People, Culture, and Community
WMed is focused on building and enhancing a welcoming, supportive, and engaging culture for all, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing. Health equity is one of our medical school’s and department’s strategic priorities. We use a holistic residency recruitment, selection, and ranking process, with the goal of the residency program reflecting the patient population that we serve. We are committed to providing high quality medical education, innovative research, and exceptional patient care.
What sets the Pediatrics Residency Program at WMed apart? We asked some of our current residents to answer that question. Take a look at what they had to say.
Saja Abdelhadi, MD
Where I grew up: Amman, Jordan
Why I chose WMed: Choosing WMed for my pediatric residency was easy after my interview. The interviewers’ kindness and welcoming nature made me feel at home. WMed’s dedication to diversity, balanced education, and clinical practice stood out to me. I’m excited that I joined a program that values excellence and fosters a supportive and friendly environment to grow.
Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo is a lovely mid-sized city with lots of trees and greenery, offering a peaceful and calming atmosphere. It’s quiet and serene, yet close to big cities when needed. This makes it a perfect place to live and thrive.
Future Plans: I love general pediatrics as a whole but am also open to considering pursuing a subspecialty fellowship. During my residency, I’m confident I’ll find the best path for me.
Mariam Ahmed, MD
Where I grew up: Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Why I chose WMed: I chose WMed because I felt a strong sense of support and camaraderie during my interview. I was looking for a program with excellent clinical training, approachable faculty, and a welcoming environment where I could grow both personally and professionally.
Why Kalamazoo?: I like that Kalamazoo offers a good balance between a comfortable community and the resources of a larger city. It feels like a place where I can focus on residency while still having a good quality of life outside the hospital.
The Most Complex Case I’ve Seen at WMed so far: It was actually a rare case of a Kawasaki disease in a 3-month-old infant. I was amazed that it was recognized so early, because Kawasaki disease in such a young infant is uncommon and requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. It reminded me of the importance of keeping a broad differential and paying close attention to subtle clinical findings.
Future plans: I’m still unsure about my long-term plans, but I’m excited to explore different areas of pediatrics and learn as much as I can during residency. I want to stay open-minded and let my experiences at WMed help guide me toward the path that fits me best!
Nizar Alkhlaifat, MD
Where I grew up: I grew up in As-Salt, Jordan.
Why I chose WMed: Because of its welcoming and supportive environment, which stood out immediately during my interview experience. The program’s strong commitment to resident well-being, diversity, and high-quality clinical education made it feel like the ideal place to train. I was especially drawn to the collaborative atmosphere and the mentorship opportunities that fostered both personal and professional growth.
Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo offers the perfect balance of a peaceful, mid-sized city with convenient access to larger cities like Chicago and Detroit. I appreciate its greenery, beautiful natural surroundings, and welcoming community. The city’s atmosphere, outdoor activities, and easy lifestyle make it a wonderful place to live and train.
Future plans: My passion for pediatric cardiology continues to grow with every clinical experience, so I hope to pursue a fellowship and build a career as a pediatric cardiologist. I am especially drawn to the unique combination of physiology, imaging, longitudinal patient relationships, and the opportunity to make a lifelong impact on children and their families.
Abdel Rahman Alshekhhossin, MD
Where I grew up: Amman, Jordan
Why I chose WMed: I chose WMed because I felt welcomed and supported from the moment I interviewed here. The collaborative culture among faculty and residents stood out to me, and several Jordanian residents also shared very positive experiences with the program. WMed’s strong fellowship match results and successful graduates further confirmed my decision.
Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo offers a great balance for training and daily life. It is a welcoming mid-sized city with a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to larger cities, such as Chicago and Detroit.
The most complex case I’ve seen at WMed so far: One of the most memorable cases I encountered involved a teenager who presented with chest pain and was ultimately diagnosed with histoplasmosis myocarditis. The patient later developed cardiac arrest and required resuscitation. Watching multiple teams coordinate care in such a critical situation was both challenging and highly educational.
Future plans: I am currently interested in pursuing pediatric cardiology because of the blend of physiology, procedures, and long-term patient relationships. I'm remaining open to other subspecialty training as I continue to explore my interests during residency, though.
Amber D. Campbell, MD
Where I grew up: Lansing, Michigan
Why I chose WMed: Aside from a memorable interview day with incredibly personable individuals, the pediatric program at WMed stood out to me because of the opportunities for support and grace that come from nurturing developing physicians in a smaller incoming class. The rich representation of cultures among providers and patients further enhances a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion which is a priority to me.
Why Kalamazoo?: As a born and raised Michigander, it was important for me to stay within the state that I have come to love and appreciate. I had never been to Kalamazoo before, but after being here, I've enjoyed discovering the small-town charms among a friendly population with pleasant associations of childhood nostalgia.
Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: Recurrent rhabdomyolysis in an otherwise healthy preadolescent.
Future plans: My primary focus is continuity of care and underserved populations, so I am excited to be part of the MIDOCs program at WMed and for the privilege of practicing primary care in my desired community following residency graduation. Afterward, my focus will remain on general outpatient pediatrics.
Bijaya Dhungana, MD
Where I grew up: Kathmandu, Nepal, and Michigan
Why I chose WMed: During my interview day, I felt genuine kindness from everyone I met. The program clearly fosters a nurturing, supportive environment where residents, both IMGs and US graduates, can thrive. With a small-to-medium class size, residents have the opportunity to build strong, meaningful relationships with faculty and each other.
Why Kalamazoo?: It’s a mid-sized city. There’s easy access to nature, with places like the Kalamazoo Nature Center and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, nearby. The area is also fairly diverse, with a good selection of international grocery stores available locally.
The most complex case I’ve seen at WMed so far: I have encountered many memorable patients! To name a few: newborn with a second episode of GBS meningitis after completing the full treatment for the first episode, osteogenesis imperfecta, pheochromocytoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, which initially presented as a persistent pneumonia, and lead toxicity.
Future plans: I am a MIDOCs resident, part of a state-funded residency quota that helps with student loans in exchange for working in an underserved area in Michigan for 2 years immediately after graduation. Since much of Michigan qualifies as underserved, this does not limit where I can practice. Ideally, I hope to work both as a hospitalist and as an outpatient pediatrician.
Asmaa Elsokary, MD
Where I grew up: I grew up in Egypt, between Kafr El-Sheikh and Cairo.
Why I chose WMed: I liked the program because of the vibes I got during my interview. The diversity was a draw, and it's a good size that makes the residents feel close to each other in a supportive environment. It just felt like a good fit for me!
Why Kalamazoo?: It’s an affordable and nice place to live, and I really like the amount of greenery and nature here.
Future plans: I'm between the NICU and GI, and I've also started liking Endocrinology lately. I have time during residency to figure it out!
Dayana Jibrin, MD
Where I grew up: I was raised in the beautiful city of Amman, Jordan.
Why I chose WMed: I chose WMed because of the rich cultural diversity among the residents, which I believe is essential for a well-rounded medical education. During my interview, I was impressed by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere created by the residents. Their warmth and openness made me feel like I could truly belong and thrive in this program.
Additionally, I am drawn to the community-based learning environment at WMed. This hands-on experience is crucial for my development as a pediatrician, allowing me to develop the skills and empathy needed to provide comprehensive care. WMed's approach aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a compassionate and effective pediatrician, equipped to serve diverse communities.
Why Kalamazoo?: I chose to live in Kalamazoo because it offers a unique blend of vibrant community life and professional opportunities. The city’s rich cultural diversity and friendly atmosphere immediately drew me in. I appreciate the strong sense of community here, where people are welcoming and supportive, making it an ideal place to build both personal and professional relationships.
Future Plans: My aspiration is to pursue a career in hematology and oncology, and I am confident that WMed will provide the foundation and preparation I need for this endeavor. The program's comprehensive training, diverse patient population, and supportive learning environment will equip me with the knowledge and skills required to excel in this specialized field.
Qasim Mhaidat, MD
Where I grew up: A beautiful small town in Irbid, Jordan
Why I chose WMed: I chose WMed because I was drawn to the welcoming and supportive environment I experienced during my interview. I really appreciated how approachable the residents and faculty were, and how much the program emphasizes both education and resident well-being. I also liked the diversity of the program and the opportunity to learn in a community-based setting with a broad patient population.
Why Kalamazoo?: I chose Kalamazoo because it offers a great balance: it's a mid-sized city but with easy access to larger cities. I also really enjoy the greenery, outdoor activities, and the relatively relaxed pace of life here.
The most complex case I’ve seen at WMed so far: One of the most interesting cases I’ve encountered so far was a patient in whom I helped identify a parathyroid adenoma. What made the case particularly memorable was working through the clinical findings and laboratory abnormalities and putting the pieces together to arrive at the diagnosis. It was a great reminder of how important careful clinical reasoning is and how seemingly unrelated findings can point toward an underlying diagnosis.
Future plans: I’m currently leaning toward pursuing a gastroenterology fellowship. I’ve always enjoyed the combination of complex physiology, diagnostic reasoning, and procedures that GI offers. During residency, I’m hoping to continue exploring the field, gain more exposure to different areas of GI, and see where my interests develop!
Meagan Nguyen, MD
Where I grew up: Vietnam and Grand Rapids, Michigan
Why I chose WMed: Supportive and caring environment emphasized by both preceptors and co-residents! After talking to a senior from WMed, I knew that I would enjoy spending my next 3 years here. Everyone truly cares about your education, while also encouraging you to have an enjoyable life outside of work!
Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo has a very diverse population with many nearby restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Another bonus is very little traffic!
Future plans: Fortunately, I was accepted into the MIDOCs program that helps out with student loans after residency graduation. I'd love to stay in primary care! My goal is work in a non-profit clinic to help out the underserved populations, especially immigrants.
Mahmoud Nofal, MD
Where I grew up: Originally from Jordan, but I grew up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Why I chose WMed: Choosing WMed felt like a natural decision after my interview experience. From the moment I met the residents and faculty, I was struck by their kindness, the welcoming atmosphere, and genuine sense of support within the program. WMed’s strong commitment to resident well-being created an environment where I knew I would feel valued both personally and professionally.
Why Kalamazoo?: I chose to live in Kalamazoo because it offers both a welcoming community and great professional opportunities. I was drawn to the city’s friendly atmosphere and diverse culture from the beginning.
Future plans: I am pursuing a pediatric pulmonology fellowship!
Katie Royer, MD
Where I grew up: Port Orchard, Washington
Why I chose WMed: I felt genuinely welcomed by everyone I interacted with from the beginning of my interview to the end. We all know residency is hard, and it was important for me to join a team where I felt supported and cared for. On top of that, WMed has an amazing curriculum as well as enthusiastic faculty who are passionate about passing on their knowledge to the next generation of doctors. Last but certainly not least, the team at WMed was incredibly supportive of my couple's match!
Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo is the best of both worlds to me, it is not too big but not too small. There are a lot of things to do locally here in Kalamazoo, plus we are located so close to two major cities - Chicago and Detroit - as well as some amazing beaches and beautiful natural areas to visit. Plus, the cost of living here is great.
Future Plans: I am passionate about preventive care and love building long term relationships with my patients and their families, so I am planning on going into general pediatrics.
Othman Saleh, MD
Where I grew up: I grew up in Jordan and went to medical school at Hashemite University. Moving to the U.S. for residency has been a big change, but also a really exciting experience for me!
Why I chose WMed: I chose WMed because I was looking for a program where I could get strong clinical training while still having supportive faculty and a good learning environment. During the interview process, I felt that the people here genuinely cared about teaching and about residents as individuals. I also liked the variety of pathology and the opportunities to get involved in research, quality improvement, and teaching.
Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo felt like a good place to start this new chapter. It has a smaller-city feel but still offers a lot of clinical exposure and a diverse patient population. I also liked that I would be able to focus on residency and get to know the community rather than feeling overwhelmed by a huge city.
The most complex case I’ve seen at WMed so far: The most complex case I’ve seen was a 5-year-old nonverbal boy with autism, extreme food selectivity, fever, and progressive abdominal distension. What initially looked like gastroenteritis or bowel obstruction evolved into hepatomegaly, transaminitis, hypoalbuminemia, ascites, and pleural effusions. Liver biopsy showed macrovesicular steatosis and fibrosis, and the overall picture was most consistent with severe protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. He later developed refeeding syndrome and required intubation. What made the case memorable was realizing that the key was in the feeding history all along. It taught me to step back when the initial diagnosis no longer explains the whole picture and to recognize that extreme food selectivity can represent a serious feeding and nutritional problem.
Future plans: I’m still exploring my options, but I’m particularly interested in Pediatric Critical Care (NICU or PICU). I enjoy caring for medically complex children, and I like the combination of physiology, problem-solving, and longitudinal learning that comes with it. For now, I’m trying to keep an open mind, get exposure to different subspecialties, and let my clinical experiences help me decide which path is the best fit.
Hanna Shehata, MD
Where I grew up: Between Maryland and Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
Why I chose WMed: I chose WMed for its diversity of staff and students, excellent clinical training, and how friendly everyone was during my interview.
Why Kalamazoo?: I chose Kalamazoo for its relatively low cost of living, basically no traffic and proximity to surrounding larger cities.
Future plans: I am still debating between hospitalist vs. fellowship. I like the variety that being a hospitalist offers, but also am drawn to the notion of being an expert in a certain field - maybe rheumatology, nephrology, or infectious disease.
Asra Abeer Usmani
Where I grew up: Originally from Karachi, Pakistan but I grew up in Doha, Qatar
Why I chose WMed: During my interview I was drawn to the warm, welcoming environment and directed focus on residents' wellbeing as well as education. WMed's supportive and collaborative environment, coupled with mentorship from faculty, fostering professional growth really resonated with me.
Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo harbors a blend of community, culture, and nature. Nestled in Southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo has a tight-knit community atmosphere with a range of recreational activities, parks, trails, and nearby lakes for outdoor activities. Being close yet equidistant from Chicago and Detroit both are definitely great perks too!
Most Complex Case I’ve seen at WMed to date: So many but to name a few: Limbic encephalitis associated with leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 antibody, Incontinentia Pigmenti, Wernicke's encephalopathy, Caroli disease (WDR 19 mutation).
Future Plans: I am interested in pursuing pediatric cardiology and caring for children with complex heart conditions. Pediatric cardiology offers a unique blend of clinical challenges and rewarding outcomes, where advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques are constantly improving patient care. Fellowship training in pediatric cardiology would give me a deeper understanding of pediatric cardiovascular physiology, imaging modalities, interventional procedures, and surgical options tailored to young patients' specific needs.
