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Department of Pediatrics: Pediatric Residency Program
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  • UAMS Pediatrics Residency Interview Information
  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. College of Medicine
  3. Department of Pediatrics
  4. Education
  5. Residencies
  6. Pediatric Residency Program
  7. Who We Are
  8. PGY-1

PGY-1

Daralnaem Alagab, M.B.B.S

Medical School: Al-Zaiem Al-Azhari University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sudan

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because of the friendly and supportive environment. 

Chihnitha Boddu, M.B.B.S

Medical School: Osmania Medical College, India

Hometown: Telangana, India

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because it felt like the right fit for me on my interview day. The people, the supportive environment, and the strong clinical training really stood out. It felt like a place where I would be supported, challenged, and able to grow, with a strong team and diverse clinical experience. 

Savannah Bradley, M.D.

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

Hometown: Fayetteville, AR

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because it felt like home! I wanted a mid-size program with great residents and faculty mentors at an academic institution that would allow me lots of hands-on exposure. Arkansas was the perfect fit! 

Tanique Burke, M.D.

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Hometown: Houston, TX

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because I was drawn to the strength and breadth of training at Arkansas' only children's hospital and Level 1 trauma center. I wanted to train in a place where I would see high-acuity pediatrics, be challenged to grow and care for children and families across the state. 

Linda Cordero, M.D.

Medical School: Universidad del Azuay Facultad de Medicine 

Hometown: Cuenca, Ecuador

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because of the strong clinical training and the genuine sense of support and community I felt during my interview. It felt like a place where I could grow, feel supported, and truly enjoy the journey of becoming a pediatrician. 

Kanchan Devkota, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: Nepalgunj Medical College

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because of the exposure to diverse pediatric populations, camaraderie among residents and the genuine warmth I felt during my interview day.  

Myia Dickerson, D.O.

Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because the environment felt very warm and welcoming. During my sub-I all the doctors I worked with and residents I met were friendly and supportive of my learning during the month. Overall felt like it would be a great place to continue my training.

Rachel French, M.D.

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

Hometown: Collierville, TN

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because I think the faculty are amazing and really dedicated to teaching.

Hannah Hale, M.D.

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

Hometown: Waldron, AR

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because I thoroughly enjoyed rotating at ACH during my fourth year and have loved my time at UAMS. I genuinely could not see myself thriving somewhere else. Everyone is so welcoming and I could find joy in every single day that I was there! 

Madison Hershberger, M.D.

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

Hometown: 

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because

Herra Javed, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: Shifa College of Medicine

Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because Arkansas Children's Hospital has come to feel like home. I began my journey at UAMS over two years ago as a researcher studying pediatric heart transplantation, and since then, I have developed a deep appreciated for both the institution and the people who make it exceptional. The opportunity to continue working on projects that are close to my heart further strengthened my desire to stay. 

Hema Joshi, M.D.

Medical School: National Academy of Medical Sciences

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because as the only children's hospital in the state, UAMS/ACH offers a unique opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of pediatric pathology and clinical experiences. I was also drawn to the strong mentorship and supportive learning environment, as well as the many future opportunities available through the program. Additionally, I truly enjoyed my interview experience-the residents were welcoming, and I felt a genuinely positive and supportive atmosphere throughout the interview day. 

Joan Kimani, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology School of Medicine

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because the strong clinical training at Arkansas Children's and the supportive, collaborative culture that makes it an ideal place to grow as a physician. 

Jagshak Mandong, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: University of Jos Faculty of Medical Sciences

Hometown: Jos, Plateau State Nigeria

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because the patient-based population, which exposes me to diverse pathologies. My interaction with some of the residents. Education based values and a robust curriculum. Camaraderie between residents and faculty staff. I love Little Rock, the home for calm, joy, and happiness. 

Hayden Mathews, M.D.

Medical School: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Faculty of Health Sciences

Hometown: Searcy, AR

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because children bring joy and are full of potential. Also, I have a desire to contribute to my home state of Arkansas.

Mazar Mohamed, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: University of Bahri College of Medicine

Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because of its strong clinical training, diverse patient population, and supportive learning environment.

Caleb Okolo, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: University of Nigeria Faculty of Medicine

Hometown: Umute, Delta State Nigeria

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because the supportive environment from the faculty to the residents makes me know that UAMS is the best place to train and to progress as a person and future pediatrician. The program has it all, is ranked best in many subspecialties, and has the most supportive environment ever. I also see Little Rock as a good place to raise a family. 

Chukwuma Onuchukwu, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: University of Nigeria Faculty of Medicine

Hometown: Anambra, Nigeria

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because of its strong focus on family-centered care and community engagement, emphasis on diversity and inclusivity which aligns with my values as I'm always excited to work with families from various backgrounds. I love the supportive environment that prioritizes both professional growth and personal well being, as well as the research opportunities that are available to residents. The program size is another plus providing a family oriented environment for growth and interpersonal relationship development. 

Juliana Orrego Castellanos, M.D.

Medical School: Medical University of Gdask Faculty of Medicine

Hometown: Miami, FL

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because of its strong reputation and well-rounded training, as well as the supportive and welcoming environment I experienced during my interview. 

Navya Raval, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: G.M.E.R.S. Medical College and Hospital, Sola

Hometown: Doha, Qatar / Anand, India

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because I loved the way the program presented itself. Whether that be through the program's website, the communications from the program and even the interview day; it was all so well structured and thoughtful. I felt an immediate connection during the interview day, and I knew that this is the place I wanted to train at, to be a great Pediatrician.

Sarah Saleh, M.D.

Medical School: Amman, Jordan

Hometown: Hashemite University Faculty of Medicine

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because it offers everything I need to grow as a pediatrician. 

Phoebe Shultz, M.D.

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

Hometown: Little Rock, AR

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because it gives me the opportunity to give back to the community that has supported and shaped me throughout my life. Arkansas has always been home, and ACH has outstanding residents, attendings, and mentors - I am so thankful to learn and work alongside them. I feel incredibly grateful to continue my training within the UAMS/ACH family, where I can grow as a pediatrician while serving a community that means so much to me.

Erin Smith, M.D.

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

Hometown: Little Rock, AR

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because the faculty are kind, the residents are so welcoming, and Little Rock is home! 

Gabriela Suero, M.D.

Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana Unibe, Dominican Republic

Hometown: Orlando, FL

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because from the people to the place, every aspect radiates warmth and support. They gave me the opportunity I had been hoping for, and I will always be grateful for that. As a university-based program, the focus on resident education is clear; they consistently help residents build on and refresh the knowledge gained in medical school. The presence of Cardiology fellowship is especially meaningful to me, as it aligns perfectly with my interest. Beyond the program, Arkansas offers the peace I need. I have a wonderful feeling about my time here, and I believe these will be great years. Arkansas, hold on tight because I am here!!

Shree Lekha Talasila, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: Siddhartha Medical College

Hometown: Andhra Pradesh, India

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because it offers the clinical depth and advocacy‑driven culture that align with how I want to care for children and their families.

Shahan Tariq, M.B.B.S.

Medical School: Army Medical College

Hometown: 

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because 

Melanie Veerasammy, D.O.

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown: Coral Springs, FL

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because of the deep connection I’ve developed to Little Rock, both through my partner and my own experiences in the community. During my rotations, I was consistently impressed by the kindness, approachability, and commitment to teaching from the physicians I worked with. Being part of a program where I feel supported and can see myself long-term made UAMS the perfect fit.

Lillie Wilson, M.D. – Child Neuro

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

Hometown: Harrison, AR

I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency because the people here are phenomenal. Our faculty are brilliant, warm, and compassionate people who care deeply for the kiddos that they take care of. It really feels like a family here! And I also want to give back to the field of medicine that took such great care of my sister growing up. I can't wait to serve my fellow Arkansans and beyond!

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