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Michael Zakhary, MD

My interest in the Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Family Medicine Residency began during my medical school education at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Growing up in North Jersey, I was drawn to the opportunity to train close to home while serving the diverse patient population that reflects the community I know so well. I knew I wanted a program that would prepare me to care for patients from all backgrounds and provide comprehensive training in every aspect of Family Medicine.

Yousef Kosho, MD

I chose to become a physician because I wanted a career dedicated to serving others and making a lasting impact on their lives. Family Medicine stood out to me because it emphasizes continuity of care and long-term doctor-patient relationships, preventive care, and treating patients as whole individuals. I value the opportunity to care for people through every stage of life while building trust with patients and their families. My goal is to provide compassionate care and help improve the health of the communities I serve.

Rebecca Zaki, MD

Born and raised in New Jersey, I have always appreciated the diversity that makes our communities unique, and that background inspired my passion for Family Medicine, where I can care for patients of all ages while building meaningful, long-term relationships with individuals and families. I am especially interested in women’s health and value the opportunity to provide comprehensive care throughout every stage of a woman’s life while also caring for the entire family.

Curtis Mensah, MD

Coming across the Family Medicine program at HMH Mountainside feels like a divine placement. It is the definition of finding exactly what you need, right when you need it. From the moment I interviewed, an unmistakable warmth told me I belonged here. My conversations with the leadership and faculty showed me that this program genuinely cares about its residents. Even more importantly, talking with the residents showed me they are a group that truly cares about each other; a real family, one I knew I wanted to be part of.

Luke McGrath, MD

I chose Hackensack Meridian Mountainside family medicine because of its knowledgeable faculty, close-knit community atmosphere, and strong commitment to resident wellness. From my first interactions with the program, it was clear that the faculty and residents foster a supportive environment where learning and mentorship are prioritized. I was also `drawn to the excellence and resources of the Hackensack Meridian Health network, which provides outstanding clinical training while maintaining the personalized feel of a community-based program.

Kimberly Drinkwater, DO

I chose Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Family Medicine residency because of its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and its supportive, collaborative culture. Training alongside an amazing team of dedicated faculty and residents strengthens my confidence in becoming a compassionate, well-rounded family medicine physician. I am grateful to be a part of a program that emphasizes high quality, patient-centered care while fostering continuous learning and service to our community.

Qiang Chen, MD

I chose Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Family Medicine residency because of its supportive faculty, collaborative learning environment, and commitment to serving a diverse patient population. Since joining the program, I have appreciated how approachable everyone has been and how invested they are in helping each resident grow into a confident, compassionate physician. I also appreciate being in northern New Jersey, which allows me to stay close to my family and friends while caring for a diverse community.

Shabina Wigneswaran, MD

Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Family Medicine stood out to me because of its well-rounded and immersive approach to training. I can see patients from different cultures and socio-economic statuses in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as the ED. The level of diversity in education was exactly what I was looking for. After connecting with the residents and faculty, it became clear that this is a program where I would be challenged, supported, and truly prepared for the full scope of Family Medicine, whether I am in the city or decide to practice rurally after these 3 years.

Mouna Wehbeh, MD

Being from the area, I knew I wanted to stay close to home and give back to the community that shaped me. Mountainside felt like the right fit from the start — a place where I could get strong, full-spectrum training while working with a diverse patient population. The faculty were down-to-earth and genuinely invested in resident growth, and the supportive, close-knit vibe really stood out to me. It felt like somewhere I could learn, grow, and make a real impact. I am excited to be here and have it shape me into a great physician.

Akshay Paspulati, MD

I knew I’d enjoy my time at Mountainside after my second look. At first, I was mostly drawn by how close it was to my family in Jersey City and how much my peers enjoyed their rotations here. But when I came back, I really got a feel for the program’s warmth, support, and genuine commitment to both patients and residents. While I complete my first elective in the ICU, I already feel like a real part of the team. I’m involved in patient care, learning constantly, and seeing how much I enjoy the fast-paced nature of inpatient medicine.