Abha Athawale
Abha graduated Magna cum Laude from Wake Forest University where she received a BS in Health and Exercise Science. During her time at Wake Forest University, Abha worked at the Behavioral Medicine Lab where she served as a behavioral coach and research assistant for a study focused on decreasing chronic pain in older adults by means of physical activity. Abha also volunteered at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital as a cancer strategist, acting as a liaison between patient and provider. Invested in children’s health, Abha hopes to be a pediatrician one day.
During her gap year at Gastro Health, Abha is excited to interact with patients, learn new skills, and be mentored by the Gastro Health physicians. In her free time Abha enjoys music, traveling, good food, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.
Alexa Betjemann
Alexa graduated Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University in Spring 2024 and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society as a junior. She completed a double major in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Medicine, Health, and Society, along with a minor in Anthropology. Her academic journey included both basic and translational research. She explored the role of weight cycling in mast cells, and she contributed to research on sepsis-induced kidney failure. Additionally, Alexa was a dedicated STEM peer tutor, meeting weekly with students to support their academic success, and she was actively involved with the Doctors Without Borders chapter at Vanderbilt. In college, she also worked as a Patient Care Technician at her local hospital, which reinforced her commitment to patient-centered care.
Currently, Alexa works at Gastro Health as both a Clinical Research Coordinator and a Medical Assistant, where she enjoys the balance of managing clinical studies while interacting directly with patients in a clinical setting. She aims to integrate her passion for research with patient care in her future career as an internal medicine physician. In her free time, Alexa enjoys spending quality moments with friends and family, taking her dog on walks, and going for long runs. Since moving to Boston, she has loved exploring the city and is excited about joining the local running clubs.
Malia Burden
Malia Burden graduated from Boston College in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time at Boston College, Malia was a member of the Public Health Club, where she had an internship working for the Eradicate Childhood Obesity Foundation. She also enjoyed being a mentor for underclassmen with the women-in-STEM group. During her time as a Gap Year Medical Assistant, Malia gained clinical experience, work directly with patients, and learn from her fellow colleagues. In her free time, she enjoys exercise, spending time with friends and family, and watching the Chicago Bears.
Karissa Dipierro
Karissa Dipierro graduated with honors from Cornell University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, concentrating in microbiology and minoring in nutrition and health. During her time at Cornell, she participated in multiple research projects and held leadership positions in the Food Recovery Network and the Cornell Center for Health Equity Undergraduate Chapter. Karissa developed a passion for direct patient care while working as a hospital aide at Cayuga Medical Center. At Gastro Health, Karissa worked one-on-one with patients, learning more about practicing medicine. In her free time, she enjoys roller skating, crocheting, and attending concerts.
Leyla Ewald
Originally from Boston, Leyla joined Gastro Health after graduating Cum Laude from Harvard University in Spring 2023. At Harvard, she studied Biology with a secondary concentration in Global Health and Health Policy. Throughout her four undergraduate years, she conducted research in the Giribet Lab, focusing on population genomics in coral reefs. She also continued research in genetics at the Mount Sinai Precision Immunology Institute. Additionally, Leyla worked as a teaching assistant in Introductory Life Sciences, volunteered in a food lab, led group fitness classes, and was a backpacking leader of the First-Year Outdoor Program.
During her time at Gastro Health, Leyla is especially looking forward to gaining patient-centered experience and learning more about the gut-mind connection. She plans to apply to medical school next year. In her free time, Leyla particularly enjoys baking, running, and hiking with her dog, Toby.
Elizabeth Flagg
Elizabeth Flagg graduated from Boston University with a degree in biomedical engineering. During her time at Gastro Health's Gap Year Medical Assistant Program, she particularly enjoyed working one-on-one with patients while conducting Fibroscans and Pill Capsule Endoscopies, which helped her gain confidence in a clinical setting. She also valued the opportunity to improve her Spanish by working with many Spanish-speaking patients. In addition to leading several clinical research studies at Gastro Health, Elizabeth is engaged in a computational research project investigating textural features associated with immunotherapy in brain tumors. After her time at Gastro Health, she attended NYU Grossman School of Medicine to pursue general surgery or radiation oncology.
Arielle Friedman
Arielle Friedman graduated from UC San Diego in June 2020 with a Bachelor's in Neuroscience and Physiology and a minor in Psychology. Her fascination with the brain led her to pursue neurodegenerative disease research, spending several summers investigating Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. During her time in Gastro Health's Gap Year Medical Assistant Program, Arielle enjoyed working one-on-one with patients while conducting Fibroscans. She also assisted doctors with hemorrhoid banding procedures, appreciating the opportunity to observe how doctors support their patients during uncomfortable moments. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her cat, painting, learning the piano, and rock climbing.
Anna Heintz
Anna graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with honors. During her time at Wellesley, she conducted research on proteins that have implications in medical drug delivery and disease treatment. Anna also served as a research assistant at the VA Jamaica Plain, where she contributed to efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life for veterans living with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, she worked at the Perelman School of Medicine, focusing on patients grappling with opioid overdose.
During her gap year, Anna enjoyed working with patients. In her free time, she enjoys teaching spin classes, traveling, and reading.
Sam Kang
Sam Kang graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor's in Biology and Psychology. During college, he was actively involved with Boston University’s Global Medical Brigade chapter and participated in medical service trips to Honduras. During his time at Gastro Health, he enjoyed working one-on-one with patients, gaining valuable clinical experience and confidence. Outside of work, Sam enjoys cooking, exercising, painting, and watching sports.
Eric Levine
Eric Levine graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was a member of the Commonwealth Honors College and received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. During his time at the university, Eric was involved in molecular genetics research and interned at a cancer genomics company. His interest in medicine stems from a series of injuries growing up and the admiration he had for the doctors who helped him recover. At Gastro Health, he learned to provide the same level of comfort and care to patients that he once received. Outside of work, you can find Eric playing various sports with his friends or supporting Boston sports teams at Fenway, the Garden, or Gillette Stadium.
Zoe Lockhart
Zoe Lockhart graduated from the University of Chicago in 2022 with a degree in the History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine. During her time in college, she received two grants to work in an immunology lab at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, where she studied vaccine development and trained immunity. Alongside this research, she also volunteered as a clinical research assistant for the Comprehensive Care Program. During her time as a Gap Year Medical Assistant, Zoe gained valuable patient care and clinical research experience. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing ultimate frisbee, and baking.
Emely Loscalzo
Emely graduated from Johns Hopkins University with multiple academic honors. She majored in Behavioral Biology and the History of Science and Technology. Throughout her undergraduate career, Emely engaged in two distinct research projects. One project focused on signal processing in the basic sciences, while the other examined the complications associated with corticosteroid use in patients with muscular dystrophy. Her work on corticosteroid use was presented at multiple national and international conferences.
Emely's fascination with nutrition and the gut microbiome led her to Gastro Health, where she intends to spend two years shadowing doctors, interacting with patients, and deepening her understanding of GI health, nutrition, and the microbiome. Fluent in Spanish, she also aims to enhance her medical Spanish skills during her time at the practice. Consistent with her Argentine roots, Emely enjoys watching soccer games supporting her favorite teams: the Argentina National team and Boca Juniors. She also enjoys working out and exploring the city.
Kathryn McGaughey
Kathryn McGaughey graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor's in Biochemistry and minors in Mathematics and Biology. While at Georgia Tech, Kathryn served as a teaching assistant and an Emergency Department Scribe, and she was involved in research on the genomics of Sickle Cell Anemia. She also interned with the NIH during her college years. During her Gap Year Medical Assistant Program at Gastro Health, Kathryn enjoyed gaining clinical experience and working directly with patients. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys yoga, hiking, cooking, playing with her cat, and spending time with friends.
Darby Melia
Darby Melia is a graduate of Brown University, where she studied biology. She served as a teaching assistant in a biomaterials course, pursuing her interest in the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine. While at Brown, Darby gained experience in pediatric medicine, trauma care, and worked as a research assistant in the Hasbro Children’s Hospital Eating Disorder Program. Additionally, she obtained her EMT certification and shadowed medical providers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she developed an interest in gastroenterology. Each of these experiences deepened Darby's passion for pursuing a career in medicine. During her time at Gastro Health, she furthered her clinical experience by working with adult patients. In her free time, Darby enjoys traveling, hiking, and enjoying good food with family and friends.
Fiona Morrison
Fiona Morrison graduated with honors from Cornell University in June 2020, where she majored in Animal Science. Although she has always been passionate about surgery, her focus shifted from animal to human medicine the summer before her senior year after she had the opportunity to shadow the trauma surgery team at The Central Maine Medical Center. During her time at Gastro Health, Fiona expanded her skills by working in the pathology lab, where she enjoyed one-on-one interactions with patients and learned numerous lab procedures, including tissue processing. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Samantha Neuman
Samantha Neuman graduated with honors from Lehigh University with a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and a minor in Health, Medicine, and Society. While at Lehigh University, Samantha was a patient care partner at Lehigh Valley Health Network and was involved in research on traumatic brain injury biomarkers and treatments. During her undergraduate career, Samantha had an internship at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, where she managed programs in support of research.
During her gap year at Gastro Health, Samantha acquired more patient care experience as she prepared to apply to physician assistant school. During her free time, Samantha enjoys cooking, exercising, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Jay Patel
Jay Patel graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Biological Sciences and Political Science. At graduation, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, received Magna Cum Laude distinction, and was chosen as the student marshal on behalf of the biological sciences department. During his time at Northwestern, Jay conducted research at the Feinberg School of Medicine Infectious Disease Department where he studied a toxin made by the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. He also worked with the Arizona Burn Center to help improve care and prevent readmissions.
During his time at Gastro Health, Jay served as our clinical research coordinator while also honing his patient care skills in preparation for medical school. Outside of work, Jay enjoys playing soccer, running, or watching sports.
Gabriella Puchall
Gabriella graduated with highest honors from Lehigh University with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. At Lehigh University, she researched psychology and organometallic chemistry. Her psychology work explored sources of healthcare information and their impact on disease perception. In chemistry, she received the 2022 Undergraduate Research Award from the American Chemical Society. Additionally, Gabriella served as an emergency medical technician for Lehigh University Emergency Medical Services and volunteered at the Miller-Keystone Blood Donation Center.
While at Gastro Health, Gabriella enjoyed gaining clinical experience working with patients while she prepared to apply to medical school. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, skiing, playing piano, and spending time with family and friends.
Caitlin Read
Caitlin Read graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and spent her first gap year as a lead scribe in Baltimore, MD. After that, she joined the Gastro Health Gap Year Medical Assistant Program to gain more clinical experience in a new environment. During her time at Gastro Health, she enjoyed the opportunity to develop her clinical skills by working independently with patients one-on-one and learning new lab techniques and procedures. After her time with Gastro Health, Caitlin began attending USF Morsani College of Medicine in the fall of 2021 and is interested in pursuing a residency in OB/GYN or general surgery. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog, running, and working on her food blog.
Liliana Root
Originally from Chicago, Lily recently graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Psychology and Chemistry. At Duke, she was a research assistant in two labs on campus. In one lab she examined cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment; the other lab studied gene editing. During her senior year, she completed an independent study on gene expression after radiation therapy. Outside of research, Lily played on the Duke women’s club lacrosse team and volunteered at Charles House, an elderly center in the Durham area, and at Duke Children’s Hospital.
While at Gastro Health, she is looking forward to learning from the providers and gaining more patient-centered experiences while applying to medical school. In her free time, she enjoys running, knitting, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Matthew Sigel
Originally from Cleveland, Matt recently graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN with a Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Health, and Society with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. At Vanderbilt, he was a volunteer research assistant for the VUMC's Department of Plastic Surgery's research lab where he engaged in biomedical and quality improvement studies. He helped author five manuscripts accepted for publication, contributed to two podium presentations, and individually delivered a poster presentation at the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Fair. During his sophomore year, Matt also founded an organization on campus, with now over 75 members, which carries out acts of service to students, faculty and the great Nashville community. For his community service, Matt received the Rob Roy Purdy Award for Leadership and Excellence. Additionally, Matt was the Outreach Chair for Vanderbilt Students Volunteer for Science, which taught science lessons to underserved middle schools throughout Nashville. In his free time, Matt continues to expand his photography business, watch and play sports, and travel to new cities.
While at Gastro Health, he is excited to learn from the different providers, gain valuable clinical experience, and learn more about the administrative side of medicine while applying to medical school.
Michelle Tetro
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Michelle recently graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and minors in Chemistry and Theater Studies. Michelle worked as a clinical research assistant in the Duke University Emergency Department, engaging and enrolling a diverse group of ER patients into various clinical studies. During her 4 years at Duke, she researched mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) in youth athletes, utilizing eye tracking assessments to evaluate the impact of playing contact sports. Additionally, Michelle interned for Garwood Medical Devices, studying orthopedic implant infections in a microbiology lab. Outside of research, Michelle was the president of a theater club advocating for female-identifying stories on campus, presenting anonymously submitted monologues to the community. She further engaged with the Durham community through volunteering at an elementary STEM afterschool program and at the Durham Center for Senior Life Day Health Program. She hopes to one day become a physician in a pediatric specialty. At Gastro Health,
Michelle is excited to gain invaluable experience engaging with patients and learning from the providers. Finally, in her free time, Michelle loves spending time with her friends, family, and her dog Tucker.
Eliza Valente
Eliza graduated from UMass Amherst Commonwealth Honors College with a B.S in Disease Prevention. During her undergraduate career, she conducted research and completed a thesis studying health disparities in chronic disease care. Additionally, Eliza worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a Dementia Care Center.
During her gap year, Eliza is excited to learn from the providers and staff at Gastro Health and to gain clinical experience in gastroenterology. Eliza plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant, concentrating on public health and working to provide equitable healthcare for all. In her free time, she likes to read, exercise, cook, and spend time with family and friends.
Kiana Vallo
Originally from Guilford, CT, Kiana recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Food Systems and Nutrition. Kiana was involved in both molecular and environmental research at Tufts University. While at Tufts, Kiana was a member of the MARCH, Maternal Advocacy and Research for Community Health, a group focused on combatting and educating the community on maternal health issues. She further developed a focus on social determinants of health while interning at Northern Counties Health Care, executing a project to understand communication barriers within a network of community health organizations in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. She was also involved with community tutoring and led the photography division of Tufts' student newspaper. Kiana’s experience learning about the extended care needs of patients drives her interest in pursuing medicine.
Kiana plans to bring her experiences with ecology, nutrition, and the social determinants of health to her role Gastro Health. She hopes to eventually practice using a holistic approach to patient care and using a systems-based approach to healthcare innovation. In her free time, Kiana enjoys gardening, nature photography, and spending time with friends and family.