Resident Life
Camaraderie with fellow residents
Our program fosters a strong culture of collaboration, support, and meaningful connection among residents. As part of a growing and now established residency, you’ll be joining a vibrant academic community. In addition to our own residents, you’ll interact regularly with over 150 residents and fellows across other established programs at UND and Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D., including Transitional Year, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Geriatric Medicine, and Podiatry. We encourage prospective applicants to explore the collegial environment we’ve cultivated—one where you'll grow professionally, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships through shared clinical experiences, retreats, and social events.
Faculty and resident wellness retreats & social events
Current Residents
PGY-1
Keschav Chandran, M.D.
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
Keschav Chandran, M.D.
Hometown: Charleston, SC.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program?
Arko Saha, M.D.
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Arko Saha, M.D.
Hometown: Allen, TX.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program?
Nethra Somannagari
Gandhi Medical College and Hospital
Nethra Somannagari
Hometown: Hyderadbad, India.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program?
PGY-2
Anusha Akhai, M.D.
Ziauddin Medical College
Anusha Akhai, M.D.
Hometown: Elmwood Park, N.J.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I chose this program because of my interview day! I could tell how involved the faculty is in training and helping the residents achieve their educational goals. The residents seemed like a close-knit community and a team that I would love to be a part of.
Sarah Doherty, M.D.
Indiana University School of Medicine
Sarah Doherty, M.D.
Hometown: Prospect, Ky.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I always found that smaller cities had a greater appeal to me because of how strong of a relationship one could build with their community. The interview process with both the faculty and residents made me genuinely excited to be a part of such a passionate and kind learning community. The fact that it’s located in such a gorgeous area, supported my interests in research, and that it provided one of the best options for my personal and professional development made it an incredibly appealing option.
Abrahim Rimawi, M.D.
University of Sharjah College of Medicine
Abrahim Rimawi, M.D.
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I had a great time during my interview with UND and really appreciated how the faculty were enthusiastic about teaching and advancing the development of this program. I saw how the residents were happy and had great relationships with their faculty, showing a sense of a supportive environment within the program.
PGY-3
Nikoli Brown, M.D.
University of Washington School of Medicine
Nikoli Brown, M.D.
Hometown: Billings, Mont.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I have always considered myself a small town person. Some of my favorite hobbies include bowling, darts, painting or pottery, and reading in my downtime. When I go out on the town, I enjoy finding a local brewery and listening to live music for entertainment. I chose UND because of its small town feel in Fargo while being within a day drive of my hometown and wife in Billings, Mont.
Amy Lin, M.D.
Western Michigan University School of Medicine
Amy Lin, M.D.
Hometown: Edmonton, Canada
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I chose UND because I knew the program would provide excellent training. In addition, the faculty that I had the chance to meet during the interview cycle were very enthusiastic about teaching, and the residents were incredibly friendly!
Jakob Plagenz, M.D.
University of Washington School of Medicine
Jakob Plagenz, M.D.
Hometown: Lewistown, Mont.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I was blown away with how friendly the faculty and resident were during my interview day!
PGY-4
Ramiz Kirmani, MBBS
DOW International Medical College
Ramiz Kirmani, M.B.B.S.
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fla.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I was especially drawn towards the program after having the opportunity to speak with the faculty and staff and seeing how genuine and informative they are. It instilled a sense of confidence about the training offered here. I am also excited about training and serving an area with a heightened need for healthcare services, which offers valuable learning experiences from a variety of cases.
What are your plans after residency? Matched into the Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota (July 2027 start date).
Arman Saied, M.D.
California University of Science and Medicine
Arman Saied, M.D.
Hometown: Encino, Calif.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I chose UND to experience a new environment and broaden my medical experiences.
What are your plans after residency? Matched into the Neuromuscular Fellowship at the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York (July 2027 start date).
Taqua Tabassum, M.D.
St. George's University
Taqua Tabassum, M.D.
Hometown: Canoga Park, Calif.
What attracted you to train at the UNDSMHS Neurology Residency Program? I very much enjoyed my interview with UND. It gave me a good understanding of the support faculty provides to the residents and their well-being. This program would allow me to train in a comprehensive stroke center with diverse Neurological pathologies and provide me with the support system needed to continue my journey as a resident. Also, less traffic and affordable living expenses were a huge plus.
What are your plans after residency? Matched into the Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the Wright State University Boonshoft in Fairborn, Ohio (July 2027 start date).
Past Residents
Hector Caballero, M.D. (St. George’s University) - Pain Medicine Fellowship at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Fla.
Joyce Jimenez Zambrano, M.D. (Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil) - Neuro-Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, N.Y.
Sean Montgomery, M.D. (UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences) - Epilepsy Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio
Joshua Blotter, M.D. (University of Utah School of Medicine) - Epilepsy Fellowship at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Praneeth Thadi, D.O. (Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine) -Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, Neb.
Andrew Sefain, M.D. (American University of Antigua College of Medicine) -General Neurologist, Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D.