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PGY-4

Mohammed Al-Sabbagh, M.D.

Mohammed Qussay Al-Sabbagh, M.D., is Iraqi-born and grew up in Jordan. Dr. Al-Sabbagh graduated as the top student of his batch at the University of Jordan’s School of Medicine Class of 2020. He demonstrated immense interest in neurosciences and clinical neurology which led him to pursue a neurology residency in the United States. His scholarly interests and publications span a plethora of disciplines, including public health, global health, mental health, neurology and health equity. Dr. Al-Sabbagh enjoys European soccer, mythology, Arabic poetry and memes.


Samuel Broll, M.D.

Sam Broll, M.D., spent much of his childhood moving up and down the East Coast until finally settling in Kansas City as a teenager. He attended Kansas State University, where he received a bachelor of science in biochemistry, and earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Sam has many interests within the field of neurology and currently hopes to pursue a career in general neurology in a rural part of Kansas. In his free time, Sam loves playing board games with friends, reading web serials, and spending time with his wife, Jessica, and two rescue dogs.


Brian Herman, D.O., MBA

Brian Herman, D.O., MBA, was born and raised in Leawood, Kansas. He graduated from Emory University with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University, while simultaneously earning his MBA in healthcare leadership from Rockhurst University. He loves the wide variety of subspecialties that neurology has to offer, and he is currently undecided on his neurologic specialty. He is a huge fan of all Kansas City sports, especially the Chiefs and Royals, and loves spending his free time with his wife and their son exploring the various parks and farmers' markets around the Kansas City area.


Andrew Jarzen, M.D.

Andrew Jarzen, M.D., is an Army veteran from Las Vegas, Nevada. He received his medical degree from Medical College of Wisconsin in Green Bay. He is interested in veterans’ healthcare and hopes to continue to serve his fellow veterans in the future by working at a VA. In his free time, he enjoys horseback riding, motorcycle riding, astronomy and disc golf.


Sivani Lingam, MBBS

Sivani Lingam, MBBS, was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. She completed her medical school education at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad. She is currently enjoying exploring the different subspecialties of neurology, including vascular neurology and neurocritical care. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors in nature, reading books and traveling.


Meghna Nambakkam, MBBS

Meghna Nambakkam, MBBS, was born in Hyderabad, India, and raised in Kisumu/Nairobi, Kenya. She attended the University of Toronto for her undergraduate work, where she double majored in cell and systems biology and genetics and biotechnology. Following that, she pursued her medical degree in Chennai, India. Dr. Nambakkam is still undecided on what to specialize in under neurology, but she is currently interested in epilepsy and neuromuscular medicine. It was love at first fountain with Kansas City for her, and she hopes to stay here for a long time, if not forever. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband trying out new foods, both cooking and eating, hanging out with friends and family, and traveling around the world.


Wilfred Vazquez, M.D.

Wilfred Vazquez, M.D., was born in Monterrey, NL, Mexico, and moved to the United States at the ripe age of 3. Moving between Texas and Massachusetts, he eventually settled in Kansas City, where he pursued an undergraduate degree in cell biology at the University of Kansas. He subsequently went on to stay in the KU system for the rest of his higher education, with medical school and now residency. He currently is not decided on what he would like to do within neurology, but it would most likely involve being mainly on the inpatient side. He enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, KC, and cat, Cookie, as well as cheering on his New England Patriots and being a gamer (currently playing Star Wars Battlefront 2).


PGY-3

Blake Bertolino, D.O.

Blake Bertolino, D.O. was born and raised in Billings, Montana, where he spent his free time outdoors fishing and snowboarding, playing sports such as football and basketball, and working with livestock. Dr. Bertolino began his undergraduate journey at the University of Hawaii at Manoa before receiving a bachelor’s in neuroscience from Indiana University. He then attended Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he enjoyed helping as a neuroanatomy TA and president of the neuroanatomy club. In the future, Dr. Bertolino plans on pursuing a neurophysiology fellowship or working as a neurohospitalist. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors with his family, attending sporting events, and traveling.


Emanuele Camerucci, M.D.

Emanuele Camerucci, M.D., was born in Ancona, Italy, and grew up by the Adriatic Sea shore. He graduated from his hometown university, Università Politecnica delle Marche, and completed a research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota on early-onset Parkinson's Disease and normal pressure hydrocephalus. His career goal is to pursue a fellowship in movement disorders and one in behavioral neurology. He enjoys watching soccer, travelling and meeting new people.


Shan He, D.O.

Shan He, D.O., is originally from Tianjin, China, and immigrated to Tampa, Florida, during middle school. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Florida and attended Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine for her medical degree. Her interests in neurology include epilepsy, neurophysiology and research. In her spare time, she enjoys binge-watching TV shows, cooking her favorite Chinese dishes, creating art with her hands, and exploring new places with new friends.


Brian Kongs, D.O.

Brian Kongs, D.O., was born in Topeka, Kansas. He attended William Jewell College, where he received his undergraduate degree in music. He completed his medical degree and a master’s degree in bioethics at Kansas City University. His current interests in neurology are neurocognitive and neurodegenerative medicine. He frequently plays soccer around the Kansas City area, and he’s an avid fan of the Chiefs, Chelsea FC and Sporting Kansas City. He also enjoys playing Rachmaninoff and Brahms on the piano, as well as spending time with his wife, Ellie, and their dog, Zoey.


Tara Samiee, D.O.

Tara Samiee, D.O., is from San Jose, California. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her medical degree from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is currently interested in vascular and interventional neurology, while also passionate about medical education. Tara is a self-proclaimed foodie that is on a mission to find the best KC eats. She also enjoys cooking, traveling, and playing board games with her co-residents.


Kole Sedlack, M.D.

Kole Sedlack, M.D., was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. He completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Miami University in Ohio before moving onto medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. In his free time, he enjoys learning and playing games of all kinds, cooking, traveling, and scuba diving when the opportunity presents itself.


PGY-2

Baker Abu Sa'alalek, M.D.

Baker Abu Sa’alek, M.D., is a driven neurology resident hailing from Jordan, where his fascination with the human brain was sparked at a young age. Throughout his medical journey, Baker has been captivated by the intricacies of neurology and is dedicated to unraveling its mysteries. He is currently pursuing his residency training at our esteemed university, with a focus on specializing in vascular neurology. Beyond the confines of the hospital, Baker finds solace and joy in a variety of hobbies. He is a fitness enthusiast, often found pushing his limits at the gym. In his downtime, he enjoys the soothing melodies of jazz music and immersing himself in the captivating world of anime. A lover of laughter, Baker also has a penchant for stand-up comedy and enjoys attending live shows whenever possible.


Harinee Arunachalam, M.D.

Harinee Arunachalam, M.D., is from Little Rock, Arkansas, and obtained both her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. She loves almost all aspects of neurology, hence is currently undecided regarding fellowship training. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and sister, trying out new restaurants, reading and swimming.


Carson Barnard, M.D.

Carson Barnard, M.D., was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas. He attended Midwestern State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center before moving to Kansas City to start residency at KU. Current interests in neurology are diverse, including medical education, general neurology, autoimmune neurology and neuromuscular medicine. In his spare time, Carson enjoys watching hockey, snow skiing, scuba diving, being involved with his local church and spending time with his wife and daughter.


Natalie Byrne, M.D.

Natalie Wood Byrne, M.D., Pharm.D., grew up in Leawood, Kansas. She graduated from The St. Louis College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy. She then went on to complete her medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine where she discovered her love for neurology. Her interests include reading, yoga, music and trying new restaurants. Above all, she loves spending time with her husband and daughter.


Arjun Rao, M.D.

Arjun Rao, M.D. was born and raised in Schaumburg, Illinois. He attended the University of Missouri - Kansas City where he earned his bachelor's degree in biology as well as his medical degree. He is interested in vascular neurology and epilepsy. He enjoys playing the piano, basketball and pickleball in his free time.


Sai Reddy Pasya, MBBS

Sai Kumar R. Pasya, MBBS, was born and raised in Hyderabad, a vibrant city located in southern part of India. He successfully completed his medical school training from the prestigious Osmania Medical college during which he found the study of brain and nerves to be the most intriguing subject of many and decided to move to the United States for residency to receive the best medical training in Neurology.  Dr. Pasya had always preferred living in a mid-sized town to a large metropolis, and when he came to the Kansas City, he fell in love with the KC region right away because it has so much to offer — from a thriving sports culture to a picturesque midwestern landscape that offered all four seasons — and most importantly, wonderful people! Dr. Pasya is currently fascinated with neurology in general, and he hesitates to regard any one subspecialty as being more fascinating than the others. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors, playing a variety of sports and board games, being open to new experiences, and most importantly, hanging out with friends and family. In his own time, he also has a special interest in mentoring medical students.


Monika Rettler, M.D.

Monika Rettler, M.D., is from Lees Summit, Missouri. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology and neuroscience from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. She returned home to attend medical school at University of Missouri-Kansas City, as a traditional 4-year student. Dr. Rettler is excited to explore the different fields of neurology but have particular interest in neuromuscular, neuroimmunology or neurodegenerative. She is married to her middle school sweetheart (Jayke) and enjoys binge watching seasons of Survivor and spending time with their pets — two dalmatians (Nilla and Chip) and cat (Snickers). She and Jayke are big foodies and love going out to new restaurants around KC.


John Salle, MD

John Salle, M.D., grew up on a farm in California and later moved to Kansas from Hawaii, where he earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas. Before transitioning to medicine, John completed a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Hawaii and worked for many years in national defense. A veteran and retired Air Force Reservist, John enjoys outdoor activities, sports and spending quality time with his wife, who is currently serving in the Air Force, and their three energetic children. 


PGY-1

Rohan Joshi, M.D.

Rohan Joshi, M.D., was born in Cleveland and raised in central Ohio. After high school, he moved to Philadelphia to earn his bachelor's degree in biology at Drexel University, where he stayed to earn his medical degree at Drexel College of Medicine. His current hobbies include playing chess, tennis and playing piano. He is also an avid aquarist and maintains multiple fresh and saltwater tanks at home. As for a career in Neurology, his early passions lie in Neuromuscular Medicine and Movement Disorders, but he is keeping an open mind to see what piques his interest in the coming years.


Zorain Khalil, MBBS

Zorain Mustafa Khalil, MBBS, was born in Pakistan. He completed his medical school education at CMH Lahore Medical College in 2022. He is currently interested in pursuing Interventional Neurology. Outside of work, he loves to travel and is an avid Formula 1 fan. He also enjoys playing soccer and listening to old school rock and roll.


Emily Kuhlmann, M.D.

Emily Kuhlmann, M.D. was raised in Kansas. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience and attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City and Wichita. She is interested in vascular neurology and clinical neurophysiology, and she has a passion for medical education. She enjoys playing piano and guitar, running, hiking and is passionate about wildlife conservation.


Faris Shaker, MBChB

Faris Shaker, MBChB, was born in Hama, Syria, and earned his bachelor's degree from Damascus University in Syria. He went on to complete his medical degree at Tanta University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt. Faris completed a research fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, focusing on endovascular thrombectomy for ischemic stroke. His interests include brain-computer interfaces and Neuromodulation, epilepsy and movement disorders. His hobbies include playing chess, engaging in boxing and savoring coffee.


Arjun Singh, MBBS

Arjun Singh, MBBS, was born and raised in Chandigarh, India, and he earned his MBBS degree at Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences. After completing his degree, he worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. During this time, he gained expertise in machine learning and natural language processing. Drawn to the variety of subspecialties within neurology, he is excited to delve deeper into the field. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, soccer and video games.


KU School of Medicine

University of Kansas Medical Center
Department of Neurology
Mailstop 2012
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66160
Phone: 913-588-6970
Fax: 913-588-6965