Meet Our Residents
Learn more about our current Family Medicine residents.
Third Year Residents
Jose David Alcala, MD
Medical Education: Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia
David was born and raised in Venezuela. He obtained his medical degree at Universidad de Carabobo in Valencia. After graduating, he practiced medicine in a remote rural area where he was able to gain experience in the fields of Pediatrics and OB/GYN. Working in a rural location enabled him to develop skills in efficient resource management and creative problem-solving. Later on, he began rotating in the Surgery department in a hospital that serves one of the largest underserved communities in Valencia. Taking care of people with low socio-economic status enhanced his understanding of social determinants of health that affect disease. After moving to Miami, he briefly rotated at the Internal Medicine department in Jackson Memorial Hospital with the University of Miami. David’s experiences made him very well versed in all aspects of medicine and yet his passion for Family Medicine never wavered. David enjoys going to the beach, trying new restaurants, jogging, and working out. David is thrilled to be part of the Saint Francis Hospital family due to its culture of serving the less fortunate, community outreach, and being an unopposed program, which will make him a competent family physician ready to meet the needs of his community.
Ghazaleh Barghgir, MD
Medical Education: Ross University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: York University
Ghazaleh was born in Tehran, Iran, and moved to Toronto, Canada when she was 13 years old. At a very young age, she grasped the importance of preventative health and social determinants of health. During her clinical rotations, she found Family Medicine alluring because of its comprehensive approach, diversity of patients, and continuity of care. After graduating from medical school, she served as the Chief Junior Faculty at Ross University. During her tenure, she instructed students on simulations, physical exams, and clinical decision-making through group-based learning and served as a mentor. She later worked as a patient coordinator at the Gynecology Department at Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Center and a part-time medical assistant at a walk-in clinic in an underserved area. Ghazaleh is passionate about women's health and aims to set the ground for change by influencing public policy. She chose Saint Francis because it is an unopposed program, has a rigorous curriculum, and has an incredibly caring environment. Her journey to Saint Francis has spanned five different countries. Ghazaleh enjoys arts and crafts, reading, cooking, and watching documentaries. She speaks Farsi, English, and Turkish and is working on learning Spanish.
Russell T. Heckburn, MD
Medical Education: Saint James School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: University of Toronto
Russell was born in Jamaica and migrated to Canada when he was 9 years old. He attended the University of Toronto to study psychology and biology while working as a private tutor for families in his community. His passion to help others coupled with his strong interest in learning the natural sciences propelled him to pursue a career in medicine. In addition, his clinical training in Chicago exposed him to large minority and immigrant populations that are underserved, which he hopes to further contribute to in his career. Russell chose the unopposed family medicine residency program at Saint Francis Hospital to diversify his skills and training while he helps care for the underserved urban community of Wilmington. Russell is excited to become a family physician who will assist all persons holistically through education and advocacy, all while fulfilling his passion to better understand human psychology and physiology as he advances in his career. In his spare time, if he is not working on his cooking or baking skills, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places.
Arielle C. Ngameni Mouani, MD
Medical Education: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Arielle is originally from Cameroon but was raised in Germantown, Maryland since she was a teenager. She is fluent in French and English but wishes to improve her Spanish. She attended the University of Maryland-Baltimore County and majored in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She received her Medical Doctorate at the American University of Antigua. Arielle chose Family Medicine as a specialty because of its holistic approach and continuity of care. She specifically chose Saint Francis Hospital because of the diversity of its community, the warm welcoming staff, and the emphasis on disease prevention. Arielle's medical interests include preventive medicine, working with a diverse community, managing chronic diseases, and patient advocacy. After residency, Arielle will be pursuing a fellowship in Addiction Medicine. Outside medicine, Arielle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, her dog Grace, shopping, traveling, watching soccer, and discovering new cuisine. Arielle is thrilled and grateful to be part of Saint Francis Hospital and to work with an incredible team of well-trained physicians.
Thomas O’Donnell, MD
Medical Education: St. George’s University
Undergraduate Education: University of Delaware
Thomas was born in Denville, New Jersey, where he spent the early parts of his childhood before moving to Wilmington, Delaware to attend Archmere Academy. Afterwards, he attended the University of Delaware where he received a dual major in Biochemistry and Chemistry. Spending time with his older brother who is an anesthesiologist in the navy and working with the Red Cross in the Wilmington VA, encouraged him to pursue his medical degree which he completed at St. George’s University. Thomas has a strong connection to the local area of Wilmington as many of his family members grew up here and still live within the area. The Saint Francis Family Medicine Program stood out in particular to him as his grandmother had spent her final days in the care of the hospital and as such, he seeks to give back to the community that showed such an amazing level of compassion during a difficult time. Thomas’ medical interests are in addiction medicine and outpatient care that focuses on forming a strong cornerstone of a community. He hopes to pursue a fellowship in addiction medicine following residency, which stems from his own experiences of having close family members who struggled with addiction. His hobbies outside of work include spending time with friends and family, outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, playing video games, watching movies, and traveling. Thomas is extremely proud and grateful to be a part of Saint Francis and hopes to stay within this area after residency ends.
Tuyet Phan, MD
Medical Education: University of Medicine and Health Sciences - St. Kitts
Undergraduate Education: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Tuyet was born and raised in Vietnam and moved to Baltimore, Maryland with her family when she was 17 years old. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She then received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences - St. Kitts. She was drawn to the field of Family Medicine because of its focus on preventative medicine, building long-term relationships with patients, and its flexibility. Her hobbies include gardening, crocheting, knitting, painting, and DIYing. Tuyet is very excited to join the Saint Francis Family Medicine team and looks forward to the next chapter in her career. After her Residency, she hopes to work as a hospitalist and simultaneously maintain an outpatient practice.
Second Year Residents
Amanpreet Aujla, MD
Medical Education: St. George's University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Amanpreet was born and raised in Laurel, Maryland. She obtained her medical degree from St. Georges University. Her passion for medicine began when she was working at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, a treatment research unit dedicated to developing and evaluating behavioral interventions that address problems such as drug addiction and poverty. Under this intervention, adults who struggled with drug addictions had the chance to earn wages while meeting treatment goals of abstinence and medication adherence. She was drawn to family medicine due to its focus on preventative care and being able to build trustworthy relationships with patients. Outside medicine, Amanpreet enjoys trying out new restaurants, watching new movies, and spending time with friends.
Ragini Ganjoo, MD
Medical Education: Windsor University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: University of Maryland, College Park
Ragini was born in India and immigrated to Bowie, Maryland when she was three years old. She attended The University of Maryland, College Park where she majored in neurobiology and physiology. While at Windsor University School of Medicine, Ragini took a keen interest in working with underserved populations. Breaking the various cultural and socioeconomic barriers that limit access to healthcare are just a few of the things that Ragini is passionate about. The ability to work with a variety of medical cases as well as the immense value of preventative care led her to choosing family medicine. Ragini chose Saint Francis because it has a unique nurturing and supportive learning environment and because it is an unopposed program that allows her a greater opportunity to train and learn from all medical disciplines. In her free time, Ragini enjoys being physically active, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family.
Merna Haridi, MD
Medical Education: St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: Barnard College of Columbia University
Merna was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up with her Egyptian parents and is the eldest of four. Merna attended Barnard College of Columbia University, the all-women’s Ivy League institution in NYC, as a first-generation college student where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. She then graduated from Walden University with her Master in Public Health while attending St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine, earning her medical degree. Growing up in Brooklyn and completing clinical rotations in Michigan has allowed Merna to witness the enormous effect that social determinants of health have on a patient’s life. She strongly believes that having a primary care physician that understands those variables affects a patient’s trust with the entire system. Merna has been able to experience medicine in the United States and Egypt, providing her with a diverse patient population to help and learn from. Her interests lie in improving access to women’s health and reproductive health, preventative medicine, integrative medicine, mental health, and patient advocacy. Merna has a great passion for mentorship and teaching, and she continues to mentor both high school and college minority students pursuing the pre-medical track. Family medicine fuels her passion for social justice and the ability to care for all aspects of a patient’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being regardless of age, sex, religion, etc. She chose Saint Francis Hospital for her Family Medicine Residency training because of the strong sense of community the program carries on, as well as its commitment to advocating for patients’ needs on a personal and community level. In her spare time, Merna enjoys competitive swimming, tennis, meditating, painting, and spending time with her family. She is grateful to be a part of the Saint Francis Hospital family and excited to be beginning a new chapter in her life as a family physician in Wilmington.
Maria Henriquez, MD
Medical Education: Universidad de Carabobo
Maria was born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela where she obtained her medical degree at Universidad de Carabobo. Soon after graduation, she practiced medicine in a remote rural area where she had extensive experience treating all spectrums of patients. After moving to the United States, she worked as a medical assistant alongside family medicine doctors and obstetricians. Also, she began to work in a rural area in Weimar, Texas helping and advocating for underserved communities. Her previous experience in the medical field allowed her to choose Family Medicine because of the ability to serve in a holistic way and build a close connection with patients and their family members. Maria chose Saint Francis Hospital due to it being an unopposed program, that centers education on community-based activities throughout a diverse population. In her free time, Maria enjoys mountain biking with her husband, CrossFit, and caring for her three pet babies (Zeus, Apollo and Thunder).
Michael Persch, MD
Medical Education: St. George's University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: Saint Joseph's University
Michael was born and raised in Chester County, Pennsylvania where he grew up stocking shelves in his family’s grocery stores. He attended St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia earning a degree in Biology. After graduation, Michael worked for Prudential Financial as a part of the medical underwriting team for long-term care insurance. While working in the corporate insurance world, Michael’s childhood dream of becoming a physician was re-ignited. He enrolled in post-baccalaureate classes at West Chester University and set back on the path to achieve these goals. Michael earned his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. While in Grenada he was involved with the ECIP: Early Childhood Intervention Program, bringing much needed care to children with Autism and other assorted childhood ailments. Michael is a “rabid” Philadelphia sports fan and enjoys spending time on the Chesapeake Bay. Dog dad to Carson, whom he adopted from the Island of Grenada!!!
Jacob Scott, MD
Medical Education: Trinity School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: Salisbury University
Jacob was born and raised in Aberdeen MD. He earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Salisbury University. He then earned his Doctor of Medicine from Trinity School of Medicine. Throughout his clerkships in Baltimore MD, he discovered his main interests in medicine include primary care, preventative medicine, and sports medicine. Interests outside of medicine include soccer, lacrosse, golf, hiking, snowboarding, or any other outdoor activity. He is excited to start training at Saint Francis Family Medicine Program.
First Year Residents
Leandro V. Bealuka, MD
Medical Education: Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Brazil
Leandro is originally from Telemaco Borba, a city in southern Brazil. Influenced by his father, his journey began in electrical engineering before discovering his true calling in medicine. He earned his medical degree at Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina—Tubarao, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and went on to practice as a dedicated family physician for nearly a decade in his home country. Driven by a desire to expand his expertise and training, Leandro pursued his dream of further education in the United States.
His journey led him to Saint Francis Hospital, a place he describes as more than a training ground—it’s a close-knit community where he feels fortunate to belong. Leandro's medical interests encompass geriatrics, palliative care, and public health, reflecting his commitment to comprehensive patient care and community well-being. His passion for palliative care was profoundly influenced by his grandfather’s situation, an experience that shaped him as a physician and deepened his resolve to provide compassionate care for patients and their families.
Beyond medicine, Leandro finds joy in outdoor activities and road trips, exploring new landscapes and coffee shops. He has a passion for mechanics and enjoys cooking for his loved ones, accompanied by his wife and his beloved dog, Amora.
Thomas Bonitz, DO
Medical Education: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Seton Hill
Undergraduate Education: Shippensburg University
Thomas was born and raised in York, Pennsylvania, where he grew up working for his father’s small business, installing carpet and other types of flooring. He attended Shippensburg University, where he discovered his interests in exercise, nutrition, health, teaching and science. Ultimately, this is where his passion for medicine began. It is also where he met his wonderful wife, Kayle, who has always been his biggest supporter.
Thomas chose to pursue osteopathic medicine because he believes that a holistic approach to evaluating and treating patients, combined with additional training in the musculoskeletal system, yields the best results when integrated with modern medicine. His commitment to the principles of osteopathic medicine led him to specialize in family medicine, as he is passionate about preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine. He chose Saint Francis because his personal beliefs align perfectly with the institution’s mission to improve the health and lives of patients from within the community.
Saint Francis is an unopposed program that allows its family medicine residents to gain extensive training and experience in all aspects of medicine, which is important to him because he loves to learn. Thomas hopes to bring osteopathic manipulative medicine and other treatments to Wilmington and help integrate their use into the community as he becomes a part of it. In his free time, he enjoys spending time on the beach, athletics, exercising, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and two cats, Mittens and Ivy.
Samuel Brosman, MD
Medical Education: Trinity School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: Elmira College
Sam grew up in Atlantic County, New Jersey, where he developed a deep empathy for the special needs community. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Elmira College in biochemistry and biology, and his medical degree from Trinity School of Medicine. It was his time spent at local orphanages during medical school that truly broadened his perspective. There, Sam found himself caring for a diverse range of children, each with their own unique challenges and needs.
After graduation, Sam worked at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, where he specialized in pediatric care for children with Autism. This phase of his career was marked by dedication and innovation, as he sought to improve the lives of his young patients through compassionate and personalized care. His efforts were driven by a genuine desire to build lasting, trustworthy relationships with each patient he encountered. Sam’s transition to Family Medicine at Saint Francis was a natural progression, reflecting his belief in the power of primary care to foster community health and wellbeing. He appreciates the ability to integrate his interests in primary care, sports medicine, and his specialized knowledge of Autism care.
Outside of medicine, Sam finds joy in cooking, exploring new restaurants, spending time at the beach, and of course, as an avid baseball fan is often watching Philadelphia sports.
Ahmad Hamade, MD
Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: The University of Western Ontario
Ahmad was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and comes from a Lebanese background. Growing up he always had a passion for science which ultimately led him to pursue his undergraduate degree in biological and medical sciences at The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada.
During his undergraduate studies Ahmad discovered his passion for medicine and began his medical journey in the Caribbean. While living there, he drew interest in family medicine as it prioritizes preventative medicine and allows you to be a strong health advocate for marginalized communities. He has always had a passion for mentorship and educational scholarship which is why he always pursued opportunities to be a teaching assistant and clinical skills tutor during medical school.
Following medical school graduation, he worked as a medical assistant in family and pain medicine. This allowed him to further refine his clinical skills and continue to enhance his medical knowledge. He also worked in a nursing home particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic which allowed him to be at the forefront for vulnerable populations. He has always had interest in research and continues to work as a research assistant at McMaster University in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario in the department of Family Medicine, division of Palliative Care. He was excited to match at Saint Francis Hospital as it is an unopposed program and serves a high-risk population which will give him a vast amount of clinical exposure allowing him to be a strong well-rounded competent physician in practice.
Outside of medicine Ahmad loves spending time with his spouse, watching and playing sports such as basketball and soccer, spending time outdoors, and going to the gym.
Juan Leon Ariza, MD
Medical Education: Universidad de La Sabana, Columbia
Juan was born in Colombia and raised in Japan. He obtained his Medical Degree from Universidad de La Sabana. His interest in primary care emerged early in his career while working for diverse underserved communities. Juan’s multicultural background has enabled him to serve diverse populations across different countries.
Juan has worked in the outpatient setting in Miami, and this experience has allowed him to expand his knowledge of chronic diseases and reaffirm his love for Family Medicine. He has an interesting research profile and has published cutting-edge papers in numerous peer-reviewed journals, providing him with valuable knowledge and recognition in different medical fields.
He enjoys traveling and learning from cultures while sharing his own experiences with others. In his spare time, Juan enjoys running, watching and playing soccer, and spending time with his family.
Maria Nadales Lusinche, MD
Medical Education: Universidad de Carabobo, Venezuela
Maria born and raised in Venezuela, where she obtained her medical degree at the Universidad de Carabobo. Seeking further education opportunities, she moved to Spain, where she earned her master’s in business administration before relocating to Miami to prepare for her career as a physician in the U.S.
Deeply committed to helping others, Maria served as a board member of the Venezuelan American Medical Association for three years, providing support to other foreign physicians as well as advocating for the health and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this journey, she was honored to participate as a volunteer physician on the Enduring Promise mission aboard the USNS Comfort hospital ship alongside the United States Naval Forces Southern Command. Maria’s medical interests are focused on metabolic and longevity medicine, and she is currently involved in Artificial Intelligence research as well as actively contributing as one of the Spanish editors for the official podcast of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Outside of her professional life, Maria cherishes her roles as a mother to a baby girl and a loving wife. She has a deep passion for travel, savoring sunsets, enjoying fine wine, and relishing Mediterranean cuisine.