-Undergraduate: Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.
-Graduate School: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
-Additional Languages: Spanish
Q & A with Tayo Adjapon-Yamoah
How did you get into pediatrics?
Many years ago, my sick nephew was screaming on the floor of my cousin’s home in Ghana. He had malaria and was refusing to take his medicine. I was visiting from college. That night I was able to calm him and get him to take it.
My cousin, a doctor, looked at me and told me I needed to get into Pediatrics: “I mean it”. My work experience with Jumpstart, daycares, summer camps, and my unusual interest in Healthcare suddenly came together. For me, it has always made sense.
Where did you grow up?
Accra, Ghana.
Where do you live?
Flatbush, Brooklyn.
What are you looking forward to in your neighborhood office?
I enjoy connecting with families and creating those partnerships.
What keeps you motivated?
So much keeps me motivated and striving for excellence: The love in my life from my loved ones, my passion for justice, and simple things like laughing and connecting with others.
What do you do for fun?
Rock climbing, hiking, traveling, dancing, watching old movies, and reading.
Amanda Ball, MD
-Undergraduate Degree: Wheaton College, Norton, MA
-Medical school: American University of the Caribbean, St Martin
-Residency: Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Morristown, NJ
-Second Language: Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Amanda Ball
How did you get into pediatrics?
I was inspired to go into pediatrics by my pediatrician growing up. He was my doctor throughout my childhood and I always loved the idea of being able to follow my patients as they grow.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brooklyn and during the summers spent time with my family in Peru and California.
Where do you live?
Brooklyn, NY.
What do you enjoy most about working in Bushwick?
Working in this diverse community and building relationships with my patients and their families.
What keeps you motivated?
Providing my patients with good quality care based on evidence based recommendations.
What do you do for fun?
I like to read, spend time with family and travel.
Rosemarie Barker, MD
-Undergraduate Degree: Tufts University, Medford, MA
-Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
-Residency: Westchester Medical Center, Hawthorne, NY
-Second Language: Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Rosemarie Barker
How did you get into pediatrics?
Becoming a pediatrician has always been my dream because I love working with children. It is also the perfect combination of my interests in science, preventive health, and education. Children are both resilient and fun-loving so there is never a dull moment in the world of pediatrics and I truly enjoy what I do!
Where did you grow up?
Westchester County, NY.
What do you enjoy most about working in Harlem?
I am looking forward to working with a diverse group of children and families and watching my patients grow up!
What keeps you motivated?
The positive impact that I can have on the lives of patients and their families keeps me invested. Every child if given the right tools has the potential for greatness!
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy learning about different cultures through traveling, eating scrumptious foods from around the world, and dancing. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
James Brief, MD
-Undergraduate: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
-Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados
-Residency: Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
-Second Language: Spanish, Hebrew
Q & A with Dr. James Brief
How did you get into pediatrics?
As a child, I was taken care of by a wonderful pediatrician. Now as a doctor myself, I have dedicated my career to the health of children.
Where did you grow up?
West Nyack, New York.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I did my pediatric residency in Brooklyn and it’s exciting to return to the borough to build relationships with the members of the community.
What keeps you motivated?
As a Mets, Jets, and Knicks fan, I’ve learned that while success doesn’t always come easily every day presents an opportunity to learn something new. We can always do something a little bit better, improve our techniques and learn from those with experience.
What do you do for fun?
For exercise, I like to run alongside the East River. Weather permitting, I also enjoy playing on my softball team. On clear evenings, I love to take out my telescope and look at Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon, and other objects above.
Ruben Cerri, MD
-Undergraduate: Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
-Medical School: Luis Razetti School of Medicine, Caracas, Venezuela
-Residency: Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
-Additional Languages: Spanish, Italian.
Q & A with Dr. Ruben Cerri
How did you get into pediatrics?
Even before entering Medical School, I wanted to be a Pediatrician.
Where did you grow up?
La Plata, Argentina/Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela.
Where do you live?
Douglaston, Queens.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
The diversity, vibrant community, and learning something almost every day.
What keeps you motivated?
My family, and the wellbeing of my patients and their families.
What do you do for fun?
Outdoor sports, running, biking, triathlon training, and dining out.
Kavisya Cherukuri, MD
-Medical School: Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute (SRMC), Chennai, India.
-Residency: University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)/Batson Children’s Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi.
-Additional Languages: Telugu & Spanish.
Q & A with Dr. Kavisya Cherukuri
How did you get into pediatrics?
I was never one of those people who always knew they wanted to be a Pediatrician, but I found myself being drawn to children during medical school. They are so energetic, funny, resilient, and most of all adorable! I love that my job involves playing with tiny humans all day as well as reminiscing about middle/high school with the teenagers.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Connecticut, but moved to Florida when I was seven years old.
Where do you live?
Brooklyn.
What keeps you motivated?
My biggest motivation and favorite part of my job is being able to build meaningful relationships with not only the child, but the whole family. It makes me feel so special to be able to be part of a child’s life from before they are able to walk or talk all the way up to figuring out their next steps after high school, and even once they have children of their own!
What do you do for fun?
I love being involved with anything related to dogs or Disney! I also enjoy traveling and trying new places or activities to do with my friends and family. I like the outdoors (beach, hiking, kayaking, etc.), art, poetry, DIY, sports (volleyball, kickboxing, yoga, etc.), and watching shows/movies as well.
Stephen DiMauro, DNP
-Undergraduate: Tufts University, Medford, MA
-Graduate School: Columbia University, New York, NY
Additional languages: Spanish
Q&A with Stephen DiMauro
How did you get into pediatrics?
The compassion, thoughtfulness, and thoroughness of my own pediatrician as a kid inspired me to work in the field of pediatrics. Various volunteer positions with children further solidified my interest in pursuing this career. I have always been inspired by the curiosity of children and find caring for children the most fun and rewarding job!
Where did you grow up?
Suburbs of Boston
Where do you live?
Upper West Side, Manhattan
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I love getting to know the families and being a part of the community!
What keeps you motivated?
Caring for the unique needs of each child and family keeps me motivated to be the best medical provider that I can be!
What do you do for fun?
Traveling, cooking, playing sports, taking walks in the park, and spending time with family and friends.
Nancy Dodson, MD
-Undergraduate: Yale University, New Haven, CT
-Medical School: NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
-Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
-Additional Training: Adolescent Medicine fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital
Additional languages: Spanish
Q&A with Dr. Nancy Dodson
How did you get into pediatrics?
I found a great joy in taking care of children. I especially liked connecting with teenagers and helping them (and their parents) through those challenging but important years.
Where did you grow up?
Tenafly, New Jersey.
Where do you live?
Westchester, NY.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
Our office is full of kind-hearted, devoted people– the best co-workers I could ask for.
What keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by the experience of seeing an adolescent get through a hard time so they can fully enjoy their teenage years.
What do you do for fun?
I hang out with my three children and husband; I try to tire out our Golden Retriever (it never works!); in my little spare time I love reading and talking with other book-lovers.
Nilay Donmez, MD
-Medical School: Istanbul School of Medicine, Turkey.
-Residency: Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Texas A&M, Texas.
-Fellowship: Children’s National Hospital, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
-Second Languages: Turkish and Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Nilay Donmez
How did you get into pediatrics?
Being the first person in my family in medicine, I was inspired by my own pediatrician. Seeing happy and fulfilled pediatricians consolidated such desire to become a pediatrician during medical school. I am so happy I chose a field with the best patient population: kids! They lighten up a busy day with their funny and honest questions.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in an Aegean Coastal city in Turkey called, Izmir.
Where do you live?
Manhattan, NY.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
Getting to know my families and being their support whenever they need it. During a visit, there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a parent’s worry turn into relief.
What keeps you motivated?
The constant pursuit in learning the ever-advancing medical field and helping people with my expertise and knowledge.
What do you do for fun?
I love being physically active, from playing volleyball with my friends, to meditation and yoga, to running in the streets of NYC. Also, I love to cook nutritious, delicious food for my loved ones.
Gabriela Echenique Subervi, MD
-Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
-Residency: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, New York
-Languages: Spanish
Q & A with Gabriela Echenique Subervi, MD
How did you get into pediatrics?
I knew I wanted to work in Pediatrics since I started my clinical rotations as a medical student. Working with children always brought me particular enjoyment. Children are pure-hearted, honest, loving, and funny. I could never picture myself working with a different population!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Where do you live?aI live in Long Island City, Queens.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
Getting to know the neighborhoods’ uniquely diverse communities, and becoming closer to the families I serve.
What keeps you motivated?
Being able to contribute to the happiness and well-being of children.
What do you do for fun?
Spending time with my family and friends, and visiting new restaurants in the city are some of my favorite things to do.
Martina Eguiguren, MD
-Undergraduate: Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
-Medical School: Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
-Residency: St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center – New York Medical College, Patterson, NJ
-Second Languages: Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Martina Eguiguren
How did you get into pediatrics?
I belong to a family with many generations of doctors, so I was introduced to the medical world early in life. As a teenager I would join my father in pediatric rounds and deliveries, and that is how my interest in the field continued to grow. Later, in college, I worked with children who suffer from chronic illness. It was a difficult experience that reinforced my passion for pediatrics. I enjoy watching children grow, evolve, and become more complex as time goes by.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Florida and lived in the US until I was 5 years old. Then moved back to Ecuador, where I grew up.
Where do you live?
Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
What do you enjoy most about working in the Lower East Side?
Engaging with the local community and caring for the children of such a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood.
What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that I am contributing to society by providing guidance and wellbeing to children who are the future of humanity.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy traveling, going to music concerts, walking in nature, riding my bike.
Flavia Fioretti, MD
-Undergraduate: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
-Medical School: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
-Residency: Woodhull Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.
-Additional Training: Pediatric Residency at Hospital dos Servidores do estado do Rio de Janeiro
-Additional Languages: Portuguese, Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Flavia Fioretti
How did you get into pediatrics?
I feel it has been my path since childhood. I am fascinated about being able to care for families, and help their children’s journey into adulthood. There is nothing better than seeing their happy faces and supporting their health and growth. It is very rewarding and fun!
Where did you grow up?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Where do you live?
New York City.
What are you looking forward to in your neighborhood office?
Building relationship with families and watch children grow!
What keeps you motivated?
Being around kids all day.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy having quality time with my family and friends, and a good walk/run around New York City Parks. I love visiting new places and music.
Alyssa Franzblau, MD
-Undergraduate: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
-Medical School: Weill Cornell Medical School, New York, NY
-Residency: New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
Additional languages: Spanish
Q&A with Dr. Alyssa Franzblau
How did you get into pediatrics?
My whole life, I’ve always had younger children around to care for. I had a sibling with medical issues that inspired me to pursue medicine. However, I didn’t go into medical school thinking I would be a pediatrician. Once I did my rotation in pediatrics I fell in love with the fun and challenge of caring for children and their families from all walks of life.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rockland County, NY.
Where do you live?
I live in NYC.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
Hastings and the surrounding towns are really nice communities. I enjoy walking into the small town, how close knit the communities are, and waving to families as they walk to school.
What keeps you motivated?
The opportunity to provide the best care for all of my families, no matter who they are and where they come from is one of my biggest motivators. I love being a pediatrician and seeing my patients grow into healthy adults!
What do you do for fun?
I love to knit and create beautiful things.
Shane Goda, MD
-Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
-Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
-Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
-Second Languages: Spanish, Haitian Creole
Q & A with Dr. Shane Goda
How did you get into pediatrics?
I’ve always been passionate about working with children, and I feel primary care is where I could be most impactful.
Where did you grow up?
Newark, NJ
What are you looking forward to in your neighborhood office?
I’m looking forward to meeting the kids, their families, and being a part of such a vibrant community!
What keeps you motivated?
I’m motivated by being able to teach both my patients and their parents, because so much of Pediatrics is education; then, seeing those lessons in practice.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy live music, traveling, sports, and eating all the foods.
Brianna Johnson, DO
-Undergraduate: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.
-Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, Iowa.
-Residency: Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
Q & A with Dr. Brianna Johnson
How did you get into pediatrics?
I come from a family of educators; my dad was a school counselor and my mom a school psychologist. My brother followed in their footsteps, but I was more interested in medicine. However, primary care is where my heart is. I love working not only with children themselves, but also with their parents to help guide them through the obstacles that come with growing up. Connecting with patients and their families is one of the aspects of medicine that I most enjoy.
Where did you grow up?
Hastings, Minnesota.
Where do you live?
Midtown Manhattan.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
The best part of pediatrics is watching the kids grow! It’s so rewarding and fun to see patients month to month and year to year.
What keeps you motivated?
Being a pediatrician ties together both my ability to build relationships and my affinity for problem-solving. I am very motivated by the help I feel I can provide to patients, whether that is by answering a simple newborn question or digging deep to help solve a complex medical problem.
What do you do for fun?
I love to explore the city and enjoy discovering new places to eat or shop. When I’m feeling like an adventure, I like to hike, and when I’m feeling lazier, I like to bake. I also enjoy trips back to Minnesota whenever I can to spend time with family and friends!
Joseph Louie, MD
-Undergraduate: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY.
-Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY.
-Residency: Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY .
-Additional languages: Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Joseph Louie
How did you get into pediatrics?
When I was six, my younger sister was born, and I’ve loved kids ever since (especially babies). Watching her grow up and working with kids at church solidified my choice. By the time I started medical school, I knew I was going for pediatrics and there wasn’t even a close second! Children keep me humble and make me belly-laugh.
Where did you grow up?
Westchester County.
Where do you live?
Manhattan.
What keeps you motivated?
I love working with children of all ages, building long-term relationships with families, and learning more along the way. Having great colleagues, wise mentors, and a loving community are all essential as well!
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy bouldering, singing, and playing video games.
Karen Moalem, MD
-Undergraduate: Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
-Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
-Residency: The University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
-Second Language: Hebrew, Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Karen Moalem
How did you get into pediatrics?
From a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with children. From frequent babysitting to summer jobs as camp counselor and swim instructor, most jobs consistently revolved around children. The interest in medicine arose secondarily from working as a Mother’s Helper to a family with a disabled daughter, and solidified by working as a volunteer EMT at my university.
Where did you grow up?
Jerusalem, Israel.
Where do you live?
Bay Ridge!
What do you enjoy most about working in Bay Ridge?
Living and working in my own community is a blessing and a joy. I truly feel that I am among friends and neighbors in this diverse and grounded neighborhood. I also have the best commute imaginable!
What keeps you motivated?
The smiles on children’s faces, and the opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of the families we serve.
What do you do for fun?
I cherish time with friends and family, and in my spare time enjoy traveling, dancing, and swimming.
Yuliana Noah, MD
-Undergraduate: Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ.
-Medical School: Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY.
-Residency: Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY.
Q & A with Dr. Yuliana Noah
How did you get into pediatrics?
My journey to finding pediatrics was a slow one, which probably started with my own pediatrician as a child who I remember always had a gentle manner and a toy on his stethoscope (thanks Dr. Gooberman!). Eventually I was drawn to the field as I believe it is perhaps one of the few medical specialties that emphasizes holistic preventative care, in particular of young people and their families.
Where did you grow up?
New Jersey.
Where do you live?
Manhattan.
What keeps you motivated?
Generally, I stay motivated by developing strong relationships with my colleagues and working as a team, as well as balancing caring for children with caring for my mind and body.
What do you do for fun?
Fun and play take many forms for me! I enjoy cooking, ceramics, running/tennis/yoga, reading and writing, meditation, and learning new skills or hobbies (right now dabbling in learning a golf swing, knitting, and chess). I would also like to start learning a new language and maybe picking up an instrument!
Denisse Reyes, MD
-Undergraduate: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
-Medical School: Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
-Residency: Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Stony Brook, New York.
-Additional Languages: Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Denisse Reyes
How did you get into pediatrics?
I’ve always enjoyed spending time with children so once I decided to go into medicine, the choice of speciality was simple
Where did you grow up?
New Jersey.
What keeps you motivated?
Getting to know my patient’s family and working together to help their child grow and thrive.
What do you do for fun?
Travel, eat delicious food, watch sports, spend time with friends and family.
Jeffrey Salemi, MD
-Undergraduate: UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA
-Medical School: UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA
-Residency: Mass General for Children, Boston, MA
-Additional languages: Spanish
Q&A with Dr. Jeffrey Salemi
How did you get into pediatrics?
I always found working with kids enriching. In my adolescence and college years, I volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a camp counselor. As a medical student, that sense of enrichment grew even stronger during my clinical rotations in Pediatrics. I love the relationships I build with parents and their children.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Where do you live?
I live in Park Slope in Brooklyn, NY
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I love seeing my patients both in and outside of the office. It makes the big city feel like a much smaller and close knit community.
What keeps you motivated?
Being able to help families navigate child rearing and watching along with them as their kids grow from newborn to school age and adolescence, gives me a sense of purpose and motivation.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy weight-lifting, running, and playing recreational soccer. I am an avid foodie and love checking out new restaurants in the neighborhood. I am also a member of the Brooklyn Museum and frequent their “First Saturdays”, as often as allows.
Michele Scantlebury, MD
-Undergraduate: Baruch College, New York, NY.
-Medical School: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
-Residency: United Children’s/UMDNJ Medical Center, New Brunswick, NJ.
Q & A with Dr. Michele Scantlebury
How did you get into pediatrics?
A desire to treat infants, children, and adolescents.
Where did you grow up?
Brooklyn, NY.
Where do you live?
Brooklyn, NY.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I enjoy helping children, knowing the joy and happiness they bring to their parents. Helping to ensure the child is healthy and able to tackle future challenges.
What keeps you motivated?
Continuing to provide excellent medical care.
What do you do for fun?
Horseback riding, biking, walking, swimming, playing the piano.
Natalie Vega, MD
-Undergraduate: SINU Unversity, Córdoba, Colombia.
-Medical School: SINU Unversity, Córdoba, Colombia.
-Residency: Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
-Additional languages: Spanish
Q&A with Dr. Natalie Vega
How did you get into pediatrics?
My love for children and families.
Where did you grow up?
Cartagena, Colombia.
Where do you live?
Brooklyn, NY.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
Seeing my patients around the neighborhood, like at the grocery store and the park!
What do you do for fun?
Running, watching movies, and playing sports
Adam Zaentz, MD
-Undergraduate: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
-Medical School: American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, St. Maarten
-Residency: Maimonides Infants and Children’s Hospital, Brooklyn, NY
-Second Language: Spanish
Q & A with Dr. Adam Zaentz
How did you get into pediatrics?
I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. Having a brother who is ten years younger than I, and coaching kids soccer and tennis camps as a high school and college student, made me realize that pediatrics was my calling.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Where do you live?
I live in Brooklyn Heights.
What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
As a member of the community, I love having the opportunity to watch my patients and families grow and thrive.
What keeps you motivated?
Having the chance to provide anticipatory guidance to my patients and families is one of the most satisfying aspects of my job. So many adults are impacted by preventable diseases, and it is incredibly fulfilling to be able to guide my patients and their families to form healthy habits that will keep them healthy and happy throughout their lives.
What do you do for fun?
Keeping up with my children, Chloe and Ben, enjoying neighborhood parks and restaurants. I also love watching and playing sports, especially participating in a competitive soccer league, playing tennis with my wife, and rooting for USC football and my Bay Area sports teams.