Class of 2027
Anna Amune, MD
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M University
Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Medicine
Academic Interests: Resuscitation, Critical Care, Admin, Palliative Care
Why Sinai: Sinai felt like the best fit for me! From my interview, I could tell that the support here would be unmatched. From my first interaction with the program directors and my (now) co-residents, I was fully bought in to Sinai’s commitment to excellent patient care and a healthy residency culture. A year later, I’m so glad this is where I got to be for my residency program!
Fun Fact: I really enjoy listening to show-tunes while on shift
Patrick Huling, DO
Hometown: Stilwell, Oklahoma
Undergrad: Northeastern State University Tahlequah, OK
Medical School: Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tahlequah, OK
Academic Interests: Global Medicine, Sports Medicine, Wellness, Medical Education
Why Sinai: Mt. Sinai had my attention from the beginning of the search on VSLO and other residency databases, but what absolutely sealed the deal was when I rotated here and got to experience it. The vibes, the culture of care, and the familial nature of the staff and physicians is something that was unforgettable. Not only is it in Miami Beach, a selling point in itself, but it also encompasses amazing clinical practices and a work environment that’s engaging and welcoming. Couldn’t ask for much better in my opinion!
Fun Fact: I graduated medical school at 23 yrs old but I feel 30 yrs old. I also have a precious little kitty named Olivia who I spend all my free time with!
Ramon M. Quintero, DO
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Undergrad: Florida International University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University
Academic Interests: Emergency medicine, medical education, and ultrasound.
Why Sinai: Sinai offers the perfect balance of high-acuity clinical training, a commitment to serving a diverse patient population, and a supportive environment that fosters both professional and personal growth. The strong EM culture, emphasis on innovation, and proximity to cuban coffee make it an ideal place to train!
Fun Fact: I grew up playing baseball and thought I would go pro… then I took organic chemistry!
Sydney Sarantos, MD
Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
Undergrad: Boston College
Medical School: Florida International University
Academic Interests: Emergency Medicine, Global Health
Why Sinai: I chose Mount Sinai's EM program because of the strong sense of community and support I felt from both the staff and residents during my rotation, which has just grown since being there this year. The camaraderie and teamwork at Sinai creates an environment where I feel both challenged and cared for, almost like being part of a second family. I was drawn to the broad scope of disease processes encountered as well as the high volume of patients, which keeps each shift dynamic and allows me to continually grow as a clinician. Most importantly, the supportive culture and collaborative spirit within the department made me feel like I belonged, and I knew it was a place where I could thrive both personally and professionally.
Fun Fact: I have visited 5 continents, and hoping to make it to 7 as soon as possible!
Preet Sawhney, DO
Hometown: Queens, NY
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology
Academic Interests: Ultrasound, Global Medicine
Why Sinai: This program has everything I was looking for in a residency program. It strikes the perfect balance between independence and guidance. As an intern, you’re able to take on cases of all acuity and do any procedure you want with the appropriate support. When I rotated here as a med student, I was so impressed by the skill level of the residents. The ultrasound and clinical education is unparalleled. But what really makes this residency the best is the people! I feel lucky to have the best co-residents and attendings supporting me on every shift. And our program director, Dr. Dalley, is the best!!! Not to mention Sinai’s ER is beautiful and right on the water. I couldn’t imagine a better place to train and work than Miami Beach!
Fun Fact: I was a ballet dancer for 16 years
Eric Scheppke, DO
Hometown: Jupiter, FL
Undergrad: Florida State University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Academic Interests: EMS, Natural Disaster Medicine, Wilderness Medicine, Sports Medicine
Why Sinai: Everyone involved in the program are kind and genuinely want you to be your best. In addition to this, Miami is truly one of the best spots in the country for emergency medicine training as well as for living.
Fun Fact: I am a long time scuba diver that has collected thousands of different shark teeth over the years and have been lobstering in the Keys all of my life.
Michael Zalkind, MD
Hometown: Monticello, NY
Undergrad: SUNY at Albany
Medical School: Florida International University
Academic Interests: Sports Medicine, Anti-Aging/Wellness, Ultrasound
Why Sinai: Exceptional leadership, dedicated faculty, diverse patient population, state of the art ED, and of course located in the 305.
Fun Fact: I have been to 58 Dave Mathews Band concerts
Class of 2028
Sara Christoforides, DO
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Undergrad: Marist University
Med School: Lake Erie College of Medicine at Elmira, NY
Academic Interests: Social EM, U/S, MedEd
Why Sinai: I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Mount Sinai Miami Beach EM residency program because it is the perfect mix of high-acuity, fast-paced medicine within a warm, tight-knit, and supportive environment. During my fourth-year rotation here, I saw how hands-on the training is, with one-on-one teaching made possible by the small program size and supportive faculty. When choosing a residency, I intentionally sought a program that would not only challenge me clinically but also nurture my passion for the social and humanitarian aspects of medicine, especially their impact on patient care and Sinai does just that. If I had to pick just one of my favorite things about Sinai, it has to be the incredible sense of community. Residents, attendings, nurses, and ancillary staff truly respect and support one another, both in and out of the hospital!
Fun Fact: Arabic is my first language!
Helena Dopazo, MD
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: University of Florida
Med school: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Academic Interests: Sports medicine, EMS, US, Event medicine
Why Sinai: great family style relationship amongst colleagues with a strong and enjoyable residency in my hometown...why not Sinai?
Fun fact: I've had 5 concussions through my years of playing soccer
Rachel Kessler, DO
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Undergrad: Biola University
Med school: Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Interests: Wilderness Medicine, EMS, Hyperbaric Medicine
Why Sinai: Sinai offers strong clinical training in a beautiful location right on the water. You’ll work with a diverse patient population and be part of a team that’s supportive and fun to be around. The faculty are approachable and truly invested in your growth. It’s a place where you’ll learn a lot and enjoy the people you’re learning with.
Fun fact: I’m a twin!
Seiya Liu, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Undergrad: Harvard University
Med School: University of Miami
Academic Interests: Ethics, QI, Admin
Why Sinai: Best clinical learning environment and the people here!
Fun Fact: I have chronic injuries in almost every joint from sports, but have never broken a bone
Erica Moralejo, DO
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: Florida International University Honors
Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Academic Interests: Medical Education and Simulation
Why Sinai: I had an incredible experience while rotating here as a fourth-year medical student. The program immediately stood out for its strong sense of community and its emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care. From faculty to residents, everyone is genuinely invested in each other’s growth and success. I knew this was a place where I would be both supported and challenged to reach my full potential as an emergency medicine physician. In addition, this program gives me the chance to care for the community I grew up in!
Fun Fact: I’m a twin!
Joel Nash, DO
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: Florida International University
Med School: Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Interests: Trauma, Critical Care, Ultrasound, Med Ed, Academia
Why Sinai: I worked as an ER scribe for four years here at Sinai prior to medical school, and the education that I received from many of these doctors, APPs, RNs, and techs genuinely paved the way for me to be where I am at today. I came back as a 4th year medical student after experiencing many other ERs across the US, and I still don’t think I have met a better group of attendings and residents. To be able to complete my medical training amongst these very attendings I looked up to, and to do so while caring for the same community I grew up in- is an upmost honor.
Fun Fact: My party trick is that I can dislocate my left shoulder and put it back in.
Alejandro Noy, MD
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: Florida Gulf Coast University
Med School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Academic Interests: Addiction medicine
Why Sinai: After rotating at Sinai as a fourth-year medical student, I knew it was the right fit for me. The support residents received from attendings, co-residents, and nursing was unique. I valued the close-knit, family feel that I experienced firsthand. The residents were exceptionally prepared to manage complex patients in a busy ED and had meaningful hands-on learning opportunities. I also appreciated the high-quality education delivered during weekly conferences, especially in ultrasound. Everything I experienced confirmed that Sinai is the kind of training environment that will shape me into a strong emergency physician. And above all, the culture was genuine and super welcoming
Fun Fact: I enjoy playing pickleball.
Ricardo Torres, DO
Hometown : Orlando, FL
Undergrad: University of Central Florida
Med School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic interest: Critical Care , Community Emergency Medicine
Why Sinai: Incredible location, strong program reputation, and amazing people! I was drawn to Mount Sinai because of its long standing establishment, strong commitment to resident education and the supportive, team-oriented culture I felt during my interview day. When I spoke with current residents, I could tell they were genuinely happy and well-supported — that sense of camaraderie really stood out to me.
Fun fact: I have visited 14 different countries and received my scuba diving license in Bali!
CLASS OF 2029
Mary Christodoulou, MD
Hometown: Freehold, NJ
Undergrad:
Med School: FIU HWCOM
Academic Interests: Community medicine, Critical care
Why Sinai: After rotating at Mount Sinai as a fourth-year medical student, I knew it was where I wanted to train. I immediately felt welcomed by everyone in the department, and the supportive, close-knit environment made it easy to feel like part of the Sinai family! The diverse patient population, high clinical acuity, and wide range of pathology provide an incredible learning experience. The beautiful campus and its location in Miami Beach make it an even better and fun place to train!
Fun Fact: I once had 16 pets at the same time! (3 dogs + 13 birds)
Taryn Hibshman, MD
Hometown: Parkland, FL
Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Academic Interests: Medical Education, Trauma, Ultrasound, med ed
Why Sinai: I was immediately drawn to the family feel of the residents when I went to the social at Monty’s. When I toured Sinai ER, not only is it beautiful, but you can feel a sense of community among nurses, residents, attendings, techs, etc, which isn’t the case in every ER and makes working so much more enjoyable. Sinai has the perfect balance of acuity and community environment. Also, being in Miami Beach we get to see such a wide variety of pathology from all over the world. We get to be so hands on with procedures and ultrasound starting from day 1 and I couldn’t imagine a better and more fun training environment!!
Fun Fact: I named my dog after a taco place
Kenneth Jordan, MD
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Undergrad:
Med School: Temple University
Academic Interests: Administration, Critical Care
Why Sinai: I wanted a welcoming and supportive residency program that sculpts competent physicians who value medical excellence and patient centered care. Sinai serves a diverse patient population, nationally and geographically with so many visitors from out of state. As an added bonus, I get to be closer to my son and the rest of my family as I continue to accomplish my dreams.
Fun Fact: I mastered a new instrument in 2 hours
Brittany Puebla, DO
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: FIU
Med School: NSU MD
Academic Interests:
Why Sinai:
Fun Fact: I have visited Scotland 9 times (I love the castles!).
Esteban Sergio Soto, DO
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Undergrad: FIU
Med School: VCOM
Academic interests:
Why Sinai:
Fun Fact: I have lived in four different states
Jerald Stacks, DO
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Undergrad:
Med School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Middletown
Academic Interests: EMS/Disaster Medicine, Resuscitation, ED Leadership/Operations
Why Sinai: I chose Sinai because from the moment I walked into the department, it felt like home. As a student rotating here, I immediately felt welcomed by the residents, faculty, nurses, and staff, and I saw firsthand how rare it is to be in a place where everyone works so hard while still genuinely having each other’s backs. Starting with Dr. Dalley and continuing through the passionate faculty and incredible residents, Sinai is a program where people challenge you, support you, and make you feel like part of the family.
What stood out to me most was how quickly I felt trusted and included. I was able to grow clinically, get involved in the action, and learn from senior residents who carried themselves with the confidence, composure, and ownership I hope to develop. Sinai offered everything I was looking for: the most established emergency medicine training in South Florida, an extremely diverse patient population, strong community EM, top-tier trauma exposure at Ryder, and the chance to care for the community that raised me. Matching here truly felt like coming home, and I feel incredibly grateful that Sinai is where I get to train.
Fun Fact: I once solved a Rubik’s Cube in 25 seconds.
Alysia Treacy, DO
Hometown: Tamarac, FL
Undergrad:
Med School: NSU-KPCOM
Academic interests: Wilderness Medicine
Why Sinai: South Florida weather and the amazing people who make up the program!
Fun Fact: I know how to build an igloo!
Axl Vinograd, MD
Hometown: Delray Beach, Florida
Undergrad:
Med School: New York Medical College
Academic interests: Sports Medicine, Resuscitation, and Community Emergency Medicine
Why Sinai: The supportive environment, great people, and strong sense of teamwork made MSMC feel like home.
Fun Fact: I was born at Mount Sinai, and now I’m back as a resident