07/11/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/11/2025 16:06
Bristol, PA (07/12/2025) - On June 20, Lower Bucks Hospital proudly honored its Class of 2025 resident physician graduates during a formal ceremony held at Georgine's Restaurant in Bristol, PA. Twelve dedicated physicians successfully completed three years of intensive training at the hospital and are now poised to embark on their professional journeys in medicine.
This year's graduation ceremony was particularly memorable, as a storm the night before caused a power outage throughout the region. In a remarkable display of teamwork and resilience, the residency team and hospital administration worked diligently to find a new venue for the event on short notice. Thanks to the cooperation of Georgine's Restaurant, which graciously accommodated 80 to 100 attendees, the ceremony proceeded seamlessly.
The ceremony commenced with inspiring speeches from Michael Motte, CEO of Lower Bucks Hospital; Michelle Buado, Residency Programs Manager of Graduate Medical Education; Renee Stewart, CNO of Lower Bucks Hospital; Angelo Ratini, DO; Nand Ram, DO; Shahzad Ahmed, MD; and Christopher M. Belletieri, DO. The graduates were recognized for their hard work and commitment to patient care through various awards.
Michael Motte expressed his pride in the graduates, stating, "Today marks not just the end of a rigorous training program, but the beginning of a new chapter in their medical careers. These physicians have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and compassion-qualities that will serve them well as they enter the medical field. We are thrilled to see how they will positively impact their communities."
The graduates of the Class of 2025 include:
Family Medicine
- Iqra Ahmad, M.D.: Primary Care, Patient First Urgent Care, PA
- Scarlett Somarriba, D.O.: Primary Care
- Mihir Amin, M.D.: Primary Care, Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, Cortland, NY
- Sanya Arora, M.D.: Medical Director at Functional Integrative Medicine Practice & Medical Spa, NJ
- Fazila Khan, M.D.: Primary Care
Internal Medicine
- Samriddha Thapa, M.D.: Hospitalist, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT
- Ashok Varughese, M.D.: Nephrology & Critical Care Fellowship, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA
- Hari Ram, D.O.: Hospitalist, Essentia Health, Fargo, ND
- Ahmad Sarwar, M.D.: Hospitalist, Brown University Health Medical Group (MHMG), East Providence, RI
- Sijan Khatiwada, M.D.: Hospitalist, University of North Carolina, Lenoir, NC
- Madeeha Subhan Waleed, M.D.: Lower Bucks Hospital, Cardiology Fellowship, Bristol, PA
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery with Reconstruction Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery
- Anthony Mina, D.P.M.: Podiatrist, Associates of Medicine and Surgery, Fort Myers, FL
Residency is a critical phase of graduate medical training, wherein residents practice medicine under the close supervision of attending physicians. Successful completion of a residency program is essential for obtaining a medical license in the United States.
Michelle Buado, Residency Programs Manager of Graduate Medical Education at Lower Bucks Hospital, highlighted the importance of the program, stating, "Our residency program is dedicated to fostering the next generation of physicians who are not only skilled in their medical practice but also committed to compassionate patient care. We are proud to have trained these exceptional individuals, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have in their respective fields."
The residency program at Lower Bucks Hospital provides a comprehensive learning environment through various settings, including hospitals, ambulatory care, emergency departments, and specialized rotations. Residents receive training in a wide range of specialties, including pediatrics, behavioral health, wound care, podiatry, cardiology, geriatrics, dermatology, gynecology, obstetrics, general surgery, orthopedics, nephrology, urology, and pulmonology.
As residency training is required for physicians in the U.S., the program attracts numerous applicants seeking accredited graduate medical education each year. Following a rigorous selection process, applicants are matched with residency programs through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
The Lower Bucks Hospital Residency Program offers Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Podiatry, and Cardiology Fellowship programs. Nestled in Bucks County, PA, the program enjoys a rich history of collaboration with esteemed organizations in the Philadelphia region. Residents benefit from exposure to a diverse patient population, gaining invaluable experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
To learn more about the Lower Bucks Hospital Residency Program, visit Lower Bucks Hospital Residency Program https://lowerbuckshosp.com/our-services/medical-education/ .
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About Lower Bucks Hospital: About Lower Bucks Hospital: Lower Bucks Hospital is a community hospital, serving the Lower Bucks County region with medical, surgical, and emergency care. Located in historic Bristol, Pennsylvania, the hospital is well-known for its knowledgeable medical staff, including cardiology, orthopedics, radiology, wound care, and general surgery. The hospital has more than 200 physicians on staff, as well as another 700 employees. As part of Prime Healthcare, headquartered in Ontario, California, Lower Bucks Hospital is focused on becoming one of the leaders in technology.
Prime Healthcare operates 51 acute care hospitals in 14 states, including Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, and Suburban Community Hospital in Montgomery County. For more information, please visit https://lowerbuckshosp.com/contact-us/area-hospitals/.
About Prime Healthcare and the Prime Healthcare Foundation: Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 51 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 14 states, providing over 2.5 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation's leading health systems, with nearly 57,000 employees and physicians. Eighteen of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation's "100 Top Hospitals" 69 times and have received more Patient Safety Excellence Awards from Healthgrades than any other health system in the past eight years. To learn more about Prime Healthcare, visit: www.primehealthcare.com. To learn more about Prime Healthcare Foundation, visit: www.primehealthcarefoundation.org.
For more information, visit lowerbuckshosp.com and connect with us on social media:
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Contact
Michelle Aliprantis, MBA
Regional Director of Marketing and Communications
Office: 215.785.9817
MAliprantis@primehealthcare.com