College
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Degree Earned
- Residency
Program Length
7 years
Program Type
- On Campus
Call to Actions
Leadership
- Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Residency Program Director
CONTACT US
909 Walnut Street
Clinical Office Building 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Current Residents
PGY-1
Caitlin Ritz, MD
Undergraduate: University of Colorado
Medical School: University of Colorado
Caitlin grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado Boulder where she was inducted into Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society. After her undergraduate training, she lived in Philadelphia for two years working as a research associate and fell in love with the city. She then returned to the University of Colorado Denver for medical school where she investigated molecular targeting of pediatric brain tumors and subsequently discovered her passion for neurosurgery. While maintaining an open mind, she is currently interested in oncologic and pediatric neurosurgery. In her spare time, Caitlin loves getting outdoors, exploring new restaurants, and rooting for Colorado sports teams.
Keenan Piper, MD
Undergraduate: Columbia University
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Keenan grew up in Seattle, Washington and attended Columbia University for undergrad where he studied Neuroscience and ran Cross Country and Track. After college, Keenan spent two years conducting bench top glioma stem cell research in Seattle. He then attended Jefferson for medical school where he was selected for Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Society and graduated suma cum laude. His research and clinical interests lie in tumor with a focus on skull base pathologies. In his free time, Keenan loves to play hoops, go to concerts, and explore the diverse neighborhoods of Philly on bike. He also serves on the CNS Wellness Executive Committee.
Logan Massman, MD
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Logan grew up in Holmen, Wisconsin before obtaining his bachelors of science in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota. His undergraduate work contributed to a deeper understanding of the role of cellular and neural circadian rhythm generators in stress regulation. He then completed medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin where he was inducted into the AOA Honor Society. During medical school, he also earned a Masters of Science in Clinical and Translational Research, receiving the Armand J. Quick Award in recognition of his work investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of Cushings Disease. As a resident, he is dedicated to providing excellent patient care and advancing the knowledge base and practice of neurosurgery.
Debanjan Haldar, MD
Undergraduate: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Medical School: University of Pennsylvania
Debanjan grew up in Edison, New Jersey, and studied engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. After undergrad, he went to the University of Pennsylvania for medical school where he was inducted into the Gold's Humanism Honor Society as well as the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Concurrently, he earned a Master of Science in Translational Research, focusing on the application of machine learning and radiomics in neurooncology. Debanjan's interest lies in medical innovation, leveraging big data and AI in neurosurgery. Outside academia, he enjoys cutting hair, working on cars, and taking on DIY home renovation projects.
PGY-2
James Castiglione, MD
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh
Medical: University of Cincinnati
Jimmy grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before earning a bachelors degree in bioinformatics at the University of Pittsburgh. He worked as a software engineer for two years before deciding to take the plunge into medicine. He attended the University of Cincinnati for medical school where he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha and won the H.B. Weiss Academic Achievement Award for academic excellence throughout medical school. During medical school he performed research on aneurysm morphology, ischemic stroke, and deep learning applications in pediatric radiology. He is currently interested in cerebrovascular neurosurgery. In his free time, he enjoys going to electronic music shows, getting dinner with his co-interns, and lifting weights.
Arbaz Momin, MD
Undergraduate: Mercer University
Medical: Cleveland Clinic College of Medicine
Arbaz grew up in the small rural town of Manchester, Georgia. He is proud to be the son of Indian immigrants who came to the United States with minimal education and resources. Before heading off to college, he worked as a cashier at Dairy Queen for 5-years. Arbaz is the first person in his family to graduate from college. He earned a bachelors degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Mercer University. Following college, he attended medical school at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, where he was heavily involved in mentorship and research. During medical school, he also obtained his master of science degree in Clinical Research from Case Western Reserve University. Arbaz’s research interest include clinical study design and advanced statistical methodologies. He is currently interested in all aspects of neurosurgery and is excited to explore the different subspecialties at Jefferson. In his free time, Arbaz enjoys playing golf, reading non-fiction books, working out, and spending time with his fiancé.
Joseph Schaefer, MD
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota
Medical: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Joe grew up in Minnesota. He stayed for his undergraduate, studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota. After college, he moved to Philadelphia for medical school at SKMC. Won over by Philly, he decided to spend the next seven years here for residency. He’s interested in all facets of neurosurgery. In his free time, he likes to golf, play soccer and basketball, and bike.
Stephanie Serva, MD
Undergraduate: Colorado State University
Medical: University of Colorado
Stephanie grew up in Southbury, Connecticut before earning a bachelors degree in Biomedical Science from Colorado State University. She then earned a masters degree in Medical Science at Boston University before attending medical school at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Stephanie was elected Co-President of her medical school class, inducted as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, and received the Robert J. Glaser, MD award for exceptional leadership and service to the senior class. During medical school, Stephanie was involved in clinical research, primarily focused on spine surgery. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys caring for her house plants, live music events, and trying new restaurants
PGY-3
Michael Baldassari, MD
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Medical school: Vanderbilt University
Mike grew up in nearby Collegeville, Pennsylvania. He moved to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, he spent a year as a Harrison Surgical Scholar at Penn investigating intraoperative tumor fluorescence. He attended Jefferson medical school where he was elected president of the AANS neurosurgery interest group and was a member of AOA. As a student, he became involved with multiple research projects involving vascular and oncological neurosurgery. As a Jefferson resident, Mike is looking forward to developing the clinical and technical skills necessary to inform a future career in neurosurgical device development. In his free time, he enjoys seeing his family and fiancé Chelsea, collecting records, playing guitar, watching Philadelphia sports, and maintaining his whiskey bar.
Matthew Lan, MD D
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Medical: Vanderbilt University
Matt grew up nearby in Hockessin, Delaware, making him a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. He then earned a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Economics and Master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. Following college, he made the move south to attend Vanderbilt University for medical school, where he was heavily involved in the Wellness program, mentoring younger students, and research primarily focusing on vascular neurosurgery. He is currently interested in all aspects of neurosurgery and excited to explore the different subspecialties. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, tennis, golf, skiing, and the occasional poker night with friends.
Pious Patel, MD
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Vanderbilt University
Pious grew up all around North America before earning a Bachelors degree in Biology/Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. He fell in love with Philly and stayed to be part of a healthcare machine learning startup. He then went to Vanderbilt for medical school, where as president of the Vanderbilt AMA, he worked with his classmates to write and pass two health equity resolutions at the TN state legislature. His passion for precision medicine led to several projects incorporating genomics into neurosurgical research. At Jefferson, he is excited to train at a program known for its systems innovation and high-volume, diverse clinical training. In his free time, Pious loves finding new restaurants in Philly's historic and evolving neighborhoods, creating new cocktail recipes, and spending time with his wife, Sanjana.
PGY-4
Karim Hafazalla, MD
Undergraduate: Queen’s University
Medical: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Karim grew up in Cairo, Egypt before immigrating to Canada in 2007. He attended Queen’s University for his undergraduate studies and Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University for his medical degree, where he was president of the student neurosurgery interest group and managing editor for the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience Journal. He conducted research with the Jefferson neurosurgery department, as well as with Dr. Sunit Das at the University of Toronto. He is an avid food lover, traveler, and vinyl record collector.
Mitchell Self, MD
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Medical: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Mitchell grew up in Muscle Shoals, AL. After graduating high school, he attended Auburn University, where he played baseball for the Auburn Tigers. Following degrees in both Building Science and Biomedical Sciences, he earned his MD from UAB School of Medicine. He is currently interested in all aspects of neurosurgery. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with family, and birddog, Benelli.
Steven Glener, MD
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical: University of Central Florida
Steven was born and raised in Florida, growing up in Palm City, Florida. He earned his Bachelor's of Science at the University of Florida. He then completed his medical degree at the University of Central Florida, where he earned the Academic Excellence Award for graduating in the top 5% of his class. He is interested in all aspects of neurosurgery, and is entertaining all subspecialties within the field. Steven enjoys fishing, playing basketball, golfing, lifting weights, and maintaining his 65 gallon saltwater aquarium.
PGY-5
Carrie Andrews, MD
Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University
Medical: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Carrie grew up in Abington, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. She then returned to Philadelphia to attend Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. During medical school she performed basic science research spinal cord injury and clinical research in vascular neurosurgery. In her free time, she enjoys dance, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Evan Fitchett, MD
Undergraduate: University of California at San Diego
Medical: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Evan grew up in Santa Rosa, California, and attended the University of California at San Diego, where he studied Human Biology. He then spent time working at the Scripps Research Institute, studying the influence of sensory experience on neuronal circuit development before moving to Philadelphia to attend the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. In medical school he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor sociecty and was involved in vascular neurosurgery research. In his free time, he enjoys bowling, listening to classic rock, and wine tasting.
Kavantissa Keppetipola, MD
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh
Medical: Rush Medical College
Kavantissa (Kavan) grew up moving across the US before finally settling in Potomac, Maryland near Washington, DC. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated with dual degrees in Neuroscience and History. He then moved to Chicago to attend Rush Medical College. As a resident, he appreciates the breadth of neurosurgery practiced at Jefferson, where he is pursuing his interest in stereotactic & functional neurosurgery while keeping an open mind. In his free time, he likes exploring Philadelphia’s restaurants and neighborhoods, and enjoys basketball, history, and the outdoors.
Adam Leibold, MD
Undergraduate: Indiana University
Graduate: Johns Hopkins University
Medical: Indiana University
Adam grew up in Indiana and attended Indiana University where he studied Microbiology and Immunology. He went on to receive a Master of Science at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health where he studied the immune microenvironment in mouse models of colon cancer. He then went back to Indiana University to complete medical school, where he developed an interest in neurosurgery and applying his immunologic background to the study of brain tumors. In his free time Adam enjoys exploring the Philadelphia food scene, playing golf, snowboarding, and relaxing with his fiancé, Lena, and their dog, Gary.
PGY-6
Lucas Philipp, MD, MPH
Undergraduate: The University of Kansas
Medical/Graduate: Emory University
Lucas was born and raised in the Heart of America, just outside of Kansas City. Initially an aspiring musician studying the saxophone at The University of Kansas, his love of the sciences ultimately prevailed, and he graduated with Honors and Distinction with a degree in Human Biology. He is an Eagle Scout, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. He attended Emory University School of Medicine where he published on multiple topics including the natural history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, new technologies in functional neurosurgery, and predictive risk models in spinal trauma. He completed his MPH in Epidemiology at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health to further develop his autonomy as a clinical researcher, and interests in global health following surgical outreach endeavors in Puerto Rico and Haiti. He has also sustained a lifelong passion for education, with roles ranging from private tutor for the KU basketball team to authoring medical content with Khan Academy. Outside of work, he enjoys playing/recording music, and spending time with his wife and dog.
Aria Mahtabfar, MD
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Medical: Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson
Aria is a native of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. He received his undergraduate training at the University of Pennsylvania where his interests in health policy and cost implications were fostered. He joined the neurosurgery residency program after graduating from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University. Aria is passionate about resident education, health care policy and leadership training. He is eager to pursue a career in academic neuro-oncology. In his spare time, he enjoys lifting weights, playing golf, and watching collegiate sports.
Elias Atallah, MD
Medical: Universite Saint Joseph (Lebanon)
Elias was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon where he attended Saint Joseph University School of Medicine. He served as a teaching assistant in Anatomy throughout medical school as he has a passion for education. He was awarded the USAID service award in recognition of his contributions to community service and advocacy in underserved communities. Upon coming to the US, he completed a two year research fellowship in neurosurgery at Jefferson before starting residency. His primary interests include open and endovascular neurosurgery along with neurooncology. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, squash, and tennis.
PGY-7
Daniel Franco Martinez, MD
Medical: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) School of Medicine
Dan is a native of the Dominican Republic where he resided until moving to the US for a neurosurgical residency at Thomas Jefferson University. As a young apprentice of the arts, he has yet to decide what he would like to pursue, although he is currently interested in stereotactic & functional neurosurgery along with spine surgery. When out of the hospital, Dan likes to play soccer, listen to Latin music, and enjoy the occasional steak.
Nikolaos Mouchtouris, MD
Undergraduate: University of California at Los Angeles
Medical: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Niko grew up in Athens, Greece and moved to Los Angeles, California to study Biochemistry at UCLA. He then moved to Philadelphia where he attended Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. His research interests lie in cerebrovascular neurosurgery and medical technology innovation. In his free time, he enjoys teaching the origin of medical terminology and explaining how to pronounce gyro.
Kevin Hines, MD
Undergraduate: Franklin and Marshall College
Medical: Temple University
Kevin grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he attended Franklin and Marshall College. He then graduated from Temple University School of Medicine. While he is grateful for the broad exposure he has received as a resident, he is planning to specialize in functional neurosurgery and minimally invasive spine surgery. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys playing basketball, watching Philadelphia sports, playing poker, and is currently pursuing an enfolded fellowship in karaoke performance.