Meet Our General Surgery Residents


surgery residents

PGY-5

Ahmed Almazrou, MD

Ahmed AlmazrouAhmed received his medical degree from King Saud University and Master of Science from Cornell University. Prior to starting his junior surgical residency training at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, Ahmed completed a surgical outcomes research fellowship at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. He has published several articles and obtained a number of research grants. He enjoys exploring local cafes and watching soccer games in his free time.


Ahmed Mostafa, MD

Ahmed Mostafa, MDMy name is Ahmed Mostafa right after finishing medical school in Egypt I started my journey to the U.S. Along the way I’ve met and studied under some of the kindest people I have grown lucky to call my mentors. I’ve had the privilege of being exposed to several cities, hospitals, each with physicians unique in their teaching but all compassionate in their care. In my spare time I like to read and watch comedies. I’m always looking for a new squash player in the team.

PGY-4

Rami Mustafa, MD

Rami Mustafa, MDI studied medicine in Egypt, finished my surgery residency, and earned a master’s degree in Trauma, I was incredibly fortunate to receive the PhD scholarship Award as dual supervision between Menoufia University and Case Western Reserve in Cleveland. Also, I’ve finished a clinical research fellowship at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, after that, I did my internship year at UH of Cleveland/CWRU, and continued my second year at Jefferson Health in Abington, Pa. Now I’m truly delighted to continue general surgery training at Trinity Health/Nazareth Hospital one of the biggest health systems in the country among fantastic staff and peers. I love cooking, spending time with my family, cycling, and traveling, also a PlayStation addict


Julianne Pilla, MD

Julianne Pilla, MDBorn in Southern N.J. I attended Ursinus College in Pa., where I majored in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. At Ursinus, I played NCAA Field Hockey and studied abroad in Bonaire, Netherland Antilles focusing on Marine Biology. After undergrad, I taught English in Madrid, Spain for one year before attending Medical School at Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. I commissioned as an officer in the medical corps as a recipient of the U.S. Air Force Health Profession scholarship program. I then completed a year of surgical internship at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento before attending USAF Flight Surgeon training. I spent three years serving overseas in Okinawa, Japan as the 67th Fighter Squadron Flight Doc, where I met my fiancé, who is a fighter pilot in the Air Force. I recently became a certified yoga instructor. I love hiking and snowboarding and treating my loved ones to homemade gnocchi.

PGY-3

Shashank Thyarala, MD

Shashank Thyarala, MDI was born in India and grew up in Galway, Ireland. I stayed in my hometown and went to med school at NUI Galway. I became interested in surgery towards the latter stages of med school. It has become my passion and I look forward to a rewarding career in surgery.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy football, I’m a big Arsenal fan. I also enjoy cooking, watching TV shows, and video games. I try my best to make time for family and friends.

Moving from Ireland to the States has been a big change! I look forward to exploring Philadelphia and the Northeast and seeing what the area has to offer!


Tanner J. Wright, MD

Tanner J. WrightI began my medical journey studying exercise science at Brigham Young University. In the middle of my undergraduate education, I spent two years in Antofagasta, Chile and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Immersed in Latin culture, my passion for assisting underserved Hispanic populations ignited, leading me to volunteer as a Spanish medical interpreter. It was during this time that I also crossed paths with my wonderful wife. Following my graduation from BYU in 2018, I pursued medical school at Washington State University, followed by a general surgery intern year at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. We now have three kids ages 3 years, 2 years, and 4 months. I enjoy weightlifting, wakeboarding, snowboarding, pickleball, ping-pong, and corn hole. I’ve been drawn to surgery ever since I took a high school anatomy class. In general surgery, I love that we see a wide variety of disease processes, procedures, and patient populations. The surgery we perform is often lifesaving and can significantly improve quality of life. I am so excited to be at Nazareth Hospital to serve a diverse population and be a part of the historic and vibrant city of Philadelphia.

PGY-2

George Chapa, DO

George ChapaI was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio where I spent a lot of time riding four wheelers and dirt bikes growing up. Once I graduated high school, I moved down to South Florida where I was the first person in my family to go to college. I attended Florida Gulf Coast University where I majored in Biology, minored in Chemistry, and participated in Organic Chemistry research creating resveratrol analogues using a novel synthetic pathway to be used for research on mesenchymal stem cells. After undergrad, I worked as a medical assistant for a year in a very busy Orthopedics office until I started medical school at Nova Southeastern University KPCOM in Fort Lauderdale. I then completed a General Surgery intern year at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California. I was very happy to have matched at Nazareth Hospital, allowing me to live much closer to my parents and 6 siblings than I have in the past decade. In my free time I like turning wrenches on my cars, woodworking, weightlifting, snowboarding, and traveling.


Eric Luo, MD

Eric LuoA native of Tampa, Florida, I attended medical school at the University of South Florida. I have always had an interested in surgery, eventually deciding on general surgery once I finally started my medical education. I’m really excited to spend my next five years with wonderful attendings and residents here in Philadelphia! Outside the hospital, I love playing/watching tennis, reading about history, meal prepping, and exercising.

 

PGY-1

Devika Soin, DO

Devika SoinBio to come

 

 


Anthony Tigano, MD

Anthony Tigano, MDI was born in South Jersey and have always wanted to remain close to the Philadelphia area. I attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in North Philadelphia before being accepted into the 3+4 BS/MD program with Rowan University and Cooper Medical School. At Rowan I was able to play varsity football as a placekicker. At Cooper, I received a comprehensive medical education that sparked my passion for surgery through extensive exposure to the operating room. I also had the opportunity to give back to the community by engaging in local service and founding the Food Recovery Network, an organization that continues to thrive today. The high volume of trauma cases at Cooper enabled me to participate in multicenter research, with findings that have the potential to inform and improve protocols in major trauma centers.

Outside of the operating room I enjoy boxing, pickup sports with friends, and exploring the city. In the winter, you can find me at the mountains snowboarding or watching the Eagles. In the summer I’m golfing or at the Jersey Shore.

I’m looking forward to my surgical training in Philly and serving the community that once raised me.

PGY-1 Prelim

Stephan Attilus, MD

Stephan Attilus, MDI was born and raised in Florida. I’m a proud first-generation doctor from Haitian immigrants. My interest in medicine peaked after seeing the movie “Gifted Hands,” about the life of Dr. Ben Carson. The fact that a man from such humble beginnings had the impact that he had in the field of medicine really inspired me. I went to undergrad at Florida Atlantic University, pursued a masters in biomedical science at Thomas Jefferson University, and attended St. George’s University School of Medicine.

Having completed a masters in Philadelphia and living in the city for four years, I was excited to get the opportunity to start my journey as a surgical resident in the city. I enjoy watching and playing sports, traveling, wine tasting with my friends, and playing guitar.


Alayna Nelson, DO

Alayna Nelson, DOBio to come

 

 

Past Residents


2025 Alumni

Sakshi Mathur Dhar, MDSakshi Mathur Dhar, MD

Vascular Surgery Fellowship
University of Texas - San Antonio

Dimitrios Xourafas, MDDimitrios Xourafas, MD

Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship
University of Illinois - Chicago