Meet Our Residents

Below is our current list of residents. We come from many parts of the world and many different backgrounds. We are all united with one goal of providing excellent patient care while learning to become excellent clinical neurologists.​

Interns (PGY-1)

Alexa Rakusin, MD
Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Hi everyone! I’m Alexa, and I grew up in Atlanta, GA. I went to WashU in St. Louis for undergrad before spending a year in Washington, DC working as a patient advocate. I then returned to Georgia for medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, where I discovered my passion for neurology with the help of some incredible mentors. Much like the Amazon Alexa, I’m great at listening, full of random facts, and can always tell you the weather forecast. In my free time, I love traveling, experimenting with tofu recipes, getting way too invested in reality TV, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops with friends. I’m so excited to move to Boston and meet everyone soon!
Alvin John, MD
Undergraduate: City University of New York Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY
Medical School: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine

Hey everyone! My name is Alvin (yes, like Alvin and the Chipmunks, do you know how many times I’ve been asked where’s Simon and Theodore, I never have a good answer…). I grew up in Westchester, NY and moved to Brooklyn, where I studied psychology at Brooklyn College and completed medical school at SUNY Downstate, where I fell in love with neurology thanks to the wonderful faculty there. Outside of medicine, I love watching and playing soccer (if you’re a Manchester United supporter, it’s ok, we can cry together), playing the piano, as well as watching all sorts of movies and listening to all kinds of music. I also recently got into baseball thanks to my roommate in med school, so let me know if you want to catch a game at Fenway! I’m excited to call Boston my new home.
Sara Jacobellis, MD
Undergraduate: Providence College, Providence, RI
Graduate (MS): Boston University, Boston, MA
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
Hey, I’m Sara! I was born and raised on Long Island, NY but I’ve been in the northeast for the last ten years. I went to Providence College for undergrad and Boston University for my masters and medical school. I’m very excited to continue my training right here at Boston Medical Center! When I’m not in the hospital I love exploring Boston or trekking outside the city with friends, playing in rec leagues (BSSC kickball champion ’24), and watching sports (forever a Yankees fan) – or more realistically binging reality TV/sitcoms. 
Aizara Ermekbaeva, MD
Undergraduate: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL,
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA


Hi everyone, I’m Aizara! I was born and raised in Kyrgyzstan and first came to the U.S. as an exchange student in Wisconsin when I was 16. The following year, I decided to return for college and studied Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida. I then pursued my medical degree at Tulane School of Medicine. I’ve never truly explored Boston—only passed through on layovers—so I’m excited to finally experience the city! Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially long walks, as well as hanging out with friends, reading, and binging TV shows and movies (my current favorites are Invincible and The Boys). 
Zachariah Foster, MD
Undergraduate: Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
Medical School: Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University

Hi everyone, I’m Zak! I was born in Boston and grew up all over New England before attending Wesleyan University in Connecticut where I majored in Neuroscience and played defensive back on the football team. I spent the next couple of years in Boston working at the JP VA ALS Brain Bank before returning to CT for medical school at Quinnipiac University. I am so excited to come home for residency and am looking forward to catching games and grabbing meals in the city! Outside of work, I like hitting the gym, playing pick-up basketball or pickleball, and exploring uber eats and local parks with my wife and dog.
Sophie Kronen, MD
Undergraduate: Northeastern University, Boston
Medical School: New York Medical College
Hello everyone! My name is Sophie, but I usually go by Jules, which is my middle name. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, but I’m coming to Boston from NYC where I spent the last several years attending med school at NYMC. I went to Northeastern University for undergrad and spent the next several years in Boston before med school, so I’m very familiar with the area and excited to be back! Outside of medicine I love to read and can often be found at a local bookstore or reading at a cafe. I also love cooking, trying new restaurants and cafes, and watching TV with my cat, Thea. 
Afrah Shibu, MD
Undergraduate: University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland Medicine; Neuroscience
Graduate: Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland Biomedical Engineering; Neuroscience
Medical School: University of Oxford Medical Sciences Division, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Hi everyone! I grew up in Doha, am from India, completed my medical training in the UK (at the University of Oxford), and have spent the last year working in Australia! So you may have guessed I am a bit of a travel enthusiast! I love exploring new countries and cultures, particularly through food. I am also a water baby, and enjoy swimming, kayaking, and diving (that’s me with Nemo at the Great Barrier Reef). In my spare time, you’ll probably find me at the pool or on a plane. I am excited to start my Neuro career in Boston, a melting pot of cultures, history, and most importantly, great food (so I’ve been told!).

PGY-2

Andrés Amaya, MD
Undergraduate: Boston University, Boston
Graduate (MPH): Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Medical School: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University


Hey everyone! My name is Andrés. I am originally from Colombia but grew up moving around a lot of different countries. Although I am just starting here at BMC, I have already enjoyed working with so many of the residents and attendings in the Neurology department. It’s been a wonderful learning experience so far. My clinical interests are broad and I haven’t quite narrowed down any subspecialty I am interested in. If I had to pick I would be between neuropalliative and neuroimmunology.  My educational background includes population health / public health, and I am really interested in integrating that into my Neurology career. At BMC, we are uniquely positioned to directly witness and have resources to address some of the systemic inequities that limit medicine/healthcare as a whole. Outside of those things – I love to play basketball (probably too much), go to the movies, and try new restaurants.
Courtney Dunphy, MD
Undergraduate: Colgate University, Hamilton, New York
Medical School: Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School


Hi- I’m Courtney! I am from Fair Haven, NJ (yes- the Jersey Shore…  don’t judge). I went to Colgate University in Upstate NY for undergrad, and completed medical school at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson in NJ. Back in college, I did a summer program at BMC and I am so excited to be back. I am looking forward to exploring Boston and seeing as much stand-up comedy and live music as possible. Without fail, I always find my way to the front of the stage. I also like to ski, hike, kayak, and am looing forwards to experiencing a New England fall! 
Shyam Bhagat, MD
Undergraduate: University of Rochester, Rochester
Medical School: Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine

Hi! I’m Shyam, I grew up in Westford MA and went out to NY for undergrad at the University of Rochester and medical school at Hofstra/Northwell. Being back in Boston has been great and the highlight has been meeting so many wonderful people at BMC.  In my free time I try to stay active whether that means going to the gym, running around the city, or playing a game of pick-up basketball or Frisbee. I’ve been enjoying trying food spots around Boston; some recent favorites are Dirty Dough Pizza on Newbury, Red-White Ramen also on Newbury, and of course Blunch right near BMC. My favorite part of medicine is learning new things each day and working with students and luckily there is no shortage of that at BMC!
Kathryn L. Cater, MD
Undergraduate: The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center

My name is Katie! I grew up in Newfoundland, Canada and North Carolina. I went to the University of Alabama for undergrad and spent time doing research in Washington, DC and Poland before starting medical school. I completed medical school at Rush University in Chicago. I’m thrilled to be doing neurology residency at BMC and loved getting to know the interns, residents, faculty, and staff! My subspeciality interests currently include headache, neuroimmunology, neuroinfectious disease, neuropsychology, and memory but I’m looking forward to exploring these and other subspecialties throughout training. Some special clinical interests of mine are LGBTQ+ health, women’s health, health disparities, and global health. Outside of work I love swimming, trying new restaurants, traveling, and listening to audiobooks. I’m new to Boston but am looking forward to exploring the city with my partner, Erin, and my Maltipoo, Ellie!
Heer S. Hendry, MD
Undergraduate: University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Hi- I’m Heer! I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and spent the past few years in the midwest for medical school. I loved exploring a new part of the country, and now am thrilled to continue my eastward migration in Boston! I have a little dog named Tuesday and we are on a mission to explore all the parks in the city. My favorite nights out are concerts and live sports games, and I also love a cozy night in with arts/crafts or games! 
Fanny Migliore, MD
Undergraduate: Boston University, Boston, MA
Graduate (MS): Boston University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Boston, MA
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine

Hi- I’m Fanny! I grew up on Long Island, NY, went to undergrad and got my master’s at Boston University, and attended medical school in Philadelphia. I am thrilled to be back in Boston! In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, working out, yoga, and spending time with my family and friends. I’m so excited to be exploring Boston again – trying new restaurants (and ice cream shops), attending sporting events, and enjoying scenic New England views!
Rachel E. Temme, MD
Undergraduate: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine, Clinical Campus: University of Washington – Montana WWAMI

Hi everyone, I’m Rachel! I was born and raised in Montana and studied microbiology at Montana State University for undergrad. I moved to Seattle for medical school at the University of Washington where I discovered a love for coastal cities. Coming from a rural and medically underserved area, I knew I wanted a residency program that prioritized addressing healthcare disparities within a diverse population and BMC felt like the perfect fit. I’m thrilled to now call Boston home and have the chance to explore a completely new part of the country. Outside of medicine, you can find me trying new breweries, cross-country skiing somewhere in New England, searching for the best beach, at a hockey game, or most likely sitting at home knitting or watching reality TV with my orange cat Winston.

PGY-3

Helen Chung, MD
Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

I’m Helen and I’m originally from the suburbs of Chicago, but I moved to Los Angeles where I attended undergrad and medical school at the University of Southern California. I’m super stoked to be on the east coast for residency and to explore everything that New England has to offer. Boston has been such a treat so far, and I’ve really enjoyed trying out different restaurants/bars, walking around this beautiful city, and exploring the music scene here. I also love hanging out with my cat Toto at home, cooking lots of Korean food (which admittedly cannot compare to LA), and hiking/camping around New England!
Lillian Dixon, MD
Undergraduate: State University of New York at Fredonia
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

Hi everyone! My name is Lily. I’m from Buffalo, NY so I am an expert on all things snow, chicken wings, and the Bills. I went to SUNY Fredonia for undergrad where I majored in Molecular Genetics and Psychology. For medical school, I attended Jacob’s School of Medicine in Buffalo. I am interested in neuro-infectious disease, neuroimmunology, global neurology, and stroke! I also love medical education and academics. Outside of work, I play ukulele, go for runs, tend to my plants, and am I am currently learning how to crochet. You can also find me exploring Boston (especially walking along The Charles).  Also, I have a hamster named Lenny!
In Guk (Josh) Kang, MD
Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine

Hi everyone! My name is Josh. I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and was raised in Vancouver, Canada. I moved over to Baltimore, MD to study neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, where I spent an extra year working on cocaine research. Then, I went a little south to Washington, DC to attend medical school at Georgetown University, where I fell in love with neurology thanks to wonderful mentors. I’ve visited Boston, where my wife is from, over 10 times while living in the DC area. I am so excited to be calling Boston and New England my new home and starting neurology residency at BMC! In my free time, I love traveling with my wife by air, sea, and road, playing tennis, eating breakfast food (inspired by Ron Swanson on Parks and Rec) and crème brûlée (my favorite dessert), watching MasterChef, spending time with my co-residents, and playing with our dog (cutest little Maltipoo!), Brulee (guess where the name came from).
Rosalind Dick-Godfrey, MD
Undergraduate: Boston College
Medical School: New York Medical College

Hi there! I grew up in San Diego, CA and switched coasts to attend Boston College for undergrad. I then moved to New York City for a clinical research position before completing medical school at New York Medical College. I am so excited to be back in Boston and really get to know the city! On my days off, I am headed to the next destination on my bucket list. There are so many places I hope to visit, and then visit again. Generally, I love to be outdoors. The beach will always have my heart but I have learned to appreciate the chillier activities as well! In my downtime I am recharging with a good book, cooking a cozy meal, or hanging with my fiance or co-residents. I am very close with my family and feel so lucky to have most of them nearby.
Hongfei Zhao, MD
Undergraduate: New York University
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Hello, I’m Fei! I’m from Southern California, but at heart I’m a bad weather girlie and I love autumnal vibes. Nothing is more satisfying than reading a mystery book while it’s dramatically pouring outside (unless it’s reading a giant fantasy book and forgetting there *is* an outside). I also love TV show binges, frenetic convos with friends, and multiple forms of soups. I’m always, always down for an in-depth chat about neurology, brains, psychology, neuroscience, and vampires.
Adriana Lebowitz, MD
Undergraduate: College of the Holy Cross
Medical School: Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University

Hey, my name is Adriana! I grew up in Orange, CT before attending Holy Cross in Worcester for undergrad, where I was an English major. I lived in Boston doing research for a couple years after graduation, then headed back to CT for med school at Quinnipiac… and now I’m back here so I guess I’ll just keep moving back and forth. I like hanging with friends, weightlifting, traveling, coffee, and being in the sun (despite spending my life in New England). I’m very close to my family and love spending time with my two baby neices. I’m also a huge foodie. Although I’m a bandwagon fan, I will say the vibes of Boston sports are unmatched, so I’m down to catch any game any time!
Joyce Lee, MD
Undergraduate: Princeton University
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine


Hi everyone! I’m Joyce. I’m originally from Taipei and Vancouver. I did my undergraduate studies at Princeton, where I majored in neuroscience and minored in finance, then I worked at the Penn Memory Center as a science communications and research assistant. I completed medical school at Boston University, where I pursued my interests in neurology research, health policy, and health innovation. I’m excited to stay in this beautiful city and this special place for residency. Outside of medicine, I love good books, espresso (or coffee if I need to), walks/runs along the Esplanade, yoga classes, violin concertos, calligraphy, and French literature. Looking forward to meeting and working with everyone :)

PGY-4

Rose Healy, MD
Undergraduate: Amherst College, Amherst, MA
Medical School: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine, Worcester, MA

Hi all! I’m Rose originally from Concord MA, went to Amherst College in western MA then hung around Boston/Cambridge before going to med school in Worcester MA and here I am now in Boston MA. Go Red Sox! In spare time I enjoy reading, rowing, hiking in NH, and spending time with my 4 nieces and 3 nephews who are all local. I will show you pictures of them at some point if we rotate together! My interests in Neurology are very broad! I’m looking forward to learning more about Stroke, Pain, Headache, Movement Disorders, and Neuromuscular.
Motunrayo Olawaiye, MD
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

Hello! My name is Moty. While I was born in the UK, then spent a stretch moving around a lot until my family settled in Pittsburgh, PA. I attended undergrad and medical school there at the University of Pittsburgh. We briefly lived in Boston and I’m happy to be returning to this wonderful city to complete my Neurology residency here at BMC. My subspecialty interests include Epilepsy, Headache, and Brain injury, but I am open to experiencing all as I progress through residency. When I’m not at work, I enjoy drawing, writing, gaming, and birdwatching.
Daniel Li, MD
Undergraduate: Brown University, Providence, RI
Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI

Hi there! My name is Dan and I am originally from a small suburb of New Jersey, although I spent the eight years before residency in Providence, RI where I attended Brown for undergrad and med school. I am incredibly excited to come to BMC for neurology residency and love Boston as a city. While I am not set on a subspecialty, I am very interested in neuro-oncology and neuro-immunology. Outside of work, I am a foodie by association to my partner and am often exploring restaurants and good eats in and around the city. I also enjoy working out, tennis, cooking, watching anime and am an avid PC gamer. We have an orange cat at home named Leo, and are hoping to add another cat or dog to the family in the near future!
Khadar Haroun, MD
Undergraduate: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA

I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and attended undergrad at the University of Georgia which is in a college town called Athens just 1 hour north of Atlanta. I then attended the Morehouse School of Medicine for medical school where I researched the rate the diagnosis and outcome of Parkinson’s disease within the African American community. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, obsessing over the NBA, filming skits, and watching a good anime. As an Atlanta native through and through, I’m looking forward to exploring Boston and the New England area!
Annie Hien, MD, PhD
Undergraduate: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
Medical School: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine, Worcester, MA

Hi! I am from Malden, just north of Boston, and attended UMass Amherst for college. I earned my MD/PhD at UMass Medical School, where I studied the regulation of translation and synaptic plasticity in the brain. I have not decided on a subspecialty yet and so far in intern year, I am enjoying the opportunities to explore different neurology subspecialties and work with wonderful BMC faculty, residents, and staff! In my spare time, I love to rock climb, mountain bike, explore new restaurants, play board games, and take pictures of my two rescue cats Denali and Katahdin.
Richard Tartarini, MD
Undergraduate: Providence College, Providence, RI
Medical School: Albany Medical College, Albany, NY

Hey everyone! My name is Rich (I also go by Richie). I’m originally from Stoneham, just 20 minutes north of Boston. I went to undergrad at Providence College and then medical school at Albany Medical College. I’m excited to be back home in Boston for Neurology Residency at BMC! After my interview day here, I knew almost immediately that BMC was the best fit for me and had the most welcoming and supportive environment. Although I don’t have a subspeciality chosen yet, I am currently most interested in stroke, autoimmune neurology, and neuro infectious disease. I also have a strong interest in an academic career with emphasis on medical education and research. In my spare time, I enjoy video games, martial arts, learning languages, and spending time with family, friends, and my French bulldog Drogo (yes, from Game of Thrones).
Grigorios Kalaitzidis, MD
Medical School: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece

Hiya! I am Grigorios, but you can call me Greg. I come from Greece (hence, the long name). Being raised in Greece, I probably inevitably fell in love with the sea, the sun, classical history, and philosophy. During medical school in Greece, I enjoyed having long conversations with friends outdoors accompanied by our freddo espresso (cold coffee), played for my school’s basketball team, and went on summer excursions to the Greek islands. After graduating, I moved to Kos, an island on the southeastern edge of Europe, where I cared for local inhabitants and refugees. I then moved to Baltimore to pursue my passion for research in Multiple sclerosis. In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball, following the NBA, hanging out with friends, traveling, visiting museums, and coding.