— College of Medicine — Department of Neurological Sciences — Education — Neurology Residency Program — Current Residents

Current Residents

Kanchan Kumari, MD

Medical school: Chandka Medical College, Larkana, Pakistan. Fun fact: I am a traveler and love to explore new places and cultures. I have lived in three different countries and can speak four languages.

Nithin Kurra, MD

Medical School: Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, India. What I do when not working: I watch anime, play badminton and spend quality time with friends and family. I enjoy long drives!

Yashwanth Reddy Pulluru, MD, Chief Resident of Education

Medical school: Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Telangana State, India. Fun Fact: I was part of the university cricket and basketball teams in medical school.

Courtney Venegas, MD, Chief Resident of Operations

Medical school: UNMC. What I do when not working: I like to sing, and I am a part of the worship team at my church. I also like to play sports and try to be involved in either intramural volleyball or sometimes soccer if my husband convinces me. And of course, I like to escape reality from time to time and read books.

Mehar Zahid, MD

Medical school: University College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan. Fun fact about me: I won many gold medals for the fastest time in 100-meter dash back in the day.

Joseph Benes, MD

Medical school: UNMC. Fun fact about me: Although I have lived in Nebraska my whole life, I have visited 16 different countries!

Sheida Koohsari, MD

Medical school: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Fun fact about me: I dance Argentine tango.

Hannah Maldonado, MD

Medical school: UNMC. What I do when not working: Run, lake days, anything outdoors with family and friends.

Zaid Rkh Najdawi, MD, Junior Chief

Medical school: University of Jordan School of Medicine, Amman, Jordan. Fun fact about me: I started my residency at the age of 23.

Valeria Parra Payano, MD

Medical school: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru. Fun fact about me: I write poetry and participated in a few competitions in Peru. My favorite food is any Peruvian or Korean dish!

Gabriella Rizzo, MD, Junior Chief

Medical school: UNMC. What I do when not working: I spend my free time gardening, biking or finding a new seasonal recipe to cook or bake.

Arenn Carlos, MD

Medical school: Università degli Studi di Pavia in Italy. Fun fact about me: I have visited more than 65 countries. I love to explore natural wonders and man-made attractions, learn about different cultures, and try new food. I also have two white rabbits at home whom I adore.

Mitchell Floura, MD

Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Fun fact about me: I'm a grown-up who spends his free time playing video and board games!

Mark Jedras, DO

Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Fun facts about me: I grew up in Wausau, WI. I have three citizenships, enjoy homebrewing, video games and cross country skiing.

Mathias Maisenbacher, MD

Medical School: Sapienza University of Rome. Fun fact about me: I had a shining acting debut as Rumpelstiltskin in a play in elementary school.

Sharon Peng, MBBS

Medical school: Nanjing Medical University. Fun fact about me: I can swim freestyle for 2000 meters and butterfly for 600 meters (though not on the same day!).

Haley Riley, DO

Medical School: Oklahoma State University. Fun fact about me: I have a cat named Purkinje.

Hannah Safranek, MD

Medical school: UNMC. Fun fact about me: I have played the pipe organ for over almost 20 years. In my free time I like to embroider and to spend time with my husband and daughter.

Ola Alshaqi, MD

Medical School: Damascus University. Fun fact about me: At first, pregnancy seemed like it could spike my stress levels, but playing with my kid turned out to be a serotonin boost and an effective stress regulator!

Sang Hee An, MD

Medical School: Ewha Woman's University School of Medicine. Fun fact about me: I dream of becoming an illustrator. My current goal is to publish a storybook.

Hanul Lee, MD

Medical School: Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine. Fun fact about me: I once won first place in a Latin dance competition with my wife, Dr. Sang Hee An.