top of page
Resident Testimonials
Peter Kooienga, DO
Class of 2026
I was drawn to Elmhurst for the opportunity to serve one of the world's most diverse patient populations. The sheer variety of what I see every day has given me a rigorous training experience that is second to none. More importantly, caring for the Queens community has opened my eyes to the real-world factors that affect a person's health and taught me the importance of providing culturally sensitive care. The amazing sense of camaraderie with my colleagues makes for a uniquely supportive environment, and it confirms every day that I chose the right place to train.
Maurizio Camere Pastor, MD
Class of 2026
At Elmhurst, I’ve found not only rigorous clinical training but also the space to grow as an educator and researcher. From day one, I’ve been encouraged to take initiative and pursue projects I care deeply about.
Elmhurst challenges you to become a deep thinker and a sharp clinician. We care for a diverse and often medically complex patient population, giving us exposure to advanced pathology and fascinating infectious disease cases rarely seen elsewhere.
One of the things that makes this program special is our leadership. They are nurturing, fiercely supportive, and unwavering in their commitment to helping residents achieve their goals and will go out of their way to make sure you succeed.
Our affiliation with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai opens doors to research opportunities, clinical electives, the Medical Educator Track, mindfulness training, and countless other possibilities. If you are proactive and curious, you will find a community that supports your growth at every turn. Elmhurst will push you, shape you, and prepare you to care for any patient, anywhere.
Alexander Mc Daid, MB B.Ch., BAO
When applying for residency, I think everyone has a list of criteria to help decide what program is the right choice for them. For me, it was the quality and breadth of training, the program culture and the record of fellowship match. Elmhurst’s strength in these areas was evident to me during my interview process, and I can now personally attest to them having worked here for over a year.
The training we receive is clinically excellent due to the quality of our educators and the diversity of pathology that we see in our patients. Our attendings and fellows take a genuine interest in our training and are eager to teach and guide us as we become confident, curious and competent clinicians. We also benefit from being located in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, with a corresponding wide spectrum of diagnoses ranging from the common to extremely rare. In Elmhurst, a discussion of differentials will often include the phrase “this isn’t common, but if it were to present in any hospital it would be here.” Our attendings encourage us to think outside of the box, leading to interesting and wide-ranging discussions on ward rounds.
The program has also managed to cultivate a culture that I truly think is one of our strongest assets of the hospital. The program leadership and attendings are very approachable and take a sincere interest in both our professional development and personal wellbeing. Our residency group all the way from PGY1 to PGY3 are also a tight and close group. It feels like our family away from family. I believe this educational and engaging culture results in our excellent fellowship matches, with residents matching into some of the top programs in the country.
Class of 2027
Sylvia Oikeh, MD
Class of 2027
Being born and raised in a resource-poor environment, I had first-hand experience of what it meant not to receive appropriate medical care. Choosing a hospital that would allow me to provide proper healthcare to people who look and sound like me was crucial in my decision. This is why I love Elmhurst - knowing that I get to make an impact on someone's life who would otherwise not receive the aid they need or access to appropriate healthcare. Working with colleagues who have the same passion and inspiration for patient care, scientific progress, and improvement of healthcare, has always been at the forefront of my Elmhurst experience. My co-residents, the attendings and the ancillary staff all add to my day-to-day learning experience. Managing rare and interesting conditions that would otherwise only be seen in a textbook is one of my greatest motivations and makes me excited to show up to work every day. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose Elmhurst without hesitation. It’s given me a foundation I’ll carry with me forever, both in medicine and in life.
Diana Marmolejo, MD
Class of 2027
When I think about why I chose Elmhurst for my residency training, I just need to look around. Elmhurst is not just a hospital, but a community. Every day I'm surrounded by experienced attendings, eager to teach and provide the best care for every patient, and by amazing co-residents that more than colleagues have become my second family. At Elmhurst, we all have each other's back; faculty, staff and co-residents are genuinely interested in your career aspirations, and you'll feel their support from day one.
The diverse population that Elmhurst serves makes it a unique place, giving residents the opportunity to encounter a wide variety of pathologies and to provide evidence-based and compassionate care to our patients. Our program's affiliation with Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers additional opportunities and resources that enrich our clinical and academic experience.
Last but not least, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst are some of the most diverse neighborhoods in NYC, offering an astonishing cultural experience.
Jun Ki (Brian) Jeon, MBBS
Class of 2027
Choosing Elmhurst was an easy decision for me when moving from the UK. Coming from the NHS, where the focus is on providing quality care to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, I knew that Elmhurst's commitment to serving uninsured and low-income communities aligned with my values. Moreover, transitioning to a new country, away from my friends and family, was daunting, but the warmth and support I've found here have made all the difference. The sense of camaraderie among co-residents and faculty has truly turned them into a second family, which has made this journey feel more like home. The training itself has been exceptional, offering a broad range of pathology and fostering a level of independence in decision-making that has accelerated my growth as a clinician. Plus, the food in this diverse community is incredible—a small but welcome perk! Overall, Elmhurst has exceeded my expectations in every way, combining great training with a supportive environment that I’m grateful to be a part of.
bottom of page