Pathology Resident Testimonials

Omar Baba, M.D.
2027 Graduate

Hometown: Tripoli, Lebanon
Medical School: American University of Beirut, Lebanon
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? What truly sets the Henry Ford Hospital residency apart is the expert diversity within the department and the structured, academically rigorous program it offers. The training here strikes a perfect balance between hands-on experience and a strong lecture-oriented curriculum, ensuring that we are well-prepared for any challenge. The faculty and department are not only knowledgeable but also incredibly caring and supportive, creating a very safe environment for learning and growth. The dynamic between residents is another highlight; it’s a community where everyone is eager to help, teach, and learn from each other. Beyond the rigorous academic experience, there are also many fun activities that bring us together, making this program as enjoyable as it is educational.
What are your plans for the future?I am passionate about integrating pathology with informatics and leadership in healthcare. I have already pursued a fellowship in pathology informatics at Henry Ford Health and subsequently aim for a role that combines clinical pathology, informatics, and healthcare administration.
What is living in Detroit like for you? Detroit is a unique city that beautifully combines the feel of both a big and small city. It has a rich cultural and arts scene, and the food here is incredible, reflecting the city’s amazing diversity. As a border city with Canada, Detroit offers a truly international experience, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to live. Contrary to some misconceptions, Detroit is picking up and thriving; it’s an affordable city with one of the greatest diversities of cultures, making it a welcoming and safe environment where everyone can find their place. I’ve felt completely at home here, and the city’s blend of history and revitalization continues to inspire me.

Khalid Shittu, M.D.
2026 Graduate

Hometown: (Offa)Kwara, Nigeria
Medical School: College of Health Sciences- University of Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria
The Pathology Residency program at Henry Ford Hospital is filled with wonderful, diverse experts who foster a culture of learning, teamwork, and inclusion. The attendings are passionate and are totally committed to the success of the residents. The continuous dedication to trainees by the faculty makes our residency program unique, rich, and outstanding. Our attendings are very approachable and all have an open-door policy whenever questions arise, especially with rare and challenging cases. Although things are constantly changing and evolving in our department, one thing remains constant-the amazing leadership and the great minds!
What are your plans for the future?I have accepted a fellowship in Surgical Pathology at the Mayo clinic, Rochester.
What is living in Detroit like for you? I currently live in Southfield, which is approximately 18 minutes' drive from the hospital. Downtown Detroit is the place to be during the weekend. The Detroit metro area has a lot more to offer than most people know. Just recently, I had the opportunity of attending one of the world’s largest black festivals-Afro Nation here in Detroit. Every kind and shade of black was represented, celebrating the beauty of the true African culture

Abhishek Shah, M.D.
2025 Graduate

Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas, St. Kitts and Nevis
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? Our program offers a well rounded balance between anatomical and clinical pathology. In anatomical pathology, residents are exposed to wide range of diverse cases, enhancing their practical experience. On the clinical pathology side, the program emphasizes a strong foundation in laboratory management, equipping residents with essential skills for their future careers. Additionally, the program fosters a supportive working environment with dedicated faculty, PAs, medical technologists, and fellow residents.
What are your plans for the future? I have accepted a fellowship in Forensic Pathology at the Wayne County Medical Examiners Office.
What is living in Detroit like for you? I live in downtown Detroit, and there is always something to do. Whether it's enjoying fine dining, catching a game, or attending a concert, the city has endless food and entertainment options. Both Detroit and its surrounding suburbs offer something for everyone, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to live.

Bassam Alkamachi, M.D.
2022 Graduate

Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
Medical School: Al-Kindy College of Medicine / University of Baghdad
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? It's my great pleasure to be one of the pathology residents at Henry Ford Health. We have here an extremely great exposure to a high volume for both neoplastic and nonneoplastic cases. The diversity found at the level of residents and staff as well make the work atmosphere friendlier.
What are your plans for the future? I plan to apply for a fellowship in oncologic surgical pathology.
What is living in Detroit like for you? I find living in metro Detroit to be a unique experience for me. There is a large Arabic community here and I feel at home.

Kanika Taneja, M.D.
2022 Graduate

Hometown: Delhi, India
Medical School: Pt. BDS PGIMS, Rohtak, India
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? I like the diversity of surgical cases along with the incredible wealth of knowledge of the attending physicians and their dedication and enthusiasm to teaching. Also, there are ample opportunities to do research, laboratory management, and LEAN practices. Finally, my fellow residents and technical staff are very supportive and make each workday fun.
What are your plans for the future? I want to apply for a fellowship in genitourinary pathology and cytopathology, but I have not yet decided where I'd like to apply.
What is living in Detroit like for you? I live on campus currently and it's safe and convenient. Downtown can be fun, even in the winter, and it is developing even further. The Detroit metro area has a lot more to offer than most people know. I love to explore the great US outdoors, I love going hiking and canoeing with my family and friends, which is a perfect weekend activity. There are also many different cuisines for all the food-lovers.

Anjanaa Vijayanarayanan, M.D.
2022 Graduate

Hometown: Chennai, India
Medical School: Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital, and Research Center, Bijapur
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? The volume and diversity of cases that we get to see in surgical pathology is amazing. We also get a solid foundation in lab management and quality improvement, which is unique to the residency training here and something that will definitely help us stand out in our future jobs. We have a great resident and faculty group who make learning enjoyable.
What are your plans for the future? I hope to start with a hematopathology fellowship.
What is living in Detroit like for you?Having heard quite a few stories about Detroit, I was pleasantly surprised when I moved here. The city has many areas that are fun and new. There is always something to do, depending on the season. For me though, the best part is that Detroit is a food lover's dream!

Mohamed Alhamar, M.D.
2021 Graduate

Hometown: Muharraq, Bahrain
Medical School: Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? Henry Ford Hospital has a balanced and comprehensive program that is strong and has outstanding training in both anatomic and clinical pathology. We have strong academics as we have a great mix of complex and diverse cases. I chose this program because of the exceptional faculty, the breadth of research opportunities, and the diverse group of residents I now gladly call friends.
What are your plans for the future? I have accepted a fellowship in oncologic surgical pathology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Next year, I plan to apply for a genitourinary pathology fellowship.
What is living in Detroit like for you? I live in Dearborn, just west of the city. I like the easy commute and feeling like I live outside of the hustle of the city. Dearborn also has great restaurants.

Kathryn Hogan, M.D.
2021 Graduate

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Medical School: Wayne State University, Detroit
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? Our incredible diversity and volume of cases in both surgical pathology and hematopathology really sets the Henry Ford residency program apart from other programs. Our staff are fantastic, easy to talk to, and excellent teachers. The support staff, from PAs to med techs, are kind and always willing to help residents learn. My fellow residents are also a large part of what makes this program so great; we get along well and always support one another.
What are your plans for the future? I have accepted a hematopathology fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Next year I will apply for a surgical pathology fellowship.
What is living in Detroit like for you? I have a lot of family in Detroit and have practically grown up in southeastern Michigan. Downtown has a seemingly endless supply of restaurants with many different types of cuisines. The suburbs offer many great parks for hiking or having picnics, and in the winter there are still lots of activities, from sledding to cross country skiing. I currently live in Ypsilanti, which is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Ann Arbor a vibrant college town with U of M football and tailgates.

Ifeoma Onwubiko, M.D.
2021 Graduate

Hometown: Enugu, Nigeria
Medical School: University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? The camaraderie among residents at Henry Ford Hospital is absolutely laudable. There are days that I am exhausted from grossing or from other tasks and yet have found cause to smile from some encouraging words from fellow residents. Pathology staff are always willing to teach and are very approachable. I love the culture of nurturing that is adopted by every laboratory employee; they express genuine interest in encouraging resident learning and are always willing to assist the residents.
What are your plans for the future? I recently accepted a hematopathology fellowship position at Tufts Medical Center in Boston and shall be applying for a molecular fellowship next year.
What is living in Detroit like for you? ? I live in Troy, which is less than 30 minutes' drive from Detroit. The Troy district has schools that are ranked among the top schools nationwide along with beautiful landscapes for walks in the evenings. Little Caesar's Arena is awesome for some great basketball evenings with the family. There are museums such as Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History located in the heart of downtown Detroit. The downtown area of Detroit also has nice open patio restaurants which bustle with activities during the weekend. There is something for everyone here in Detroit.

Rand Abou Shaar, M.D.
2021 Graduate

Hometown: Damascus, Syria
Medical School:University of Kalamoon, Syria
What about the Henry Ford Hospital residency training program do you find most valuable? Our friendly and supportive environment that is filled with educational opportunities.
What are your plans for the future? I am currently applying for fellowships in molecular pathology and dermatopathology.
What is living in Detroit like for you? Better than I expected! I love living at the HFH apartments for the last 2 years. They are close to the hospital, downtown activities, and the suburbs, making it a great place to live during my residency.