Class of 2029


Zohdi Cooperrider Young, DO

Hometown: Redmond, WA
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Washington (BA in Chemistry and Biochemistry), Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Hobbies/Interests: Acrobatics, dancing at 2am when I should be sleeping, hiking with my cat, snowboarding, and traveling any chance I get.
Past Life: I was an aspiring geologist in 2nd grade until I realized I wanted to take care of people instead of rocks. Also a snowboard instructor during college.
Academic Interests: Wilderness medicine, global health, patient-centric care.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Finding cool wildlife!
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: Wilderness medicine opportunities - as well as an abundance of elective time to explore my other interests and wonderful co-residents and faculty.
Random Factoid: In high school I made it to the state championship in wrestling.

 

Aditi Desai, DO

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Toronto (BSc & MSc), University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, beach runs, anything in the water, trying new breweries and restaurants, poutine, finishing a book in a reasonable amount of time without starting another one.
Past Life: During my undergraduate and graduate studies, I was involved with Swimming with a Mission Toronto, a not-for-profit organization that offers subsidized swimming lessons to children with special needs. After completing my master’s, I worked as a research associate on projects focused on improving the experiences of patients and caregivers as they navigated the healthcare system.
Academic Interests: Social and global EM, EMS, palliative care.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Apparently something related to pizza?? Going to any place that has some semblance of a beach (though, coming from Maine, my standards are high).
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: Yale has an incredible mix of community and academic medicine. Everyone I met on interview day—including faculty, residency leadership, and residents—was incredibly down to earth and approachable. It was clear that the entire program is deeply invested in both our education and our personal and professional growth. The opportunity to stay in New England is an added bonus!
Random Factoid: I have a fear of heights, yet I went cliff diving in the Bow Valley in Alberta. As it turns out, the spot I dove from was the exact location where a scene from The Revenant was filmed—so I like to think I breathed the same air as Leonardo DiCaprio.

 

Carolina Diniz Hooper, MD

Hometown: Belo Horizonte, Brazil and Marblehead, MA 
College and Postgraduate Degrees: Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (MD)
Hobbies/Interests: Handball, arts and crafts, attempting new recipes, piano, torturing bystanders with karaoke, watching the Celtics with my husband, learning languages, and making sure my English cocker spaniel is rightfully spoiled. 
Past Life: Medical English teacher and briefly a pharmacy tech before residency.
Academic Interests: Geriatric EM, Social EM, Crit Care, Disaster Medicine.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Finding new restaurants! My favorites are Sherkaan, Mecca Noodle Bar, and Zuppardi’s Apizza. There’s so much to try!! 
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: During my sub-I, everyone was extremely welcoming, residents, nurses, and staff alike. I always felt that my learning was prioritized and that the faculty was truly invested in setting me up for success, even after the rotation ended. It was exactly the kind of supportive, collaborative environment I was looking for.
Random Factoid:  Technically, I graduated med school at age 6 (leap year loophole). In other news, you’re all invited to my quinceañera in 2060.  

 

Onyinye Egbunike, MD

Hometown: Delta/Edo/Lagos State, Nigeria
College and Postgraduates Degrees: Georgia State University (The real GSU) (BSc). Warwick Medical School, United Kingdom (MBChB).
Hobbies/Interests: Sleeping, watching movies & tv shows, being a home body, exploring new places to eat, hanging out with friends, traveling, dancing, tennis & pickleball.
Past Life: I’ve been in school all my life except for a hiatus during covid. I worked in the UK for a year after graduation. I also taught mathematics to young kids for many years (I love math!)
Academic Interests: Ultrasound, Global Health/Global EM.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Hanging with my co-residents.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I wanted to train at an institution that I knew would give me top notch training. I also wanted to train at a program with a diverse patient population, which can be evident from the surrounding blocks around the hospital area. During my sub-I, I got to know the residents and fell in love with the culture of the program. 
Random Factoid: I’ve lived in four different countries over the last 10 years.

 

Zeynep Elshaer, MD

Hometown: Altamonte Springs, Florida
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Central Florida (BS). University of Central Florida (Spanish Language BA). Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University (MD)
Hobbies/Interests: I love to travel and explore different places around the world with my friends and family. I love hosting dinners and cooking for people. I love a good book, and I have recently been getting into pottery!
Past Life: In undergrad, I was very involved in the Modern Language Department, and I was a Fulbright semi-finalist before I got into medical school. I was applying to go abroad and do research in Spain for a year!
Academic Interests: Social EM, Global Health, Pathways to Medicine, POCUS.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: I'm new to the Area- but during my audition, I really enjoyed walking around to see all the old architecture and the historical environment!
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: When I rotated through Yale's ED as a medical student, I really fell in love with the structure and environment of this program! Everyone from the interns to the attendings were so supportive, kind, and helpful. In a short few weeks, I felt that I had learned and grown so much, and I wanted to go to residency in a place where I could continue to develop my skills with great people and resources!
Random Factoid: went scuba diving once, and I stressed the instructor out so much that he asked me to never scuba dive again.

 

David Gordon, MD

Hometown: Cross River, New York
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Pennsylvania (Biology, Architecture, BA). Sidney Kimmel Medical College (MD).
Hobbies/Interests: I love to be outside, running, biking or mountain biking, and especially exploring national parks. I’m interested in puzzles, trying new recipes, and adventure.
Past Life: I had studied architecture and worked at architectural firm designing hospitals!
Academic Interests: Healthcare Innovation & Design, Medical Devices, EMS, Addiction Care, Wilderness.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Running or biking up East Rock! I’m looking to continue to explore the area, New Haven food scene, and local hikes.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: The Yale community has been incredibly supportive and welcoming towards my partner and me! Yale has an incredible research atmosphere and potential mentors across different niches of EM. The training is incredibly clinically robust in a busy ED, and I enjoy being able to work with a diverse population across multiple clinical sites that complement one another.
Random Factoid: I helped to socialize more than 40 puppies over the years as guide dog candidates!   

 

Dalia Hamdan, MD

Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Toronto, Canada
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Toronto (BS). Alfaisal University (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
Hobbies/Interests: I love anything that gets me outdoors and I’m always up for good food. Also, if there’s a dog (or anything with fur/feathers/scales) involved, count me in!
Past Life: I trained in Muay Thai for a couple of years. I’ve also rescued and fostered several dogs, a few cats, and a gecko along the way.
Academic Interests: Global Health, Medical Education, Ultrasound.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Studying at the University of Toronto gave me an appreciation for Gothic architecture, so I’m looking forward to exploring Yale’s campus.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I chose Yale EM because it really combines both things I was looking for – strong academic training that will push me to keep learning and growing, and a culture where people truly support each other and care about their patients. It felt like the kind of program where I could grow both professionally and personally.
Random Factoid: I performed an autopsy on a sea lion in undergrad (why stick to dissecting frogs when you can go full marine mammal?).

 

Jaime Hawat, MD

Hometown: Byblos, Lebanon College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Central Florida (Go Knights!). Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (Go Sharks!)
Hobbies/Interests: Music and art in all their forms (I play the piano, guitar, ukulele, paint and draw – but not good at any), traveling, horseback riding, gardening, being in nature and meditating.
Past Life: I was in Scouts, president of Rotaract club (part of Rotary International) and was a Lifeguard at the YMCA. Academic Interests: Research (addiction medicine or anything that I find interesting), sports medicine, health advocacy, administration.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Still very new to New Haven, but I love sight-seeing and exploring the area! I also love exploring the restaurants here.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I immediately felt supported and comfortable with everyone I met, it has one of the top NIH funding for research, the history is incredible, and it ranked 5th busiest ED in the nation this year. I feel honored to be part of this community!
Random Factoid: I was once in a cheese commercial.

 

Ashley Keane, DO

Hometown: Massapequa, NY
College and Postgraduate Degrees: Binghamton University (BS Integrative Neuroscience). Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Hobbies/Interests: Big fan of Catan nights, psychological thrillers, and baking brownies or banana bread just because. I’m always down for a good concert (from Drake to Taylor Swift to Mac Miller—RIP), love a beach or pool day, and most importantly, I take lying horizontally very seriously.
Past Life: Cashiering at a convenience store, managing the East Gym at Binghamton, and coordinating the chaos as Chief Scribe in two emergency departments.
Academic Interests: Clinical Forensic Medicine, Trauma, Medical Education, Public Health.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: New to town and slowly making my way through the local pizza spots—still not convinced anything beats a classic NY slice. Also, enjoy checking out new restaurants and walking around Yale’s campus.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I chose Yale Emergency Medicine after a sub-I that truly felt like coming home. I was inspired by the warmth, teamwork, and passion of everyone I worked with—and I knew this was the kind of environment I wanted to grow in. The academic rigor, the high acuity, and the genuine camaraderie made it an easy decision. Staying within reach of my family on Long Island was something I also deeply valued in choosing where to train, and New Haven quickly became a place where I could see myself thriving, both personally and professionally (still not giving up on the NY pizza debate, though).
Random Factoid: I’ve seen every Drake tour since high school, and I play Catan like it’s a full-time job (yes, I’ll trade you brick).

 

Jenna LaColla, DO

Hometown: Beacon, NY
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Tennessee, Knoxville (BS Biomedical Engineering), Go Vols! Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Hobbies/Interests: I love staying active—yoga, basketball, volleyball, and anything outdoors. Cooking, baking, and traveling are big passions (I've lived in 3 countries and visited 13!). I'm always discovering new music and down for a good festival. Also a big NY sports fan—Go Yankees, Knicks, Jets, and Rangers!
Past Life: I’ve written two provisional patents for surgical devices I developed and was a bioinformatics and genetics researcher at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. And in high school, I was on a nationally ranked basketball team!
Academic Interests: POCUS, EMS, Pediatric EM, Simulation.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Trying all the pizza spots and seeing how they stack up to NY slices. Also making my way through all the local hiking trails—so far, so good!
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: We’re the fifth-busiest ED in the country and the safety-net hospital for the surrounding area, meaning we care for people who might not otherwise have access to quality healthcare. During my subintership, I loved the fast pace, high-acuity cases, and amazing POCUS and simulation training. Everyone—residents, attendings, nurses, and techs—was super welcoming and made me feel like part of the team right away! I’ll never forget helping to place bilateral chest tubes and a burr hole for a trauma patient.
Random Factoid: I’ve gone swimming with stingrays and sharks!

 

Morgan Mohalla, MD

Hometown: Oroville, CA
College and Postgraduate Degrees: Colorado State University Pueblo. Quinnipiac University (MD).
Hobbies/Interests: Classic Literature, Geopolitics, Videogames, Fine Art, Gardening, Wood working, Religion, Cooking, Weight lifting, Home improvement project.
Past Life: Pizza Hut, Paramedic, US Army Combat Medic, STEM Tutor.
Academic Interests: Genetics, Global Health, Addiction Medicine.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Coffee and talking, Dinner and a Movie, Archery, Hikes, Sleeping.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: It is the best training location in the world, and I had a great 4th year rotation.
Random Factoid: I am a bit of a prankster as well.

 

Iliana Sanchez, MD

Hometown: Donna, TX
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Texas at San Antonio (BS). University of Texas at San Antonio (MS). University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine (MD).
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling internationally, hiking, kayaking, checking out dog parks with my German Shepherd, Twerp, trying new restaurants, and winding down with a good psychological thriller book.
Past Life: Before medical school, I had 14 other jobs, one of which was being a middle and high school science teacher for almost 5 years.
Academic Interests: Medical Education, Administration, URiM Mentorship.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: So far, I have really enjoyed exploring the Yale undergraduate campus, especially the Beinecke Rare Book Library. I also love taking long walks around East Rock and sampling my way through New Haven’s amazing food scene.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I was drawn to Yale for its deep commitment to education, strong academic mentorship, and the balance of high-acuity clinical experience with a supportive learning environment. The program’s emphasis on leadership and innovation along with the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that impacts underserved communities made it the perfect fit for me.
Random factoid: A few years ago, I scored the Tomorrowland lottery and got tickets to attend the largest EDM festival in the world in Belgium. I was there with 300,000 people from all over the world and camped out for 4 days. One of the most epic experiences of my life. I’ve been trying to score tickets to return ever since.

 

Matilda Owuo, DO

 

Matthew Perrotta, MD, MPH

Hometown: Winthrop, MA
College and Postgraduate Degrees: Fordham University (BS Biology). Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health (MPH). St. George’s University (MD).
Hobbies/Interests: Exploring the world with my wife, everything Tolkien (including The Silmarillion), sci-fi, scuba diving, experimental cooking, being a cat dad, and the perfect Guinness pour.
Past life: Data analyst in San Francisco, research assistant in Boston, EMT in NYC.
Academic Interests: Public/global health, critical care, ultrasound.
Favorite activities in New Haven: Restaurant scene, exploring local trails, day trips to Boston and NYC.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I was looking for a program that was a good mix of academics and exposure, and Yale fit the bill. Yale is helping push the boundaries of EM while also providing its residents multiple different training environments in diverse communities. It also gave me the chance to move back to New England (I missed the seasons)!
Random factoid: I’m looking forward to the day when I can buy Lego’s without feeling the pain in my wallet.

 

Donna Saboori, MD

Hometown: Exeter, PA
College and Postgraduate Degrees: Albright College (BS Biology). Penn State University College of Medicine (MD).
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, cooking, visiting museums, beach days, mini golf, reading for fun, karaoke, movie theater nights, and trying out new cafés and restaurants in New Haven!
Past Life: In the past I’ve been a college dorm resident assistant, spin instructor, and a newspaper columnist (for the teen section in my local paper).  
Academic Interests: Medical education, social emergency medicine.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Hiking East Rock, the Yale University Art Gallery, thrifting, bookstore browsing, and the best pizza in the country!
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: Yale Emergency Medicine offers incredible training and world-class resources. The faculty and residents are very supportive and approachable, which was evident from my first interaction with them at the pre-interview dinner. There are numerous opportunities to get involved in department extracurriculars and the local community. The program’s location in New Haven offers a fantastic environment to learn and grow as a resident (and also stay close to my family!)
Random Factoid: I am half Iranian and love making Persian recipes. I was also born in the same town as Taylor Swift.

 

Zach Taylor, DO

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
College and Postgraduate Degrees: Missouri State University in Springfield MO (BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology with minor in Chemistry). A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Hobbies/Interests: I love racing autocross, bird watching and photography, exploring new cities, and being with my family!
Past Life: ER tech at Mercy in Springfield MO.
Academic Interests: Administration, EMS.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Walking parts of the city, the museums, Wooster square pizza places.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: One of the busiest ED’s in the country with incredibly complex patients as well as an awesome interview day ultimately led me to the decision. I also love exploring new areas and living in areas with excellent pizza! 
Random Factoid: I was paralyzed from Guillain-Barré and won track in sprinting both in High School. I also have seen “The Office” 26 times through!

 

Amber Vargas, MD

Hometown: Bronx, NY
College and Postgraduate Degrees: SUNY Binghamton (BA Chemistry). Frank H. Netter, MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University (MD).
Hobbies/Interests: Puzzles, reading (Spanish romance, thriller), coloring, exploring new places and activities, handcrafting espresso drinks, going to the beach and returning to Puerto Rico as much as possible!
Past Life: Starbucks Barista, EMT, Chief Medical Scribe, previous LMSA-Northeast Co-Director.
Academic Interests: Operations, administration, leadership, health policy, EMS.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Exploring restaurants, cafes, museums, and walking around the beautiful Yale campus.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: I fell in love with Yale EM during my sub-I! I felt that the prioritization of teaching and learning was truly unmatched. There was an emphasis on learning from every patient encounter, as well as thinking critically about each patient to ensure we were delivering the best care possible. Each shift was a great time with great people who genuinely cared about each other in addition to the patients served. I am incredibly happy to be here! Every day I learn so many new things and I am reminded that I am going to grow into an amazing physician here!
Random Factoid: I went to the same high school as Jennifer Lopez!

 

Ava Vause, MD

Hometown: Gainesville, FL
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Florida, Behavioral Neuroscience (BS); Frank H. Netter MD SOM at Quinnipiac University (MD)
Hobbies/Interests: Riding horses, exploring CT coastal towns, rescuing/rehabilitating animals, finding cozy coffee shops, cooking and baking, spending time in nature.
Past Life: Worked in a neuroscience lab studying Alzheimer’s disease on mouse brain models, I have been riding horses since I was 4 and showed competitive dressage and western pleasure.
Academic Interests: Social EM and Medical Education with a focus on enhancing the care of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities & Ultrasound.
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Love the food scene, hiking up East Rock Park, getting Elena’s ice cream, spending time in the Yale Art Museum, & walking everywhere.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: After completing my Sub-I at Yale, I truly fell in love with the program and people. The blend of high-acuity clinical medicine and a culture of mentorship from faculty who are leaders in their respective fields reshaped my understanding of academic emergency medicine. As a visiting student, I felt welcomed and valued, as though I were already part of the team. I was especially impressed by Yale EM’s deep commitment to improving care for underserved populations through its extensive research opportunities and available ED resources. The opportunity to gain meaningful experience in both academic and community EM settings further affirmed that this is the kind of environment in which I wanted to train in.
Random Factoid: I grew up in FL with 24 pet ducks and a 9-foot alligator (not a pet) in our pond.

 

Joseph Whitaker, MD

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
College and Postgraduate Degrees: University of Florida, Chemical Engineering, M.E., University of Louisville School of Medicine, M.D.
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Crossfit, backpacking trips, fishing, firepits with smores, and camping on a crisp fall night.
Past Life:  Soldier, Sailor, Student and Professor
Academic Interests: EMS/Wilderness Medicine, International Medicine and Prolonged Casualty Care in Operational Settings
Favorite Activities in New Haven: Excited to discover them all!!  I hear the pizza is amazing so I cannot wait to try it!  After leaving Hawaii, I am really looking forward to experiencing the seasons, seeking outdoor adventures during fall foliage, spring wineries and hoping to see some snow drop this winter.
Why Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program: A program that truly made me feel at home on day one. Yale’s Emergency Medicine Program offers a unique blend of academic excellence in a supportive community that sets it apart.  The program is committed to both intellectual growth and personal well-being and the resident and faculty team were clearly proud of the program.
Random Factoid:  I have been in the Army, Navy and now serving in support of the Marine Corps – only service left is the Air Force!