UTICA, N.Y. - St. Elizabeth Medical Center welcomed eight doctors to the area on Monday, June 14. The new residents will begin training in the three-year Family Medicine Residency Program.

Dr. William Jorgensen, Residency Program Director, said the physicians would train and provide care at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Center on Hobart Street, and the St. Elizabeth’s Women’s Health Center. They will also train at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, and at the Herkimer County Pre-natal Care Assistance Program (PCAP).

In addition to the eight new residents joining the program, seven of the current residents will be graduating on Friday, June 18. This brings the total number of doctors in the program to 27 for the upcoming academic year.

The Residency Program was started in 1975-76 to attract more doctors to practice family medicine. Since then, nearly half of the 210 physicians completing the program have settled in Upstate New York. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and by the American Osteopathic Association, and is affiliated with SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine, and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The new doctors are:

Nabin Adhikari, MD: born in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is a graduate of the Manipal College of Medical Science, Nepal. Dr. Adhikari earned distinctions in Pathology, Anatomy and Biochemistry. He enjoys cooking, music, trekking, playing the guitar, as well as participating in sports such as soccer and basketball.

Jyoti Bharti, MD: born in Delhi, India. She is a graduate of the American University of Antigua, in New York, in June of 2010 and will immediately begin her residency at the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Program. Dr. Bharati completed some of her medical school clinical rotations with the St. E’s Residency Program. She enjoys reading, cooking and singing. Dr. Bharati trained in Indian vocal music at the Swar Ganga Music School. Her husband, Dr. Anuj Tewari, is also beginning his training with the Residency Program.

Kareem Hamad, MD: was born in Alexandria, Egypt. He is a graduate of the University of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt, where he received the Degree of Honor in Medical School. Dr. Abou Elsoud enjoys reading, drawing and horseback riding. He also is a football fan, loves music and learning about different cultures.

Vinit Jalandhara, MD: was born in Amrelia, India. He is a graduate of the B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, India. Dr. Jalandhara received a Certificate of Honor from the Preventive & Social Medicine Department for Rural Health Care Implementation. He enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, trekking, biking and water rafting. His wife, Varsha, is a physical therapist.

Mark Samuel, MD: was born in Cairo, Egypt. He is a graduate of the University of Asyut, Asyut, Egypt. Dr. Samuel enjoys playing soccer, reading, traveling and cooking. He and his wife, Marian Anwarwasef Nakhla, also a physician, are parents of one child, six-year old Joly.

Ruchi Parikh, MD: was born in Ahemdabad, India. She is a graduate of St. George’s University in Grenada. Dr. Parikh received the Founder’s Scholarship: Excellent Leadership Award from St. George’s University. She enjoys reading, traditional dancing, traveling to learn new cultures, meeting new people and organizing and hosting events. Dr. Parikh is married to Rahul Shah.

Molly Schug, DO: was born in Utica, NY. She is a graduate of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA. Dr. Schug has completed several medical school clinical rotations with the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Schug enjoys long distance running, canoeing and reading.

Anuj Tewari, MD: was born in Kuwait City, Kuwait. He is a graduate of the American University of Antigua, New York in June of 2010 and will immediately begin his residency, along with his wife, Dr. Jyoti Bharati. Dr. Tewari enjoys playing sports, especially soccer and cricket, as well as reading novels.