Family Practice Residents

THIRD YEAR
Timothy Klepper, M.D. - Chief Resident My name is Tim Klepper, and I’m originally from a small community called Sherwood Forest located about 15 minutes outside of Annapolis, Maryland.  I went to undergrad at Loyola College in Maryland, where I majored in Biology and minored in English.  After college, I did a two year post-bac program at MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and then attended Drexel University College of Medicine.  I began pursuing a surgical residency, but luckily saw the light in time and ultimately decided Family Practice was the best profession for me.  During the time I’ve spent in Philadelphia, I’ve become a Phillies fan and enjoyed playing on several flag football teams.  I also enjoy reading, movies, and checking out the Philadelphia social scene. You can email Dr. Klepper at Timothy_Klepper@chs.net
Tiffany Leonard, M.D.  Hailing from the great state of Wyoming, I received my B.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of Wyoming.  Shortly after, I packed up and moved to Hershey, PA where I got my M.D. from Penn State College of Medicine.  While in medical school I taught myself basic website design, served in many leadership positions with multiple medical organizations, and fostered a deep love for organized medicine.  I also made time to get married, improve my baking and cake decorating skills, and attempt to learn to ski, in addition to regularly feeding my hiking and ice cream addictions.  While I am uncertain where I would ultimately like to practice medicine, I do plan to some day retire, with a little jeep, to Moab, UT (or somewhere else equally beautiful). You can email Dr. Leonard at Tiffany_Leonard@chs.net
Viral Patel, M.D. I am originally from India – a country with vibrant culture and rich traditions, where I learned the art of healing, named Medicine.  During my internship, I was introduced to a beautiful young lady, who is now my wife.  She was studying in United States, so I had a chance to join her and her family in Pennsylvania.  After my boards, Penn State was my first destination where I did one year of clinical research designing a “Virtual Navigation System,” which is a novel diagnostic tool for early detection of lung cancer.  Afterwards, I completed one year of preliminary surgery residency at Hershey Medical Center.  Being a surgery resident in a tertiary care setting provided me a great opportunity to be trained in a health care system with advanced technology.  Within the first few months of my surgical internship, I knew that I was going to start a family and I decided to switch to family practice.  I chose Chestnut Hill because of its unique community setting, friendly people and wide variety of educational opportunities.  Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my son, surfing on web, photography and travel. You can email Dr. Patel at Viral_Patel@chs.net
Judy Peters, M.D. I trained at Wayne State University School of Medicine, graduated in 2006, and then started a Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center in California. After finishing two years, I decided to take a one year break to do community based environmental toxicology research back home at my Reservation in Canada (Walpole Island First Nation).  I then began the long process of building a clinic there.  I've been successful in building and strengthening a partnership between the University of Western Ontario and my Reservation so that they can populate our clinic with specialists once it's built. Because of the alliance with UWO, this site now serves as the model in Canada for excellent working partnerships between an Aboriginal Reserve and a University.  Since that time, I have moved east to Philadelphia to revisit clinical medicine, where I have recently joined the residents at Chestnut Hill.  I chose the Chestnut Hill Family Medicine residency program because it is very strong in outpatient care, and the attendings are very knowledgeable and encourage us to use evidence-based medicine. You can email Dr. Peters at Judy_Peters@chs.net
Patricia RedHawk, M.D. In my life, I've earned a paycheck as a landscaper, sous-chef, army medic, machine gunner, house builder, semi-prosoftball player and bicycle racer....doesn't it make sense I would end up in Family Medicine?  Eventually, I moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University School of Medicine.  Here I developed an odd affinity for cheesesteaks and the Phillies.  Medical school was a "long, strange trip" and before I could spell W-O-R-L-D backwards, I found myself here at Chestnut Hill Family Medicine residency. It's a kind and gentle place to learn how to discover and nurture your strengths as well as develop new ones. You can email Dr. RedHawk at Patricia_Redhawk@chs.net
Ngozi Ude, M.D  I went to University of Maryland for my undergraduate studies and also for medical school.  I have lived in Maryland since I moved to the United States from Nigeria, the country where I was born.  I chose to become a family physician because there was no specialty that called out enough to me to want to do it the rest of my life.  I also loved and appreciated the great flexibility that family practice offers.  I decided to come to Chestnut Hill because I truly liked the program when I interviewed.  I was also ready to live somewhere other than Maryland, and Philadelphia seemed like it would be a great place to live.  My hobbies include  spending time with friends and family, traveling, and reading.  You can email Dr. Ude at Ngozi_Ude@chs.net
SECOND YEAR
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
Danette Jordan, M.D. I originally grew up in Boston, but I relocated to Pittsburgh for my graduate education because I wanted to experience other regions of our country.  Although I loved the lack of congestion and somewhat Midwest culture of Pittsburgh, I longed to relocate closer to my family.  After I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with my Masters in Public Health and M.D, I then chose to relocate to Philadelphia, which is a bit closer to home.  I am committed to Family Medicine and the treatment of those who may be less fortunate.  I felt that Chestnut Hill Family Practice Program was ideal for me, especially because of the significant diversity amongst both the patient population and residents.  You can email Dr. Jordan at Danette_Jordan@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
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
FIRST 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

Chestnut Hill Hospital's Family Practice Residency program has graduated more than 180 residents since its inception in 1974. Many of the program's alumni are now practicing medicine in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, while other graduates practice throughout the country in such places as California, Florida, Hawaii and even Bermuda. All graduating residents have passed the certification boards on the first attempt.

The Hospital has formed physician networks to help facilitate our move toward an integrated health care system focusing on primary care and covered lives.

There is ample opportunity for graduates to stay and practice in the community.