Meet our Paediatric Residents

Jillian Carter

“Hello! My name is Jillian and I am from Chatham-Kent, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate degree at Queen’s University before coming back to Southwestern Ontario for medical school at Western University. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, skiing, and spending time with friends and family. I am very excited to be continuing my medical training with the team at Western Paediatrics!”

Dana Ghanem
“Hi, my name is Dana! I grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and Waterloo, Ontario. I attended the University of Waterloo for my undergraduate studies and headed to the University of Ottawa for medical school. Outside of medicine, I love to bake (especially tiramisu), visit cafés, and explore local parks. I am excited and grateful to join the Paediatrics team at Western and cannot wait to explore London!”

 Meghan Hickey

"Hi everyone! My name is Meghan Hickey and I'm from Churchill Falls, Labrador! I completed my undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences with a minor in English at Brock University and graduated medical school back home on the East Coast at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Pediatrics Team at Western University and super excited to meet wonderful new colleagues and explore London (first time in the city!) In addition to my passion for pediatrics, I also love reading (huge fantasy nerd) board game nights, cafe hopping, and hosting hangouts for family and friends."
  
Wafa Khoja

“Hello everyone! My name is Wafa and I am from Oakville, Ontario, but grew up moving across Calgary, Karachi, Nairobi, and Washington D.C. I did my undergrad at McMaster University in Arts & Science before attending medical school at Queen’s University. I am now incredibly excited about residency at Western! Outside of medicine, I love to dance, consume true-crime media, watch all the reality TV, and enjoy spending time with my friends and family.”

 Min Jung Kim
“Hi all! My name is Min Jung and I am from Vancouver BC. I completed my undergrad at McMaster University and medical school at UBC. Outside of medicine, I love spending time outdoors, and playing music (So far I play the violin, piano, and ukulele - but hope to learn more!) I look forward to getting to meet everyone and beginning this journey!”
 

 Sunny (Sun Young) Kim
“Hello everyone! My name is Sunny. I was born in Manitoba and grew up in Malaysia. I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University and earned my medical degree at Western University. I am thrilled to be returning to Western. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading thought-provoking books, cooking Korean food, baking desserts, and sharing them with friends and family. I also enjoy hiking, going to the gym, and playing softball.”

 
Iman Lahouaoula

“Hi everyone! I’m Iman and I grew up in Vancouver (well, a suburb called Port Coquitlam). I completed my undergraduate degree in honours psychology at McGill. I then made my way back to Vancouver for medical school at UBC. Outside of medicine, I love playing soccer and swimming and I also enjoy photography, spending time in nature, and traveling! I’m so excited to experience living in Ontario and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and joining the lovely team at Western Pediatrics!”
 
Riley Meade
“Hi everyone! My name is Riley Meade and I’m from Peterborough, Ontario. I studied medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and I am thrilled to be joining the Western family. Outside of medicine, I am passionate about fitness, particularly F45 and pickleball (if you’re up for a match, let me know!)”

Praveen Rajasegaran
“Hi everyone! My name is Praveen, I'm originally from Ottawa Ontario. I did a bachelor's in pharmacology at McGill University, then I did a master’s in Global Health at McMaster University and then came back to Montreal to do medical school at McGill University. I’m super excited to start pediatrics at Western! I'm really interested in medical education and improving healthcare systems, especially within marginalized communities in Canada. For fun, I enjoy playing sports with friends and trying new restaurants. If you have any questions on medical school, or residency please feel free to reach out I'd love to help!”

Ahmed Saleh
“Hello everyone! My name is Ahmed. Born and raised in Dubai, I moved to London two years ago. I've always had a deep passion for working with children and believe they are the cornerstone of our society's future. My goal is to make a meaningful impact on their growth and well-being. Outside of my professional aspirations, I find joy in volunteering, exploring forests, and savoring diverse culinary experiences. I also enjoy discovering historical artifacts and spending time with my family. I believe in giving without expectations, as it fills my heart with happiness. I am truly excited and grateful to join the Western Paediatrics community. I look forward to being part of this amazing team and making a positive difference in the lives of children."

Angela Wei
“Hello! My name is Angela and I am from Toronto, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate studies in Health Sciences at McMaster University and stayed at McMaster for medical school as well. Outside of medicine, I love to play volleyball, crochet, grow my indoor jungle, and explore new TV shows and movies. I also love trying new restaurants and would love to get your recommendations! I'm so excited to be joining the Western Paediatrics family and I can't wait to get to know everyone over the next few years!"

Renata Cecccaci
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Education: Undergraduate Studies at Western University, Medical School at McMaster University

Outside of medicine, i love to back, crocher, and spend time with friends and family! I am very excited to join the Western Paediatrics Community!





Dana Chemali
Hometown: France
Education: I moved to Toronto for my undergraduate studies and then went to medical school at the University of Melbourne.

My family is from London and I spent my summers growing up here so I am thrilled to be moving to London and joining the Western Paediatrics team for my residency! Outside of
medicine, I enjoy travelling, running, cooking and spending time with family.


  

Courtney Flemming
Hometown: Lasalle, Ontario
Education: attended the University of Windsor for my undergraduate studies, followed by medical school at Western University.

In my free time, you'll often find me playing soccer, taking my golden retriever for walks, baking desserts, or trying to solve the daily Wordle puzzles. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue my medical training with the Paediatrics team at Western!

 
Nicole Hajjar
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Education: I completed my undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University and then headed to Queen’s University for medical school.

Outside of medicine, I love spending time outdoors, yoga, gardening, and cooking! I am super excited to join the Western Pediatrics team and explore London!

Larissa Hum
Hometown:Vancouver, BC
Education: I completed my undergrad and medical training at UBC

Outside of medicine, I enjoy volleyball, weightlifting, art (especially bullet journaling and hand lettering), reading, and playing video games. As a Vancouverite I must also include an obligatory mention of hiking. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and joining the Western Paeds team!

Andrea-Diana Ignat
Hometown: Toronto
Education: I completed medical school at McMaster University, and undergrad at the University of Toronto in Chemistry and Neuroscience

I am now overjoyed to be joining the Western Pediatrics dream team!I love exploring and photographing my adventures, the magic of a theatre production, learning how to cook traditional Romanian dishes, and sharing it all with friends and family.

Abiola Oladepo
Hometown: Nigeria
Education: I earned my medical degree from College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).

My passion for pediatric medicine started from medical school and it is a great privilege to join the Western Pediatrics community. I have lived in Ottawa for four years; I am excited and look forward to experiencing life in London with you all. In my free time, you might find me: watching or playing soccer and lawn tennis with friends, engaging in outdoor activities with my kids or playing strategy video games. I also enjoy taking road trips with family and friends to visit new places

Stephanie Scott
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ontario
Education: I completed by undergraduate degree in Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization at McMaster, followed by Medical School at McMaster.

I’m ecstatic to be beginning my career in Pediatrics here at Western! I love all things medical education and child advocacy. Outside of medicine, you’ll find me playing (and being mediocre at) every possible sport, running, hiking, cooking up a storm, spending time with friends and family, and researching cats to foster. Looking forward to meeting everyone and beginning this journey!

Devika Singh
Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario
Education: I completed both my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and my medical degree at McMaster University.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy all things related to swimming and water sports,traveling, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. Fun fact: My parents met and trained in this program, and I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to be joining the Western Paediatrics family too!

Mary Zhao
Hometown: Markham, Ontario
Education: have spent the past 8 years in Vancouver, BC completing my undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of British Columbia.

I am very excited to be returning to my home province to join the Pediatrics team at Western! Outside of medicine, I enjoy running,going to spin class, cooking, music, and spending time with friends and family.

Ali Aaisham
Hometown: London, Ontario

Karina Burke
Hometown: Southwestern Ontario

Hi everyone! My name is Karina Burke, I was born and raised in southwestern Ontario and I am thrilled to be joining the Western Paediatrics team! I completed medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Outside of medicine I enjoy all things watersports, volleyball, baking, and travelling!

Jessica Garabon
Hometown: Harrow, Ontario

Hello! My name is Jessica Garabon and I was raised in Harrow, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Windsor followed by a Master’s degree in Neuroscience and medical school here at Western University. I could not be happier about continue my training in Paediatrics here in London! Outside of medicine, some of my favourite things include traveling, the Raptors, houseplants, and spending time with my beagle and cat.

Shamez Kachra
Hometown: Markham, Ontario

Hi everyone, my name is Shamez and I grew up in Markham, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate degree in Pharmacology at Western University, followed by medical school at McMaster University — both of which have allowed me to develop a passion for medical education and student programming. I am very excited to be returning to London to continue my training in Pediatrics. Outside of medicine, I love spending time outdoors, going to a beach/park/escape room with friends, board game nights, hiking, and exploring other countries. Looking forward to meeting everyone and starting this new journey together!

Angus Lee
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario

Hello everyone! My name is Angus and I’m really excited to join the Paediatrics teamhere! I’m from Hamilton where I did my undergrad, and recently finished medical schoolhere at Western. Outside of medicine I enjoy cooking, rock climbing, music, andwatching basketball.

Bryn Longcroft-Harris
Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia
 
Hi everyone! My name is Bryn and I was born and raised in Victoria, BC. I completed my undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University, before moving back to the west coast for medical school at UBC’s Island Medical Program. Outside of medicine, I love reading, being outside, and spending time with my friends and family. I am so excited to join the Western Peds group and have a new adventure in London!

Moshira Mahran
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario

Hello everyone! My name is Moshira Mahran and I am from Oakville, Ontario. I studied medicine abroad and I am thrilled to be joining the Paediatrics program at Western. I enjoy cooking, reading, long walks, travelling, and spending time with family and friends. I can’t wait to start this new chapter and I look forward to meeting everyone.

Alexandra McDonald
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Hello! My name is Alex and I am from Mississauga, Ontario. I completed my undergraduate degree in Math at the University of Waterloo before going off on a new tangent to complete medical school at Western. In my free time you can find me reading mystery novels, trying new recipes, figure skating, or tending to my plants. I am so excited to be staying at Western for my paediatrics training!

Sarah Pathak
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Sujitha Srinathan
Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario

Hi everyone! My name is Sujitha, and I was born in Scarborough, Ontario. I grew up in the GTA and went to the University of Toronto for my undergraduate studies, followed by medical school at the University of Ottawa. Outside of medicine, you can find me spending time outdoors, playing basketball, and trying new restaurants with friends and family. I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Western Pediatrics community!

Shwetha Suresh
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario

Hello! My name is Shwetha and I am from Kitchener, ON. I completed my undergraduate studies at University of Waterloo in Biomedical Sciences and attended medical school at University of British Columbia. Outside of medicine, I enjoy singing, dancing, hiking, and travelling. Looking forward to meeting my colleagues and an exciting and adventurous journey at Western!

Kawmadi Abeytunge
Hometown: Winsor, ON

Beshoy Botros
Hometown: Egypt
Education: MD (Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt)

What are your future goals? My future goals are fairly general at the moment but moving forward I want to always be involved in teaching and clinical research.

Words of advice for future residents? Enjoy every stage of the journey, during medical school or CaRMS. Make sure to enjoy every moment as much as possible, each stage of life has its perks.

Do you have any secret or surprising facts about the program or London? I am new to London, so I am discovering the city myself, but the city has a lot of green spaces for hikes and Biking, make sure to explore them.

Emily Dzongowski
Hometown: London, ON

Stephanie Hosang
Hometown: London, ON
Education: BHSc Honours Health Sciences (Western University), MD (University of Toronto)

What are your future career goals? At this early point in my residency, I’m keeping an open mind as to my future in paediatrics. General paediatrics is definitely intriguing to me, but I’m also open to subspecializing. Ask me again in two years!

Words of advice for future residents? My advice to those going through the CaRMS process would be to try your best to be present and enjoy the journey. It can be a stressful and overwhelming time for sure, but it’s also the point that you’ve been working towards for the past four years! Enjoy the process of self-reflection, be open to meeting new people and new experiences, and be confident in the reasons that brought you here in the first place 😊 Good luck!

Do you have any secret or surprising facts about the program or London? I don’t think this is much of a secret, but all of the residents (including upper years) are amazing human beings who are extremely welcoming and supportive. They really make you feel at home here. And, there’s also an amazing snack cupboard in the resident lounge.

 Olubunmi Ogunsanya
 Hometown: Nigeria
 

 James Payne
 Hometown: London, ON
 Education: BSc Honours Chemistry (Queen's) and BA Honours Economics (Queens), MD  (Western)

What are your future career goals? I've always wanted to do Haem/Onc, but my mind is open!  For now I'll settle for becoming a functional Paediatrician.

Do you have any secret or surprising facts about the program or London? The city was a strong contender to serve as the capital of Canada, but it's proximity to our occasionally aggressive American neighbours rendered it an unsuitable choice.

Natalie Sloof
Hometown: Guelph, ON
Education: BSc Honours Kinesiology (McMaster), MD (Western University)

Words of advice for future residents: Find a program that cares about you, not just as a learner, but as a person!

Do you have any secret or surprising facts about the program or London? Southwestern Ontario has so many hidden gems - plenty of green space, beaches, and lovely little towns to explore on a day off.

Amanda Stojcevski
Hometown: Sarnia, ON
Education: BSc Honours Life Sciences, double majour in Neuroscience and Animal Physiology (University of Toronto), MD (Western University)

What are your future goals? To become a confident and capable pediatrician, but I haven't decided if I am going to specialize just yet! 

Words of advice for future residents? Prioritize doing what you love, and spending time with those you care about!

Helena Rae Woodhouse
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Education: BSc General Science (University of Ottawa), MD (Queen's)  

What are your future goal?: I'm hoping to have a multi-faceted career that mixes inpatient medicine, specialty clinics, medical education and administrative roles. However, I am trying to keep a very open mind when it comes to career and specialty possibilities, so we'll see where life takes me!

Words of advice for future residents?: Really enjoy the breaks when they come. Whether it's the break between graduating medical school and starting Residency, only working a half day clinic, or taking scheduled vacation, know that you deserve the rest and don't ever feel guilty for not studying during that time!

Do you have any secret or surprising facts about the program or London?: I'm still discovering London myself, but there are certainly lots of restaurants and parks to explore!