Class of 2025

Chief Residents

Connor Richmond, DO. Academic Chief. 

Michelle Djohan, MD. Recruitment Chief.

Nirmal Maxwell, DO. Administrative Chief.

Claire Cooper, DO

Hometown: Williamston MI

Medical School: AT Still School of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I chose MetroHealth PM&R Residency: A strong intern year and residency at a stand alone rehab facility that I believed would provide me with the best education and experiences to make me the best physiatrist that I could be, in any field of physiatry that I chose to pursue.

My favorite things about living in Cleveland: The MetroParks

Sam Famenini, MD

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Why I chose MetroHealth PM&R Residency: The collegiality, the amazing culture, and vast opportunities available at MetroHealth really stood out to me. It is a very well-rounded program that has a dedicated Spinal Cord Injury Unit, dedicated Brain Injury Unit, and robust outpatient services that I knew would provide me with the best well rounded training. The program feels like a huge family in which everyone supports one another and wants to see one another succeed. 

My favorite things about living in Cleveland: From someone who is not from Cleveland, I would say Cleveland is very underrated! Cleveland has a great food scene, under-appreciated nightlife, and a great cost of living. Spring and Summer here are absolutely amazing, and I really enjoy the metro parks during the day and going for dinner at the Flats at night.

Sara Ernst, MD

Hometown: all over but mostly Pittsburgh, PA

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine  

Why I chose MetroHealth PM&R Residency: I was impressed by the comprehensive training program and the friendly and supportive training environment—and I have not been disappointed. I feel well prepared for any PM&R position after training at MetroHealth. 

My favorite things about living in Cleveland: Cleveland has anything you could want for everyday life. For the things you can't see or do here, the city is so accessible, and the cost of living is so reasonable that it is easy to arrange travel.