Fellows

Jonathan Medernach, DO, PGY-6

On my interview day at UVA, I immediately felt at home and welcomed. The strength of the fellowship program was evident when talking with pediatric residents who had nothing but positive things to say about the GI department. Craig spoke highly of all the attendings and vast opportunities to learn procedures. The UVA campus and Charlottesville have a southern charm that I found intriguing. Coming from Chicago there is nothing that quite compares to the history and beauty. Also, being from the Midwest where there are no mountains, I look forward to hiking with my Australian shepherd, Lacy. For me, UVA felt like the perfect fit because of the heavy procedure focus, the opportunity to pursue my interest in Eosinophilic Esophagitis research, and the approachability of everyone within the GI department.

Julee Sunny, MD, PGY-5

Welcome to UVA Pediatric Gastroenterology! I was raised in Miami, Florida where I completed my medical school training at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. My pediatric residency training was at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. My fellowship interview day at UVA was during the COVID pandemic but despite the virtual platform, the friendliness and supportive nature of the faculty was readily evident. I immediately knew I would be able to find the mentorship that I was seeking here, and I am excited about the many opportunities for research and a wide range of clinical pathology.  I am looking forward to getting to know Charlottesville more and am already impressed with the breathtaking views and abundance of nature.

Norbert Donias, MD, PGY-4

I was raised in Houston, Texas, and completed my pediatric residency training at El Paso Children’s Hospital with Texas Tech. My fellowship interview day at UVA did not fill like an interview day at all, I immediately felt welcomed by everyone in the department. I came to UVA Pediatrics to get excellent training from exceptional physicians. Now that I have arrived at this facility, I love the atmosphere the fellows and the facility created around them. Something that always surprises everyone I meet is that I cannot swim.

• Craig McKinney, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Virginia
• Esthermari Gonzalez-Polanco, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Virginia