Academic Leadership and Faculty
A vision that appeals to the greater academic demands
Leadership
The leadership team at the American Canadian School of Medicine, comprising esteemed physicians, seasoned educators, and dedicated professionals, epitomizes our pledge to academic distinction.
Their dedication to the advancement of medical education is evident in their extensive contributions to shaping future healthcare professionals globally. This includes roles in elite Ivy League institutions in the United States, the development of vital critical care programs in the Middle East, and leadership positions in acclaimed medical schools in the Caribbean, positioning our executives at the forefront of medical teaching and innovation.
Our definition of success is intrinsically linked to the achievements of our students. Our leadership team has historically and continues to guide thousands of students towards becoming proficient medical specialists, equipped with top-tier training.
Under their visionary guidance, the American Canadian School of Medicine has emerged as a premier institution, boasting advanced facilities, an illustrious teaching staff, superior student services in a dynamic cultural setting, and offering a direct route to medical licensure in Canada or the United States.
Stanley White, PhD, FPhysiol
Senior Associate Dean, Student Affairs and Dean of Campus
Lloy Wylie, PhD
Sr. Advisor To The Dean At ACSOM
Abiola Omodan, MBBS, MSc, PhD
Associate Dean of Admissions, member of admissions committee, Director of Anatomy Course Content
Jeff Wong, MD
Senior Advisor to the Dean on Education, Curriculum and Faculty Development
Lloy Wylie, PhD
Sr. Advisor To The Dean At ACSOM
Dr. Wylie is senior advisor to the Dean at ACSOM and provides faculty and curriculum development workshops and oversees the community medicine and community based research partnership developments. She is a member of the admission committee and as adjunct faculty delivers the introduction to clinical medicine for the first year medical students. She is an Assistant Professor in the Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, appointed to Psychiatry, Pathology with a cross appointment to Anthropology at Western University. She was recently named a Phoenix Fellow with the Associated Medical Services. She also holds an adjunct position with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. She has an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia (Political Science, School of Population and Public Health, and Nursing).
Dr. Wylie’s main areas of research are in health systems and health services, with a focus on equity and improvement of health services and access through community based participatory research. Her current research focuses on Aboriginal, immigrant and refugee health drawing on cultural safety as a framework for health systems improvements. She has an emphasis on culturally appropriate care through health professional education to improve continuity of care for underserved populations.
Abiola Omodan, MBBS, MSc, PhD
Associate Dean of Admissions, member of admissions committee, Director of Anatomy Course Content
Abiola Omodan, MBBS, MSc, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Anatomy with a diverse educational background, holding a PhD in Clinical Anatomy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Masters in Anatomy and Cell Biology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and an MBBS from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Abiola is a dedicated medical doctor and clinical anatomist, specializing in craniofacial research, anatomical variants, and a strong commitment to sharing knowledge with future medical professionals and researchers. Dr. Abiola also served as a visiting faculty member at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda. His research interests encompass craniofacial anatomy and genetics, with a focus on Tessier clefts and anatomical variations, alongside a growing interest in unmet dental and craniofacial needs in the Caribbean. Abiola has contributed to several publications in the field, notably on Tessier clefts, and is affiliated with professional organizations such as the American Association for Anatomy. Beyond academics, Abiola’s personal interests include a love for football, particularly as a devoted fan of Manchester United Football Club. For contact, you can reach Abiola Omodan via email at abiola@acsom.edu.dm.
Jeff Wong, MD
Senior Advisor to the Dean on Education, Curriculum and Faculty Development
Dr. Wong is the Senior Advisor to the Dean for Faculty and Curriculum Development at ACSOM. He has overseen a multi-year faculty and curricula development plan to implement problem-based small classroom learning as the best model for medical student education.
He is currently the Associate Dean for Medical Education at University Park Curriculum, College of Medicine (Hershey) and Associate Dean for Medical Education, University Park Curriculum, College of Medicine (University Park). Previously, he was Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education – Emeritus and a Professor of Medicine at Medical University of South Carolina.
He received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine, and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He has served on the faculty at Duke in the Division of General Internal Medicine, attaining the rank of assistant professor and as director of the Yale Primary Care Residency Training Program. The current ACSOM curriculum has been developed under the direct supervision of Dr. Wong.
Stanley White, PhD, FPhysiol
Senior Associate Dean, Student Affairs and Dean of Campus
Dr. White is the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Dean of Campus at ACSOM. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester in the UK and has over thirty years of experience in biomedical research and teaching leadership in the USA, UK, and Caribbean.
Supported by various Senior Fellowships and grants from the Medical Research Council, American Heart Association, Wellcome Trust and Beit Memorial Foundation, his career has been spent variously, at Yale University, USA, the Universities of Sheffield and Leeds in the UK and Ross and All Saints Universities in Dominica.
Dr. White was Vice-Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and co-founder of the Institute of Molecular Physiology at the University of Sheffield, where he led institutional innovations in teaching and learning. At Leeds University, he became Director for programs in Human Physiology as well as leading curriculum development and enhancement groups, in Leeds and more widely in the UK and EU. After joining Ross University, he became successively: Associate Dean, Center for Teaching and Learning; Medical Sciences and finally for Accreditation. From 2021 until 2023, he served as Dean of Academic Affairs at All Saints University in Dominica.
Dr. White has served on the Council of the Physiological Society; and on scientific panels of various international grant-awarding bodies. He has published numerous papers in internationally peer-reviewed journals as well as reviews, articles, and book chapters.
During his career, Dr. White has trained and mentored twenty international postgraduate and postdoctoral collaborators. All of whom have gone on to independent, successful scientific careers in biomedicine. This experience he sees as the “privilege” of his career and helping young colleagues succeed as his most significant reward.
Faculty
The American Canadian School of Medicine prides itself on being a medical school created by physicians for physicians.
Our curriculum was designed by top doctors from the U.S. and Canada. Our faculty is made up of dedicated professionals who are passionate about medical education, including visiting faculty from some of the best LCME-accredited schools. These experts bring real-world experience and fresh perspectives to the classroom, ensuring our students get a top-tier education. Above all, our faculty is deeply committed to helping students succeed and grow throughout their medical journey.
Eliza Abdrakhimova, M.D.
Faculty/Instructor
Hossein Akbarialiabad, MD, MSc
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Julia Akchurina, M.D.
Faculty / Instructor
Mari Arakelyan, MD, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Farzin Ahmadi, M.D.
Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Arya Bagherpour, D.O.
Director of Radiology and Digital Anatomy Course Content, Radiology Adjunct Faculty
Eric B. Bauman, Ph.D., FSSH, PMHNP-BC, APNP
Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Sofia Belogubova, M.D.
Faculty/Instructor
Gurvan Blackman M.D.
Director of Radiology and Digital Anatomy Course Content, Radiology Adjunct Faculty
Patrick Broderick, MD, FACEP
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Krysta L. Buckley, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Alina Che, MD
Faculty / Instructor
Diana PE Callender, MBBS DM
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Farhad Danesh, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Anastasia Danyushevskaya, M.D.
Faculty / Instructor
Kenneth Deaver, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Ivan Escudero, MD, CCFP, DABFM, SA-C
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Farshid Etaee, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Paul Fiedler, M.D.
Director of Pathology/Molecular Biology Course Content, Pathology Adjunct Faculty
Jared R. Fletcher, PhD.
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Auguste Hector Fortin, VI, MD, MPH, MACP, FACH
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Ramil Gabdulkhaev, MD, PhD
Faculty / instructor
Gregory E. Gilbert, Ed.D., MSPH, PStat®
Adjunct Faculty / instructor
David Howard Goldstein, MSc (Comm Health), MB, BCh, BAO, FRCPC, MSc (Hum Factors)
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Diliara Gubaeva, MD, PhD
Faculty / Instructor
Gunjan Gupta, MD, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Sarah Hewitt, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Elizabeth A.K. Hunt, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Luiza Karaseva, MD
Faculty / Instructor
Trevor J. King, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Kaveh Khooshnood, Ph.D.
Co-Director of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Course Content, Epidemiology Adjunct Professor
Hamid Khorasani Far, M.D.
Director of Geriatric Medicine and Aging Course Content, Geriatrics Adjunct Professor
Amir Kazory, MD, FASN, FACC, FAHA
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Jamie Keess, MD.
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Ray King, M.D., Ph.D., FACS
Director of Longitudinal Anatomy Lab Course Content
Aliya Khairullina, DDS
Library Manager
Ilshat Khairullin, MD, PhD
Faculty / Instructor
Mikhail Kondratiuk, M.D.
Faculty/Instructor
Sofiia Kozyreva, MD
Faculty/ Instructor
Ronald E. MacCormick, MD, FRCPC
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Davit Margishvili, MD
Faculty / Instructor
Ramesh Mazhari, M.D.
Co-Director of Cardiology Course Content, Cardiology Adjunct Professor
Colin Michie, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Elina Mukhametshina, M.D.
Director of Simulation Center
Gordon McLennan, MD, FSIR
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Ahmad Nosrati Inanlou M.D.
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Abiola Omodan, MBBS, MSc, PhD
Assistant Professor of Anatomy
Sarah Michelle Orton, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
David Paikal, M.D.
Director of Head and Neck Anatomy/Ophthalmology Curriculum Content, Ophthalmology Adjunct Professor
Nusrat Pathan, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Cassidy Pattik, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Stephen Peters, M.D.
Director of Cardiopulmonary Simulation Curriculum Content, Anesthesiology Adjunct Faculty
Elena Piatenko, M.D.
Faculty/Instructor
Martin Plavec, M.D.
Co-Director, Cardiovascular Module
Anaïs Rameau, M.D.
Director of Surgery/Head and Neck Anatomy Course Content, Surgery Adjunct Professor
Jacklyn Robinson, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Prerana Rudrapatna MD, DipABLM, BHSc
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Kaveh Sadigh, M.D.
Co-Director of Cardiology Course Content, Cardiology Adjunct Professor
Nousheh Saidi, M.D.
Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Curriculum Content, Anesthesiology Adjunct Professor
Mohammed Salameh Al-Tarawneh, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Harold Sanchez, MD FCAP
Adjunct Faculty
Esther Sanchez de Leon, PhD
Faculty / Instructor
Amanda Seif, M.D.
Director of Behavioral Medicine Course Content, Behavioral Medicine Adjunct Faculty
Amina Shadab, M.D.
Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Nick Strzalkowski, PhD.
Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Ramin Tolouian, M.D.
Director of Nephrology Course Content, Nephrology Adjunct Professor
Elizabeth Troilo, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Rasikh Tuktamyshov, M.D.
Director of Internal Medicine and Critical Care Course Content, Internal Medicine Adjunct Professor
Deepa Upadhyaya, PhD, RM, CNM
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Elizabeth G. Van Den Kerkhof, DrPH, RN
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Mikhail Voblikov, MD
Faculty / Instructor
Susan Watson, PhD.
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Julie Wilson, PA
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Saif Zaman, MD
Adjunct faculty
Shahriar Zehtabchi, M.D.
Director of Emergency Medicine Course Content, Emergency Medicine Adjunct Professor
Trevor J. King, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Dr. Trevor King is an Assistant Professor at Mount Royal University with a background in cardiovascular exercise physiology, holding a PhD, M.Sc., and B.Sc. from Queens University, ON. His research focuses on understanding how chronic diseases, mental stress, and environmental factors affect the cardiovascular system and explores how exercise can counteract these negative effects. He investigates cardiovascular adaptations in elite athletes and under extreme exercise conditions. In addition to his research, Dr. King’s teaching areas encompass physiology, motor learning, nutrition, and aging – reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to exercise science education.
Dr. King’s scholarly contributions highlight his expertise in cardiovascular physiology, exercise performance, and the vascular adaptations to exercise. His past research elucidates the effects of physical activity on vascular function and metabolic health. Dr. King’s work not only advances scientific understanding but also informs practical applications for optimizing health outcomes through exercise. As an educator and researcher, Dr. King’s passion lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice, ultimately contributing to the promotion of physical activity as a cornerstone of preventive and therapeutic healthcare strategies.
Sarah Hewitt, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Dr. Hewitt has a Bachelor of Science With Distinction in Exercise and Health Physiology and a Doctorate in Neuroscience from the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She is now a Professor in the Department of Biology at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada where she teaches physiology, neuroscience, and capstone courses in the Faculty of Science and Technology. She works extensively in the field of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) and is an expert in science communication. She delivers workshops for researchers and students and travels worldwide to work with scientists in the field to write about what they do for the general public on various media platforms. She has won numerous awards for her teaching, including the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations Distinguished Teaching Award in 2022, the Student’s Association of Mount Royal University Teaching Excellence Award in 2023, and was the recipient of the prestigious 2023 3M National Teaching Fellowship.
Sarah Michelle Orton, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Dr. Orton studied pharmacology (BSc) at McMaster University in Ontario, then completed her PhD in Clinical Medicine at the University of Oxford, UK. She is an Assistant Professor at Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada. Her main research focus is in multiple sclerosis, including gender differences and the impact of vitamin D. Other areas of research interest include epigenetic transmission, women’s reproductive health, and assisted reproduction. Sarah teaches various biology courses in anatomy, physiology, cellular/molecular biology, and human conception (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Having always been passionate about teaching, she loves the student-centered focus of undergraduate teaching at MRU. Outside of academics, Sarah enjoys playing various sports and travelling.
Deepa Upadhyaya, PhD, RM, CNM
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Dr. D. Upadhyaya, an Associate Professor and the Academic Director of the Bachelor of Midwifery program at Mount Royal University, can be contacted at dyupadhyaya@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.6021. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Community Health Sciences (Medical Education) from the University of Calgary, an MS in Nurse-Midwifery from Oregon Health Sciences University, a BSN from Metropolitan State University, and a BA in Political Science and Philosophy from St. Olaf College. Dr. Upadhyaya has had an extensive career spanning perinatal and child health and healthcare education in various international settings, including Canada, the United States, Europe, and Africa, while also maintaining an active role as a Registered Midwife.
Dr. Upadhyaya’s teaching expertise covers a range of subjects in midwifery and healthcare education, from cultures and communities to obstetric complications, maternal and newborn pathology, and pathophysiology. Her research interests focus on midwifery preceptorship, perinatal care in low-resource areas, and promoting cultural humility among midwifery students. Outside academia, Dr. Upadhyaya contributes significantly to professional organizations and committees, such as the Canadian Association for Midwifery Education, the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Alberta Health Services, reflecting her dedication to advancing maternal and newborn healthcare and education globally.
Ivan Escudero, MD, CCFP, DABFM, SA-C
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Dr. Escudero, MD, CCFP, DABFM, SA-C is a Family Medicine physician who currently practices medicine in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Escudero holds an unrestricted medical license from Kentucky and an unrestricted independent practice license in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Escudero is board certified in Family Medicine with the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and is also board certified with the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA). Dr. Escudero is also certified with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
Not only does Dr. Escudero practice Family Medicine, he also practices as a hospitalist with inpatient medicine, practices as an Emergency Room physician, and practices walk-in/urgent care medicine from time-to-time.
Dr. Escudero completed his robust residency training in Family Medicine in Michigan, United States and has worked in rural settings in both the United States and Canada. Dr. Escudero is committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families acting as an extension of peoples’ families.
Dr. Escudero has a strong passion for medical education and is dedicated to teaching future physicians. Dr. Escudero served as adjunct clinical faculty for Michigan State University College of Medicine teaching 3rd and 4th year medical students during their clinical rotations.
Kaveh Khooshnood, Ph.D.
Co-Director of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Course Content, Epidemiology Adjunct Professor
Dr. Khoshnood is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Yale School of Public Health and an executive committee member at Yale Council on Middle East Studies. He is co-founder of Yale Violence and Health Study Group and a faculty member of the Program on Conflict, Resiliency and Health at the Yale MacMillan Center. Dr. Khoshnood is trained as an infectious disease epidemiologist and has more than three decades of domestic and international experience in HIV prevention research among people who use drugs and other at-risk populations. Dr. Khoshnood’s research interests include: 1) epidemiology and prevention of HIV/AIDS, 2) research ethics and 3) humanitarian health. His projects are primarily in China, Lebanon and Bhutan. Dr. Khoshnood teaches a new course on health in humanitarian crises.
Ray King, M.D., Ph.D., FACS
Director of Longitudinal Anatomy Lab Course Content
Dr. King is the Assistant Professor of Surgery at University of Wisconsin. He received his Ph.D., from Boston University School of Medicine in 2002 and graduated from the Ross University School of Medicine in 2010. He completed his General Surgery Residency at Medical College of Georgia in 2015 and his Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at the University of Minnesota in 2016. As a graduate of Ross and Dominica campus, Dr. King has been dedicated to the education of medical students in Dominica and has developed the entire first year anatomy lab, leading the ACSOM instructors in their work to prepare a clinically focused and practical curriculum.
David Paikal, M.D.
Director of Head and Neck Anatomy/Ophthalmology Curriculum Content, Ophthalmology Adjunct Professor
Dr. Paikal received his bachelor of science in Cell and Molecular Biology at UCLA and went on to complete medical school at UCLA. He completed his internship at UCLA Medical Center and his Ophthalmology residency at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute. Dr. Paikal is currently the Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Anaïs Rameau, M.D.
Director of Surgery/Head and Neck Anatomy Course Content, Surgery Adjunct Professor
Dr. Anaïs Rameau is an attending laryngologist at the Institute, and an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is a fellowship-trained otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, with advanced expertise in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders, encompassing esophageal stenosis, gastro-esophageal reflux, dysmotility, sequelae of head and neck and thoracic radiation, Zenker’s diverticulum, and age-related dysphagia. Dr. Rameau also has specialized training in the management of chronic cough, treatment of benign diseases and malignant tumors of the larynx, voice restoration, and airway rehabilitation surgery.
Paul Fiedler, M.D.
Director of Pathology/Molecular Biology Course Content, Pathology Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Fiedler is an Attending Pathologist at Nuvance Health. He also holds academic appointments at the University of Vermont. With 29 years of experience as an attending pathologist, medical educator and inventor of medical tests, Dr. Fiedler is part of a team of highly skilled pathologists, scientists, pathology residents and medical technologists that provide laboratory services for patients in Connecticut and New York and develop novel assays that have promising clinical applications. His research interests relate to Lyme disease, circulating tumor cells in whole blood, the microbiome of colorectal neoplasia and the quantification of protein biomarkers in tissue. Dr. Fiedler has published over 30 papers and has been granted 9 United States patents. He recently served on the Practice Management Committee for the College of American Pathologists and is past-president of both the Connecticut Society of Pathologists and American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Connecticut Valley Section. In addition, Dr. Fiedler has provided consultative services to pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies and has been retained as an expert witness in medical-legal proceedings.
Martin Plavec, M.D.
Co-Director, Cardiovascular Module
Dr. Plavec is the Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. He completed his M.D. at Charles University in Prague and his internal medicine residency at Yale-Griffin Internal Medicine residency training program in Connecticut. He went on to serve as Chief Medical Resident at Cleveland Clinic. He then joined Oschner Clinic Foundation as a cardiology fellow, as well as the chief cardiology fellow before returning to Connecticut where he now is a cardiovascular medicine and cardiac imaging specialist at Yale New Haven Hospital. Dr. Plavec specializes in preventive cardiology, echocardiography, cardiac arrhythmias, implantable cardiac devices, and congestive heart failure.
Rasikh Tuktamyshov, M.D.
Director of Internal Medicine and Critical Care Course Content, Internal Medicine Adjunct Professor
Dr. Tuktamyshov is assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Yale school of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael campus. Dr. Tuktamyshov is a member of Northeastern medical group and chief of hospitalist service at Yale New Haven Hospital. His interest areas are critical care, hospital medicine, and bedside teaching.
Amanda Seif, M.D.
Director of Behavioral Medicine Course Content, Behavioral Medicine Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Seif attended Virginia Commonwealth University for her residency in Psychiatry and completed her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Maryland. Dr. Seif is a board-certified psychiatrist in the U.S. and Canada. She is an integrative psychiatrist that looks at the whole patient. Dr. Seif not only treats the illness itself, but her goal is to also prevent future illnesses and improve the well-being of the individual to reach their ultimate level of health mentally, physically, and spiritually. Dr. Seif has been awarded several teaching awards and recognized for outstanding teaching of her medical students.
Ramin Tolouian, M.D.
Director of Nephrology Course Content, Nephrology Adjunct Professor
Dr. Tolouian is Clinical professor of Medicine at University of Arizona College of Medicine. Dr. Tolouian graduated from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at Yale-Griffin internal medicine residency training program and his nephrology fellowship at Los Angeles County – USC Medical Center. He is currently the Chief of Nephrology at VA in Tucson, Arizona.
Kaveh Sadigh, M.D.
Co-Director of Cardiology Course Content, Cardiology Adjunct Professor
Dr. Kaveh Sadigh is a clinical cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Stony Brook. He spends his clinical time between inpatient cardiology in the CCU and the Cardiac stepdown unit, as well as the Cardiology consultation service. In this capacity, he teaches medical students, residents, as well as cardiology fellows. He also has a prolific outpatient practice. Dr. Sadigh obtained a masters in biological science from Drexel University. He then went on to Tulane University School of Medicine to complete a joint degree in Medicine and Public Health in Tropical Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine training at Tulane Hospital and came to Stony Brook for his cardiology fellowship. Upon completion of his training, he joined the Cardiology faculty at Stony Brook.
Dr. Sadigh’s true passion is in medical education. From teaching bedside rounds with the house staff to lecturing in the School of Medicine, he is heavily invested in training the next generation of physicians.
Ramesh Mazhari, M.D.
Co-Director of Cardiology Course Content, Cardiology Adjunct Professor
Dr. Mazhari is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the George Washington University. She specializes in interventional cardiology, cardiac catheterization and peripheral vascular disease. Her clinical interests include management of patients with coronary disease, peripheral vascular disease, hemodynamic studies, congestive heart failure, and valvular heart disease. Dr. Mazhari’s research uses genomic testing to assess the population at risk for premature coronary artery disease, and to determine the outcome of patients with congestive heart failure. She is also interested in minimally invasive interventional procedures including trans-radial cardiac catheterization and interventions in women and elderly population. In her most recent paper, she discussed the increased risk and increased reward in coronary intervention in older patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Her professional activities include membership in the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. She has been consistently named a Washingtonian Top Doctor since 2012. Dr. Mazhari received her medical training at the Iran University of Medical Sciences and the SABA School of Medicine, and completed her internship and residency training at The George Washington University Hospital. Dr. Mazhari then went to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine to complete a postdoctoral hypertension fellowship, and later returned to The George Washington University Hospital for a cardiology fellowship. She spent two years at Johns Hopkins University for a research fellowship in stem cell therapy, and interventional cardiology fellowship. Prior to joining The George Washington University faculty, Dr. Mazhari completed a peripheral vascular fellowship at Washington Hospital Center.
Hamid Khorasani Far, M.D.
Director of Geriatric Medicine and Aging Course Content, Geriatrics Adjunct Professor
Dr. Khorasani Far completed his residency at Yale-Griffin Hospital in Connecticut and his Geriatrics fellowship at Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Currently he works as an Internist/Hospitalist for Kaiser Permanente Long Beach Memorial Center, California. Dr. Khorasani Far has worked extensively with medical students and residents as a clinician educator.
Shahriyar Zehtabchi, M.D.
Director of Emergency Medicine Course Content, Emergency Medicine Adjunct Professor
Dr. Zehtabchi is Professor and Vice Chairman for Scientific Affairs and Research in Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate. He graduated from Mashhad University (1993) and completed his residency training at SUNY Downstate Medical center/Kings County Hospital. His areas of research interest are Trauma, Hemorrhagic Shock, and evidence-based medicine.
Nousheh Saidi, M.D.
Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Curriculum Content, Anesthesiology Adjunct Professor
Dr. Saidi completed her Anesthesiology residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine in 2003 and went on to complete her fellowship at University of Western Ontario University Hospital in 2005. She graduated from Universidad Eugenio Maria de Hostos School of Medicine and completed her internship at Yale-Griffin internal medicine residency program. Dr. Saidi has an interest in humanitarian emergencies and volunteered for emergency aid relief to Haiti in 2011 after the earthquake.
Eric B. Bauman, Ph.D., FSSH, PMHNP-BC, APNP
Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Eric B. Bauman is an award-winning educator, educational designer, and author who promotes collaboration to drive teaching and learning strategies based in simulation, game-based learning, virtual reality, and developing technology for medical and health sciences education. Dr. Bauman has held various research, teaching and leadership positions at numerous institutions. He has presented and/or facilitated at well over 100 venues, including: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The White House and numerous international conferences.
Dr. Bauman also spent 30 years in the Fire/EMS service where he held various field, teaching, and command positions. He continues his academic pursuits, and maintains a clinical practice as a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Bauman has taught and mentored medical and health sciences students for more than 30 years and above all enjoys assisting others to achieve their academic, clinical and professional goals.
Eliza Abdrakhimova, M.D.
Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Abdrakhimova graduated from Kazan State Medical University (KSMU) in 2017. She completed her residency training in Neonatology at Kazan State Medical Academy (KSMA). From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Abdrakhimova has worked as neonatologist in different hospitals in Kazan (Department of pathology of newborns and premature babies – City Children Hospital №1, Department of newborns – Maternity Hospital of Kazan Federal University, Pediatric department for patients with COVID-19 – Regional Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital).
Since 2020, Dr. Abdrakhimova has been a member of teaching faculty of Graduate Medical Education Development Global, working on curriculum development for the American Canadian School of Medicine, lecture and instructional material development and implementation, conducting workshops for international students and ICU nursing staff, training and evaluation of students and trainees.
Sofia Belogubova, M.D.
Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Belogubova graduated from I.M. Sechnov First Moscow State Medical University in 2019 and completed her residency in general medicine before joining the ACSOM curriculum and faculty development team in 2022. She has served as project manager for AMEE International Network Center since 2018, promoting medical education and successfully training more than 130 faculty members and providing AMEE Specialist Certificate to 23 faculty members. She received her AMEE Specialist Certificate in 2021 and was awarded the status of Associate Fellow of AMEE. She has completed the Johns Hopkins Curriculum Development course with certification and the Stanford Model of Teaching Course in 2022.
Elina Mukhametshina, M.D.
Director of Simulation Center
Dr. Mukhametshina graduated from Kazan State Medical University (KSMU) in 2017. She has successfully finished her residency training in general adult psychiatry and narcology at KSMU in 2019, during which time she was awarded a special achievement scholarship for young psychiatrists.
Dr. Mukhametshina is actively involved in the international affairs of KSMU. She started on her path of international engagement as a National Research Exchange Officer of Tatarstan Medical Students Associations (TaMSA-Tatarstan), organizing research exchanges in more than 20 countries around the world. Later, she became a president of Tatarstan Medical Students Association.
She has been working with GMED Global for the last 5 years helping to develop the curriculum of ACSOM. She also has significant experience in student support services and has worked with KSMU Student Support Services. Dr. Mukhametshina is an active member of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) with responsibility for organizing internships and clerkships for psychiatrists from all over Europe. She also represents the Young Russian Psychiatrist Society in the international arena and plans to continue to aid the organization’s growth in the years ahead.
Mikhail Kondratiuk, M.D.
Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Kondratiuk graduated from I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University in 2019 and completed his residency in internal medicine before joining ACSOM curriculum and faculty development team in 2022. He has worked at Bakulev Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery from 2017 to 2019. He has completed the Johns Hopkins Curriculum Development course with certification and the Stanford Model of Teaching Course in 2022. Dr. Kondratiuk has developed an online EKG and Cardiology course for USMLE Step 1 preparation.
Amina Shadab, M.D.
Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Shadab received her BSc in biomedical science from Hull York Medical School at University of Hull-Kingston. She then went on to complete her MRes Degree and DIC Cancer Biology at the Imperial College of London Medical School, working at the department of surgery and cancer for 6 years. She has experience working with industry and product development and her area of interest is cancer biology research.
Stephen Peters, M.D.
Director of Cardiopulmonary Simulation Curriculum Content, Anesthesiology Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Peters completed his undergraduate education at Case Western Reserve University and later at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He went on to get his master of science degree from Medical College of Wisconsin and then obtained his M.D. from University of South Dakota School of Medicine. Dr. Peters initially completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Medical College of Wisconsin and Mount Sinai Medical Center. He was boarded by the ABIM and practiced internal medicine for a decade in Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, Wisconsin. He was Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine and supervised many students and residents in the field of Internal Medicine. In 1989, Dr. Peters returned to Medical College of Wisconsin to complete a second residency in Anesthesiology and went on to obtain a second board with American Board of Anesthesia.
Gurvan Blackman M.D.
Director of Radiology and Digital Anatomy Course Content, Radiology Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Blackman graduated from Howard University College of Medicine and went on to complete his internship at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He then completed his residency training at University of Florida College of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology. Following his residency Dr. Blackman completed a fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at University of Florida College of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology Radiology.
Farzin Ahmadi, M.D.
Adjunct Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Ahmadi is an academic ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in anterior segment. He has taught medical students and residents for over a decade. Dr. Ahmadi has ten years of operative experience in anterior segment field including cataract and refractive surgery, post trauma primary repair, and complicated cataract surgeries such as PEX, Traumatic Cataract, Pediatric Cataract, Coloboma, Combined Surgery, Implantation of Toric and Premium IOL’s. He graduated from Kerman University of Medical Sciences, completed his Ophthalmology residency at University of Medical Sciences Shiraz, and went on to complete his fellowship in Anterior Segment at Tehran University. Dr. Ahmadi is a fully licensed anterior segment surgeon in both the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
Arya Bagherpour, D.O.
Director of Radiology and Digital Anatomy Course Content, Radiology Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Bagherpour is an interventional radiologist who graduated from Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a surgical internship at Mount Sinai, Beth Israel in Manhattan, followed by a radiology residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he was chief resident. Dr. Bagherpour then completed his fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center Jacksonville. He is a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist who has had a robust academic career and specializes in minimally invasive therapeutic interventions. He was the Vascular and Interventional Radiology Residency Program Director at University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Bagherpour is certified in diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology by the American Board of Radiology.
Elena Piatenko, M.D.
Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Piatenko completed her M.D. at I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) with Honors and went on to complete an Internal Medicine Residency at Sechenov University. She remained there to complete a Cardiology Fellowship and then went to Bulgaria to do an internship with Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov, in Varn in internal medicine. Dr. Piatenko was awarded the Young GI Associate (MD) by United European Gastroenterology 2022. Dr. Piatenko has a passion for medical education and has completed the Johns Hopkins Curriculum Development course as well as the Stanford Faculty Development Program at Stanford Center for Professional Development.
Gregory E. Gilbert, Ed.D., MSPH, PStat®
Adjunct Faculty / instructor
Greg Gilbert has earned degrees in psychology (bachelor’s), public health with a concentration in biostatistics and epidemiology (master’s), and instructional leadership (doctorate). Greg holds Professional Statistician (PStat®) certification from the American Statistical Association.
He began his career working for the Charleston Heart Study as a biostatistician and continued his career at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Greg then transitioned to the private sector working for a contract research organization (CRO). He then made a career shift to institutional research and medical education at the Medical University of South Carolina where he worked for several years.
After receiving his terminal degree, he was immediately hired as Director of Research at Healthcare Simulation South Carolina, a consortium conducting simulation-based education (SBE). It was at this time Greg was introduced to generalizability theory. With Greg’s background in psychology and his terminal degree in education he found psychometrics a perfect fit for his career in simulation working for Adtalem Global Education. At Adtalem Global Education. He received a faculty appointment at Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Gilbert has worked with several different areas of healthcare education including medical, nursing, and veterinary educational gaming and simulation. After Adtalem, Dr Gilbert founded his own statistical consulting company ΣigmaΣtats® Consulting, LLC. In 2019, Greg took a position as a Senior Statistical Analyst at one of the largest contract research organizations in the world.
His research interests include generalizability theory, reliability, validity, and longitudinal (and generalized) linear mixed models. Dr. Gilbert has published almost 100 peer reviewed articles, several book chapters, is an associate editor for several journals, and a reviewer for many more.
Esther Sanchez de Leon, PhD
Faculty / Instructor
Esther Sanchez de Leon holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from Cornell University, a M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and a B.S. in Biology (Genetics & Medical Biology) from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she moved to New York with a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue her master’s degree. As a doctoral researcher at the Sloan Kettering Institute, Esther led multiple research projects, co-authored research articles, and extensively presented her findings. She is currently a faculty instructor at the American Canadian School of Medicine, and she became the Prep program director in July 2024. With nine years of experience in biomedical research, Esther is committed to advancing the academic community through innovative research, curriculum development, and mentoring the next generation of medical practitioners.
Anastasia Danyushevskaya, M.D.
Faculty / Instructor
Anastasia Danyushevskaya, M.D., is a highly qualified medical professional based in Tbilisi, Georgia. She received her M.D. from Kazan State Medical University in Russia between 2011 and 2017. Anastasia completed post-graduate training with a focus on Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, including a residency program at Kazan State Medical University. Her extensive work experience includes practicing as a Rheumatologist and interpreter at International Medical Alliance (IMA) and Sberhealth (Telemedicine), as well as positions at various Kazan city clinical hospitals, where she worked as a Diagnostic Department Physician and General Practitioner. She also engaged in clinical rotations and research activities in endocrinology departments in Portugal and Spain. Additionally, she has attended numerous medical conferences and courses and received recognition for her clinical skills. Anastasia is fluent in multiple languages, including English and Russian, and her hobbies include fitness, stretching, cue sports, reading, and psychology.
Julia Akchurina, M.D.
Faculty / Instructor
Julia Akchurina, M.D., is an accomplished neurosurgeon with a distinguished educational background, including a Medical Degree with honors from Kazan State Medical University and postdoctoral training in Neurosurgery Residency at the same institution. She has a Ph.D. Scholar affiliation with the department of Neurosurgery at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry. As a dedicated full time faculty member at the American Canadian School of Medicine, she is contributing to curriculum development and teaching. Her global health experience is notable, having organized international student exchanges during medical school and completed a Global Health Elective in Uganda. She has a strong interest in bypass surgery for complex middle cerebral aneurysm treatment. Dr. Akchurina is passionate about outdoor activities, travel, and literature when not engaged in her professional endeavors. You can contact her at julia@acsom.edu.dm.
Abiola Omodan, MBBS, MSc, PhD
Assistant Professor of Anatomy
Abiola Omodan, MBBS, MSc, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Anatomy with a diverse educational background, holding a PhD in Clinical Anatomy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Masters in Anatomy and Cell Biology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and an MBBS from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Abiola is a dedicated medical doctor and clinical anatomist, specializing in craniofacial research, anatomical variants, and a strong commitment to sharing knowledge with future medical professionals and researchers. Dr. Abiola also served as a visiting faculty member at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda. His research interests encompass craniofacial anatomy and genetics, with a focus on Tessier clefts and anatomical variations, alongside a growing interest in unmet dental and craniofacial needs in the Caribbean. Abiola has contributed to several publications in the field, notably on Tessier clefts, and is affiliated with professional organizations such as the American Association for Anatomy. Beyond academics, Abiola’s personal interests include a love for football, particularly as a devoted fan of Manchester United Football Club. For contact, you can reach Abiola Omodan via email at abiola@acsom.edu.dm.
Ilshat Khairullin, MD, PhD
Faculty / Instructor
Ilshat Khairullin, MD, PhD, is an experienced neurologist with a special interest in medical education and curriculum development. He is currently a full time faculty member and instructor at American Canadian School of Medicine in Dominica. Previously he worked as a neurologist and clinician educator at the University Clinic in Kazan, Russia. Dr. Khairullin received his MD from Kazan State Medical University, followed by specialized training and a Ph.D. in the field of neurology. He has contributed to various research projects, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, and has authored multiple publications in reputable medical journals. Dr. Khairullin is fluent in English, Russian, and Tatar, with interests in team sports, music, and anime. His contact information can be found at khairullin@acsom.edu.dm.
Aliya Khairullina, DDS
Library Manager
Aliya Khairullina, DDS, is an accomplished professional with diverse experience and a strong commitment to education and healthcare. She currently serves as the Manager of the library and student learning center at American Canadian School of Medicine in Dominica, focusing on enriching learning resources and creating a conducive academic environment. Aliya holds a Doctor of Dentistry degree with honors from Kazan State Medical University, where she specialized in dentistry. Her career includes roles as a dentist in private clinics and a teacher in the Department of Dentistry and Implantology at Kazan Federal University, where she was actively involved in curriculum development and working with both Russian and foreign students. Aliya is also an accomplished researcher with publications in her name, including an innovative study on hop extract’s antibacterial activity. Her research interests span dental care organization and healthcare accessibility, and she enjoys active leisure activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and basketball, as well as traveling and hosting guests. You can reach Aliya Khairullina at akhairullina@acsom.edu.dm
Ahmad Nosrati Inanlou M.D.
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Ahmad Nosrati Inanlou M.D. is a Dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada, and serves as a Clinical Instructor at CBAM, specializing in cosmetic procedures and training. With a history spanning from 1994 to the present, he diagnoses and treats skin-related diseases, performs cosmetic procedures, and contributes to dermatological education. Dr. Nosrati is multilingual, proficient in English, Persian, Azari, and Arabic. He holds a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
Amir Kazory, MD, FASN, FACC, FAHA
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Amir Kazory, MD, FASN, FACC, FAHA, is a distinguished Professor and Chief in Nephrology at the University of Florida, holding the J. Robert Cade Chair. Board-certified in Clinical Hypertension, Nephrology, and Internal Medicine, he has held leadership roles, including Vice-Chief of Clinical Affairs. Dr. Kazory is renowned for his academic contributions, serving as an editor and reviewer for medical journals, and actively participating in professional organizations and committees. Recognized with numerous awards, certificates, and funding, he engages in diverse professional service activities, including directing dialysis units and consultancy roles in the medical field.
Cassidy Pattik, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Cassidy Pattik, MD, is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician and Primary Care Physician at Complete Health in Daytona Beach, Florida. With a residency at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and a Doctor of Medicine from Ross University, she has prior experience as a Hospitalist Physician at Halifax Health Medical Center and Capital Regional Medical Center. Dr. Pattik actively engages in community activities, holds a Guinness World Record for breast cancer screening awareness, and enjoys pursuits like camping, kayaking, road trips, and dancing.
David Howard Goldstein, MSc (Comm Health), MB, BCh, BAO, FRCPC, MSc (Hum Factors)
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
David Howard Goldstein, MSc (Comm Health), MB, BCh, BAO, FRCPC, MSc (Hum Factors), is a clinical associate professor and the site lead for anesthesiology at South Health Campus, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He received his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1987 and did his residency in anesthesiology at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Goldstein also holds a Master’s degree in Human Factors and System Safety from Lund University and an Executive Training and Research Application Fellowship. He spent his early career as an associate professor in the department of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine at Queen’s University where he also led a program of research in acute pain and informatics. Prior to moving to the University of Calgary he was chief of staff at Brockville General Hospital, Brockville, Ontario, Canada.
Elizabeth A.K. Hunt, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Elizabeth A.K. Hunt, MD, an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Vermont, specializes in pediatric nephrology. With an MD from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, she completed her fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital in 2014. Board-certified in Pediatric Nephrology, she holds medical licenses in New York and Vermont. Serving as Division Director of Pediatric Nephrology, she received the Subspecialist of the Year award at UVM Children’s Hospital in 2023. Engaged in teaching, research, and clinical care, Dr. Hunt actively contributes to committees, professional societies, and quality improvement initiatives.
Elizabeth G. Van Den Kerkhof, DrPH, RN
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Elizabeth G. Van Den Kerkhof, DrPH, RN, has been the Director of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, since 2019. Prior to joining Mount Royal she was professor and Sally Smith Chair in Nursing at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada where she led a collaborative research program focused on the epidemiology of pain. She contributed to undergraduate and graduate teaching and supervised undergraduate and graduate students in nursing, medicine, epidemiology, psychology, and business, as well as postgraduate trainees in anesthesiology. In her role as the Sally Smith Chair in Nursing, she mentored junior faculty members in the development of their research programs. She was also involved in the development of several educational programs.
Mikhail Voblikov, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Mikhail Voblikov, MDearned his Family Physician degree from Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric University in 2016. With extensive experience in clinical trials, he has held various roles such as sub-investigator, clinical research associate, and medical writer. He has passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK. Since 2019, Dr. Voblikov has been an experienced educator, guiding students in their preparation for USMLE step exams. He holds certifications from the Johns Hopkins Curriculum Development course and the Stanford Model of Teaching Course. Dr Voblikov enjoys playing chess and running in his free time.
Elizabeth Troilo, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Elizabeth Troilo, MD completed her undergraduate work at the University of Kansas in Molecular Biosciences. She then went on to find interest in international medicine while serving with the US Peace Corps in Rwanda as a health volunteer leading her to complete her medical school here in Dominica at Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Troilo then went on to work as an Assistant Physician in Missouri, championing that role as the first of its kind in the US. She then completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Kansas with distinction in global health. She is currently a hospitalist and Medical Director of hospitalist programs at multiple hospitals in Joplin Missouri.
Farshid Etaee, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Farshid Etaee, MD, completed his internal medicine residency at Yale School of Medicinein 2023. During his time at Yale, he served on the New Haven County Medical Association Board of Governors and the Institutional Review Board. With prior Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the University of Kentucky and UT Southwestern Medical Center, he contributed significantly to cardiology research, including multicenter registries and clinical trials. Actively involved as a Global Burden of Disease Collaborator, he holds editorial board memberships in four journals. With 40 publications and presentations at over 35 conferences, Dr. Etaee is dedicated to impactful research and mentorship for medical students in the United States.
Gunjan Gupta, MD, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Gunjan Gupta, MD, PhD, is a pathologist at Nuvance Health, Newtown, CT, specializing in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and Hematopathology. Serving as a Medical Director, she oversees Molecular Diagnostics and actively engages in committees. Board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology with Hematology subspecialty, Dr. Gupta holds academic positions at the University of Vermont Medical Center and Ross University School of Medicine. Her research covers topics like parasitic leiomyoma and COVID-19-related blood cell changes. Dr. Gupta is affiliated with professional organizations, including the College of American Pathologists and the American Society of Clinical Pathology.
Hossein Akbarialiabad, MD, MSc
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Hossein Akbarialiabad, MD, MSc, is a distinguished medical professional and researcher, holding degrees from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Proficient in Farsi and English, he specializes in dermatology and global health. Currently affiliated with Nuvance Health and UNSW Medicine, he is a senior fellow at St George and Sutherland Clinical School. Engaged in teaching, research, and editorial roles. Dr. Akbarialiabad has an impressive publication record, awards, and honors, including recognition from the UK Royal Society and the Australian Ministry of Home Affairs. He is associated with various professional organizations, serves as a reviewer for esteemed journals, and holds multiple patents, earning recommendations for his expertise.
Jacklyn Robinson, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Jacklyn Robinson, MD, is a Geriatrician/Dementia Consultant and Research Physician at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Tucson, specializing in geriatric and dementia care. Board-certified in Geriatric Medicine and Family Medicine, she actively participates in clinical trials on Alzheimer’s disease, showcasing a commitment to advancing medical knowledge. Dr. Robinson stays informed through conferences and memberships in medical societies, contributing to community service and holding leadership roles. Fluent in Spanish, her varied experiences and expertise make her a valuable contributor to geriatric medicine.
Julie Wilson, PA
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Julie Wilson, PA, is a Certified Physician Assistant with over 6 years of experience, specializing in orthopaedics and sports medicine at Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Cincinnati, OH. Her expertise includes conducting thorough exams, discussing treatment options with patients, and performing in-office procedures. Julie holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Kettering College. She excels in skills such as operating room first assist, suturing, and aspiration and injection. Julie is certified by the State of Ohio Medical Board and holds licenses in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Kenneth Deaver, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Kenneth Deaver, MD, a dedicated medical educator, holds a Doctor of Medicine from Trinity School of Medicine and completed a Family Medicine Residency at Louisiana State University. He has diverse roles, including Wilderness Medicine Guest Lecturer at the University of Utah School of Medicine, practitioner at Kaiser Permanente and Mercy Hospital in California, and international medical service in Peru and Honduras. Certified in NRP, ACLS, PALS, BLS, and a Fellow in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine, he demonstrates leadership in community service as Sports Medicine Coordinator at Louisiana State University and Team Leader at the New Orleans Rock N’ Roll Marathon Medical Tent.
Mari Arakelyan, MD, PhD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Mari Arakelyan, MD, PhD, a highly qualified cardiologist with expertise in arrhythmology and surgery, contributes actively to clinical guidelines for atrial fibrillation in Russia. Affiliated with renowned organizations, including the Russian Society of Cardiology, she secured funding as a co-investigator for a mega-grant on molecular mechanisms in atrial fibrillation. With an impactful h-factor of 5, Dr. Arakelyan’s research, published in peer-reviewed journals, focuses on diverse aspects of atrial fibrillation, presented at international conferences.
Mohammed Salameh Al-Tarawneh, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Mohammed Salameh Al-Tarawneh, MD, is an Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Consultant in Amman, Jordan. He serves as an Assistant Professor at Mutah University and contributes as a World Health Organization Consultant for Jordan’s National Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, he has chaired committees on Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention. With diverse educational achievements, Dr. Al-Tarawneh is actively engaged in clinical research and has presented on various medical topics. He holds a strong presence in professional societies, including the Jordanian Medical Association and Infectious Disease Society of America.
Patrick Broderick, MD, FACEP
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Patrick Broderick, MD, FACEP, is a licensed physician in CT, NY, and VT, specializing in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. With a medical degree from S.U.N.Y. @ Downstate Medical Center, he has served in leadership roles, notably as Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Danbury Hospital. Dr. Broderick is actively involved in academia, teaching at Quinnipiac University and The University of Vermont College of Medicine. He played a key role as the Primary Investigator for the Johns Hopkins Convalescent Plasma Study at Danbury Hospital and currently serves as the Board Chairman for Nuvance Health Medical Practice in Danbury, CT.
Prerana Rudrapatna MD, DipABLM, BHSc
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Prerana Rudrapatna, MD, DipABLM, BHSc., is a dynamic healthcare professional deeply grounded in the biopsychosocial framework and evidence-based lifestyle medicine. With a background in health promotion and diverse clinical experiences in St. Vincent and Chicago, she is driven by a passion to redefine medical practice. Dr. Prerana’s journey into digital health reflects her curiosity and commitment to innovative care delivery. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine from the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, focusing on integrating mental health, chronic disease management, and behavior change. Outside of work, Dr. Prerana finds solace in nature walks, indulges in chai at eclectic coffee shops, and enjoys solo travel adventures.
Ronald E. MacCormick, MD, FRCPC
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Ronald E. MacCormick, MD, FRCPC, is a retired medical professional residing in Sydney, Nova Scotia. With a career highlighted by roles such as Chief of Medical Oncology and Medical Director at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, he holds an M.D. from Dalhousie University. Dr. MacCormick has been recognized with awards for excellence in oncology and has made significant contributions, including advocating for cancer services, developing tele-oncology, and participating in global cancer control programs. His active involvement in medical societies, extensive lecturing, and committee contributions have left a lasting impact on oncology, patient care, and community well-being in Cape Breton.
Diana PE Callender, MBBS DM
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Dr Callender graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Medicine and completed a clinical hematology residency at UWI followed by a clinical oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, MD, USA. Dr Callender has also served as a senior staff fellow at the NCI.
Dr Callender has served as a hematologist and oncologist in Barbados and the Commonwealth of Dominica and has been a medical educator for over 30 years. She has served as chair of the Department of Integrated Medical Education at Ross University School of Medicine. Subsequently she served as Chair of Clinical Sciences, and then Associate Dean for UME Simulation and Simulation-based Assessment and Director of the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA. Dr Callender currently serves as a consultant oncologist at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital in Goodwill, Dominica.
Harold Sanchez, MD FCAP
Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Sanchez received his undergraduate degree at Fairfield University, his medical degree at SUNY Stony Brook, and did his residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at Yale New Haven Hospital. He worked as a community pathologist at the Hospital of Central Connecticut before joining the Pathology Department at Yale School of Medicine where he is the Director of the Autopsy Service. In addition to surgical pathology his interests include autopsy pathology, microbiology, medical education, medical history, and quality management.
Ramil Gabdulkhaev, MD, PhD
Faculty / Instructor
Ramil Gabdulkhaev, MD. PhD, is a neuropathologist and held the post of an Assistant Professor at Niigata University’s Brain Research Institute in Japan. He holds a Ph.D. in pathology from Niigata University (2023) and an M.D. from Kazan State Medical University in Russia (2019). His research focuses included brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases, utilizing advanced techniques like immunofluorescence and light-sheet microscopy. Dr. Gabdulkhaev has presented his work at major conferences, contributed to teaching neuropathology courses, and completed internships in tropical medicine in the Dominican Republic and in molecular biology in China. He is fluent in Russian and English, with elementary proficiency in Japanese, and is a member of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology.
Luiza Karaseva, MD
Faculty / Instructor
Auguste Hector Fortin, VI, MD, MPH, MACP, FACH
Adjunct Faculty
Professor Emeritus, Yale School of Medicine
Auguste H. Fortin VI, MD, MPH is a retired internist and Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. He directed Communication Skills Education there and headed the Psychosocial Curriculum for the Yale Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency Program. He is a Master of the American College of Physicians (ACP) and a Fellow of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare (ACH), of which he is past president. He is lead author of “Smith’s Patient-Centered Interviewing—an Evidence-Based Method, 4th ed.”, a major textbook in the field. He is internationally recognized for his educational work to improve clinicians’ communication skills and patients’ experience of care and has delivered communication skills workshops at medical schools and large health systems in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He is a Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm.
Professional interests include medical education, clinician-patient communication, the psychosocial aspects of medical care, meaning in medicine, mindfulness, and professional burnout prevention.
In addition to Medicine, Auguste enjoys fatherhood, singing, sailing, flying, and Zen. He lives in New Haven, CT with his wife, Oi.
Alina Che, MD.
Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Alina Che earned her medical diploma from Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in 2019. She enhanced her international experience by completing the Central Asia KDB Global Human Resources Exchange Program in South Korea. Dr. Che has also contributed her skills through volunteer work, notably with the Kazakh-Korean Medical Service in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan. Additionally, she completed the Johns Hopkins Curriculum Development course and earned certification.
In 2023, Dr. Che co-organized the “MetaDoctor” medical conference with a colleague, donating all proceeds to support a rehabilitation center for children with cerebral palsy. She is fluent in Russian and English, with limited proficiency in Korean and basic proficiency in Spanish. In her free time, Dr. Che enjoys traveling, reading, and learning languages.
Gordon McLennan, MD, FSIR
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Gordon McLennan, M.D., FSIR, has been practicing interventional radiology since 2000. After completing his fellowship at Indiana University, he remained on the faculty as Director of Interventional Radiology Research for eight years, where he focused on the biology of dialysis access failure and liver cancer biology. He also served as Chair of the Indiana University Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee from 2005 through 2008.
In 2008, he moved his laboratory to the Cleveland Clinic, where he was Professor of Radiology & Biomedical Engineering. His primary research focus was on discovering materials for sustained drug delivery and understanding the tumor microenvironment associated with hepatocellular carcinoma to develop more targeted pharmaceuticals for liver cancer treatment. While at the Cleveland Clinic, he developed a multidisciplinary program with Vascular Surgery & Nephrology for the implementation of Endo AVF creation in inpatients receiving tunneled catheters as primary access.
Dr. McLennan has shown a long-standing commitment to the dialysis access community, serving as Chair of the Society of Interventional Radiology Genitourinary & Dialysis Subspecialty Council and on the Board of Trustees of the Renal Network, Inc., a quality assurance organization for dialysis access care, for 11 years. Over the course of his career, he has received over $3 million in extramural funding and has published 71 peer-reviewed articles, 113 abstracts, and presented over 50 invited lectures. He has also served as Chairman of the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, where he helped raise $6.5 million to support interventional radiology research. For his efforts, he received the SIR Foundation Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2016 and two awards for his service to the nephrology community through The Renal Networks, Inc.
After moving to the University of Colorado, Dr. McLennan served as Interventional Radiology Section Chief from 2000 to 2002, before stepping down to focus on his role as Vice Chair for Clinical Research. In this position, he implemented programs to encourage faculty-medical student interaction to promote research, administered the department’s pilot grant program, and developed a reliable research coordinator team. Under new administrative leadership, this team has grown participation in clinical trials and fostered independent research in a radiology department with over 100 faculty members.
After retiring from academic medicine in December 2023, Dr. McLennan now focuses on consulting in clinical research trials and preclinical research design. He has joined IR Centers in Denver to continue practicing interventional radiology, bringing his vast research and educational experience to the team.
Saif Zaman, MD
Adjunct faculty
Dr. Zaman completed his Internal Medicine residency training at the Yale University School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital. Prior to residency, he completed his M.D. degree at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is fascinated by the potential of large-scale data analytics in revolutionizing medical research. He has published over 40 pubmed-indexed publications and is interested in helping the students at ACSOM learn research methodology and statistical programming.
Jamie Keess, MD.
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Dr. Jamie Keess is an Emergency Medicine physician in Alberta, Canada, specializing in both urban and rural emergency care. She completed her MD at the University of Calgary, followed by a Rural Family Medicine Residency and an Emergency Medicine Enhanced Skills Residency. Dr. Keess is actively involved in clinical teaching, mentoring medical students and residents, and contributing to curriculum development. Additionally, she engages in research, presenting at national and international conferences, and publishing in reputable journals. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, birding, and exploring with her dog.
Nick Strzalkowski, PhD.
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Dr. Nick Strzalkowski is a neurophysiologist cross-appointed in the Departments of Biology and General Education at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. Nick teaches courses on physiology, numeracy, and scientific literacy, and he received the MRU Student Association Teaching Excellence Award in 2023. His research focuses on the sensory control of human movement and balance in both healthy and diseased populations, under varying environmental conditions. He has worked with patients with movement disorders, amputees, Tibetan/Sherpa populations at high altitudes, astronauts, and healthy adults. Nick’s scholarly interests also include the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), with a particular focus on science writing and literacy.
Krysta L. Buckley, MD.
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Dr. Krista Buckley is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Spanish from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Dr. Buckley then pursued her medical degree (M.D.) at the University of Vermont, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and received a Schweitzer Fellowship. She completed her residency in psychiatry at UVM Medical Center, where she is now on the faculty and serves as an attending psychiatrist with the Primary Care Mental Health Integration Team. Additionally, she is the director of the UVMMC Psychiatry Residency Global Health Program. Her professional interests include global health, preventive psychiatry, and integrated care systems.
Susan Watson, PhD.
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Dr. Watson is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Yale University and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Harvard University. She specialized in child and adolescent psychology during her clinical internship at the New York University Child Study Center and Bellevue Hospital, and her postgraduate training involved working with children and families with chronic illnesses at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. She has taught undergraduates at Harvard and at Rhodes College, and currently, she serves as the Director of Counseling at Hopkins School in New Haven, CT, where she continues to teach psychology as well as support students’ mental health. Dr. Watson is trained in empirically supported treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
Jared R. Fletcher, PhD
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Dr. Fletcher’s research and teaching interests include Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, and Statistics. He obtained his PhD in Applied Muscle Physiology from the University of Calgary, where he studied the relationship between tendon mechanics, muscle energetics, and the whole-body energy cost of running in distance runners.
Dr. Fletcher’s externally funded research program integrates physiology and biomechanics to offer new insights into the energetics and mechanics of human locomotion in health and disease. The program is run almost entirely by Mount Royal University undergraduate student researchers! The team examines how changes in tendon properties—due to exercise, aging, disuse, disease, or injury—relate to the metabolic cost at the muscle and whole-body levels.
A greater understanding of muscle-tendon function and the accompanying energy cost during locomotion has important scientific and clinical implications for human motion and performance. The overall goal of Dr. Fletcher’s research is to understand the mechanical and energetic implications of altered muscle function on exercise (in)tolerance and fatigue across the training spectrum—from clinical settings to Olympic and Paralympic performance
Diliara Gubaeva, MD, PhD
Faculty/ Instructor
Dr. Diliara Gubaeva, MD, PhD, is a paediatric endocrinologist with six years of experience managing a wide range of endocrine disorders and leading multidisciplinary teams in major tertiary paediatric hospitals across the UK and Russia.
Dr. Gubaeva graduated from Kazan State Medical University (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) with honours. She worked as a consultant paediatric endocrinologist at the Endocrinology Research Centre (Moscow, Russia) and as a senior clinical fellow at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (Liverpool, UK). She holds full registration with the UK General Medical Council (GMC).
Dr. Gubaeva has extensive research experience, with multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at European and international endocrine conferences. Her PhD research focused on hypoglycaemia in children, and she has contributed to clinical trials as a sub-investigator. She also led the development of the Congenital Hyperinsulinism Pathway for the Merseyside region, UK, and was featured in Frontiers in Endocrinology’s “Stars and Rising Stars in Pediatric Endocrinology.”
Dr. Gubaeva has a strong passion for research, teaching, and rare endocrine disorders.
Colin Michie, MD
Adjunct faculty/ Instructor
Dr. Colin Michie is a Zimbabwe-born paediatrician with a distinguished career in clinical practice, research, and medical education. He began his medical training at the University of Cambridge and completed it at the University of Oxford. His early paediatric experience includes posts in Cape Town and Jamaica, followed by over two decades as a consultant paediatrician in West London, where he developed a particular focus on nutrition.
Dr. Michie served as Chair of the Nutrition Committee at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, playing a pivotal role in the development and promotion of national nutrition policies. His research interests encompass child growth, micronutrient deficiencies, immunology, and infectious diseases.
Since 2017, Dr. Michie has dedicated himself to advancing health literacy and medical education through teaching roles at universities in the Caribbean and North West England. His multidisciplinary expertise also includes ecology, the One Health approach, and immunological
Sofiia Kozyreva, MD
Faculty/ Instructor
Dr. Sofiia Kozyreva earned her medical degree and completed a pediatrics residency at St. Petersburg Pediatric University, followed by specialized training in physical and rehabilitation medicine at the St. Petersburg Medical and Social Institute.
In 2020, she joined the rehabilitation team at the Early Intervention Institute in Saint Petersburg, where she provided consultations for families of children with genetic conditions, developmental delays, and autism spectrum disorders. She successfully passed the USMLE Step 1 examination in 2021.
Since 2022, Dr. Kozyreva has served in the Rehabilitation Department at Alexandrov Governmental City Hospital, where she manages the care of adult patients with central and peripheral neurological disorders.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kozyreva is a dedicated medical educator, assisting students in their preparation for the USMLE exams since 2021.
Outside of her medical career, she enjoys a range of activities including dance, fitness instruction, and horseback riding.
Davit Margishvili, MD
Faculty / Instructor
Dr. Davit Margishvili is a dedicated medical educator and researcher, passionate about blending rigorous scientific training with compassionate, patient-centered care. A 2024 graduate of an Oncology Residency program, his clinical experience over three years sharpened his expertise while deepening his commitment to ethics and humanistic medicine.
Since 2020, Dr. Margishvili has taught Physiology at Tbilisi State Medical University, where he brings lectures to life with insights drawn from real-world practice—including his neurology internship in Poland and frontline oncology work. Certified by Johns Hopkins Medical University in modern medical education strategies, he bridges innovative pedagogy with clinical relevance, preparing students to meet today’s evolving healthcare demands.
Beyond teaching, Dr. Margishvili has trained future scientists in Clinical Research and Epidemiology and served in leadership roles, including Head of an Epidemiological Department and Development Manager at a leading molecular genetics laboratory.
Outside of his academic and clinical work, he is a committed mentor and avid learner, often found discussing new developments in neurogenetics and oncology over coffee with students. His mission is clear: to help shape a smarter, kinder, and more accessible future for medicine—one student and one discovery at a time.
Nusrat Pathan, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Dr. Pathan is a pathologist and is board-certified by the American Board of Pathology in AP/CP pathology and hematopathology. Her keen subspecialty interest is in the field of hematopathology (leukemia/lymphoma) service. She is also the director of transfusion services at Danbury Hospital. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Vermont. She graduated from the pathology residency program at Danbury Hospital in 2006 and completed two fellowships, one in surgical oncologic pathology at Winthrop University Hospital, New York and another in hematopathology at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.
Farhad Danesh, MD
Adjunct Faculty / Instructor
Dr. Farhad Danesh is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He earned his M.D. from the University of Alcalá Medical School in Spain. Following medical school, he pursued postdoctoral research as a visiting fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Yacov Ben David at the University of Toronto. He subsequently completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago, followed by fellowship training in Nephrology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. After completing his clinical training, Dr. Danesh joined the faculty at Northwestern University as an Assistant Professor of Medicine. In 2007, he relocated to Houston, where he was appointed Associate Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He later joined MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he continues his academic and clinical work.