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Current Residents

Year 3

Catherine Duncan, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I was so impressed during my interview at how warm and welcoming everyone was. I liked the X+Y schedule and the opportunity to work directly with attendings function like a fellow on subspecialty rotations like NICU.

Research/Special Interests: 
Neonatology

What are your hobbies?
Playing board games, reading, playing disc golf and walking my dog, Wilma.

Favorite part of Wichita
All the coffee shops!

Favorite Pediatric Moment
One of my postoperative patients was nervous to tell me she was in pain because she thought she would have to get surgery again if she were in pain (she was not at risk to go back to the OR). I pinky promised her that I was only asking so I could help her feel better, and she told me the truth. I was able to put in a better pain regimen for her, and her pain improved significantly, all because of a pinky promise.


Julia Hennessey, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I liked how friendly everyone was and how much support there is.

Research/Special Interests:
Emergency Medicine

What are your hobbies?
Crossfit

Favorite Pediatric Moment
As I was leaving the hospital one day, a mom screamed across the parking lot, "THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF MY BABY"


Nicholas Mulvihill, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
The main reason I chose KU Wichita Pediatrics is because during the entire interview process, the community seemed extremely supportive and the faculty seemed really invested in our interests as individuals and helping us to grow into amazing pediatricians.

Research/Special Interests:
Developmental pediatrics, mental and behavioral health, and public health

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy playing guitar, watching movies, listening to music and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite part of Wichita
I like the relaxed pace of life. I also enjoy exploring new places and spending time with my co-residents.

Favorite Pediatric Moment
Seeing the treatment begin to work in a patient that we have been taking care of for a month and the optimism that comes along with that. Then being able to discharge that patient as they continue their recovery and live out their lives.


Nicholas Nelson, D.O.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I chose KU Wichita Pediatrics because of the amazing, tight-knit family feeling this program has. The faculty are always available and willing to help, teach and mentor. I really appreciate the support and encouragement I receive from faculty and staff alike.
Research/Special Interests:
Outpatient pediatrics and preventative medicine
What are your hobbies:
Singing, reading, baking Crumbl copycat cookies
Favorite part of Wichita:
My favorite part about Wichita is all the family friendly places around town! The zoo, Botanica, Tanganyika, Exploration Place and YMCA are all incredible places to spend time with family.
Favorite Pediatric Moment:
In medical school I had the honor participating in my school’s preventive health program that provided free, in-school health screenings for elementary-aged children in the greatest need, including urban core and low-income families from under-resourced neighborhoods.


Year 2

Ryan Fullmer, D.O.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
The staff was super friendly, I felt like I would be treated as a person rather than a resource. Overall, I had a positive feeling that this would be a place that both myself and my family would thrive.
Research/Special Interests:
Hematology/Oncology
What are your hobbies?
Anything outdoors, spending time with my family, and definitely eating!
Favorite part of Wichita:
Tacos TJ 664 along with all the fun places to take the family!
Favorite pediatric moment:
Honestly every moment with the kiddos, they truly are the best!


Roy Ghanem, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I experienced as a sub-intern an extremely friendly and supportive working environment that makes you feel part of a larger team and family. Despite being completely new to the country, let alone the program, I was given the same respect and attention that local KUMC students would get (if not more!) That is such an important feature for IMGs who are anxious about potential new surroundings. Also (seriously) the availability of food and drinks is a perk not many programs can offer and makes such a huge difference; one less thing to worry about.
Research/Special Interests:
This is something I will work to improve on. I am hoping to begin new research projects and to come across some interesting case reports! I hear the program is great in providing opportunities to attend nationwide conferences to broaden one's network.
What are your hobbies?
- Gym: Great offer at YMCA if you're at Wesley! Let the steam out after your long (but enjoyable) shifts.
- Soccer: The World Cup is coming to KC in Summer 2026! Bucket-list goals.
- Pickleball: Used to be paddle but you'll learn pickleball here in Wichita.
- Foodie: Loads of different restaurants to try. Texas Road House has the best bread I have ever tasted. I also have a habit of ranking the best burgers I've eaten (worldwide), and Belmont's smash burger wins it.
*Disclaimer: Not advertising*
Favorite pediatric moment:
From Lebanon: My name being remembered a day later by a 5-year-old female I had admitted for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Mom was particularly complimentary of my interaction with her kid, too. To have my name remembered by a child who I interacted with for only a few minutes while she was in extreme pain was reassuring of the mark I can leave on patients.

From Wesley: Having the morning attending agree with my suggestion of a pneumonia diagnosis in a 7-year-old male patient who had been admitted the night earlier for a supposed asthma attack and was only placed on asthma protocol. To be the main decision maker behind my patient requiring antibiotics gave me a sense of fulfilment and encouragement that I am influencing patients' lives for the better.


Abby Kisrow, D.O.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I was looking for a small program without fellows in a location that would be supportive of my family. I also felt a strong sense of community during my interview that made me feel right at home.
Favorite pediatric moment:
I love how kids will say the funniest and/or most endearing things despite how sick they may be. Sometimes they cannot help but put a smile on your face.
What are your hobbies?
Going to the gym, listening to music and sleeping
Favorite part of Wichita:
There is always something to do in the community from farmers markets and festivals to sporting events. It is almost impossible to be bored!


Leah Nasr, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
Warm and family-like feeling I felt during interviews. Smaller program brings more focus on each resident.
Research/Special Interests:
Interested in neonatal/perinatal medicine
Favorite pediatric moment:
The moment when a baby calms down directly when you hold them in your arms.
What are your hobbies?
Singing, baking, gym
Favorite part of Wichita:
Big heart city in a small sized one


Rebecca Solomon, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I chose KU Wichita Pediatrics because of the comforting, family-like feel I experienced during the interview. I was looking for a smaller program that would help me not miss home so much, and this truly feels like a home away from home. The supportive and accommodating nature of everyone here, from attendings to residents, has made that clear. With exposure to a wide variety of subspecialties and patient cases from a large catchment area, this program is the perfect fit for me to grow into an excellent pediatrician while feeling supported along the way.
Research/Special Interests:
Hematology/Oncology, Endocrinology, Neonatology and Critical Care
Favorite pediatric moment:
One of the most touching moments was when an 11-month-old hugged me tightly, not wanting to let go, right before her discharge. Later, her mum sent me an emotional thank-you note, sharing how safe she felt knowing her baby was in my care. It truly touched my heart, and I was so moved that I shed a tear. Moments like these remind me why I chose this path—making a real difference in the lives of little ones and their families!
What are your hobbies?
Baking, dancing (especially salsa), planning/hosting events, playing games, trying out new food and restaurants, volunteering, Disney and traveling.
Favorite part of Wichita:
There are so many beautiful restaurants, Ninza Sushi, Feng Cha, Texas Roadhouse, Home Grown!! I also enjoyed exploring the zoo. I'm definitely looking forward to going to more restaurants and exploring beautiful sights.


Year 1

Peace Ojimaojo Alabi, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics? 
From the moment of my interview, I felt the genuine warmth at KU Wichita Peds. It wasn't just a residency, but a place to grow as a person. Three months in, I'm absolutely certain I made the right choice. This program trains wholesome residents because it teaches us to be better advocates and kinder doctors. I look forward to coming to work every day because my colleagues feel like family and friends. If you want world-class training in a supportive culture that focuses on clinical excellence and personal growth, this is the complete package. It’s where you truly thrive.

Research/Special Interests:
Critical Care Pediatrics, Infectious Disease, Advocacy and Medical Education.

What are your hobbies?
Hanging out with friends, karaoke, playing board games and writing.

Favorite pediatric moment: 
When a dad sent me a thank-you note for caring for his baby. We had a tough case, and he wrote to thank me for being kind and explaining everything. It brightened my day and was my reminder that this is truly my calling.

Favorite part of Wichita: The people! Everyone is super warm and accommodating.


Hunter Cave, D.O.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
When going through the residency application process, it was important to me and my wife to end up somewhere close to one of our families. She grew up in Colwich, just to the northwest of Wichita, so this is basically home for us. Then, when I was in the interview and got to meet all the incredible people that were a part of the team here, I knew we would be happy at KU Peds!

Research/Special Interests:
I'm not a big research guy, personally, but I do love being able to dabble in every bit of pediatric medicine here at KU. I've always been someone who falls in love with whatever rotation I'm on at that moment, so being exposed to all different fields has been super helpful with how I approach my second and third years.

Favorite pediatric moment:
My favorite moment so far was being on my NICU rotation, giving a family an update and then, as I was walking out of the room, hearing the father turn to his wife and say (paraphrasing for website appropriateness), "I really like that doctor, he was cool."

What are your hobbies?
My wife and I are both residents at WCGME, so we like to spend quality time trying new restaurants or walking our dog, Olive. If we aren't doing that, I spend a good amount of time watching sports and playing video games with buddies from back home.

Favorite part of Wichita:
I went to undergrad at the University of Nebraska, and I feel like Wichita has a very similar vibe to Lincoln. A place that has the safe feel of a small town with all the amenities of a big city. It's remarkable how many different incredible food options there are here in Wichita!


M Aswab Iqbal Chugtai, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
The people! The people! The people! Everyone was amazing and continues to amaze me till this day. The level of kindness I have experienced inspires me to be a better person everyday.

Research/Special Interests:
Interested in a little bit of everything.

Favorite pediatric moment:
I had a 3-year-old patient who came in pretty sick. She would cry every time I went into the room because she didn’t want people around her, but we treated her illness and on the day of her discharge, when I was saying goodbye to the family, she took her pacifier out of her mouth, and said, "Thank you! Bye!" as I was closing the door behind me! I ended up going back in to say bye to her again! That's something I’ll never forget and brings a smile to my face whenever I think about it.

What are your hobbies?
Going out and exploring new places, biking, playing pickleball and all things cars!

Favorite part of Wichita:
Every part of the town has something different I like, so no favorites. It's all pretty cool.


Aakanksha Rana, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
Growing up in a huge family, I always wanted to choose a program that feels like a home, has the kindest people around and helps me grow in the most supportive environment ever. And I’m so glad I found exactly what I was looking for at KU Wichita Pediatrics!

Research/Special Interests:
NICU, Heme-Onc

Favorite pediatric moment:
I love working with babies (they’re just way too cute) and my favorite moment was one where I was able to help out a new stressed-out mom relax and soothe her. The fact that I was able to help both - the mom who was adapting to a huge new chapter in her life, and the baby who was adapting to an entire new world - made my day!

What are your hobbies?
I love reading (purely fiction though), traveling, cooking for people I love, crying my eyes out watching Korean dramas, and mostly spending time with my family and friends.

Favorite part of Wichita:
I love that Wichita has a very quiet and homely vibe. If I have a day off, you’ll usually find me strolling around antique markets in Wichita or exploring a new place to dine at!


Anthony Saad, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
Supportive and collaborative learning environment. The residents and attendings were approachable, teaching-oriented, and truly cared about patient care and trainee growth. I also value the program’s balance between strong clinical exposure and community-based training. 

Favorite pediatric moment: 
I was once called a “real one” by one of my clinic patients.

What are your hobbies?
Big sports fan, mainly soccer. Playing pickleball. Gaming

Favorite part of Wichita:
Very friendly community, no traffic


Phillippe Saad, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
KU Wichita Pediatrics has a close-knit, supportive learning environment while offering exposure to a diverse patient population. The program emphasizes community-based training, advocacy and resident well-being.

Research/Special Interests:
Hematology/oncology, QI, advocacy

Favorite pediatric moment: 
Celebrating with a child on the day of their last chemotherapy session for leukemia. One of the few moments filled with joy, relief and hope that reminds me why I chose pediatrics.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy watching anime and TV shows and spending time with friends and family. I also love being part of social events and volunteering with community organizations.

Favorite part of Wichita:
I appreciate the balance Wichita offers: a welcoming community with the amenities of a city but the warmth of a smaller town.


Reem Siblini, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I chose KU Wichita Pediatrics because I immediately felt welcomed and supported here, especially as an IMG. From the very first interaction, I knew this was the program I want to match in.

Research/Special Interests
Newborn, Emergency, Intensive care

Favorite pediatric moment:
So many! But the most adorable is when newborns smile in their sleep <3

What are your hobbies?
Oooh too many to list, I will go with cooking/baking, archery, arts/crafts, hopefully racing lol.

Favorite part of Wichita:
Kansas Wildlife Exhibit


Aqsa Tariq, M.D.

Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics? 
I chose KU wichita Pediatrics for its strong training, supportive faculty and diverse patient population. I had a wonderful interview experience where I immediately felt welcomed, reinforcing that this is the right place for me to grow as a pediatrician.

Research/Special Interests: 
I am particularly interested in exploring pediatric neurology and pulmonology as potential subspecialties during residency.

Favorite pediatric moment: 
I am always amazed by the incredible healing power of children. It never fails to inspire and uplift me.

What are your hobbies? 
I enjoy baking and love spending time with my family.

Favorite part of Wichita:
My favorite part of Wichita is that it’s peaceful and quiet, which I really enjoy.


KU School of Medicine-Wichita

1010 North Kansas
Wichita, KS 67214-3199
316-293-2635