Current Residents
Third Year
Mishref Abdelhamid, MD
Where is your hometown?
Assiut, Egypt
Where did you attend medical school?
Assiut University College of Medicine, Egypt
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
I completed my fellowship in neonatal perinatal medicine in the same institution and I love people here in the program, add on that they have a very well-established teaching didactics and clinical teaching, also diverse cases exposure and nice community.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Diverse community and very respectable people.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
I live in East Lansing and love it!
What are your hobbies?
I love soccer and volleyball.
What are your career goals?
Neonatal Perinatal Medicine in an academic institution.
Alexis Bowman, MD
Where is your hometown?
Portland, Maine
Where did you attend medical school?
St. George's University School of Medicine
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
Close knit community allows for a great learning environment.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
The people are kind.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
My residency program.
What are your hobbies?
Pilates, spin classes, skiing, travelling abroad.
What are your career goals?
After completion of my general pediatric training I would like to move back to New York City and complete a neonatology fellowship.
Alisha Manocha, DO
Where is your hometown?
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Where did you attend medical school?
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
The program had the community-feel I was looking for in a residency program, but I also felt that I would receive a strong education with the diversity of the patient population and wide breadth of disease presentations. I was also excited about the X+Y aspect of the program, as I really value my outpatient continuity clinic time.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
There is so much to do and see across the state! I especially love the access to the great lakes, and the beautiful hikes up in the UP and throughout the state. I also really appreciate the proximity to my family and friends in Ontario.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
I spent my first two years of medical school living in the Lansing area, so it was an easy choice to make it home again. I like having access to all the perks of a larger city, without the traffic! We are close to cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor, so there are always things to do in the area!
What are your hobbies?
Baking, hiking, traveling to new places.
What are your career goals?
General outpatient pediatrics
Amna Mousa, MD
Where is your hometown?
Nablus, Palestine
Where did you attend medical school?
Jordan University of science and Technology, Jordan
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
Friendly environment. It is a varied, medium sized program with diversity of clinical experience. Attendings and residents are such a welcoming and supportive, productive learning environment.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Diverse population, beauty of nature, surrounded by the Great lakes, exploring Michigan in the winter.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
Safe and quiet city, people are friendly and helpful.
What are your hobbies?
Cooking,photography, traveling and exploring different cultures.
What are your career goals?
To pursue a fellowship after Residency.
Erin Skelly, DO
Where is your hometown?
North East, Pennsylvania
Where did you attend medical school?
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
The interview was my favorite by far and I felt like the residents were really genuine. I knew I'd get a strong gen peds education here as well.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Michigan is beautiful! As someone who grew up on Lake Erie, I appreciate how close the other Great Lakes are.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
I love my quiet apartment that is steps away from a scenic walking trail. When I’m not working, I’m usually at home with my cat or on a walk.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading (scifi/fantasy), in the winter I crochet and knit, I’m trying to learn how to make cookies that aren’t flat and burned
What are your career goals?
General pediatrics with a goal to own my own practice.
Delaney Tognolini, DO
Where is your hometown?
Roseville, CA.
Where did you attend medical school?
Pacific Northwest University in Yakima, WA.
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
I was a sub-I student in the PICU here during my fourth year. All of the attendings I worked with were very passionate about teaching their specialties, which made me more excited to learn from them. I got the sense that regardless of what my long-term career goals were, the program would support me and ensure that I was prepared for the next steps after residency.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
This is my first time not living on the West Coast, so I am hoping to take advantage of my new spot and travel to more of the East Coast. I like to camp and I am looking forward to adventuring to the UP since everyone recommends it for the outdoor activities and wine tasting. I can’t wait to compare some Michigan wines to my beloved Washington wines.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
I like to try new restaurants and since I am new to the area, they are all new to me! Since I am in the middle of the state, I hope that it will make exploring around the state a bit easier. Also, I am close to Chicago where my West Coast friend lives (hi Sara!).
What are your hobbies?
I am currently repainting my entire house, during which time I listen to a fair amount of audiobooks (shout out to Libby). I like to ride my Peloton, but mostly for the Cody classes. Wine tasting became a favorite in medical school. Lastly, I have always liked to cook and bake even though I undoubtedly mess something up every time.
What are your career goals?
What are your career goals? I would like to do a Fellowship. I am currently most interested in PICU and Heme/Onc.
Matthew Rusek, MD
Where is your hometown?
Warwick, New York.
Where did you attend medical school?
St. George’s University School of Medicine
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
Having the opportunity to study abroad and train in New York I wanted to be part of a program that understands the importance of working together and prioritizing their residents in all aspects.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Moving to Michigan, I think it’s great to see how much everyone here enjoys the outdoors and finds any excuse to have a day by the lake.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
Lansing is a great midway point to all the different destinations to visit in Michigan.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy traveling as much as possible, long-distance running, spending time at the gym, hiking, biking, swimming, camping.
What are your career goals?
I am working toward General Pediatrics and hope to become involved within the community.
Binay Gurung, MD
Where is your hometown?
Nepal
Where did you attend medical school?
B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Nepal
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
Right size program with invested focus in resident education and clinical experiences
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Home to natural attractions and beautiful Great Lakes shorelines
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
The capital of Michigan!
What are your hobbies?
Soccer, travelling, watching movies
What are your career goals?
Pursue career in pediatric nephrology
Second Year
Kelsey Gillis, DO
Where is your hometown?
Scottsdale, AZ
Where did you attend medical school?
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
I chose MSU/Sparrow because of how friendly and encouraging the residents/attendings and other staff are. Wherever you go residency will be challenging but at Sparrow I feel like I have a home away from home and a group of co-residents that will be there to help me during the difficult times and challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone. They truly want you to succeed and work together as a team.
I also chose MSU/Sparrow because of the X+Y curriculum. It allows me the opportunity to focus on my current rotation block, without rushing between the floor/elective and clinic. Additionally, it allows me the opportunity to take care of my health by scheduling personal doctor’s appointments or having time to work on research/QI/Advocacy projects.
I chose MSU/Sparrow because of the uplifting environment and the curriculum layout. I am grateful that Sparrow is where I matched!
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Water and nature have always been something that helps me relax. Growing up in the desert, I really like the how green it is, and all the rivers/lakes you can see/visit. I enjoyed learning how to kayak with one of the other interns! I also really like the different environments you get (all within a few hours drive) such as the big city of Detroit, the city feels but smaller size of Lansing and the smaller town of Charlevoix Michigan.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
I like how Lansing has a variety of activities to participate in and the big city feel without being as big as Detroit. I like how on one side you get the university environment of Michigan State University and on the other side you get the state capitol. Having grown up in a big city (Scottsdale/Phoenix) I feel like I have all the resources of a big city but the traffic of a smaller town.
What are your hobbies?
My primary hobby is spending time with friends (my co-residents) whether that is grabbing a bite together, going to a movie or kayaking. I also enjoy dancing, baton twirling, swimming, walking, kayaking and catching up with family.
What are your career goals?
I know I like following my patients over time. I am still deciding whether I want general pediatrics or pediatric oncology.
Farwa Khurshid, MD
Where is your hometown?
Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Where did you attend medical school?
Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
Since I’ve been living in Michigan with my husband for some time and we love our life here, I was hoping, and perhaps expecting, to match here. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of one of the best programs in the state.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
As a Pakistani when you move to another country, apart from your family and culture, you really miss flavorful food, scenic landscapes, four beautiful seasons, sensational news, generous people and potholes. Well, Michigan totally feels like home, and I love it!
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
Lansing has this unique mix of scholarly, historical and fun vibe. Also, it’s right in the center with an hour drive East to Dearborn/Detroit for food and entertainment, an hour drive South to Ann Arbor for Michigan Stadium and botanical gardens, a two-hour drive West to Mears for sand dunes/beach and a three-hour drive North to Traverse/Mackinaw city for breathtaking views.
What are your hobbies?
Globetrotting, reading (mostly Sufi classics and Urdu poetry), calligraphy, cooking Pakistani delicacies, watching psychological thrillers, playing chess or Topgolf with my husband, and volunteering at an elderly care center.
What are your career goals?
With the ongoing pandemics of obesity, diabetes and digital dementia among children and adolescents, I’ve been really focused on improving ways to promote their physical and mental wellness. I love how General Peds gives you an opportunity to be innovative in primary care and make an impact in society, however, I am very open to discover my interest in different subspecialities.
Anna Kislik, MD
Where is your hometown?
Moscow, Russia.
Where did you attend medical school?
Russian National Research Medical University, named after NI Pirogov
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
I have heard wonderful things about the program from one of its current residents, and it was an honor to receive an interview invitation.
During the interview, program's friendly and welcoming atmosphere fascinated me! Everyone was genuinely nice, and I am confident that learning in such an environment will be both interesting and productive. This, along with the small class size, diverse patient population, and wide range of electives promises the opportunity for hands-on, comprehensive training, which will help me become a well-rounded and competent pediatrician.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Four seasons climate.
Moreover, I am looking forward to exploring Michigan’s cities during the next 3 years as I have not visited any of them (other than Lansing) yet.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
Wonderful nature, nice people and great public transportation system. Besides that, I am really happy with my apartment, which is located close to the Sparrow Hospital and has a view of the Michigan Capitol.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, walking, taking pictures of city views and study aesthetics.
What are your career goals?
I am currently interested in pediatric immunology and plan to pursue Allergy & Immunology fellowship in the future. However, I keep an open mind regarding my future career and am willing to explore various options in order to find the best fit for me.
Tejal Gapchup, MD
Where is your hometown?
Pune, India.
Where did you attend medical school?
MIMER Medical College, Pune, India.
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
I’ve always believed that it is extremely important to train in a program that has a supportive work environment. The resident camaraderie and faculty friendliness at Sparrow was clearly evident during the interview process and even the onboarding period. The program has also integrated the X+Y scheduling, which is a step towards resident-well being. Combining this with its comprehensive curriculum, this program can really help me grow into a well-rounded pediatrician.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
I like that I can distinctly enjoy all the seasons. Also the nature is stunning here and would really like to go for some hikes in up north!
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
I love that it is a university town because that allows for a vibrant and diverse city culture.
What are your hobbies?
Dancing, fitness, travel, swimming and petting doggos!
What are your career goals?
I am open to exploring all pediatric subspecialties during residency before going for a fellowship.
Hend Mohamed, MD
Where is your hometown?
Alexandria, Egypt.
Where did you attend medical school?
Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
I have been living in Michigan for 2 years. I visited Sparrow multiple times and I fell in love with the community and the level of health care they provide.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
I love that you get to experience all seasons thoroughly (Fall is my personal favorite). I love nature so you can go hiking, fishing and swimming in any of the Michigan lakes. I absolutely love Grand Haven. I took a ton of pictures there.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
MSU, for sure.What are your hobbies?
Photography, working out, Garage sales and travelling.
What are your career goals?
I aspire to pursue a fellowship program afterwards.
Peter Stephan, DO
Where is your hometown?
Midland, MI.
Where did you attend medical school?
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
I did a PICU rotation at Sparrow and it was an amazing experience and the interactions with the other residents was only positive and supportive. I also loved the didactics. The education I received was the best out of all of the places I rotated at.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
What’s not to like? I have lived in Michigan my whole life. I love the different seasons we experience. We have great cities across the whole state with amazing food and nature/scenery is beautiful.
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
I love the food. There are some great places to eat in the area. I also love the nature trails nearby.
What are your hobbies?
I love to cook. I am always trying to find new recipes to try out. I also have a 3d printer and I enjoy printing all sorts of things.
What are your career goals?
Right now, I am between general pediatrics or pediatric hospitalist. I have not had enough experience yet to decide which of those I would like more. I am keeping an open mind coming into residency.
Leena Syed, MD
Where is your hometown?
Lahore, Pakistan
They say home is where the heart is and my last home was London, UK 😊Where did you attend medical school?
Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Pakistan
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
The program leadership and faculty as well as the Residents gave a really supportive and welcoming vibe during the interview despite the fact that the interview was virtual, and it seemed to be the right choice for me straight away.
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
I love snow, so I would say the weather!
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
Have just moved to Lansing, so still discovering it, but seems like a nice city with scanty traffic, which is definitely a plus!
What are your hobbies?
Travelling and collecting fridge magnets, spending time with my family.
What are your career goals?
For now, to become a well-rounded Pediatrician.
Dipsal Timila, MD
Where is your hometown?
Pokhara, Nepal.
Where did you attend medical school?
Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
Why did you choose the MSU/Sparrow Pediatric Residency Program?
It provided with the right mix of a community hospital and a university program. I was attracted with the possibility of learning clinical skills, seeing a variety of cases and having an academic environment at the same time .
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Being close to the great lakes reminds me of my home town Pokhara in Nepal. The opportunity to explore nature , the nearby trails and scenic beauty excites me .
What do you like most about living in Lansing?
Living in downtown Lansing, the heart of Michigan’s capital city , I get to experience the lively place offering a blend of cultural diversity, vibrant arts, natural beauty, and professional opportunities.
What are your hobbies?
I like listening to all kinds of music, watching professional soccer leagues, reading and partying with friends.
What are your career goals?
Develop a career in academics and get involved in medical education.
First Year