PGY 3 Residents
Manal Ahmed, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Medical School: UT Southwestern
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Global health, medical education
Why LSU? I value training in a setting where passion and authenticity mark every patient interaction.
From the beginning, it was quite evident to me that everyone at LSU fully, ardently
believes in the program and the city. I am eager to be a part of a community that
commits itself to the health of the local population with utmost humility.
Favorite thing about NOLA: I am quite new to the city, but I am already absolutely floored by the beautiful
architecture and the lush greenery. This is a city with endless design inspiration!
Hobbies: reading, writing, forever walks, painting, photography, floral arranging, bugging
Kitty, facetiming my sweet baby niece Yus
Hannah Beals, DO
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: EMS, Critical Care, Bioethics, Social EM
Why LSU? There are lots of reasons I feel like LSU is the perfect place to for me to train
but it came down me getting great vibes during the interview process. That and back
when I was a paramedic I used to love when I transferred patients to UMC because the
doctors were nice to me. I'm super excited to now be one of those nice doctors!
Favorite thing about NOLA: There's no other city like it. It's a totally unique culture with its own incredible
history, art, music and flavors that just can't be replicated elsewhere.
Hobbies: Gardening, embroidery, cozy video games, hanging out with the love of my life, my
husband, and our little Shih Tzu, Ellie.
Sterling Bowers, MD
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Burtonsville, MD
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Sports Medicine, Critical Care, Social EM, International Medicine, Peds EM
Why LSU? During my interview and second look, the vibes were great. There was an obvious
family feel among the residents and faculty which was something I wanted in residency.
With this program valuing diversity among its residents, I knew this was a place
where I would feel supported. LSU's connection to the community was also a huge selling
point for me. LSU provides great training with a variety of pathology while at the
same time encourages residents to give back to the city of New Orleans and become
immersed in its culture. Finally, LSU provided a new challenge for me. Having never
lived in the South until now, I knew LSU would give me a great chance to grow into
the physician I've always wanted to be.
Favorite thing about NOLA: So far my favorite part has been the food. There are so many restaurants to try
within a short drive. Also the prices here are much cheaper than in DC.
Hobbies: Working out, reading, rooting for all DC sports teams, playing video games, trying
new food/restaurants
Patrice Cherubin, MD
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Sports Medicine, Ultrasound, Peds EM
Why LSU? I wanted to opportunity to explore how vast EM is and the opportunity to serve the
local community. It was clear to me that LSU allows it's residents to explore emergency
medicine and serve their local community all while exposing them to a wide range of
cases and sick patients. Ultimately the the interview day and open house tour really
sold it for me. Getting the chance to interact with the residents and faculty and
hearing how they are ready to support me to become the best doctor I can be really
allowed me to see myself as part of this EM program.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Though I've only been here for a short time so far, I really enjoy the food and the
friendly atmosphere here. Most people can tell I am not from here but they are all
still very welcoming and nice.
Hobbies: Playing piano, watching basketball, watching anime, playing video games
Mitha Dewi, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Trauma, Ultrasound, Medical Education, Social EM, International Medicine, Rural Healthcare,
Critical Care
Why LSU? I did my very first audition rotation here and fell in love instantly. I loved the
relationship between faculty and residents. Everyone truly looked like they got along
and enjoyed being around one another. There is so much support and acceptance. I saw
people celebrated for what made them unique and special. LSU also offers multiple
types of EM training with rotations in a level 1 trauma center, to VA, to community
settings. I felt pushed to my limit while still fully supported during my audition
and I learned more in my one month than in many other rotations combined. The way
trauma is handled here is unmatched. I am confident that once I am out of residency
I will be fully equipped to handle anything that comes my way. I also truly feel like
everyone in the program cares about your wellbeing and is very intentional about checking
in with you during tough days.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Being from an island, I feel like NOLA has that island feel with city perks. I wanted
to train somewhere that would have great acuity and you oftentimes need to be in a
big city to get good trauma training and NOLA offers that while also having areas
that don't feel like a big city which is great if you're like me and not a city girlie.
There is so much culture and art. People are laid back. There are so many different
unique parts of the city that it really feels like cities within a city.
Hobbies: Anything outdoors, like beach, hiking, snorkeling, etc; painting, jewelry making,
antique store hopping, hardware stores, hanging out with other people's pets
Llynsie Iglehart, DO
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Medical School: Sam Houston State Univerisity College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Sports Medicine
Why LSU? I fell in love with the community, the people, and knowing I was going to receive
solid training at one of the oldest programs in the United States. New Orleans is
a vibrant city like non other, which gives it a heart beat of its own. The community
within the program is strong and collaborative. I knew from my interview that LSU
practices strong advocacy for social determinants of health and is deeply connected
to its people. Additionally, I have a keen interest in pediatric emergency medicine.
With LSU having one of the few EM/Peds programs in the country and a PEM Fellowship,
I knew this institution would be a great place for me to expand on my interests. Lastly,
but certainly not the least; the residents and the food. A place where you can enjoy
the best food with the best people while training with the best sounds like a match
made in heaven.
Favorite thing about NOLA: NOLA offers everything; festivals, shows, concerts, art exhibits, sports, food, etc.
Yet you are always 15 minutes away or less
Hobbies: Swimming, traveling to somewhere with a beach, reading a good book, dancing, binging
a good TV show
Andrew Liuzza, MD
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Covington, LA
Medical School: Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
Academic Area of Interest: Toxicology, Ultrasound, Social EM, Sports Medicine
Why LSU? One of the main reasons I chose LSU is because I believe I will receive the best
training in New Orleans. My mother attended nursing school in New Orleans at Charity
Hospital in the 80’s, which was known as one of the best places to learn due its diverse
patient population and exposure to a wide variety of health conditions. I knew that
UMC, incorporating the spirit of Charity Hospital, would be the best place for me
to learn and train. Doing my residency at LSU also allows me to be close to my family
and friends, which was important to me. I am excited to finally be able to treat patients
as a doctor, Geaux Tigers!
Favorite thing about NOLA: It’s very accepting city with a rich culture, Jazz, unlimited festivals, beautiful
city park, and some of the best food in the country. It’s hard to explain, but there
is no place quite like it. Also, the best place to truly experience Mardi Gras.
Hobbies: Fishing, kayaking, biking, video games, plant enthusiast
Nina-Simone Lobban, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Garnet Valley, PA
Medical School: University of Miami Miller SOM
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Peds EM, Toxicology
Why LSU? My interview for LSU, even though it was over zoom, made the program seem like such
a welcoming and nurturing environement. I loved the focus on the patient population
and focus on social EM. I wanted to train in an environment that mirrored where I
trained in medical school and where the patient can get the most impact from my care.
Favorite thing about NOLA: I love the history and culture of NOLA. The food and the influences that formed the
city are so rich. It reminds me so much of growing up in my home country of Jamaica.
Hobbies: soccer, drawing, reading, rollerskating
Catherine Luo, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Cerritos, CA
Medical School: University of Chicago
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Public Health, Harm Reduction, Global Health
Why LSU? I was drawn to LSU's strong focus on social EM, and during my interviews, I immediately
saw the program's clear and genuine dedication to serving the New Orleans community.
On top of that, the program offers exposure to so many subspecialties of EM and a
variety of ED settings that was unparalleled. LSU was the program I knew would foster
my growth into the kind of ED doc I always wanted to be.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Definitely the food closely followed by all the street cats I've seen everytime I've
been in the city! Looking forward to spending the next few years becoming part of
the NOLA community.
Hobbies: Drawing, crochet, napping with my cat, video games, guitar, running, and biking
Natalya Meinhart, DO
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Washington, Indiana
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Pediatric EM, Social EM, Wilderness Medicine, Toxicology
Why LSU? I decided to do an audition rotation with LSU because I was hoping to do a combined
Peds/EM residency. During my time here, I had the opportunity to see how welcoming
the attendings, residents, healthcare staff, and locals all were. UMC has a beautiful
emergency department with a wide range of patient presentations and a residency program
made up of people who always seemed eager to help me learn more about what I was seeing.
Although I was initially nervous to be so far away from home and in such a different
environment than Indiana, I found myself dreading leaving at the end of the month.
Also, here I don't have to worry about driving to work in the snow!
Favorite thing about NOLA: NOLA has a fascinating culture and history, with the most amazing food and music!
I adore being able to walk down Frenchmen street and listen to a different band in
every club or restraunt! I've always loved jazz and no place does jazz like New Orleans!
Hobbies: Exploring parks/walking trails, baking, golf, board games, puzzles, watching K-dramas,
learning languages, and singing/listening to music
Yeji Park, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Macon, GA
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Academic Area of Interest: Social Medicine, Transitions of Care from the ED, Population Health, Medical Education
Why LSU? The dedication of LSU to the community is palpable. There is this unique juxtaposition
in the history and culture of New Orleans of broken infrastructure and structural
violence that has marginalized so many, but at the same time a rich and vibrant soul
to the heart of the community that keeps people thriving. The context of who we are
treating in healthcare is essential if we want to transform the system of healthcare
to work better for patients. There is a lot to learn here in how to take care of individuals
and communities with the upmost awareness of their social environment and influences,
and i can't wait to be challenged and immersed by it!!
Favorite thing about NOLA: Viet-Cajun Crawfish Boils, live music, esp the jazz and vocals, magazine street,
second lines, being able to discover so many cool spots in different neighborhoods,
and the cost of living, space and convenience of driving (coming from nyc)
Hobbies: Food and cooking!!! (love to be in the kitchen, collect cookbooks, and travel to eat),
Reality TV binging (dating shows and any competition show), try-everything-once-in-lifer,
hangin out with my human pup (aka my fiance)
Alisha Punjwani, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Dallas, Texas —> Chicago, Illinois
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Street Medicine, Community Outreach, Health Disparities, Public Health
Policy & Implementation, Ultrasound, Medical Education, Nephrology, Critical Care
Why LSU? Yes to the county hospital + strong academic center rare combination, the incredible
and unparalleled training, the diverse pathologies seen here, etc etc. But what really
sold me came down to the history of this place. When the late Charity Hospital was
destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, despite no longer having any infrastructure to
function, Charity healthcare workers continued to relentlessly help recover their
community in the midst of disaster. This is how we got our name Spirit of Charity,
because, (as impressive as our new hospital is,) the essence to serve the people of
New Orleans has and will always extend beyond the walls of any building. This is a
place I knew, that as a resident, I would not only learn how to best do the resident
things, but also where my persistence, my passion, my ideas, my "why" I went into
medicine, would be celebrated not dimmed. And obviously New Orleans itself was a
huge factor. I love this city. I am honored to be here.
Favorite thing about NOLA: It's the big things. The concert at Lafayette square or Greek Fest or Mardi Gras
Parade. It's also the small things. The jazz trio on the corner of Frenchmen & Dauphine,
the poet on his typewriter down Chartres, artists exhibiting their paintings all along
Royal st, those delicious Beignets at Cafe Du Monde (you meant to eat only 1 but you
accidentally ate all 3 and it's going to be ok). This city is full of secrets as much
as it is full of joy, talent, beauty. It is a unique mixture of so many cultures.
I can't get enough.
Hobbies: I love cooking, baking, walks with my dogs (malteses), music (I got my undergrad degree
in oboe performance!), netflix, Costco runs (yes I'm a Kirkland girly), exploring
my city, in general being horizontal.
Alexandra Sappington, DO
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: New York City through high school, Charlotte, NC now
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Sports Medicine, Event Medicine, Critical Care, Medical Education, Clinical Simulation
Why LSU? As a typical type A medical student, I made a list of things that were important to
me- high volume/acuity, rotations through multiple hospital settings, a program with
plenty of opporunities to explore the vast number of interests that I have, a program
that would support my national involvement and passion for mentorship, and a program
that truly gives back to the community, just to name a few. LSU NOLA checks all of
those boxes, and then some! I also grew up visiting New Orleans every summer with
my family, so it feels like a home away from home.
Favorite thing about NOLA: What isn't to love (other than the summer heat)? You will never be lacking for things
to do in New Orleans! It is a foodies dream, a major sports hub (but I Roll Tide,
sorry), and an epicenter for the arts/culture
Hobbies: Teaching cycle classes at the local gyms (with all the free time we have), slowpitch
softball, walking my dog in city park, enjoying the newly married life, and exploring
all of the breweries
Katie Vess, DO
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Greer, SC
Medical School: Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Hyperbaric Medicine, Critical Care, Ultrasound
Why LSU? I was really impressed by LSU's commitment to divesity, equity, and inclusion in
addition to the program being a well-renowned, 4-year emergency medicine program with
a level 1 trauma center, and a strong longitudinal community curriculum.
Favorite thing about NOLA: So far...the food and the live music!
Hobbies: Reading, baking, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and running.
Gabrielle Williams, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Miami, FL
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Sports Medicine, Ultrasound, Global Health, Peds EM, Medical Education
Why LSU? LSU spoke to my exploratory nature with its diverse array of rotations and strong
focus on social emergency medicine, which was a top priority for me. I appreciated
their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the residents were absolutely
amazing. They extended open arms and answered all my questions with honesty and kindness.
Their warmth and openness, combined with the vibes and alignment of ideals, convinced
me that LSU was the perfect fit for me.
Favorite thing about NOLA: #1 THE FOOD. #2 THE FOOD. #3 THE FOOD. Did I mention the food? I also love the the
music and culture of NOLA. It's like being able to enjoy your grandma's homecooking
while cutting up with her on the dance floor. There's something unique about being
in a place with such a strong history and presence that feeds your soul and gets your
body moving.
Hobbies: Graphic design, strength training, music, art, cooking/eating, watching anime with
the love of my life, and exploring almost any and everything