Current Residents
We have one universal truth at our residency program:
A diverse resident population from a variety of backgrounds provides the best patient care.
If you'd like to know more about our team members' stories, we recommend you interview with us and ask for yourself!
We have residents who have hailed from our own backyards in Michigan to the far corners of the world and we are proud of all of them. Their capacity to care for each other and care for their patients is unsurpassed.
We recruit students based on their unique experiences, clinical acumen, and diversity of thought. We encourage open-minded students to look at programs in the same way. Inclusivity is two-way street!
Class of 2026
Leen Alrashed, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I like being a family medicine physician because of the close relationships that I can develop with my patients, as well as the opportunity to practise broad spectrum medicine.
My hobbies/interests: Baking, knitting, hiking, and spending time outdoors
Why did I pick WSU? I picked WSU because the program seemed very supportive, the diverse culture in the metro-Detroit area, and the ability to partake in community medicine opportunities with the urban track.
Kanika Bhatara, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: My favorite part about being a family medicine physician is the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, addressing a wide spectrum of health concerns, from common colds to complex conditions like cancer, allowing me to witness the resilience and strength of the human spirit in every patient I meet.
My hobbies/interests: Outside the hospital, I enjoy going to cafes, hang out with my family and friends, acrylic painting, and indulge in the enchanting world of Harry Potter once in a while.
Why did I pick WSU? I chose WSU because of the strong connection I felt with the faculty and residents during my interview and meet-and-greet. This family medicine program had everything I was looking for, and above all, it offered a group of people with whom I instantly felt a deep connection. Being Canadian, its proximity to Ontario was an added bonus.
Oladipupo Dhinbo, MD
Simon Galkin, MD 
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: Favourite part of FM is the continuity of care, diversity of both patients and pathologies that you see, and being able to form trusting relationships with patients and teach them about all the ways to improve long-term health and prevent chronic diseases.
My hobbies/interests: Outside of medicine I love spending time with my family and friends, going for hikes in local parks/trails, playing pick-up sports, or getting lost in a binge-worthy fiction book or TV show.
Why did I pick WSU? I picked WSU mainly because of the amazing experience I had on my interview day, where I could tell just from talking with both the faculty and residents how everyone truly supports and respects each other here. It makes for a very good training environment because while you are given room to grow as a resident, you never feel like you’re alone and the faculty/co-residents are always happy to help with questions or concerns. On a side not, the location was also perfect because its (relatively) close to my home in Canada and feels familiar!
Hardeep Garcha, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: Delivering comprehensive and preventative care while nurturing both the physical and mental well-being of individuals, and being a champion of social justice.
My hobbies/interests: Basketball, whether playing or watching, alongside regular exercising and meditation, and tasting cuisine from varying cultures.
Why did I pick WSU? My choice for this institution is directly due to the blend of comprehensive expertise and approachability of our dedicated staff.
Brandelyn Kelly, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I love getting to know patients and their families and creating meaningful relationships with them, so they have someone they trust with their care.
Inaam Mohammed, MD
Saboria Thomas, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: My favorite part about being a family medicine physician is advocating for my patients, promoting sustainable lifestyle changes and encouraging the people that I encounter.
My hobbies/interests: Working out, hiking, traveling, watching Apple TV, going to church
Why did I pick WSU? Wayne State best aligns with my desire to immerse myself in a marginalized community, where I can adequately address disparities in healthcare, from a primary care level. I was particularly interested in joining the Urban Track, with hopes of learning more about HIV and Street medicine, and how I can be an effective leader for different populations. HIV outreach/education is a passion of mine, and I’m excited to continue pursuing my interests in residency. My interests and experiences complement the program’s mission, and we share the same commitment to health equity and under resourced communities.
Marcus Wong, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician:Favorite part about being a family medicine physician: Continuity of care and developing long-term relationships, while always learning something new from shared client stories.
My hobbies/interests: playing & composing music, community outreach, tree-top trekking
Why did I pick WSU? WSU is reputable for cultivating higher caliber physicians and advocating for the community. Faculty and staff are hands down amazing!
Class of 2027
Uddampreet Arora, DO
Jasmine Aulakh, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: Everyday is a new challenge that I get to face while making a positive impact in people’s lives.
My hobbies/interests: I love DIY projects especially when it comes to decorating for the holidays. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Why did I pick WSU? I get to practice medicine and do what I love while still being close to home.
Sara Dervishi, DO
Jodi Hastings, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: Being able to form meaningful connections with patients and treating them through the many phases of their life, what a honor and privilege!
My hobbies/interests: I love to travel with my mom, particularly to learn about the animals and botany of the country visited. My favorite interest is traveling to the continent of Africa and going on Safari game drives, as I am a lover of wild animal photography.
Why did I pick WSU? My medical school advisor is a WSU alumni and always spoke so highly of her experience at the program. When I had the opportunity to meet the residents and program staff in person, I came to realize quickly that this program would be the perfect fit for me as a budding physician!
Mujeebulla Hussaini, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I love being able to care for patients of all ages.
My hobbies/interests: Spending time with loved ones, movies, the UFC, restaurants, sightseeing, weight training
Why did I pick WSU? Residents describing their fulfillment with the program as well as the friendly atmosphere.
Candis Jarbo, DO
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: My favorite part of being a family medicine physician is being exposed to a variety of medical cases, which not only allows me to treat patients of all ages but also enables me to continually learn and grow with my patients.
My hobbies/interests: Anything involving staying active! I love hiking, cycling, and weight training. I’m also a huge foodie and can never say no to a good meal!
Why did I pick WSU? Born and raised in Metro Detroit, I chose WSU to be able to serve the community I grew up in. The faculty and hospital are amazing, and I look forward to building strong relationships with fellow providers while contributing to the health and well-being of the area I know and love.
Niloufar Maktabijahromi, MD
Boondarik Phuengsomboonying, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: being able to take care of everyone. from men, women, kids to everyone in between.
My hobbies/interests: I love traveling & chasing waterfalls, reading for fun, relaxing, drinking boba teas (without the boba), hanging out with friends, & going to music festivals.
Why did I pick WSU? I could tell even before my interview how much the program appreciates and supports their residents. It was during the interview where i felt drawn by how much the residents loved being here!
Jacob Rubin, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: With continuity of care being a major aspect of the specialty, I feel like family medicine allows me to form meaningful relationships with my patients and allow me to treat them to the best of my ability.
My hobbies/interests: Soccer, working out, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Why did I pick WSU? Everyone at the program is so nice and welcoming! The program has everything I would want in a residency while also making me feel like I am at home.
Yousif Slim, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: The opportunity to build long-term relationships and establish continuity of care is my favorite thing about being a family medicine physician. This not only allows me to collaborate closely with patients on their health but continues to serve as a reliable source of support and optimism during their times of need.
My hobbies/interests:In my free time, I love a mixed range of activities such as basketball, working out, running, exploring different cuisines, playing video games, spending quality time with my cats, and embarking on travel adventures across the globe.
Why did I pick WSU? As a native of Michigan, I was drawn to the opportunity to serve and contribute to the same state I call home. Additionally, the Rochester area's community experiences further solidified my decision, promising a fulfilling atmosphere for professional growth and personal connection.
Class of 2028
Brain Assadi, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: From a young age, helping others was an integral value in my household that later paved the foundation of my pursuit of a career in family medicine. I enjoy the challenges of medicine, but I also value maintaining a strong connection and be involved in every stage of a patient's life, from the newborn’s first cry to then watching them grow to an adult is the most unique and precious aspect of family medicine to me. This continuity of care is what excites me the most, as it enables me to form deep, trusting relationships with my patients over time making my future practice – like a family.
My hobbies/interests: I enjoy a lot of things but if I had to name a few it would be weightlifting/working out, traveling as I’ve been to many countries and hope to add more to the list, and winemaking.
Michael Assadi, MD 
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I chose family medicine because it allows me to build long-term relationships with patients while providing comprehensive care across all ages. In addition, I really enjoy how family medicine gives me exposure to a wide range of specialties, giving me a broad skill set to manage a variety of medical conditions effectively.
My hobbies/interests: Weight lifting became a very big part of my life through the years, and with that has come a huge passion for cooking. From time to time, I also enjoy writing poetry influenced by my Persian heritage. Lastly, I definitely enjoy spending leisure time relaxing with friends and family.
Foster Buchanan, DO
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician:I chose family medicine because I enjoy longitudinal care and building meaningful relationships with my patients.
My hobbies/interests:Some of my hobbies include hockey, golf, and weightlifting. I also enjoy fishing and escaping to northern Michigan.
Maria Gutierrez Briones, MD 
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I’ve always been drawn to multiple areas of medicine and never wanted to give up any one of them. Family Medicine allows me to do it all. I love the deep, longitudinal connections you build with patients, and how you often serve as their first and main point of contact with the healthcare system. This role puts you at the center of their care, not just medically, but also in addressing broader issues — including the social determinants of health.
My hobbies/interests: Outside of medicine, I enjoy taking long walks with my little dachshund (especially in the fall — my favorite season), spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, reading, and listening to music. And yes, I’m a huge Swiftie! “I passed the pictures around of all the years that we stood there on the sidelines wishing for right now.”
Jamal Hoyte, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I first learned about family medicine as a specialty during my third year of medical school, and I was immediately drawn to its holistic, patient-centered approach. Growing up in The Bahamas, I witnessed how limited access to primary care and a lack of awareness about preventive medicine led to unmanaged chronic conditions within my family and community. I was especially inspired by how the relationships family physicians build with their patients can empower individuals to take control of their health, an impact I believe could greatly benefit communities like the one I grew up in.
My hobbies/interests: Family is incredibly important to me, so I truly value spending time with loved ones. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. My hobbies also include playing and watching tennis, watching American football, and managing my fantasy football teams. I’m a big fan of board games and PC games, my favorite being League of Legends, which I find both fun and mentally engaging.
Gabriela Marku, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I chose family medicine because I get to work with patients of all ages and form strong relationships with them.
My hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading, cooking, being in nature and spending time with my family.
Mehak Ahmed, MD
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I chose family medicine because I want to be an accessible doctor to all age groups, including being able to manage pregnancies. I believe it is the best position for me to provide patients with the information they need and practice preventative care.
My hobbies/interests: I love watching movies, doing puzzles, making charcuterie boards, and
hanging out with my cat, Bean.
Arsh Kaiser, MD 
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I really enjoy the variety and flexibility the field offers - from managing chronic conditions to acute care and preventive medicine - which keeps every day interesting and intellectually stimulating. I also appreciate the opportunity to perform a range of in-office procedures, which adds a hands-on element to my practice.
My hobbies/interests: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling and running. I play basketball and ping pong in my free time.
Kyle Kluck, DO
My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: The flexibility this speciality provides is truly unique. I love that I have the opportunity to help patients with a wide variety of health concerns no matter their age or gender identity. Family medicine also allows me to make long lasting patient relationships and puts me in the unique position to give patients the tools to take control of their own health.
My hobbies/interests: I enjoy experiencing the beautiful Michigan outdoors with my friends and family by golfing, camping, fishing, hunting and snowboarding. I also enjoy weight lifting and rooting for my favorite sports teams, the Lions, Red Wings, Pistons and Tigers! My recent favorite activity is enjoying my new role as an uncle to my niece!
Mariam Nissan, MD