Meet our current residents

PGY3

Jason Chavez, MD

Georgetown University School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I applied to KPMAS because of the way they practice medicine. I was trained to “treat the whole person” and Kaiser fully embodies this idea with its integrative model of practicing medicine while emphasizing the importance of social determinants of health. The direct interaction with faculty and subspecialists in the clinical setting makes for an environment that fosters learning and creativity.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

There is nothing more valuable in medicine than getting to know your patients on a personal level. The amount of trust that you carry and the reassurance you provide with every visit is what sets medicine apart from other careers.

Fun fact about you

It was not a phase. I still listen to the same type of music I listened to back in high school and college. Pull out my headphones and you are guaranteed to hear something from the early 2000’s.

How you thrive

Being local affords me the luxury of spending time with my family, spoiling my grandmother and decompressing after a long day of work. My congregation has been a huge part of my upbringing and I still connect with them regularly. I love playing guitar and learning new songs too!

Shanshan Gustafson, MD, MS

Drexel University College of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

Kaiser Permanente’s medical care model provides a fruitful environment for developing as a physician. I am thrilled to be a part of the KPMAS residency family.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Practicing medicine provides the opportunity to positively impact the lives of patients and their families. Practicing passionately means delivering on that opportunity.

Fun fact about you

My husband and I forage mushrooms each spring. This year, we got lucky with a large haul of morels!

How you thrive

I love live music, making dumplings, propagating succulents, and losing at Mario Kart!

Katrina Hsieh, DO

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

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

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Knowing that each patient interaction is meaningful. It is rewarding to be in a rapidly changing field where I am challenged to think critically and expand my knowledge every day for the sake of my patients.

Fun fact about you

From board games to ping pong, to Mario Kart and bowling, I am always down for some friendly competition.

How you thrive

Chatting with friends and family over a cup of tea, trying out new restaurants, and winding down with a good book.

Miranda Hunter, MD

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

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

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

I am passionate about building long term relationships with my patients. I enjoy partnering with my patients to make small changes over time, towards better health.

Fun fact about you

I figure skated for over a decade before finding an even stronger interest in Irish Dance, which I participated in through college!

How you thrive

I thrive by constantly learning and creating, spending time with friends and family, and being part of a fun and supportive residency team.

Amitosh Singh, MD

Wayne State University School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I wanted to be a part of a program that values resident feedback and actively uses it to evolve and improve the program. On top of that, I wanted a program that emphasizes close personal attention and is dedicated to teaching its residents. KPMAS gives me both of those things and more! I also have the opportunity to learn directly from specialists on a regular basis, which helps me stay up to date on the newest medical guidelines for our patients.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Medicine is the only field where I get a true sense of fulfillment while helping other people. It is a real privilege to get to care and support people in what may be their most vulnerable moment. I also value making connections with patients and getting to make a positive impact in someone’s day.

Fun fact about you

I got into cooking from watching Masterchef with my sister-in-law and started cooking in med school for my friends. I'm a big fan of Chef John from Foodwishes and have a good number of his recipes down in my back pocket.

How you thrive

I thrive by spending time with people and pets. I try to make time for my friends whenever I can try to plan time to watch movies or play games with my friends from college and medical school. Talking to my loved ones every day, either by phone or video call, also gives me the energy to be the best version of myself for my patients.

Martin Zhu, MD, PhD

Xi’an Jiaotong University; University of Rochester

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

It is a privilege to be trained in an organization that has been continuously changing the American healthcare for the better. I am also excited by the close coordination among all providers that closely resembles a multidisciplinary team in my research experience, which I knew is essential to both efficiency and quality.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

My passion comes from the intellectual stimulation of medical science, and from knowing that by practicing medicine, I can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Fun fact about you

I like trying coffee and tea from a diverse range of origins and had great times with friends over a cup tea or coffee.

How you thrive

Mozart, cooking, spending a day in museums, and Hitchcock movies. My wife and I also enjoy time with our baby boy Charles. We found the DC-area is perfect for young families.

PGY2

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

PGY1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PAST RESIDENTS

HOON CHANG, MD, MS

Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Residency: Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
Current Role: Nephrology Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I fell in love with Kaiser Permanente and its patient-centered medical home model during my M3 clerkship. The system is set up so that both patients and providers can build meaningful relationships while minimizing time navigating through complex medical systems.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

I find joy in helping out others and building relationships. Practicing medicine will let me do both.

Fun fact about you

I love to binge-watch YouTube videos (a guilty pleasure), especially the short clips of Korean TV shows.

How you thrive

I decompress by spending time with my family and friends. I love to play my guitar and learn cool new songs. Most importantly, spending time with God gives me the strengths to tackle daily activities.

HUAI-EN RACHEL CHANG, MD, MBA, MPH

Medical School: National Yang-Ming University (Taiwan), Johns Hopkins University
Residency: Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
Current Role: Part-time Research Fellow at NIH; Part-time MAPMG Hospitalist

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I am excited to join the first cohort of the KPMAS residency program because it feels like joining a fast-growing startup on a mission!

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

I love to listen to people's stories and find the best resources to further their health.

Fun fact about you

I am passionate and enthusiastic about boba tea, which was invented in my home country of Taiwan. I have worked as a tea barista before!

How you thrive

I love spending time with family and friends, exploring local restaurants, doing yoga, and learning something new from online classes. I am also looking to adopt an animal, or maybe start from fostering some puppies!

INNA SVERDLOVA, MD

Medical School: Ural State University
Residency: Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
Current Role: Hospitalist at MAPMG DCSM Service Area

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I applied to KPMAS because of the great resources available at this program. The smaller class size also means we get plenty of one on one attention and more opportunities to do procedures.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Understanding people’s medical pathologies and helping bridge the gap between doctor and patient.

Fun fact about you

I decompress by spending time with my loved ones. I like dancing bachata, salsa and playing table tennis during my free time.

How you thrive

Working in a supportive and collaborative environment while continuously challenging myself to grow and always trying to explore new things.

DANIEL TADEO, MD

Medical School: Georgetown University
Residency: Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
Current Role: Hospitalist at MAPMG NOVA Service Area

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

Kaiser Permanente is a proven innovator in both health care, education, and professional development, and I genuinely believe KPMAS will provide the opportunity to learn and practice medicine the way we all imagined before we ever started medical school.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

There are very few careers where all the time and effort you invest can positively impact a person’s life and potentially help to improve society as a whole – practicing medicine is breathtaking.

Fun fact about you

I love trying to replicate or tweak recipes (from family/friends, TV/online videos, restaurants, etc.) … basically, I’m a secret recipe hacker.

How you thrive

Lots of FaceTime with family, YouTube videos to learn new things, and outings with friends testing new restaurants and cuisines (the DC-area is perfect for this).

CRYSTAL XUE, MD

Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Residency: Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
Current Role: Primary Care Physician at MAPMG DCSM Service Area Gaithersburg Medical Center

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

I have a strong interest in outpatient internal medicine, particularly at the intersection of public health and primary care. The dedicated faculty and supportive system of KPMAS form a great place for me to pursue my interests and become a well-rounded physician, while learning about the inner workings of a system that has been highly successful in emphasizing preventive care.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

I am passionate about longitudinal patient care and patient education, and love being able to contribute to health literacy on both the individual and systemic levels.

Fun fact about you

Calligraphy is one of my pastimes; I enjoy using it to personalize items, and sporadically apply it to larger projects.

How you thrive

To decompress, I love to play and listen to music! Classical, jazz, and rock are among my most listened-to genres. Outside of work, I prioritize staying up to date with my family and friends, and can otherwise be found buried in a good book, nonfiction currently preferred.

Mid-Atlantic States Internal Medicine Residency Program

Meet our current residents

PGY3

Jason Chavez, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

Shanshan Gustafson, MD, MS

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

Katrina Hsieh, DO

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

Miranda Hunter, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

Amitosh Singh, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

Martin Zhu, MD, PhD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

PGY2

HAMDI ABDEEN, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

KATHLEEN ADESHOGA, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

JACQUELINE KOWITZ, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

WAALANDE LINTISO, MBBS

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

TAMANNA SAHNI, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

NADIA SMATI, MBBS

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

PGY1

Harsitha Sakhamuri, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

Arianna Vessal, DO

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive

Shannon Menezes, MD

Why you chose to apply to KPMAS?

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine

Fun fact about you

How you thrive