Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program

Message from Program Director

Welcome to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). Our highly competitive academic program is unique in that it involves faculty and residents providing clinical care at both Westchester Medical Center and New York City Health and Hospitals/Metropolitan. The program seeks to provide residents with comprehensive clinical experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology in urban, suburban, and rural settings.

We provide extensive clinical experiences in general obstetrics and gynecology as well as subspecialty services such a gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, maternal fetal medicine, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and pelvic pain, family planning, and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. It is our mission that a large component of the residents’ clinical training is focused on the care of under-represented minorities and high-risk populations. We are the first hospital system in the area to establish the Center for Women’s Health Equity. Our residents are actively involved in providing care for patients within the center and participate in the fundamental components of this program including educational curricula, research, and advocacy.

Our faculty are diverse, experienced, and deeply committed, with experience and training from all major academic centers in the country. The faculty and residents have worked hard to create a culture of psychological safety and inquiry within the residency program. Using state of the art technology for clinical care and education has helped us continue to keep up with advances in medical education and training. Faculty work closely with residents in research mentorship and career guidance, building professional relationships that last well beyond the four years of residency. Multiple members of our faculty have completed the APGO Surgical Education Scholars Program, and we continue to provide faculty development opportunities to continue to educate our faculty to be physician educators. Additionally, we have faculty who are ABOG board examiners and faculty who are nationally recognized for their research, including NIH funded faculty.

We have regular didactic sessions throughout the week on all services as well as a half day per week of protected didactic time for resident education. The residency didactic schedule includes didactic lectures, journal clubs, colposcopy conference, research meetings, CREOG reviews, and clinical leadership curriculum. There are monthly simulation sessions with the residents to learn gynecologic surgery, obstetric maneuvers, and safety procedures.

Westchester Medical Center is one of the Regional Perinatal Centers for New York State. Pregnant patients are transferred to Labor and Delivery from 10 affiliate hospitals, covering a seven-county region. In addition, Westchester Medical Center’s Institute for Women’s Health and Wellness is devoted to providing comprehensive women’s health to women throughout the Hudson Valley for which Westchester Medical Center is the flagship hospital. We care for some of the highest acuity in obstetrics and gynecology, complemented by lower risk complexity to provide the best overall exposure to our residents.

In summary, we offer unique and comprehensive clinical experience both within New York City and in Westchester County. Our residents graduate as incredible physicians and have found careers in General OB/GYN practices or have continued into fellowship training, many in leadership positions.

Thank you for your interest in our program. Please take some time to explore our website to learn more about what our program has to offer.

Sincerely,

Julia G. Keltz, MD, FACOG
Residency Program Director
Clinical Assistant Professor

Residency Leadership Team

Angelica Sze, MD Associate Program Director	Sharifa Menon, MD Assistant Program Director - Wellness	Jessica Berrios-Elliott, MIS, C-TAGME Program Manager

Program's Mission

The department is committed in its goal of educating residents for their future role as specialists offering comprehensive care to all women and to enable them to achieve their professional goals of clinical practice, academia, or fellowship. Our residents provide care to patients throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City area, serving urban, suburban, and rural patient populations. The department believes that the rich diversity of its residents, faculty, and patient populations are key to its mission of educating outstanding health care professionals for the multicultural world.

Clinical Sites

Westchester Medical Center: Graduate Medical Education
Metropolitan: NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan

Academic Partnership

New York Medical College

Ryan Residency Training Program

The OB-GYN Residency Program at Westchester Medical Center is part of the Kenneth J.Ryan Residency Training Program. The Ryan Program is a national initiative that supports OB-GYN residency programs to create training opportunities in abortion and contraception.

Center for Women's Health Equity

The Center for Women's Health Equity is the first program of its kind based in New York State’s Hudson Valley region, and has an initial aim of reducing the leading causes of death among pregnant women by integrating specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, whose expertise is the care of complex medical problems affecting pregnant women, with its heart and vascular program clinicians to take a more proactive and holistic view of elevated risk factors among women, particularly those of color.

Regional Perinatal Center

The Regional Perinatal Center (RPC) at Westchester Medical Center (WMC) is one of 18 Regional Perinatal Centers in New York State (NYS). We are committed to working with the NYS Department of Health and our affiliate hospitals to accomplish the goal of improving the health of pregnant women and newborns we serve in the Lower Hudson Valley Region. We partner with our 10 affiliate hospitals covering a seven county region and totaling more than 40,000 births annually.

• RPC (Regional Perinatal Center): "Level IV" Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery
  A hospital which provides perinatal clinical services that meet the standards for a level III clinical program but also includes highly specialized services (e.g. ECMO, cardiac surgery, in utero procedures etc.) that may not be available at Level III facilities. The RPC has additional responsibilities for teaching, research, and out-reach as well as database management for its network of hospitals. The RPC is required to formulate an infrastructure to enhance integration of perinatal health care services to accomplish these goals using the tool of a "Regional Perinatal Forum."

Social Media

Follow us on Instagram: @nymcobgyn

FREIDA™ AMA Residency & Fellowship Programs Database (ama-assn.org) Program ID 2203521199

Educational Program

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Westchester Medical Center offers a continuously evolving educational curriculum which is heavily influenced by the residents’ valuable input and follows the educational objectives and core competencies established by the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG).

During this 4-year program, our residents divide their time between Westchester Medical Center and Metropolitan Hospital, affording them an incredible breadth and depth of exposure to diverse patient populations, all subspecialties within OB/GYN (gynecologic oncology, maternal fetal medicine, urogynecology, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, family planning, reproductive endocrinology and infertility) and essential exposure to primary care in women’s health.

In addition to the clinical experience, our residents have protected time for an extensive didactics program at both clinical sites. Each week the residents and attendings dedicate two half-days to teaching at Westchester Medical Center and Metropolitan Hospital, with activities including Grand Rounds, Resident Report, Resident Lecture Series, and Simulation training. Our simulation program includes low fidelity trainers as well as advanced technology trainers such as robotic simulation and high-fidelity surgical models. Supplementary to the formal didactics program are daily MFM teaching rounds, weekly perinatal-neonatal conference, biweekly perinatal conference, tumor board, pre-op conference, and CREOG preparation.

Our program is fully supportive of and compliant with the ACGME clinical and educational work hour regulations, and we understand the importance of resident wellness and wellbeing. Our goal is to provide a high-quality educational experience that emphasizes time for adequate rest and out-of-hospital activities. Therefore, all residents have four weeks of vacation, four additional personal days, and all participate in our established clinical leadership curriculum. We prioritize community partnership and volunteerism, and the residents participate in off campus community service projects and wellness programming.

Rotation Calendar

The following is a representation of the rotation schedules for each PG year.

PGY1 Rotations

PGY2 Rotations

PGY3 Rotations

PGY4 Rotations

Simulation Training Program

Our Simulation program is a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum, aimed at teaching residents the fundamentals of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Our curriculum consists of a four-year rotating schedule of simulation sessions throughout the academic year including both Obstetric simulations and Gynecologic simulations. Our program is constantly evolving to ensure that residents have access to a curriculum that will allow them to grow and improve as physicians.

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) now requires that all residents graduating after May 31, 2020 must pass the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) exam. The simulation curriculum includes preparing residents for the surgical skills component of this examination.

Post-Match Intern Preparation Curriculum

Before the start of residency, our incoming interns participate in two curricula aimed to prepare the incoming interns for residency on day 1.

Readiness for Residency Curriculum: 4 sessions (3 zoom and 1 in person) to help prepare incoming interns for the new challenges of residency.

Topics included in this curriculum are:

• Resilience & Gratitude
  
• Time Management & Priorities
  
• Evolving Your Learning Skills
  
• Mission & Values

Intern Bootcamp: Two days of hands-on simulation training for incoming interns

Topics included in this curriculum are:

• Normal Labor
  
• Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring
  
• Introduction to the Operating Room
  
• Critical Anatomy for Gynecologic Surgeons
  
• Introduction to Surgical Instruments
  
• Vaginal Delivery Simulation
  
• Perineal Repair Simulation
  
• Cesarean Section Simulation

Obstetrics & Gynecology Core Simulation Curriculum

• Electrosurgery Bootcamp
• Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound Simulation
• Family Planning Simulation
  • LARC Insertion Certification
    
  • MVA, D&C, D&E Simulation
    
• Laparoscopic Surgery Simulations
  
  • Adnexal Surgery
    
  • Myomectomy
    
  • Sacrocolpopexy
    
• Pelvic Anatomy Simulation
  
• Hysteroscopy & Cystoscopy Simulation
  
• Hysterectomy Training
  
  • Abdominal
    
  • Laparoscopic
    
  • Vaginal
    
• FLS & EMIGS Training
  
• DaVinci Robotic Simulation Training
  
• Colposcopy, LEEP, and CKC Simulation
  
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse Simulation
  
• Obstetric Hemorrhage
  
• Obstetric Hypertension Simulation
  
• Operative Vaginal Delivery Simulation 
  
• Shoulder Dystocia Simulation
  
• 3rd and 4th Degree Laceration Simulation

Resident Wellness

The provision of competent, complex care in the high-stakes environment of Obstetrics & Gynecology and its subspecialties requires physician resiliency and attention to life inside and outside of medicine. Emotional and physical exhaustion must never displace the joy in medicine and managing the common stressors encountered during one’s professional career and personal life. Our residency program prioritizes initiatives that assess, promote, and maintain wellness amongst our residents and faculty. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at Westchester Medical Center and Metropolitan Hospital provides patient centered care in a clinical learning environment founded in constructive behaviors of the physician workforce. The residency provides a platform on which residents develop the skills and attitudes needed to advance meaning in their career. This is accomplished through the teaching of skills to promote resiliency, enhance physician well-being, and combat burnout during residency and beyond. In collaboration with Westchester Medical Center as the Sponsoring Institution, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program has systems in place to monitor resident well-being, by balancing time with patients and personal time, mitigating non-physician obligations, optimizing clinical and administrative support, and the provision of resources for the support of clinician well-being.

Wellness Curriculum

• Readiness for Residency Curriculum
  
• Clinical Leadership Curriculum
  
• Community Service & Wellness Curriculum 
  
• ACOG Residency Wellness Week
  
• Regular Wellness Activities – Organized by our Wellness Residents (resident selected)

Mentorship and Advisory Program

Our Mentorship & Advisory program is designed to provide each resident with a compatible mentor to serve in an advisory capacity regarding self-assessment and goal development.

Goal: Assist residents in their professional development through the guidance and support of experienced Department of OB/GYN faculty members who serve as role models, advisors, and advocates.

Structure: Faculty meet with their assigned mentee twice annually. This session includes review of their rotation evaluations, updates on their research, exam preparation, and fellowship and/or career planning.

Buddy System: All of the residents are paired with another resident from a different year to function as a mentorship buddy. Maintaining friendships and relationships within the residency program helps our residents work together through challenges and celebrate successes.

2023-2024 Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at Westchester Medical Center

Quick Links:

• Current Residents
• Faculty and Staff
• Program Alumni

Current Residents

PGY4

Maria Pollack

Hometown: East Amherst, NY
Undergraduate School: University at Buffalo
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo

Areas of interest (OBGYN): Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Family Planning, Generalist OBGYN, Medical Education.

Hobbies: Traveling for museums and cuisine, painting, running, listening to podcasts, and spending time with my nieces and nephew.

Why NYMC: I love that we get to train in both a community hospital where I will be able to fully hone the bread and butter skills of OBGYN and continue to improve my Spanish, as well as getting exposure to a wide array of pathology and high-risk obstetrics at the university center. In general, I was thrilled to match at a program where I felt so comfortable and welcomed on my interview day and of course, so excited to be living in NYC.

Amythis Soltani

Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Undergraduate School: Occidental College, Los Angeles, California
Medical School: New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York

Areas of interest (OBGYN): Reproductive justice, disparities in health care, palliative care, LGBTQ+ health, sexual dysfunction, medical education, resident wellness, Gyn Onc, MIGS

Hobbies: Is petting my cat a hobby? Otherwise, I enjoy painting (prefer the comfort of acrylic at times but learning to love the madness of watercolor), crocheting (doilies primarily, despite my age), and baking (there are few things as satisfying as making pastry dough from scratch). 

Why NYMC: There are a lot of reasons why NYMC felt like the right fit but to name a few: the mentors I found amongst faculty and the relationships I built with residents has taught me a lot about the kind of physician I want to be. I knew I wanted to learn the art of medicine within this specialty while working with our specific patient population at our two different hospitals. Additionally, given my interest in fellowship and medical education, I wanted to stay at an academic program where I knew I would have the opportunity to accomplish my specific career goals with support from faculty.

Katya Wentzel

Hometown: Falls Church, VA
Undergraduate School: University of Miami, Miami, FL
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA

Areas of interest (OBGYN): General OBGYN, LGBTQ+ healthcare, health disparities

Hobbies: Hiking, travel, horseback riding, snowboarding, spending time with my family and friends

Why NYMC: The opportunity to work with an incredibly diverse patient population within two very different clinical settings - an academic medical center and a community hospital. The wide range of pathology and patient acuity prepares residents well for whatever career path they choose after residency.

Helen Zhang

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Undergraduate School: Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio
Medical School: University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio

Areas of interest (OBGYN): Uro gynecology, MIGS, social determinants of health, medical devices and biomedical engineering

Hobbies: Sewing and clothing design, crafting of all sorts, cooking and baking (and accumulating nifty kitchen appliances), piano, fitness and wellness, writing/blogging, hanging out with my husband and cat!

Why NYMC: The incredible opportunity to care for patients at both a city hospital and a quaternary regional academic medical center!

PGY 3 

Autumn Brewer

Hometown: Sulphur Springs, TX
Undergraduate School: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX
Medical School: Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, TX

Areas of Interest (OBGYN): Maternal Fetal Medicine, bridging healthcare disparities & increasing access to women’s healthcare, medical education

Hobbies: Taking Stella (my mini Aussie) on walks around Central Park, baking scones from scratch, traveling around the world, reading the newest novel/memoir, propagating house plants, sending snail mail, finding the best local happy hour specials, exploring all of NYC by foot & Citi Bike

Why NYMC: Early on in the residency search, I made a list of what I was looking for: a small-knit community of residents who feel like family, incredibly high acuity and patient pathology to prepare me for an MFM fellowship, diversity in patient populations and diversity in faculty/peers, strong focus on building bridges across healthcare disparities in the community, and a new city with opportunities to grow & explore with my pup. NYMC checked all of these boxes AND I get to live in NYC – truly a dream come true.

Cindy Coots

Hometown: Autstin, TX
Undergraduate School: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Medical School: University of Texas, Houston, TX

Areas of Interest (OBGYN): Still very undecided because I just love it all. Possibly MIGS, MFM, Gyn Onc, or becoming an Academic Generalist!

Hobbies: Pretty much anything you can do outside! Hiking and rock climbing, long-distance running. I also knit and sew, and I love languages and literature!

Why NYMC: So many reasons!! Lots of subspecialty exposure, diverse and underserved patient population, high acuity cases, and seriously wonderful co-residents and faculty mentors.

Mariya Ledoux

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY / Abakan, Russia
Undergraduate School: Boston University in Boston, MA
Medical School: Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac in North Haven, CT

Areas of Interest (OBGYN): FPMRS, female sexual dysfunction, medical education, primary care, physician wellness

Hobbies: Distance running, destination cycling, skiing, live music, road trips, outdoors in every shape and form, spending time with my growing family, and throwing dinner parties

Why NYMC: I chose NYMC because I felt unparalleled welcome and warmth on my interview day. I was excited to meet and work with many of the mentors and faculty and to work with a diverse patient population in two different hospitals in NY. I'm also excited to work alongside such an amazing cohort of co-residents!

Rachel Zeuner

Hometown: NYC
Undergraduate School: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY

Areas of interest: Gyn onc, gyn surgery, medical education, policy/advocacy, health equity 

Hobbies: Gluten free baking, crafting, running, hosting friends for elaborate dinners, and traveling 

Why NYMC: I’m excited to learn from patients in two different practice setting and to work with a great group of co-residents and a supportive faculty! And of course, I can’t wait to become an OBGYN in my favorite city!

PGY 2

Alexa Leib

Hometown: New York, NY
Undergraduate School: Davidson College, Davidson, NC
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Philadelphia, PA

Areas of interest: Addiction medicine, family planning, maternal fetal medicine, medical education and resident wellness

Hobbies: Trying new restaurants, visiting museums, traveling the world (collecting snow globes along the way), spending time with family and friends and dancing around my apartment. 

Why NYMC: I loved the program because I get to work at two hospitals and learn to serve a patient populations! The people!! The fervor, passion, camaraderie and support within the department is unparalleled! Lastly I love NYC and Westchester - I am thrilled to become an OBGYN in the places I love!

Emily Passarelli

Hometown: Rockville Centre, NY
Undergraduate School: Brown University, Providence, RI
Medical School: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI

Areas of interest: FPMRS, trauma-informed care, medical education

Hobbies: loving my long-haired mini-dachshund, caring for my family of houseplants (and giving friends unsolicited advice on how much they should water their own plants), hiking new national parks, crocheting/embroidering/cross-stitching, begging my fiancé to come on long runs with me.

Why NYMC: The opportunity to train at a program where you can both directly serve the underserved and feel the benefit of a large academic center for research and to see higher-acuity, complex cases is amazing. Also, everyone was also so welcoming on interview day - choose your program based on where you think you have found your people!

Shirley Qian

Hometown: Queens, NY
Undergraduate School: Macaulay Honors College - CUNY Hunter College, New York, NY
Medical School: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY

Areas of interest: Urogyn, gyn surgery, patient education & advocacy, health equity - I am really excited to explore all the subspecialties and keeping my mind open to the possibilities!

Hobbies: Baking, cooking, hiking, travel, spending quality time with friends & family

Why NYMC: I fell in love with the program on my interview day. It has everything I’m looking for in a residency program - commitment to patient advocacy and serving underserved communities, diversity in pathology, acuity, and patient population, and supportive faculty and residents.

Olivia Recabo

Hometown: Yorktown, NY
Undergraduate School: Brown University, Providence, RI
Medical School: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI

Areas of interest: Still undecided! Possibly Gyn Onc, MFM, or becoming an Academic Generalist. 

Hobbies: Weightlifting, anything and everything outdoors, feeding people my over-the-top baking creations, acrylic painting, traveling. 

Why NYMC: I felt so welcomed by every single person I met on interview day that I knew I would be able to find close friends and mentors during my four years here. I was really excited about the ability to care for diverse patient populations at two different hospitals, and even more thrilled that one of them is in NYC while the other is so close to home. I knew that NYMC would be a fantastic place to explore my passions within Ob/Gyn and that I would leave residency well-prepared for any career I choose.

PGY1

Benjamin Rabinowitz, MD

Hometown: Merrick, NY

Undergraduate School: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Medical School: New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY

Areas of interest: REI, Urogyn, MIGS, LGBTQ+ health, reproductive justice, patient advocacy, resident wellness

Hobbies: I love playing soccer, pickleball, runs on the West Side Highway & Central Park, traveling, trying new restaurants in NYC, live music & dancing, and seeing Broadway shows and movies.

Why WMC: I chose NYMC because it has so much to offer. Providing comprehensive care to a diverse patient population at both an academic center and community hospital in NYC. The wonderful faculty and residents that have made me feel at home and part of a family when I was a medical student. The opportunity to explore all the different subspecialties in OB/GYN and leave residency ready to take on any path I choose.

Christine Seaton, MD

Hometown: Glenview, IL

Undergraduate School: New York University, New York, NY

Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY

Areas of interest: REI, preventative medicine and MedEd <3

Hobbies: Running, watching The Bachelor, stealing the aux cord for my sweet Spotify playlists, and hanging with my husband and kids.

Why WMC: Honestly it just felt like the best fit! NYMC’s commitment to providing high quality, patient-centered care to everyone really resonated with me.  I also felt drawn to the people!! During interviews, I really noticed (and admired) how kind and supportive everyone was towards each other. I’m also really looking forward to getting to work with both rural and urban populations, which will be great training no matter where I wind up in 4 years.

Ashley Silver, MD

Hometown: Cortlandt Manor, NY

Undergraduate School: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Medical School: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Areas of interest: General OB-GYN, reproductive health education and advocacy, family planning
Hobbies: Yoga, cooking, exploring new countries, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family
Fun Fact: I had a very close encounter with a bear and her cubs while hiking...maybe that's why hiking isn't listed under my hobbies

Why WMC: I wanted the opportunity to train at two very different hospitals so I could be prepared to care for any and all patients, including underserved, culturally diverse, and high-acuity patients. I also felt incredible support and excitement from faculty on my interview day, and knew this was an environment that would foster my learning and growth.

Melissa Yuce, MD

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Undergraduate School: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

Areas of interest: Health equity, family planning, global and rural health

Hobbies: I like playing volleyball (grass, beach, or indoor), hiking, doing puzzles while drinking coffee and watching my current TV show (my largest puzzle was 3,000 pieces!), listening to podcasts, spending time with family and hanging out with my husband and our dog.

Why WMC: I really value an environment where everyone supports each other in their personal and professional goals, and NYMC reflected that value for me. I also love the diverse populations that this program serves as someone who hopes to provide bilingual services to my patients.

Brenda Lubochiner, MD

Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Undergraduate School: University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Medical School: University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Areas of interest: Family Planning, MIGS
Hobbies: Walking my dog Floyd, watching The Office, reading a book, cleaning & organizing, cooking.
Why WMC: People who you can tell are awesome to work with (number 1 reason!) + diversity of patient population + women's rights are respected.

Our Faculty at Westchester Medical Center

Julia Keltz, MD
Residency Program Director,
Clinical Assistant Professor,
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minimally Invasive and Gynecological Surgery

Sean Tedjarati, MD
Chair & Clinical Professor/Director,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology

Anubha Arora, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Ama Buskwofie, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology

Siri Drangsholt, MD
Attending Physician

• Urology, Neuro Urology & Voiding Dysfunction
• Urology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Veronica Galaviz, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minimally Invasive and Gynecological Surgery

Cara Grimes, MD
Chief of Advanced Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Alyson Helmandollar, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Martin Keltz, MD
Attending Physician, Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, WestMed

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Sangeeta Kumaraswami, MD
Chief, Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology,
Attending Physician,
Department of Anesthesiology

• Anesthesiology

Lindsey LaPointe, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dominique Malacarne Pape, MD
Clerkship Director, Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Sharifa Menon, MD
Section Chief, General Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Victoria Minior, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal & Fetal Medicine

Akiva Novetsky, MD
Attending Physician
Medical Director of Quality and Safety for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Malini Persad, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal & Fetal Medicine
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Patrick Popiel, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Tana Pradhan, DO
Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Robotic Gynecologic Surgery

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology

Geetha Rajendran, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal & Fetal Medicine

Monique Regard, MD
Attending Physician

• Pediatrics, Pediatric Gynecology

Abby Richards, DO
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Anne Marie Roe, MD
Director of Reproductive Genetics and Fetal Diagnostics

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Timothy Ryntz, MD
Chief, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Family Planning

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minimally Invasive and Gynecological Surgery

Jennifer Salcedo, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics, Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology

Angela Silber, MD
Chief, Maternal Fetal Medicine

• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal & Fetal Medicine
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Bianca Stifani, MD
Associate Medical Director, Complex Family Planning Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Minimally Invasive and Gynecological Surgery

Ming Tsai, MD
Clinical Professor, Associate Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College
Director of Quality and Safety, WMCHealth Physicians, Advanced Physician Services

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Desmond White, MD
Attending Physician

• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal & Fetal Medicine

Our Faculty at Kingston

Ashanda M. Saint Jean, MD Attending Physician

Kenneth B. Keplinger, MD Attending Physician

Our Faculty at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan

Advanced Urogynecology

Vani Dandolu, MBBS
Chairperson
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Maternal Fetal Medicine Division

   

Jonathan K. Mays, MD, MPH, MBA, FACOG
Deputy Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Attending Physician

Generalist Division

Elmer C. Agustin, MD, MPH, FACOG Director, Colposcopy & Dysplasia Attending Physician	Gladys M. Lee-Hwang, MD, FACOG Director of Labor and Delivery Attending Physician	Michele M. Paolucci, MD, FACOG Attending Physician	Joseph D. Santoro, MD, FACOG Director of Gynecology Attending Physician
Setareh Shams, MD, FACOG Attending Physician	Alexander Shilkrut, DO, FACOG Attending Physician	Angelica Sze, MD, FACOG Associate Program Director Attending Physician	Sorana Vrabie-Wolf, MD, FACOG Attending Physician

Physician Assistants and Staff

Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Robotic Gynecologic Surgery

Alessandra Marino, PA-C Physician Assistant

Haley Mundy, PA-C Physician Assistant

Daphne Nicolas, PA-C Physician Assistant

Susan Weibman, PA-C, MPH Physician Assistant

Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology

Adrianna Alves, PA-C Physician Assistant	Lorena Madera, PA-C Lead Physician Assistant	Samantha Nogula, PA-C Physician Assistant	Sarah VanWynen, PA-C Physician Assistant
Jamie McLean, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner	Tara Spruill DNP, FNP-C, C-EFM Family Nurse Practitioner	Denise Vigna, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Pamela Halpern, PA-C Physician Assistant

Jayme Lyons, PA-C Physician Assistant

Alison Segall, PA-C Physician Assistant

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Complex Family Planning, and Urogynecology Division

Lisa Giovinazzo, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Our Staff at Kingston

Megan Corjulo, CNM Nurse Midwife

Bethany Grimes, CNM Nurse Midwife

Elissa Marsh, CNM Nurse Midwife

Department Administration

Westchester Medical Center

Coral Matar, MPA Administrative Director	Melisa Cerpa Program Manager	Blanca Rodriguez, MA Quality Manager	Jessica Berrios-Elliott, MIS, C-TAGME Residency Manager
Lisette Alvarez, LMSW Network Senior Social Worker

New York Medical College

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan

Program Alumni

2023

Alborz Borjian, DO: Attending, Facey Medical Group - Providence, California

Sapphire Holness, MD: Attending, Phelps Hospital Sleepy Hollow, NY

Bernice Li, MD: Attending, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY

Julia Youssef, MD: Attending, Inspira Medical Center, Mullica Hill, NJ 

2022

Sarah Kwarteng Peprah, MD: Attending, Columbia Doctors NYP – Lawrence Hospital, Bronxville, NY

Melanie Peters, MD: Attending, Downstate University Hospital, Brooklyn, NY

Miriam Toaff, MD: Attending, Premium Health, Brooklyn, NY

Sarah Weingarten, MD: Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship, Weill Cornell, New York, NY

2021

Itamar Futterman, MD: Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY  

Emily Rosenfeld, DO: Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship, Robert Wood Johnson/Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ

Nidhi Shah, MD: Attending, Jamaica Hospital Center, Queens, NY

Rayna Trietsch, MD: Attending, Women's Health Care Associates, Littleton, CO

WMC has officially launched Graduway, an Alumni Platform. Visit WMC Alumni online.

The Alumni Connection provides a professional social network for graduates of our Residency and Fellowship Programs to reconnect with former colleagues and mentors as well as be informed about professional opportunities at the WMC Health Network.

Research

The ACGME requires that all OB/GYN residents engage in “scholarly activity” throughout their residency. According to the ACGME, quality improvement and educational projects can fulfill the scholarship requirement in addition to traditional biomedical research. Residents at WMC are encouraged to pursue a research project but may choose to complete a quality improvement or educational project.

Residents are not expected to enter residency with significant prior research experience. They will receive didactic training and mentorship throughout the four years of residency which will allow them to successfully complete a scholarly product. Our department actively partners with New York Medical College and supports up to 23 medical students per summer to participate in Ob/Gyn department research. Our students serve as a great resource to our residents during the summer and throughout the academic year. Medical students contribute greatly to the resident research experience.

We aim for residents to discover the world of clinical or public health research and hope that this will be a positive aspect of their training. We encourage residents to come up with their own research ideas and to initiate their own projects with faculty mentorship. Residents may also participate in research projects that are designed by faculty members but must play an active role in the project to meet the residency scholarship requirement. Residents will learn the foundation of evidence-based medicine and how to apply the evidence into clinical practice. Thus, research experience is not just a requirement but is an important part of their academic career development.

All residents will present their scholarly activity during Resident Research Day, an event which takes place every spring. Residents will present their work in their Program Level 3 year.

Research Faculty

Bianca Stifani, MD, MPH Director of Resident Research	Cara Grimes, MD, MAS Associate Chair for Research

Research Curriculum Goals and Objectives

By the end of their residency, residents will learn:

1. How to ask research questions that are relevant to their practice
2. How to critically appraise the scientific literature
3. How to design rigorous and ethical research projects and obtain necessary ethical and regulatory approvals to conduct their projects
4. How to collect and analyze data with the assistance of experts
5. How to collaborate with others including across disciplines – eg. faculty mentors, medical students, and biostatisticians
6. How to disseminate their findings in both oral and written format
   

Didactic Sessions

The research didactic curriculum consists of a rotating two-year curriculum. Topics include:

• Introduction to research and developing research ideas 
  
• Presenting your work: abstract and PowerPoint how to 
  
• Important concepts in biostatistics: hypotheses, sample size calculations, statistical tests
  
• Planning your resident research project: from concept note to IRB approval
  
• Designing and conducting a qualitative research study
  
• Survey design

In addition to the lectures described above, residents will participate in quarterly Journal Clubs and Works-in-Progress sessions led by faculty.

Mentorship and Resources

Residents will receive mentorship from Dr. Stifani and Dr. Grimes. They will also be paired with faculty mentors who are subject-matter experts in the resident’s area of interest. Faculty members are available to mentor residents in the areas of:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Urogynecology
• Family Planning
• Minimally Invasive Gynecology
• Reproductive Genetics
• LGBTQI Health
• Global Health
• Healthcare Disparities
• Obstetric Anesthesia
• Medical Education

Statistical support is available within the Department and New York Medical College.

Funding is available to present scholarly work at national conferences.

2023 Resident Research Day

Guest Speaker: Jason D. Wright, MD – Editor-in-Chief, Obstetrics & Gynecology 

Resident Presentations

• Holness S, Greenfield J, Clare CA, Ukatu N, Tounkel I, Altonen B. Women Speak Out: Understanding the lived experiences of women who have undergone female genital cutting in New York City
• Pollack M, Rabinowitz B, Malacarne-Pape D, Stifani B. Impact of the OB-GYN clerkship on medical students’ familiarity, intent to recommend, and intent to use long-acting reversible contraception
• Soltani A, Baban S, French K, Annand A, Pelle A, Stifani B. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender content on Obstetrics and Gynecology residency websites
• Wentzel K, Stifani B, Rubin S, Ryntz T. “I feel chained right now”: A qualitative study exploring treatment decisions among women with abnormal uterine bleeding
• Pradhan T, Zhang H, Kadesh A, Buskwofie A, Patankar S, Menon S, Grimes CL. Project Prevent: utility of pre-operative metronidazole gel in reduction of patient symptoms and infections after scheduled hysterectomy

Recent Resident Conference Presentations and Publications (resident name bolded)

• Stifani B, Peters M, French K, Gill R. There’s an app for it: a systematic review of mobile apps providing information about abortion using a revised MARS scale. PLOS Digital Health: forthcoming 
  Pradhan T, Zhang H, Kadesh A, Buskwofie A, Patankar S, Menon S, Grimes CL. Project Prevent: utility of pre-operative metronidazole gel in reduction of patient symptoms and infection after elective hysterectomy. Poster presented at Society of Gynecologic Surgeons – March 2023 (Tucson) 
  
• Soltani A, Baban S, French K, Annand K, Pelle A, Stifani B. A review of LGBTQI content on US OB-GYN Residency Websites. Poster accepted at National LGBTQ Health Conference - July 2022 (Chicago)
• Futterman I, Rosenfeld E, Toaff M, Boucher T, Golden-Espinal S, Evans K, Clare CA. Addressing Disparities in Prenatal Care via Telehealth During COVID-19: Prenatal Satisfaction Survey in East Harlem. Am J Perinatol. 2021 Jan;38(1):88-92. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1718695
• Futterman ID, Snyder A, O'Hagan K, Siegel MR, Grimes CL. Mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction and abnormal umbilical artery Dopplers. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2022 Jan;4(1):100497. doi: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100497
• Li, BS; Grimes, CL; Vicens-Villafana, J; Kadesh,A; Kasoff,M. Universal Rapid Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Obstetrical Patients at a Suburban New York Tertiary Medical Center: Prevalence and Patient Characteristics. Austin J Obstet Gynecol. 2021; 8(3):1172

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

One of the core missions of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology is to be an active protagonist in addressing in action to reduce the burden of health disparities affecting the minority communities with emphasis on the African American and Hispanic populations. We not only talk about the issue, we let our deeds be our adorning. We believe that it is through action that we will change the course of this scourge on our system and be part of the change we want to see in our communities.

We have been leaders in the dialogue, discussion and action on identifying social determinants of health and working to reduce health care disparities in OB/GYN. We have been partnering with our community organizations to improve our healthcare system. We are intentional in our focus towards creating a better future for women by training residents through a lens of anti-racism, inclusivity, and community engagement.

We have established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee with joint membership including faculty, administration, and residents to implement and sustain diversity efforts. Our residents are fully integrated in this endeavor.

In June 2023, we launched the opening of our Center for Women’s Health Equity which aims to address the social, economic, culture and racial determinants of health that can result in increased maternal morbidity and mortality among women across the Hudson Valley. This program is supported by a $750,000 New York State grant. Here are the vision and mission statements, and our approach including the five pillars of this Center, which is unique in the region.

Vision

We envision communities in which all women, regardless of background or socio-economic status, are able to achieve their full potential for health and well-being across their lifespan.

Mission

Provide access to state-of-the-art, equitable, comprehensive, integrated, and compassionate healthcare and wellness programs to ALL women in communities across the Hudson Valley.

Our Approach

We are committed to grow as an organization through a collaborative, reflective, and action-oriented approach to support women, families and communities become protagonists in their betterment and wellness.

Center for Women’s Health Equity

Through these Five pillars, we will incorporate clinical care such as cardiology and metal health and Maternal Fetal Medicine, create a curriculum for students and residents to help train the next generation that will win the battle in healthcare disparities, develop sound and targeted population-based research, community partnership and advocacy. 
This is a distinguishing feature of our department and program. We intend to be leaders in this discourse with our entire department committed to making us the agents of change to reduce the burden and stain of disparity in the women we serve.

News 12 Footage
Our educational curriculum is aimed at training medical students, residents, and faculty in providing culturally competent, equitable, accessible, and high-quality care to all women.

Commission Members

• Sean Tedjarati, MD, MBA, MPH, CPE, FACOG 
  
• Ashanda Saint-Jean, MD, FACOG
  
• Ama Buskwofie, MD, FACOG
  
• Sharifa Menon, MD, FACOG
  
• Julia Keltz, MD, FACOG
  
• Matilde Roman, Esq
  
• Bruno Villazhiñay, MPH
  
• Coral Matar, MPA
  
• Chief Resident of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

How to Apply

Westchester Medical Center participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®)
(Applications accepted through ERAS only)

We are not participating in Casper.

Timetables:

2024 ERAS® Residency Timeline | Students & Residents (aamc.org)

Residency Applicants | NRMP

NRMP Codes: 2157220C0 (Categorical) and 2157220P0 (Preliminary)

Application Process:

• June 7, 2023: 2024 ERAS season begins
  (Applicants can register on MyERAS and begin working on their application)
  
• September 6, 2023: Residency applicants may begin submitting MyERAS applications
  
• October 1, 2023: APGO / CREOG suggested Application Deadline
  
• Interview offers released on 10/24/2023
  

(We follow the APGO application and interview processes APGO/RRR OBGYN Application Document)

Interview Dates:

• November 2023 through January 2024
        (All interviews will be conducted virtually in accordance with AAMC Guideline)
  

Rank list submission deadline:

• February 28, 2024

Match Week and SOAP begin:

• March 11, 2024

Match Day! March 15, 2024

Residency start date: July 1, 2024 (orientation is scheduled 2nd week of June 2024)

For additional information regarding our program: 

• Social Media: Instagram @nymcobgyn
  
• FREIDA: FREIDA™ AMA Residency & Fellowship Programs Database (ama-assn.org) Program ID 2203521199
  
• OB/GYN Residency Program Administrator: OBGYNResidencyProgram@WMCHealth.org.

How to Reach Us  

Jessica Berrios-Elliott, MIS, C-TAGME**
GME Residency Program Manager

Hometown: Bronx, NY


Favorite thing about WMC: I love working with a department that is always looking to improve and create an even better generation of physicians. It has been a real privilege to contribute to a workplace that inspires diversity, equity, and inclusion. WMCHealth recently launched the Center for Women’s Health Equity to help reduce the disparities in health among women in our region. It has been so inspiring to help improve the health of our community by contributing to the residency curriculum and their educational journey in this process.


Fact about you: I cut my hair every two years to donate to organizations that provide hair replacement for children who have suffered from medically-related hair loss.

Taylor Pavilion, Suite C-214│100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595

Email: OBGYNResidencyProgram@WMCHealth.org

**Jessica Berrios-Elliott is our extraordinary residency program manager. She comes to us with years of experience in residency program management in pediatrics, radiology, and as house staff program manager for a large academic medical center. She knows all things ACGME and is actively involved with innovative residency curriculum, improving faculty teaching experience, and resident wellness. We are all so fortunate to have her here with us and look forward to many years of collaboration as we continue to improve and stay on the cutting edge of residency training. She is a huge asset to our residency program and the great GME community here at Westchester Medical Center.