Residents

PGY-2 Residents

Headshot of Adam Brzezinski, MD

Adam Brzezinski, MD

Dr. Brzezinski was born and raised in Detroit, MI. He moved to Tampa, FL just before high school with his family. He attended Alonso High School in Tampa before graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science. Before medical school he worked as an EMT right here at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Emergency Room for nearly three years. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, playing video games, golfing, and dining at local Tampa Bay area spots with his girlfriend, Amanda, and their dog, Tulip.

Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences Center

Why did you choose BayCare: Growing up in Tampa and having worked at St Joseph’s prior to medical school, I had the opportunity to care for children of all ages and all pathologies that any resident would jump at to learn from and provide care for. Working in the ER there, I helped care for some very sick children. I learned from them and from the doctors that treated them. There was not a shift that went by where I was not promising myself that I would be back to care for these same patients. Not as an EMT, but as a physician. Right here at the very hospital that helped me fall in love with pediatric medicine, in the very city that my loved ones and I call home. I had the opportunity to arrive full-circle and it is a dream come true!

What's the best advice you've ever been given?During the good times and the bad, my dad would always tell me a quote from the great football coach, Vince Lombardi: "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."

What's your theme song?"Jump" by Van Halen! I've loved Van Halen since I was a kid and "Jump" always reminds you that "you got to roll with the punches and get to what's real". Fight for what is worth fighting for and "go ahead and jump" forward!

Headshot of Giuliana Budish, DO

Giuliana Budish, DO

Dr. Budish was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She moved to Boca Raton, FL when she was in the 2nd grade. Her parents are both from Brazil and she speaks Portuguese fluently. Dr. Budish married her high school sweetheart, and together they are "raising" their 14-year-old dachshund, Charlie.

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton Campus

Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for a variety of reasons, but it ultimately came down to the people I interviewed and rotated with as a student. It was evident that this program was built on thoughtfulness, care, and a passion for medical education. I was confident that I would be happy learning and training here for the next three years.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

What's your theme song? When You Wish Upon a Star; it instantly evokes the magic of Disney and reminds us that our dreams can come true.

Headshot of Brittany Bundy, MD

Brittany Bundy, MD

Dr. Bundy is from Memphis, TN but has lived in the Atlanta area since middle school. She went to Georgia Southern University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and proceeded to work as an RN in the Neonatal ICU for 5 years before pursuing medicine. Dr. Bundy and her husband met in the high school band and have been together for 15 years. They love to spend time with family and their two dogs Carmen and Cersei.

Medical School: Meharry Medical College

Why did you choose BayCare: I let my heart lead the way during interview season and fell in love with the idea of a new program that aims to reimagine residency and improve not only resident training but our preparation for life beyond. For example, offering financial advisors and opportunities to get involved in the community through the Advocacy rotation. The faculty were very welcoming during interview day and expressed genuine interest in my career goals which reflects the individualized curriculum at BayCare. I was also excited to learn about the Level IV NICU and can't wait to train there. I felt at home even virtually and can't imagine a more beautiful place to work!

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Run your own race". It is easy to compare yourself in medicine but it's good to remember that everyone has their own story and journey through this process.

Headshot of Jordan Coyner, MD

Jordan Coyner, MD

Dr. Coyner grew up in Clearwater, FL until she was 18 years old. She then ventured to High Point, NC where she graduated from High Point University with a degree in biology and a minor in music (vocal performance). Before starting medical school, she was a Chief Scribe at a local hospital for two years. Between second and third year of medical school she and her husband Nick got married. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family, her dog, go to the beach, and travel to Disney!

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean

Why did you choose BayCare: Growing up in the Tampa Bay area, I was very familiar with the prestige the BayCare name held. I was born at a BayCare Hospital in Clearwater and throughout the years, my family have been patients. The care everyone always received was exceptional. I always knew I wanted to come back to my hometown to give and serve the community that has given so much to me growing up. When I interviewed here, I felt at home and so welcomed by how kind everyone was. It was clear that the BayCare Health Program wants every resident to be valued, heard, and successful. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Is to always approach life with kindness and empathy - even in tough situations. You never know what someone is going through until you walk in their shoes.

What's your theme song? "Try Everything" by Shakira from the Disney movie, Zootopia. The song talks about how nobody learns without getting things wrong or having times of failure. What is most important is trying and never giving up.

Headshot of Hannah Crotty, DO

Hannah Crotty, DO

Dr. Crotty was born and raised in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas. She grew up with four siblings and many cats and dogs which is where her love of animals started. She loves food and she believes she can DIY anything. Dr. Crotty is engaged to her fiancé who is a PM&R resident. They are proud cat parents to Luna and Ziggy.

Medical School: Lincoln Memorial College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: I immediately felt like I connected with the faculty and staff. I could tell from the beginning they were eager to build a strong pediatric residency who values their residents as individuals, and I wanted to be a part of that.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Love yourself because no one else can do it better than you.

What's your theme song? Wildflowers by Dolly Parton.

Headshot of Alexandria Cummings, DO

Alexandria Cummings, DO

Dr. Cummings was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. After high school, she moved to Buffalo, New York to attend D’Youville College, where she majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. Following college, Dr. Cummings moved back to Erie for medical school. She is an obsessed aunt, and an even more obsessed pet mom to her dog, Baxter and cat, Roxi. You can always find her with her boyfriend and pets, their families, or at Target with her best friend!

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie Campus

Why did you choose BayCare: I was really drawn to everyone on my interview day. Each person I spoke with was genuinely excited about the start of this program and the chance to make it into something great. I love being a part of new things, especially those that other people are excited to make happen! Also, I wanted a break from shoveling snow all winter.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? You don’t have to sacrifice your happiness to achieve your dreams.

What's your theme song? “Imagine” by John Lennon. I grew up listening to the song and just really love the message I’ve interpreted from it: imagine a world where everyone got along, and life was peaceful.

Headshot of Kiara Hodge, DO

Kiara Hodge, DO

I was born in Clearwater, FL, and have since lived all around the Tampa Bay Area. I'm the second oldest of five daughters and I come from a long line of teachers and firefighters. I am a first-generation physician. Prior to embarking on my journey in medicine, I was a competitive girl's weightlifter and placed first in the state of Florida in 2015 for the 129lb weight class. I recently got married in March 2022 to my husband Elston. I have three stepchildren (ages 7, 6, and 3 1/2), two dogs, and two kittens. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time at the beach, dining in restaurants, and being around friends and family.

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton Campus

Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of all the benefits I saw in a new program! From my first encounter with the program leadership, it was clear how dedicated and passionate they were to build a strong program full of resident involvement and feedback. Throughout my 4th year, I was able to complete multiple rotations that gave me exposure to Peds Surgery, NICU, Newborn Nursery, and Inpatient Pediatric Medicine. These experiences allowed me to work one-on-one with the attending physicians that will now serve as my upper levels for the upcoming years. The attending physicians come from top programs and have been able to bring this knowledge and expertise to a more intimate community hospital setting, where you learn directly from them. I knew from my first rotation in the outpatient clinic that BayCare was exactly where I was supposed to be.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Comparison is the thief of joy, you don't have to be smarter than everyone in the room, but you should be the most thoughtful, compassionate, and prepared that you can be.

What's your theme song? “Diva” by Beyonce

Headshot of Taryn Jinnette, DO

Taryn Jinnette, DO

Dr. Jinnette grew up in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. After graduating from the same high school as the one and only Dolly Parton, Dr. Jinnette attended Carson-Newman, a small liberal arts college in Jefferson City, Tennessee. There she earned an undergraduate degree in biochemistry. After that, she had the amazing opportunity to be a CNA on the trauma floor at UT Medical Center Knoxville. From there she ventured on to medical school at LMU-DCOM. Dr. Jinnette can’t wait to start a new adventure in Tampa with her husband and two golden retrievers!

Medical School: Lincoln Memorial College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: I loved the family atmosphere I felt immediately, and I could feel the excitement from all the faculty through the computer!

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The only person you can control is yourself.

What's your theme song? I'll Be There for You by The Rembrandts. Friends is my all-time favorite TV show, plus it's just a great song!

PGY-1 Residents

Headshot of Vivian Aldana, DO

Vivian Aldana, DO

Dr. Aldana is from Hialeah, a suburb in the Miami metro area, and her parents are both from Cuba. She speaks Spanish fluently, loves her daily morning coffee, and enjoys dancing (especially salsa!). She attended the University of Florida and then moved to Tampa to pursue a master's degree at the University of South Florida. Dr. Aldana has since made Tampa Bay her home, working as a Hillsborough County substitute teacher and as a medical assistant, and marrying a Tampa native and fellow Gator graduate prior to going to medical school. Together, she and her husband enjoy watching and playing basketball, trying different craft beers at the various breweries around town, and going to the beach.

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare? I chose BayCare because of its location in Tampa Bay and the program’s commitment to the Tampa Bay community, but more importantly because of the connection I felt to the people I encountered while doing rotations there during medical school. Interactions with the faculty, staff, and residents felt like being among family in a space that inspired growth and learning. I knew that this was a family I wanted to join.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Know what you don't know.

What’s your theme song? La Vida Es Un Carnaval. It reminds me of my roots and is a reminder that life is beautiful. Plus, there's no way you can't help but dance and just feel uplifted when the song comes on.

 

 

Headshot of Kevin Cialfi, DO

Kevin Cialfi, DO

Dr. Cialfi was born and raised in Upstate New York in the Syracuse area. He received his Bachelor’s in neuroscience from the State University of New York at Binghamton, and his Master’s in biomedical science from Tufts University. He enjoys spending time with family and is an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast. He can often be found on the golf course and out on the water fishing.

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie Campus

Why did you choose BayCare: I was confident that BayCare, the pediatrics faculty there, and living in the Tampa area could all provide me with an ideal environment to learn in and become the pediatrician I strive to be.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?Growing up, I was always taught that persistence in whatever you do is the key to achieving your goals.

What's your theme song?"“Don’t Ask Me Why” by Billy Joel. The song’s theme of taking chances to achieve success resonates with me.

Headshot of Katie Douglas, DO

Katie Douglas, DO

Dr. Katie Douglas was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and is consequently a major Cubs fan. She attended her parents' alma mater at Augustana College and went on to graduate from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. She loves reading, cooking, photography, music, and petting her two cats. When not at work, she can be found playing with her Dalmatian puppy, Dottie.

Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because I knew that I would have the chance to build close relationships both with my co-residents and my attendings, and that this hospital setting would give me the opportunity to grow into a confident and competent pediatrician. I also was excited to build into a newer program and was delighted to find a shared passion for global health with Dr. Casatelli.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us" - JRR Tolkien

What's your theme song?"Here Comes the Sun"

Headshot of Joshua Gaudineer, DO

Joshua Gaudineer, DO

Dr. Gaudineer has called Tampa, Florida, home since his family moved here in 2001. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in biology and then pursued his childhood dream of becoming a physician. Dr. Gaudineer married his high school sweetheart and lives in the Westchase area with his five-year-old son and two dogs.

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton Campus

Why did you choose BayCare: My experience with BayCare began when I was thirteen years old as my younger brother received cancer treatment for six years at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Spending time at BayCare as a medical student, I encountered amazing staff everywhere I went and doctors that had a passion for sharing their knowledge and teaching others. Having experienced them as a family of a patient and as a medical student I am excited to serve the community that I have called home.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice I’ve been given is to “always ask questions because any question not asked is a question never answered.”

What's your theme song? “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey because it exemplifies that no matter what obstacles you face in life you must always have faith in yourself.

Headshot of Seriah Groen-Hoeksema, DO

Seriah Groen-Hoeksema, DO

Dr. Groen-Hoeksema was born in Santa Ana, California. She moved to Tampa, FL when she was a junior in high school. She loves being a Florida girl because of the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and Disney World! She is married to the love of her life, Ty. They met at Wheaton College in Chicago, IL and married during her second year of medical school. They are both so excited to raise their family in Florida and take their sweet mini-goldendoodle puppy "Gucci" to all the fun spots around Tampa.

Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences Center

Why did you choose BayCare: BayCare impressed me in many ways. Down to the faculty’s genuine care for their residents, the overall supportive environment, the kindness the residents showed me, and the attending-resident relationships within the program I knew that this was the program for me. The prospect of being at BayCare got me excited to continue to learn and grow my foundation in medicine. I am thrilled and blessed to be training here for the next three years.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?"Be strong and courageous."

What's your theme song?"Another in the Fire" Hillsong. I love to sing this song before big events and tests.

Headshot of Gabriel Rodriguez-Santiago, DO

Gabriel Rodriguez-Santiago, DO

Dr. Rodriguez-Santiago was born in Aurora, Illinois and shortly after moved to Mount Dora, Florida when he was less than a year old. The majority of his family being from Puerto Rico, he is one of the first of his family born in the mainland United States. From a young age he developed a strong love for cooking and nutrition, eventually receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science and moving onward to medical school. To this day he loves cooking for his top fan, his beloved dog Manhattan.

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University, Tampa Campus

Why did you choose BayCare: My experiences with BayCare throughout my medical education were the most formative and influential in my desire to pursue a career in Pediatrics. I witnessed their compassion, empathy, and drive to do the best they can not only for their patients but for everybody they interact with. To me, BayCare set the gold standard by which a physician should be held. That is why I chose them. To become the best physician, I can possibly be.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? That in life there are some things that are out of our control, but nothing can take away our freedom to choose how to react.

What's your theme song? Can’t Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song has personally been a favorite ever since I first heard it back when I was younger. The message always stuck with me: the world is what you make it and no matter the ‘ups and downs’ of life, don’t stop pushing.

Headshot of Giulia Sonego Izzo, DO

Giulia Sonego Izzo, DO

Dr. Sonego Izzo was born in a small town close to Sao Paulo, Brazil. When she was 11 years old, her dad transferred job locations and their family moved to Lakeland, FL. She attended the University of Florida where she majored in Nutritional Sciences. She is married to her college sweetheart, Vincent. She is a huge fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning and loves attending games. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling the world - especially making the trip down to Brazil once a year to see family and friends. Dr. Sonego Izzo is excited to be starting this next chapter in Tampa!

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: Choosing BayCare to spend the next 3 years of my training was an easy decision. During my fourth-year rotations and my interview I felt welcomed and valued. It was easy to feel the family atmosphere and vision myself growing into a better medical professional during my time at BayCare.

My dad always told me when I was little, “When we have a goal, we can always achieve it”. It has been a constant reminder in my life to never give up on my dreams.

What's your theme song? Long Live by Taylor Swift. It reminds me to be thankful for accomplishments and the people who you’ve accomplished it with.

Headshot of Brandon Tucker, DO

Brandon Tucker, DO

Dr. Tucker was born and raised in the Tampa Bay Area. He attended the University of South Florida, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science. Before starting medical school, he worked as an ER scribe at a local hospital. He enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the local food scene, staying active, and caring for his collection of houseplants.

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: The fond memories of my rotation through BayCare as a medical student stuck with me on my interview trail. I felt a sense of community with program leadership and residents, and I am thrilled to be a part of a newer program that allows more one-on-one time with the attending physicians.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Don't be preoccupied with what others think of you. Confidence doesn't mean: "They're going to like me." Confidence means: "I'll be fine if they don't."

What's your theme song? "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations. This song always finds its way onto my road trip playlists, and it never gets old!