Name: Paola E. Braña Rivera, MD

Medical School: University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine

Home: Dorado, Puerto Rico

Career Goals: The only thing I know is I like critical care and gastroenterology and would love to get involved with advocacy work regarding undocumented children.

Hobbies: Writing poems and doing +1000 piece puzzles.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: While looking for a residency, I was very interested in a place that made me feel welcomed. Inova made it evident from the start that they were all about accepting everyone for who they are and about making everyone feel comfortable. The faculty and residents felt genuine, and I wanted to be part of not only a great program but a place where people were effortlessly good and welcoming. I have no regrets and I hope that we can keep providing that feeling to the next generation of doctors that will be considering this program for residency.

Name: Lauren Clopper, MD

Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine

Home: Frederick, MD

Career Goals: I am not sure yet but I am considering primary care or a subspecialty, potentially allergy and Immunology or GI.

Hobbies: I enjoy ceramics, painting, hiking, and trying new restaurants.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: There are so many things that led me to choose Inova. I was looking for a medium-sized program that saw a large variety of patients and demographics, but that still had a close-knit feel. On my interview day it was clear that the residents and attendings alike loved the program, which made it easy for me to make my decision.

Name: Rijutha Garimella, MD

Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Home: Norman, OK

Career Goals: Undecided, but potentially a fellowship

Hobbies: Cooking, traveling, being a foodie, reading, hanging out with friends and family.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: The pediatrics program has so many unique qualities, from amazing advocacy opportunities to a diverse range of pathologies to a tight-knit community among the Inova residents. I love being in the DMV and the opportunity to explore the area that it is so close to the beach and other cities, and that it is a mixing bowl of many different people and cultures. There are so many incredible things about Inova and I just knew that it was the place I wanted to be!

Name: Erin Harvey, MD

Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Home: Hurlock, MD

Career Goals: Primary Care Pediatrics

Hobbies: Reading, soccer, running, knitting, crocheting, and hiking.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I chose Inova because it is a strong medium-sized program serving a diverse patient population. I liked that the program provided a lot of autonomy to residents while maintaining a strong academic focus with opportunities for research and advocacy work. Northern Virginia is also an amazing area to live in with a lot of opportunities to enjoy time outside of the hospital!

Name: Jean He, MD 

Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine

Home: Fairfax, VA

Career Goals: Primary Care

Hobbies: I like cooking, reading (science fiction/fantasy), and just started yoga. I also love finding new restaurants to try with friends.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I grew up in this area and heard wonderful things about Inova Health System! I also wanted to train in a diverse community, where I could see myself practicing as a pediatrician. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming on interview day, and there were a lot of options for electives that would strengthen my skills in primary care.

Name: Alycia Heiner, DO 

Medical School: Liberty University

Home: Oak Hill, VA

Career Goals: Pediatric Sports Medicine.

Hobbies: Comedy shows and hunting local boba with my husband, insufferably restarting a running routine, Yahtzee with my grandma, and all things DC sports!

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: Inova is home - I was born and raised in Northern Virginia and started my career at Inova as an ultrasound tech. This organization has supported me through several different seasons of my career and I’m thankful to have the privilege to train in an environment that prioritizes my education and supports my goals. The entire program has been so welcoming and encouraging, I could not be more thrilled to be part of the family!

Name: William Hickman, MD 

Medical School: Boston University

Home: Newark, DE

Career Goals: Leaning towards primary care but open to a subspecialty.

Hobbies: Golf, hiking, movie/Netlflix nights, traveling, and watching almost any sporting event.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: My wife and I fell in love with the DMV area years ago after finishing undergrad. We always dreamed of moving to the area one day and residency seemed like our best chance. I was impressed with the program and Inova Health System overall and I fell in love with the family atmosphere mixed with high-quality training available. I was completely sold after I found program leadership were previous military physicians who would understand my experience and how to help in my transition back to civilian life. I couldn't be happier with my choice!

Name: Evangelos Katsanos, DO 

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia Campus

Home: Virginia Beach, VA

Career Goals: To become a community-based pediatrician!

Hobbies: I love Greek dancing (you can find me at all the local Greek festivals), cooking meals for family and friends, and running to various bagel shops and bakeries in the area.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: Inova was the perfect match for me due to it being both an academic and community-based program. The family atmosphere cannot be beat, and I am beyond thankful to call Inova my home!

Name:  Victoria Kim, MD

Medical School: Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine

Home: Cincinnati, OH

Career Goals: Undecided

Hobbies: I love everything food related! Trying new restaurants, new cuisines, cooking, grocery shopping, sharing food with loved ones, you name it.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I chose Inova because of the emphasis on high-quality education balanced with wellness. I was also attracted to the medium-sized program within a large hospital setting; I knew that this would ensure a diverse patient population and extensive exposure while matching the pace of learning that I need to optimize learning. However, it was ultimately the warm and friendly atmosphere at Inova that made me feel right at home!

Name: Meenu Krishnasamy, MD 

Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Home: Cupertino, CA

Career Goals: Currently undecided, but interested in pediatric emergency medicine, endocrinology or general pediatrics.

Hobbies: I like to bake, explore plant-based options at restaurants and spend time with family and friends.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I was excited for the opportunity to train at a children's hospital with such a diverse patient population. The medium-sized class and emphasis on residents will allow for lots of hands-on experience from early on, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The proximity to Washington, DC, was also a big plus.

Name: Jenny Mai, MD 

Medical School: Tulane School of Medicine

Home: Lawrenceville, GA

Career Goals: Hospital Medicine

Hobbies: I love trying out new restaurants, watching TV/movies, collecting houseplants, traveling, and cooking/baking.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: There are so many reasons why I chose Inova! I love the medium class size of the program since I can get to know all of my co-residents and work closely with them. And as someone who learns best by seeing and doing, I knew Inova would be the perfect place for me because of the large and diverse patient volume. Also, DC is only a short drive away, so there are plenty of fun things to do around here. :)

Name: Sarah Marakos, DO 

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Home: Linwood, NJ

Career Goals: Undecided, but considering pediatric emergency medicine.

Hobbies: Cooking, exploring new areas and restaurants, spending time outdoors - riding my bike, camping, going to the beach or just going on walks in my neighborhood!

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: The people I met during my interview day were all so amazing! Even via Zoom, I was really able to get a feel for the program's personality. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly and made me feel very comfortable. I was also impressed by the emphasis on diversity at this program and knew it was somewhere that I would get a great training experience!

Name: William Sherrerd-Smith, MD 

Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School

Home: Charlottesville, VA

Career Goals: Primary care or adolescent medicine with a focus in LGBT advocacy and QI.

Hobbies: Art (drawing and painting, mostly), board games, exercise, and appeasing my Fitbit.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: It is a beautiful children's hospital that forwardly values diversity in its patients and employees. Everyone I have interacted with from the interview trail to the present has been supportive and kind. The area is also a good mix of urban and rural while having DC easily accessible.