FACULTY
The Faculty at the Family Medicine Residency Program at CentraState Medical Center oversees a groundbreaking program that offers residents training for the future of family medicine. They are experienced in building successful family medicine practices and have been published in respected journals, including the Swanson Family Medicine Review.
Maria F. Ciminelli, MD, FAAFP
- Program Director, Family Medicine, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Graduate of Cornell University, 1992
- Graduate of UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 1996
- Co-Chief Resident, UMDNJ-RWJMS Family Medicine Residency Program, completed 1999
- Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine since 1999
- Secretary, New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, 2015-2016
- New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians Family Physician of the Year, 2016
- Treasurer, New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, 2016-2017
- Vice President, New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, 2017-2018
- President, New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, 2019-2021
- Board Chair, New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, 2021-2023
- Chair, CentraState Medical Center Credentials Committee, 2012-present
- Vice Chair, Rutgers Health/RWJMS Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, 2021-present
Special Interests: Evidence-Based Medicine, Adolescent Medicine, Pediatrics, and curriculum development
“One of the things I always like to tell people is how much I really love my job. I love everything that I’m able to do in a day, between taking care of patients and teaching residents and modeling what a fulfilling career family medicine can be for someone,” said Maria F. Ciminelli, MD, FAAFP.
Learn more about Dr. Ciminelli by reading the featured article in “Robert Wood Johnson Medicine.”
Taru Sinha, MD, FAAFP
- Associate Program Director, Family Medicine, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Assistant Professor, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Graduate of Delhi Public School, RK Puram, New Delhi, 1986
- Graduate of Lady Hardinge Medical College, University of Delhi, 1991
- Residency in family medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, JFK Medical Center, 1998
- Fellowship in Faculty Development, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2001
- Course Director for Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics program
- Only family physician with dual accreditation in the Departments of Family Medicine/Internal Medicine and Obstetrics
- Board Certified in Family Medicine
Special Interests: Maternity care
Hammad Abdelquader, MD, FAAFP
- Assistant Professor, Family Medicine, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Graduate of Rutgers University, 2009
- Graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, 2016
- Co-Chief Resident, Rutgers RWJMS Family Medicine Residency Program at CentraState, 2018-2019
- Board Certified in Family Medicine, 2019
Special Interests: Prevention and wellness, academic medicine, simulation training, POCUS, culinary medicine
Nicole Castro, MD, FAAFP
- Instructor, Family Medicine, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Graduate of Providence College, 2010
- Graduate of Ross University School of Medicine, 2018
- Residency, Rutgers RWJMS Family Medicine Residency at CentraState, completed 2021
- Board Certified in Family Medicine, 2021
Special Interests: Medical Acupuncture, Aesthetic Medicine, Prevention and Wellness
Carol C. Christofilis, PsyD, ABPP
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Family Medicine, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Director of Behavioral Health, Family Medicine, RWJMS
- Graduate of Loyola University, New Orleans, 1991
- Graduated with PsyD from Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 2001
- Clinical Internship at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, West Brentwood, NY, 2000
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist in NJ and PA
- Board Certified in Clinical Psychology since 2022
Special Interests: Cognitive behavioral therapy use in primary care setting and physician well-being.
Alicia Dermer, MD, FABM, IBCLC
- Clinical Associate Professor, Family Medicine, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Graduate of the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1977
- Residency, University of Toronto, 1977-80; UMDNJ-RWJMS 1983-85
- Board certified in family medicine 1985; recertified 1991, 1998, 2005
- Certified, International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners 1995; recertified 2005
- Fellow of Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 2003
- Clinical associate professor, Department of Family Medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS
- Past president of New Jersey Breastfeeding Task Force
Special Interests: Prevention and wellness, breastfeeding, human lactation
Zeeshan Khan, MD, FAAFP, CMD
- Associate Professor, Family Medicine, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Chair, Department of Family Medicine, CentraState Medical Center, 2023-present
- Graduate of Rutgers University, 2007
- Graduate of Ross University School of Medicine, 2013
- Residency, Rutgers RWJMS Family Medicine Residency Program at CentraState, completed 2016
- Fellow in geriatric medicine, CentraState Medical Center, 2016-2017
- Board Certified in Family Medicine since 2016
Special Interests: Geriatrics, long-term care, complementary and alternative medicine
Joshua J. Raymond, MD, MPH, CMD, FAAFP
- Director, Geriatric Fellowship Program, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Medical Director, The Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center, 2007-Present
- Chair, Department of Family Medicine, CentraState Medical Center 2019-2023
- Vice Chair, Department of Family Medicine, CentraState Medical Center, 2017-2019
- Graduate of Jefferson Medical College, 1996
- Fellow in geriatric medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS, 1999-2000
- Professor of medicine, Rutgers Health/RWJMS, since 2022
- Associate professor of medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS, 2018-2022
- Assistant professor of medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS, 2001-2018
- Certificate of added qualification in geriatrics, 2000
- Certified medical director, American Medical Directors Association, 2004
- Master of Public Health, Tulane University School of Public Health, 1991
- Board Certified in family medicine, geriatric medicine, and palliative care
Special Interests: Long-term care, healthcare policy
Lynn Schwenzer, MHSA
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University, 1981
- Graduate of George Washington University, School of Government and Business, 1985
Special Interests: Practice management, health policy, healthcare delivery and systems, physician competence in business and finance, program development
Anand Shah, MD
- Assistant Professor, Family Medicine, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Graduate of Drew University, 2009
- Graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, 2017
- Residency, Rutgers RWJMS Family Medicine Residency Program at CentraState, completed 2021
- Co-Chief Resident, Rutgers RWJMS Family Medicine Residency Program at CentraState, 2020-2021
- Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine, Rutgers RWJMS at CentraState, completed 2022
- Board Certified in Family Medicine, 2021
Special Interests: Geriatric medicine, MAT therapy, prevention and wellness
Steve Weintraub, DO
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Graduate of the State University of New York at Binghamton, 1985
- Graduate of New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1989
- Residency in family medicine, UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 1993
- Fellowship in sports medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 1995
- Board Certified in Family Medicine
- Certificate of added qualifications in Sports Medicine
Special Interests: Sports medicine
Christine Easton, C-TAGME
- Family Medicine Residency and Geriatric Fellowship Program Coordinator
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Connecticut College
- TAGME certified 2017
RESIDENTS
The CentraState Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program welcomes a new class of six residents each year. We foster a comfortable environment in which residents can both learn and socialize with ease. The program hosts annual resident retreats as well as weekly lecture seminars. This offers residents the luxury of taking time out of their busy schedules to relax with their peers and discuss important issues. Many residents also elect to meet on their own time to enjoy dining, sporting events, and other social experiences.
Third Year Residents
Jonathan Deck, DO
Medical Degree: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduate Degree: Rowan University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, MS
Undergraduate Degree: Rutgers University, BS
About:
Jonathan Deck, DO was born in Manhattan and raised in Queens, New York. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and Rowan University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Deck’s path to medicine began with his career as a fitness trainer, a credential he still maintains. He aspires to become a Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician. Because of his extensive background in fitness and medicine, Dr. Deck is committed to helping individuals achieve their best selves. His hobbies include snowboarding, trail walking, and traveling with close friends.
Marielle Jamgochian, MD
Medical Degree: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Graduate Degree: Rutgers Biomedical & Health Sciences, MS
Undergraduate Degree: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, BA
About:
Marielle Jamgochian, MD is a New Jersey native through and through! She is a Rutgers undergraduate and a Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School graduate. She loves spending time with her family at the Jersey Shore. Her professional interests include reproductive health, nutrition, and academic medicine. Dr. Jamgochian hopes to be a national advocate for women’s reproductive health and a faculty member at a family medicine residency program someday.
Brianna Gonzalez Morales, MD
Medical Degree: Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: University of Puerto Rico, BS
About:
Brianna Gonzalez Morales, MD was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao, and medical school at the Ponce Health Sciences University. She loves going to the beach, caring for her plants, and listening to Latin music. Her professional interests include family medicine, geriatrics, and wellness. After completing residency, Dr. Gonzalez Morales hopes to practice family medicine and geriatrics within the Hispanic population, where she can advocate for and address language barriers in healthcare.
Raj Kumar, MD
Medical Degree: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: Stony Brook University, BS
About:
Raj Kumar, MD was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up on Long Island. He completed a double major in Political Science and Health Science at Stony Brook University and his medical degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine. Dr. Kumar likes gaming, is a TV show buff, and loves to eat pizza and spend time with family. He is considering careers in different settings, including urgent care, nocturnist, and skilled nursing facilities. Dr. Kumar chose Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at CentraState because training in the sole program at the hospital allows him to learn and manage a wide range of patients.
Bernard Rosenthal, MD
Medical Degree: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Graduate Degree: Georgetown University, MS
Undergraduate Degree: Georgetown University, BS
About:
Bernard Rosenthal, MD is a proud Washingtonian. He was born, raised, and educated in the DC area. He completed medical school through St. George’s University’s Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program. He has a strong interest in state-level healthcare policy and primary care medicine. After residency, Dr. Rosenthal plans to work as a full-time primary care clinician and part-time hospitalist. His hobbies include fishing, enjoying small-batch hot sauces with friends, karaoke, and spending time at the beach.
Jagtar Sekhon, MD
Medical Degree: Ross University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, BA
About:
Jagtar Sekhon, MD is from Vancouver, British Columbia. He graduated from the University of British Columbia and completed medical school at Ross University. Dr. Sekhon enjoys running, spending a day at the beach, watching sporting events, and traveling. Professionally, he enjoys the full spectrum of family medicine and is keenly interested in preventative and lifestyle medicine. He looks forward to working in a general and integrative family medicine clinic.
Second Year Residents
Zachary Bloom, DO
Medical Degree: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, BS
About:
Zachary Bloom, DO is a Central Jersey native who traveled far and wide for college and medical school but couldn’t wait to return home. He loves just about anything outdoors and spending time with his family and pets. His professional interests include geriatrics, academic medicine, and public and population health. After residency, Dr. Bloom hopes to find himself in an academic position practicing family medicine and geriatrics in as wide a spectrum as possible.
Evana Henin, MD
Medical Degree: Ross University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: New York Institute of Technology, BS
About:
Originally from Staten Island, New York, Evana Henin, MD completed her undergraduate studies at New York Institute of Technology and earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She chose this program because it is the only residency program at CentraState, provides comprehensive training and focuses on community health and serving the underserved. She loves the supportive, hands-on environment. Outside of medicine, Dr. Henin enjoys spending time with loved ones and traveling the globe. Her clinical passions include outpatient medicine and preventive care, areas she hopes to specialize in after residency.
Tejinder Kaur, MD
Medical Degree: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: Towson University, BS
About:
Tejinder Kaur, MD is originally from Baltimore and is a distinguished graduate of Towson State University. She pursued her medical education at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine on the picturesque island of Sint Maarten. Her professional interests include outpatient primary care and aesthetic medicine, reflecting her commitment to holistic patient care. In her free time, Dr. Kaur finds joy in pilates, traveling, cooking, and listening to Punjabi music, all while spending time with family and friends.
Keline Peters Hood, MD
Medical Degree: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: St. George’s University, BS
About:
Keline Peters Hood, MD is a native of the small Caribbean island of Grenada. She completed most of her formal education in Grenada, where she attended St. George’s University for her bachelor’s and medical degrees. Her professional interests include outpatient primary care medicine and women’s health, focusing on maternity care. When she is not busy caring for her patients, Dr. Peters Hood enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying out new restaurants and dining experiences, traveling, and curating playlists.
Christina Sheedy, MD
Medical Degree: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: Fordham University, BS
About:
Christina Sheedy, MD was born and raised in New Jersey. She attended Fordham University as an undergraduate and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine for her MD. She is interested in outpatient primary care, specifically focusing on women’s health. In her free time, Dr. Sheedy enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, exercising, seeing Broadway shows, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Forum Trivedi, MD
Medical Degree: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: McMaster University, BS
About:
Forum Trivedi, MD is from Toronto, Canada. She went to McMaster University as an undergraduate and then to St. George’s University School of Medicine for her MD. In her spare time, she loves going for walks in the park, playing board games, and all things chocolate. After residency, Dr. Trivedi is interested in practicing outpatient family medicine and women’s health. She loves this program because it allows her to tailor her training to meet her future career goals.
First Year Residents
Paris Ayala-Keighley
Medical Degree: Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra
Undergraduate Degree: University of California Davis, BS
About:
Paris Ayala Keighley, MD, is a California native who moved to New York City for medical school. In their free time, they love expressing themselves artistically through dance and visual arts, as well as climbing, surfing, and learning new sports. Their professional interests include gender-affirming and transgender care and population health, particularly in underserved populations. After residency, Dr. Ayala Keighley plans to open their own community-embedded family medicine clinic, where they will provide coordinated, comprehensive care for the local population.
Hector Ayarza, MD
Medical Degree: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Undergraduate Degree: Rutgers University, BA
About:
Hector Ayarza, MD, a New Jersey native, was excited to return home after graduating from SUNY Upstate Medical University. He enjoys traveling, watching movies, playing video games, and spending quality time with his family and friends. His professional interests include palliative medicine and integrative medicine. After residency, Dr. Ayarza looks forward to working in an outpatient setting where he can continue to provide care to underserved populations. He loves how this program allows him to explore his interests through its strong network and gives him significant experience working with underserved populations. It is also filled with wonderful people that he truly enjoys working with.
Rachelle Charles, MD
Medical Degree: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Graduate Degree: Georgetown University, MD
Undergraduate Degree: Boston College, BA
About:
Rachelle Charles, MD is a Massachusetts native who has traveled up and down the East Coast for her education before settling at Rutgers at CentraState for residency. She enjoys traveling, video editing, and just about anything related to beauty. At the end of her education, Dr. Charles hopes to focus primarily on family planning or obstetrics. What she loves about this program is the endless learning opportunities available as the sole residency at CentraState, and the supportive people she works with daily.
Nour Isis, MD
Medical Degree: American University of the Caribbean
Undergraduate Degree: University of Central Florida, BS
About:
Nour Isis, MD is originally from Palestine but grew up on the beautiful, tiny island of Sint Maarten. She completed undergrad at the University of Central Florida and attended American University of the Caribbean for her medical education. She enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with family and friends. Dr. Isis loves how this residency feels like a second family, with incredibly supportive faculty and co-residents and the wide range of experiences she is exposed to that help her grow every day.
Yasha Jain Lodha, MD
Medical Degree: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: St. George’s University School of Medicine, BS
About:
Yasha Jain Lodha, MD traveled across the globe from India to start her medical career with the goal of practicing in America. New Jersey has now become her home! Her professional interests include women’s health and obstetrics. Dr. Lodha plans to pursue an obstetrics fellowship after residency. She enjoys picnics, cooking, visiting NYC, and trying different restaurants. She also loves having some time to herself and relaxing at home with good music.
Zohaib Mahmood, MD
Medical Degree: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: University of British Columbia, BS
About:
Zohaib Mahmood, MD is from Vancouver, British Columbia. He attended the University of British Columbia and completed medical school through St. George’s University School of Medicine B. Taylor Global Scholars Program. He is an avid sports fan and loves staying active through working out, playing sports, and walking anywhere and everywhere. Dr. Mahmood’s hobbies include spending time with friends and family, watching movies, cooking, and music. His professional interests include inpatient medicine, sports medicine, and the wide breadth of possibilities offered through family medicine.