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Who We Are
The #PedsMatch2027 team is comprised of a group of dedicated future pediatricians from around the world. Learn more about them below.
CO-DIRECTORS
Co-Director
Marissa Della-Giustina
Marissa is a rising MS4 at WVU School of Medicine applying to pediatrics this year and a 2LT in the Army through HPSP! She grew up in a military family and is passionate about caring for the children of soldiers, with interests in pediatric endocrinology, neonatology, and medical education. In her free time, she loves OrangeTheory, reading, reality TV, and spending time with her cats, Mounty and Daisy!
Co-Director
Lindsey Simoncini
Lindsey is a rising M4 at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University and is passionate about pediatrics, neonatology, and advocacy focused on family-centered care. She is especially interested in supporting infants and families in the NICU and improving caregiver engagement through research and education. Outside of medicine, Lindsey enjoys running, hiking, and cheering on the New England Patriots!
ASSOCIATE REGIONAL LEADS
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Associate Regional Lead
Eva Eleftheriadis​​
Eva Eleftheriadis is a Greek-American medical student at Penn State College of Medicine, originally from California, with a passion for global and public health, health policy, and advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of San Diego, which she loves applying to the field of medicine. She aspires to be a physician actively engaged in her community, emphasizing preventive health strategies and advancing standards of care for all.​
Associate Regional Lead
Tiffany Kelley​​
I'm born and raised in Columbus, Ohio- Go Bucks! I am a huge reader (lets be Goodreads friends) and enjoy running, watching movies with my husband, and trying out new foodie spots.​
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Associate Regional Lead
Varun Devraj​​
Varun is a rising M4 at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. He's passionate about everything pediatrics, especially related to advocacy and community outreach. In his free time, he loves to cook, sing, and take long walks in Central Park!​
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Associate Regional Lead
Nivedita Jayasekar​​
Nivedita Jayasekar has a strong interest in academic pediatrics. She is passionate about mentorship and health equity, and she loves building community and sharing resources to make peds more accessible for everyone. Outside of medicine, she enjoys dance and trying new restaurants (follow her on Beli @nivejay)!​​​​​​
Associate Regional Lead
Macy Zardeneta​​
I am an aspiring pediatrician and an MD/PhD student at Texas A&M College of Medicine in my 7th year of the program. I grew up in Tomball, TX and currently live in Houston where I am completing my clerkships. I love spending time outside, being with my family, and cuddling my cat, Vega!​​​​​​
Associate Regional Lead
Nagham Nader Abdelhalim​​
I am an IMG from Cairo, Egypt, aspiring to become a pediatrician in the US. I am particularly passionate about pediatric trauma and emergency care, and I find deep fulfillment in caring for children and supporting them until they are better and back to their playful, carefree selves. Beyond medicine, I love to draw, bake, play cozy games, and I am a proud mother of a mischievous cat named Tama.
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Associate Regional Lead
Eliza Morton​​
I am a third-year medical student at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine planning to pursue pediatrics. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in Communication Sciences & Disorders.​​​
Associate Regional Lead
Caroline Pribble​​
​I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and moved to Maine for medical school. I am interested in a career in pediatrics and hope to pursue a fellowship in NICU or PICU medicine. In my free time, I love to run, read, and travel.
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Associate Regional Lead
Fena Mehta​​
Fena Mehta is passionate about combining her interest in medicine with research and community initiatives. She values meaningful connections, continuous learning, and creating positive change wherever she can. Outside of academics, she loves reading good books, travelling to new places, baking, and unwinding with her favorite shows and a cup of coffee.​​​​​​
Associate Regional Lead
Francheska Quintanilla​​
Professional playlist maker with a side of reality TV and working out.​
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GENERAL WEBINAR LEADS
General Webinar Lead
Hanna Trostynska​​
Hi everyone! I’m Hanna, an international medical graduate from Ukraine with a background in pediatrics. I’m passionate about pediatric care, medical education, and supporting children and their families through compassionate, patient-centered care. In my free time, I love baking, Pilates, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with loved ones!
General Webinar Lead
Sarah Adlassnig​​
My name is Sarah Adlassnig and I am a third year medical student at Penn State College of Medicine originally from New Jersey. I am interested in pediatrics and OBGYN!
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APPD/COMSEP Liaison
APPD/COMSEP Liaison
Brian Krall​​
Brian is a first-year medical student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine with a strong interest in pediatrics and medical education. He is passionate about advocacy, mentorship, and creating supportive spaces for future pediatricians as they explore careers caring for children and families. Brian hopes to pursue a career in pediatrics that combines compassionate patient care with service and leadership.​​
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Website Lead
Website Lead
Lisa Turk
​Lisa Turk is a rising third-year medical student at the Florida State University College of Medicine. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida, where she double majored in Music and Microbiology and Cell Science and later completed a Master’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science. In her free time she enjoys all things music, reading, trying new coffee and boba places, and Formula 1!
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Graphic Design Specialist
Graphic Design Specialist
Florence Kang
Florence Kang is a rising OMS4 at NYITCOM-Jonesboro interested in pediatrics. She is passionate about promoting child health through prevention, education, and advocacy, as well as improving health literacy in underserved communities. Her hobbies include jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, cooking/baking, and outdoor activities.
Social Media Chairs
Social Media Chair
Brenda Jovish
I’m Brenda, an International Medical Graduate from Government Medical College, Omandurar, Chennai. As the Social Media Chair, I’m passionate about creating engaging, educational content and fostering an online community for aspiring pediatric residents. I’m currently preparing for the USMLE 2CK and trying to find USCE with a strong interest in pediatrics and academic medicine.
Social Media Chair
Shiruli Dash​
I am a physician with clinical experience across India, China and the USA. I am also part of the editorial team at AMBOSS.
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OUR ORIGINAL CO-FOUNDERS
Founder
Nick Heitkamp, MD, MS
Nick is a PGY-1 pediatrics resident at Eastern Virginia Medical School's Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, VA. In the summer of 2020, he co-founded the FuturePedsRes organization to assist pediatric residency applicants after cancelled in-person interviews, clinical electives, and away rotation offerings due to COVID-19. Since then, pediatric residency stakeholders have realized that FuturePedsRes fills a gap in recruitment which has led to growth of the organization. Within pediatrics, Nick is interested in neonatology, reforming medical education, and pediatric residency recruitment. Outside of medicine, he loves to cook and bake with his fiancé and tend to his (growing) tropical plant collection.
Founder
Mekala Neelakantan, MD
Mekala is a PGY-1 pediatrics resident at the University of Michigan who - although she is now a self-proclaimed Michigander - was born and brought up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is passionate about innovations in the MedEd space, art and literature in medicine, and bringing forth equity in pediatrics and beyond. In her spare time, she loves listening to a good audiobook, cooking with her partner, and video-chatting with her dog. She is one of the co-founders and executive directors of FuturePedsRes and is beyond excited to see what #PedsMatch22 brings.
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