Chestnut Hill Hospital's Family Practice Residency program has graduated more than 180 residents since its inception in 1974. Many of the program's alumni are now practicing medicine in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, while other graduates practice throughout the country in such places as California, Florida, Hawaii and even Bermuda. All graduating residents have passed the certification boards on the first attempt.
The Hospital has formed physician networks to help facilitate our move toward an integrated health care system focusing on primary care and covered lives. There is ample opportunity for graduates to stay and practice in the community.
Third Year
Randy Almanzar, M.D. - Co-Chief
I attended the University of Central Florida for my undergraduate studies where I majored in History. I chose to stay in the sunshine state for medical school at Florida State University. I’m originally from New Jersey and wanted the opportunity in residency to return to the Northeast. I chose Family Medicine both for the challenge of treating a wide spectrum of clinical conditions as well as the opportunity to promote preventive medicine. For residency I chose Chestnut Hill Hospital specifically because of the encouraging teaching staff, the well balanced curriculum, and the diverse clinical opportunities. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, playing baseball and basketball, exploring new restaurants, reading European history, and spending time with friends and family.
You can email Dr. Almanzar at [email protected]
Fahad Akhtar, M.D.
I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens. I commuted to NYU for undergrad and came to Philadelphia to attend Temple University School of Medicine. I consider myself lucky to have had wonderful parents who have taught me so much. My father was an orthopedic surgeon who showed me the beauty of medicine and my mother has shown me what true strength and resolve really is. My wife is an art teacher and has helped me appreciate life in new ways. All of this, along with my 3 siblings, 2 nieces, and 2 nephews has helped shape me into who I am. I chose family medicine because it has so much variety and allows for so many different ways to help people live healthier. I chose Chestnut Hill because the program has great people that are excited and enthusiastic to train future physicians while helping a diverse patient population. In my downtime, I enjoy playing with electronics, travel, and watching movies.
You can email Dr. Akhtar at [email protected]
Jennifer Hasa, M.D.
I'm originally from California, but have called the East Coast my home since moving to NYC to attend Mount Sinai School of Medicine. As a medical student, I enjoyed providing care in various primary care settings from Mount Sinai's student-run free clinic to clinics in shelters and housing for the mentally disabled. I spent the last year completing my MPH at the school of Public Health at Mount Sinai. I hope to apply what I have learned to better understand current research into the practice of primary care and investigate effective approaches to targeting specific health issues. I am excited to join the wonderful people at the Chestnut Hill Family Practice and get to know Philadelphia!
You can email Dr. Hasa at [email protected]
Monica Sharma, M.D.
I am originally from NY. I graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in biology, spent a year doing a Post-Bac Fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, then went on to Penn State University College of Medicine. Following graduation, I worked for two years in maternal-fetal medicine research at UT Houston and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. While working with my research patients, I was drawn back to clinical medicine and family practice seemed to be the right path for me – combining adult, pediatric, and obstetric medicine into one well-respected discipline. I chose the Chestnut Hill Family Practice Residency Program after a recommendation from a friend – a recent graduate – and felt tons of warmth when I visited for an interview. I love living in Philadelphia with my husband and our beautiful little girl. My hobbies include cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family in NY. I’m looking forward to making new friends at Chestnut Hill!
You can email Dr. Sharma at Monica [email protected]
Manjit Singh, M.D. - Co-Chief
I spent the earlier part of my childhood in Punjab, India and moved to the US at the age of 10. I have been living in the Philadelphia area since and have no future plans to leave this city which I call home. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Temple University and completed my medical education at Temple University School of Medicine. My passion for primary care, in particular, family medicine became very apparent early on in my medical education. I especially appreciated the versatile role of the family physician in promoting preventative medicine, providing longitudinal care for chronic illnesses, and managing acute disease conditions in an in-patient setting for a demographically diverse patient population. Chestnut Hill is the ideal place for me to build the foundations of my career in primary care. In my down time, I enjoy playing basketball, soccer, listening to different types of music including bhangra, playing traditional instruments such as the tumbi and dhol, participating in community events at the gurdwara, and most importantly, spending quality time with family and friends.
You can email Dr. Singh at [email protected]
Michael Yang, M.D.
As a child of immigrant parents, I understood from an early age the significance of cultural and economic diversity in America. As I pursued my studies in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Economics at Rutgers University, I gained an appreciation for science, medicine and our financial institutions. After enrolling at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, I determined that my next step would be to positively affect the lives of others using my knowledge and background. I am very excited to be a part of the Chestnut Hill Family Practice because this program will teach me to be a leader, educator and care provider for my community. Being situated in a beautiful and diverse city such as Philadelphia only energizes my desire to be here. I cannot wait to experience all the cuisine, culture, and activities this city has to offer me.
You can email Dr. Yang at [email protected]
Second Year
Anna Babu, M.D.
I was born and spent my early childhood in Chennai, India. Since then I have lived in seven different cities before moving to California during high school. I completed my undergraduate studies at University of California, Davis majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I then spent a year working at a Biotech company and traveling to Southeast Asia before starting medical school at Albany Medical College. My passion for primary care became apparent early on as an undergraduate student providing care at UC Davis’ student-run free clinic and later solidified during medical school. I especially appreciated the versatility of family medicine in providing care for patients from birth to old age in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. I am very much looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life in Philadelphia with Chestnut Hill Hospital Family Practice Residency. In my downtime, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, running with my dog, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
You can email Dr. Babu at [email protected]
Lynn Chung, M.D.
The Rocky Mountains watched over me as I grew up in sunny Colorado. I spent most of my childhood in Colorado and completed my undergraduate education at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Then my journey to the East Coast began. I completed the post baccalaureate program at Georgetown and then moved to Manhattan for research at Columbia University for a few years. I finally came to Philadelphia for my medical school education. I initially applied for residency in Ob/Gyn and completed a year of Obstetrics. However I felt early on in my intern year that I missed the full spectrum of care. I know that my experience in Ob will enable me to provide comprehensive care for Women's Health, which is a field I am passionate about. Chestnut Hill was an obvious choice for me. The residents and staff were open and honest, the hospital is located close to Center City and it has excellent reputation as hospital. In my free time I love to read, play the piano and violin, cook, explore new foods, and run off the calories from those new foods.
You can email Dr. Chung at [email protected]
Lauren Kummer, M.D.
I grew up in the Philadelphia area and attended high school just minutes from Chestnut Hill Hospital. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame where I majored in Economics and Biology. I then returned to Philadelphia for medical school at Temple University School of Medicine. I felt drawn to family medicine from the start as I wanted the opportunity to have a wide and versatile scope of practice and continuity of care with patients. I chose Chestnut Hill for its excellent reputation, collegial community hospital atmosphere, and welcoming and supportive teaching staff. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, attending college sports games, hiking, and visiting the Jersey shore.
You can email Dr. Kummer at [email protected]
Drew Rowan, M.D.
I have lived in Pennsylvania almost all my life. I was born and raised in Upper Darby, moved to Newtown Square as a teenager, and went to Franklin and Marshall for my undergraduate education where I majored in neuroscience. I completed a Master’s degree in Medical Science at Drexel University and attended medical school at Jefferson Medical College while also working part time at a not for profit company serving special needs kids. I have always liked to take a multifaceted, multidisciplinary approach to things wherever possible, and that was part of what drew me to Family Medicine. I was also drawn to my current course by my love of people and my desire to be on the frontlines of medicine where I can help my patients to experience better health and emphasize preventative care. In my downtime I enjoy good food and make time to read and write. I am also an avid gamer and swimmer. During my interview at Chestnut Hill Hospital I was impressed by the wonderful people there and I look forward to learning from them and from my patients.
You can email Dr. Rowan at [email protected]
Monica Suarez, M.D.
Hola! My name is Monica Suarez and I am from Miami, Florida. I come from a Cuban family and have lived in Miami until starting medical school in 2009. I attended the University of Miami as an undergraduate and then attended the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. My particular interests within family medicine include but are not limited to: women’s health, international & underserved medicine, geriatrics and aesthetic medicine. I enjoy traveling, cooking, spending time with my cats, dancing, and being outdoors. Most importantly, I cherish the time that I get to spend with my family and loved ones; they mean the world to me!
You can email Dr. Suarez at [email protected]
Atena Yunus, M.D.
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida and that’s where I completed my undergraduate education at Florida International University. I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. Following undergrad, I attended medical school at the University Of South Florida College Of Medicine. This was when I realized that the field of Family Medicine was perfect fit for me. I enjoy being able to interact with a diverse patient population in a variety of healthcare settings, especially in the areas of women’s health and pediatrics. Since I’m a native of south Florida, for residency I wanted to experience living up north in a big city and train in a welcoming and supportive program. I was able to achieve this goal by joining the Chestnut Hill Family Medicine Program and am very excited to move up to Philadelphia. In my free time I enjoy working out/running, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
You can email Dr. Yunus at [email protected]
First Year
Juyeon Lee, M.D.
I have traveled quite a bit throughout my life. I was born in Seattle, but spent most of my childhood in Seoul, attending Korean schools. Then I returned to Seattle for my undergraduate education and majored in Accounting at University of Washington. Prior to attending medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, I lived in Manhattan for a few years working as an accountant. I am drawn to the value of providing continuous and comprehensive care in Family Medicine along with the meaningfulness of making a difference in people's lives in acute and chronic settings. Based on my business background, I'm also interested in areas like quality improvement, management, and finance within healthcare. During my interview at Chestnut Hill, I was impressed by the welcoming and supportive atmosphere, the unique setting of a community hospital with a suburban feel yet close proximity to a major city, and strong focus on providing efficient and effective quality care. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life in Philadelphia, training at Chestnut Hill and enjoying other things life has to offer including cooking, dancing, biking, and spending time with family and friends.
You can email Dr. Lee at [email protected]
Ariel Postone, M.D.
I was born and raised in Berkeley, CA and attended the Residential College at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In college, I participated in an intensive language program and studied abroad in Brazil with SIT's public health and social justice program. Obtaining an interdisciplinary social science major enabled me to study the human condition through a variety of lenses. After college, I pursued my interests in public health and completed a post-baccalaureate at Mills College in Oakland, CA while simultaneously volunteering at a clinic for day laborers and at the Emergency Department at Highland hospital. During my post-baccalaureate and before medical school, I spent a significant amount of time traveling and volunteering in Latin America and South East Asia. While applying to medical school, I worked at UCSF's Osher Center for Integrative Medicine on a mindfulness-based HIV study and in the Family Medicine Department working as a health coach. At Creighton University School of Medicine, I have been actively involved as a manager of the homeless health clinic, global health and family medicine interest groups. I am passionate about women's health, global health, public health, social justice, and palliative care. Outside of medicine I love traveling and meeting people along the way, reading, hiking/camping, cooking and dinner parties, yoga, and coffee shop hoping. I am a city girl at heart who loves the outdoors and I looking forward to meeting everyone and experiencing all that Chestnut Hill and Philadelphia have to offer!
You can email Dr. Postone at [email protected]
Ashanda Powell, M.D.
I grew up in North Philadelphia and attended Masterman Middle and High School. I continued my education at Johns Hopkins University as a Biology major. At Hopkins, I was able to build my interest in medicine and in particular, primary care. After graduating from Hopkins, I took a year off from school and was employed as a Substance Abuse Research Assistant both in Baltimore and Philadelphia. I matriculated into Temple University School of Medicine in 2009 and from that point my interest in primary care grew. I applied for Family Medicine positions along the east coast, but ultimately chose Chestnut Hill for its camaraderie amongst residents and the supportive nature of the teaching staff and environment. In my free time I like to swim, run, walk trails and relax with friends and family.
You can email Dr. Powell at [email protected]
Ashley Ruby, M.D.
I've spent my entire life in Pennsylvania starting with growing up in York. I went to Lehigh University in Bethlehem for my undergraduate education in Behavioral Neuroscience, and then moved to Philly to attend Drexel University College of Medicine. I fell in love with Family Medicine during my rotation as a 3rd year med student. I love having the opportunity to learn so many unique facets of medicine and to treat such a wide variety of patients. I believe Chestnut Hill Family Practice will be the perfect place for me to get a great education in a community atmosphere where everyone is close and supportive of one another. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and eating, spending time with friends, cuddling with my dog, playing with my mice, and catching up on my TV shows.
You can email Dr. Ruby at [email protected]
Aaron Shapiro, M.D.
I grew up around the Washington, DC area and stayed in the nation's capital for my undergraduate education where I earned a Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering at Catholic University of America. I came to realize that direct patient care was what I truly valued and I journeyed to Philadelphia to attend medical school at Temple University School of Medicine. With its holistic approach to patient care and emphasis on preventive medicine and longitudinal care, the field of Family Medicine is entirely in line with my interests, beliefs, and goals. I was taken by the unique charm of Chestnut Hill and I am greatly excited to train at Chestnut Hill Hospital Family Practice Residency. In my leisure time, I enjoy seeing art exhibits, experiencing theatre, singing, participating in scavenger hunts, and spending time with my family and friends.
You can email Dr. Shapiro at [email protected]
Paul Skomra, M.D.
I was born in Buffalo, New York and was raised in Jupiter Florida. I was fortunate enough to spend my childhood in the sun under the guidance and support of my wonderful family and friends. As a youth, I was very involved with my community and church, which led me to participate in several mission trips to aid the under-served. These experiences helped me gain perspective as well as a strong desire to help communities, families, and individuals. I completed my undergraduate at the University of Florida where I studied Public Health, which led me to attend Ross University School of Medicine. While at Ross, I was able to pursue my passion for healthcare, experience diversity, and learn invaluable lessons of acceptance, humility, and self-discipline. The experiences during medical rotations, mainly throughout New York City, solidified my decision to pursue a career in Family Medicine. I find that this field considers all other fields while extensively impacting a broad patient base. Chestnut Hill was my top choice due to its welcoming staff, diverse patient population, and its excellent reputation. In my free time I enjoy traveling, live music, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.
You can email Dr. Skomra at [email protected]