Pediatric residency traditionally is an interactive experience. Doctors learn by interacting with patients face-to-face and from attending physicians, often rounding in large groups to get updates on patients’ conditions and care plan.

But for 12 Johns Hopkins All Children’s residents who graduated on Saturday, that was all turned on its head three years ago when they started. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was in its early stages, creating uncertainty and generally preventing interaction beyond video conferencing.

Still, the residents and the program adapted, and their perseverance paid off with a graduation ceremony Saturday at the Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg, Florida.

“You are leaving this place today having made countless memories together,” says George Jallo, M.D., vice dean and physician in chief at Johns Hopkins All Children’s, who spoke at the ceremony. “You've worked long hours, had to endure countless sleepless nights, all while not seeing the face of your patients or parents. But you made it! You are now officially pediatricians, and that's something to be proud of.”

Akshata Hopkins, M.D., program director of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s pediatric residency program, describes this class as resilient, dedicated and talented.

“There is no doubt in my mind that you will drive change in your own ways, advocate fiercely for your patients and each other and lead with curiosity, compassion and courage,” says Hopkins, who after five years is stepping down from her role as program director. “Your collective diversity in your experiences and cultures have certainly positively influenced our program, our patients and our community. You are limitless.”

Jallo praised the leadership of Hopkins, who will remain on the medical staff at the hospital and pursue some new initiatives.

“We cannot help but reflect on the incredible impact she had on our residency program and the academic mission at All Children’s,” Jallo says. “Her unwavering commitment to excellence, compassion, and tireless efforts to shape the next generation of physicians have truly been unparalleled. Under her guidance, our program has thrived, producing skilled doctors like you today who have gone on to make a difference in the lives of countless patients. Her dedication to mentorship and nurturing the talents of young doctors has been extraordinary. She not only taught us the principles of pediatric medicine but also instilled in us the importance of empathy, integrity and a patient-centered approach.”

Along with diplomas for the graduates, several received awards, including:

• Resident of the Year: Zoha Ahmed, M.D.
• Resident Educator of the Year: Kenneth Hearn, M.D.
• Resident Scholar of the Year: Elizabeth Masotti, M.D. and Madhuri Prasad, M.D.
• Resident “All We Do” Award: Zoha Ahmed, M.D.
• Allen W. Root, M.D., Award for Continuous Excellence in Residency: Kenneth Hearn, M.D.

Jallo praised all the graduates for their “unwavering dedication, your tireless pursuit of excellence, and the exceptional caliber of professionals you have become.”

He closed by telling them to always remember why they became a pediatrician.

“It's not just about the science, the medicine or the paycheck,” he says. “It's about making a difference in the lives of children and families, and that's something that is truly special.”

2023 Johns Hopkins All Children’s Residency Program Graduates

The graduates and their next step:

Zoha Ahmed, M.D.: Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Sandra Al Tamimi, M.D.: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center

Elizabeth Cunningham, M.D.: Chief Resident at Johns Hopkins All Children’s

Matthew Hamilton, M.D.: Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins All Children’s

Kenneth Hearn, M.D.: General Pediatrics at Pediatric Health Care Alliance in St. Petersburg, Florida

Elizabeth Masotti, M.D.: Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at University of Rochester Golisano Children’s Hospital

Darcy Morris, M.D.: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Medicine Fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Madhuri Prasad, M.D.: Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine

Amanda Seibert, M.D.: Chief Resident at Johns Hopkins All Children’s

McKenna Straus, M.D.: Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins All Children’s

Kassey Wash, M.D.: Newborn Hospitalist at HCA Florida Hospital St. Petersburg 

Emily Zander, M.D.: Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins All Children’s