Anesthesiology Residents

Class of 2029

Sofia Cartaya, MD
Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Why Memorial: I was born at Joe Dimmagio Children’s Hospital and had always heard great things about the system growing up. Then, during my MS4 year, I realized that Memorial had every rotation I wanted to be the strong, well-rounded physician I am continually working to be. After meeting the team and seeing the family dynamic Dr. Houseman has created, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I feel lucky and blessed to have been able to join the Memorial family. During my free time I love spending time with my family, my fiancé Chris, and getting outdoors as much as possible.

Merlin Perez Navarro, M.D
Medical School: Medical School: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Why Memorial: Why Memorial: I chose Memorial as my number one choice residency program because it offers the perfect combination of professional and personal fulfillment. As a Miami local, it was very important for me to stay close to home—not only to remain connected to my support system, but also to give back to the community that has supported and shaped me throughout my life and education. Being able to serve a patient population I deeply care about adds a strong sense of purpose and meaning to my training. I was drawn to this program from the moment I met a resident during one of my medical school rotations. That encounter led me to pursue an anesthesiology rotation here, where I felt a special connection that I didn’t experience anywhere else. The supportive culture, collegial environment, and strong mentorship all confirmed what I had hoped: that this is a program where I would be truly supported, both personally and professionally. What further stood out to me was the program’s unique balance between a close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere and strong academic rigor. The diverse clinical exposure, including high-acuity experiences such as trauma, ensures comprehensive training that will prepare me to be a confident and competent physician in any setting. I am excited by the opportunity to grow within this program and contribute meaningfully to its culture and mission. I know that training here will equip me with the skills, support, and experience I need to become the kind of anesthesiologist I aspire to be. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, dancing, camping, spending time with family and friends, and playing with my dog.

Karina Oganezova, M.D.
Medical School: Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine
Why Memorial: Memorial Healthcare System was my number one choice for residency because of how connected I felt to the faculty. I loved how intimate the program felt and how important the residents' input was for Dr. Houseman. I felt that my learning and training would be taken seriously. I also felt there was no malignancy within the program or within the hospitals. Having been here for a few months now, I am happy to say that my intuition was right. The day that I matched, I received so many phone calls from all of the residents and faculty saying how excited they were to have me join. I have met fantastic attendings, residents, and other healthcare personnel that have been so helpful and kind during this transition period. I have been thoroughly enjoying coming to work and am so excited for the years ahead. Hobbies: Spending time with my fiance, family, and friends, pilates, working out in general, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, and traveling!

Class of 2028

Aaron Wong, MD
Medical School: Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Why Memorial: During my senior medical student rotation in the Memorial Healthcare System, I was welcomed by Dr. Houseman, residents, and attendings alike. Everyone was extremely willing to teach and involve me in clinical discussions. After spending time with faculty and residents at various training levels, I saw how MHS promotes a supportive environment, nurtures critical thinking and independence, and seeks to develop outstanding physicians. As a community-based program affiliated with multiple medical schools, I am certain that this program will provide me with the opportunity to interact with and teach future physicians from diverse backgrounds. I am South Florida native, so staying near friends, family, and my support system made MHS a natural choice for residency. I’m sure that my time here will prepare for any professional endeavor I choose to pursue in the future. In my free time, I enjoy lifting, making/drinking coffee, playing guitar, and cooking.

Ryan Stalder, MD
Medical School: Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Why Memorial: I was faced with a lot of tough decisions during medical school. Ranking Memorial as my first choice for residency was not one of them. As a South Florida native who was born at Memorial Regional, I was excited that my medical school offered the opportunity to do third year rotations at Memorial. It was during these rotations that I realized what an incredible hospital system this is. I found the attendings to be dedicated teachers and the residents to be impressive and personable. I quickly realized that I could achieve my dreams if I just followed the path that they had laid out. After meeting the program leadership, I was blown away by their commitment to graduate medical education. You would be hard-pressed to find a program director that is more invested in their residents than Dr. Houseman. On top of that, Memorial is one of the only community programs in the country to offer in-house Pediatric anesthesia, Cardiac anesthesia, Obstetric anesthesia, and Level 1 Trauma. All these aspects made the Memorial Anesthesiology Residency the ideal choice for me.
In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, traveling, and spending time with my friends and family. I am grateful to train in a location that allows me to achieve my professional goals while also staying close to the people I love.

Phillip Cifuentes, MD
Medical School: Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Why Memorial: During my audition rotations and interactions at various hospital systems, Memorial Anesthesiology stood out. The camaraderie between program leadership, faculty and residents resembled that of a tight knit family. My top priority was to train at a program that not only prioritized clinical excellence, but also provided the robust support needed to excel during residency. I felt Memorial not only met but exceeded these expectations. During my free time I enjoy being active, working out, playing basketball and spending time with friends and family.

Class of 2027

Cecilia Nosti, MD
Medical School: Florida International University, College of Medicine
Why Memorial: From the time I was an applicant for Memorial’s Anesthesiology Program, I was treated with great respect by the Program Director, whom I had never met before. I have witnessed my program remain highly involved in connecting with medical students, prospective applicants, and residents because they greatly value our time and wellness as trainees. This can be an overlooked yet essential characteristic to look for in a residency training program. Ultimately, Memorial had everything else to offer an aspiring anesthesiologist: an in-house level 1 trauma center, OB and ICU services; a highly awarded pediatric hospital; an expansive, diverse volume of cases; plentiful hospital resources; and individualized, quality support from well-trained staff. So what made this program stand out above the rest? The level of respect and support I received, which makes my training years that much more of an enjoyable experience. The honorable values and warm, friendly work environment created here was truly impressionable. Furthermore, I wanted to work for a safety-net hospital to provide care to the underserved communities of various backgrounds found throughout South Florida. Located in one of the most desirable places to live in, I knew I would appreciate my time here, whether at work or out enjoying my time off. This leaves me in the best head space for quality time to study and build on my profession, or indulge in my hobbies such as weightlifting, rollerblading, bike riding, painting, salsa dancing, outdoor sports, attending music performances, trying new food, appreciating the arts, traveling, or cuddling with my cat.

Kevin Bennett, MD
Medical School: Florida International University, College of Medicine
Why Memorial: When applying to residency, my aim was not to just go to a great program but to be a great anesthesiologist. Memorial was a stellar experience during medical school and the entire anesthesia team here assured me that my goal would be met. Our program’s leadership, my senior residents’ candid experience and personal success, and the autonomy for learning I experienced even as a medical student sealed the deal for me. I know I will be a great anesthesiologist because of my decision to train here. I spend a lot of time writing songs/poetry/short stories, running, and playing D&D with my co-residents.

Justin Scuorzo, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Memorial: Why Memorial: I chose Memorial Healthcare because of the leadership in place and family culture I experienced during my transitional year. I was able to quickly form relationships with fellow residents, attendings, and most importantly, program leadership. I have no doubt that this program will allow me to become the best Anesthesiologist I can be.

I am a proud resident of New Jersey that now calls south Florida home. Outside of residency, I enjoy working out, coffee, fantasy football, anything sports related, relaxing with my dog Milo, and spending time in the Florida Keys with my family.

Class of 2026

Jessica Bonilla, DO
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Memorial: Memorial Healthcare System was my number one choice because of the people. When I interviewed with this program, I connected with the faculty and staff effortlessly. I got the sense that these wonderful people truly care about me as a person and therefore would help tailor my education as a resident to my needs, not just a cookie-cutter program. Once accepted, I received multiple phone calls and texts from my program director and faculty, to not only congratulate me on my success but to make sure my transition to residency went smoothly. In my free time I prioritize exercise with a focus on weightlifting and cycling. For leisure I seek out Escape Rooms and if there are none available, I’ll play escape board games at my favorite local boba tea shop with my partner or friends. I also maintain my status as a Yelp Elite reviewer and visit local restaurants whenever I am able.

Kevin Lukose, MD
Medical School: Florida Atlantic University, College of Medicine
Why Memorial: During my medical school anesthesiology rotation at Memorial, I quickly realized how the welcoming and collegial atmosphere was not something you find at every program. I am someone who thrives in a close-knit group where everyone knows everyone and works toward a common goal. The culture here at Memorial is one that I strongly believe will allow me to thrive and become an excellent anesthesiologist. In my spare time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, going on long walks/hikes, and spending time with family and friends.

Stephan Mouhanna, MD
Medical School: Florida International University, College of Medicine
Why Memorial: The faculty and culture at Memorial is irreplaceable and a place I can call my second home. Throughout medical school I participated in several rotations at Memorial, including Emergency Medicine, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and (of course) Anesthesiology. I came to bond with many of the physicians, nurses, and other medical staff working in the hospitals and had the pleasure of observing and being involved in their interactions with patients as well as participating in patient care. The experiences at this hospital system, in addition to the wonderful staff and structure of the anesthesiology program, helped solidify MHS as my residency location of choice for the next four years. It has been and will be a pleasure to work with the medical staff I have come to consider my family as I develop into a full-fledged Anesthesiologist at Memorial.