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Family Medicine Residency Current Residents

Chief Residents

Crystal Arrendell, MD

Drexel Family Medicine Resident - Crystal Arrendell, MD

I grew up in Alexandria, VA and attended college at New York University. I went to American University of the Caribbean for medical school. I chose Drexel Family Medicine for many different reasons. I was very eager to get back to the Northeast for residency and I loved the fact that Drexel has maintained a commitment to the community as well as training well-rounded physicians. I could tell during my interview that the Drexel faculty are engaged, caring and committed to creating a robust curriculum that also allows you to tailor your learning to what you are most interested in. Outside of medicine, I enjoy hanging out with my family, working out at Orange Theory, exploring Philadelphia, and traveling whenever possible.

Evette Yassa, MD

Drexel Family Medicine Resident - Evette Yassa, MD

To become the family physician I’ve always wanted to be, I knew I needed to train in a community hospital setting with an academic institution that emphasizes evidence-based medicine, where I could learn how to best serve a diverse population. I am so glad to have found this and more with Drexel University/Tower Health. The supportive team environment and culture of growth and inclusivity are exactly what I hoped for in a residency program. In addition to patient-centered medical care, I have a strong interest in mental health, something I pursued throughout my undergraduate training in Biology and Philosophy at Queen’s University, my graduate studies in liver cancer biochemistry at McGill University, and as a St. George’s University medical student. I was raised in Ontario, Canada, I enjoy being with my family (running around with all my nieces and nephews), music, playing basketball and squash, and of course all food-based activities.

Family Medicine Residents

Chinwe Ike-Chinwo, MD

Family Medicine Resident - 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 Drexel University/Tower Health Family Medicine 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.

Ankur Chopra, MD

Family Medicine Resident - 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 to Drexel 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.

Alice Gao

Family Medicine Resident - Alice Gao

I grew up in Toronto, Ontario and Dallas, Texas, and went to UT Southwestern for medical school. I chose Drexel Family Medicine because of our program’s 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.

Samar Haroun, MD

Drexel Family Medicine Resident - Samar Haroun, MD

I was born in Sudan and grew up in several places in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa before settling in Ontario, Canada. For residency, I wanted to join a program with a strong clinical focus, with opportunities for research and community outreach. Drexel presented all of that together with an inspiring team dynamic. I am interested in community outreach, preventive care, public health, and women’s health. Outside of medicine, some of my favorite things are community involvement, dancing, music, and stand-up comedy – all things I am excited to explore at Drexel and in Philly.

Parmida Jafari, MD

Family Medicine Resident - Parmida Jafari, MD

I grew up in Ontario, Canada and attended St. George's University for medical school. When I found out I had matched into the Drexel/Tower Health Family Medicine 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!

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. Drexel 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.

Stephen Jumper, MD

Drexel Family Medicine Resident - Stephen Jumper, MD

I earned my Medical Degree at Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was on the search for a program with a culture that encouraged patient advocacy. The Drexel Family Medicine Residency is that program. In addition, the program is extremely dynamic, working to tailor your skill set to best serve the patient. I go to work every day with a smile, because I am truly working with a team of excellent people. I enjoy mechanics, woodworking, I am an avid outdoors person, on any free day I may be rafting down a river, mountain biking in our local trails or surfing out in New Jersey.

Steven Nguyen, MD

Family Medicine Resident - 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 Drexel University because of the well-established unique culture, diversity and academic environment that is here. In addition, Drexel has a comprehensive community outreach involvement, supportive faculty and work-life balance. My specific interests vary but includes 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

Family Medicine Resident - 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 Drexel University/Tower Health 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.

Diana Omoyeni

Family Medicine Resident - Diana Omoyeni

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

Family Medicine Resident - 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 matched into the Drexel/Tower Health Family Medicine 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

Family Medicine Resident - Demetria Sawelson

I graduated from American University of the Caribbean and chose Drexel 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

Family Medicine Resident - 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 the Drexel/Tower Health Family Medicine Program pique my academic/ career interests; the program was very inviting and it set a standard as a nurturing environment that I believe I will grow in. When I matched into this program, 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

Family Medicine Resident - Sanjar Skrenes

I graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine. I chose Drexel 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.

Jason Tucker, MD

Family Medicine Resident - 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.

Christopher Varghese, MD

Drexel Family Medicine Resident - Christopher Varghese, MD

I grew up in Seattle and went to Washington State University for undergrad and American University of the Caribbean for medical school. Prior to my interview, I thought I was certain about my top residency choices. Drexel interview day flipped all that on its head. The environment, culture, and positivity combined with the camaraderie between the residents and faculty as well as a drive to be great by everyone across the board, felt so genuine and so real that all I wanted was to be a part of it. Outside of medicine I love basketball, boxing and enjoy cooking. I am Christian, so faith and family are very meaningful to me.

David Yarnell

Drexel Family Medicine Resident - David Yarnell

I graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine/Maine Medical Center Program. I chose Drexel 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.

 
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Please note that residents and fellows are employed by and insured by the hospital; they are not employees of Drexel University.

Nurse greeting senior couple at family medicine practice.