Class of 2027

Anthony Anzivino, MD

Hometown: Derry, New Hampshire 

Medical School: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine 

Why I chose MetroHealth PM&R Residency: While interviewing, the MetroHealth residents exhibited a certain joy I found unmatched by other programs. This joy seemed not only to come from their practicing PM&R in an academically fulfilling, advanced, and complicated setting, but from the genuine relationships the residents had with one another, as well as with the program's faculty and staff. To think at MetroHealth I could train under some of the best Physiatrists in the country, make a real impact on underserved communities, and have that kind of joy doing so - there was simply nothing more any other residency could offer.

My favorite things about living in Cleveland: I lived in Manhattan for a year (pre-COVID) and can confidently say there is nothing by way of recreation (MetroParks, professional athletics) or leisure (performing arts, food scene, festivals) that cannot also be found here in Cleveland of similar quality. As a bonus one gets all of that fun and entertainment in a setting with an incredibly low cost of living and family friendly community.

Simranjeet Benipal, MD

Hometown: West Sacramento, California

Medical School: California Northstate University College of Medicine

Why I chose MetroHealth PM&R residency: Spinal cord injury model system, opportunity to engage in clinical research in neuromodulation

My favorite things about living in Cleveland: Temperature never goes above 100°F, it's green in the summer, and cost of living

Heidi Gabr, MD

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt

Medical School:  Wayne State University School of Medicine

Why I chose MetroHealth PM&R Residency: The tight knit community of its residents, commitment to serving disadvantaged populations, and opportunities to participate in varied specialties within PM&R. I am also excited to explore my research passions within a community of committed and supportive faculty with diversified interests. My clinical interests include cancer rehabilitation, sports medicine, preventative medicine, and interventional pain. 

My favorite thing about living in Cleveland: living near Lake Erie.

Thomas McMaster, MD

Hometown: Novi, MI

Medical School: University of Toledo

Why I chose MetroHealth PM&R Residency: The people and it being a categorical program!

My favorite things about living in Cleveland: all the different sports teams and cultural events that happen throughout the year. Go Monsters! Also, plenty of places to enjoy and explore nature nearby.

Emily Parker, MD

Hometown: Johnston, Iowa

Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine 

Why I chose MetroHealth PM&R Residency: The exposure to a broad spectrum of patient presentations in core PM&R divisions including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and polytrauma; with patient admissions from both Level 1 Trauma Centers and sub-specialized quaternary care hospitals.

My favorite things about living in Cleveland: Living a short drive from work, but still being walking distance from parks and coffee shops- and exploring with my co-residents  

Noah Wickerham, MD

Hometown: Blue Creek, OH

Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Why I Chose MetroHealth PMR residency: The residents that I met were friendly and the residency program was close to my then fiancé’s, now wife’s medical school. 

My favorite thing about living in Cleveland: Being near family