Sarita Ballakur, MD
Hometown: Andover, MA
Undergraduate: Brown University
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medical College
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: Dance, Karaoke, Exploring Places by Foot
Why Temple? Great, diverse training with close knit community!
Why Philadelphia? Walkable but also easy to use your car, great restaurants, diverse patient population.
Theodore Lin, MD
Hometown: McLean, VA
Undergraduate: Washington University
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: Tennis
Why Temple? The best co-residents!
Why Philadelphia? A great combination of walkability, affordability, and amazing food
PGY-4 Class of 2028
Andrew Wadley, MD
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Howard College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: swimming, foreign languages, travel, musicals
Why Temple? Since medical school, I valued the opportunity to work with and educate patients from diverse backgrounds. Temple’s mission reflects this but also has the advantages of a large academic center.
Why Philadelphia? I wanted to be in a bigger city that had varied arts and food options. Also, I did my undergrad in Philadelphia, so I knew that I already liked living here.
Pragnya Dontu, MD
Hometown: York, PA
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: going to coffee shops, painting/crafting, pilates, traveling, hanging out with my cats, trying all the restaurants around the city
Why Temple? tight knit community between the residents and faculty, early and diverse operative experience with exposure to many different populations
Why Philadelphia? So many amazing restaurants and fun things to do around the city including museums, farmers' markets, cafes all easily walkable too! Philly definitely has an incredible food scene
PGY-3 Class of 2029
Manan Parekh, MD
Hometown: Edison, New Jersey
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: Tennis
Why Temple? I really liked how tightly knit the residents were. I knew coming here would ensure that I was in a program where the residents worked to support each other and help out during tough situations that come up during residency.
Why Philadelphia? I have really enjoyed living in Philadelphia for the past 5 years during medical school and have continued to enjoy it throughout residency. It’s a great city with great food, sports, and is surprisingly affordable.
Rameen Walters, MD
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Undergraduate: Florida Atlantic University
Medical School: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: Traveling, hiking, video games, reading sci-fi/fantasy novels, playing music, and joining random sports leagues I have no business being in. I'm also the proud owner of a very opinionated and vocal cat.
Why Temple? From my interview day onward, it was clear that Temple had a genuinely supportive culture and residents who enjoyed working together. Since starting residency, that impression has only been reinforced by the incredible clinical/operative experience, faculty mentorship, and camaraderie within the program.
Why Philadelphia? I love that Philadelphia combines the energy and opportunities of a major city with a more approachable/affordable feel than many other metropolitan areas. There's always something new to experience, both inside and outside the hospital.
PGY-2 Class of 2030
Alessandra Moscatello, MD
Hometown: White Plains, NY
Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Medical School: New York Medical College
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: I am a polyglot (English, French, Romanian, and Spanish) and enjoy learning about different cultures. I taught myself how to knit, crochet, and sew and I love to make my own clothes/bags. I am also a longdistance runner and avid reader!
Why Temple? The people! As a residency, we are extremely close. I have found lifelong friends in my co-residents, and great mentors among our faculty. They are very supportive and I always feel comfortable reaching out with any questions or concerns. Our patient population is also diverse as we rotate at both Temple and Fox Chase, where socioeconomic status/healthcare literacy varies.
Why Philadelphia? The food scene, history, and proximity to NY! Before moving here, I didn't know much about Philly but I am truly so happy to be here. There are constantly new restaurants popping up and I've had some of the best food I've ever had in this city. The ice cream scene is also incredible, and there are a ton of nice outdoor spots to enjoy when the sun is out!
Trisha Shang, MD
Hometown: Fremont, CA
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: I love music, to sing, play piano, and play violin! In high school, I got to go to Italy for a music composition competition.
Why Temple? I chose Temple for the wonderful people. I could feel the warmth and tight family culture of the program from interview day, and I could tell this would be a place invested in my growth and well-being. It has proven to be true over and over again throughout my time here.
Why Philadelphia? The Philly food scene is so underrated! I have had some of the best bites since moving to this city and am excited to continue exploring more restaurants here. It's a walkable city and there are so many fun places to explore, such as the museums and seeing each of the distinct neighborhood cultures.
PGY 1 Class of 2031
Nicolas Egan, MD
Hometown: Potomac, MD
Undergraduate: University of Maryland
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests/fun facts: I love to play golf, run on the Schuylkill, get in over my head with home improvement projects, and of course I love spending time with my friends and family.
Why Temple? Temple is a very special place, I can’t say enough good things about the people I get to call my colleagues. I love the friendly and welcoming environment, the exceptional quality of our training, and most importantly the patients who entrust us with their care. The mission driven identity of Temple Medicine and the Department of Otolaryngology is palpable, and I am honored to be here!
Why Philadelphia? I think this is the best city for medical training! Philly is full of energy, culture, and passionate people, even as a transplant it’s easy to feel at home here. You will not have a hard time finding a great restaurant, and Angelo’s cheesesteaks alone are a good enough reason to live here!
Noah Thornton, MD
Hometown: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Undergraduate: Ole Miss
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Hobbies/Interests/Fun Facts: I’ve visited and watched a game at all 30 MLB stadiums. I enjoy going to Phillies, Eagles, Sixers (Welcome to Philly, Lebron), Temple sporting events, checking out new coffee shops in the city, exploring local restaurants, and running along the Schuylkill River or Delaware River Trail.
Why Temple? The people made Temple feel like the right fit. The faculty and residents are welcoming, invested in teaching, and genuinely enjoy working together (and hanging out outside the hospital). Residents are also given responsibility early and are supported throughout their training, both clinically and academically. Also, being able to care for the diverse patient population in North Philadelphia was important to me, as it provides exposure to a wide range of pathology and also reinforces Temple’s commitment to serving the community, which was something I really valued during my time as a medical student here and in the M.A. in Urban Bioethics program.
Why Philadelphia? Philadelphia is the most walkable city in the country, with great running trails along both sides of the city and easy access to every major sports venue. I love the local sports culture, live music scene, food, and many coffee shops too. Some of my favorite restaurants are Mawn, Suraya, Little Water, São, and Giorgio on Pine. It’s such an easy city to explore and if you’re looking to get out of the city there’s so many things to do within a short drive