Chief Residents

Ross Lavine

PGY4 Chief Resident

I was born and raised in Barbados and obtained my MBBS degree at the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill). 

Since the day I was interviewed at Englewood Hospital, I was certain this program was where I wanted to spend the next 3 years of my life. The atmosphere was one of warmth, love and collegiality and I knew it was the perfect environment for learning and overall growth.  Leaving my family and country to pursue residency in a foreign country was bittersweet, but the faculty and residents made my transition a smooth one. The faculty and attendings are always there to assist you and are very approachable. They constantly seek to bring out the best in you.  

My training at Englewood has been top tier.  I had strong academic learning experiences and exposure to a wide variety of pathology. There was also a strong focus on professional growth, wellness, diversity, scholarly activity, quality improvement and patient safety. I was able to have numerous case reports and manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at multiple conferences. I was also afforded the opportunity to actively participate in multiple committees and leadership roles including the Program Evaluation Committee, Wellness Committee, Hackensack Graduate Medical Education Committee Resident Forum and PGY3 Didactics Chief Resident. 

I am excited for my new role at PGY4 Chief Resident.  I look forward to gaining experience as a junior attending, being actively involved in the professional and educational development of residents, quality improvement projects and working alongside faculty, looking at ways to continue to improve our program. I intend to pursue an academic career in Critical Care Medicine for which I feel well prepared, having gained much experience in many procedures, ranging from arterial and central line insertion, endotracheal intubation, thoracentesis and bronchoscopy, under superior supervision and training of our stellar Intensivists and Pulmonologists. 

During my off time, I enjoy spending time with my loving wife, Kristiana, our newborn son Tai and Pomeranian puppy, Chino, going for long drives, and trying new restaurants and activities. I also enjoy photography and cycling, which I picked up during my residency. Residing just across the Hudson River from NYC, I am able to cycle along the beautiful coast of north NJ and NY and be part of a huge cycling community. Fun fact, in 2022 I was able to participate in my first ‘Pro’ cycling event ‘GFNY Grand Fondo NYC 100-mile Championship!’

Hassan Alkhatatneh, MD

PGY3 Chief Resident (Inpatient Scheduling)

I was born and raised in Jordan, and my educational journey took me to various places. I pursued my medical studies at the Eastern Mediterranean University-Marmara University joint program, residing in Cyprus and later in Istanbul, Turkey.  Driven by my dream and passion for becoming a hematologist/oncologist, I decided to embark on the next chapter of my career in the USA. 

Englewood Hospital became my new home and family as I began this chapter. It provided me with a rich and diverse range of cases that enhanced my skills, expanded my horizons, and helped me grow as a physician, researcher, and individual. Recently, I have eagerly embraced my new role as the scheduling chief resident, as I believe it will further develop my abilities across different areas. 

Beyond the field of medicine, I have a deep passion for football, indulging in music and curating playlists, and immersing myself in series binge-watching. 

Kemar Barrett, MD

PGY3 Chief Resident (Research and Social Media)

Hailing from the sugary sweet region of Westmoreland in Jamaica, I completed my medical education at the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) in 2016. My post graduate training continued in the tourism mecca of Montego Bay where I was able to further hone my clinical skills before ultimately matching into residency here at Englewood in 2021. 

I was enthralled by the warm, collegial atmosphere of both the residents and faculty members coupled with the program’s impressive scholarly track record. The Internal Medicine residency program at Englewood Hospital has afforded me the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse patient population, a multi-faceted learning environment and has contributed to tremendous growth in both personal and professional domains. The opportunity to work with a culturally diverse team has equipped me with the tools and skills needed to tackle post-residency life fearlessly. 

I am excited to step into the PGY3 Chief Resident role with responsibility for the Research and Social Media portfolio for the 2023-24 academic year. The role will not only allow me to flex my tech savvy ‘muscles’ to advance residency recruitment efforts but also educate, inspire, and empower my colleagues to advance the scientific community. 

In my downtime, I trade in my scrubs for a kitchen apron to prepare various culinary delights much to the joy of my co-residents. Being close to the NYC hub also allows me to restaurant hop, undergo retail therapy and indulge in the city nightlife. 

Chelsey Bertrand-Hemmings, MD

PGY3 Chief Resident (Ambulatory Medicine)

I was born in the twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago, the last two islands of the Caribbean archipelago.  My home country exemplifies diversity in its people, religion, flora, fauna and culture, and has given to the world the only musical instrument created in the 20th century—the steelpan. 

I completed my medical school training at the University of the West Indies (Mona) in Jamaica.  Being a person with strong family ties, it was important for me to find a program with a family feel.  Amongst other things, it was the sense of family that set Englewood Hospital apart, making it the best choice for me to spend my three years in training.   

Englewood Hospital has provided me with a multi-faceted, holistic education.  I have had significant learnings in my time here, from our daily noon didactic sessions, point of care ultrasound, evidence-based medicine to the quality improvement curriculum which is outstanding.  Beyond this, our program and faculty are very supportive of residents pursuing scholarship, which has allowed me to present my work at multiple national conferences.  Regular check-ins by faculty to give advice on academic and non- academic matters not only gives support and encouragement, but also keeps the high standards of Englewood Hospital clearly in view. I truly enjoy opportunities to practice primary care at outpatient clinic rotations, where we share our skills with the diverse communities around us. The flexible schedule facilitates personal wellness which is so important for us residents. 

In my downtime I enjoy long drives with my husband, Jon, trying new recipes and going to concerts. 

Anesha White, MD

PGY3 Chief Resident (Critical Care)

The beautiful island of Barbados, that I call home, is where I spent most of my life. There, I completed my medical school education and started my medical career in an Internal Medicine residency program. Early in my career I found my passion in Critical Care. Driven by that passion, I decided to pursue further training in the United States to further enhance my knowledge and skills.   

I was afforded the opportunity to join the Internal Medicine Program at Englewood Hospital. Englewood has allowed me to expand my wings. The support of the faculty and the camaraderie of my co-residents have been instrumental in my continuous advancement. Not only have I had the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, but I have also been able to develop my skills in research and attend national conferences, interacting with people from all over the US. 

I must admit it has been difficult moving away from my family and my dogs, Bella and Storm, but I have grown to appreciate the nuances of life in the US, down to the cold winters, while embracing growth during this journey. In my spare time, I enjoy attending spin classes, going to the gym and taking strolls (for ice cream) with my husband. 

I am honored to have been chosen for the role as PGY 3 ICU chief and I look forward to serving my co-residents and giving back to my program. 

Joel Wright, MD

PGY3 Chief Resident (Didactics)

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica where I also completed medical school and worked for a few years before deciding to pursue residency at Englewood Hospital. 

My time at Englewood Hospital has been nothing short of incredible. Here, I sense that I am not just a learning medicine, but rather I am being trained to be a comprehensive physician with profound bedside etiquette and the ability to serve persons from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Besides being very personable, the faculty is genuinely invested in you as a person, and your career goals.  They constantly scope out opportunities for your development, no matter your interests. Being a part of this family has led me to opportunities that I never would have dreamed were possible. 

I am passionate about medical education, helping residents to develop clinical skills and invigorating them to answer difficult questions that arise about their patients. Otherwise, typically you can find me in the residents’ lounge theatrically re-enacting a comedic story of some sort. I may also be found hiking in the nearby woods, in Manhattan catching the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, or just strolling around the parks and eating out with friends.