Our Current Residents

George Atkinson, MD, PhD
University of Alabama, School of Medicine
After spending most of my thirty years in the southeast, I’m excited to be in Boston for my residency.  Although I lived in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. for a few years, I spent most of my childhood in Birmingham, Alabama.  For my undergraduate education, I attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Although I strongly entertained majoring in English with a music minor, I eventually settled on a hybrid biology-philosophy major.  Surrounded by a family full of doctors, medical school seemed a natural next step after college.  I had enjoyed previous summer research work, so I made the decision to enter a combined MD/PhD program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  My PhD thesis work investigated the role of aberrant signaling pathways in glioblastoma tumors in the neuroimmunology lab of Tika Benveniste. 

When not being in school for three decades, I have a lot of other interests and activities that I like to pursue.  Road cycling has become my favorite form of exercise in the past few years.  Music has always been important to me, both playing and listening.  My stereo is big and scary and enjoys spinning vinyl records.  One of my best friends is a professional photographer, so I’ve done plenty of amateur work with a camera as well.  After settling into my intern year, I’m looking forward to finding the best cup of coffee in town.

Claudio deBarros, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical School

I was born and raised in Dorchester.  I am a former middle school teacher who's loved working with children since high school tutoring or teaching at every stop along my educational career.  I am a proud first generation Cape Verdean with many family ties to the area. I love Boston sports and spend my spare time playing and supporting a local Men’s Rugby Club. 

Norah Emara, MD
Tufts University School of Medicine
I was born and bred in Watertown, MA, approximately a 10 minute ride west of The Floating on the MassPike.  After graduating from Watertown High School, I made the huge trek out to CT for undergrad at Wesleyan University, the land where shoes are optional and dreadlocks mandatory. When my time at Wes was up, I found myself moving back into Boston to start medical school at Tufts.  I found Tufts and the Floating to be such a nurturing and happy environment that I chose to stay on as a resident! I've lived in a number of areas throughout Boston and the 'burbs, but nothing beats waking up to the unlimited number of coffee shops available to you when you live and work 5 minutes from the South End.  I love baking, relaxing on the beach, swimming, yoga and attending sporting events.  My dad is a veterinarian, so naturally we grew up with lots of pets and I consider myself a true animal lover. I am also a diehard Celtics fan.  According to my father, my first sentence was "Kevin McHale, Larry Bird, and Robert Parrish!" (pronounced Kevin Matale, Lawwy Biwd, Wobewt Pawwish) and my love for the C's has only grown stronger over the years.  I'm thrilled to be staying in Boston at The Floating for residency and am honored to be able to give back to the community that has given me so much!

Jamie Fey, MD
Albany Medical College
I was born in Texas, but grew up in Southern Maine, in one of those touristy towns that triples in population during the summer months. I graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in American Literature in 2006 and moved back to Maine, where I spent a year working at small private school, teaching middle schoolers English and science, coaching field hockey and track and serving as a "dorm parent" (meaning that my roommates post college included approximately fifty girls between the ages of 13 and 18). I then moved to Albany, NY for medical school and am absolutely thrilled to be returning to New England for my residency. Things that I enjoy outside of work/school include reading novels, running (I recently completed my first 1/2 marathon), visiting my parents in Maine and taking their dogs hiking, and cooking (or trying to learn to cook). Also...I LOVE Boston sports!

Alexandra Garza, MD
University of Texas Medical School

I am a 20-something-year-old born and raised in Mexico and proud Fighting Texas Aggie who has never experienced real seasons in her life!  I met my current partner in crime over a cadaver the first day of medical school, and married him 2 years later. He's going to be a radiologist!  I love reading, writing, blogging, camping and skiing.  My dog and cat are my pride and joy, and someday I will own a little petting zoo.

Matthew Gianferante, MD
Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences

My name is Matthew.  I am originally from the South Shore of Massachusetts, and worked in the Massachusetts Public Health in JP after college, so it great to be home.  Last four years I was at the Uniformed Service University, and I am a member the US Public Health Service.  The Bruins have lost every game I have watched this year including three games in the Stanley cup finals, so I may be skipping the next two games and hoping for the best.

Uma Khazanie, MD
University of Michigan Medical School

My interests and favorite pastimes have been influenced by all the places I have been fortunate to live in over the years.  I grew up in a small town in the Redwood forest of Northern California so an ideal weekend for me includes a hike in the woods and a cookout around a campfire.  As an undergraduate at UCLA I developed a love of beaches and sunshine so a trip to the coast will always make me happy.  After graduating I had the opportunity to travel internationally which has inspired a strong interest in global health.  Medical school then took me to University of Michigan where I learned that Saturday afternoon football at the local pub with friends is the best end to a long week.  

Bonnie Lau, MD, PhD 
Brown University Medical School

Hi! I am so very excited to be training at Tufts, where I see opportunity to foster the pediatric physician scientist in me. Residents get a lot of hands-on experience, and I am surrounded by mentors who keep me on top of the ever-changing research world. My research interest is in stem cells in cancer and other diseases. I got my MD/PhD at Brown in Rhode Island, and now I return to the heart of Boston where I first grew up! When I asked my friends what else I can write about myself, these are the words that came up: zumba, mirabar, gym, Boston Celtics, dance, photos, cooking, beaches…I’d be thrilled to talk about any of these things!

Lovy Shukla, MD
George Washington U School of Medicine

After growing up in New Jersey and New Delhi, India, I became a fan of the Midwest from four years of college in Chicago.  I returned to the East Coast for medical school in Washington, D.C.—I’ll miss the cherry blossoms!   I am now extremely excited to explore Boston and beautiful New England.   When I am out and about, I enjoy trying out new restaurants with my foodie fiancé (also a resident), cooking and experimenting with vegetarian recipes, hosting game nights and playing with my two adorable parakeets, Sky and Emma.   As for the next steps in my career, I hope to become a primary care pediatrician involved in international health. 

Claribel Vargas, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical School

I was born and raised in Massachusetts, home of some of the most beloved sports teams in the nation. I attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire where I was first introduced to North Face (a winter essential for conquering New England winters). After college, I completed a post-baccalaureate program in Boston, attended graduate school in Chicago and worked on qualitative HIV research in Boston.  I am one of three founding officers of a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development, which has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I come from a large extended Dominican family, which makes holidays and events memorable.  I enjoy eating lots of Dominican staples i.e moro, platanos, pastelon. Though I lack athleticism, I love watching sports. I have never lived in Boston so I am excited to experience the city.

Jessica Cohn, MD
Stony Brook University School of Medicine

Kelly Wills, MD
Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine
I was born in Monterey, California, and spent my earliest childhood years as a “military brat”, moving around between California, Texas, South Carolina, and Germany. By the time I started school, my family had settled in the charming southern town of Savannah, Georgia, where I began my journey as a Georgia Peach. I have since embraced such a title while having pursued both my undergraduate and medical training in Georgia before deciding to venture beyond the land of homemade biscuits and sweet tea. I am excited about my new residence in Boston, where I hope to experience my first Duck Tour and Red Sox game as well as to scrape together monthly savings to spend on North End Italian cuisine and Newbury Street shopping. In my free time, I love to travel, spend time with friends and family, exercise (I have recently joined the p90x bandwagon), and explore various restaurants.  I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Floating family!

Vanessa DeSousa, DO - Triple Board
AT Still University of Osteopathic Medicine
I was born and raised in Michigan, so the cold New England weather will be like returning home! My road to medicine has been a little bit non-traditional. After I finished undergrad at the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!!) I taught elementary school for 5 years. Along the way, I completed a master's degree in special education, focusing on children with emotional impairments. So many of my students did not have good medical care, so I decided to become a doctor to help with those needs. I headed west to ATSU in Arizona for med school and did most of my rotations in the central valley in California. I ventured to San Diego, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Ghana for a few rotations, too. I really enjoy both pediatrics and psychiatry, so when I found out I could do both in the same program, I was ecstatic!  In my free time, I like to hike, bike, watch movies, cook, read, and catch up with the important people in my life. I enjoyed the warm weather and made lots of great friends on the west coast, but am excited to start a new adventure at Tufts in the triple board program!

Jessica Bennett, MD, MPH
Tufts University School of Medicine
Originally, I hail from a tiny town called Jackson, NH, which is close to Mt. Washington.  The town is so small, in fact, that I was the only person in my kindergarten class.  Needless to say, the teacher and I were WELL acquainted.  My parents still live in Jackson, on an organic farm, and I visit as much as I can, be it for ski season, or for turkey "harvesting" day, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. For college, I stayed in New England, attending Colby College in Waterville, ME.  I avoided any and all science classes, so it was not until I was working as a social worker in Portland, OR and Washington, DC that I decided to brave Organic Chemistry and Physics. I was lucky enough to attend Tufts Medical School for an MD/MPH, and I liked Boston and Tufts so much that I stayed on as a resident!

Alexandra Chomut, MD
Albany Medical College
I was born and raised in a suburb of NYC - Berkeley Heights, NJ and could never believe that I could enjoy any other city, but Boston has definitely been a pleasant surprise.  My husband and I, newlyweds, met in medical school up in Albany, NY and couples matched in Boston.  We are now having a blast here, enjoying whatever free time we have off together trying new restaurants around the city, going to wine tastings (he’s from Napa) and having friends over.  We have also been having a great time exploring the city and meeting great, interesting people.  I have been dabbling in cooking, baking (thanks to my intern friend Noa’s encouragement) and soon beer making. My guilty pleasures include any show on Bravo and post-call cleaning.

Jason Clayton, MD, PhD
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
School of Medicine
Born in California, raised in Maryland, undergrad at Temple University (Philly), med/grad school at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (GO HEELS!), and now residency at Tufts.  I've enjoyed the warm North Carolina weather and warm beaches and am starting to slowly adjust to the cold New England winters and cold water at the beaches in the Summer.  My wife is a post-doctoral fellow at MIT and we're the proud parents of a cute, adorable, handsome, funny (insert other appropriate adjective) almost 2 year old boy, Benjamin.  The Floating is a great place for residency: the perfect size, easily accessible attendings, and great colleagues.  When I'm all done here, I plan on pursuing a Critical Care Fellowship.  While Boston professional sports is a big deal here, I'll always be a college sports fan. March Madness anyone???

Noa Cohen, MD
Drexel University College of Medicine
I'm originally from Israel, but I spent most of my life as a Jersey girl in Livingston, NJ. I went to NYU for undergrad and eventually found my way to Philadelphia for medical school at Drexel University. I fell in love with the Floating and its residents on my interview day and knew this is where I wanted to train. So I moved to Boston and am enjoying learning about this city and trying all the new foods the area has to offer. I'm really looking forward to whale watching, apple picking and lobsters. Yes, there is an 'r' in lobster, a fact many people up here seem to forget! I love to bake/cook, hike, camp and watch Jersey Shore (my guilty pleasure).

James Davis, MD
University of Utah School of Medicine
The awesomeness you see here was home-grown in the suburbs of Salt Lake City, land of mountains and snow. I spent my weekends skydiving at my dad’s, my weeknights wrestling, and lived with a family of 9 that also intermittently included a turkey, baby crocodile, tarantulas, pythons, and a billion other weird pets. After high school I had to get out and see something else, so I went to college in Southern California (where I learned to snowboard). Then I hopped over to Providence, RI for some cancer immunotherapy research. I did a lot of traveling during those 6 months, and that’s when I got to know Boston, the glory that is ChowderFest, and refined my love of raw oysters. I then headed back to Utah for a year of stem cell research before plowing through med-school there. Med-school brought me to my fiancé, and ultimately back to Boston. Lately I’ve been really into cooking, Metallica, NetFlix, and going out with my co-residents. Floating is a pretty sweet place, and I consider myself lucky to be here.

Melissa Fernandes, MD
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Hi! I grew up in the best place on earth, the San Francisco Bay Area! Growing up, I knew it was winter when I had to put socks on. I was born and raised an Oakland A's fan, no Red Sox love here. I moved to St. Louis for college and medical school and developed a fondness for gooey butter cake and toasted ravioli. I was a history major in college and have spent a good amount of time learning about the history of medicine. I've even visited the Museum of Surgeons in Edinburgh. I guess I wasn't done moving east as I ended up coming to Boston for residency. I'm enjoying my time at the Floating and learning to be a pediatrician. I haven't quite figured out the next step after residency. Right now, I am just focusing on being an intern and adjusting to life on the East Coast, but in my heart I'll always be a California girl.

Went to college at Northeastern. Worked as a teacher, in a wildlife hospital,  and in clinical research before starting medical school in Cincinnati. Lived in Boston, Dublin, San Francisco and now returned to Boston. Was primary investigator on project on firearm injuries in women and published encyclopedia entries on domestic violence as well as authored or co-authored papers on automated EMR detection of lung injury, severe anemia, and neuropharmacology. On days off likes to make veggie chili and sushi. On vacations always visits the local zoo, especially if it has okapis.

Amy Kritzer, MD
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Interesting things about me: 
I am the mother of 4 kids (ages 10- 2).   In my time outside of the hospital I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, playing board games, playing legos and going on nature walks.

I am an intern here at Floating and since I went to college and med school at Tufts, when I graduate I’ll be a Triple Jumbo! I grew up in Buffalo, NY and though I loved it I knew that Boston was for me. I may have spent time and energy on becoming a doctor, but after retirement becoming a Duck Tour guide seems like a good idea. I’ve already been on seven! In my free time I like to avoid cooking (I’d be happy to tell you about the “egg incident” that involved the Boston Fire Department) and to learn about architecture. I love sharing insider info about Boston (a friend once said I was as good as Yelp!), but I love nachos more.

I am a local, growing up just outside of Boston.  I went to NYU for undergrad, majoring in Chemistry, (so no, I didn't get to hang out with the Olsen twins).  I then went to Harvard Medical School, taking a year off to do clinical research in fetal brain anomalies using fetal MRI.  I am currently completing a 2-year pediatric residency at Tufts Medical Center, and then will go on do to a pediatric neurology residency at Children's Hospital Boston. Hobbies include dance classes (all kinds!), jogging around the city with a fanny-pack, skiing/snowboarding, playing both classical and contemporary piano (Billy Joel/Elton John sing-a-longs anyone?), and singing really, really terrible karaoke.  Since I am a native of Boston, I can tell you all the best places to go for food, shopping, tourism, night-life, dancing (both classes and clubs), and day-trips outside of the city. I’m a big "foodie" and can tell you where (and where not!) to go for pretty much any food type in Boston.

Andrew Saluti, DO
University of New England
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Growing up just outside of Boston, I am proud to now work in a hospital where I was once a patient.  I left the state to do my undergrad at UConn, where I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Heidelberg, Germany, a city I have returned to twice.  I came back to Boston to work as a research assistant in sleep medicine for a year before heading up north to Maine for medical school.  This was a perfect place for my two favorite activities, skiing and surfing.  It also brought about my interest in osteopathic manipulations.  During my fourth year, I set up rotations all over the country, including San Diego and Honolulu, but I am glad to be back home for residency.  Other things I like include sailing, drawing, running, and of course cheering for my Boston sports teams.  Love that dirty water.

Julianne Viola, MD
Tufts University School of Medicine
I grew up in a small, coastal community south of Boston and spent nearly every day during the summer at the beach.  I am the second of five children, and my grandmother lived with us, so my house was always buzzing with activity.  After graduating high school, I went down to Baltimore to attend Loyola College.  Unlike most of my peers, I was relieved to only have one roommate and to share the bathroom with only 3 other girls.  I had an amazing time in the Charm City, but decided to return to the “Dirty Water” of Boston to complete medical school at Tufts University.  I had such a great experience at Tufts, and I was thrilled to continue my residency training at the Floating.  In my free time I love to read, especially out on the beach. I enjoy travelling, spending time with my family, and watching Boston sports.

Eléna Aragona, MD
Albany Medical College
After growing to appreciate the fall foliage and winter excitement in upstate New York for 8 years of college and medical school, I matched at Tufts and moved to Boston.  I'm thrilled to be living in a city, and I'm taking advantage of every free minute I can by exploring parks, neighborhoods, and most importantly, restaurants.  My nightly activities include Halo campaigns, techno concerts, and cooking marathons.  I'm also thrilled to be at the Tufts program - everyone is friendly and helpful.  The program is the perfect size to get to know the other residents and enjoy our weekly Resident Night Outs.  And the clinical experience is comprehensive too!

Nicole Grady, MD
University of Minnesota School of Medicine
I grew up in rural farming communities throughout Minnesota, South Dakota & North Dakota.  I attended the University of Minnesota for both my undergraduate work, as well as medical school, so Minneapolis is where I call “home” and my husband and I would love to return to the Twin Cities someday.   My career goal is to be a neonatologist, and I am currently working through the fellowship application process. Outside of medicine, I spend much of my time with my husband and our recently adopted puggle.  I also LOVE to bake (especially cupcakes), and often bring in treats to share with the team.

I am from Lebanon, but I have also lived in Cyprus and Kuwait. I completed my undergraduate and medical school training at the American University of Beirut and wanted to specialize in Pediatrics -Hematology Oncology. So, after graduating I worked for 2 years in clinical research at the Children’s Cancer Center in Lebanon, where I co-authored an article that was published in Pediatric Blood and Cancer about pulmonary hypertension in children with Sickle Cell Disease. What I didn’t expect was that working there would make me realize that my real interest was in the mental health of children with chronic diseases. So that is how I ended up in Boston: enjoying the triple board program at Tufts, helping with research on the mental health of children in foster care, making the most of my time in this wonderful city despite its ridiculously cold unpredictable weather.

Patricia Helm, MD
Boston University School of Medicine
Hi! I'm a local, I grew up just outside of Boston and am so glad to be at the Floating for residency. I studied Art History and played ice hockey at Williams.  Before med school at BU I was an AmeriCorps volunteer, earned a master's degree and worked for a biotech.  I love exploring New England from the Cape to Maine and try to escape to the beach or the mountains during time off. 

Carol Ilzarbe, MD
Tufts University School of Medicine
I was born in a state where people always ask me more details about the exit number, but I went to highschool in Ft. Lauderdale and always consider that to be my home town. After migrating up the east coast to Duke for undergrad - GO BLUE DEVILS- and then to NYC for research, I ended up at Tufts for medical school and couldn't stand being away from my hubby and son and came back last year to complete residency at the Floating- it's my second home! I'm one of the few moms in our program and I'm never shy about answering the question, "How's Lucas?"  You might see our faces on posters around the hospital and in local shopping malls- I'll explain why in person. I love to cook, shop, and run and I hope to enjoy my job- whether as a hospitalist or as a neonatologist when I grow up. 

April Inniss, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical School
I graduated from Brown University and then attended University of Massachusetts Medical School.  I will be starting a Robert Wood Johnson Fellowship this upcoming July.

Marie-Astrid Lefebvre, MD
McGill University Faculty of Medicine
Montreal, Quebec
I grew up in Montreal, Canada and spent all my life there until I moved to Boston for my Pediatrics Residency training. The North East weather and "snowstorms" are really much better than what I'm used to! I am French Canadian and thus French is my mother tongue. I occasionally mispronounce english words (which entertains my friends a lot) and I have a true passion for soft cheeses and good wine!! I went to McGill University for medical school and did 6 months of Family Medicine Residency back home until I decided to apply here for Peds!  During 4th year of medical school, I saw a rare case of pediatric Castleman disease with primary immunodeficiency and wrote a case report about it. It was recently accepted for publication in Pediatric Blood and Cancer. I decided that I want to do a hospitalist fellowship and later work as a hospitalist in a teaching hospital. I am really interested in medical education and will likely incorporate this in my career. My hobbies include travelling (especially to places that include beach, sun and pina coladas), skiing, playing tennis and spending quality time with my loved ones. Boston is a great city with amazing restaurants, beautiful sceneries and so many things to do! I am really glad to be at the Floating as it is a supportive and education-focused program and we truly are a big family!

Maureen Leonard, MD
New York Medical College
Hi, my name is Mo. I was born and raised in Boston (yes in the city). I left for about 10 years to attend college at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and med school in New York. I lost my fabulous accent in one of those two states and decided to come back to Boston because I loved the people I met on my interview day at Tufts.  In my free time I enjoy hip hop yoga, shopping, and all things pertaining to reality TV. I’m interested in GI and international health. I spent a month working in Haiti last year and plan on returning this year as well. I am super excited to be staying in Boston and starting my GI fellowship at MGH next year.

S.M. Reza Nabizadeh, MD
Mashad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
I was born and raised in Iran, my home country where I went to medical school and finished pediatric residency. I moved to States to continue my education. I spent a few years in a busy cardiology practice in Houston which was a valuable experience for me. Then it was time to return to my passion and was lucky to find Tufts Pediatric Neurology program in Great Boston where I am doing my Fellowship and repeat pediatric residency.

José Ponce Ríos, MD
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Hola! My name is Jose.  I’m originally from Puerto Rico so for Residency I chose one of the coldest places to do residency ever! (My Minnesota and Canada friends may differ).  Snow is a novelty for me.  I’d seen it once or twice before interview season.  Anyway, I did all my training in Puerto Rico and have found the change to be an easy one, met amazing friends during residency, great teachers all wrapped up in a fun city and on top of that Boston has an airport with a direct flight home - sounds like a deal to me!!  So, a little about me hmmm I like to sing, dance (although I’m pretty sure in my head it sounds better than to other people) and I will probably mispronounce most of the medication names.  It’s due to my “espanish” accent jajajaa (yes we laugh with a J in Spanish not with the H; H is silent). My future plans are to be announced; now I am learning about everything to make an educated decision of what to do with the rest of my life. I have found that in the Floating this is possible, perfect size program where you know everyone and everyone knows you; this allows you to work closely with sub-specialists and get to know the reality of what each specialty entails. If you see me during your interview, don’t hesitate to stop and talk - but be warned I talk a looooooot.

Peter Townsend, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical School
I am a native, having grown up in and attended the for undergrad and medical school.  I am an active triathlete, and even (slowly) completed a full Ironman last year.  In the past, I have been involved in international medicine, which is an interest that I would like to pursue further after my medical training is complete.  I am planning to apply for GI fellowship after residency, and have been working on research in that area.

Yelizaveta Vaynshteyn, MD
SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine

I was born and spent first 12 years of my life in St. Petersburg, Russia, and have also lived in Vienna, Austria, and New York City.  Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and 5 year old daughter Rebecca, sailing, skating, hiking, mushroom picking (yes, it's a Russian thing), and playing chess.  I am interested in working in primary care pediatrics in the North Shore, with a special interest in childhood obesity and nutrition.

Our Chief
Residents