Meet Our Ophthalmology Residents

PGY-4

Ali Arif, MD

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Undergraduate: Kent State University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Hobbies/Interests: Gaming, exploring different cuisines, spending time with family

Ali was raised in Texas and completed a competitive combined 2+4 year B.S.M.D. program at Kent State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). This accelerated pathway allowed Ali to demonstrate academic excellence while gaining early exposure to medical training. Throughout medical school, Ali's passion for ophthalmology grew by witnessing the field’s remarkable ability to preserve and restore vision, fundamentally changing patients’ lives. They are particularly drawn to the precision and artistry required in ophthalmic procedures, and looks forward to contributing to this impactful specialty. Beyond that, ophthalmology’s focus on the forefront of technology has also inspired Ali in experimenting with new techniques personally, including 3D printing and software development.

Outside of medicine, Ali enjoys gaming as a way to unwind and connect with friends. They also have a passion for exploring restaurants and trying diverse cuisines, and cherish time spent with family. He continues to enjoy exploring technology like 3D printing as well.

Nida Safdar, MD

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas Dallas
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
Hobbies/Interests: Art, photography, reading, traveling

Nida completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she majored in neuroscience and developed an early interest in the complex relationship between the brain and vision. She went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where her passion for ophthalmology deepened through both clinical and research experiences. She has worked in administrative setting, gaining valuable insight into the inner workings of a clinic. This experience has shaped her understanding of the patient journey beyond the exam room and deepened her appreciation for efficient, team-based care.

PGY-3

Ahmed Chaudhry, DO

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM) 
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, horseback riding, nature trail/hiking, philosophy/theology

Ahmed is from the greater Philadelphia area and was raised here. His origins are natively from Pakistan and his family moved to this country about 50 years ago.

One of the main reasons he chose Nazareth hospital is because he is familiar with the surrounding community and many of the struggles that the local community endures. Having had several friends and family members who have previously been involved with Nazareth, he feels like he is ‘coming home’ in many ways as he begins his journey of being part of this community and offering whatever services he can, in his capacity, to help those in need.

Ahmed is excited to start ophthalmology residency. He knows that his time at Nazareth will be well spent, and his training will be excellent.

PGY-2

Chase Miller, MD

Hometown: Avon Lake, OH
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Biking, skiing, reading, watching football and pickleball.

Chase grew up on the westside of Cleveland (Go Browns!) before he went to college and majored in neuroscience and philosophy at Notre Dame then attended CUSOM. There he worked as a cornea recovery technician with the local Omaha, Neb., eye bank for patients requiring corneal transplants in the region before starting his Ophthalmology Residency at Nazareth Hospital.

Kathryn Mitchell, DO

Hometown: Luton, England
Undergraduate: Abilene Christian University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Art, traveling, Judo and Jiu-jitsu

Kathryn is originally from England and moved to the United States at a young age. She completed her undergraduate studies at Abilene Christian University, where she majored in biology and participated in medical missions assisting with cataract surgery in Guatemala, furthering her interest in ophthalmology and global health. After college, she worked as a technician in ophthalmology and optometry before completing a graduate degree in Biomedical Sciences. Kathryn then attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she furthered her education in ophthalmology through specialty-focused research. Outside of medicine, Kathryn enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Ollie. She looks forward to continuing her growth in ophthalmology while becoming an active member in the Philadelphia community. 

Past residents

Ely Manstein, MD

Hometown: Elkins Park, Pa.
Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Ibraheem Rehman, MD

Hometown: Vestal, New York
Undergraduate: Cornell University
Medical School: Emory Medical School

Muhamad Festok, MD

Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Undergraduate: Birmingham-Southern College
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University

Michael Gaspari, DO

Hometown: Long Island, N.Y.
Undergraduate: New York Institute of Technology
Medical School: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine

Abid Haseeb, MD

Hometown: Rockford, Illinois
Undergraduate: Brown University
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Behnam Rabiee, MD, MPH

Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Ophthalmology Research Fellowship: University of Illinois at Chicago