Meet Our Current Residents & Fellows

Tiffany Ezepue, MD

Dr. Ezepue grew up in Cliffwood Beach, NJ. She completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University at New Brunswick, earning a degree in Kinesiology and Health. She completed her medical school education at New Jersey Medical School and remained there for her PGY-1 year in surgery. Dr. Ezepue decided to pursue Physiatry because she resonated with the ideals of helping patients regain function and improve their quality of life while honoring the partnership with patients to aid them in achieving their goals.  Dr. Ezepue’s hobbies include binge-watching TV shows and movies, and spending time with her family and close friends. She enjoys viewing and participating in various sports. She looks forward to growing in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation over the coming years at Burke.

Ricky Ju, DO

Dr. Ju was born in Busan, South Korea and raised in Georgia. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degree at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He obtained his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where he also completed his preliminary medicine training. The field of Physiatry resonated with Dr. Ju because of the journey patients took towards rehabilitation and the team-oriented approach to maximizing patients’ functional potential and mobility. He is interested in Interventional Pain, Sports Medicine, Sports and Spine. In his free time, he likes to run, golf, cook, be disappointed by the Falcons, and explore the city with his wife.

Kenia Maldonado-Vergara, MD

Dr. Maldonado was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She received her medical school degree at Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil. She decided to pursue PM&R Residency after volunteering in a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Program for American doctors, and working in the Police Hospital of Guayaquil, where she realized the importance of Rehabilitation Medicine to positively impact patients and caregivers. 

After relocating to the USA, she continued shaping her career working in New York as a clinical associate for  disabled and home bound patients. She was also an Observer in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department at Montefiore Medical Center. Posteriorly, she did clinical research at Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center in Florida.  

Dr. Maldonado completed her Transitional year at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia. She is interested in Brain Injury, Pediatric rehabilitation, Sports, and General Rehab.

In her free time, she enjoys dancing, traveling, and watching soccer.

Atinder Nijjar, DO

Dr. Nijjar was born and raised in Queens, New York. He received his medical school degree at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his intern year at Palisades Medical Center. Dr. Nijjar entered the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation because he is passionate about treating patients holistically and helping them achieve the highest level of function and quality of life possible. Dr. Nijjar has a strong interest in sports medicine, sports and spine, and interventional pain medicine. During his free time, he enjoys running, traveling, trying new restaurants, and rooting for the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Browns. 

Brandon Roberson, MD

Dr. Roberson was born and raised not far from Burke, in New Jersey, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Rutgers University. He completed his medical training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School before moving to New York for residency. His interest in physiatry stems from a passion to help those who have lost some amount of functioning regain as much as possible. He is interested in sports medicine, adaptive sports, prosthetics & orthotics and spasticity. In his free time, Dr. Roberson is an artist/songwriter, enjoys cooking (and eating) & cinematography.

Lili Wang, DO

Dr. Wang received her medical training at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City and completed her transitional year at Coney Island Hospital. Dr. Wang’s interest in PM&R is rooted in her belief in a team-based holistic approach to help each patient to regain function and health after injuries and illnesses. She is interested in Interventional Pain, Sports Medicine, Sports and Spine. Dr. Wang grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts. In her free time, she loves staying active, spending time with friends and family as well as building 3D puzzles of architectural landmarks. 

Sabreen Abdullah, DO

Dr. Abdullah grew up in Westchester County, where she developed a passion for healing and compassion. She completed her medical education at Touro College of Medicine in Harlem, NY and her transitional year at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, NY. Dr. Abdullah’s passion for PM&R stems from her ability to empower patients by restoring function and mobility from a musculoskeletal perspective. Beyond her dedication to medicine, Dr. Abdullah enjoys a rich life outside of the hospital. You can often find her indulging in her hobbies, which include watching movies, weightlifting, experimenting with culinary delights, exploring new restaurants, and cherishing moments with loved ones and friends.

Eli Dayon, DO

Dr. Eli Dayon was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned his Bachelors of Science at Brooklyn College before pursuing his medical education at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine New York. Following this, he completed his preliminary Internal Medicine year at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Dayon's fervent interest in PM&R springs from his deep appreciation for collaborative, team-based patient care. Apart from his dedication to medicine, he cherishes moments spent with family, indulges in sports, and explores new places through travel. Dr. Dayon is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare to all his patients.

Preetveer Kaur, DO

Dr. Kaur was born in Punjab, India, and raised in sunny California. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Davis. During her time at UC Davis, she developed a keen interest in human physiology and the intricacies of the human body, which ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. She received her master's and doctorate's degree from Touro University, California. Witnessing the transformative impact of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) on patients' lives ignited her passion for PM&R. Dr. Kaur's interests extend to Interventional pain, Sport medicine, and Sports and spine. Beyond her medical pursuits, she enjoys photography, playing board games, running and indulging in Korean dramas.

Bryan Lebron-Solis, DO

Dr. Lebron-Solis was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Lebron-Solis completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He received his medical degree at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem. He completed his intern year at Montefiore Wakefield Hospital in the Bronx. He was drawn to the field of physiatry due to his love of human kinetics and how it can be enhanced after a debilitating event to further his patient's future goals. Dr. Lebron-Solis has a special interest in sports medicine, adaptive sports, and sports/spine, with a passion for exercise science, and human performance. His hobbies include exercise in all forms, video games, and tinkering with his musical instruments. 

Matthew Slitzky, DO

Dr. Slitzky was born and raised in western Massachusetts. He received his medical training at The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Slitzky entered the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to help improve patients' physical function so they can continue to do the things they enjoy. He is interested in Pain Medicine and Sports and Spine.  In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.  

Amru Al-Rifai, MD

Dr. Amru Al-Rifai, born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Saudi Arabia, completed his medical training at Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. He recently finished his intern year at DMC Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Dr. Al-Rifai dedicates his practice to improving patients' functional abilities and independence, thereby enhancing their quality of life and truly adding life to years. Beyond his clinical work, he is an enthusiast of social gatherings, weightlifting, and sports—activities that not only reflect but also enhance his commitment to health and vitality.

Sophia Antimisiaris, DO

Dr. Sophia Antimisiaris grew up in Hawai’i and completed most of her advanced education in Kentucky, obtaining a master’s degree in public health before graduating from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and completing her preliminary internal medicine year at the University of Louisville. She chose physiatry for the multi-disciplinary problem-solving approach to optimizing recovery and the satisfaction of seeing patients return to their lives after an injury. Her primary areas of interest include interventional therapies, biologics and regenerative medicine, and neuropathophysiology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and baking to feed everyone around her whether they’re hungry or not, and playing the piano and whatever instrument she can get her hands on.

Jennifer Hegedus, DO

Dr. Jennifer Hegedus was born and raised in Queens, New York where she earned her undergraduate degree at Queens College before receiving her medical degree at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following this, she completed her internal medicine preliminary year at Jefferson Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia. She joined the field of physiatry due to its multidisciplinary team approach in improving quality of life for patients and instilling hope in those facing physical challenges. Dr. Hegedus has an interest in brain injury medicine, sports, regenerative medicine, and neuromuscular medicine. During her free time, she enjoys playing with her two cats, crocheting, binge watching reality TV shows, and traveling.

Issac Ichoa, DO

Dr. Issac Ichoa was born in North NJ but grew up in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida. He attended the University of South Florida where he earned his undergraduate degree and then earned a master’s degree in medical sciences. He then attended Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale for Medical school and completed his intern year at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital. Dr. Ichoa is interested in spinal cord injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and pain. He was attracted to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) because of the unique role physiatrists play in helping their patients regain function and optimizing their day-to-day lives. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing recreational sports, cooking new recipes, and spending time with family and friends.

Christine Mathew, MD

Dr. Christine Mathew, who goes by CJ, grew up in Long Island, NY. She earned her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience & Behavior from Wesleyan University and her medical degree from The Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. She completed her preliminary Internal Medicine year at New York Presbyterian Queens. Drawn to the impactful and meaningful patient care provided by the field of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), Dr. Mathew is particularly interested in Interventional Pain & Sports and Spine Medicine. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Mathew heavily prioritizes health and wellness, engaging in weekly Pilates and HIIT classes. She also enjoys exploring the amazing food scene in NYC and discovering live music events, big and small, given her percussion background. Dr. Mathew cherishes spending time with her beloved dog, Hudson, snowboarding, playing tennis, and playing pickleball.

Anju Sanchala, DO

Dr. Anju Sanchala is a Westchester native. She grew up in Ardsley, NY and completed her undergraduate education at Binghamton University, majoring in integrative neuroscience. She later completed her medical education at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and returned to New York for her intern year at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown. Dr. Sanchala chose to pursue physiatry because she enjoys helping her patients regain independence and enhance their quality of life. In her spare time, Dr. Sanchala loves to play board games with friends and care for her collection of houseplants.

Michael Thornton, MD

Dr. Michael Thorton was born in Dallas, Texas as the second oldest of six children and grew up in a tight-knit family. A lifelong athlete, he wrestled in high school and began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during college, continuing through medical school. He attended medical school in Galveston, Texas, where he had the unique opportunity to care for the incarcerated population through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. After graduating, Dr. Thorton moved to Tyler, Texas, to complete a Transitional Year Internship. He finds his greatest joy in medicine by getting to know patients on a deeper level and building lasting connections with them.

Kenny Tse, DO

Dr. Kenny Tse's grew up on Long Island and attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. He then completed his intern year at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. His passion for neurology and musculoskeletal medicine naturally guided him towards physiatry, where he is committed to assisting patients in regaining functionality and enhancing their quality of life. Beyond medicine, he enjoys playing tennis, hiking, traveling, and exploring new restaurants throughout NYC.

Jayne Ha, DO

Dr. Jayne Ha was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She went to the University of California, Los Angeles for her undergraduate education. She then received her medical school education at Touro University Nevada. Finally, she completed her Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center before coming to Burke. Her hobbies include art gallery hopping in the city, finding the best croissants, and spending time with her husband.

Rory Siegel, DO

Dr. Rory Siegel completed his medical school training at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in New Mexico, his intern year at University of Kentucky - Transitional Year program, and most recently, a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency out of Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, NY. He is very excited to build upon his interest in Brain Injury Medicine at Burke and is looking forward to providing the best medical rehabilitation to all of his patients. In his free time, Dr. Siegel enjoys working out at Orangetheory classes, going on walks with his fiancée and dog (Henry), and trying every local restaurant.

Bassem Hanna, MD

Dr. Bassem Hanna was born in Cairo, Egypt and spent his childhood years in the Bronx, NY before moving to Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 9. After graduating from The University of Oklahoma, he attended medical school at St. George's University on the island of Grenada. He completed two transitional years, one in Macon, GA, and one in Riverhead, NY, before attending One Brooklyn Health/Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY for his Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency. Dr. Hanna has a strong interest in diagnostic and procedural ultrasound, regenerative medicine and Botox procedures and hopes to one day work with E-sports athletes and their professional organizations. He has a variety of interests outside of medicine including gaming, financial literacy/investing, and being adventurous with both food and traveling.

Muhammad S. Rizwan, DO

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan was originally born in Karachi, Pakistan before he immigrated with his family to New Jersey. He has been there ever since, attending Rutgers University for undergraduate education followed by Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. He then completed his Internship at Inspira Health Network in NJ and his PM&R residency at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. His interest in Sports Medicine developed out of a love for musculoskeletal medicine and a desire to incorporate ultrasound as a cornerstone of his practice. He has a profound love of teaching and seeks to be an educator in his future career. He also is passionate towards community care and has served as both a volunteer and a Medical Advisory committee member for Operation Hammond, a group which provides first aid services to pop culture conventions. Outside of work he enjoys traveling to new countries, tailoring his cooking skills, and planning for his next over-the-top Halloween costume.