Our Residents

PGY-3 Internal Medicine Residents

Het Patel, MD

Het Patel

Medical School: Dr.D.Y.Patil University, India and T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston.

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I would love to learn more clinical skills and knowledge from our esteemed faculty and apply it to treating patients in need.

Fun Fact about yourself:  Love gardening, farm to table cooking, swimming, and cycling.

Daniel Zamanian, MD

Daniel Zamanian

Medical school: Qeshm Azad University of Medical Science- Iran

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am looking forward to a collaborative and friendly environment which residents can learn and grow both professionally and personally. 

Fun Fact about yourself: I like history, soccer, basketball, and sociology 

Lauren Billington, MD

Lauren Billington

Medical school: University of Mississippi Medical Center

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am excited to work closely with my new friends and colleagues to help take the best care of my patients.

Fun Fact about yourself: I have visited 49/50 of the States – I plan on checking North Dakota off the list before I finish residency!

Samhita Boppana, MD

Samhita Boppana, MD

Medical school: St. George's University

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am look forward to learning, implementing, and contributing to the program and the community. I am excited to work with a team that will help stimulate my thinking and develop excellent clinical and research skills.

Fun Fact about yourself: I have travelled and lived in various countries

Jaahnavi Konidala, MD

Jaahnavi Konidala

Medical school: Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry, India.

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am looking forward to train under amazingly knowledgeable faculty, supportive environment to strengthen skills in delivering high quality patient care and building long-lasting relationships with people around me.

Fun Fact about yourself: I have OCD in organizing stuff. Besides that, I find pleasure in pleasing my palate with different foods, strolling around with my husband, playing strategic puzzles/games and spending time with my family.

Lynn Tong, DO

Lynn Tong

Medical school: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? The outstanding clinical training, exposure to a wide variety of pathologies, invaluable mentorship, and unwavering support by faculty that genuinely care.

Fun Fact about yourself: I am a HUGE foodie and a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan

Sravya Vellanki, MD

Sravya Vellanki,

Medical school: Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Srikakulam, India

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am looking forward to the diverse clinical experience as well as the outstanding mentorship and teaching.

Fun Fact about yourself: I enjoy playing outdoor games like Throwball and Badminton.

Michael Vutam, DO

Michael Vutam

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am most looking forward to cultivating relationships with my co-interns, upper-level residents, attendings, and faculty that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Fun Fact about yourself: I can list every U.S. President by their numerical order and political party from memory.

Sapna, MD

Sapna

Medical School: Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical College, Singh, Pakistan

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am looking forward to having a well-structured residency including clinical exposure with teaching and autonomy to make me a strong, independent practitioner. I appreciate constructive feedback and inputs along with the friendly work environment.

Fun Fact about yourself: I love to cook and enjoy dancing and listening to music.

Farah Abuazzam, MD

Farrah Abuzzam

Medical School: Mu’tah University Faculty of Medicine, Jordan

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am looking forward to spend these years in a friendly supportive work environment. 

A fun fact about yourself: I am a skydiver, hiker, runner, weight lifter, and transplant nephrologist.

PGY-2 Internal Medicine Residents

Dean Abdehou, MD

Dean Abdehou

Medical School: LSU-S School of Medicine

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I'm excited for the opportunity to care for and build relationships with patients from my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, as well as the chance to work and learn alongside the experienced physicians and healthcare workers of Willis Knighton.

A fun fact about yourself:  I enjoy playing the piano, cooking, and gardening in my free time. 

Abeer Almusleh, MD

Abeer Almusleh

Medical School: An-Najah National University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Palestine

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am looking to enhance my clinical skills and reasoning in a safe, supportive environment ,meeting new people, listening to patients' stories, and making memories that last a lifetime!

Fun facts about yourself : I love singing, creating new recipes and always up for an adventure.

Bilind Ismail, MD

Bilind Ismail

Medical School: Hawler Medical University, Iraq

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I’m seeking a residency program with a diverse and dynamic learning environment. I thrive under strong mentorship, which is why I chose Willis-Knighton. Their comprehensive training and supportive atmosphere will help me excel in internal medicine and continuously expand my knowledge and skills.

A fun fact about yourself: Travelling the world and reading books are my passions. They provide endless inspiration and wisdom. My journey is my book, and its title will reflect my adventures and the lessons I learnt.

Joel Joseph, MD

Joel Joseph

Medical School: Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, India

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? What I’m most looking forward to is the opportunity to meet and work with new people-patients, staff, attendings, etc. I love listening to people’s stories and meeting people from various backgrounds. That and the opportunity to practice as a Doctor! 

A fun fact about yourself: A fun fact about myself is that I successfully diagnosed myself with appendicitis at the age of 10. I used to read my mom's old copy of Harrison's. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a physician! 

Parinistha Mohan, MD

Parinistha Mohan

Medical School: Osmania Medical College, India

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I look forward to developing my skills as a physician and exploring my passion for research with a commitment to excellence. Equally important to me is forging strong bonds with the people I meet along the way and forming relationships that last beyond my three years of residency

A fun fact about yourself: One fun fact about myself is that I adore Impressionist art. I would live inside a Monet if could.

Harshini Muppidi, MD

Harshini Muppidi

Medical School: Narayana Medical College, India

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? As a resident at WK, I’m looking forward to sharpening my diagnostic and procedural skills through exposure to diverse clinical scenarios under the guidance of knowledgeable mentors, enabling me to apply theoretical knowledge in an effective and impactful manner. I also seek to build strong relationships with colleagues and patients. 

A fun fact about yourself: I love adventure activities. I’ve snorkeled with sea turtles, parasailed, and zip lined across ravines. 

Edna Sarpong, MD

Edna Sarpong

Medical School: Kenyatta University School of Medicine, Kenya

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I look forward to an exciting residency, working with our dedicated faculty and my co-residents to put a smile on our patients' faces everyday. I aim to make the most of every opportunity at Willis-Knighton to grow and learn, becoming a compassionate, well-rounded physician.

A fun fact about yourself: In my spare time, I practice computer programming.

Kashish Shah, MD

Kashish Shah

Medical School: B.J. Medical College, India

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I look forward to working with a fun set of co-residents and seniors, learning clinical acumen and gestalt from the attendings, exploring a broad variety of pathologies, receiving a clinically focused training that eventually helps me become a better clinician

A fun fact about yourself:  I am a huge movie buff and sports fan. You will often find me in front of the laptop or TV cheering for my favorite sports teams or at the cinemas.

Keval Thakkar, MD

Keval Thakkar

Medical School: G.M.E.R.S. Medical College and Hospital, India

What are you most looking forward to in your residency program?  I am excited to dive into hands-on learning, tackling new challenges and work with experienced mentors! Plus, the chance to make a real impact and have some fun along the way makes it all the more thrilling!

A fun fact about yourself: In 4th grade, I won a national painting competition, and my artwork was turned into half a million postal stamps by the Prime Minister. It was quite a 'stamped' success!

 

Anand Maladar, MD

Maladar, Anand
  • Medical School: S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Davangere
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program?  I am looking forward to receiving the best training from world-class mentors at Willis-Knighton Health System. I’m excited to sharpen my clinical skills, deepen my medical knowledge, and provide compassionate care to a diverse patient population. I aspire to grow into a well-rounded clinician whom my patients can trust and love. I also look forward to learning from challenging cases, strengthening my decision-making abilities, and becoming a dependable team player in a collaborative and supportive environment.
  • A fun fact about yourself: After managing ICU patients rapid responses and codes during residency, I thought nothing could shake me-until I tried assembling my daughter’s play kitchen at midnight. Let’s just say, parenting is the real critical care rotation!

PGY-1 Internal Medicine Residents

Fazeel Ahmed, MD

Ahmed, Fazeel
  • Medical School: King Edward Medical University
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? During residency, I’m looking forward to building lasting friendships and growing both personally and professionally. My goal is to become a confident, independent physician—while also graduating as part of a close-knit, supportive team. One piece of advice that inspires me is from Dr. Singh: “Empowering others empowers you” That’s a principle I aim to live by throughout this journey.
  • A fun fact about yourself:  I’m really into playing sports—table tennis, soccer, you name it, and I never say no to a game, no matter the time of day. I also enjoy cooking; it’s my way to unwind after a long shift. I guess I just like staying active, whether I’m on the field, in the kitchen, or on a call day at the hospital!

Hamza Aljarrah, MD

Aljarrah, Hamza

  • Medical School: Al-Balqa Applied University Faculty of Medicine
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am looking forward to becoming the best version of myself as an internist—someone who is capable of building trust with patients and has the knowledge and skills needed to help them get better and healthier. I am also excited to form lasting friendships with my colleagues. And just like the many people who helped shape the advanced medicine we have and practice today, I want to contribute to medical science through academic and research activities, so that the impact of my medical career lasts forever.
  • A fun fact about yourself: I play the video game Age of Empires II, and I wonder if I will ever meet another doctor who knows this game! I also enjoy drawing and doing graphic design in my free time.

Maryyam Liaqat, MD

Liaqat, Maryyam

  • Medical School: King Edward Medical University
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am looking forward to work in a collaborative environment that pushes me to think critically, act decisively, and lead by example-even in high-pressure situations. For me, residency isn't just about learning-it's about stepping up, taking ownership, and making a meaningful impact. I am also eager to build lasting friendships with colleagues who will support and inspire me throughout this journey.
  • A fun fact about yourself:  I am not just a cricket fan-I am cricket-obsessed. While the world races ahead in fast-forward, I still find magic in the rhythm of Test cricket. I live for the heart-pounding tension of a final over, predict wickets like a human Hawk-Eye, and track every twist in the game as if it were a life-or-death saga. For me, cricket isn't just a sport-it's a pulse that never stops beating.

Abuelgasim Mohamed, MD

Mohamed, Abuelgasim
  • Medical School: Al Neelain University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I'm most excited to grow from a medical graduate into an independent, confident physician. I Residency is intense, but I know there will be a moment when I look back and appreciate how far I've come.
  • A fun fact about yourself: I've spent my life between and Sudan and UAE, and now I moved to Shreveport. I guess I'm haunted by 100°+ weather wherever I go!

Mayurkumar S. Patel, DO

Patel, Mayurkumar
  • Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I am most looking forward to the opportunity to build strong relationships with my patients and colleagues, while developing the clinical acumen and diagnostic reasoning skills. The chance to learn from a diverse patient population and collaborate with a supportive team, enhance interpersonal connections, and contribute to positive program culture. More importantly become more confident in my decision-making.
  • A fun fact about yourself: I once made paneer tikka masala for 30 people at a Diwali celebration - and somehow didn’t burn it!! I am learning to cook new dishes every month. Another fun fact can be: My twin brother and I have taken every step of our journey together - from growing up in small village in India, immigrating to the U.S. at 12, to both matching into residency at the same hospital. It’s been a shared dream come full circle.

Vijay Putherickal, DO

Putherickal, Vijay
  • Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Louisiana Campus (VCOM Louisiana)
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? Willis-Knighton has a significant role in my medical journey so far. I want to continue growing within a system that already feels like home. Through this residency, I hope to further develop my clinical and procedural skills, strengthen my leadership abilities, and take on a supportive role for incoming medical students and residents—just as others have done for me. I am also looking forward to building meaningful connections and spending memorable time with my colleagues exploring all that Shreveport has to offer.
  • A fun fact about yourself: I collect coins and currently have pieces from over 20 countries, including some dating back as far as 1870

Nivedita Reddy, MD

  • Medical School: Rajarajeswari Medical College & Hospital

Colby Stone, DO

Stone, Colby
  • Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? What I’m most looking forward to is growing as physician and as a person.
  • A fun fact about yourself: I have a kitten named Minny. I found her when she was 3-4 weeks old the week I graduated medical school. 

Jacob Stuntz, DO

Stuntz, Jacob

  • Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Louisiana Campus (VCOM Louisiana)
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program? I look forward to working with and learning from the people at Willis Knighton. I’m deeply moved by the idea that while medicine may heal for a lifetime, love and kindness can heal for eternity. My goal is to provide the same high-quality care to every individual all while continuing to grow into the best physician I can be.
  • A fun fact about yourself Fun fact about me: I was once part of a competitive juggling team. Outside of the hospital, you can find me in the gym, walking my dog, spending time with family, or studying the Bible, books, and the field of medicine.

Nritya Trivedi, MD

Trivedi, Nritya
  • Medical School: Medical College Baroda
  • What are you most looking forward to in your residency program?  I look forward to being a part of a program that offers the perfect balance of strong clinical training and academic growth all within a close knit supportive environment! My inspiring colleagues and seniors make this even more exciting
  • A fun fact about yourself: I am trained in Indian classical Dance forms (my name means “dance) :)

Alumni

Class of 2024:

  • Apoorva Kondapally, MD: Hospital Medicine, Oregon
  • Tejaswi Kalva, MD: Hospital Medicine, Willis Knighton Health
  • Arjan Dass, MD: Hospital Medicine, Louisiana
  • Raja Suri, MD: Hospital Medicine, Louisiana

Class of 2025:

  • Sana Badar, MD: Infectious Diseases Fellowship, LSUHSC-Shreveport-LA
  • Sarmand Jameel, MD: Hospital Medicine, Willis Knighton Health
  • Navneet Kaur, MD: Hospital Medicine, North Carolina
  • Vivek Moorthy, MD: Endocrinology/Research Fellowship, National Institute of Health-Maryland
  • Arpita Pawa, MD: Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, Ochsner Clinic Foundation-LA
  • Natasha Santosh, MD: Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship, U South Florida Morsani COM-Tampa
  • Saloni Savani, MD: Hematology and Oncology Fellowship, Western Pennsylvania Hosp
  • Vaishnavi Singh, MD: Hematology and Oncology Fellowship, Bayhealth Med Ctr-DE
  • Prajwal Kumsi Sreedhar, MD: Hospital Medicine, Willis Knighton Health
  • Shriya Vudari, MD: Gastroenterology Fellowship, LSUHSC-Shreveport-LA