Current Internal Medicine Residents
Current Internal Medicine Residents
Our 2024-25 Internal Medicine residents.
Chief Resident in Internal Medicine
Sabin Tripathee M.B. B.S. – Nepal Medical College
- Where are you from?
- Kathmandu, Nepal.
- What are your hobbies?
- I play guitar and was a rhythm guitarist in a rock/metal band called 13th Frequency. Cooking and if I weren’t a doctor, I would choose to be a chef.
- What do you like about Bassett and Cooperstown?
- The place, people and everything, which is a lot that it has to offer, despite being a small secluded town.
Third Year Chief Residents in Internal Medicine
Abolfazl Ahmady, M.D. – American Univ. of Antigua College of Medicine, Antigua
- Where are you from?
- Canada.
- What are your hobbies?
- Video games, soccer, camping, barbeques, getting together with friends and family.
- What do you like about Bassett and Cooperstown?
- Incredibly friendly, staff, patients, neighbors, and people in general. When I walk my dog in town random people will frequently start friendly conversations. Staff and other residents are very helpful. The program in general cares a lot about residents and their wellness while at the same time teaching as much as possible. We have great up-to-date didactics and conferences and easy access to sim lab.
Panisara Fangsaard, M.D. – Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
- Where are you from?
- Thailand.
- What are your hobbies?
- Watching movies, traveling with family and friends, hot yoga.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- The people at Bassett, friendly colleagues in a very supportive environment during residency!
Suman Paudel, M.B., B.S. – Gandaki Medical College, Nepal
- Where are you from?
- Pokhara, Nepal.
- What are your hobbies?
- Watching and playing cricket, traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- Bassett is a resident-friendly program offering diverse cases and a close-knit community. With attendings and seniors readily available for support, transitioning to the United States healthcare system was seamless. Cooperstown is a charming town surrounded by natural beauty, and nearby Otsego Lake adds to its appeal, creating a fulfilling and picturesque training experience.
Third Year Residents in Internal Medicine
Pavel Bleik, M.D. – North-Western State Medical University, Russia
- Where are you from?
- St Petersburg, Russia.
- What are your hobbies?
- Playing piano and guitar, horseback riding, tennis, chess, martial arts, and basketball.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- For me it was the first choice from the very beginning. I loved it here – it’s beautiful and the people are incredibly friendly. I made my ultimate decision after the interview; it was organized perfectly. For these reasons and many more the decision was easy.
Kannate Chotiphansiri, M.D. – Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
- Where are you from?
- Bangkok, Thailand.
- What are your hobbies?
- I love traveling to new places and capturing moments in photography. I’m a big fan of manga, anime and video games. Leaning about stars and night skies, music, beginner level pianist.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- People in the residency program seemed very friendly. Cooperstown is located in a very beautiful and peaceful area with a lot of outdoor activities. The program has very good plans about how to introduce residents to the healthcare system in the United States, supports residents during training, and assists with future career path planning. The focus on residents’ well-being and work-life balance was a definite attraction.
Hashim Ejaz, M.B., B.S. – Army Medical College, Pakistan
- Where are you from?
- Islamabad. Pakistan.
- What are your hobbies?
- I like to eat, travel, play soccer and other exercise.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- Bassett and Cooperstown are like a second home for me. I’ve found caring, collegial, compassionate friends/colleagues/mentors from whom I continue to learn.
Jasvindar Kumar, M.B., B.S. – Khyber Medical College, Pakistan
- Where are you from?
- Pakistan.
- What are your hobbies?
- Cooking, traveling, and listening to music.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- I was drawn to Bassett because of its excellent didactic curriculum, rigorous hands-on clinical training, and strong attention to resident wellness. Seniors from my medical school who are in Bassett’s internal medicine program spoke very highly about the program and how supportive and approachable the faculty are. Furthermore, Cooperstown has great diversity, with a large geriatric population which I’ve always enjoyed providing care to. While researching Cooperstown, I found it more like my home country village with greenery, peace, and beautification everywhere.
Rupa Pudasaini, M.D. – Moscow State University, Russia
- Where are you from?
- Kuthmandu, Nepal.
- What are your hobbies?
- Yoga, meditation, dancing, and watching movies.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- I always wanted to be in a program which has a tradition of excellence with missions of patient care, teaching, and research. Being a tertiary care system covering thousands of patients seemed like a good platform to brush one's knowledge, and to gain great clinical experience. Also, the excellent support system that Bassett provides to each resident drew me towards the program. Cooperstown is the perfect place to live and raise kids.
Wajeeh Rehman, M.B., B.S. – Khyber Medical College, Pakistan
- Where are you from?
- Kohat, Pakistan.
- What are your hobbies?
- Swimming, table tennis, badminton, cooking, and watching movies/shows.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- Cooperstown is similar to my hometown so it feels home to me. I like the people of Cooperstown and I feel happiness while interacting with them—also, while serving them in the hospital. I like to go to Otsego Lake to swim and to enjoy the surrounding serenity and calmness. I consider Bassett Hospital as a pearl in a shell and feel very privileged working here.
Arzu Shahid M.B., B.S. – Khyber Medical College
- Where are you from?
- Houston, Texas.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy organizing, cooking delicious meals for my husband and myself, and traveling.
Suprita Shrestha, M.B., B.S. – Nepal Medical College, Nepal
- Where are you from?
- Kathmandu Nepal.
- What are your hobbies?
- Hiking, trekking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- In my previous experience I enjoyed working in a rural setting so I found this to be a good fit. I’ve always found the people to be so warm and welcoming. I was also looking for a program that would help me to grow as a physician, as well as ensuring a good work-life balance. I found it all in Bassett's internal medicine program.
Egor Zakharchenko, M.D. – Altai State Medical University, Russia
- Where are you from?
- Barnaul, Russia.
- What are your hobbies?
- Road cycling, running, attending concerts and sports games, traveling, exploring new places, and learning new languages.
- What aspects of Bassett’s internal medicine residency program helped guide your decision to apply?
- The Bassett program is very well-known for its really amazing atmosphere, and the friendly and careful attention of the teaching staff to their residents. I loved the small size of the program where I felt that residents could grow faster and more efficiently as a real team. Cooperstown is a very nice place where I can enjoy the thrilling nature and upstate autumn beauties.
Second Year Residents in Internal Medicine
Farhan Afridi M.B. B.S. – Khyber Medical College
- Where are you from?
- Peshawar, Pakistan.
- What are your hobbies?
- I am a big fan of cinema. I enjoy watching movies and TV shows from different regions of the world. I also enjoy playing cricket, hiking, traveling, and exploring new cuisines.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you and helped to guide your decision to apply?
- I researched Bassett and found that Bassett is a closed-knit community with emphasis on resident wellness and didactics. My interview experience was very wholesome and congenial. The camaraderie between seniors and juniors was evident during the pre-interview social. The conducive learning environment here at Bassett incorporates residents very well into residency. The beautiful landscapes of Cooperstown and the scenic Otsego Lake made it even easier for me to rank this place as my top priority.
Katrina Corpuz M.D. – Univ. of Santo Tomas
- Where are you from?
- Makati City, Philippines.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy yoga, journaling, taking photos, and exploring different cuisines.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- I was drawn to Bassett because it offers extensive exposure to a diverse patient population and a wide variety of cases. The program is highly supportive and guides residents in their career paths. Additionally, the friendly environment, the beautiful and peaceful location of Cooperstown, and the emphasis on resident well-being and work-life balance make it an ideal choice for me.
Jeyavishnupriya "JVP" Gopalakrishnan M.B., B.S. – Trichy SRM Medical College
- Where are you from?
- India.
- What are your hobbies?
- I like to read, go on long walks, and am always up for trying anything outdoors.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- Apart from its highly efficient training program, Bassett has a legacy that inspires, and I wanted to be a part of that.
Yi "Luke" Hao M.D. – Columbia
- Where are you from?
- I grew up in China.
- What are your hobbies?
- I like to go to the gym, long distance running, and hiking. I also like to watch movies, TV shows.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- When I was a Columbia medical student, I did a family medicine rotation at Bassett Cobleskill Clinic, which gave me the first exposure to rural care. I truly enjoyed the supportive learning environment with a full spectrum of diseases. I also really love the natural beauty in Cooperstown and accessibility to the outdoor activities. For these reasons, I've been dreaming to come back.
Andrew Hess M.D. – American University of the Caribbean
- Where are you from?
- Los Angeles, CA.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy spending time with my children, running, and hiking.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- Bassett's internal medicine residency program feels like a home away from home. The residents look out for one another and always help everyone to learn and grow as medical professionals.
Saniah Khan M.B., B.S. – King Edward Medical University
- Where are you from?
- Pakistani-Canadian.
- What are your hobbies?
- I love staying active and exploring ways to maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirit. My hobbies include lifting weights, jumping rope, biking, hiking, and cooking healthy, nutritious food.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you and helped to guide your decision to apply?
- During my search for residency programs, Bassett quickly emerged as one of my top choices. The program’s strong emphasis on education and its dedicated, approachable faculty stood out to me. During my interview day, I immediately noticed the collegial and friendly atmosphere among the residents and between the residents and faculty. Additionally, the charm of Cooperstown, with its lush greenery and serene environment, was an added attraction that resonated deeply with me. Being here has surpassed my expectations, and I am genuinely happy with my decision. There is nothing I would change about this place.
Unaib Memon M.B., B.S. – Liaquat University
- Where are you from?
- Hyderabad, Pakistan.
- What are your hobbies?
- Playing video games, cricket, watching movies and dramas, also developing an interest in cooking. I also love to go by the lake.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- First and most important is the people, the friendly and welcoming environment at Bassett really allows you to be your best self along with great residency training. Second big reason is the town of Cooperstown, it really is the place where you really know your neighbors, additionally there are fun activities to participate in and enjoy. Thirdly, the proximity to nearby cities line Albany, NYC for weekend trips lets you enjoy your life to the fullest.
Ruvarashe Mupedziswa M.D. – American University of Antigua
- Where are you from?
- Canada.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy travelling and exploring new places, I also enjoy working out and listening to audio book.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- I was drawn to Bassett's internal medicine program due to its strong emphasis on comprehensive patient care and its commitment on fostering a collaborative and safe learning environment. The faculty and staff support created such a nurturing environment which further reinforced my decision.
Steve Nwokeocha M.B., B.S. – University of Nigeria
- Where are you from?
- Nigeria.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy playing and learning sports, writing stories and poems, and absorbing the serenity of nature in vast green landscapes or large open water.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- The quality of clinical education is as important as the environment where your learn, and Bassett offered the best of both worlds. I could tell from the meet and greets before I came there was a true togetherness in the group and staff, as well as in insistence on a non-compromise to the quality of training and health care delivery. The quiet, rural settlement is an added bonus.
Nikita Srivalsan M.D. – American University of Antigua
- Where are you from?
- Calgary, Canada.
- What are your hobbies?
- Dancing, swimming, playing various sports, watching movies.
- What was it about Bassett's internal medicine program that interested you and helped to guide your decision to apply?
- One of the reasons I was drawn to Bassett's program was the integration of women's health training into the resident curriculum and the ability to do some training at the gender wellness center, which was unique for an IM program. Bassett stands out for its commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care in a community-focused environment. The rural setting offers unique challenges and opportunities which enables residents to get hands on training and develop a broad skill set to be prepared to handle a wide range of pathologies. Additionally, the close knit community and collaborative environment among residents and faculty fosters professional growth. Living in Cooperstown you get the peaceful, charming experience of the village but you're also just a road trip away from cities like NYC, Boston, and Toronto; best of both worlds!
Shalini Thiruvarudchelvam M.D. – Ross University
- Where are you from?
- Toronto, ON, Canada.
- What are your hobbies?
- Hiking, piano, photography, & travel.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- I found Bassett's Internal Medicine residency program to be unique in that the residents seemed more like family than colleagues and genuinely cared for one another while encouraging each other's learning in the setting of high acuity patient care. In addition to this, the faculty and program are truly supportive of the residents, approachable and always willing to teach. I found hospitality and warmth not only in the hospital setting but within the greater community of Cooperstown as well, and I came to realize that this residency program would provide the best place for me to develop as a physician through comprehensive patient care but also to grow alongside my fellow residents within a wonderful close knit community.
Trairat "Sum" Unteng M.D. – Prince of Songkla University
- Where are you from?
- Thailand.
- What are your hobbies?
- Cooking, watching movies, traveling with family and friends, trying out new cuisine.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- I was drawn to the program because the program seems to be very supportive of the resident with well-planed curriculum. And Cooperstown is a very charming town to live — beautiful lake and natures.
Sara White D.O. – UNECOM
- Where are you from?
- New Hampshire.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and team sports.
- What was it about Bassett’s internal medicine residency program that interested you & helped to guide your decision to apply?
- I was initially drawn to the program at Bassett for its location and small resident-to-faculty ratio, however it was the collaborative and friendly nature of the residents and attendings I met throughout the year during the interview process that truly made the program stand out. The culture of helping one another and the importance of work-life balance at Bassett fosters a positive and supportive learning environment. Also, Cooperstown is beautiful and provides a variety of activities outside of the hospital.
First Year Residents in Internal Medicine
Liana Abduova M.D. – JSC Astana Med School
- Where are you from?
- Astana, Kazakhstan.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy strength training, reading fantasy books, traveling, and watching TV series in my free time.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- The Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program immediately stood out to me for its high-quality training and warm, family-like atmosphere. I immediately fell in love with the beauty and history of the area, as well as the lovely community. My interview experience was absolutely exceptional and reaffirmed my belief that Bassett is not only a place for strong professional growth, but a wonderful place to build life and lasting friendships.
Ashlesha Chaudhary M.B. B.S. – Nepal Medical College
- Where are you from?
- Kathmandu, Nepal.
- What are your hobbies?
- Traveling, learning new things out of curiosity, and making time for the people I care about.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- I had heard good things about the program, but it was during the interview that it really stood out. The way everyone treated applicants, with kindness, patience, and genuine thoughtfulness made a huge impression. The faculty were warm, the residents seemed genuinely happy, and the whole process felt personal. Everyone felt genuinely kind and invested, plus the charm of Cooperstown, made it an easy decision.
Dikshya Khatiwada M.B. B.S. – Kathmandu Medical College
- Where are you from?
- Nepal.
- What are your hobbies?
- Outside medicine, I love trekking up trails, getting curled up with a good book and a cup of warm tea, learning new languages, and chasing sunsets.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- I chose Bassett Medical Center because it felt more than just a residency program, it felt like a close-knit community where learning is shared – a place where I can learn and grow not only as a good physician, but also as a good person.
Sundal Khuwaja M.B. B.S. – Liaquat University
- Where are you from?
- Hyderabad, Pakistan.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy henna art, and I love to watch movies. I also like to experiment with cooking.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- The most important thing that drew me towards Bassett is the strong sense of community, located in beautiful upstate New York. In addition, the focus on resident wellness and work-life-balance was a definite attraction.
Matthew Nasato M.D. – St. George’s University
- Where are you from?
- Oakville, Ontario (Canada).
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy playing video games, reading science fiction novels, watching movies, cooking, singing, playing the guitar, and staying active with weight-lifting.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- During my interview, I immediately sensed the strong sense of community and support that defines the Bassett residency program. From the beginning, the team has gone above and beyond to make my transition from medical student to intern remarkable smooth. By the end of my interview day, it was clear to me that this program was the right fit. I am genuinely excited for the journey ahead and look forward to the growth and experience the next three years will bring.
Guzal Otajonova M.D. – Tashkent Medical Academy
- Where are you from?
- Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- What are your hobbies?
- My hobbies include baking desserts and crocheting cute plush toys.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- I fell in love with Cooperstown (and the program) the moment I arrived – it is a warm, welcoming community that feels like home. I have received so much support from this community, and now I feel deeply motivated to give back by serving and growing as a physician here.
Ugur Ozturk M.D. – Istanbul Science University
- Where are you from?
- I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey, where I completed medical school at Istanbul Science University.
- What are your hobbies?
- I love creating custom perfumes, experimenting in the kitchen and sharing my cooking on Instagram (@medicalchef1), boxing, playing the harmonica, and enjoying a good game of Hearthstone.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- I was drawn to Bassett’s Internal Medicine Residency Program because it offers the perfect balance of strong clinical training and a close-knit, supportive community. I value the opportunity to learn from dedicated faculty while caring for a diverse patient population in a program that truly puts both patients and residents first.
Raghini Ranganathan M.B. B.S. – Government Medical College
- Where are you from?
- Coimbatore in Southern India.
- What are your hobbies?
- Hiking, cloud-spotting, dancing, zentangling.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- Bassett has a legacy of nurturing growth by providing a friendly, conducive environment and the right balance between supervision and independence. I also found the program human-centered and nimble to change in my interactions with alumni and the current residents. As someone who enjoys winters, Bassett was hands down my first choice for residency.
Amod Rayamajhi M.B. B.S. – Kathmandu Medical College
- Where are you from?
- Kathmandu, Nepal.
- What are your hobbies?
- I like playing and watching soccer, especially Manchester United, playing the guitar, and outdoor hiking.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- The best part about Bassett for me are the homely environment and robust academics in the setting of scenic Cooperstown, which are reminiscent of the serene hills of Kathmandu!
Sagadat Sakenov M.D. – JSC Astana Med School
- Where are you from?
- I'm from the small, industrial town of Rudny, nestled in the wide steppes of northern Kazakhstan.
- What are your hobbies?
- Soccer (FC Barcelona fan), chess.com player, guitar enthusiast.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- I felt how close the people in the program to each other and how much effort they put to contribute to this place – how warmly Teri spoke about the residents, how Dr. Moore gave us a tour of Cooperstown, how chiefs literally ran across the street to show us around. For me, that was the crucial aspect. The environment plays a key role in how we grow, and Bassett felt like the right place to learn, connect, and belong.
Shahin Shah M.B. B.S. – Khyber Medical College
- Where are you from?
- I am from Mardan, Pakistan.
- What are your hobbies?
- I enjoy watching movies and exploring cinema, reading books, traveling to new places, hiking in nature, and engaging in sports like soccer, cricket, and swimming.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- I was drawn to Bassett’s program because of its comprehensive training and strong support system that help residents grow into confident and compassionate physicians. Additionally, Cooperstown’s close-knit community and beautiful surroundings create a unique and welcoming environment for both learning and living.
Rajat Soni M.B. B.S. – Mahatma Gandhi Medical College
- Where are you from?
- Jaipur, India.
- What are your hobbies?
- I have a passion for both mental and physical challenges — whether it’s playing a strategic game of chess, swimming laps, cycling through new routes, or hiking scenic trails. I love being outdoors and discovering new experiences.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- One thing I really like about Bassett is the warm, tight-knit community that makes you feel welcomed from day one.
Jose “Joey” Villena M.D. – St. George’s University
- Where are you from?
- Miami, Florida.
- What are your hobbies?
- Working out, running, computer games, and playing guitar.
- What was it about the Bassett Internal Medicine Residency Program that interested you and helped guide your decision to apply?
- Graduating from medical school, I thought that I wanted to go into diagnostic radiology. However, when I joined Bassett as a TY resident, I was shocked by how much fun I was having doing internal medicine on the hospital wards! By the time my TY residency ended, I knew that I wanted to focus more on internal medicine. Also, there is something magical about the land itself around Cooperstown and upstate NY.
