Current Residents

Suzahn Ebert, M.D.
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Pronouns: She/Her

My name is Suzahn, and I am from Lewisville, North Carolina which is right outside of Winston-Salem. I went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergrad (Go Heels!) and then returned to Winston-Salem to attend medical school at Wake Forest. While in medical school, I discovered my interest in neurology by doing research in neuro-muscular medicine. I am specifically interested in genetics and neuro-muscular ultrasound (right now, at least!) I chose UVA because of the excellent reputation, diverse clinical opportunities, and wonderful faculty and co-residents, not to mention the great location in Charlottesville. Additionally, the early exposure to outpatient and inpatient Neurology during intern year helps us meet all of the upper level residents and many of the attendings before we become fully integrated into the program. In my free time, I spend time with my dog, Boss, kayaking on the Rivanna, walking on the many nearby trails, hiking, and exploring local restaurants and wineries with friends.

Daniela Fishbein, M.D.
Thomas Jefferson University
Pronouns: She/Her

My name is Daniela Fishbein and I’m from Washington D.C.! I went to undergrad at Georgetown University and left the DMV area for medical school at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. I was so excited to move to Charlottesville which is truly my dream city in the mountains with so many restaurants, breweries, and fun people. Most of all, I love that I’m able to enjoy the natural beauty of Virginia on my days off and I always have a buddy with similar interests and hiking-speed. My 2 cats also love living here. I’m not sure what direction residency will take me in the diverse field of neurology, but I can’t wait to learn from the thoughtful faculty and residents here at UVA Neurology these next few years!

Emily Fisher, M.D., M.P.H.
University of Texas at Houston
Pronouns: She/Her

Hi everyone! I grew up in Austin, Texas (Go Horns), then went north to Indiana for college at the University of Notre Dame (Go Irish). Afterward, I returned to Houston, Texas for medical school at the University of Texas-Houston/McGovern Medical School. I am doing a fellowship in Vascular/Stroke Neurology after residency. In addition to caring for patients, I hope to conduct public health-focused research at an academic center in the future. I couples-matched at UVA with my husband (psychiatry), and we have both felt welcomed and supported by our departments. Outside of medicine, I go out to eat, go on walks, and spend time with my dog. Thanks for considering UVA!

Benjamin Meyers, M.D.
Thomas Jefferson University
Pronouns: He/Him

I’m Ben! I grew up in Connecticut and attended the University of Michigan, where I studied neuroscience and minored in environmental science/public health. Outside of class, I spent time broadcasting college sports and cooking. After two years working in science news in New York City and Washington DC, I went to Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for medical school. You can listen to a podcast I launched, Humans of the Hospital, online. UVA was a good fit because Charlottesville’s outdoors and pace of life are what restore me after a long day (plus, Bodo’s bagels are East-coaster approved). We also have so many pets in our program – it’s the best. After residency, I will pursue a fellowship in Movement Disorders. Additional interests include medical journalism, general neurology, neuro-ophthalmology, genetics, and sports neurology.

Kalina Misiolek, M.D.
Indiana University
Pronouns: She/Her

Hi there! My name is Kalina. I’m from South Bend, Indiana, studied mathematics at Columbia University for undergrad, and then returned to Indiana for medical school. I’m very interested in language comprehension, and my goal is to incorporate my math background into language modeling research that complements my clinical career. After residency, I will be pursuing fellowship training in Epilepsy at Cleveland Clinic. Outside of the hospital, I love to read, explore the beautiful hiking trails in Charlottesville, and play soccer!

Naseem Zomorodi, M.D.
Pennsylvania State University
Pronouns: She/Her

Hello there! My name is Naseem. I grew up in Central Pennsylvania and went to Penn State for both undergrad and med school. My partner Elliott (internal medicine) and I couples matched at UVA together. I picked neurology because who doesn’t love a good game of localize the lesion?! (Elliott and I actually have a board game called ~The Lesion~) In terms of subspecialities, I think neuroimmunology and neurohospitalism are interesting, but I’m still not positive what I’d ultimately like to pursue – I’m looking forward to all of the exposure we get to the neuro service intern year so I can begin to figure it out! My hobbies include hiking/star gazing/most other outdoor activities, tending to my houseplants, painting, food, and exploring Cville with my lovely coresidents.

Andrew Chapman, M.D.
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Pronouns: He/Him

Hi! I was born and raised in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. These mountains provided ample opportunity for discovery and, as a kid, I spent most of my time exploring the forests, caves, and rivers around my childhood home. I began my collegiate career at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, where I studied biology and physics under some truly incredible professors. While an undergrad, I had the opportunity to contribute to research on the atmospheric dynamics of variable stars, a fascinating field of study that further fueled my lifelong love of astronomy. Later, while continuing my studies here at UVA, a course in biochemistry piqued my interest in clinical medicine. Upon recognizing the plethora of biochemical processes occurring within our bodies, I became fascinated by the complexity and beauty of life. Inspired by this reality, I decided to pursue a career in medicine. I was subsequently accepted into the MD class at Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago, IL. While studying in Chicago, I was fortunate to make great friends, enjoy awesome cuisine, and learn from some very dedicated and knowledgeable physicians. During my second year of medical school, a course in neurology introduced me to the incredible nature of the human nervous system. I was immediately amazed by how synchronized electrochemical processes within our cells give rise to movement, sensation, and (most incredibly) cognition. After completing my third-year clerkship in the field, I was hooked, I wanted to be a Neurologist. On Match Day, I was thrilled to learn that I would be returning to UVA for residency! The people that comprise our program are some of the kindest, most intelligent, and patient-centered folks you will ever meet. I feel incredibly fortunate to train at UVA and to be given the opportunity to help care for our wonderful patients. Aside from our world-class health system, we are just south of Shenandoah National Park and all the hiking trails, swimming spots, and remarkable wildlife contained within its ancient mountains. I honestly enjoy being in the hospital above most things, but when I am away, I like combating entropy by working on old cars, cleaning up my yard, and maintaining/upgrading my telescope. I also enjoy reading about philosophy and theology. Furthermore, I am proud to serve our nation as a captain in the US Army Reserve Medical Corps. To all who read this, I wish you good health and much fulfillment in life.

Jon Davidow, M.D.
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Raised in Richmond, about an hour east of Charlottesville, UVA was a goalpost. While at The College of William and Mary getting my undergrad in Religious Studies, we used to joke that while UVA may have a more widely known reputation, Thomas Jefferson borrowed funds from us to build his University and never paid them back. After my time at the College, I made Richmond my home and the Charlottesville area became my playground while I worked as a health technology consultant for almost 7 years. Going back to medical school took me all over the world, ending with the best possible outcome of completing Jefferson’s trail and getting a residency spot at UVA. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the UVA Neurology team, and I couldn’t be any happier than living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. It’s a real dream come true. I’ve been so lucky to have lived and studied in places like Nepal, India, Israel, Germany, Sint Maarten, and the UK, and I truly believe that there’s something special about these hills. When I’m off you’ll find me reading on my porch with my husband or hiking in the woods with my two cats. And the cherry on top is that everything I had heard was right: UVA offers the most collegial, supportive, and educational residency experience I could imagine.

Arlinda Deng, M.D., M.H.S.
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Pronouns: She/Her

Hello! I grew up in St. Catharines in Ontario, Canada and went to McMaster University for undergrad. I decided to go down to Baltimore to pursue an education in epidemiology, and then attended medical school at University of Maryland. I’m excited to explore the different subspecialties of neurology, though currently most interested in outpatient neurology. I am interested in teaching and epidemiological research, and look forward to pursuing medical education and academia in the future.

I chose UVA because of supportive faculty and co-residents, and the variety of opportunities to expand my clinical and professional interests. I’m so excited to explore everything that Charlottesville has to offer! Outside of the hospital, I enjoy running, virtual pilates and yoga with friends, and feeding my food and coffee cravings by trying out various local restaurants and cafes.

Katharine Henry, M.D.
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Arizona
Pronouns: She/Her

Hi there! I’m originally from Atlanta, GA but have moved around quite a bit and went to high school in Minnesota. I attended Emory University for undergraduate and spent two years at the NIH conducting brain imaging research after graduating. I moved to Arizona for medical school in 2018. I had an inkling that neurology was for me prior to medical school. My third year clerkship confirmed to me that neurology is a hidden gem of a specialty (but I don’t need to convince you of that if you are looking at UVA Neurology). I’m currently most interested in movement disorders and neuroimmunology but am open to all that neurology has to offer.  I have additional interests in medical education and plan to pursue academia.

When looking for a residency program, I wanted to find a supportive program with leadership and current residents that cared about creating a genuine community. It was important to me to find a program with exposure to a wide variety of neurologic diseases and the resources to provide a firm foundation to pursue academia. On the interview trail, I found that perfect combination in UVA Neurology.

When I’m not at the hospital, you will likely find me outside, reading science fiction or spending time with my significant other. I love to play tennis, hike and trail run. For that reason, UVA’s location is perfect. Charlottesville is a friendly town with access to amazing trails (Shenandoah national park). My picture is from Crabtree Falls, not far from UVA. The town is just the right size where it is easy to get around while still having access to fun weekend activities and great food.

Rachel Mascari, M.D., M.S.
University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Columbia
Pronouns: She/Her

Hi all! I’m originally from Edgewater, MD – a town right next to Annapolis. I moved down South for undergrad at the University of South Carolina, and after a 2-year jaunt of living in DC I went back to Gamecock country for med school. Going into med school, I had a hunch that I would choose neurology but wanted to keep my mind open. Then I started doing stroke research and what can I say, I was hooked! I’m interested in stroke but I look forward to exploring more fields until I actually decide.

When I was a fourth year med student, I did an away rotation at UVA and I immediately knew this was where I belong. This program is full of people who truly love the field and show it in their enthusiasm for teaching, attendings and residents alike. Needless to say, I was absolutely ecstatic to match here! Outside of work, I love exploring Charlottesville from the Downtown Mall to the many hiking trails nearby and checking out the wide selection of wineries/breweries around town.

Harika Rayala, M.D.
University of Michigan Medical School
Pronouns: She/Her

Hi all, I was born in India and moved to Ohio after making pit stops in Barbados and the East Coast. I studied anthropology and journalism at Northwestern University and attended University of Michigan for medical school. Neurology was my first clinical rotation and I immediately fell in love with the physical exam and the localization-based approach. UVA stood out to me for the warmth and camaraderie that was apparent even on Zoom when I was interviewing. Now that I am here, I find that to be doubly true. My co-residents are genuinely kind, fun and supportive and the program leadership invested in your individual career goals. Outside of clinical care, I am most interested in neuroethics, journalism and researching models of healthcare delivery. In my free time, I am usually spending as much time outdoors as possible (Charlottesville has stunning scenery), catching up on the news, reading and cheering on Liverpool.

Rachel Shaffer, M.D.
Drexel University College of Medicine
Pronouns: She/Her

Hey! My name is Rachel, and I am from southwestern Pennsylvania (from a VERY small town called Hyndman), about two hours southeast of Pittsburgh. I went to Shippensburg University for undergrad, then continued my move across the state to Philadelphia for medical school at Drexel. I discovered my passion for neurology starting with neuroscience research on psychoactive drugs during undergrad and med school, then came to find I loved it just as much in the clinical setting! As of now, I am interested in more hospital-based neurology (possibly as a neurohospitalist) but am excited to learn more about the other subspecialties of neurology during residency. No matter the subspecialty I choose down the road, I hope to incorporate plenty of teaching, and maybe even some research. I chose UVA because of the supportive environment, clear friendship between the residents (which was apparent even over Zoom), the diversity of professional experiences offered, and the “small town city” nature of Charlottesville. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all my new co-residents and faculty, and have instantly felt at home in this program, the hospital, and Charlottesville as a whole. Outside of the hospital, I love cycling (indoors or outdoors), hiking, grabbing dinner with friends, watching hockey (Go Pens!), spending too much money at the Saturday farmers market, and cooking/baking while enjoying music or a podcast.

Garima Agarwal, M.D.
Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University

Hello! I was born in Mumbai, India, and moved to West Virginia at the age of 11. I did my undergrad at West Virginia University and medical school at Marshall University. I don’t think there’s a better specialty than Neurology to tickle your curiosity while also giving you a chance to really make an impact in your patients’ lives. From my interview day, it was clear how much the residents were supported throughout their residency and had adequate time to do things outside of residency. I am a city girl at heart who fell in love with the Appalachian Mountains. One of the big reasons I chose to come to UVA was because Charlottesville is the cutest small city nestled among the mountains. I have enjoyed my time in Charlottesville so far getting to know my co-residents, trying out different hikes and restaurants, and going to the best Thursday sunset series at a nearby winery/apple orchard. In my free time, you can find me trying out either a yoga, barre, or spin group class, traveling, sipping coffee at different cafes, playing board games, or hiking. My professional interests include global health, medical education, and community care. I am currently interested in neuromuscular disorders but also keeping my mind open to all that neurology has to offer.

Andrew Azdell, M.D.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Hello! My name is Andrew Azdell. I was born in Indiana, but I have lived in Virginia the majority of my life, most recently in the Richmond area. I went to UVA for undergrad where I studied biology and played the trumpet in the Cavalier Marching Band. I returned to Richmond for medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University, but I am overjoyed to be back in Charlottesville for my residency training. At this moment, I have interests in stroke, neuroimmunology and neuromuscular disorders, and I am excited to work with and learn from the amazing faculty in the department. Outside of medicine, I am a huge sports fan, especially baseball and all UVA sports, with a true obsession for the Chicago Cubs. I love outdoor concerts, especially classical and jazz, and I am always up for trivia nights at the local restaurants and breweries here in Charlottesville.

Weldon Furr, M.D.
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport
Pronouns: He/Him

Hi! My name is Weldon Furr and I’m from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I made my first move to Virginia to go to Washington and Lee university where I majored in Neuroscience and a minor in Gender studies. I then took two years working in a basic science Neurology lab at UTHealth in Houston before heading back to Louisiana for medical school at LSU in Shreveport where I met my wife who is the UVA Pediatrics chief resident here at UVA. Charlottesville was always an appealing place return to Virginia, but my experience on an away rotation sold me on UVA Neurology. The supporting family atmosphere drew me in, and the faculty convinced me of the high quality of training. When not at the hospital you can usually find me, my wife, and our dogs (Huey and Hoda) exploring the many wineries, shows, speakeasies and trails (Biscuit Run specifically). I’m always excited to share my love of Charlottesville with others!

Emily Howell, D.O.
Lincoln Memorial University – Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Pronouns: She/Her

Hello! I am from Laurel, Maryland (town between DC and Baltimore, MD- big Baltimore fan!). I attended the University of Louisville as an undergrad, where I majored in Biology and was a member of the Division One Women’s Lacrosse Team (Go Cards!). I worked for one year as a medical assistant before I attended LMU-DCOM in Harrogate, TN, for medical school. I was a Navy HPSP member in medical school, and I was able to attend my intern year in Internal Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda, MD). With the Navy, I was accepted to complete my Neurology residency training at the University of Virginia. Through the expedited interview process, I felt supported and welcomed by the staff and residents here at UVA! I am excited to learn about all the different subspecialties of Neurology.

When I am not in the hospital, I love to explore new trail running paths and hikes, hang out with my dog, explore new local restaurants and breweries, and attend local athletic events. I am excited to continue exploring new parts of Charlottesville and making memories with my co-residents!

Christina Salgado, M.D.
Indiana University School of Medicine
Pronouns: She/Her

Hi there! My name is Christina, and I grew up in Evansville, IN. I stayed in the Midwest for undergrad at WashU in St. Louis after which I moved to Indianapolis to work in a malaria lab at Indiana University. After a couple years of research, I enrolled at IU for medical school where I quickly was drawn to the fascinating field of neurology. Neurology checked all the boxes for me. The detective-like approach to localization, unique pathology, and depth of the physician-patient relationship — how could I resist? Exploring residency programs, I was particularly drawn to UVA and was delighted to find such welcoming, thoughtful, and engaging faculty and residents throughout my interview, which only made my choice that much easier!

Starting out, I am interested in neuroimmunology and neuro-infectious disease as well as immigrant health and global health. That said, I’m not sure which path I’ll take, but I know the great support system at UVA will help me find my way. When I’m not in the hospital, I love to travel, hike, watercolor, and play/watch soccer and tennis. The more people I meet, the more I realize how much Charlottesville has to offer! I’m looking forward to exploring its many trails, wineries/breweries, and delicious restaurants in the years to come.

Rhea Sharma M.D.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Pronouns: She/Her

Hi! I grew up in Northern Virginia and went to William & Mary for undergrad, where I studied neuroscience (after trying to resist it for a couple of years and dabbling in chemistry and psych classes). I went to VCU in Richmond for medical school where I was involved with our wellness committee, our geriatrics interest group, and our humanities in medicine chapter. Neurology as a field spoke to me because I am fascinated by using the physical exam to form differential diagnoses and localize lesions. I really enjoy working with older adults, so I am currently thinking about a fellowship in Movement Disorders or Cognitive/Behavioral neurology, but I am excited about exploring many different subspecialties during residency. I chose UVA for its warm and welcoming atmosphere that I felt on interview day, and that positive feeling has been reinforced by my in-person experiences! Outside of work, I enjoy exploring wineries, breweries, and coffee shops in Charlottesville. I also love running, hiking, and arts-and-craft projects such as cross-stitching and painting. I am thrilled to be staying in Virginia (just moving one hour down 64-west every 4 years) and to experience a new part of the state.

Olivia Van Osch, M.D.
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Pronouns: She/Her

I was born and raised in South Orange, New Jersey, and attended Smith College where I double majored in sociology and government.

After college, I spent five years working in social services in New York City and became interested in social determinants of health and the importance of comprehensive care in improving individuals’ lives. This led me to complete a post-baccalaureate program and attend medical school. I chose the field of neurology because of the intricate pathologies and deep connections I made with patients, but also because it is a field with endless learning opportunities and neurologists are great teachers! I’m open to all fields of neurology and am excited to continue exploring the possibilities during my time at UVA.Beyond medicine, I love to hike, bike, and run but my favorite thing is quality time with my friends and family.

Alecca Como, M.D.
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Pronouns: She/Her

Hi all! I’m from a small town in mid-Michigan called Gladwin, which is about two hours north of Detroit. I went to the University of Notre Dame for undergrad (Go Irish!) where I studied biology and art history. From there, I headed back to Michigan to attend OUWB for medical school. I had been interested in neuroscience since pursuing neurodegenerative disease research in undergrad, and I later fell in love with clinical neurology when I saw the genuine connections formed between neurologists and their patients. Starting out, I’m interested in Movement Disorders, but I’m looking forward to exploring the various subspecialty opportunities throughout residency! When looking at residency programs, I was drawn to UVA for the welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie among residents that was clear even over Zoom. That combined with the charm of Charlottesville made it an easy choice for me! Outside of medicine, I love baking, hiking, hosting game nights, exploring Charlottesville’s food scene, and spending time with my partner and our dog Mabel.

Alex Gordon, M.D.
Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

Hey, I’m Alex! Originally from Dexter, Michigan, I later moved to North Carolina, where I remained for both college (UNC-Chapel Hill) as well as medical school (ECU). Although I’ve always had an interest in medicine, my experiences as an EMT/firefighter during college were what ultimately convinced me to apply for medical school. I decided to pursue neurology not only because we get to treat the coolest organ system in the body (bar none), but also because I wanted to be part of a rapidly advancing field that offers tremendous variability in clinical practice and research ventures. I chose UVA not only for the wide array of opportunities and top-notch academics that can be found here, but also because it was apparent (even over remote interviews) that the program cares for its residents in a way I couldn’t find anywhere else. Outside of work I enjoy running, going to concerts, hiking with my two golden retrievers, and exploring new restaurants and breweries – all making Charlottesville the perfect place to live. Although I remain uncertain which fellowship I will pursue after residency, my interests generally lie in neurovascular, neuromuscular, neuro-oncological, and neurocritical care domains.

Morgan Ketchersid
Lincoln Memorial University – Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi everyone, I’m Morgan! I’m from Bourbon County, Kentucky which is north east of Lexington (horse capital of the world). I joke that I was born with a reflex hammer in my hand because I have always wanted to be a ‘brain doctor’ in some sense of the phrase. One of the reasons I chose neurology is because I had a hard time choosing between medical and procedural specialties and the diverse number of subspecialties in neurology (especially at UVA) makes it possible to be trained with both of those things in mind. I chose UVA not only because of the incredible learning opportunities in both the medicine and neurology departments, but also because the culture here is truly unmatched. I know that every program says that on interview day, but UVA was the only interview where I remember being shown their values instead of having them told to me. Outside of work, I like to stay active by walking my two dogs, hiking, biking, running, or going to yoga or pilates classes! I also like to cook and read, especially with all of the cookbooks my god mom continues to send me despite my growing collection. I also like to take part in Charlottesville’s great food scene and unprecedented number of breweries and wineries (seriously, you’ll be shocked).

Lena Menton, M.D.
Florida State University School of Medicine

Nandini Mishra, M.D.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Hi everyone! My name is Nandini, and I’m from New Jersey. I did my undergrad at Rutgers University- New Brunswick where I double majored in religions and biology. I attended medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where I became interested in neurology as I learned about the diverse and fascinating ways neurological pathologies can present themselves. I’m still figuring out what I’d like to specialize in, but my interests from med school include epilepsy and neuroimmunology. Outside of the hospital, I love to read and bake!