Michael Buxbaum – Chief

Hometown: North Wales, PA

Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University

Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College

EM Interests: EMS

About me: The more groovy of the North Wales seniors, I spend most of my free time hanging out with friends or playing tennis. Passionate Philly sports fan, we are good people I swear, despite what the news says. Avid hiker, always trying to find national parks and unique trails. Find me watching Seinfeld or obscure movies when I have some time to relax.

Ravi Pandya – Chief

Hometown: Philadelphia

Undergrad: The Pennsylvania State University

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Trauma, EMS

About me: Born and raised in Northeast Philly. When I’m not bleeding green for the Eagles, I’m probably fanboying over Joel Embiid and the Sixers (Trust the Process – IYKYK). I’ll spend hours talking about coffee, bourbon, and how Taco Bell is the greatest fast-food chain in existence.

Aditi Suresh – Chief

Hometown: West Chester, PA

Undergrad: Drexel University

Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Social EM

About Me: I have an umbilical cord attached to Philly, so I know all the hot spots for brunch and Thai food. As a past a cappella nerd, I love to sing and beatbox! My most controversial opinions include hating coffee, energy drinks, and ER turkey sandwiches.

Amanda Ammentorp

Hometown: Plymouth, MN

Undergrad: College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University

Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: health disparities, operational/tactical medicine, education/mentoring

About Me: Active duty Air Force; I have a twin sister and a dog named Archie who just turned 2! I love skiing/snowboarding and scuba diving

Alina Broton

Hometown: San Diego

Undergrad: California Baptist University

Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

EM interest: EMS, Critical care, Trauma

About me: I was born and raised in San Diego now adjusted to the Philly life, aka potholes and lots of honking. I am a sushi lover, a firm believer that all dogs are cute, and will never turn down a happy hour invite. During the summer you can find me at the beach and during the winter on my snowboard. I will always believe that the west coast is the best coast.

Matthew Chadwick

Hometown: North Wales, PA

Undergrad: University of Michigan

Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Medical Education

About Me: Grew up right outside Philadelphia, so of course, a huge sports fan, especially when it comes to the Eagles. Go Birds! If I’m not working, I’m probably watching a scary movie, reading a book, heading to happy hour with friends, or relaxing down the shore with family! Some people like to say I look like Jordan Speith, but I definitely don’t golf like him!

Devin George

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Undergrad: Pasadena Community College & Cal State Northridge

Medical school: Temple Lewis Katz School of Medicine

EM Interests: Social emergency medicine, critical care, austere medicine

About me: California blended and along a narrow way. I was a paramedic in various places. I majored in philosophy. My wife and I emigrated from LA to Philly for med school. Our journey gained us three beautiful children, friends and a resilient community where I get to learn medicine. I also love tenkara fly fishing, camping, cycling, rock climbing, music, telescoping the planets and reading.

Hilary Gray

Hometown: Bala Cynwyd, PA

Undergrad: Hamilton College

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Education, Wellness, Advocacy

About Me: Lover of pups, baking, thrifting, sour beers, dark comedies, and green space. Played collegiate squash, then completed a post-bacc at Cornell University, and even briefly worked as a PCA at Einstein prior to medical school.

Brandon Hamm

Hometown: Maysville, KY

Undergrad: University of Kentucky

Medical School: University of Pikeville- Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Critical Care, Ultrasound, Public Health

About Me: Kentucky native- Philadelphia transplant. When I’m not in the ED, I’m probably running, watching basketball, hiking, or enjoying a hazy IPA. Love to explore the Philly food scene.

Joseph Pavlik

Hometown: Holbrook, NY

Undergrad: Binghamton University

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Global Health

About me: Long Island guy loving life in Philadelphia. Former baseball player/coach, hopefully a current softball player. When I’m not in the emergency room you can find me traveling, golfing, hiking, eating, or supporting my beloved West Ham United Football Club.

Trient Spires

Hometown: Tooele, UT

Undergrad: Utah Valley University

Medical School: Rocky Vista University – Southern Utah

EM Interest: Wilderness/Austere Med, Ultrasound 

About Me: Born and raised in rural Utah. Sort of a non-planned non-traditional path to medicine. I spent 9 years in the Army National Guard and decided to pursue medicine in my junior year of undergrad. A Ph.D. in chemistry seemed less and less appealing when compared to helping people directly. When not on shift I am usually spending time with my wife and two beautiful children, who have graciously tagged along through this medical/Airforce journey. Most of my hobbies rely on the outdoors, including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, and going to the beach. Always down for another MTB buddy. 

Phylicia Thomas

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Undergrad: Spelman College

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Academic Medicine, Medical Education/Mentoring, Hospice and Palliative Medicine

About Me: Proud New Yorker- Bx Baby! Jamaican Blood. In my past life, I worked as a nurse before starting medical school. I enjoy scary movies and any sour candy. Love hanging out with family and friends. When not in the ED, you can find me traveling or enjoying a great meal and cocktail.

Spandana Vuyyuru

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Undergrad: University of Tennessee

Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

EM Interests: Medical Education, Social Emergency Medicine, Wilderness Medicine

About me: Philly transplant and love living in the city! Grew up in TN near the smokies – love hiking and being out in the mountains. Some current favorite things of mine – hanging with friends, trying new restaurants and bars, cooking, eating pasta, scary movies & Halloween parties, rollerskating, and watching my plants grow.

Nina Wade

Hometown: NYC

Undergrad: Princeton University

Medical School: University of Pennsylvania

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Sports Medicine, Forensics

About Me: New Yorker born and raised, which means I’m usually walking and talking very fast. Can usually be found in the nearest movie theater, hipster cocktail bar, or Asian restaurant. Always down to explore Philly, binge-watch TV, or play video games with some snacks.

Clifford (Ryan) Zinn

Hometown: Hershey, PA

Undergrad: Lehigh University

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interest: Critical Care, EMS/flight medicine

About Me: Originally from central PA, born and raised. Spent most of my weekends playing tennis and ice hockey (very unorthodox sport combo – I know)! My initial interest in medicine began through my mom as a nurse, and a careers fair project I completed in 8th grade. I majored in Biology and completed a Master’s program in Biomedical Science at PCOM prior to beginning medical school. When I’m not working, you can probably find me spending time with friends and family, boating, and trying new foods, breweries or restaurants. Philadelphia is a great city, has lots to do and explore. Now, if only the sports teams could pull it together — go Birds!

Pooja Dave

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Undergrad: Rhodes College

Medical School: George Washington University

EM interests: critical care, medical education/mentoring

About Me: I was born and raised in Atlanta and love living in Philadelphia! I love playing board games, reading books (especially historical fiction), knitting, hiking and running. I am also a huge baseball fan, so I am looking forward to going to some Phillies games during residency!

Savannah Ewing

Hometown:  Denton,TX

Undergrad: Texas A&M University

Medical School:  McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

EM Interests:  Critical Care, Trauma

About Me:  I was a Flight Surgeon for the Air Force stationed in Alaska, and after residency, I’ll continue in the military.  I love travel and adventure; anything active/outdoorsy is my thing, including hiking, horseback riding, motorcycling, and hanging with my dog, Toby.

Elaina Fragoulias

Hometown: Freehold, NJ

Undergraduate: Villanova University

Medical school:  Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

EM interests:  Ultrasound, Advocacy, Critical Care

About Me: Jersey girl with a big Greek family. NY Giants fan (controversial, I know). During my free time, you’ll find me playing with my senior cat, DJ Kitty, cooking for my loved ones, starting a new crafts project or watching early 2000s rom-coms. A lifelong lover of video games with a recently built pink PC. Current favorites include — watercolor painting, Stardew Valley, waiting for the newest Attack on Titan episode, and weight lifting.

Omoshade Idowu

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Undergrad: University of Washington- Seattle

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine- Philadelphia

EM interests: Medical Education, Social EM, Trauma and Ultrasound 

About Me: A Pacific Northwest born kid through and through. I love getting outdoors and will travel for a good hike or to go horseback riding. I love a good game night and host friends and family regularly. I love learning new things and pride myself on knowing a little bit about everything. I love cooking and baking so be prepared to help me finish some delicious meals and treats! Happy to be staying in the area to serve the Philadelphia community.

Fabian Jano

Hometown: Chicago, IL 

Undergrad: Illinois Wesleyan University

Medical School: Saint Louis University

EM Interests: Critical Care, Ultrasound

About me: Coming from Chicago and having spent most of my time in the Midwest, I love Philly and the East Coast. Very extroverted and always looking to gather up people, huge soccer guy (¡Hala Madrid!), love to travel around the world, and eat pretty much anything.

Hari Kota

Hometown: Merced, CA

Undergrad: University of California, Santa Barbara; Postbacc Meredith College (Raleigh, NC)

Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine

EM interests: trauma, social EM, EMS/flight med, medical anthropology

About Me: California born & raised, but spent some years nestled in the Sonoran Desert and in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’m a little nontraditional- I got my undergrad degree in sociology and biological anthropology. If I’m not outside climbing things, jumping into waterfalls, or looking at cool critters, you can find me inside a museum or at home playing video games and making art.

Morgan Novakovich

Hometown: Wilkes-Barre, PA

Undergrad: Wilkes University

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine 

EM Interests: Trauma, Critical Care, Disaster Medicine, International EM/Global Health

About Me: I grew up in Northeast PA and have been in Philly since medical school. I consider myself a foodie and love trying different restaurants, bars, and breweries, but also cooking something new or mixing up a fun cocktail! I enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s a good hike or exploring the city- basically anything with a great view! Some of my other hobbies include slowly improving my skills in running, lifting, playing the ukulele, and photography. 

Becca Schaps

Hometown: Lino Lakes, MN

Undergrad: Marquette University

Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

EM Interests: Critical Care and Medical Education

About Me: Born and raised in the Midwest, and I am excited to try out the East Coast! When not working or hanging out with my two cats, you can catch me eating my way through the Philly food scene. Always down for a happy hour, a night-in watching trashy reality TV, or anything in between. Hobbies include reading, cooking, working out, thrifting, and spending way too much money at Target. 

Andrew Simpson

Hometown: Kansas City + Chicago (Never lived anywhere more than 8 years)

Undergrad: Northwestern University

Med School: Hofstra SOM

EM Interests: Social EM, Public Health, Ultrasound

About Me: KC to Chicago to Brooklyn and now Philly. Bikes everywhere. Mountains > Beaches. Eating my way through 4 different cookbooks. Safe streets/Transportation Equity advocate. You may think my cat likes you, he’s just grifting you for treats. 

Ali Sjaarda

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Undergraduate: University of Chicago

Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

EM Interest: Community Health, International Medicine, Women’s Health

About me: I love everything food and nature. Outside of work you can find me trying out new restaurants or recipes, exploring the outdoors, and working on my indoor garden. I always have my thermos on me with water, different teas or coffees, and (after work) cocktails. 

Mark Sobnosky

Hometown: New Franklin, OH

Undergraduate: Hiram College

Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University

EM Interests: International Medicine, Wilderness Medicine, Medical Education

About Me: Born and raised in Northeast Ohio but I love to call Philadelphia my home for training! I’m always exploring something or somewhere new, but have a particular fondness for coffee shops and breweries. When I am not found there, I can usually be spotted on a soccer pitch or disc golf course somewhere. I also have a love of poetry and bird watching. There are few things I won’t try at least once- including food! 

Fernando Tejeda-Castro

Hometown: Coatzacoalcos, Mexico

Undergrad: The University of Texas at Austin

Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine 

EM interests: Toxicology, US, Sports Medicine

About Me: Born in Mexico, grew up in Texas. Excited to live in a city with a huge sports scene. My hobbies include weight lifting, sports, pick-up basketball, traveling & the outdoors, reading, and going to bars/breweries.

David Terry

Hometown: Tustin, CA

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Social EM, Palliative Care, EMS, Pain Management, Critical Care

About Me: All-around lover of life, my main hobby is playing board games and tabletop RPGs, although I enjoy video games as well. Many know me for my vast appetite and vacuous stomach. I’m a former runner but I prefer weightlifting and yoga. Lover of animals, plants, and the natural world in general; rocks, rivers, and elevation changes are my preferred scenery. I enjoy watching video series and documentaries on history, archeology/paleontology, and physics. I’m always looking to discover new places.

Vincent Alberico

Hometown: San Dimas, CA

Undergrad: Cal State San Marcos

Med School: Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: POCUS, EMS

About Me: California transplant enjoying life in Philly. When I’m not in the ED you can find me watching my favorite sports teams, exploring the phenomenal Philadelphia food scene, walking my dogs, or hitting a gym sesh.

Spencer Bright

Hometown: Omaha, NE

Undergrad: Rockhurst University

Medical School: Saint Louis University

EM Interests: Wilderness, EMS

About Me: Grew up in the Colorado Rockies and the Midwest Plains, but I’ve been loving the East Coast and Philly’s food, public transportation, people, and the city life. When I’m not exploring the city, I’ll be out exploring nature. I love hiking, camping, bird watching, and looking at trees. If I’m inside, I’ll be cuddling with my two cats, cooking, or trying to use my English major to write something.

Jack Capra

Hometown: Fairfax, VA

Undergrad: University of Virginia

Medical school: Eastern Virginia Medical School

EM Interests: Medical Education, Advocacy

About me: DC sports fan and Philly transplant. I love to cook and explore new restaurants. Outside the hospital you can find me traveling, biking, playing soccer or exploring local music scene.

Nora Connors

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

Undergrad: Juniata College

Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Global Health, Ultrasound, Social EM

About Me: Past lives before med school include competing as an acrobatic gymnast and working in Guatemala, Thailand, and Burma. Outside of the hospital, you can catch me at a comedy show, eating my way through the Philly food scene, binging K-dramas, or biking along the Schuylkill River Trail.

Jessica Eisold

Hometown: Rockville, MD

Undergrad: University of Kentucky

Grad: King’s College London

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

EM Interests: International EM/Global Health

About Me: I love to travel and have lived in various cities, from Honolulu to London and everywhere in between. I’m a horseback rider and avid runner. In my free time, you’ll find me at a concert, the comedy club, a thrift store, or at home with my two cats.

Drew Hill

Hometown: Rochester, Illinois

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Medical School: Chicago Medical School

EM Interests: Critical Care

About Me: I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois, but my roots are in Kansas City. My short-term goal is to eventually apply what I’ve learned in residency to a career in the US Air Force. I hope my military career allows me to serve my country, gain amazing experiences in operational medicine, and travel. My ultimate goal is to get involved in global/humanitarian. I love sports (go Chiefs), country music, and quoting movies.   

Harrison Kardon

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Undergrad: Sarah Lawrence College

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Critical Care

About Me: I studied philosophy and worked as a carpenter before entering medicine.  My professional interests include critical care, pain control, and austere medicine.  Outside of the hospital I enjoy running, rock climbing, cooking, cocktails, kibbitzing, reading, and writing.

Katya Kniahnitskaya

Hometown: Kennewick, WA

Undergrad: Washington State University

Medical school: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

EM interests: EMS, disaster medicine and wilderness

About me: I have been a first responder for over 7 years as a rescue/recovery diver, Firefighter and EMT. When I’m not at work I love hiking, paddle boarding, jogging, traveling and baking. My all time favorite activity is spending time with my German Shepard who loves training as a water rescue pup!

Nomerra Koreshi

Hometown: New Castle, DE

Undergrad: University of Delaware

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Toxicology, Integrative Medicine, Health Equity, Addiction Medicine

About Me: Originally from Delaware, but the dream is to retire in Tucson, AZ, where I can spend my days hiking through the desert, caring for chickens, and tending to my herbal medicine garden. Until then, I will be in Philadelphia advocating for a holistic and integrative approach to medicine for my patients, rock climbing, mushroom foraging, volunteering in harm reduction, snowboarding, and scuba diving whenever I can fly out of PHL.

Arthur Lyon

Hometown: Cheyenne, WY

Undergrad: Colorado State University

Medical school: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

EM interests: Austere and Prehospital Emergency Medicine

About me: I enjoy spending most of my free time with my awesome wife and two kids. I love the outdoors and finding new places to hike and run regardless of the weather or time of day.

Benjamin Robke

Hometown: Lenexa, KS

Undergrad: Kansas State University

Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: US, Critical Care

About Me: Midwest to the core and Kansas City Chiefs superfan. Never been to Philly before matching here but having a lot of fun. When not on shift, I like relaxing with my dog, snowboarding, working out, golfing, or finding a good happy hour.

Lily Roth

Hometown: Newtown, PA

Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Seton Hill

EM interests: EMS, Social EM

About Me: Growing up outside of Philly I am excited to be back home close to my family and friends and of course my favorite sports teams. I have a dog named Cleo who I love exploring the outdoors with. My hidden talent is that as a kid I taught myself to make balloon animals and love making balloon animals and sculptures for my family and friends. Maybe one day I will be able to find latex free twisting balloons so I can share them with my patients as well.