NEWARK – Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark marked a proud tradition as it hosted the 61st Annual Certificate and Awards Ceremony, celebrating the graduation of doctors enrolled in its Internal Medicine Residency program as well as medical specialty fellowship programs.
This year’s class included 19 internal medicine residents and 11 fellows across six specialties through an affiliation with New York Medical College.
Dr. Stephen Abo, associate program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, presented certificates to the graduating residents, while subspecialty fellows were honored by their respective program directors.
“This ceremony represents the culmination of years of rigorous training and an unwavering commitment to patient care,” said Saint Michael’s CEO Alan Sickles, M.D. “We are proud to send these physicians into the next phase of their careers, where they will serve communities with skill, compassion, and integrity.”
Chief residents Jose Garcia, M.D., Laura Hernandez-Perez, M.D., and Samer Jumean, M.D., were recognized for their leadership during the year.
The commencement address was delivered by Adel Armanious, M.D., who inspired the audience with reflections on the challenges and growth that define medical training.
Graduates of the Internal Medicine Residency Class of 2025 were: Amaar Ahmad, D.O, Wejeeha Aiman, M.D., Osama Alkhlaifat, M.D., Qusai Al-Maharmeh, M.D., Vadim Belinschi, D.O., Himaja Dutt Chigurupati, M.D., Abdelhadi Farouji, M.D., Ahmad Haddad, M.D., Danny Ibrahim, M.D., Sahar Memar-Montazerin, M.D., Ayushi Mohan, M.D., Monique Prince, M.D., Yashwitha Sai Pulakurthi, M.D., Murad Qirem, M.D., Min Choon Tan, M.D. and Nibras Yar Khan, M.D.
Fellowships were awarded in the following subspecialties:
- Cardiology: Eyad Ahmed, M.D., Iyad Farouji, M.D.
- Gastroenterology: Muhammad Hussain, M.D., Byron Okwesili, M.D.
- Hematology & Medical Oncology: Bader Al Omour, M.D., Venkata Chemarthi, M.D.
- Infectious Disease: Charity Iheagwara, M.D., Bereket Tewoldemedhin, M.D.
- Pulmonary/Critical Care: Asma Jamil, M.D., Amy Paige, M.D.
- Podiatric Surgery: Jehanzaib Khan, D.P.M.
In addition to the graduation, several awards were presented:
- The Dr. Philip D’Ambola Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Chief Samer Jumean, M.D.
- The Dr. George Perez Award for Outstanding Medical Teaching Attending was presented to Hari O. Sharma, M.D.
- Dr. Peter Ho Memorial Award for Humanitarianism in Medicine was presented to Ravnit Singh, M.D.
- Dr. Irvin D. Goldfarb Memorial Award for Intern of the Year was presented to Nardos Tewoldemedhin, M.D.
- Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Theodore A. Dacosta, M.D.
Research colloquium awards were also given for oral and poster presentations. Receiving awards for oral poster presentatis were Ayushi Mohan, M.D. and Mohamed Eldesouki, M.D. Receiving awards for poster presentatins were Yahya Alhalalmeh, M.D. and Min Choon Tan, M.D.
Saint Michael’s, a longtime leader in medical education in New Jersey, remains committed to training future physicians who uphold the highest standards of clinical excellence and humanistic care.
View the slideshow from the graduation.
