Meet our current residents

PGY3

HAMDI ABDEEN, MD

Sackler School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What honestly attracted me to MAPMG was their keen effort to highlight these core principles of medicine. MAPMG has a vigorous academic drive that inspires one to keep learning. In addition, I found MAPMG to have the perfect balance between academics and healthy environment. Their members display an outwardly positive persona with both residents and attendings being extremely receptive to questions and feedback.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

I see medicine as an intimate combination of two things: education and altruism. I have always had an itch of curiosity that compelled me to keep on wanting to know how and why things work. Medicine is unique in that you are always learning in order to ultimately perfect your role of changing people’s lives. I found that medicine more than any other field beautifully integrates these two attributes.

Fun fact about you

I am a ranked chess player with a peaked rating of 1500 on chess.com

How you thrive

My main method of stress relief includes proper meals, movies and a high-quality soccer game
Learn more about me

KATHLEEN ADESHOGA, MD

George Washington University School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I applied to KPMAS because I prefer a more individualized approach to physician training, this is made possible with a smaller residency class. I love their holistic approach to serving patients and the faculty here have fostered a great environment for learning. I am also enjoying the lifestyle medicine curriculum that they offer.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

I have a passion for working in underserved communities. I love being able to make a large impact on patients and their families through small actions. The integrative model at KPMAS allows me to serve the same community that has fostered my curiosity and passion for medicine. I enjoy connecting with my patients and partnering with them to meet their health care goals.

Fun fact about you

I love weightlifting, HITT training, hiking and outdoor obstacle courses. I could zipline for hours and never get bored!

How you thrive

I am fortunate that I live close to my family and friends in the DC Metropolitan area. I thrive with the help of a great support system locally and being able to visit them often. I also enjoy being able to hang out in DC for live music, restaurants, and other social events.
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JACQUELINE KOWITZ, MD

Heidelberg University School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I ultimately chose to apply to KPMAS because of the outstanding faculty and the prospect of working in a health care organization as ground-breaking as Kaiser Permanente. KPMAS to me is the best of both worlds of health care delivery that I know – it is unapologetically evidence-driven and efficient on the one side and distinctly aware of human factors, emphasizing social determinants of health and driven by a community-based approach to health care on the other side.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Medicine allows me to have a positive impact on people’s lives, allows me to think about genuinely fascinating topics, and often best of all, allows me to be surrounded daily by some of the most caring and committed people.

Fun fact about you

While in medical school, I was part of our university’s film club and one lucky year was allowed to attend the Cannes Film Festival. It was mere days before a big physiology exam, so I was revising cardiac ion channels while waiting in line for the red carpet (yes, there is a line).

How you thrive

Taking time to connect and understand patient’s stories beyond their pertinent positives and negatives helps me derive daily joy from this work. Outside of work, I thrive and recharge in the peace I find in nature and in time spent with family and friends.
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WAALANDE LINTISO, MBBS

St. George’s University of London

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I joined the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group because of the patient-centered and holistic care provided here. My family members who have been KP members for years speak highly of the care they consistently receive; this patient-centered culture of the organization is what drew me to apply. Moreover, the DMV area was an attractive training location for a city and nature lover like me.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

My interest in medicine began as a child when I noticed the health disparity that existed in medically and economically underserved communities in Ethiopia. I am passionate about practicing medicine because it gives me the opportunity to address these disparities by providing holistic care to those that need it most.

Fun fact about you

I love deep conversations over a cup of coffee or tea. Conversations with the elderly is especially my favorite because I learn loads from their life experiences.

How you thrive

Spending time with God daily through worship, prayer, and bible study gives me so much joy! I love sharing life with my husband plus living so close to my parents and siblings makes my life full and enjoyable.
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TAMANNA SAHNI, MD

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

As a northern Virginia native, I am excited to be back in the DMV area after completing my undergraduate studies in Richmond and medical training in Norfolk! I have been fortunate enough to call Kaiser my medical home for many years, and I really value the comprehensive and continuous care provided to each patient. I see each patient as a unique learning opportunity, and my patients are as important a part of the healthcare team as doctors, nurses, techs, pharmacists, and more!

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Medicine to me is a constantly moving jigsaw puzzle – no one patient or disease process is the same. This is what makes Internal Medicine unique and keeps you on your toes! I am also passionate about making my patients feel safe and cared for, no matter which setting we are in. As a lifelong learner and strong patient advocate, I am always excited to come into work every day, and KP fosters that learning with its unique opportunities in research, preventative care, and quality improvement!

Fun fact about you

I started learning Bollywood dancing when I was four years old and I lived in New Delhi, India! Since then, I have also learned Kathak (a classical Indian dance form) and was on the Hasdi Jawani Bhangra team in college!

How you thrive

I love to read (I finished my 2022 Reading Challenge on Goodreads!), find new recipes to try and share with friends and family, find new coffee places (DC, Rockville, and Bethesda are perfect spots for this!), and challenge myself with new puzzles! I recently started a 1500 piece one, which I confess is a significant step up from 1000-piece ones. I also like to paint – Paint by the Number is a perfect for when you have a few minutes to spare and need to decompress!
Learn more about me

NADIA SMATI, MBBS

Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I chose to apply to KPMAS because of the individualized approach to education and enthusiasm of the faculty.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

The opportunity to help make a difference in patients’ lives.

Fun fact about you

I enjoy travelling and playing tennis.

How you thrive

Staying active and Facetiming my family/friends
Learn more about me

PGY2

Oghuz Anwar , DO

New York Institute College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

With Kaiser Permanente being at the forefront of innovation and value based care, I believed that training in their unique integrated medical system would make me a well-rounded physician equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to be a leader in the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Tackling the unique complexities of each patient and truly connecting with them. I find joy in hearing their story and learning their cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic background in an effort to truly treat them as a “whole’ person.

Fun fact about you

One of my favorite things to do is play pickup basketball at the local park and getting smoothies afterwards. This always leaves me feeling super refreshed.

How you thrive

Spending time with family and friends, re-centering myself through my faith, and exercising to keep my body healthy.
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Theresa Chiappe, DO

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I chose to apply to Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States because Kaiser supports patients in every aspect of care and helps simplify a fairly complex medical system so patients can meet their health goals. Kaiser is also fantastic at connecting patients with preventative medicine techniques to avoid the occurrence of disease. I am also excited to be in an area where I can have family support as I grow as a physician.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Information has always felt empowering to me, and I love that as a physician, a large part of my job is sharing information so that patients can make informed decisions about their health care.

Fun fact about you

During college, I worked in the theater’s scene shop building sets, including a revolving stage

How you thrive

I thrive when I can share a home-cooked meal with my family and friends.
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Robert Liu, MD

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

KPMAS is a reputable, supportive program with a strong dedication towards education, and I wanted to train in such an environment where I could also work with and take care of the community that I grew up in.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Being able to provide solutions to patients’ medical issues as well as offering them new opportunities.

Fun fact about you

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, sports/athletics, reading, and learning. I’m always excited about learning new topics!

How you thrive

I thrive when I can share a home-cooked meal with my family and friends.
Learn more about me

Shannon Menezes, MD

George Washington University School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I applied to KPMAS because I have had wonderful experiences with the organization. Growing up in the DMV area, Kaiser Permanente was my healthcare provider for many years and during medical school, I had the opportunity to rotate within the system as part of my clerkships. The faculty, staff, and IM program were so supportive and created such a positive learning environment. I really value their teaching and holistic medical model because it works to train competent and cost-efficient physicians who prioritize patient centered and high-quality health care.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

There are so many aspects to medicine that make the field exciting. I appreciate the opportunity to learn, support, and care for people during hard and challenging times in their lives. Listening to someone’s story, being present for them, and working together to create a life-changing plan is rewarding and impactful. Moreover, when you care for someone, you are not just addressing their physical condition, but also their mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial needs. There are gaps and social determinants that need to be considered; however, I enjoy working with other passionate individuals in a team to mediate through these barriers to positively impact someone’s health.

Fun fact about you

I played soccer competitively for 12 years and was even on the number one girls’ team in Virginia at one point. Now, I play for fun and exercise!

How you thrive

I love spending time with my family and friends, exercising, and going on adventures to local restaurants or events. I am also an aunt to a little boy and 2 adorable dogs so their pictures and cuteness often helps me to de-stress after a long day.
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Harsitha Sakhamuri, MD

University of Queensland – Ochsner Health

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I liked that Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States provides an equal balance between inpatient and outpatient care while encompassing a diverse patient population.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Health literacy is one of my biggest passions in medicine as I firmly believe that a good health education leads to better health outcomes.

Fun fact about you

I can understand four languages.

How you thrive

Cooking, watching films, hiking.
Learn more about me

Arianna Vessal, DO

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I chose to apply to KPMAS because of their commitment to supporting their community and dedication to individualized physician training. I enjoy being at a program with a small feel but large program resources. What really set them apart for me were that everyone likes to be here!

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

I enjoy getting to know patients on a personal level and collaborate with them on their journey to health and wellness. Fostering relationships to have better patient outcomes is truly an extraordinary experience.

Fun fact about you

My favorite hobby is trying new hobbies. I love learning new skills or having new experiences!

How you thrive

I always feel rejuvenated when I am outside in nature. You can frequently find me taking a quick walk or sitting outside enjoying the landscape.
Learn more about me

PGY1

Abraham Alex, DO

New York Institute College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I applied to KPMAS because of the opportunity to become a competent and well-rounded physician, through rigorous academics and supportive physicians.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

My passion stems from the opportunity to utilize my academic and clinical knowledge and skills to further the well-being of my patients.

Fun fact about you

One of my hobbies is reading fiction novels. I can travel anywhere from the comfort of my home.

How you thrive

I thrive when I am taking a scenic walk throughout my neighborhood.
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Tarah Burton, MD

George Washington University School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I genuinely wanted to become a part of an organization that is innovative and dedicated to improving healthcare for all members of the community.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Every day I get to collaborate with patients on meeting their health goals keeps me passionate about medicine.

Fun fact about you

Even though I grew up on an island, I did not learn how to swim until college. Go Terps!

How you thrive

Keeping organized, collaborating with peers and being open to new ideas allows me to thrive.
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Navid Chowdhury, MD

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

KPMAS is a system that provides patients with a simplified, digestible pathway through a potentially complicated medical environment, which is what I wish to provide to patients.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Connecting with patients and addressing their concerns in a thorough and understanding manner.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Being able to provide solutions to patients’ medical issues as well as offering them new opportunities.

Fun fact about you

I am an avid board game player and collector – a great way to have fun with friends and family.

How you thrive

Spending time with loved ones, eating good food, and reading.
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Ashly Kaur, DO

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I chose to apply to Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States because it allows me to serve the community I grew up in; while still emphasizing the values I would want from my own physician. As a former patient of the Kaiser Medical Group, I experienced firsthand the high-quality, compassionate care that inspired me to become a physician. I am excited to now have the opportunity to give back and provide the same level of care to my patients.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

What makes me passionate about practicing medicine is the ability to build meaningful relationships and positively impact patients' lives through compassionate care.

Fun fact about you

I'm a self-proclaimed interior design enthusiast; my mind is always buzzing with ideas on how to jazz up spaces and remix furniture layouts for better vibes and functionality. Plus, it gives me the perfect excuse to indulge my love for shopping!

How you thrive

I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in this area, surrounded by my supportive husband, wonderful friends, and loving family who contribute to my growth and happiness. Nothing brings me more joy than spending quality time with them in the place I call home.
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Rohan Kuruvilla, MD

Howard University College of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I applied to Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States for my residency training because of their emphasis on outpatient medicine, the program is in my home state of Maryland, and trainees have a lot of involvement with national medical conferences and the American College of Physicians.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

I am passionate about medicine due to the relationships I build with my patients and colleagues. I wouldn’t do it if it weren’t for the patients.

Fun fact about you

I used to own pet crabs from Southeast Asia!

How you thrive

My wife is my biggest supporter, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her unwavering support. I also stand true to my values, always emphasize work-life balance, and build connections and communities anywhere I go.
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Moiz Shah, MBChB

University of Glasgow School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I chose to apply to KPMAS because of its forward-thinking ethos. Not only do they produce high quality physicians, but they also aim to address some of the healthcare challenges faced by its served population.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

The ability to use my passion to positively impact a person’s life gives me great satisfaction!

Fun fact about you

I am currently on a mission to see every national park in the US!

How you thrive

I make sure that I get my exercise in, no matter how busy or occupied!
Learn more about me
Kaiser Permanente health plans around the country: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc., 1300 SW 27th St., Renton, WA 98057

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