Over the June 21st weekend, fourteen residents/fellows from the Stony Brook Department of Surgery completed their programs and graduated. We reached out to them for their comments on this current accomplishment and their plans for the future. Our graduates included:
Justin Buro, MD; Ashla Gaibi-Rodriguez, MD; Mark Heimberger, MD; Dondre Irving, DO; Alice Khomutova, MD; David Lehman, MD; Camilo Martinez, MD; Zaina Naeem, MD; Zachary Plona, MD; Holden Spivak, MD; Michael Trentalange, MD; Misbah Yehya, DO; Sun Yu, MD; and Michael Zeitchek, DO
All of the graduates were given the same five questions and asked to reflect on their journey and offer advice to current and future residents. Several were able to respond and their answers follow:
Can you provide a brief background of your education/training leading up to your residency with Stony Brook Surgery?
Justin Buro: I grew up on Long Island, just a short drive from Stony Brook. With a significant exposure to medicine in my childhood, I always knew I wanted to go to medical school. After completing high school, I was accepted into the prestigious 7-year BS/MD program at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. It was here I fell in love with DC, but I know I needed to come back to New York at some point. During my medical training, I was drawn to the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery for a multitude of reasons. During my third year of medical school, I spent a dedicated research year at Weill Cornell, where I worked on projects in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery and solidified my decision to pursue this specialty. Plastic surgery stood out to me as the perfect blend of creativity, precision and human connection—and ultimately led me to Stony Brook, where I’ve spent the past six years in residency training.
Mark Heimberger: I received my undergraduate degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida, then went on to medical school at Indiana University. I completed my general surgery training at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida.
Dondre Irving: I am a Long Island native that matriculated the 7-year BS/DO medical program at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Old Westbury, NY, graduating in 2019. I then completed my General Surgery Residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, before joining Stony Brook for a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship.
Alice Khomutova: I lead a fairly nomadic lifestyle and have lived in almost every part of the country. I grew up in Los Angeles, graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of California, Davis, obtained my medical degree from Oakland University in Michigan, am about to complete residency in New York. I will shortly be heading out for an abdominal wall reconstruction fellowship in Tennessee and perhaps settle down (optimistic for a nomad) somewhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Camilo J. Martinez: I grew up in South Florida, attending high school at Cypress Bay High School in Weston Florida, the University of Miami for undergraduate and then Hanover, New Hampshire to study medicine at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.
"I took a 'scenic route' and worked in many different fields and lived in many different cities across the United States prior to going to medical school which, collectively, made me who I am now." - Dr. Sun Yu
Zaina Naeem: I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, as oldest of six kids from a first-generation Pakistani immigrant family and was exposed to healthcare disparities from a young age. I wanted to explore institutional- and policy-based barriers to healthcare so I pursued a BA in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and later, a combined MD and MPH (Masters of Public Health) degree in four years at Stony Brook, earning the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Excellence in Public Health Award in 2020. I fell in love with surgery during medical school and appreciated the convergence of ethical/medical/procedural care. My classmates and I graduated early as a class in April 2020 to join the ranks of young physicians combatting the COVID pandemic. I then began my general surgery residency in July 2020.
Zachary Plona: I got my Bachelor's Degree in Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania and my MD from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.
Misbah Yehya: I completed undergraduate training at University of California, Davis, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology. I then went to medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I completed my residency training at Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey. Prior to coming to Stony Brook, I was a general surgery attending at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey.
Sun Yu: I was an EMT/ski patroller prior to obtaining my Master's in Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, then obtained my medical degree at Tufts. I took a "scenic route" and worked in many different fields and lived in many different cities across the United States prior to going to medical school which, collectively, made me who I am now.
Michael Zeitchek: I received a BS degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Following that I completed an MS in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University focusing on space flight research. I then completed medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Harlem, NY. Upon graduation I entered the general surgery residency program at Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ.
Please share your favorite experiences during your residency.
Dr. Buro: One of the most meaningful parts of residency has been the transition from learner to teacher. I started as a wide-eyed intern, barely knowing how to place an order or tie a secure knot, and over time, I grew into someone who could guide the next generation of residents. In a program where there’s just one plastic surgery resident per year, the mentorship and relationships we build are especially important. Watching this evolve from a new program at Stony Brook, and being part of shaping it into something stronger, has been incredibly rewarding.
Dr. Heimberger: I have really enjoyed getting to hang out with all the residents.
Dr. Irving: The opportunity to pass along tips and tricks in patient care and bedside procedures to second year residents rotating through the SICU.
Dr. Khomutova: My class is very close and a little chaotic, which makes for fun memories and fantastic experiences. Some of my favorites have included wine tasting in Napa, wine tasting in Porto and wine tasting on Long Island.
Dr. Martinez: My favorite experiences during residency include taking part in complex vascular surgery procedures, particularly advanced endovascular mesenteric and aortic procedures. Furthermore, I enjoyed my rotations on cardiothoracic surgery exposing the heart and cannulating for cardiopulmonary bypass along with rotating on interventional radiology performing pulmonary thrombectomies.
"One of the most meaningful parts of residency has been the transition from learner to teacher." - Dr. Justin Buro
Dr. Naeem: Witnessing my personal growth and the growth of my co-residents as surgeon-leaders as we navigate the day-to-day, but also the extraordinary circumstances, unique to the field of surgery. Also, squeezing in a meal and laughing (and sometimes venting) with one another in the midst of a very busy 24-hour-call. And, finally, sharing lessons from memorable clinical presentations and difficult operative cases, and passing insights onto junior residents and medical students.
Dr. Plona: My favorite experiences are really the crazy adventures that I shared with my co-residents. Whether it was a wacky coworker, crazy clinical situation or great save, my co-residents and I have gone through things that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Dr. Yehya: I have enjoyed my time at Stony Brook meeting new people and learning new skills as a fellow.
Dr. Yu: Being on nights is tough but I feel like I did get to bond with my co-residents or juniors on night calls. Many nights of busy work, emotional experiences and frustrating moments were rewarded by hilarious moments and rare, but precious, opportunities for impromptu movie nights.
Dr. Zeitchek: Forming new relationships with the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) staff. We spend many hours there as fellows and naturally these individuals become a second family. I have been fortunate enough to garner lasting relationships and without these, fellowship would have been much more daunting.
Can you offer any advice for current and future Stony Brook Surgery residents?
Dr. Buro: Always be kind—especially when it's hard. Treat your fellow residents, nurses and staff with respect, even when you're getting called at 2 a.m. for a consult. Take care of your patients, but also take care of each other. Keep your head down, work hard and never lose sight of why you went into this field in the first place. And if you can, bring a little hospitality into medicine—it goes a long way.
Dr. Heimberger: Don't lie, don't be late and don't be lazy. This is easy to do, will get you through most things and make you stand out.
Dr. Irving: The quality surgeon you become will correlate with your mentality and work ethic now during training.
Dr. Khomutova: Like bleeding, the suffering ends eventually! Enjoy the journey while heading to the destination.
Dr. Martinez: My greatest piece of advice is to always volunteer to help with bedside procedures and to assist in the operating room. Over time, you will be provided opportunities to do more complex parts of the procedure, and it is important to see things both when they go wrong and when they go right.
"Don't lie, don't be late and don't be lazy." - Dr. Mark Heimberger
Dr. Naeem: Remember the moments that humbled you – every circumstance shapes and forms you, and at the end of your five years you will have cumulated many lessons that collectively make you “you”.
Dr. Plona: Be nice to everyone you meet in the hospital. Our nurses, APPs and other staff can be some of your best supporters.
Dr. Yehya: Do not lose yourself in your training. You made it this far by being who you are, make sure you can retain that person as you grow into the best surgeon for your patients.
Dr. Yu: Do not think of residency as the means to get to where you are. Look for happiness where you can and try to enjoy the ride. You never want to look back and say, "Wow, it was a miserable suffocating five years." Make friends, relax when you can and enjoy every moment of it.
Dr. Zeitchek: There is light at the end of the tunnel, keep your eye on the prize, work hard, chase your dreams and never settle. The worst thing in life is having regrets for the things you never went after.
Is there anything else you'd like to add/share regarding your experiences during your residency?
Dr. Buro: Stony Brook has always been nearby growing up, but over the past six years, it’s become home. The camaraderie among the surgical residents is something truly special. I’m grateful to have been part of this community through some challenging times—including the COVID-19 pandemic—and to have watched us all grow stronger together. This place and these people have had a lasting impact on me.
Dr. Heimberger: The level of autonomy as a Fellow has been great. I have been treated as a junior partner and have had a great experience.
Dr. Khomutova: I'm thankful for the friends and mentors who guided and supported me through residency- Dr. Spaniolas, Dr. Lee and the one and only Deb Thornton. Per aspera ad astra [Through hardship to the stars]!
Dr. Martinez: Along with working with the attendings and residents, I greatly enjoyed working with the support staff in the office and in the hybrid operating rooms.
"Per aspera ad astra [Through hardship to the stars]!" - Dr. Alice Khomutova
Dr. Naeem: One quote comes to mind: “Surround yourself with people who fight for you in rooms you aren’t in.” I think our General Surgery program does exactly this – the friendships I’ve fostered are genuine and I truly believe they will last for a lifetime. I miss everybody already. Take these five years to cultivate steadfast relationships—be a mentor and a mentee—keep your mind open to new experiences—be present—just be.
Dr. Plona: Thank you to everyone at Stony Brook and beyond who has helped me throughout my journey (especially my wonder wife, Natalie), and I can't wait for the next chapter.
Dr. Yu: Have pride in everything you learn through the journey. Your experience is something most people do not get to even think of.
Dr. Zeitchek: I have become a more humbled, empathetic individual. Interacting with patients and family members at their worst moments on a daily basis undoubtedly changes your persona. It’s important to cherish each moment in life as tomorrow is not guaranteed.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Dr. Buro: After graduation, I’ll be joining Reflections Medical, a private practice in Northern New Jersey, where I’ll be focusing on aesthetic plastic surgery. I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned into the next phase of my career and to continue growing as a surgeon and provider.
Dr. Heimberger: I will be joining a hospital-employed colorectal surgery group in Daytona, FL!
Dr. Irving: After graduating from the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, I will be starting an additional Vascular Surgery Fellowship in August. At the completion of my training, I plan to practice Vascular Surgery and Critical Care in the Long Island/Tri-state area.
Dr. Khomutova: I'm excited to spend my summer with family and friends in LA, Japan and Korea (the real reason to take your boards a year early) before diving into the world of hernias at the University of Tennessee. I ultimately want to incorporate my interest in surgical sustainability and resident education into my career.
"At the completion of my training, I plan to practice Vascular Surgery and Critical Care in the Long Island/Tri-state area." - Dr. Dondre Irving
Dr. Martinez: I will be pursuing Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship training at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago.
Dr. Naeem: Next up: the General Surgery written board exam in July. Then, in August, I begin a two-year Vascular Surgery Fellowship at New York University in New York City.
Dr. Plona: I will be doing a Minimally-Invasive Surgery Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Dr. Yehya: I will be heading back to New Jersey to continue working in private practice as a Minimally Invasive/Robotic Surgeon with a focus on abdominal wall reconstruction.
Dr. Yu: Private practice general surgery.
Dr. Zeitchek: I will be working as a general surgeon in private practice.
We thank our graduating residents for their time with this article and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. We hope their words of advice and honest sentiments will be of value to future residents, so that at the end of their time at Stony Brook, they too will not only be skillfully prepared as surgeons, but will also reach for the stars at the end of their journey.