Emergency Medicine Residency - Erie: Current Residents

Hometown: Wyomissing, PA
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Email: Matthew.Walukonis@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Black with a Diet Coke
Previous Lives: Public Health and Healthcare Administration 
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: High-volume and new
state-of-the-art facility with a diverse patient population. More importantly,
training under this leadership. Before my interview with the program director,
he said, "I know this is a very overwhelming process. But I want you to
know that even if you don't come to St. Vincent, in a few years you'll be one
of my colleagues. And if there is anything I can ever do to help you, please
don't hesitate to contact me"......you won't find that anywhere else.
Favorite Spot in Erie: Isaac Baker Menswear at the Renaissance Center
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: Mustafa.ALJuboori@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Dark, strong and black where each sip cuts through the fatigue
Previous Lives: I went to Medical School back home in Iraq but unfortunately I had to start everything over here in the U.S. Bittersweet because I got to attend Mercyhurst University where I met my wife, was taught by exceptional professors and got to work at Saint Vincent Hospital as a Patient Care Technician for 6 years. I was a teacher, soccer player and a dissector before I became a doctor.
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: It was a natural decision for me because this hospital has a welcoming atmosphere, friendly environment, exceptional training and offered me my first job here in the U.S. before going to medical school. Saint Vincent Hospital is my second home!!
Favorite Spot in Erie: Romolos, Presque Isle and Frontier Park
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Enjoy Your Life by Dr. Areefy

Hometown: Pokhara, Nepal
Medical School: Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Email: Smriti.Devkota@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Black 
Previous Lives: Graduated, House Officer, Research Scholar
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: It feels homey. Near my family. Everyone is very supportive and helpful in all aspects.
Favorite Spot in Erie: Presque Isle
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Ikigai (The Japanese secret to a long and happy life)

Hometown: Multan, Pakistan
Medical School: Multan Medical & Dental College
Email: Ahsan.Khan@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: I am more of a tea person. However, it has to be on the stove for an appropriate amount of time with Cardamom, Cinnamon, and Sugar with an accurate ratio of Milk and Water. Results = Heaven
Previous Lives: I was previously a Clinical Researcher.
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: I had mixed feelings when I first drove to Erie for shadowing shifts. However, on my way back, I could not be happier to have taken the time to visit this awesome program. I felt part of the team and wholeheartedly welcomed. It was all great vibes. It was a no-brainer to have Saint Vincent as my top-ranked program. 
Favorite Spot in Erie: I love Erie's winding roads. It's an awesome city. 
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: "Interstellar" would be my favorite book if only I read as many books as I watch movies.

Hometown: Glide, Oregon
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: Jacob.Maynes@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Strong and Black
Previous Lives: I worked at a fishing lodge in Iliamna, Alaska for 6 years.
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: I rotated here as a student and everyone was very welcoming. It felt like home. 
Favorite Spot in Erie: Fishing at Avonia Beach or Walnut Creek 
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Marine Sniper

Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: Baltazar.Osorio@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Black with Honey
Previous Lives: Fuel handler, Laboratory Technician, Chemical Officer, Physician Assistant
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: The 2023 EM Resident Seniors exuded such a great amount of confidence and knowledge that I knew this program would give me the tools I need to be a successful EM physician. To top it off, the EM staff (attending physicians, nurses and technicians) worked in unison to achieve the best possible patients' outcome, I realized I wanted to be part of this team. 
Favorite Spot in Erie: Presque Isle 
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: There is not another book but Tintinalli's at least for the next three years.

Hometown: Nepal
Medical School: Patan Academy of Health Sciences School of Medicine
Email: Purnima.Shakya@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Cold Coffee
Previous Lives: Mother, wife. I spent hours searching for my glasses in one of my past lives, only to realize they were already on. Today, I feel like I've just been born. 
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: The warm and welcoming environment. Faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and encouraging. As an emergency medicine resident, I am thrilled to be part of AHN Saint Vincent Hospital and thrive in this nurturing community. 
Favorite Spot in Erie: Presque Isle 
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Balancing Tintinalli's with bedtime kid's stories

Hometown: East Canton, OH
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: Emily.Bosler@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Sweet vanilla cream cold brew with extra cream
Previous Lives: 4-H kid, chemistry lab assistant, pharmacy tech
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: I did my core rotations here as a medical student and really enjoyed my experiences. It felt like a second home and everyone was super welcoming, so it just felt natural to stay for residency!
Favorite Spot in Erie: Purrista or trivia at Altered State
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Moonstruck

Hometown: Bristolville, OH
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: Alexander.Callow@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Black - sometimes mixed with different types of honey!
Previous Lives: I grew up working on a farm in northeastern Ohio. I was also an ED scribe for 3 years and a cardiology research assistant.
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: As I've gotten older, family has become more important to me. Saint Vincent gave me the chance for a great education, small cohort with focused teaching, and the benefit of being close to my family. I also enjoy the fact that we are one of the only residency programs here, which gives us the chance to do a wide variety of procedures!
Favorite Spot in Erie: Presque Isle, Room 33, Round 1 Arcade
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond

Hometown: Willoughby, OH
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: Ronith.Chakraborty@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Cortadito or cafe con leche
Previous Lives: I use to live in the world of research - first biochemistry, then adult and pediatric nephrology.
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: The high-volume ED and newer faculty, but what stood out most was the unique patient population and the culture of supportive autonomy. The faculty and staff are deeply invested in our growth, creating an environment where we're entrusted to take ownership while being guided to become the best versions of ourselves. Each shift challenges me and builds my confidence.
Favorite Spot in Erie: Herb & Honey Bakery and Presque Isle State Park
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Batman: Ego by Darwyn Cooke

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: Emily.Frack@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: Vanilla iced latte
Previous Lives: Lifeguard, Medical Coder
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: All the people in the ED are so genuine. It is such a supportive environment to work in, and everyone wants you to succeed and do well and cares about your well-being!
Favorite Spot in Erie: Presque Isle walking my Frenchie on the beach!
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Hometown: Richwood/Warsaw, OH
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Email: Claire.Helmick@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: I normally only drink water, but if you see me drinking coffee; 1. it's a bad day and 2. cold brew with a protein shake.
Previous Lives: Floral designer, bartender, cattle farmer, patient care tech
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: Dr. Carlson was very genuine and truly cares about the experience of all residents!

Favorite Spot in Erie: The Freezerie, Millers Greenhouse, Presque Isle sunsets
Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: Anything by Kristin Hannah, but specifically "The Nightingale"

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Medical School: Dow Medical College
Email: Noman.Khurshid@ahn.org
How do you like your coffee: I mix my coffee with my tea
Previous Lives: Medical officer, Teacher
Reason for choosing Saint Vincent: I had heard great things about the Program, especially regarding the faculty who help train you and grow as an EM physician. The nourshing environment Saint Vincent had to offer was the perfect way to start my medical career in the USA. 

Favorite Spot in Erie: Any place with good food and the Bayfront area.

Favorite Book besides Tintinalli: The Kite Runner