Our Current Residents
Take a moment to meet our current residents. We are confident you will feel at home with us.
Chief Residents:
David Garcia, M.D.
- Medical School: Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health.
- Undergraduate School: Ateneo De Manila University.
- Hometown: Pasig City, Philippines.
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: X + y schedule and the friendly and very capable attendings!
- Future Career Goals: Fellowship, probably in Infectious Disease or Neonatology.
- Hobbies: Running, cooking, and reading fan fiction.
Ahmed Klobocista, M.D.
- Medical School: Medical University of the Americas.
- Undergraduate School: Brooklyn College: City University of New York.
- Hometown: NYC.
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: It’s a family-oriented program and, “You will do better in Toledo.”
- Future Career Goals: Undecided.
- Hobbies: Fencing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and traveling.
Ronitha Madras Kumar, M.D.
- Medical School: St George's University.
- Hometown: Chennai, India.
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: The faculty and residents are very friendly, welcoming, and supportive, It makes for a great positive environment to train in, and the 3+1 schedule is a great bonus for a good work/life balance.
- Future Career Goals: To work inpatient, not sure about subspeciality yet.
- Hobbies: Baking, exploring new food, places, and traveling.
Firzah Abdul Mujeeb, M.D.
- Medical school: Dow Medical College.
- Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan.
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: The X+Y schedule helps us to unwind and relax during the clinic weeks after 3 weeks of a busy yet hectic schedule. The residents and faculty are very warm and always available whenever we need them. We almost feel like a family!
- Future career goals: Neonatology or Outpatient Pediatrics.
- Hobbies - Cooking, crochet.
Tolani Are, M.D.
- Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine.
- Undergraduate School: University of Texas at Austin.
- Hometown: Houston, Texas.
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: I got a great vibe from the interview.
- Future Career Goals: Undecided.
- Hobbies: Gardening, judo, working out.
Charmi Dholakia, M.D.
- Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
- Undergraduate School: University of Calgary (Canada).
- Hometown: Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: On the day of my interview, the faculty and residents showed a lot of interest in learning about how certain life experiences have shaped my personality. To me, this spoke volumes about how important diversity and inclusivity are for everyone in this program, which was very refreshing. Additionally, UToledo Pediatrics offers ample opportunities for research and teaching, which was also a major reason to choose this program given my strong interest in academic medicine. Now as a resident, I am very happy with my choice because I truly feel like a family member who is valued and supported every single day.
- Future Career Goals: Fellowship, Academic Medicine, Global Health.
- Hobbies: Dancing to Bollywood songs (I run a YouTube channel), playing the keyboard and the ukulele, going on long drives.
Aaina Gupta, M.D.
- Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine.
- Undergraduate: Ohio Wesleyan University.
- Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
- Why Toledo: I wanted to go to a program that has a good balance of outpatient and inpatient pediatrics, which Toledo is really strong because of the 3+1. I enjoyed my interview day because I felt comfortable and could see how close the residents were to each other! Lastly, I wanted to live close to my family and fiancée.
- Future Career Goals: Probably fellowship, but I would like to explore all my options.
- Hobbies: Hiking, baking, fantasy football, watching Cleveland sports, and spending time with my family!
Batool Khorasanee, M.D.
- Medical School: St. George's University.
- Undergraduate School: University of Toronto.
- Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario.
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: The People! Everyone with whom I interviewed was so warm and welcoming! I knew that for the next three years, I wanted to be with a program that not only provided me with the best resources to succeed in my career but also provided me with a comfort level that would help me through the tougher parts of residency.
- Future Career Goals: General pediatrics, or possible neurology fellowship.
- Hobbies: Adventuring! Exploring new areas, hiking, and trying new cuisines. Crafts - painting, clay work, knitting. Watching K-dramas and anime.
Yousof Mousa, M.D.
- Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine.
- Undergraduate School: Kent State University.
- Hometown: Ramallah, Palestine, and Warren, Ohio.
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: Everyone I met during the interview was very friendly and the program seemed supportive of the residents and their career plans. It's also nice to be close to home so it's easy to visit family.
- Future Career Goals: Cardiology fellowship, and to treat patients globally.
- Hobbies: My favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy making coffee, working on cars, and playing soccer.
Zainab Ahmad, M.D.
- Medical school: Dow Medical College
- Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: The people. My interview felt natural, and I like how the program emphasizes balance with an X+Y schedule. Additionally, Toledo is a small town with big city vibes which I find amazing!
- Future career goals: Undecided but I am ready to explore.
- Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends. Food and creative arts.
Kamaljit Braich, D.O.
- Medical School: Midwestern University – Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Undergraduate School: Illinois State University
- Hometown: Palos Hills, Illinois
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: I had a positive interview experience with Dr. Thomas. The residents, attendings, and staff are very welcoming here. They help create a positive learning environment for everyone!
- Future Career Goals: Fellowship in pulmonology or neonatology.
- Hobbies: Pilates, crocheting.
Esraa Eltaraifee, M.D.
- Medical School: University of Khartoum
- Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan, and Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: The program has a friendly and supportive environment, and you can see how the program puts effort into resident growth. Plus, I liked the X+Y schedule.
- Future Career Goals: Global health, genetics.
- Hobbies: Baking, cooking, reading.
Brian Kistler, M.D.
- Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine
- Undergraduate School: John Carroll University
- Hometown: Monroeville, Ohio
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: Throughout my 3rd and 4th year pediatric rotations, I created several strong friendships with current residents who had amazing things to say about the program. The program has felt like home throughout my time here. I have always felt that attendings here truly have our best interests in mind and are excited to teach. The University of Toledo Pediatrics is filled with positive people who create a great environment for learning and success.
- Future Career Goals: Fellowship is my goal with cardiology as an initial favorite.
- Hobbies: Watching soccer (COYS), playing soccer, pickleball, and volleyball, and biking.
Aisha Mahar, M.D.
- Medical School: Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences
- Hometown: Hyderabad, Pakistan, and Columbus, Ohio
- Why Toledo: Everyone I met during my interview was warm and welcoming. The program seemed to have an overall friendly environment. Also, it is nice to be close to home.
- Hobbies: Cooking, cleaning, and organizing my home/space, and I also enjoy watching documentaries on various social issues.
Pedrum Nazem, M.D.
- Medical school: St. George's University School of Medicine
- Undergraduate School: University of Maryland, College Park
- Hometown: Columbia, Maryland
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: X+Y scheduling, friendly and engaging faculty during interview season, emphasis on resident work-life balance and wellness.
- Future Career Goals: General Pediatrics or Fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
- Hobbies: Lifting weights, playing soccer, computer gaming.
Merve Otles, M.D.
- Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
- Undergraduate School: Montclair State University
- Hometown: Paterson, New Jersey
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: I felt very comfortable during my UToledo interview. I appreciated the X+Y scheduling and the absence of fellows, which meant more hands-on experience for residents.
- Future Career Goals: Peds Emergency Medicine or General Peds.
- Hobbies: Traveling, photography, baking, knitting, reading, exploring new areas.
Reema Punni, M.D.
- Medical School: St George's School of Medicine, Grenada
- Undergraduate School: Dalhousie University, Halifax NS
- Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: During my interview, everyone I met was genuinely kind and welcoming, which was essential to me as I wanted to prioritize working in a supportive team environment when picking a program. Additionally, Toledo's proximity to my hometown was an added benefit.
- Future Career Goals: General pediatrics or a Fellowship in Adolescent Medicine or Developmental Medicine.
- Hobbies: Cooking, baking, puzzles, and crocheting.
Martin Varghese, M.D.
- Medical School: Meenakshi Medical College and Research Institute
- Hometown: New Delhi
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: The program is friendly and inclusive with great teaching and hands-on experience. The 3+1 schedule prevents burnout and balances inpatient and outpatient well.
- Future Career Goals: I’m interested in infectious disease-microbes are amazing.
- Hobbies: Books and bookstores, anime, spending time with my wife and our very pampered cat and dog.
Suleman Yousaf, M.D.
- Medical School: Aga Khan University
- Hometown: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: Everyone I met in the program was extremely warm and welcoming. It has a very balanced schedule where residents get a lot of exposure and opportunities to learn, do procedures, and thrive in an academic environment while maintaining their non-curricular hobbies and activities. The camaraderie among residents and attendings was a major draw for me.
- Future Career Goals: Possible fellowship. Still exploring my options.
- Hobbies: Cricket, working out, reading books (history/politics).
Khaled Abdeljaoued, M.D.
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Medical School: St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
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Undergraduate School: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
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Hometown: Dakar, Senegal
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Why Toledo Pediatrics: I liked that the program offered a supportive environment and a friendly, positive atmosphere. I also wanted to work with the program’s excellent attendings, who are dedicated teachers who care about their residents. And I appreciated the X+Y schedule.
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Future Career Goals: Undecided
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Hobbies: Travel and cultural exchange; soccer; watching documentaries
Fatima Ahmed, M.D.
- Medical School: University of Khartoum faculty of medicine
- Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: The University of Toledo Pediatric Residency Program’s X+Y (3+1) scheduling system—which
alternates between inpatient/acute care and dedicated outpatient weeks provides a
well-balanced and thoughtful approach to clinical training and educational development.
This model enhances continuity of care, reduces burnout, and promotes overall resident
wellness. I am particularly drawn to this structure, as it reflects a strong commitment
to resident learning and long-term sustainability.
I also deeply value the program’s diverse patient population and healthcare team, which fosters cultural competence. Most importantly, the welcoming and supportive environment I experienced during my interview affirmed my strong desire to join this collaborative and inclusive community. - Future Career Goals: My primary goal is to build a strong clinical foundation by providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children across diverse settings. I aim to develop proficiency in diagnosing and managing common pediatric illnesses. I am also deeply committed to advocating for children’s health and serving communities with limited access to healthcare services.
- Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy reading, especially books about galaxies and astronomy. I also love to travel and explore historical sites, as well as experience nature through lakes and mountains.
Jesal Bhatt, M.D.
- Medical School: American University of Antigua
- Undergraduate School: Thomas Jefferson University
- Hometown: Toms River, NJ
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: I was drawn to UToledo Pediatrics for its welcoming, family-like atmosphere and supportive teaching environment. The X+Y schedule also stood out, allowing for focused learning and a healthy work-life balance.
- Future Career Goals: I hope to work in outpatient pediatrics, providing community-based care and building long-term relationships with families.
- Hobbies: workout classes, Traveling and exploring new cities, mindfulness practices like meditation
Rawan Elrajabi, M.D.
Rabah Halaby, M.D.
Tsu-Shan Hsia, M.D.
- Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences (combined with undergrad)
- Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
- Why Toledo Peds: strong fellowship match rate, friendly residents and faculty members
- Future Career Goal: Cardiology fellowship
- Hobbies: playing the cello (sometimes piano), singing, sketching
Eli Tanenbaum, M.D.
- Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
- Undergraduate School: Pomona College
- Hometown: Claremont, California
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: I enjoyed my interview with Dr. Thomas as well as chatting with then-chief Dr. Assaly. I was also drawn by the affiliation with the University of Toledo and proximity to Detroit.
- Future Career Goals: General Pediatrics
- Hobbies: I enjoy performing and teaching magic, playing Yu-Gi-Oh, exercising with co-residents, studying languages (Arabic and French), and spending time with my wife, family, and friends.
Lillian Walton, M.D.
- Medical School: Indiana University
- Undergraduate School: University of Cincinnati
- Hometown: Indianapolis
- Why Toledo Pediatrics: The program has the benefits of a small program with the same ample opportunities of fellowship and research of a larger program
- Future Career goals: Hospitalist Fellowship
- Hobbies: bouldering and rock climbing, reading, hiking, and video games
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