National Resident Match Week just wrapped up, which means residency training programs across the country discovered the identities of people who were matched to their training programs today (Friday, March 21, 2014). At Hurley Children's Hospital, seven new faces will join the Pediatric housestaff on July 1, after 100 candidates were selected to interview from nearly 1300 applicants. 

"This year was an especially competitive year for Pediatrics," said Hurley Pediatric Residency Program Director Mona Hanna-Attisha MD. "We hardly went down our rank list, and there were only four pediatric programs in the entire country that went unmatched."

Hanna said physicians want to train in Hurley Pediatrics because of its warmth, friendliness, and strong academic environment - and that is due to residents, nurses, faculty, and staff, whom she thanks.

"Recruitment is everyday," Hanna said. "It is every day that you provide exceptional pediatric care, every day that you teach a medical student, and every day that you come in with a smile on your face. ... Thank you to everyone."

Here are the incoming residents of the 2014-2015 academic year (profiles written by Hanna):

Dr. Zain Alamarat

Zain completed medical school at the University of Jordan. After medical school, she worked as an intern and as a pediatric housestaff physician in Jordan. She recently moved to Grand Blanc, Mich., to be with her husband, a current Hurley Internal Medicine resident! While in Michigan, she pursued additional clinical experiences in pediatric neurology. Zain has always been passionate about pediatrics; she recognizes the value of preventative medicine and aims to “help children fulfill their own dreams.” During medical school, Zain participated in several leadership and volunteer activities – with the International Federation of Medical Student Associations, she encouraged service among medical students and led health awareness campaigns. Zain and her husband were recently blessed with a newborn in February! Although caring for her newborn likely tops the list of non-work related activities, Zain’s interests also include swimming, painting and drawing. 

Dr. Shaleak Brown

Hailing from the Midwest, Shaleak received his BS and MS from Purdue University in Indiana. He then conducted full-time research at Indiana University School of Medicine. Leaving the bench for the bedside, Shaleak pursued his MD at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC. He has been an extremely active medical student. Most notably, he served as national delegate to the Student National Medical Association, vice-president for community service for the American Medical Student Association, and volunteer for many community-based service learning activities (sickle cell walk-a-thon, bone marrow drives, health fairs, etc). He also worked with the Howard University Pediatric Department My Garden Project to plant gardens for underserved families. Initially drawn to Pediatric Orthopedics, Shaleak took the plunge into straight pediatrics after the birth of his daughter! In his free time, Shaleak enjoys model car assembly, saxophone (alto/baritone), wood carving, snorkeling/scuba diving, sports (basketball, football), and fishing. 

Dr. Whei Lim

Whei completed her BS from Taylors’ University College and her MBBS from International Medical University Faculty of Medicine and Health, both in Malaysia. She currently works as a house intern in Malaysia. Whei has had a life-long passion for pediatrics, driven by her own childhood experience of being miraculously cured from Reyes syndrome by a competent pediatrician. She has participated in many service opportunities – from teaching orphans to providing health services to rural and remote areas of Malaysia. Whei has a bright and enthusiastic personality – in her own words, “[I always want to] give my best when I am treating children, as they will one day grow into someone important in society!” Whei is an avid runner and hiker – having completed multiple races (21K!) and conquering the highest mountain in Malaysia – Mount Kinabalu. Her other interests include zumba dancing, and traveling. 

Dr. Candice Mansoor

A Michigander, Candice completed her BS in biochemistry at University of Detroit Mercy and her MD at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Candice, like many, wanted to be a doctor since Kindergarten; however, her love for pediatrics strengthened and solidified during her pediatrics clerkship. With an impressive academic and research background, she looks forward to “making a difference in the lives of children.” She has always been drawn to service and giving back – she is an active member of her church and community where she mentors youth, plans health fairs, and serves as a community advisory board member. With so many amazing involvements, it’s hard to believe that Candice has any free time! When she does, Candice enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering at church, trying new foods, and cooking. 

Dr. Dustin Miller

Originally from the west side of the state, Dustin completed his BS in Psychology at Michigan State University. While excelling in school, working in a lab, and participating in extracurricular activities, Dustin amazingly found the time to play volleyball for MSU and led the team as co-captain to a Big 10 Conference Championship! Dustin completed his MD from the Medical University of the Americas. Keeping up his track record of multitasking extraordinaire, Dustin is also near completion of his MBA from Davenport University. As a visiting medical student, Dustin spent time at Hurley completing NICU and heme/onc rotations where he left a glowing, memorable impression. Staff also remember Dustin’s wife, another star athlete who knit over 100 blankets for our NICU babies! Dustin is blessed with one young son, Cameron, and has another little bundle of joy on the way! When not running after his son, Dustin enjoys camping, hiking, beach volleyball, traveling with family, hunting, fishing, and attending sporting events. 

Dr. Xinyue 'Cindy' Pan

Born in China, Xinyue grew up in Ontario, Canada. She attended University of Western Ontario for undergrad and then St George’s University School of Medicine for medical school. Throughout her education, Xinyue has balanced extensive service and leadership activities – volunteering for UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), hospital child life, cancer awareness, epilepsy camps, and much more. Drawn to pretend play (including tea parties with patients!) and deciphering patient’s various presentations, Xinyue is a natural pediatrican! She is described as “displaying a high sense of patient care, spirit of consciousness and tremendous zest for learning.” Xinyue is no stranger to Flint – her father makes the weekly commute to Flint from Canada as an IT specialist at Flint’s Diplomat Pharmacy – the nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy. Xinyue’s hobbies include reading, biking, NBA and learning Russian! 

Dr. Allison Champney Schnepp

Born in Flint, Allison grew up in Grand Blanc, MI. She attended the University of Michigan as a cellular and molecular biology major and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine for medical school. One of our own beloved students, Allison has been based in Flint for her last two years of medical school. An academic and research superstar, Allison was recently inducted into AOA. Her research regarding HPV vaccination in males was also presented nationally at PAS. Allison has participated in several activities, including serving as co-leader of the MSU FAME Pediatric Interest Group.  A social butterfly, Allison is looking forward to “teamwork in an atmosphere of camaraderie!” Married to her high school sweetheart, Allison and Adam are expecting their first child in mid-July! Talk about hands-on pediatric training (with probable duty-hour violations)! Allison enjoys walking, photography, and reading.