Family Practice Residents

THIRD YEAR
Co Chief Resident Michael Carnathan After living in New Jersey my entire life and completing my undergraduate studies at St. Bonaventure University in Upstate New York, I decided that becoming a doctor was the right career path for me.  I then left the cold weather of the northern U.S. and attended St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada.  As a medical student, I had the opportunity to spend six weeks at a family practice office in New Jersey.  It was at this point that I realized the depth of knowledge and satisfaction that family medicine has to offer.  The choice to pursue family medicine at Chestnut Hill was an easy one.  I chose this program for its welcoming attitude, long standing reputation as a strong residency program, and its modern family practice facilities.  It also doesn't hurt to be able to live and work in a beautiful part of Philadelphia.  I hope to one day join a group practice in a suburb of Philly or NJ and possibly specialize in Addiction Medicine. You can email Dr. Carnathan at Michael_Carnathan@chs.net
Pooja Goel, M.D. I attended Lehigh University for my undergraduate studies and then went to Ross University School of Medicine in the West Indies.  I am originally from the Washington D.C./ Maryland area and feel lucky to have found fellow Marylanders among my new colleagues. Being very familiar with the Philadelphia area and having enjoyed the people I met at Chestnut Hill Family Practice, I was very excited to start here. I chose Family Practice for the level of patient interaction and the ability to influence patients through education and motivation. I look forward to my time here, enjoying Philadelphia, and making new friends. I also enjoy travel, shopping, movies, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends back home! You can email Dr. Goel at Pooja_Goel@chs.net
Jessy Joykutty, M.D. I'm originally from Bowie, Maryland, which is about 20 miles outside of Washington, D.C. I went to Howard University for undergraduate & medical school. I've spent my whole life in the D.C. area and loved it but decided it was time to branch out. So I decided to apply to programs all over the Mid-Atlantic. The Family Medicine program at Chestnut Hill Hospital was one of my first and favorite interviews. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and gave off a great vibe. I appreciated the close-knit nature between the faculty, residents, & staff. The program clearly demonstrated that, not only do they prepare you for the real world of medicine with hands-on training, but they provide it in a nurturing, safe, & healthy environment. I've already learned so much and have made great friends. And it's all just begun! You can email Dr. Joykutty at Jessy_Joykutty@chs.net
Salima Khan, M.D. My name is Naghma Khan. I go by "Salima." I was born to Indian parents in the city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. I grew up there until I was 8 years old and then moved to the US. I went to the University of Alabama at Birmingham for undergraduate studies and the University of South Alabama in Mobile for medical school. I later worked in the field of medical informatics at the University of Pennsylvania for three years before joining the Family Practice Residency Program at Chestnut Hill. I've enjoyed my time here and also found time to get married in my first year. My hubbie and I are mainly into eating, watching TV, and walking hand-in-hand wherever we go. You can email Dr. Khan at Naghma_Khan@chs.net
Co Chief Resident Achu Mofor, M.D. I was born in Cameroon.  I have been in the USA for more than a decade, having completed undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland College Park and medical studies at Temple University. I chose family practice at Chestnut Hill Hospital because I like Philadelphia, and I felt the faculty at the program had a vested interest in assuring that all residents were masterfully trained and skilled in family medicine. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, debating and watching sports. Chestnut Hill Family Practice program is a perfect fit for me. You can email Dr. Mofor at Achu_Mofor@chs.net
SECOND YEAR
Ricardo Aleman Chinea, M.D. I was born in Cuba, the bigger of the Caribbean islands which is unfortunately still under the longest dictatorial government in the western hemisphere.  I obtained my medical degree in 2003 from Instituto Superior de Ciencias Medicas de Villa Clara, an institution located in the center of the Island. I started my medical training as a resident physician practicing in Family Medicine in  Guantanamo, Cuba and Nebaj, Guatemala. I immigrated to the United States in 2005. I had the opportunity to train in a surgical residency program and Intensive Care Unit which provided valuable hands on medical experience and increased knowledge; as well as being very helpful in acquiring knowledge about the American health care system and improving my proficiency in the English language.  I am now extremely honored to be part of the Chestnut Hill Family Practice Residency Program in Philadelphia, Philadelphia.  I am enthusiastic to further my medical training and complete my residency in Family Practice. Besides my passion for medicine, I enjoy a variety of sports such as basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer and chess.  I also enjoy watching war movies and reading history books. You can email Dr. Aleman Chinea at Ricardo_Chinea@chs.net
Supreet Bindra, M.D. I was born in Delhi, India and spent my early childhood in Punjab until the age of 8 when we moved to New Jersey in 93’. Since then I have been a Jersey boy and stayed close to home for undergrad at the New Jersey Institute of Technology where I was one of 5 students in the 7-year accelerated medical program with St. George’s University School of Medicine. I experimented with many different potential futures during my clinical years but ultimately decided my interests in sports medicine, community preventive medicine, and behavioral health suited Family Medicine best. Ultimately this gave me the best opportunity to fulfill my goal of being the best During my interview here at Chestnut Hill Hospital I immediately fell in love with the people and knew I would fit in the best here because of its excellent reputation in addition to the community hospital setting I was looking for. In my spare time I enjoy playing basketball, football, listening to bhangra music, watching movies and discussing politics or religion. I have a diverse array of interests and am excited about exploring them in residency! You can email Dr. Bindra at Supreet_Bindra@chs.net
Stephanie Lay, M.D. I was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida. I completed my undergraduate education at The University of Florida. After college, I decided to move up to the Northeast to experience life in a more urban city setting and attended Temple University School of  Medicine. For residency, I decided on Family Medicine because of the ability to treat a wide age range of patients as well as diseases. I decided to stay in Philadelphia because of the variety of things to see and do such as running around the Schuykill River on Kelly Drive, the various museums, the great restaurants in the city, watching the Phillies and the Flyers. I chose Chestnut Hill because during my interview, I found the residents and attendings were open, honest, and supportive and since starting residency I have found the same can be said for the rest of the staff at the Family Practice. On my free time, I love to run with my dog, try out the various restaurants in the city, go to the shore and travel. You can email Dr. Lay at Stephanie_Lay@chs.net
Fernando Porter, M.D. I attended the greatest school in the world for undergrad, Florida A&M University, and received a bachelors degree in Biology while there.  I continued my education in Tallahassee, FL and earned my medical degree from Florida State University.  When choosing my next adventure in life, I wanted something completely different than what I experienced my entire life.  I was raised in Atlanta, and spent my college and med school life in Florida, so I figured moving north would be a great new experience to have.  As challenging as it was to find the right family med program for me, Chestnut Hill encompassed all of the qualities of a program I desired while being in a location I desired as well.  In my spare time I enjoy participating in endurance sports, golfing, watching sporting events, movies, and spend time with friends, family, and the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha. You can email Dr. Porter at Fernando_Porter@chs.net
Erica Sturdivant, M.D. I attended Columbia University for undergrad where I majored in Economics and Sociology. I then attended Tufts University for Med School. However, I grew up in Philadelphia and most of my family and friends live in the area so I chose to return to Philly for residency. Growing up I used Chestnut Hill Family Practice for my personal medical care, and several of my family members go to CHH when they have medical needs as well. We’ve all had great experiences so I thought Chestnut Hill would be a good place for me to continue my medical training. So far what I’ve enjoyed the most about CHH are the supportive and encouraging teaching staff, and the variety of patients and medical conditions I’ve encountered. In my spare time I enjoy shopping, working-out/jogging, and just hanging out with my friends and family. You can email Dr. Sturdivant at Erica_Sturdivant@chs.net
Frances Velez, M.D. Hi!  My name is Frances Velez, I am originally from Puerto Rico. After completing college and medical school in Puerto Rico, I decided I needed to tackle a big city and experience something new.  I subsequently completed a preliminary year in Internal Medicine in Queens, New York.  That was a great experience but it made me really appreciate the importance of prevention and primary care.  As a current Family Practice resident, I feel that Family Medicine is right for me because it emphasizes and promotes prevention, well-roundedness, and deals with the patients in a more holistic manner.  You cannot find these qualities in any other specialty.  I am also very excited about starting my residency in the midst of drastic Health Care Reform and the development of the Patient Centered Medical Home.  You can email Dr. Velez at Frances_Velez@chs.net
FIRST YEAR
Oluwakemi Ajide, M.D. I am originally from Nigeria and moved to the U.S.A. in 1999. I completed undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University and medical school at George Washington University. Moving from Lagos to Baltimore to Washington DC....Philadelphia seems to be the next city to conquer!!!! I feel honored to be joining the Chestnut Hill Hospital family. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, knitting & crocheting, food photography, performing arts. You can email Dr. Ajide at Oluwakemi_Ajide@chs.net
Andrew Berta, M.D. I grew up in the city of Lancaster, about an hour and half west of Philadelphia. I moved to Philly when I attended St. Joseph's University for my undergraduate studies. During my time between undergrad and medical school, I did a year of the Philadelphia Health Corps, a division of Americorps. This allowed me to work in health clinics serving some of the most underserved populations in the city. Following my Americorps service, I attended Drexel Medical School. During my time at Drexel I rotated through Chestnut Hill Hospital and fell in love with the Family Practice clinic. Chestnut Hill also gives me the added benefit of working with my wife, who works as a nurse in the CH emergency department. My joys include Philadelphia sports, traveling with my wife and all of the excitement living in Philadelphia offers. You can email Dr. Berta at Andrew_Berta@chs.net
Christopher Daroy, M.D. I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA. I went to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville for undergrad, where I majored in Bio chemistry. After graduation, I attended a post-bac program in Pharmacology & Toxicology at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia. From there, I went to St. Georges's University School of Medicine initially wanting to go into Emergency Medicine. During a six-week rotation in Family Medicine, I realized Family Medicine was the perfect fit because I can get to know my patients not by diseases/illnesses but on a long-term basis. I chose Chestnut Hill Hospital because in addition to an excellent reputation and modern facilities, it provides me the best opportunity to attain my goals in a great location and work with the friendliest, supportive group of colleagues and staff. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends/family, watching movies, playing tennis, exploring new restaurants, traveling, and maintaining my car. You can email Dr. Daroy at Christopher_Daroy@chs.net
Michelle Hyatt, M.D. Originally from Jamaica, I came to the United States over a decade ago, intent on becoming a physician. I did my undergraduate studies at Temple University and completed my medical education at Drexel University College of Medicines. I love Philadelphia. It is a city with such a rich history and is filled with much diversity and culture, which made choosing Chestnut Hill Hospital for residency a no-brainer. Chestnut Hill Hospital Family Practice serves a population that is representative of the interesting melange of cultures and ethnicity that is seen in Philadelphia. It is a place where good education is complimented by real exposure. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, picnicking and hiking. On any particular day, I am known to be discovering a new hobby. You can email Dr. Hyatt at Michelle_Hyatt@chs.net
Graham Johnson, M.D. I graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Science, where I participated in the Student National Medical Association and volunteered at local health fairs. I also had the opportunity to spend time working at a small private hospital in northeastern China. Before medical school, I majored in Applied Health Science and played varsity tennis at Wheaton College. During my undergraduate summers, I did basic science cardiovascular and oncology research in Columbia, Missouri and Southampton, England. I spent most of my childhood in beautiful Rogers, Arkansas, but have also lived in Arizona, New York and Kenya. I enjoy traveling, tennis, active transportation, photography, ethnic foods, documentaries, and spending time with my awesome wife. I'm excited to have matched at Chestnut Hill because of the diverse patient population, opportunities in Philadelphia, and collegial vibe among the residents and faculty. You can email Dr. Johnson at Graham_Johnson@chs.net
Winston Ugbajah, M.D. I am originally from Nigeria and have been in the USA for over a decade. I completed a post-bac program at Clayton State University in Georgia after which I proceeded to Temple University School of Medicine for my MD degree. I was pursuing Internal Medicine residency before deciding to expand my career path to family medicine in order to accomplish my passion for taking care of patients across all age groups. For me, the Chestnut Hill family medicine program provides a conducive working and learning experience. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, running and watching news. You can email Dr. Ugbajah at Winston_Ugbajah@chs.net