Emergency Medicine Residents
Class of 2025
Keenan Dunkley, M.D.
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia
Undergraduate: BS in Biology/Minor in History from the University of South Carolina
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Field of Interest: Emergency Medicine, Disaster Relief
Hobbies: Running, Reading, History, Basketball, College Football, Investing
Why FAU: After attending both college and medical school in South Carolina, I was ready for a change and rotated as a medical student at FAU. Instantly, I loved the area, the residents, the weather, and the lifestyle South Florida offered. Additionally, I felt I could learn, grow, and become the best Emergency Medicine physician possible with the help of the faculty at FAU and the resources offered through the program. Core faculty were always happy to take the time to teach, challenged me to improve each shift, and were welcoming in their tutelage.
Something about me: I was a History minor and still enjoy historical study and discussion, specifically Classical Antiquity and Catholic History. I also have a lot of interest in business and investing with a hope to practice Emergency Medicine in South Florida after residency and earn my MBA down the road.
Jessica Johnson, M.D.
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Undergraduate: Harding University
Hometown: Prairie Grove, AR
Field of Interest: Wilderness Medicine
Hobbies: Running, baking, fishing
Why FAU: It's a medium, tight knit group that greatly facilitates learning and relationships. We value fulfilling work and fulfilling lives outside of work. And we're in an awesome location!
Something about me: I studied abroad in Australia and got to dive with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef.
Alyssa King, D.O.
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Florida - Biology
Hometown: Stony Point, NY
Field of Interest: Sports Medicine
Hobbies: Fishing, crafting, exercising
Why FAU: I loved the faculty and senior residents when I did my away rotation here. FAU has a strong base for education, learning, and an extremely happy and supporting environment.
Something about me: I started my own medium sewing business while in medical school and I have a Shih Tzu named Teddy.
Robert Ledbetter, M.D.
Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee BA: Philosophy of Science and Medicine
Hometown: Columbia, Tennessee
Field of Interest: Social aspects of medicine
Hobbies: Reading, writing, exercising, plants
Why FAU: FAU is a place where you can get training to handle intense scenarios and see interesting pathologies with attendings who are genuinely interested in your education as well as your mental well-being.
Something about me: I've jumped off one of the highest bungee platforms in South America.
Christian Pilot, M.D.
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Undergraduate: The University of Tampa
Hometown: Sea Girt, NJ
Field of Interest: Critical Care Medicine and Sports Medicine
Hobbies: Music production, Golf, Beach
Why FAU: Diverse pathology with both an academic and community feel. Large volume of procedures and excellent work/life balance. Amazing faculty and co-residents! Can’t forget about the coastal South Florida location.
Something about me: I have been producing music for several years and play the piano.
Class of 2026
Jason Carvalho, M.D.
Medical School: St. George's University
Undergraduate: Rutgers University-New Brunswick, BA in Biological Sciences with Minor in Portuguese
Hometown: North Arlington, NJ
Field of Interest: Medical Education, Critical Care
Hobbies: Soccer, Car Restoration
Why FAU: Small personal class sizes, close relationships with residents and attendings, personalized plans for success
Something about me: Fluent in 3 languages
Duy Duong, D.O.
Medical School: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University
Undergraduate: FAU Class of 2014 in Exercise Science & Health Promotion
Hometown: Margate, Florida
Field of Interest: Emergency Medicine
Hobbies: I lift things up and put them down in the gym. I enjoy cruising with the top down in my mustang. I like to cook, but hate cleaning dishes.
Why FAU: South Florida is where family and home are, I figured why not keep it local? Although I did not audition in my fourth year the interview experience at FAU was like stumbling upon a hidden gem that propelled it to number one on my rank list. I genuinely felt the faculty's enthusiasm and commitment to their residents. Coming from a medical school with a graduating class that could rival a small army (400), I set my sights to being a part of a smaller inseparable class where we would be more like a tight knit group of friends rather than a sea of strangers. An immersive longitudinal curriculum of pediatrics and trauma throughout our three years. Differing and diverse hospital systems to rotate throughout training with autonomy. Let's not forget the cherry on top: No snow.
Something about me: In my previous life I was an Olympic Weightlifting coach and amateur athlete. My best lifts were 95kg (209lb) snatch and 120kg (264lb) clean and jerk in the 69kg (151lb) weight class.
Niloufar Ghazi, D.O.
Medical School: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University
Undergraduate: University of Tehran (Bachelor of science in civil engineering)
Graduate: Florida State University (Master of science in civil engineering)
Hometown: Tehran
Field of Interest: Global health and EMS
Hobbies: Biking, reading, arts and craft, going to the beach
Why FAU: I rotated with FAU as a 4th year medical student and saw firsthand the mentoring and support the residents get here. I am a firm believer that with FAU's EM program I can reach all my career goals.
Something about me: I feel more comfortable writing in cursive than in print!
Manel Guessas, D.O.
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: B.S in Nutrition at The Ohio State University
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Field of Interest: Emergency Medicine
Hobbies: hiking, traveling, shopping, and spending time with my family and friends
Why FAU: I rotated here as a medical student and absolutely loved it. Everyone is so friendly, genuinely enjoys teaching, and the location is great too!
Something about me: I can speak 4 languages and hope to add one more soon!
Jacquelyn Orr, D.O.
Medical School: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University
Undergraduate: BS in Biology, University of Florida
Hometown: Parkland, FL
Field of Interest: Critical Care Medicine, Global Health
Hobbies: Hanging out with my family and friends, exercising, spending time outside, going to the beach
Why FAU: I auditioned here as a medical student, and the genuine close-knit, family dynamic between faculty and residents really stood out to me. I also really appreciated their unique longitudinal curriculum and overall learning environment.
Something about me: I have a Maltese named Bella who I am obsessed with
Eric Simms, M.D.
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Vocal Performance / Church Music Ministries, Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Hometown: Elko, NV
Field of Interest: Academic Leadership, Disaster and International Medicine, Aerospace Medicine
Hobbies: music, snowboarding, cycling, binging books and shows, foodie
Why FAU: small class size at a university program (but not dependent on residents to remain running); sunny South Florida; 3 distinct hospitals (2 level 1 trauma centers); great schedule
Something about me: There's a high probability I've gotten "sun" burned at night by the moon
Zachary Steinberg, D.O.
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine – Midwestern University
Undergraduate: Gonzaga University – B.S. in Chemistry
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Field of Interest: Sports medicine, EMS
Hobbies: traveling, sports, beach
Why FAU: Great location and very supportive faculty. Diverse pathology with many opportunities for procedures, and getting to experience a program with both an academic and community feel
Class of 2027
Daniel Bonthius, Ph.D., M.D.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Undergraduate: Wartburg College
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Field of Interest: Medical Devices, Administration, Sports Medicine
Hobbies: Beach volleyball, football, basketball, pickleball, piano, salsa dancing
Why FAU: The faculty and residents in the FAU EM program were extremely inviting. The program prioritizes the education and well-being of it's residents. South Florida is also an incredible place to live and train.
Something about me: I love to travel and have had the opportunity to see over 40 countries. I hope to go to Brazil and Colombia next.
Bradley Borosky, D.O.
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University
Undergraduate: Miami University
Hometown: Lemont, IL
Field of Interest: Sports Medicine, Wilderness Medicine
Hobbies: Golf, cooking, hanging out with friends
Why FAU: Great faculty, leadership that I trust to look out for me, fun and hardworking colleagues, South Florida
Something about me: I have skydived and scuba dived
Craig Colletti, D.O.
Medical School: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
Hometown: Rockville Centre, NY
Field of Interest: Ultrasound, EMS
Hobbies: Music, Beach, Exercise, TV/Movies/ Video Games
Why FAU: FAU offers both the community and academic ED setting in the most welcoming environment possible. All the residents and staff genuinely enjoy what they’re doing. South Florida also offers a great escape from the hospital for whenever we have time off.
Something about me: I used to play the trumpet in a jazz band.
Simran Hamid, M.D.
Medical School: Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Hometown: Mumbai, India / Coral Springs, Florida
Field of Interest: Disaster Medicine, Administrative EM
Hobbies: Reading, Baking, Exploring new restaurants
Why FAU: South Florida is home and having my family nearby during residency was very important to me. Having worked with the faculty and residents of the program during my clinical years of medical school, I knew that the leadership, mentorship, training, and support offered by FAU were unparalleled.
Something about me: The phrase "it's just like riding a bike" doesn't apply to me. Even though I was once quite proficient, I seem to have, indeed, forgotten how to ride a bike!
Manuela Rodriguez Cardona, D.O.
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: Florida Atlantic University
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Field of Interest: Emergency, Ultrasound
Hobbies: Anything beach and outside! Paddle boarding, surfing, snorkeling, etc.
Why FAU: During my audition rotation and the interview trail the FAU EM team really made me feel that my education was going to be in the best hands, all while having fun and acquiring a new family :) . Everyone is so nice and encouraging and I’m so grateful that I’m here. Not to mention being able to enjoy our paradise location!
Something about me: I have a pet bunny his name is Almond :) and I love food and traveling!
Savanna Hoyt, M.D.
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida, B.S. In Health Sciences Pre-Clinical
Hometown: Deerfield Beach, FL
Field of Interest: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Global Health, Toxicology
Hobbies: Traveling, skiing, going to the beach, spending time with friends and family
Why FAU: The initial pull to FAU was the sunny South Florida location since I am originally from here. However, I ultimately chose the program because I loved the tight-knit feel and could truly tell that the faculty cared about the residents. Additionally, the excellent wellness and the strong academic and community atmosphere were unbeatable factors.
Something about me: I've been skydiving before and I've hiked Machu Picchu!