Unveiling the New Prominent Residents Set to Head Medical Residencies in 2023
In the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, three new Chief Residents are set to make a significant impact in the field of Internal Medicine and Medicine/Pediatrics. Joseph Daniel, DO, Mason Winkie, MD, and Tess Decater have been recognised for their exceptional leadership roles within various residency programs, demonstrating strong clinical skills, a dedication to education, and a commitment to quality improvement.
These new chief residents were recently welcomed into their positions, celebrated in the Chair's Spotlight of their respective programs. Their appointments mark a new chapter in their journey, one that promises to be marked by leadership, mentorship, and a continued focus on patient care and education.
At Saint Louis University, Chief Residents like Ryan Plunkett, MD, and Adam Streicher, DO, have been making a difference. Plunkett focuses on patient safety and quality improvement, with clinical interests in gastroenterology and hepatology. Streicher values compassionate care, mentorship, and plans to practice general internal medicine locally. Outside of medicine, he enjoys distance running and spending time with his family.
Our new chief residents follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, combining strong clinical training with educational roles, mentoring, and contributing to program enhancement initiatives. As core educators for other residents and interns, they guide both clinical and professional development during residency.
Mujtaba Soniwala, DO, will be a hospitalist at Strong Memorial Hospital. Samuel Ayo, MD, will be a Geriatrics fellow at the medical center. Guylda Johnson, MD, advises protecting oneself and taking time for self-care. Anima Ghimire, DO, studied American History in college and did a 4-week archaeological field trip in Bermuda. Sara Gianfagna, DO, advises never underestimating the power of checking in with residents.
Sarah Rusnak, MD, is from the University of Buffalo. Taylor Cox, MD, is excited about dedicated time for teaching medical students and residents. Jenny Schreiber, MD, advises learning as much as possible, challenging residents, and enjoying the journey. Sarah Rusnak, MD, is excited to work with residents and students on the wards. Mujtaba Soniwala, DO, advises recognising the privilege of being a mentor, opening one's office to residents, and celebrating their successes.
Piotr Karmilowicz, MD, is excited about helping residents navigate through residency. He graduated from the University at Buffalo for medical school. Taylor Cox, MD, graduated from East Tennessee State University for medical school. Taylor Cox, MD, is an avid reader and has been trying to read more Cormac McCarthy recently.
Erin Good, MD, is from a combination of Pittsburgh, PA, and Connecticut. She is excited about helping residents realise their personal and professional goals without sacrificing wellness. Erin Good, MD, graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine in DC. She works as a team on medicine and pediatrics to continue to build anti-racist and anti-sexist environments for trainees and patients.
Piotr Karmilowicz, MD, was born in Lomza, Poland, and moved to Buffalo NY when he was 14. He is currently learning how to water ski on ONE ski and is an avid juicer. Anima Ghimire, DO, is from Boise, ID, but born in Kathmandu, Nepal. She graduated from Kansas City University of Osteopathic Medicine.
Sara Gianfagna, DO, will join the General Medicine division as an attending and a resident preceptor at Strong Internal Medicine. Erin Good, MD, is a certified scuba diver. Taylor Cox, MD, is originally from Corryton, TN. Guylda Johnson, MD, will join the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for a GI fellowship. Anima Ghimire, DO, is excited about guiding new interns and engaging in the administrative side of hospital medicine.
Erin Good, MD, and her mom have catered a friend's 120-person wedding. Sarah Rusnak, MD, looks forward to learning more skills to be an effective teacher as an attending. Taylor Cox, MD, hopes to learn some Vietnamese in her spare time next year. Piotr Karmilowicz, MD, is excited about helping residents navigate through residency.
These new chief residents bring a wealth of experience, diverse backgrounds, and unique perspectives to their roles. Their appointments mark an exciting time for the field of Internal Medicine and Medicine/Pediatrics, as they are poised to make a significant impact on the future of patient care and medical education.
The new chief residents, including Joseph Daniel, Mason Winkie, and Tess Decater, will focus on leadership, mentorship, and continued education, aligned with their roles in patient care. Their diversity and unique backgrounds will contribute to a significant impact on the future of medical education, science, health-and-wellness, and medical-conditions within Internal Medicine and Medicine/Pediatrics.
As core educators, they will guide clinical and professional development during residency, fostering an environment that promotes patient care, quality improvement, and self-care. Their dedication to providing comprehensive education will ensure the success of future generations of medical professionals.
