UTICA – Ten new doctors came to the area on Monday, June 15 to begin training in St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s (SEMC’s) Family Medicine Residency Program.
Residency Program Director Mark E. Warfel, DO, FAAFP, said the physicians will train and provide care at SEMC, the Sister Rose Vincent Family Medicine Center on Hobart Street, St. Elizabeth Women’s Health Center and at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare as affiliates of Mohawk Valley Health System.
The Family Medicine Residency has 30 residents in training, 10 in each year of the three-year program.
"The Residency Program has brought more than 100 primary care physicians to the Central New York State region since its inception in 1975-76," said Dr. Warfel. "Nearly half of the 257family physicians completing the program have settled in Upstate New York, helping to alleviate a shortage of physicians."
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and by the American Osteopathic Association, and is affiliated with the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine; Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA and SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.
The new doctors are:
Matthew Blando, MD
Dr. Blando was born in New Hartford, New York and graduated from American University of Antigua College of Medicine. He enjoys scuba diving, reading, martial arts and outdoor activities.
Saqib Chaudhry, MD
Dr. Chaudhry was born in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Medical University of the Americas (Nevis). He enjoys music production, chess, poker and basketball.
Brent Keen, MD
Dr. Keen was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. He graduated from American University of Antigua College of Medicine. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, wakeboarding, surfing, snowboarding and hiking.
Amar Luzic, MD
Dr. Luzic was born in Zenica, Bosnia, and relocated to Utica, New York. He graduated from University of Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading about history and theology, playing chess and soccer.
Chaille Mintah, MD
Dr. Mintah was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from Ross University School of Medicine and enjoys playing and composing guitar music, drawing and playing basketball.
Michael Redner, DO
Dr. Redner was born in Rome, New York and graduated from University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. He enjoys outdoor activities, archery, racquetball and softball.
Nirav Shah, MD
Dr. Shah is from Elmwood Park, New Jersey. He graduated from St. Matthew's University School of Medicine (Grand Cayman) and enjoys martial arts, cooking, graphic design and photography.
Maureen Sullivan, DO
Dr. Sullivan was born in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She enjoys playing violin, running, photography and painting.
Ha Tran, MD
Dr. Tran was born in Lagi, Vietnam. She graduated from Ross University School of Medicine and enjoys traveling, cooking, arts and crafts, and watching documentaries.
Esther Ufot, MD
Dr. Ufot was born in Ubulu-Uku, Nigeria. She graduated from Nigeria University of Benin School of Medicine and enjoys karaoke and soccer.
(Click images for large version)
 Matthew Blando, MD |  Saqib Chaudhry, MD |  Brent Keen, MD |  Amar Luzic, MD |
 Chaille Mintah, MD |  Michael Redner, DO |  Nirav Shah, MD |  Maureen Sullivan, DO |
 Ha Tran, MD |  Esther Ufot, MD |
###
Sandra Fentiman
Manager, Marketing / Community Outreach
Mohawk Valley Health System
(315) 801-8195
sfentiman@mvhealthsystem.org