Current Residents

Post-Graduate Year 4

Navneet Bassi, D.O.

Dr. Bassi joins us from Davis, Calif. and received his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from UC Davis. Navneet is looking forward to growing into a well-rounded physician while building long lasting relationships with colleagues and patients. In his spare time, Navneet enjoys cooking, photography, hiking, dancing and exercising. He’s also an avid supporter of Manchester United Soccer Club and indulges in his soccer addiction by watching their games and playing soccer.

Timothy Cuyegkeng, D.O.

Dr. Cuyegkeng joins us from South Pasadena, CA and received his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine. Timothy is looking forward to learning from the amazing faculty at UC Davis and exploring the subspecialties within the department. In his spare time, Timothy enjoys traveling, sports (he’s a Lakers fan), playing video games and spending time with family and friends.

Maria Florendo, M.D.

Dr. Florendo joins us from Michigan and received her medical degree from Central Michigan University College of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degrees in biology (physiology and neuroscience) and cognitive science from University of California, San Diego. Maria is looking forward to exploring the different subspecialties in neurology and learning from our wonderful faculty. She’s also excited to be training in an area comprised of a diverse population and hopes to serve this group as an attending physician. In her spare time, Maria enjoys doing puzzles, embroidery, Zumba, gardening and karaoke (she grew up singing in choir and doing musical theater).

Nhayoung Hwang, M.D.

Dr. Hwang joins us from Davis, Calif. and received her medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Arts degree in molecular and cell biology with an immunology emphasis from University of California, Berkeley. Nhayoung is looking forward to learning about the different fields within neurology, and is excited about the department’s growing presence in the School of Medicine because medical student education is one of her passions. In her spare time, Nhayoung enjoys hiking, kickboxing, playing board games, baking and playing the piano.

Kevin Littleton, M.D.

Dr. Littleton joins us from Florida and received his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and cell science from the University of Florida. Kevin is looking forward to learning more about the management and workup of neurological diseases, as well as their treatments and patient care. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys music, especially producing electronic music, playing electric/acoustic guitar and collecting vinyl records. He also likes to stay active and go to the gym.

George Savvides, M.D.

Dr. Savvides joins us from Kansas and received his medical degree from University of Kansas School of Medicine. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from University of Kansas. George is looking forward to getting excellent training and expanding his skills to become a competent and empathetic neurologist, and delving into the world of neurological/neuroscience research. In his spare time, George enjoys wood working and board games, and he’s also interested in health, longevity and fasting.

Post-Graduate Year 3

Kevin Ashley, M.D.

Dr. Ashley joins us from Rancho Cordova, Calif. and received his medical degree from California Northstate University College of Medicine. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Kevin is looking forward to applying his interest in neurosciences to patient care, exploring the many subspecialties of neurology and growing and learning from the UC Davis Health neurology team. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys hanging out with his family, mountain biking and rock climbing.

Rebecca Dutta, M.D.

Dr. Dutta joins us from Fremont, Calif. and received her medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from Scripps College. Rebecca is looking forward to exploring different subspecialties in neurology and gaining confidence as a new physician. She’s also interested in medical education and hopes to be involved in medical student teaching and mentorship. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with family, hiking, reading and working on jigsaw puzzles

Corinna Fazzio, D.O.

Dr. Fazzio joins us from Colorado and received her medical degree from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She also received her Master of Science degree in physiology and biophysics from Georgetown University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in clinical nutrition from UC Davis. Corinna is also a Registered Dietician and was selected this year as Colorado’s Young Dietician of the Year from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is looking forward to learning more about the different neurology subspecialties from our faculty and residents. In her spare time, Corinna enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, cooking and ultimate Frisbee.

Tiffany Hu, M.D.

Dr. Hu joins us from Pennsylvania and received her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Tiffany is looking forward to learning from and serving a diverse patient population, exploring different neurology subspecialties and meeting new friends and mentors. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys trying new food and going to different coffee shops. She’s also a fan of true crime (especially podcasts) and is looking forward to being back in the California sunshine.

Matthew Massie, M.D.

Dr. Massie joins us from Davis, Calif. and received his medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine. He also received his Bachelor of Arts degree in experimental psychology from Eastern Illinois University. Matthew appreciates the hard-working and collaborative culture in the Neurology Department that he saw while rotating through as a medical student, and is looking forward to being back on service as a part of the team. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys doing anything that involves the outdoors, friends and family.

Katrina Pasao, M.D.

Dr. Pasao joins us from Gilroy, Calif. and received her medical degree from California Northstate University College of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of San Francisco. Katrina is looking forward to being part of a team and taking every opportunity to learn about her patients and the specialty that she’s passionate about. In her spare time, Katrina enjoys music, whether it’s singing, playing an instrument or just listening to music. She also likes hiking, fishing, watching Korean dramas and enjoying good food and boba.

Christopher Phillips, M.D.

Dr. Phillips joins us from Washington and received his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. He also received his Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology from the University of Washington School of Public Health, and his Bachelor of Science degree in classics and linguistics from Pitzer College. Christopher is looking forward to training with clinical faculty from various neurology subspecialties; working with a large and diverse patient population; and collaborating with basic and clinical researchers. In his spare time, Christopher enjoys biking and recently rode from Seattle to his new home in California along the Washington/Oregon/California coast.

Sung Yim, M.D.

Dr. Yim joins us from Illinois and received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. He also received his Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the University of Vermont. Sung is looking forward to learning clinical skills and working with his co-residents and attendings. In his spare time, Sung enjoys spending time with family and playing music, and has been exploring fun outdoor activities in the Sacramento area.

Post-Graduate Year 2

John Paul Aboubechara, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Aboubechara joins us from Sacramento, Calif. and received his medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine. He also received his Doctorate degree in neuroscience and his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from UC Davis. John Paul is looking forward to developing the knowledge and skills essential to become an independent neurologist who can provide compassionate yet effective care for patients. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, running, playing basketball and high intensity interval training.

Meera Bedi, M.D.

Dr. Bedi joins us from Pennsylvania and received her medical degree from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. She also received Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics from University of California, Los Angeles. Meera is looking forward to learning and practicing integrative medicine in the field of neurology as well as becoming involved with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion task force. In her spare time, she enjoys classical Indian dancing, experimenting in the kitchen and exploring nature.

Christopher Blaine, M.D.

Dr. Blaine joins us from Sacramento, Calif. and received his medical degree from California Northstate University College of Medicine. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Christopher is looking forward to being part of a collaborative and supportive team that will nurture and heal patients, while also learning how to function independently as a physician. In his spare time, Christopher enjoys running and hiking in the Bay Area and high Sierras with his dog Zoe, table-top gaming, video games, and reading science fiction and fantasy books.

Kelly Chan, M.D.

Dr. Chan joins us from Connecticut and received her medical degree from the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. She also received her Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and psychology from Claremont McKenna College. Kelly is looking forward to growing into a well-rounded physician and exploring all the different subspecialties. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, exploring new restaurants and museums, hiking and snowboarding.

Hiba Fakhri, M.D.

Dr. Fakhri joins us from Tennessee and received her medical degree from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Hiba is looking forward to training under incredible leaders in a community that values and celebrates diversity. She’s also excited to collaborate with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee and help further uplift this mission. In her spare time, Hiba enjoys cycling – a love that was born when she was a UC Davis undergraduate and will flourish when she returns to her home institution.

Tanya Gonzalez, M.D.

Dr. Gonzalez joins us from Michigan and received her medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumount School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Tanya is looking forward to making an impact in her community as a neurologist and showing how the specialty can help a broad and diverse patient population. In her spare time, she enjoys jogging, hiking, exploring new places, and trying new types of food and writing food reviews to support small independent businesses.

Wassim Hmeidan, M.D.

Dr. Hmeidan joins us from Illinois and received his medical degree from Rush University Medical College. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Wassim is looking forward to fostering his personal interest in academics by not only working with third year medical students but also by attempting to promote greater exposure to the clinical and research components of neurology. In his spare time, Wassim enjoys experimenting with different coffee brewing techniques and hopes to one day open a coffee shop in a college town that serves as a coffee education hub (teaching brew science), study spot and cultural/community center. He also enjoys playing video, board and card games (Dominion is a favorite) with friends and family.

Zhen-Jie (Jason) Wang, M.D.

Dr. Wang joins us from Florida and received his medical degree from University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from University of California, Riverside. Jason is looking forward to taking care of a diverse variety of patients and neurological conditions, and seeing diseases we don't have effective therapeutics for now become manageable or curable as technology advances. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, reading novels, playing piano and trying out new recipes.

Post-Graduate Year 1, Internal Medicine Residents

Ian Armstrong, M.D.

Dr. Armstrong comes to us from Glenwood Springs, CO and received his medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from Brigham Young University. Ian is looking forward to helping patients with complex medical problems and advocating for them. He is also excited to better understand the physiology that underlies diseases of the nervous system to guide effective treatments for patients. Along the way he is anticipating meeting incredible colleagues and friends. You can find Ian spending time with his wife, daughter, and son. They enjoy going on hikes, visiting parks, fishing, and exploring Sacramento together. On his own, Ian enjoys restoration projects on old tools, bikes, and other vintage items; working out; and sketching/drawing whenever possible.

Kathleen Barnett, M.D.

Dr. Barnett joins us from Sacramento, California and received her medical degree from California Northstate University College of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology with a minor in Linguistics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Katie is looking forward to strengthening her foundational knowledge of clinical neuroscience, as well as advocating for her patients' health and well-being. In her spare time, Katie enjoys going to Sacramento Kings games, watching Star Trek, taking her dog to the local dog park, and spending time with friends and family.

Enes Djesevic, M.D.

Dr. Djesevic joins us from Las Vegas and received his medical degree from Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Enes is looking forward to caring for a diverse patient population while working in the academic setting to create a positive impact in Sacramento as a neurologist. In his free time, Enes loves to go running, hiking through new trails, playing video games, gazing at the stars with his telescope, and doing Judo!

Su Htet Htet Naing, M.D.

Dr. Naing joins us from Yangon, Myanmar and received her medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine. Prior, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular and cell biology from UC Berkeley. Su Htet is looking forward to exploring the different subspecialities in neurology and learning ways to serve the underserved communities from a neurological perspective. For wellness, Su Htet likes to dance, play badminton and volleyball, binging shows, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dai Nguyen, M.D., M.B.A.

Dr. Nguyen joins us from southern California and received her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from UCLA. Dai is looking forward to learning new ways to expand medical access to underserved communities through telehealth and to advocate for systemic changes to improve patient care. In her spare time, Dai enjoys oil painting, clicker training her cats, exploring coffee shops, and spending quality times with her loved ones.

Himal Amresh Purani, M.D.

Dr. Purani comes to us via Minneapolis, MN. She received her medical degree from University of Minnesota Medical School – Twin Cities. Previously, Himal earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics, Cellular Biology & Development from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Dr. Purani is looking forward to honing her clinical & diagnostic skills as she learns to function independently as a physician, building lifelong friendships and mentorships in residency, exploring the various subspecialties within neurology, and working alongside a collaborative and diverse group of medical professionals. In her leisure time, Himal enjoys spending time with family and friends by exploring local eateries, playing board games/tennis, and experimenting with recipes from various cuisines in the kitchen.

Tiffany Shih, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Shih joins us from Pleasanton, CA and received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She also received her Doctorate in Infection, Inflammation and Immunity from Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Newark, NJ and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Cell Biology with a Cell Development emphasis from University of California, Berkeley. Tiffany is looking forward to discovering who she will “grow up” to be as a neurologist while bonding and working with an amazing and supportive group of co-residents and faculty. In addition to learning to navigate challenges in patient care faced by a diverse population in a city with a rich history, she is especially interested in exploring the intersection between inflammation and neurological diseases. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying different cuisines and outdoor activities that the Sacramento area has to offer, cooking, and watching re-runs of her favorite comedy TV shows.

Nicole Sukkarieh, M.D.

Dr. Sukkarieh comes to us from Michigan and received her medical degree from Wayne State School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Stony Brook University. Nicole is looking forward to forming strong connections with diverse patient populations and staying up to date with rapid advancements in the neurological field. You can find Nicole playing piano and singing, exploring restaurants with outdoor seating with her husband and chihuahua pug, and playing videogames.

Contact Information

Adult Neurology Residency Program Coordinator:
Bailey Mathews

Mailing Address:
UC Davis Department of Neurology
4860 Y Street, Suite 3700
Sacramento, CA 95817

E-Mail:
bamathews@ucdavis.edu

Phone: 916-734-1532

Neurology Program Verifications

Neurology Programs Education Verifications:
Karla Lindstrom

Mailing Address:
UC Davis Department of Neurology
4860 Y Street, Suite 3700
Sacramento, CA 95817

E-Mail:
klindstrom@ucdavis.edu

Phone: 916-734-6282

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