PGY1
Robert Contento, MD
College: University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Med School: SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York
Dr. Contento graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor in Business Administration. After college, he served as a volunteer firefighter and worked as the Director of Healthcare at a medical supply company, where he helped lead efforts focused on pandemic relief. He then received his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, graduating with Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism honors. During medical school, Dr. Contento published research in retina, oculoplastics, and uveitis, and was actively involved in organizing and participating in vision screenings through CVR Lions and refugee clinics. In his free time, he enjoys staying active, experimenting with recipes inspired by the places he has traveled, and spending time with family.
Matthew Heider, MD
College: Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York
Med School: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York
Dr. Heider graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Binghamton with a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Neuroscience. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, where he graduated with Distinction in Research and received the Excellence in Ophthalmology Award for outstanding medical student performance. During medical school, he participated in multiple ophthalmology research projects, publishing and presenting work at national conferences on private equity acquisition trends in ophthalmology and geographic access to eye care. He also conducted translational glaucoma research and developed a novel ex vivo human corneal rim perfusion model using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing. Outside of medicine, Matt enjoys aquascaping, playing golf, snowboarding, and hosting gatherings for friends and family.
Amy Shteyman, MD
College: Yale College, New Haven, CT
Med School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
Dr. Shteyman graduated magna cum laude from Yale College with a bachelor's degree in cognitive science. She received her medical degree from the Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she published research on Thyroid Eye Disease, led the music at the bedside program organizing concerts in the hospital, and taught review sessions for medical students through the Student Success Network. Upon graduation from medical school, she received the Behrens Memorial Prize in ophthalmology for outstanding ophthalmology research. In her free time, she can often be found searching for hidden green spaces around the city, attending impromptu concerts, and playing the piano.
Taimur Siddiqui, MD
College: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
Med School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Dr. Siddiqui earned his Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience and his Bachelor of Business of Administration in Marketing at The University of Texas at Austin. After college, Dr. Siddiqui worked with B2B technology companies in product strategy consulting for Thinktiv in Austin, TX. He received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine where he was recognized as an Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society inductee and awarded the Dean’s Distinction in Foundational Sciences. Among many initiatives he led, Dr. Siddiqui piloted a course on firearm injury prevention counseling for all second-year medical students transitioning to clerkships and co-led annual eye care clinics for refugees and asylum-seekers in Houston. In his downtime, he enjoys exploring specialty coffee, playing pickleball and sand volleyball, and discovering New York’s diverse food scene with his wife.
PGY2
Melissa Li, MD
College: Harvard College, Cambridge, MA
Med School: University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Li graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience and minor in global health & health policy. After college, she earned a master's degree in global affairs as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University in China and worked in healthcare consulting at McKinsey. She received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she published research on vision loss and dementia, was involved in impact investing focused on the social determinants of health, and played viola in the Penn Med Symphony. In her free time, Melissa enjoys dancing, attending concerts, and eating her way through new cities.
Kelsey Donovan, MD
College: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Med School: Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
Dr. Donovan graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts where she majored in Nutrition and minored in Biology. She also received a minor certificate in Spanish and Health while studying abroad in Valencia, Spain. She pursued her medical education at Georgetown University School of Medicine where she was involved in several leadership positions, mentorship initiatives, and community service endeavors. Upon graduation, she was honored with the Georgetown Ophthalmology Achievement Award for outstanding medical student performance. Dr. Donovan has presented her research at numerous national conferences and has developed a passion for healthcare quality improvement. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys skiing, workout classes, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Suzanna Joseph, MD
College: Duke University, Durham, NC
Med School: Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
Dr. Joseph studied Neuroscience at Duke University, graduating summa cum laude with a minor in chemistry. She continued her education at Duke University School of Medicine, where she became interested in Ophthalmology and researched applications of OCT retinal imaging in conditions such as Lewy Body Dementia and infantile nystagmus. She received the distinguished contributor award from the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases for her work. In her free time, Suzanna enjoys running, hiking, baking, and crocheting.
Radhika S Gholap, MD
College: University of Maryland Honors College, College Park, MD
Med School: University of Maryland School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD
Dr. Gholap earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neurobiology with double minors in Spanish and Statistics from the University of Maryland, College Park Honors College. She received her medical degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine where she was recognized as an Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and Gold Humanism Honor Society inductee. During her medical training, Dr. Gholap co-founded and presided over the Peer Support Network and the University Health Alliance. Her research interests include congenital glaucoma and ultrasound biomicroscopy. She is passionate about mentorship and serving underserved communities. In her free time, she likes to travel, run, collect memorable knick-knacks, and explore new cafes and restaurants with friends and family.
PGY3
Azraa Chaudhury, MD
College: Harvard College, Cambridge, MA
Med School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Dr. Chaudhury graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She completed her medical degree at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, Dr. Chaudhury was a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group, where she worked on projects in medical devices, biopharma, and value-based health care. Her research interests include health economics, quality improvement, and patient-reported outcome measures. In her free time, Azraa enjoys exploring coffee shops with her husband, doing Peloton classes, and traveling to new places.
Jungah Huh, MD
College: Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
Med School: Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
Originally from South Korea, Dr. Huh earned her medical degree and PhD from Korea University in Seoul, where her research focused on the effects of topical glaucoma medications on the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. Following a residency in Ophthalmology at Korea University Hospital, she pursued research at Weill Cornell, contributing to projects on Stevens-Johnson syndrome and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. Dr. Huh’s research interests include optics, with a focus on developing new intraocular lens designs, as well as advancements in ocular surface treatments, such as innovative eye drop formulations. In her free time, Jungah enjoys working out, meditating, and spending time with her family at the park.
Peyman Razavi, MD
College: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Med School: Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, NY
Dr. Razavi earned his Bachelor of Science in molecular, cell, and developmental biology, graduating summa cum laude from UCLA with a minor in biomedical research. He went on to obtain his medical degree from Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Peyman has collaborated with distinguished research mentors, leading to numerous research awards, publications, and presentations. His work includes investigations into the outcomes of keratoprosthesis surgeries, advancements in retinal imaging, cutting-edge contrast sensitivity tests, and three-dimensional systems in ophthalmic procedures. Alongside his academic pursuits, Dr. Razavi is also an experienced teacher with years of tutoring experience. He has mentored students from diverse backgrounds—both within the field of medicine and beyond—while also contributing to curriculum improvement efforts in medical education. In his downtime, Peyman enjoys hosting gatherings for friends and family, as well as sketching landscapes. An avid sports fan, he rarely misses watching a game from his favorite football team.
Madhura P. Shah, MD
College: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Med School: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
Dr. Shah studied Neuroscience and Spanish Language and Literature at the Johns Hopkins University, where she became interested in the visual system. At the Boston University Avedesian and Chobanian School of Medicine, she led research and advocacy efforts for the Study Exceptional Vision Service that provides cataract surgery under general anesthesia to patients with special needs. Dr. Shah completed a research year with funding from Research to Prevent Blindness at Mass Eye and Ear investigating Non Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy(NAION) and epigenetic drivers of optic neuropathy, evaluating potential therapies in non-human primates. In her free time, Madhura enjoys calligraphy, card-making, and dinghy boat sailing.
PGY4
Sruti Akula, MD
College: Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY
Med School: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Dr. Akula completed a combined B.S./M.D. program and received her undergraduate degrees in biomolecular science and biology from Clarkson University. She received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University where she was recognized as President of AOA and a Gold Humanism Honors Society inductee. During her medical training, Sruti developed a strong interest in technology innovation and spearheaded organizing international TEDx events. Clinically, her research on the role of Tbx3 in retinal development contributed to NIH grant funding. In residency, she is actively involved in leadership roles, serving as Vice Chair for the Department of Ophthalmology for the NYP campus-wide Quality Improvement Council. Outside of her clinical responsibilities, Sruti is an FAA licensed drone pilot and enjoys exploring the world from a different perspective: with drone photography. She is passionate about mentorship and continues to contribute to educational and mentorship initiatives.
Quillan M Austria, MD
College: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Med School: Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
Dr. Austria was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent his college years in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Basis of Brain and Behavior. He then moved to New York City where he received his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Austria’s research interests include ophthalmic outcomes of transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery and novel dry eye treatments. In his free time, Quillan enjoys being active, particularly playing basketball and golf, exploring New York’s vast food scene, and traveling.
Michael G Boachie-Mensah, MD
College: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Med School: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
Born in Virginia and raised in Texas, Dr. Boachie-Mensah completed his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University in College Station, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. He then matriculated to the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where he found his interest in ophthalmology and established himself as a compassionate and dedicated leader. He is a self-driven learner and has conducted research in age-related macular degeneration, for which he was awarded the Burroughs Wellcome Fellowship. Dr. Boachie-Mensah is passionate about mentorship, improving the health care of underserved populations, and expanding access to the field of Ophthalmology. In his free time, Michael enjoys basketball, football, live music, playing piano, and weightlifting.
Evguenia (Jane) Ivakhnitskaia, MD, PhD
College: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Med School: University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Dr. Ivakhnitskaia received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and her MD and PhD at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She calls Chicago and Virginia home and is interested in building a career combining direct patient care with research. In her free time, Jane she loves exploring and participating in new experiences, big and small, from hiking in national parks to trying new coffee and bubble tea spots.