Meet the Residents
Family Medicine Northwest Community - Current Residents
Chief Residents
Parmida Jafari, MD
I grew up in Ontario, Canada and attended St. George's University for medical school. When I found out I had been matched into the program I was beyond excited. The faculty and residents at this program are incredibly supportive and have created a positive and rigorous learning environment. Working with the underserved is one of my areas of interest and I think this program has a great community outreach initiative. When I'm not working, I enjoy being active by running along the Schuylkill, going to the gym or Latin dancing. Philly is also a great city for foodies!
Jason Tucker, MD
I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland. I attended Xavier University of Louisiana for undergrad where I majored in biology, premed. After graduating from XULA, I attended Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. When I was searching for a residency program, I knew I wanted to be somewhere which would allow me to continue to serve a diverse community. I also wanted to find a program with academic support, good community outreach, and the focus on serving underserved populations. Additionally, I wanted to find a place where I felt supported not just by my fellow residents but also faculty. Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new places to eat around Philadelphia (especially for brunch), watching Netflix, and all things sports related whether it be watching or playing.
PGY 3
Ankur Chopra, MD
I was born in India and grew up in the suburbs of Ottawa, Canada. I graduated from the University of Ottawa with a BSc in Biomedical Science and minor in Health Sciences. I attended the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine where I studied medicine on the island of St. Maarten; then pursued medical/clinical training in England. I was drawn here because I wanted to join a well-respected academic institution with a community hospital setting that emphasized evidence-based medicine. During my interview, I was impressed by the program's extensive community outreach, non-hierarchal culture with evident camaraderie, and the diversity among its residents and faculty. My interests in family medicine include community medicine, sports medicine and health care consulting. Outside of work, I love watching and playing sports (primarily basketball), travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Chinwe Ike-Chinwo, MD
I was born in Nigeria. I grew up in Port-Harcourt initially and later, the capital city of Abuja. After secondary school, I moved to England for my A levels and eventually studied pharmacology at University College London. I went to medical school at St. George’s University. Subsequently, I moved to New York City for my clinical rotations. I chose this program because of its robust academic curriculum, focus on evidence-based medicine, extensive community involvement and supportive environment. People here are genuinely nice and invested in your growth. I would like to practice outpatient Family medicine. Some of my interests include preventive medicine, global health and health policy. I enjoy traveling, going on walks, watching tv shows and YouTube talk shows/vlogs.
Angel Jiang, MD
I was born and raised in New York, attended college in Boston then medical school at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY. What drew me to family medicine was not only the breadth/variety, but also the depth/continuity in relationships with both patients and colleagues. This is the perfect program for this with its extensive roots in the Philadelphia community and beyond, and longstanding authentic, positive, forward-thinking culture. Here, I feel able to pursue interests in medical education, prevention, palliative care, and interpersonal abuse while still being with family/friends and walking/exploring the city and all its art installations.
Steven Nguyen, MD
I was born and grew up in Mississauga, Ontario in Canada and attended University of Toronto for undergraduate studies. After graduation, I attended medical school at Ross University School of Medicine. I chose this program because of the well-established unique culture, diversity and academic environment that is here. In addition, we have a comprehensive community outreach involvement, supportive faculty and work-life balance. My specific interests vary but include preventative, community, sleep and sports medicine. In my spare time I like to spend time with family and friends, cut hair, watch documentaries and all types of sports. Catch me at any Philadelphia sports game!
Aderinsola Odetunde, MD
I was born in London, England to a Nigerian family, growing up just outside Toronto, Canada. I went to medical school at St. George’s University. I chose Family Medicine as my specialty because I am passionate about continuity care and wanted to treat different types of patients while learning a bit of everything. I knew the program was right for me on my interview day. I could immediately sense the level of support and trust between the residents and the faculty I talked to. Between that and the blend of community and academic medicine, this program is everything I had dreamed of. My goal after residency is to complete a fellowship in women’s health, and later become an attending in a residency program. When I’m not working, my interests include traveling, baking and reading.
PGY 2
Alice Gao
I grew up in Toronto, Ontario and Dallas, Texas, and went to UT Southwestern for medical school. I chose this program because of its dedication to caring for underserved communities, and for the passionate people I met on the interview trail. I love that this program fosters an environment that promotes curiosity, lifelong learning, and patient-centered care. My eventual career goals involve working with underserved communities to provide better access to primary and preventive care. In my free time I hang out with my bearded dragon, Noodle, and find new recipes or crafts to try.
Diana Omoyeni, MD
I attended UMBC for undergrad and Wake Forest University for grad school before graduating from Saint George's University school of medicine. I chose this program because of the diversity and emphasis on community outreach. I also got the sense that the faculty would advocate for me and my interests and was able to experience the genuine camaraderie that the faculty and residents shared with each other. My interests in family medicine include community medicine, global health, and lifestyle/preventative medicine. Outside of work, I love watching movies, painting, learning languages, baking and boxing (need the balance from all the baking).
Devan Oodal
I grew up in Long Island, NY and attended the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine for medical school. When I found out I had been matched into this program, I was extremely excited. During the interview process, I found everyone to be extremely supportive of one another, whilst maintaining a robust learning environment. My career interests include lifestyle medicine, sports medicine, and preventative medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, cooking new recipes, playing my saxophone, and exploring Philadelphia.
Demetria Sawelson
I graduated from American University of the Caribbean and chose this program because of its emphasis and value of community health care. I also have a passion for geriatrics, and I wanted a program which offered me a longitudinal geriatric experience. I hope to pursue a fellowship in geriatrics following residency. In my spare time I love to spend time with my husband and 4 animals (3 cats and 1 chihuahua). I also enjoy reading and doing anything outdoors.
Nicole Shaw
I am from Oakland, CA and I attended the American University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine. Throughout the interviewing process, I realized that not only did this program pique my academic/ career interests; they were very inviting, and it set a standard as a nurturing environment that I believe I will grow in. When I matched, I was extremely excited and looking forward to progressing forward in my journey here. I am currently interested in a fellowship after residency in Women’s Health. I personally enjoy reading and writing poetry, working out, dancing and cooking. I also enjoy being in nature.
Sanjar Skrenes
I graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine. I chose this program because of the well-balanced clinical exposure and diverse demographic and socioeconomic balance of patients. I am also interested in clinical research, so the research component of the residency program also appealed to me. I am impressed by the level of camaraderie amongst the residents and faculty. Everyone is incredibly willing and enthusiastic to help the new interns learn and adjust to their new roles. One of my career goals is to be involved in Emergency/Urgent care. Outside of work, I enjoy history, geopolitics, earth sciences, biking, outdoor activities.
David Yarnell
I graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine/Maine Medical Center Program. I chose this program because I wanted a program that offered a strong, evidenced-based curriculum while also providing a supportive environment from faculty and co-residents. I was attracted to the community engagement opportunities that are offered here since I grew up in Philadelphia and wanted to re-establish my involvement with the city. I also wanted to be close to family who are still in the area. My primary medical interests are in preventative, hospital, and palliative medicine. Outside of medicine I love to cook, bake, hike and explore Philly.
PGY 1
Grace Chon, MD
I'm a Pennsylvania gal! I grew up in Lancaster and Philadelphia and went to Penn State University for biology with minors in German and cello performance. I graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and stayed local to join residency with Temple NW Family Medicine. As early as during my interview, I've always had the sense that this program is one where residents are close-knit and supported by one another. On days off you'll usually find me by Cherry Street Pier or Washington Square with a new art project or a book. Otherwise I'll be home trying out a recipe I saw on Instagram.
Muneer Bhaiyat, MD
I was born in Zambia and moved to the Caribbean, where I grew up on the lovely island of Grenada. I attended St. George’s University for undergrad and medical school. During my search for a residency program , the most important thing for me was to be at a place where I feel supported and I am allowed to grow as a physician and as person. I found that this program fit that mould perfectly with incredible faculty and residents who have your best interest at heart. Everyone at this program has strived to create a culture that focuses not only on education but also wellness and diversity. Furthermore, the program has an excellent community outreach and as residents, we get to work with the local communities extensively and help underserved populations.
During my free time, I enjoy being active, exploring the city and taking part in all things sports. I am a big sports fan and Philadelphia has a great sports culture which I enjoy and immerse myself into. Philadelphia also has many fantastic food options and I like to try out as many restaurants as I can!
Alen Saju, DO
I grew up in Philadelphia, PA, and have spent most of my life in the area. I completed my medical school at LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee. During my residency search, I aimed to stay closer to friends and family while obtaining comprehensive training in a community environment. I also sought a program that prioritized medical education and serving underserved communities. Aside from medicine, you'll find me exploring new food places, seeking adventures on hikes and trails, and occasionally indulging in some gaming.
Carolyn Vo, DO
Originally from Connecticut, I went to UCONN for undergrad. Afterwards I attended Des Moines University COM in Iowa for medical school. When it came to looking into residency programs, I wanted a program that embraced diversity in its faculty, residents and the patient population that it serves. Also wanted a program that had a strong involvement in its community and provided the opportunity to care for the geriatric population with my interest in hospice. When match day came and I saw that I matched with Temple NW I was very grateful since it met all those criteria and is not too far from home. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, family, my cat, crocheting, buying plants and working on building blocks.
Esther Adjei, MD
I was born and raise in Toronto, Ontario. After graduating high school in 2012, I attended York University where I studied Biomedical Science. Due to my passion for community service, I took 3 years off after graduating undergrad and volunteered at a women’s shelter for parenting adolescents and pregnant teens. From 2019 to June 2023, I had the opportunity to study medicine at St. George's University which allowed me to see how medicine was practiced in both the UK and US. I chose Temple NWFM as my top choice for residency because I wanted to be in a program where I felt supported, valued and whose mission is to provide care for all especially underrepresented communities. As a current resident, that has definitely been confirmed. Outside of medicine, I enjoy watching ASMR videos, listening to Spotify, spending time with family and exploring new places.
Matheus Peraci Moreira, DO
I am from Curitiba, Brazil, but I grew up moving through various countries in South America. I graduated undergrad from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, with a major in Applied Health Sciences/Public Health and a minor in Political Sciences. From Ohio, I moved to NY where I attended TouroCOM (Middletown) for medical school. Not having family in the US, I sought to programs with strong support systems and with co-workers that are open to honest and formative feedback. I also wanted to join a program that had a strong community presence, mainly in underserved communities, while working a diverse patient population with vast opportunity to learn from different cases and community members. Outside of medicine, I played Rugby in college and grew up practicing and competing martial arts (Jiu Jitsu and MMA mostly) as well as biking and swimming. Besides that, I am always down to watching movies or going out for food, drinks or dancing!
Madhuri Prayaga, DO
I am originally from Vienna, VA right around the DC metro area. I did undergrad at Virginia Commonwealth University and double majored in chemistry and biology as well as a Global Health certification. I went on to do a Master of Public Health at Emory University with a focus in Management. I then started medical school at Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine. I’d always had a huge underaged in behavioural and mental health in school but knew I wanted to focus on primary care and chronic illness management which is why Family Medicine appealed to me the most. While choosing a program I focused on looking for somewhere that served a diverse patient population and a good blend of academic medicine in a community hospital setting which Temple NW has definitely delivered. Hobbies I enjoy outside of medicine include traveling, watching historical documentaries and *trying* DIY projects for my apartment.
