or coffee shop!
Samuel Hernandez, M.D., PGY 1
Hi! My name is Sam. My favorite things are building things, being outside, viewing and making art, discovering delicious foods, and long-distance train travel. I grew up in Houston, Texas, but lived in Upstate New York for several years before deciding to pursue medicine. My goal is to become part of a community where I can provide basic essential care for everyone, which made family medicine a natural choice of specialty. I'm extra lucky to be able to complete my residency training in an amazing place like Brooklyn NY!
Tahirah Powis, M.D., PGY 1
"Greetings, native New Yorker here! Born to a wonderful family that’s been a melting pot of wisdom, cultures and diverse personalities much like this city. New York is where I’ve learned to recognize, respect, and empathize with others & their cultural differences. Getting to serve my community is a dream fulfilled. When I don’t have a stethoscope around my neck, I most enjoy finding the nearest beach to feel the sun on my skin. "
Bhavana Sunkara, M.D., PGY 1
Hello everyone. I am originally from Andhra Pradesh, India. I graduated from GSL Medical College. I worked in Brooklyn before matching in SUNY Downstate and did not want to work anywhere else because of the vast and diverse patient population. The opportunities to learn are truly endless! My medical interests are sports medicine as well as Geriatrics. Additionally, my hobbies include traveling, biking, shopping and exploring different restaurants.
Aliza Saskin, M.D., PGY 2
Hi! I’m from Toronto, Canada and went to Tulane for medical school in New Orleans. I chose family medicine for the wide scope of practice and opportunities to interact with patients of all ages. Specifically I am interested in reproductive health and functional medicine. Outside of medicine I love cooking new recipes and being outdoors. I’m an avid runner and enjoy hiking and exploring new parks.
Eva Holzner, MD, PGY 2
Hi all! My name is Eva (think Wall-E), I'm originally from California but moved to NYC for college and never left! I love Family Medicine because I love primary care and the opportunity it provides to develop long-term meaningful relationships with patients. I chose Downstate because I wanted to continue working with underserved patients while training at a tertiary care center that provides comprehensive high-acuity services and care. Outside the hospital you can usually find me doing arts and crafts, going out for trivia, playing board and video games, or just hanging with my partner and friends doing any of the above!
Stephen Coyle, M.D, PGY 2
During medical school I grew a passion for family medicine and had immersive clinical exposure that guided my career direction. My professional interests include public health, sports medicine, and addiction medicine. In my down time I enjoy spending time outdoors, caring for my house plants, and reading books. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead, the doors that will open, and the wonderful people I’ll meet!
Regine Vincent, M.D., PGY 2
Hello, my name is Regine! I was born in Haiti and grew up in South Florida. I attended University of Miami for my undergraduate studies and THE Ohio State University College of Medicine for medical school. I feel fortunate to be a resident here at SUNY downstate where I get to live out my passion of serving underserved populations in a diverse community, while being immersed in an academic institution. Currently my interests include global health, maternal health and adolescent medicine. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring international cuisines, and photography.
Gurshan Sandhu, MD, PGY 2
Hello! My name is Gurshan Singh Sandhu. I am from Punjab, India and also grew up in Vancouver, Canada. I am a graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. I chose Family Medicine at SUNY Downstate for the immense opportunities to serve a diverse community of patients and the robust training experience. My medical interests are inclined to lifestyle medicine and palliative care. In my free time I enjoy adventuring the outdoors and traveling.
Shaakir McIntosh-Samuel, M.D., PGY 2
My name is Shaakir McIntosh-Samuel (he/him/his) and I am an African-American male who was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to parents who hail from the island of Grenada. I moved to Brooklyn when I was 4 years old and have lived in various parts of Brooklyn including Crown Heights, Canarsie and East Flatbush. I attended Hobart College for my BSc. in Biology and Ross University School of Medicine for my M.D. I am also currently working on my Masters of Public Health at Tulane University. I chose Family Medicine here at SUNY Downstate with the hope of becoming a practicing physician and providing medical care to the members of my community right here in Brooklyn, NY—specifically the underserved minority groups who have suffered relentlessly to health disparities within the current healthcare system.
Some of my hobbies and interests include community service, reading sci fi novels, creative writing, playing and watching sports, listening to music and gardening. My medical interests include Palliative Care, Global Health, & Adolescent Medicine.
Hannah Su, M.D.,
PGY 3, Chief Resident
Hello! I'm Hannah Gerdes, and I graduated from medical school at The Ohio State University. I love distance running, hiking, traveling, and learning from cultural diversity. In my day-to-day, I love walking and chatting with friends, my husband, and my golden doodle Ollie.
Kristine Joy Armada, M.D., PGY 3
Hi everyone! My name is Kristine Joy Armada, I am a Brooklyn native and graduate of Sophie Davis/CUNY School of Medicine. Working at Downstate has been a lifelong dream of mine as a little girl in this community. In my free time, I enjoy birdwatching, playing games with friends, and exploring New York City. My medical interests include behavioral health, adolescent health, and understanding the social determinants of medicine. I am honored to be working with all of you and forming connections with everyone!
Sarah Leventer, M.D., PGY 3, Chief Resident
I'm a proud Downstate graduate, originally from Detroit, Michigan. I live in Greenpoint with my husband and 5-year-old daughter. Before medical school I was an actress and yoga teacher. I still practice yoga and I love spending time outdoors camping and hiking. I'm very excited to continue my medical training at Downstate!
Damilola Adesanya,M.D., PGY 3
Hi! I am originally from Ogun State; Nigeria and I have lived in Brooklyn for most of my life. I graduated from SUNY Downstate. I like dancing, knitting & crocheting, photography, and hiking.
Julian Tanjuakio, M.D.,
PGY 3
Hey everyone! I graduated from undergraduate at University of Delaware, and went to medical school at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. My hobbies include skateboarding and long distance running. I also really enjoy exploring new neighborhoods and trying new restaurants and shops.
Victoria Pierre-Louis, M.D., PGY 3
My name is Victoria Pierre-Louis & I’m a graduate of Ross University School of Medicine. I was born & raised in New York; my family is of Haitian decent. My father, Dr. Bredy Pierre-Louis served this community for as long as I can remember, having his practice just a few blocks away. He unfortunately passed due to COVID last year as so many on the frontlines did. With the help of my Mother & Brothers I continued school despite his sudden passing. I plan to continue where my father left off & for that I am grateful. I enjoy being outdoors with my dog, traveling & cooking. My medical interests include Global Health & Integrative Medicine.