Farnoosh Shariati, MD

My name is Farnoosh Shariati and I am from Tallahassee Florida. I obtained both my undergraduate and Medical degree from Florida State University. As an Undergraduate I had a deep passion for helping those in need. This passion not only led me to the field of medicine but also allowed me to start two non-profit organizations along with a leadership Program at FSU College of Medicine. Through these experiences I’ve learned the importance of leadership and the positive impact it can have in patient care through advocacy, selfless service, and teamwork. Given my love for helping the underserved and my interest in the field of cardiology, I’ve chosen Ochsner Medical Center for its patient centered reputation and for numerous opportunities it provides us young physicians through research, strong Mentorship, patient and medical diversity in order maximize our potentials and make a big impact in our chosen fields.

Stephanie Ferrell, MD

I took an non-traditional path to internal medicine but I’ve loved the journey. I did undergrad in South Carolina, majoring in Biology at Columbia College, a small liberal arts school. I worked in a pharmacy during college and ended up applying to pharmacy school. I worked as a pharmacist for several years but realized how much I wanted to be more involved in patient care. I was actually working at Ochsner hospital pharmacy when I was accepted to LSU Shreveport School of Medicine. I’m happy to be home in New Orleans and working and learning at Ochsner in their IM residency program. I interviewed at many great programs in the South but Ochsner’s program had the best schedule and the most real-world approach to training. The program has done a great job at combining compassionate care with clinical education and practice management. Afternoon educational sessions, rather than morning reports, allow me to prioritize patient care in the beginning of the day and my professional development in the afternoons. Ochsner also has a multitude of specialties unlike any other in the region which provides an opportunity to work with very talented and passionate clinicians. Whether your interest is critical care, hepatology, epilespy, or anything in between, Ochsner has opportunities for these experiences for motivated individuals. After my residency, I hope to either pursue hospitalist medicine or pulmonary critical care fellowship. I know with the opportunity here, I’ll be well prepared for wherever life takes me.

Austin Tutor, MD

I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Memphis. I then attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. I chose Ochsner due to its reputation for rigorous training and also the diverse patient population that New Orleans offers. I have really enjoyed the strong emphasis the program places on quality education and lectures. Also, Ochsner fosters professional but personal relationships with attending physicians, creating an environment in which it is easy to learn. After residency I plan on either practicing hospital medicine or applying for a cardiology fellowship.

Helen Yuan, MD

As a PGY3 in the Internal Medicine program at Ochsner, I’m excited for the new challenges ahead in my training as I pursue Hematology and Oncology. The Ochsner program is vigorous yet caring. The packed schedules and new cases are accompanied by ready to teach attendings, supportive fellows, enthusiastic co-residents, and responsible staff. Our patients are special too – they come from all over the world and are appreciative of the care that they receive. A smile or a kind word from my patients always warms my heart and reminds me why I love medicine. Even though I grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and did my undergrad at Bates College in Maine, I went to medical school at the University of Queensland-Ochsner Clinical School. What I have discovered living here is that New Orleans is a unique city. It has fabulous music, food, people, and the Saints! (Who dat?) Not only do I love New Orleans but also this program. I feel lucky to train in a place where resident wellness and education are priorities, and everyone works as a team to provide optimal patient care. Ochsner Internal Medicine is a residency program that I would choose over and over again.

Vijay Nijjar, MD

I am a Louisiana boy through and through. I was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. I went to undergrad at Louisiana College in Pineville, LA and graduate school at Tulane University after that. Growing up here I always heard about Ochsner so for medical school I attended the University of Queensland School of Medicine as one of the UQ-Ochsner cohort of students. What I love about training here is the diverse patient population we have here. Because Ochsner is a large regional referral center, we get exposure to all medical sub-specialties and get to see a wide range of patients with very complex problems. Despite that, though, there is still a community hospital feel here which is really important to me. The city of New Orleans is also an amazing place to do residency because the people are nice, the food is awesome, and there's always something going on. Although, if I'm being honest, probably the biggest reason I decided to stay at Ochsner was Taco Tuesday.

Harman Khaira, MD

Born and raised outside of Toronto, Canada and attended the University of Western Ontario (Go Mustangs!) where I completed my Honours Specialization in Health Sciences. I completed medical school at the University of Queensland where I was first introduced to the Ochsner Clinic Foundation through the Ochsner Clinical School. Through that rotation in New Orleans, I was exposed to the excellent staff at Ochsner. Ochsner provides the opportunity to experience health care in a large regional referral center with many specialties under one roof in a truly unique city. Ochsner allows you to expand yourself in both clinical and academic medicine in a nurturing environment. Residency here allows you to strike that great work-life balance and focus on yourself, both in and outside of medicine. After residency, I plan on applying for a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care. Few of the influencers of that decision are the large ICU at Ochsner and the high level of care we are able to provide for patients.

Laura Rivers, MD

My name is Laura Rivers. I am a native of Lafayette, Louisiana and I went to the University of Louisiana for undergrad. I attended LSU Health Sciences in Shreveport for medical school. I chose the Ochsner Internal Medicine Residency because of its welcoming and supportive environment that I first discovered on my interview here. The faculty are very approachable and are dedicated to resident education. In addition, I had grown up in Louisiana so I knew that Ochsner was one of the best medical centers in the state. I especially like the 4+2 schedule which allows for work life balance and at the same time prepares you for life after residency. I plan to pursue a fellowship in Rheumatology post residency.

Ivana Okor, MD

I am from Nigeria and I spent the early years of my childhood in Lagos Nigeria before moving to Georgia, US. I completed my undergraduate training at Georgia Southern University. After college, I attended Texas A & M where I was awarded an MPH in the field of Epidemiology. I was privileged to pursue and obtain a degree in Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University, Florida. I chose to complete my Internal medicine training at Ochsner because I felt a great fit for me. I was impressed during the interview with the work culture, enthusiasm and dedication of the residents and faculty. Since I have been here I have felt very supported by my co-residents, upper levels and faculty and this has made my training a lot easier than expected.

Mohammad Sultan, MD

Hey, my name is Mo. Places I’ve called home: NYC (Brooklyn)-> DFW-> now NOLA. I did my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at UT Dallas in Biology/Business Administration and Healthcare Administration. I was blessed to attend medical school at UNTHSC/TCOM. Now I I have the privilege to learn and practice medicine here at Ochsner! I was drawn to this program because of the incredible resources available to residents including reputable physicians that enjoy teaching, simulation labs, the 4+2 schedule and exposure to as many sub-specialties that can be pursued after an IM residency as possible. It was important for me to match somewhere that was relatively big/had good volume to ensure stellar training, but at the same time had a smaller, more intimate atmosphere. Being in such a vibrant and exciting city doesn't hurt. I also wanted the opportunity to form meaningful bonds with my colleagues- both my co-residents and attendings. I found that here and am so grateful to have made connections, both professional and personal, that I will cherish beyond residency.

Ghady Moafa, MD

I was among the first-ever female cohort to attend medical school at Jazan University, located in the remote southern region of Saudi Arabia. The idea of pursuing my medical training in the US was a pipe dream, and now, I am an Upper level resident at Ochsner Medical Center. While such a transition may seem rough, the Ochsner community made me feel like home while receiving the best medical training. I feel well-supported by my attendings staff with their valuable and constant feedback and by my co-residents with their help, encouragement, and friendship. As I plan to pursue my career in Gastroenterology, exposure to a broad spectrum of patients matters, and this is precisely what Ochsner Medical Center provides — no wonder why it has one of the best liver transplant centers in the nation (if not THE best). Being a resident at Ochsner is a daily exercise of growth in medical knowledge, clinical practice, self-confidence, and, most importantly, future career prospects.

Ernest Philon, MD

My name is Ernest Philon and I'm originally from Mobile, Alabama. I received my bachelors from the University of Alabama in biology. While doing that I also served in the Army National Guard as a 68W or combat medic which is the military equivalent of an EMT with some advanced field training in trauma. This experience shaped most of decisions including choosing medical school. I attended VCOM Auburn in Auburn, Alabama and during school I was able to continue my military service with the Army National Guard as a commissioned officer. These experiences afforded me many opportunities in terms of training and my decision to complete residency at Ochsner only enhances that.

Ochsner's Internal medicine program provides excellent training, research and opportunities within a close knit community. After residency, I plan on applying for a fellowship in hematology and oncology.

Lina Cubides, DO

I was born in Colombia but moved to South Florida at a young age. I received my bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. Coming from South Florida, I knew the benefit of having a diverse population throughout my education as a physician and as a person. I was excited to go to New Orleans to learn from the patients and the city; their diverse background and wide range of pathology can teach a lot. The faculty at Ochsner have been welcoming, making the environment very comfortable to work in. As a result, I am able to have a good work-life balance, where we have a rigorous training schedule and still have time to enjoy everything the city of New Orleans has to offer.

Timothy Nguyen, DO

I am a New Orleans native and I received my MD/MBA at Tulane University School of Medicine. Growing up, I was deeply familiar with Ochsner Medical Center as a patient, and my experience as a patient at Ochsner was what led me to choose medicine as a profession. I have Thalassemia Major, so I have received monthly blood transfusions at Ochsner since I was six months old. As a patient I was touched by the care and encouragement of the staff at Ochsner, some of whom even went so far as to donate blood for me. I know firsthand the impact that physicians, nurses, and staff here can have on a patient’s life and I know that training here will allow me to have that impact on my own patients. As a resident, Ochsner has an excellent environment for learning due to the diverse patient population as well as the friendly and supportive attending physicians. The attendings, fellows, and upper level residents that I have worked with are proactive in asking about your personal goals so that they can help. The residency curriculum also allows for a great work-life balance which allows you to explore the unique city of New Orleans with your co-residents. There’s always something to do on your days off since New Orleans has over 130 festivals a year (roughly one every three days!) Ochsner is a great fit if you want to hone your medical knowledge in a supportive environment, hang out with your co-residents in a fun city, and also have a positive impact on the lives of your patients!