Ascension Genesys Internal Medicine Residency
PGY-1 Residents
Theodora Balaj, MD
Anthony Costa, MD
Kayla Kerch, MD
Hometown: Brighton, Michigan
Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Career Plans: Hospitalist
Hobbies/Interests: Golfing, taking orange theory classes, baking, travel & going out to dinner/drinks with my sister & friends!
Why Ascension Genesys?
Close to my family & friends plus it seemed like a supportive program (great co-residents!)
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Fun Fact: I have a golden retriever named Louie that loves playing in the snow (and retrieving sticks)!
Sandeep Bhangu, MD
Ali Ramzan, DO
Noora Khadoori, MD
Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq. Moved to Michigan at age 16.
Undergraduate: Wayne State University
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Career Plans: Hematology/oncology
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, writing poetry and photography
Why Ascension Genesys?
Close to home, supportive environment and outstanding fellowship match rate
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Fun Fact: I can sing
Ewelina Suchocki, MD
Mitchell Rasak, MD
Elizabeth Cullen, MD
Riyam Wannas, MD​
John Martinez, MD
Hometown: Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate: University of PR and my MPH is from Ponce Health Sciences University
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Career Plans: Interventional Cardiologist
Hobbies/Interests: I love playing golf, strumming my guitar, cooking and spending quality time with my family and girlfriend.
Why Ascension Genesys?
During my interview and research, I found that Ascension Genesys Hospital offers everything I’m looking for: a friendly environment, opportunities for fellowship, and high-quality training.
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Fun Fact: I have two adorable cats I have moved 17 times, enjoying travel and exploring new places.
Malak Saffar, MD
Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Undergraduate: Wayne State University
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Career Plans: Heme/Onc fellowship or hospitalist
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, walking, and listening to music
Why Ascension Genesys?
Everyone is so supportive and welcoming from the residents to the faculty. Also it was close to home which was a plus!
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Fun Fact: I have two adorable cats Tom and Tucker. I also love to rewatch Harry Potter movies especially in the fall and winter seasons.
Anne O'Connor, MD
Hometown: Lapeer, Michigan
Undergraduate: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Career Plans: Hospitalist
Hobbies/Interests: I like anything to do with water (kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, etc). I also love baking, college football (Go Blue!), reading romance novels, and spending time with my husband and our cat, Winnie.
Why Ascension Genesys?
Seemed like a friendly and supportive environment with a great group of people (which I can now confirm is all true!), location is close to home, and the curriculum/schedule offers a wide variety of pathology and hands-on experience. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this program.
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Fun Fact: I watch Hallmark movies, even the Christmas ones, year-round . They’re super cheesy, but I’m a hopeless romantic and love them!
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