Our Residents
Family Medicine Residency Program
Class of 2025
Samir Elias, MD, MPH grew up in New Jersey, and graduated from Montclair State University with
a B.S. in Public Health and Community Health Education. Dr. Elias completed
his medical education at St. Georges School of Medicine where he also
completed a Master’s Degree in Public Health. Dr. Elias chose Family
Medicine as he enjoys the continuity of care and developing long-term
relationships with patients. Dr. Elias says” I like having a completely
different case behind every door and balancing out the day handling a
variety of cases. Overall, preventative care is something I’m passionate
about.” In his free time, Dr. Elias enjoys reading, trying new restaurants,
cooking, and spending time with family.
Stephen Joseph, DO who is from Yonkers, New York, graduated from Stony Brook University with
a BS in Interdisciplinary Biology. Dr. Joseph received his D.O. from Campbell
University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine. His medical
interests include Hospital medicine, Primary Care and Preventive Medicine.
Vincent Lau, DO, MBS is a native of New Jersey. Dr. Lau is a graduate of Rutgers University
with a BS in Biology with a minor in Nutrition. He also completed a Master
of Biological Sciences from the Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health
Sciences. Dr. Lau received his D.O. from Rowan University School of Osteopathic
Medicine. His interests within medicine include Preventive Medicine, Integrative
Medicine and Sports Medicine.
Apurva Mallampati, MD, MPH also grew up in New Jersey. Dr. Mallampati graduated from Rutgers University
with a BS in Anthropology and Public Health, and went on to complete an
MPH at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Mallampati’s experiences have given her a keen interest in leveraging
clinical knowledge and advocacy into health policy. For this reason, she
entered medical school at St. Georges School of Medicine with dreams of
pursuing Family Medicine. She is passionate about preventative medicine,
integrative medicine, and public health. In her spare time, she enjoys
keeping up with her To-Be-Read list, the great outdoors, watching cheesy
hallmark holiday and blockbuster action movies, and hanging out with her
family. Dr. Mallampati has a particular interest in Community Medicine.
Kartik Pottepalem, DO joins the residency as a native of New Jersey. He graduated from Rutgers
University with a BA in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. Dr. Pottepalem
went on to complete a D.O. medical degree from Rowan University School
of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Pottepalem chose family medicine because
of the long-term bonds he can create with his patients. His special interests
include Sports Medicine. Dr. Pottepalem enjoys playing basketball, going
to NYC, and having game nights with my friends in his spare time.
Hassan Shahbaz, MD grew up in Ontario, Canada. He received a Bachelor of Medical Sciences
from Western University, and went on to complete his medical degree at
the American University of the Caribbean. Dr. Shahbaz chose family medicine
for its full spectrum of patients and emphasis on holistic care and preventive
medicine. His passion lies in understanding the diverse challenges people
face and providing support that not only meets their immediate needs but
also promotes long-term well-being. Outside of medicine, some of his favorite
things to do include spending time with my family, going for walks on
the NJ boardwalk, traveling and exploring new restaurants.
Liyan Yao, MD describes herself as a New Yorker born and bred. She completed a dual
BS degree in Neuroscience & Behavior and Biology from Wesleyan University
where she was also captain of the varsity swim team. Dr. Yao completed
her medical degree at St. Georges School of Medicine. Dr. Yao says,”
I love family medicine because I’m able to provide comprehensive
and preventative care to all ages and to develop continuity of care with
my patients that fosters trust and enables more personalized healthcare.”
Dr. Yao is passionate about outpatient primary care and urgent care. Her
favorite things to do are hanging out with friends and family, chasing
after hard-to-get reservations at new, trendy restaurants in NYC, playing
with my two Tibetan mastiffs, fast cars, and cheese.
Class of 2026
Laz Akachi, MD grew up in Nigeria before moving to Hamilton, New Jersey. He completed
an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Dr. Akachi completed his MD at Ross University School of Medicine. His
special interests include preventive medicine, critical care medicine,
women’s health, rural medicine, geriatrics, and complimentary medicine.
Jin Huang, MD is from Louisville, Colorado and, and graduated from The University of California Los Angeles with a BS in Biochemistry. Dr. Huang completed her medical education at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is particularly interested in women’s health, research and integrative medicine.
Avajé Jackson, MD, MPH, joins the residency from Jamaica, New York. She graduated from the City College of New York with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Jackson received her M.D. from St. George's University School of Medicine, where she also completed her Master of Public Health degree. She chose Family Medicine because it offers her the opportunity to provide comprehensive, continuous care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Dr. Jackson says, “The diversity of clinical experiences in Family Medicine also allows me to address a wide range of medical issues and health needs that can improve patient health outcomes and promote overall wellness.” Dr. Jackson’s special interests within Family Medicine include outpatient medicine, sports medicine and women's health. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, serving in church ministries and watching K-dramas.
Elma Joseph, MD, joined the residency from Winchester, Massachusetts. Dr. Joseph is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Commonwealth Honors College with a BS in Microbiology. Dr. Joseph received her MD degree from St. George's School of Medicine. Dr Joseph says she chose family medicine because of the various roles she is able to play in the lives of patients- from pediatrics to geriatrics and all the stages in between. She loves the diverse range of medical conditions that family medicine encompasses, the patient-centered approach that allows her to develop long term relationships with patients, and the fact that she can treat both acute and chronic conditions, while also having opportunities for procedures! In her free time, Dr. Joseph likes to spend quality time with family and friends, trying out cute new coffee shops and bookstores, and exploring everything the Garden state has to offer!
Vadim Kashtelyan, MD, MS is from Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from the University of Maryland with a BA in Economics, and went on to complete a MS in Molecular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Kashtelyan completed his medical education at Ross University School of Medicine. His medical interests include outpatient primary care and hospitalist medicine with a focus in geriatrics. Dr. Kashtelyan chose Family Medicine to gain experience in the full scope of medicine. He is passionate about building connections and thrives on a meaningful patient-doctor relationship. Dr. Kashtelyan is particularly interested in working with the elderly and helping them maintain their health and independence. Vadim enjoys being a father and going on hikes and adventures with his wife and baby boy.
Hiteshree Nayak-Badhan, DO, MS is a native of Princeton NJ. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a BA in Psychology. Dr. Nayak-Badhan went on to complete a D.O. from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is interested in primary care and preventive medicine.
Anika Soleyn, MD joins the residency from Wanaque, New Jersey. She received a BA in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University. Dr. Soleyn went on to complete her medical degree at the Ross University School of Medicine. Her interests include providing healthcare to underserved communities internationally, geriatrics and preventive medicine.
Class of 2027
Anum Ahmed, MD completed her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University where she received a BS in Biology. Dr. Ahmed grew up in Queens, New York and graduated from St. George's University in Grenada. Passionate about community health and volunteering, Dr. Ahmed combines her professional expertise with a love for new adventures. When she's not working, you'll find her binge-watching Friends, strumming her guitar, exploring new travel spots, or hunting for the best coffee around.
Marina Anise, MD is a Staten Island, New York native. She is a graduate of Ross University School of Medicine and an alumna of Hunter College where she majored in Biochemistry and Psychology. She chose family medicine because it offers the unique opportunity to build long-term, meaningful relationships with patients and their families. Dr. Anise says, “the continuity of care allows me to see the full spectrum of person's health journey, giving me the privilege of being involved in patient's lives in a comprehensive way.” Dr Anise’s interests within Family Medicine include Outpatient Medicine, Aesthetic Medicine, and Preventative Medicine. She is passionate about fashion and beauty, self-care, spending time with family and friends, and enjoys binge watching YouTube.
Erkanda Bilali, MD, from Largo Florida, graduated from the University of South Florida with a BS in Biology. Dr. Bilali completed her MD at St. Georges School of Medicine. Her medical special interests include sports medicine, preventive health and geriatrics.
Jose Jean Philippe, MD, originally from Haiti, is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BS in Biology and Psychology. Dr. Jean Philippe attended medical school at St. Georges University. She chose Family Medicine because it allows her to care for patients across all age groups, from newborns to the elderly, offering a broad spectrum of care. She appreciates the continuity of care and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with families, addressing both preventive health and complex medical issues. Family Medicine provides a chance to make a significant impact on patients’ overall well-being, not just treating illness but promoting a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Jean Philippe is passionate about addressing the unique healthcare needs of women throughout their lives, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. This includes providing care in areas like reproductive health, family planning, prenatal care, and managing conditions like PCOS, menopause, and osteoporosis. She enjoys empowering women with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health, ensuring they receive comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to their specific needs. Dr. Jean Philippe says, “In my spare time, I love engaging in arts and crafts, especially painting. I often find inspiration from pictures online or YouTube tutorials and recreate them on canvas—it’s my peaceful escape. I also cherish spending quality time with family and friends. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to me, as it keeps me grounded and refreshed.”
Akhil Patel, MD joined the residency from Redwood City, California where he attended the University of the Pacific, completing a BS in Bioengineering and Biochemistry. Following a career in engineering, Dr. Patel completed his medical degree at the American University of the Caribbean. He chose Family Medicine to be able to practice all aspects of medical care for all patients, so that he can be any patient’s primary caregiver and health coach. Dr. Patel is interested in global health, providing for underserved populations, health education, obstetrics and pain management. He hopes to diversify his skillset to meet patients’ needs in one visit. Dr. Patel says “I strive to try new things and meet new people so I try to find hobbies and events that encompass this goal. I am especially drawn to traveling, live music, virtually anything outdoorsy, and painting.”
Vrunda Patel, MD, a New Jersey resident from Hillsborough, attended Rutgers University as an undergraduate, obtaining a BS degree in Biological Sciences. She completed her MD at the American University of the Caribbean. Dr. Patel chose family medicine because of its holistic approach to health, which involves treating entire families and building long-term relationships to address their health needs. This specialty aligns with my broad interests and passion for comprehensive care. She is “particularly interested in women's health and child care and plan to further specialize in these areas. RWJ is the ideal place for my training due to its welcoming and collaborative environment, with a strong emphasis on obstetrics—an aspect that greatly attracted me to the program. The staff here has been incredibly supportive during my transition, and I’ve found a new family among my colleagues.” Outside of medicine, she enjoys traveling, hiking new trails, and cooking, as she is “a big foodie” who loves to cook and share meals with others
Kaylin Sin, DO is a from New Brunswick, New Jersey and attended Rutgers University, receiving a BA degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology, and completed medical school at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Sin describes family medicine as a little bit of everything; “as someone who appreciated all her rotations during medical school, I felt that family medicine was a good fit. I love how we get to know our patients and treat them.” She is passionate about is her two mini poodles and spending time with my loved ones. In her free time, Dr. Sin’s favorite things to do are walking her dogs, going to concerts, and listening to music.