Superb Second Years!
Luke Arcona, MD
he/him
Luke.Arcona@nemours.org
Undergrad: Thomas Jefferson University
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Interests: Disc Golf, Soccer, watching sports (Mets, Manchester United, Steelers, UVA basketball), hiking, trying new restaurants.
Career Goal: Pediatric Cardiology
Where I live and what I love about it: Boothwyn, PA, I love that it’s in a quiet area and only a fifteen minute drive to work and close to lots of good restaurants and state parks.
Hira Aslam, MD
she/her
Hira.Aslam@nemours.org
Undergrad: University of Houston
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine
Interests: Books, writing poetry, hiking (Philadelphia and Delaware have great trails), hula hooping, cooking global cuisines, ghost tours, baked flamin' hot cheetos.
Career goal: I am interested in developmental and behavioral pediatrics and pediatric genetics. I am also interested in advocacy and believe that both of these fields have great opportunities in that sphere.
Where I live and what I love about it: Philadelphia Fishtown/ Kensington area, I love how accessible all parts of the city are through walking or SEPTA. Also, an easy drive to Delaware in the mornings!
Katie Bean, MD
she/her
Katie.Bean@nemours.org
Undergrad: College of William and Mary
Medical School: Case Western Reserve
Interests: Reading, running, cooking, Netflix, spending time with my dogs
Career goal: I'm interested in everything right now!
Where I live and what I love about it: Boothwyn, PA, I love that it's quiet with parks and a farmer's market close-by. It's also a short drive from Nemours!
Karolina Bezdickova, DO
she/her
Karolina.Bezdickova@nemours.org
Undergrad: Stony Brook University
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Middletown
Interests: Skiing, hiking, biking, and any outdoor activity! I also love traveling. My goal is to visit all 7 Wonders of the World
Career goal: Undecided :)
Where I live and what I love about it: Greenville, DE. Close to the hospital and walking distance to cute shops and restaurants!
Why I chose Nemours: The people, great location, and incredible learning opportunities!
Mary Blumenfeld, MD
she/her
Mary.Blumenfeld@nemours.org
Undergrad: Bryn Mawr College
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Interests: dogs, books, talking about books, dad jokes, spreadsheets
Career goal: Heme/Onc
Where I live and what I love about it: Bear, DE, in a townhouse about 25 minutes south of the hospital. I chose to stay in the same place I was already living for the last 2 years of med school largely out of convenience (or laziness, I’ve heard it both ways), but I really do love it. Even though there’s a little bit of a commute, I love how much space I have and, more importantly, my dog loves it.
Why I chose Nemours: I grew up in Wilmington and I went to Jefferson for medical school, so staying at Nemours felt so natural! I already knew I loved the area and the people I would be working with, and I knew I would have amazing support systems both in and out of the hospital.
Kelly Ca, MD
she/her
Kelly.Ca@nemours.org
Undergrad: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Interests: hanging out with my pets and niece and nephew, watching philly sports (catch me at CBP ⚾️), trying new restaurants, playing video and board games, watching anime
Career Goal: not sure yet! possibly heme/onc or primary care
Where I live and why I love it: Philly is my home town, and in my unbiased opinion, the best city ever 😌 the food is delicious, the sports are exciting, and the vibes are unmatched! i currently live in packer pack, close to the stadiums!
Why I chose Nemours: Being close to my family and partner in philly was important but i also loved welcoming environment of the residents and the amount of specialties we could experience while here!
Shelby Cadet, DO
she/her
Shelby.Cadet@nemours.org
Undergrad: Seton Hall University
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: Basketball (playing and watching), Football, Streaming Movies/Shows on all platforms, Singing, Dancing - I hope to be part of a musical one day ☺️
Career Goal: General Pediatrics or Pediatric ED
Where I live and what I love about it: Claymont, DE - Proximity to the hospital (15 minute drive) and proximity to Jersey and Philly.
Why I chose Nemours: My interview with the program solidified my decision to rank the program high. I loved the comradery I felt during the interview and I knew I would learn and grow as a well rounded clinician. The proximity to home (Jersey) also drew me to the program. Also, the hospital is beautiful!
Gabriel Cruciani, DO
he/him
Gabriel.Cruciani@nemours.org
Undergrad: Hunter College CUNY
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: I make an effort to exercise regularly because it really helps keep me balanced. I also play the piano and admittedly I’ve committed a strange variety of songs to memory over the years, spanning from classical music to video game soundtracks. I’m currently the proud owner of a PS5 and Switch but I definitely enjoy being outdoors, and during downtime you can usually catch me and my wife in the Poconos or at one of Delaware’s beaches.
Career Goal: Pediatric Cardiology
Where I live and what I love about it: I live in the Highlands in Wilmington, DE, right next to Rockford park. It’s a great spot with nice scenery and good eats nearby.
Why I chose Nemours: When I rotated at Nemours as a medical student, I was struck with an immediate sense of family and community. I 100% knew that by coming to this program, not only would I be taking care of others, but that I would be taken care of too.
Grayton Downing, MD
she/her
Grayton.Downing@nemours.org
Undergrad: Haverford College
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Interests: My favorite weekend activities since starting residency has been taking my dog to all the amazing Delaware parks for hikes (and he likes to go swimming!). We always end our hikes with a trip to Ritas water ice. I also love to spend weekends at the Delaware beaches (Rehoboth), running, and baking!
Career goals: General pediatrics and/or adolescent medicine
Where I live and what I love about it: Near trolley square and the Rockford dog park - I love the neighborhood because its so quiet and beautiful. It is right next to a beautiful running trail, a short walk/ drive to Trolley square for food, and near a dog park for my dog! Most importantly I can get to the hospital in under ten minutes, and easily hop on the highway to get to Philly.
Why I chose Nemours: I did rotations at Nemours during medical school and I was so drawn to the people. You could truly tell that everyone was having a fun time at work (even when things got crazy), and more importantly I loved seeing how seniors always pitched in to help lower level residents (something that is VERY true now that I am here). It is a very team focused residency, were all in it together and that makes the hard days that much better.
Jonathan "Din" Ghaul, DO
he/him
Jonathan.Ghaul@nemours.org
Undergrad: George Washington University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: My pet Axolotl "Z" (see below)
Traveling, exercise, pet keeping
Career Goals: Sports Medicine
Where I live and why I love it: I am living in Media, Pa and what I love about it is that I can be close to family because I grew up in Media and my family still lives there. It also has good golfing, parks, and restaurants nearby for plenty of adventures.
Why I chose Nemours: I ranked it highly because I thought it was going to give me the best chance at gaining the most experience to become the best pediatrician. So far it has!
Din's Pet Axolotly "Z"
The whole class knows how much Din loves Z, so we had to feature him!
He is known as a "Mexican walking fish," and is completely legal (I promise). They are fully aquatic amphibians, endemic to Mexico who have been saved from extinction through selective breeding and pet keeping! He loves all kinds of worms and can grow up to 12 inches long!
Alicia Grant, MD
she/her
Alicia.Grant@nemours.org
Undergrad: University of South Carolina
Medical School: University of South Carolina College of Medicine - Greenville
Interests: Baking (especially cookies), I am always looking for a new show to binge on Netflix, and lately I have been hooked on reading romance thrillers (Colleen Hoover and Taylor Jenkins Reid have sucked me in). Yes, sometimes I leave my apartment too..
Career Goal: Neonatology, babies make my heart happy
Where I live and what I love about it: Riverfront in Wilmington. It’s a short commute to the hospital which is necessary for my sleep habits, and it has so many fun restaurants and outdoor activities within walking distance!
Kimberly Hoover, MD
she/her
Kimberly.Hoover@nemours.org
Undergrad: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Interests: I love baking and watching Great British Bake Off. I recently started running and hope to be able to run the Broad St Run in the spring! Also all things Phillies sports
Career goal: heme/onc fellowship!
Where I live and what I love about it: Wilmington on the Riverfront! So many restaurants and Constitution Yards within walking distance. It’s super easy to go for walks or a bike ride after work too! And it’s easy to get to Philly for fun weekend activities :)
Courtney Kaye, MD
she/her
Courtney.Kaye@nemours.org
Undergrad: University of Wyoming
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Interests: I love to be outside with my dog Kevin! Back in Wyoming we spent a lot of time hiking, cross country skiing and paddle boarding together. We are still discovering places for outdoor activities on the east coast! I also am an avid baker.
Career Goal: I want to practice primary care and am planning on working for the Indian Health Services! Additionally, I am interested in physician advocacy... both learning my role to influence legislation to help communities, in addition to advocating for patients' access to healthcare on an individual basis.
Where I live and what I love about it:
Riverfront in Wilmington. I love the trail and all the great walking and running space! And the amazing restaurants within walking distance. Plus living a 10 minute drive from work is an added bonus!!
Why I choose Nemours: Great training, friendly program!
Rachel Knapp, MD
she/her
Rachel.Knapp@nemours.org
Undergrad: SUNY Geneseo
Medical School: University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine
Interests: I love hiking when I am home in the Adirondacks and finding nature walks here in DE. I also like running, reading mystery/thrillers, and watching any reality dating show (but Love Island is the best).
Career Goal: Outpatient Pediatrics
Where I live and what I love about it: Glen Mills! It's near some nice trails and restaurants but still very close to the hospital.
Maria Lane, DO
she/her
Maria.Lane@nemours.org
Undergrad: Pace University
Medical School: Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: craft beer, cooking elaborate meals, making smoothies, chocolate, Philadelphia Sports fan, everything Disney, playing volleyball, translational research, anything lemon!
Career Goals: Heme Onc Fellowship, potentially Palliative Care Fellowship in addition
Where I live and what I love about it: South Jersey, near my hometown. A tough decision to not be near my co-residents however I decided to live in this location to stay nearby my family and boyfriend. Also the wineries and craft brewery scene is phenomenal in my area!
Why I chose Nemours: I felt very welcomed and a true part of the team when I rotated at Nemours as a Sub-I. Everyone I met there was happy, pleasant, and passionate about their jobs and dedicated to the work they do. I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant experience and to top it all off, in a wonderful location!
Sara Mann, MD/MPH
she/her
Sara.Mann@nemours.org
Undergrad: University of Utah
Medical School: University of Utah School of Medicine
Interests: I like spending quality time with my dog on the couch, baking, biking, and traveling!
Career Goals: Infectious disease or hospitalist
Where I live and what I love about it: Trolley Square in Wilmington! I love the proximity to the hospital and easy access to walking/running/biking trails. My husband and I enjoy spending time outdoors so the easy access to parks and green space is crucial for us. There are a few hidden gems within walking distance or a quick 10 min drive from our apartment that we frequent (sleeping bird coffee, scout cafe, southeast kitchen, pizzeria metro, wilmington brew works - to name a few). And we love living close to other residents!
Why I chose Nemours: Nemours had everything I was looking for when researching different programs. The number one reason is the schedule: X+Y is everything, I cannot emphasize the importance of having a Y block enough. Its a bigger program so there is more flexibility with your schedule but it also felt like all the residents were close friends and knew each other well. I also appreciated how much education the residents receive (both morning report and noon conference daily). I knew that by working at Nemours I be exposed to interesting and diverse patients but would also get the work-life balance that is essential for well-being during residency.
Haleigh McCahon, MD
she/her
Haleigh.McCahon@nemours.org
Undergrad: University of Richmond
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Interests: I love going for walks along the Schuylkill River with my dog, Louie, and exploring new Philly restaurants with my husband, Joe. I also enjoy boating with my family when back home in Annapolis, MD.
Career Goals: Most likely a fellowship in Allergy!
Where I live and what I love about it: Philly! The city has so much to offer that you’ll never get bored. It is also an easy commute straight down 95 to Wilmington.
Lauren McCormick, DO
she/her
Lauren.McCormick@nemours.org
Undergrad: College of the Holy Cross
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: Global medicine and non profit work!!! Eating!!!!! Hiking, hot girl walks, skiing, short and slow runs, and hanging out with my favorite co-residents!
Career Goal: PICU Fellowship, I love being able to make decisions in regards to my patient's care that result in changes almost immediately. It's a rewarding and challenging branch of pediatrics that I can't wait to explore more during second year. I also am very interested in global health and patient advocacy!
Why I was drawn to Nemours: On my interview day it was apparent that the culture of the program encouraged residents to support each-other while also pushing us to succeed. I knew I would become apart of a group that would always looked out for each other and our patients. Within my first week I knew I was right and I still feel that way starting year 2!
Shaleen Oza, MD
she/her
Shaleen.Oza@nemours.org
Undergrad: Boston University College of Engineering
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Interests: Hiking, skiing, running—anything that involves being outdoors! Also love cooking or trying new restaurants in Philly. I’m a huge Sixers and Eagles fan, love going to games whenever I get a chance!
Career Goal: I'm interested in heme-onc and global health, so ideally a career that can span the two!
Where I live and what I love about it: Philly! It’s such a great city with a lot of personality and grit. I love the diversity of the city and the different neighborhoods, each with their own special feel. There's always so much to do (and eat 🙂)
Ayushi Pathak, MD
she/her
Ayushi.Pathak@nemours.org
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Medical School: New Jersey Medical School
Interests: I love going to concerts, trying out new coffee shops and adding to my vinyl collection.
Career goal: Unsure, but I would love to work in both outpatient and inpatient settings in the future.
Where I live and what I love about it: Boothwyn, PA. It's about 15 minutes from the hospital and only about 30 minutes from Philly for when I want to go there.
Jamee Simone, DO
she/her
Jamee.Simone@nemours.org
Undergrad: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: My favorite form of socializing is going out to eat. I love watching sports (football, soccer, UFC) and cooking shows (Master Chef)! My ideal night is laying on my couch, cuddling with my kitty and fiancé, with some yummy takeout and a good movie.
Career Goal: Neonatology... I love babies, math, procedures, and did I say I love babies?
Where I live and what I love about it: Middletown, DE with my fiancé, who works in Dover. It is a perfect midpoint for us, and we love the friendly, suburban feel that we get whenever we're in our neighborhood or around town.
Alexandra Vincent, MD
she/her
Alexandra.Vincent@nemours.org
Undergrad: College of William and Mary
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Interests: Watching TV, reading, napping, eating, baking, being outside, yoga, doing puzzles
Career Goal: Could be anything at this point! Outpatient, inpatient, specialty, tbd...
Where I live and what I love about it: Wilmington, in the Riverfront area! I love living along the water, close to fellow residents, and a short drive away from the hospital!
Why I chose Nemours: Supportive vibes from everyone! and a beautiful hospital to work in with access to coffee 24/7