Family Medicine Residents PGY1 Class of 2026-2027
Vanessa Ferre, DO, MBA
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Health Center: East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Vanessa grew up in the Greater Boston area and attended Boston University for her undergraduate education before earning her degree at Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she also completed her MBA. Before medical school, Vanessa worked as a Family Navigator at Boston Medical Center, where she supported pediatric patients and their families by addressing social determinants of health. This experience shaped her commitment to providing inclusive, patient-centered care. Vanessa is thrilled to come back to her home city to pursue her interests in adolescent health, community health, and full spectrum family medicine. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys remaining active, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with the people she loves.
Mosope Fofah, MD
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Health Center: Codman Square Health Center
Mosope (Sope) Fofah was born in Rockford, Illinois, but spent most of her life in Manalapan, NJ. She eventually went on to study Psychology with a minor in Biology at Rutgers University-NB, where exposure to primary care initiatives sparked her interest in medicine. She went straight to medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ. There, she quickly became involved with the FM department, working with underserved populations and in anti-racism curriculum research. She also helped promote primary care in a resource-limited setting. She gained a passion for urban healthcare and reproductive healthcare, which led her to Boston Medical Center for residency. Outside of medicine, she enjoys weightlifting, trying new restaurants, and spending time with loved ones.
Shruthi Ilango, MD
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Health Center: Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center
Shruthi was born in India and moved to the United States as a child, growing up in Novi, Michigan. She received her undergraduate degrees in Neuroscience and Human Biology from Michigan State University. Though she wanted to be a doctor from a young age, her experiences scribing in the emergency department and volunteering at the local hospital during college solidified her passion for medicine. In medical school, Shruthi discovered her passion for advocacy through her involvement with her school's AMA chapter. She also developed her interests in mentorship and health literacy by teaching health topics to local elementary school students. Through these experiences, Shruthi knew that Family Medicine was the perfect fit for her! She's excited to move to Boston to continue exploring her interests in community health, health literacy, and advocacy at BMC. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops with friends, reading, practicing henna art, and staying active.
Aren Kalash, MD
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine
Health Center: Dorchester House Health
Aren grew up on Long Island, New York. She attended Duke University in North Carolina where she studied Biology and Psychology. While there, she completed an undergraduate thesis on primate ecology, volunteered for a local non-profit hospice organization, and developed an interest in the health professions. She then returned to New York after graduation where she worked as a medical scribe. At Boston University School of Medicine, she enjoyed leading the American Geriatrics Society student organization and helping out at the BMC Rooftop Farm and Brookline Food Pantry. She is excited to continue her education in Boston, deepening her connections to the area, the BMC community, and the many people it serves. Aren looks forward to a future providing full-spectrum care and exploring interests in geriatrics, rural medicine, and reproductive health. Outside of medicine, Aren loves nature watching, drawing, and reading pretty much anything.
Nicholas Logerfo, DO
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Health Center: South Boston Community Health Center
I grew up in Puyallup, WA, before heading to Washington State University (Go Cougs), where I majored in Spanish and began to develop my passion for global health and working with underserved communities. It was during my time abroad, where I interned at a hospital in Costa Rica and served as a translator on a medical outreach trip to Guatemala, along with a childhood trip to Ethiopia when my family adopted my brother, that sparked this deep commitment to health equity in underserved communities that has shaped my career ever since. These experiences eventually led me to pursue medicine at Rocky Vista University, where I volunteered at organizations like Project C.U.R.E. and held leadership roles in the Medical Spanish and S.U.N. (Students Uplifting and Nurturing), along with enrolling in RVU's Global Health Track. All of these experiences eventually led me to pursue family medicine, where I feel I can have the biggest impact and truly make meaningful connections with my patients. I'm excited to continue this work at BMC by caring for diverse patient populations, namely immigrant and refugee populations, and exploring my passion for global health and sports medicine. Outside of medicine, I love skiing, soccer, exercising, and any excuse to travel somewhere new.
Elizabeth Nies, MD
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Health Center: Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center
Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center
Elizabeth (Liz) Nies grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin for her undergraduate studies, majoring in neurobiology. After college, she worked as an in-home and hospice caregiver. She then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she worked on an ambulance as an emergency medical technician. She loved working closely with the community and became interested in addressing barriers to accessible healthcare. Liz returned to Madison, Wisconsin to attend medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She found her passion for broad-spectrum family medicine and is particularly interested in preventive care, geriatrics, sports medicine, and medical ethics. At UWSMPH, she conducted qualitative research on transplant ethics and completed the Path of Distinction in Bioethics. She is excited to be training at Boston Medical Center alongside colleagues who are dedicated to community health, patient advocacy, and full-spectrum family medicine. Outside of medicine, Liz enjoys running, playing volleyball, snowboarding, playing the piano, and trying new cheeses.
Amaya Okogeri, MD
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Health Center: Dorchester House Health
Amaya was born and raised in Queens, New York. She attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where she obtained an undergraduate degree in Biology and Society. After graduation, she worked as a medical scribe at an urgent care center during her gap year. She then attended medical school at The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences in Toledo, Ohio. There she developed an interest in primary care, community medicine, and health education. During her time in medical school, she volunteered at her school's student-led free medical clinics where her passion for caring for underserved communities grew. She also participated in several initiatives aimed at teaching health topics to youth at local elementary schools, as well as increasing their exposure to the career field of medical science. Amaya is particularly interested in preventive medicine, public health, health equity, community medicine, and lifestyle medicine. She is excited to train at Boston Medical Center because of the numerous opportunities to further pursue these passions. Outside of medicine, Amaya enjoys reading, traveling, trying new restaurants, exploring the city, dancing, and spending time with family and friends!
Julia Perry, MD
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Health Center: Codman Square Health Center
Julia grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Wesleyan University, where she majored in Biology and Science in Society. She developed a passion for clinical medicine and caring for underserved communities through her work helping to establish a free pediatric clinic in northern India. Julia spent her gap years after graduation living in Boston, where she worked in pediatric hearing loss research at Boston Children's Hospital before attending medical school at Georgetown University. While at Georgetown, she furthered her interest in health equity as an AHEC Scholar, pursuing training in primary care delivery in underserved settings within Washington, DC. In addition, she was involved in postpartum health research at a federally qualified health center, working to better understand and address the social, psychological, and medical needs of birthing individuals throughout the year following childbirth. Through these experiences, she developed a strong interest in full-spectrum, community-based primary care and found her passion in Family Medicine. She is excited to return to New England and train at Boston Medical Center, where she looks forward to pursuing her interests in reproductive health, maternity care, and adolescent medicine. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time outdoors through running, hiking, and watching sunsets on the beach.
Dwight Smith Jr, MD
Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Health Center: Codman Square Health Center
Dwight was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, and has spent most of his life in West Palm Beach, Florida. His commitment to service began early through Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Emory University, where he studied Biology and served as president of the Minority Pre-Medical Society and celebrated his Jamaican roots through African and Caribbean dance teams and a minority-centered step team. During college breaks, he returned home to South Florida to volunteer with Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County, serving community members facing food insecurity. In medical school, Dwight helped expand student involvement in the Health Buddies program, connecting with vulnerable older adults through weekly phone calls, helping link them to community resources, and deepening his commitment to caring for underserved populations. He also served as president of his school's Student National Medical Association chapter, helping revitalize it into a more active space for mentorship, advocacy, and representation. He is excited to join Boston Medical Center because of its deep commitment to diverse and underserved communities and looks forward to training in a program where equity, service, and compassionate care are central to patient care. Outside of medicine, Dwight enjoys running, dancing, exploring new food spots and parks, following Chelsea FC, watching anime, and getting more into reading!
Mia Tornel, DO, MMS
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Health Center: East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Mia was born and raised in San Jose, CA, by her mother, a social worker, and her father, an educator, both of whom inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to helping others. Alongside her admiration for her pediatrician, this led her to develop an interest in medicine from a young age. She attended the University of San Francisco, where she studied Biology and obtained her EMT license. After graduating, she worked as an EMT at a local waterpark and as a medical assistant at Planned Parenthood. Her experience at Planned experience at Planned Parenthood sparked a strong interest in family medicine, reproductive health, and advocacy. Mia continued working full-time while earning her master's degree through Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she later matriculated into medical school. During her time there, she helped start a local chapter of Medical Students for Choice, eventually serving as president. She also promoted increased support for students underrepresented in medicine through her involvement with the Student National Medical Association. She completed her clinical rotations in Rochester, New York where she volunteered with RESTORE as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault. She is excited to continue advancing her interests in reproductive health, adolescent medicine, and addressing gaps in care for underserved communities at BMC. Outside of medicine, Mia enjoys reading, experimenting with chocolate chip cookie recipes in search of the perfect one, exploring local restaurants and ice cream shops, and browsing the aisles of her local Trader Joe's.
Allen Tsai, MD
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Health Center: South Boston Community Health Center
Allen was born and raised in San Diego, California as a son of Taiwanese immigrants. He attended Johns Hopkins University, where he majored in Biology and minored in Psychology. In college, he became involved in projects aimed at improving access to healthcare, including a free text messaging service called CovidSMS, which delivered nationwide COVID-19 health updates during the height of the pandemic. Before entering medical school, Allen returned home to San Diego to work as a medical assistant in an allergy and immunology clinic. He went on to attend medical school at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. There, he participated in multiple projects including publishing a manuscript that highlighted the importance of incorporating cultural context when diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in the Asian population. He also continued his passion of mentoring and empowering the next generation by leading and coaching a non-profit basketball camp, Crossovers and Conversations. Through this camp, he was able to utilize his medical training to provide impactful health lessons, including CPR and Narcan administration, while also providing free basketball training to the underserved youth community. He is excited to continue his medical training at BMC to foster and grow these passions. His interests within medicine include full-spectrum family medicine, community health, and sports medicine. Outside of medicine, Allen enjoys weightlifting, playing basketball, discovering new foods, and going to the beach.
Rachel Ziemba, MD
Medical School: State University of New York Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine
Health Center: Codman Square Health Center
Rachel grew up in Syracuse, NY before heading south to attend the University of Richmond where she studied Biology and Latin American, Latino, and Iberian Studies, and was a member of the women's lacrosse team (Go Spiders!). Before returning home for medical school at SUNY Upstate, Rachel worked as a medical assistant in a Family Medicine practice in Hilo, Hawaii. This experience reinforced her passion for primary care and preventive medicine, especially as a means to address health disparities, reduce chronic disease burden, and promote health equity. During medical school, she continued to explore these interests, working closely with Upstate's Housecalls for the Homeless program, serving as a student coordinator at the local free clinic, and co-founding her school's Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group. Rachel was drawn to BMC's commitment to caring for underserved communities, and is thrilled to be able to train in full-spectrum Family Medicine while exploring her interests in preventive medicine, street medicine, addiction medicine, and palliative care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, reading, coaching lacrosse, and attempting to keep her houseplants alive.