Eleven doctors graduated from the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program on Friday, June 30, 2023, bringing the total number of family physicians completing the three-year, postdoctoral training program to 327. The program is an affiliate of Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). Residency program director T. Eric Schackow, MD, PhD, said the physicians have trained and provided care at the St. Elizabeth Campus of MVHS, the Sister Rose Vincent Family Medicine Center on Hobart Street, the Women’s Health Center and at the Faxton and St. Luke’s Campuses as affiliates of MVHS.
The graduation ceremony and dinner were held at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro, New York. Several awards were presented, honoring graduates, residents and faculty members. Five of this year’s graduates will stay in the area to work, four are joining MVHS primary care practices. Historically, 50 percent of the program’s graduates have settled in the Upstate New York region to practice, adding to the primary care work force and helping to alleviate a shortage of physicians in the area.
The Residency Program was started in 1975-76 to attract more doctors to practice family medicine. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and by the American Osteopathic Association, and is affiliated with SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, ME, and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA.
FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY GRADUATES
Kwadwo Ansong, MD – A graduate of The American University of Antigua, Dr. Ansong will work at an outpatient practice in Kentucky.
Victor Avila Macias, MD – A graduate of, Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de La Habana, Cuba, Dr. Macias will work as an inpatient hospitalist for MVHS.
Jessica S. Baik, MD – A graduate of The Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara Facultad De Medicina, Mexico, Dr. Baik will work at an outpatient private practice in California.
Mary Juliana Bapana, MD – A graduate of St. John’s Medical College, India, Dr. Bapana will work in the MVHS Washington Mills Medical Office.
Benjamin Flinn, MD – A graduate of The University of Vermont, Dr. Flinn will work in outpatient primary care in Vermont.
Pete Htwe, MD – A graduate of University of Medicine 1 Yangon, Myanmar, Dr. Htwe will work in the MVHS East Utica Medical Office.
Angelina M. Nitto, MD – A graduate of Saint George’s University in West Indies, Grenada, Dr. Nitto will work in outpatient and school-based health in Oneonta, New York.
Priscilla Merli Palomar, MD – A graduate of Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Campinas, Brazil, Dr. Palomar will practice outpatient medicine in Washington.
Ronald Siregar, MD – A graduate of Ross University School of Medicine in in Miramar, Florida, Dr. Siregar will work in an outpatient practice in California.
Phyu Phyu Thwe, MD – A graduate of University of Medicine 1 Yangon, Myanmar, Dr. Thwe will practice primary care at MVHS Medical Group, North Utica office.
Sun Koo Yoo, MD, MPH, MBA – A graduate of Saint George’s University in West Indies, Grenada, Dr. Yoo will work in in outpatient care in Longview, Washington
AWARDS PRESENTED
The Golden Apple Award for commitment to high standards of education and unsurpassed dedication in teaching residents was presented to Dr. Nabin Adhikari.
The Distinguished Faculty Award for commitment to high standards in clinical education and dedication to the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program was presented to Dr. Natalie Hua and Dr. Suna Soguktas.
The Roger D. Moore, MD Integrity Award, given to a graduating resident who demonstrates extraordinary integrity during their three-year residency, was presented to Victor Javier Avila Macias, MD.
The First Year Family Medicine Resident Award for Excellence, given to the first-year resident that consistently demonstrates all-around excellence as recognized by faculty, attendings, peers and staff was presented to Suramya Sivarajan, MD.
The Second Year Family Medicine Resident Award for Excellence, given to the second-year resident that consistently demonstrates all-around excellence as recognized by faculty, attendings, peers and staff was presented to Lizeth Duenas, MD.
The Sister Rose Vincent Gleason Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated consistent support for the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program, and who has embraced the mission and vision of the residency program. This award was presented to Dr. Julie Betro-Shkane.
The William J. Zombek, MD, Memorial Award was given to the resident who exemplifies excellence in clinical performance, quality patient care and overall positive mannerism to patients served, as well as positive relationships with peers and support personnel, was presented to Pete Htwe, MD.
The Exemplary Resident Teacher Award is given to recognize teaching contributions by residents. This award is given annually to a resident who has best demonstrated interest in and commitment to family medicine education and was presented to Angelina Nitto, MD.
Special recognition was given to Family Medicine Program Coordinator, Keirsten Burton, for her crucial role in the success of the program and graduation event.
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