Bergen New Bridge Hosts Psychiatry Residency Program Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023
Nine graduating members of the program were honored at the ceremony
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center held a commencement ceremony for its Psychiatry Residency Program on Friday, June 23 at the historic gazebo on the hospital’s campus. The nine graduates were recognized for their achievements and accomplishments during the rigorous program and Joel Reed, program coordinator for psychiatry residencies, shared the next steps all are taking in their careers.
Four Year Residency Training:
- Rachael Brothers, DO -- Starting a private practice in Montclair, New Jersey
- Rene Compean, MD – Starting a private practice in Texas & Attending Psychiatrist, Texas Tech
- Ashley Fuchs, MD -- Happier Living & Care Plus Outpatient, Telepsychiatry
- Syed Kamal, MD -- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Neuropsychiatry Fellowship
- Ghulam Khan, MD -- CFG NJ, Outpatient Service Provider & Inpatient Attending Psychiatrist
- Farah Sheikh, MD -- Emory University, Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship
Three Year Residency Training:
- Robert Arnold, MD -- Texas University, Child & Adolescent Fellowship
- Narmada Bhimandham, MD -- Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Child & Adolescent Fellowship
Alessandra Santamaria, MD, Executive Chief Resident, and four-year graduate, will begin her career at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in the Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic.
“The knowledge, drive, belief, and commitment our graduates all have will ultimately better our communities and healthcare for everyone,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “They are the next generation of leaders who will help find solutions so our communities can be healthier and prosper.”
“As alumni of this program be confident that your relentless determination, fortitude, and sheer tenacity to weather the challenges has taught you to transfer any nervous energy into the courage to try, take risks, and face failure,” said Dr. Monice Dhingra, Director, Psychiatry Residency Program. “If life brings difficulties or if you feel cynicism start to manifest, stop for a minute and look back at the incredible trajectory of your growth.”
“We gather today to honor the accomplishments of our residents as each of them has worked tirelessly to get to this moment,” said Dr. Karine Airapetian, Chair, Department of Psychiatry. “They spent hours in the ER, at the bedside and more where they built mountains of knowledge which sharpened their skills making them self-reliant, confident and committed professionals.”
These graduates stand before us as people who have persevered through this challenging program and came out the other side more resilient than ever,” said Dr. Asghar Hossain, Associate Program Director, Psychiatry Residency Program. “Today marks an achievement that can never be taken away from our graduates, and the kind of strength they have displayed is remarkable as they learned to care for those they treated with empathy and compassion.”
“I have the real privilege of watching the residents come in and go through their education and be involved with their education and it has been wonderful watching this class,” said Dr. Gian Varbaro, Chief Medical Officer, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “I want them to remember the lessons they have learned here and to remember to always have compassion and empathy and to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”
The Bergen New Bridge Psychiatry Residency Program, led by Dr. Monica Dhingra, is a competitive 34-slot program attracting top interns throughout the country. The program’s educational philosophy is eclectic, with various diagnostic and treatment approaches. The interdisciplinary nature of the clinical department introduces the trainees to a wide range of well-grounded theories and therapies. Under the guidance and supervision of experienced faculty, the residents gain broad clinical expertise in caring for and treating a diverse patient population ranging from children to seniors.
