We are thrilled to welcome our newly matched class of adult and neurology-psychiatry residents as we kick off the new year with great enthusiasm. We feel fortunate to have matched such a talented group of individuals with diverse backgrounds, whose unique perspectives and experiences will undoubtedly enhance our learning environment and foster a strong sense of community. By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, we hope to bridge gaps and improve care for all patients, especially those from underrepresented and minority groups. We look forward to the positive impact our new residents will have on our program and the patients we serve.
Azraa Amroze, M.D.
Medical School: University of Massachusetts
Undergraduate: UCLA
With a profound fascination for the comprehensive neuro exam, Dr. Amroze embarked on her journey into neurology, cultivating a deep appreciation for the unique patient-doctor relationship within the field. Her special interests lay in pregnancy and neurological health. Having contributed to nine peer-reviewed publications, including two as the first author, she is committed to advancing research in women's neurology and climate medicine. She aspires to establish herself in a specialized women's neurology clinic, delivering tailored neurological care across all stages of women's lives, from perinatal to post-menopausal.
Yongzhen Chen, M.D.
Medical School: Saint Louis University
Undergraduate: University of Michigan Ann Arbor – BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. Chen's clinical interest is in neuro-oncology. Her research pursuits focused on epidemiology, outcomes of brain tumors, and clinical trials, earning her a distinction in medical school research. Demonstrating leadership, she has served as a student lead of the oncology interest group and co-lead of the Saint Louis University Chinese Clinic. As she navigates her career path, she contemplates options between specializing in neuro-oncology or other outpatient neurology subspecialties, aiming to make a meaningful impact in patient care and research.
Ebenezer Chinedu-Eneh, M.D.
Medical School: UCSF
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota – BS in Biology
Dr. Chinedu-Eneh has a broad spectrum of neurology clinical interests. Complementing his clinical pursuits, he is intrigued by intuitive visualizations of patient-health metrics, integration of AI systems in clinical workflows, and the potential of blockchain architecture in healthcare delivery. His academic endeavors include mentoring pre-health and pre-med students and guiding them in charting their individual paths. Notably, he takes pride in developing and launching health widgets that leverage patient wearable data to offer real-time profiles for clinicians within the EHR. Driven by a desire to lead within the neurology field, he aims to facilitate the application of innovative technology to benefit both patients and clinicians in clinical settings.
Joy Josephs Njiribeako, M.D.
Medical School: Texas Tech University
Undergraduate: UT Austin – BS in Speech-Language Pathology
Dr. Njribeako relishes the diversity of neurology subspecialties, finding each uniquely captivating. She is passionate about clinical education and strives to inspire the next generation to see the beauty of neurology. Her research interests include imaging findings in transient global amnesia and the misdiagnosis of justice-involved youth. Currently serving on the AAN pipeline subcommittee, she contributes to nurturing future neurologists and expanding the field's reach. While her future career plans remain open, she envisions a hybrid role that integrates clinical practice, industry involvement, and medical education, reflecting her multifaceted interests and aspirations.
Shalom Mussa, M.D.
Medical School: USF Health Morsani
Undergraduate: Emory – BA in Psychology
Dr. Mussa has a passion for Vascular Neurology and Neurointerventional Radiology sparked by witnessing the remarkable recovery of a stroke patient post-thrombectomy. She is particularly drawn to stroke quality improvement, women's neurology, and global health within neurology. Her interest in women's neurology is evidenced by her focus on evaluating surgical interventions for women with Chiari Malformation Type I during childbirth. Her leadership experience spans mentorship, student council, community volunteering coordination, and serving as a resource chair for Diversity and Inclusion.
Christina Pratt, B.S.N, M.D.
Medical School: University of Missouri-Columbia
Undergraduate: William Jewell College – BS in Nursing
Driven by personal experiences as a student-athlete, Dr. Pratt is captivated by the burgeoning field of sports neurology, fueled by a profound interest in safeguarding and healing the brain. Her clinical passions extend to neurorehabilitation and neurohospitalist medicine, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive neurological care. Academically, she enjoys mentorship, medical education, and quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Pratt served as the President of a local chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). She aims to integrate the mind-brain connection into neurological treatment and explore alternative and complementary approaches to medical management.
Janavi Ramesh, M.S., M.D.
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Grad: Georgia State – MS in Neuroscience
Undergraduate: Georgia State – BS in Neuroscience
Dr. Ramesh's research background includes investigating the intricate relationship between memory and eating behavior, resulting in two peer-reviewed publications and several poster presentations. Additionally, she presented a case report on autoimmune encephalitis, earning recognition for best poster presentation. As an academic, she is passionate about mentoring and clinical education, demonstrated through her involvement in programs like Resilient Teens and serving as a peer mentor and guest lecturer. Her leadership as the president of Nu Rho Psi, the Neuroscience Honors Society underscores her commitment to neuroscience advocacy and education. Looking ahead, she envisions herself as an academic neurologist specializing in epilepsy, cognitive disorders, or neuro-infectious diseases.
Sean Siguenza, M.D., M.P.H
Medical School: UC Irvine
Undergraduate: UC Irvine
Contemplating a fellowship in Vascular Neurology, Dr. Siguenza's passion extends to public health research, particularly within stroke neurology, with a focus on underserved communities like the Latino community. Enjoying the opportunity to teach and mentor others, he is driven to increase diversity in neurology, especially among Latinos. Looking ahead, he envisions working as a general or stroke neurologist in predominantly underserved areas, continuing his advocacy and community engagement efforts.
Ashton Smelser, M.D.
Medical School: UT Southwestern
Undergraduate: Baylor – BS in Biology
Dr. Smelser has served as a peer mentor for UT Southwestern's Colleges Program and was a member of the Culinary Medicine Program leadership team. He finds fulfillment in research and his expertise spans medical education, medical devices, and global health. He is the first author of a peer-reviewed article while his global work includes research in Hong Kong and providing general and neurologic care in Roatan, Honduras. He hopes to pursue a career in neurocritical care or vascular neurology.
Obiadada Ugochukwu, M.D.
Medical School: Emory University
Undergraduate: Florida State – BS in Biochemistry
Dr. Ugochukwu is interested in learning about neuroimaging, vascular anatomy, and memory disorders. His previous research delved into the proteomics of Lewy body dementias. Beyond research, he finds fulfillment in mentoring individuals, particularly those in the educational pipeline, guiding them toward success. A unique aspect of his expression lies in writing poems about patients, adding a creative touch to his understanding of their experiences. Serving on the Editorial Board of the Styloid Process, Emory SOM's Journal of Arts and Writing reflects his commitment to merging medicine with artistic expression.
Divya Veerapaneni, M.D.
Medical School: Boston University
Undergraduate: Boston University – BA in Medical Science
Dr. Veerapaneni sees this as an exciting time to be in neurology. Her research includes the quantification of interstitial fibrosis, neuroblastoma aggression, and phenotyping cardiologic anatomy. Considering her passion and commitment to the field, she anticipates pursuing a fellowship to further specialize and contribute to the ongoing advancements in neurological care.
Victor Liaw, M.D.
Medical School: UT Southwestern
Undergraduate: UT Austin – BS in Biochemistry
Dr. Liaw has presented at prestigious conferences including AAN and the American Headache Society Annual Meeting. As an academic, he is passionate about research and clinical education, striving to advance the field of neurology and neuroscience, and has several publications. Notably, he takes pride in being the first author of his publication on spontaneous intracranial hypotension. In his commitment to patient care, he served as president of the Patient Accompaniment Initiative, volunteering to support chronically and terminally ill patients at Parkland who lack social support, exemplifying his compassion and leadership within the medical community.
Emma Wellington, M.D.
Medical School: George Washington University
Undergraduate: Colgate University – BA in Neuroscience and Asian Studies
Inspired by her experience at the Children's National Concussion Clinic, Dr. Wellington developed a keen interest in neuropsychiatry. She recognizes the intersection between neurological and behavioral functions in patients and aims to improve comfort care for patients and their families during life transitions by encouraging the integration of psychiatrists into palliative care teams. Intrigued by the realm of business, Dr. Wellington did a Clinical Practice Innovation and Entrepreneurship track during medical school and works as a proposal coordinator at a research health and management firm. She is proud to be co-president of Out for Health, an advocacy and education group for LGBTQIA+ healthcare, and has organized multiple summits at GWU. With plans to establish her own Neuropsychiatry clinic, pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and continue academic involvement, Dr. Wellington remains dedicated to advancing healthcare and advocating for underserved communities.