Current Residents
PGY-IV
Joseph Benes, MD
Medical school: UNMC. Fun fact about me: Although I have lived in Nebraska my whole life, I have visited 16 different countries!
Sheida Koohsari, MD,
Medical school: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Fun fact about me: I dance Argentine tango.
Hannah Maldonado, MD
Medical school: UNMC. What I do when not working: Run, lake days, anything outdoors with family and friends.
Zaid Rkh Najdawi, MD
Medical school: University of Jordan School of Medicine, Amman, Jordan. Fun fact about me: I started my residency at the age of 23.
Valeria Parra Payano, MD
Medical school: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru. Fun fact about me: I write poetry and participated in a few competitions in Peru. My favorite food is any Peruvian or Korean dish!
Gabriella Rizzo, MD
Medical school: UNMC. What I do when not working: I spend my free time gardening, biking or finding a new seasonal recipe to cook or bake.
PGY-III
Arenn Carlos, MD
Medical school: Università degli Studi di Pavia in Italy. Fun fact about me: I have visited more than 65 countries. I love to explore natural wonders and man-made attractions, learn about different cultures, and try new food. I also have two white rabbits at home whom I adore.
Mitchell Floura, MD
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Fun fact about me: I'm a grown-up who spends his free time playing video and board games!
Mark Jedras, DO
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Fun facts about me: I grew up in Wausau, WI. I have three citizenships, enjoy homebrewing, video games and cross-country skiing.
Mathias Maisenbacher, MD
Medical School: Sapienza University of Rome. Fun fact about me: I had a shining acting debut as Rumpelstiltskin in a play in elementary school.
Sharon Peng, MBBS
Medical school: Nanjing Medical University. Fun fact about me: I can swim freestyle for 2000 meters and butterfly for 600 meters (though not on the same day!).
Haley Riley, DO
Medical School: Oklahoma State University. Fun fact about me: I have a cat named Purkinje.
Hannah Safranek, MD
Medical school: UNMC. Fun fact about me: I have played the pipe organ for over almost 20 years. In my free time I like to embroider and to spend time with my husband and daughter.
PGY-II
Ola Alshaqi, MD
Medical School: Damascus University. Fun fact about me: At first, pregnancy seemed like it could spike my stress levels, but playing with my kid turned out to be a serotonin boost and an effective stress regulator!
Hanul Lee, MD
Medical School: Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine. Fun fact about me: I love growing plants, especially moss!
Sriharsha Ponna, DO
Medical School: Liberty University. Fun fact about me: I collect watches.
Caroline Sane, MD
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine. Fun fact about me: I have been kayaking in a bay of bioluminescent algae.
Emme Schmidt, MD
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center Fun fact about me: I quilt almost every day. I am from the Black Hills in South Dakota, so I love hiking, fly fishing and all things outdoors. I have wanted to be a Neurologist since I was 12 years old!
Solmaz Ramezani Hashtjin, MD
Medical School: Zanjan University of Medical Sciences Fun fact about me: I enjoy playing volleyball, and the gym is my happy place.
PGY-I
Lauren Blum, MD
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Fun fact about me: I had a near death experience with a grizzly bear and her cubs.
Minyu Chen, DO
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. Fun fact about me: I can speak multiple Chinese dialects.
Sara Hoerning, DO
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Fun fact about me: I love traveling! I have been to the Great Wall of China and had a destination wedding in Tulum, Mexico.
Yana Gordeyeva, MD
Medical School: Poznan University of Medial Sciences Center for Medical Education. Fun fact about me: I've completed over 76 escape rooms!
Aishah Khan, MBBS
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College Mangalore. Fun fact about me: I've been painting since I was six, inspired by my aunt who is an artist - though my paintings don't sell like hers...yet!
Osama Abu Nassar, MD
Medical School: University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine. Fun fact about me: I studied civil engineering before realizing my true passion was medicine.
Trae Olson, MD
Medical School: Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota. Fun fact about me: I enjoy golfing, playing pickleball, watching sports, and cooking. In my ample free time, I also enjoy cooking.
Neurology Residents and their pets
