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

     Brian 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 

 

 

Class of 2029 

Ahmad Al-Jawher, MD  

My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: My favorite part of family medicine is the opportunity to care for patients throughout different stages of their lives and build lasting relationships with them and their families. I enjoy the variety that family medicine offers and the ability to make a meaningful impact through prevention, education, and continuity of care.

My hobbies/interests:I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring new places and coffee shops. My Hobbies Include: Video games, playing and watching soccer, Formula 1 and Hockey. My favourite teams are FC Barcelona and the Edmonton Oilers.

Why did I pick WSU? I chose Wayne State University because of its strong clinical training, diverse patient population, and supportive learning environment. During my interview experience, I was impressed by how welcoming and genuine the faculty and residents were. The program's commitment to serving diverse communities, combined with the strong sense of teamwork and resident support, made it feel like a place where I could grow into the family physician I aspire to become.

 

 Amna Al-Jawher, MD

My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: I love the opportunity to care for patients throughout every stage of life and build meaningful relationships that span generations. Family medicine allows me to combine my passion for preventive care, patient education, and community health while making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families

My hobbies/interests: Baking, exploring new cafés, traveling, spending time with my dog Oscar, and making memories with family and friends.

Why did I pick WSU? I chose WSU because of the strong sense of community I felt from the moment I interviewed. The residents and faculty were genuinely welcoming and supportive, and I knew it was a place where I would be challenged, encouraged, and able to grow as a physician. I was especially excited by the opportunity to tailor my training to my interests while receiving comprehensive family medicine education. Being close to Ontario also allows me to stay connected to my family while pursuing residency.

Hazem Alata, MD 

My favorite part about being a family medicine physician:FM is an extremely versatile and broad field which I love. Continuity of care is also very attractive to me, and the ability to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients is something that makes this career feel extra meaningful. I also love the breadth of the specialty, from preventive care to chronic disease management, and the chance to care for people in the context of their family, community, and life story.

My hobbies/interests: Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing guitar, reading philosophy and spiritual studies, writing, cooking, spending time with family, traveling, working out, going on walks outdoors, and exploring different cultures and cuisines.

Why did I pick WSU? I picked WSU because of its strong connection to the Metro Detroit community, its commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations, and the supportive environment I felt from the residents and faculty. As someone from Michigan, I also value the opportunity to train close to home while continuing to serve the communities that shaped me.

Julia Christian, MD

 My favorite part about being a family medicine physician: Is having the opportunity to form long-lasting relationships with my patients, and the privilege of advocating and caring for patients across all stages of life.

 My hobbies/interests: Baking, cooking, musical theatre, gardening, watching sitcoms, and knitting/crocheting/crafting of all kinds!

 Why did I pick WSU? WSU is a community built on a foundation of compassion and collaboration, with members who not only care for their patients, but for each other. I am honored to be a part of a group of people who lead with kindness in all facets of their lives.

 

Raghav Chugh, MD

My favourite part about being a family medicine physician: I love the building of long-term relationships and having my fixed role in a community. I value the longevity, consistency and camaraderie Family Medicine provides, both for patient and doctor.

My hobbies/interests:I live to eat good food and try many different cuisines, read books (Classics, fantasy, mystery, thriller), binge TV shows, and play board games--especially chess. I also enjoy playing tennis with friends!

Why did I pick WSU? I picked WSU for the depth of their curriculum, their intense dedication to the community, and simply the wonderful interview day experience I had. Another reason is that it is very close to Toronto, allowing me to visit friends and family easily.

 

 Aditi Gupta, MD

 My favourite part about being a family medicine physician: My favorite part about being a family physician is the continuity of care and the privilege of being there for patients throughout every stage of life. I love forming meaningful, long-term relationships where I'm not just their physician but a friend, an advocate, someone they can trust. I also chose family medicine because of the diversity and flexibility this specialty offers, allowing me to tailor my practice however I want.

 My hobbies/interests Outside of medicine, I love making and testing out a variety of coffee and matcha recipes. I'm also a huge foodie and love trying new cuisines, my current favorite being Thai. I enjoy long walks, beaches (especially back home in Grenada), exploring new places, watching movies and although not a professional I love interior designing.

 Why did I pick WSU? I picked WSU because of the exceptional interview experience I had! My goal throughout this process was finding a program where I could grow as a physician, while being surrounded by amazing colleagues who I could also call my friends. It was unbelievably easy to get along with the faculty and be myself, making it my favorite interview day that checked all my boxes. I could really envision myself here after seeing how passionate and confident the faculty were about this program's curriculum and how serious they took the well-being of the residents.

Kevin Jorge, MD 

My hobbies/interests Exercise, yoga, wine tasting, having fun with family and friends and traveling the world.

Why did I pick WSU? I chose wayne state university as my #1 is because I am a WSU Mike illitch school of Business Alumn and I have deep roots and love for the city of detroit, from launching my own apparel Dompany that donated proceeds to non-profits and volunteer groups throughout detroit, to working at the eastern market and increasing access to healthy food choices for detroit residents and planting flowers throughout the city, my passion for Detroit and Wayne State run very deep. I am so grateful for matching with Wayne State University!

 

 

 Cheney Merhavy, MD

My favorite part about being a family medicine physician:  That you get to take care of anyone and everything, there isn't a limit to the scope of a family med doctor unless you want there to be one.

 My hobbies/interests: Ballet, my dog and cooking with my husband. 

 Why did I pick WSU? The residents and faculty were so helpful and welcoming!