Meet Inspira Advantage’s Residency Experts

Prior to medical school, Dr. Miljanic graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with a BS in biological science. Between college and medical school, he spent three years teaching high school AP Chemistry and AP Physics to socioeconomically disadvantaged communities through Teach for America in Dallas, Texas. Upon entering medical school, he co-founded the Health Career Collaborative - Austin with two former Teach for America colleagues. This mentorship program has served hundreds of pre-medical students, reflecting Dr. Miljanic's ongoing commitment to supporting aspiring healthcare professionals. For his work in founding this academy, Dr. Miljanic and his co-founders were honored with the United States Excellence in Public Health Award, a national recognition from the U.S. government.

Dr. Miljanic’s contributions to the medical field extend beyond clinical practice, as he has published multiple papers in prestigious peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and research. Throughout his career, he has mentored dozens of students with diverse backgrounds who have been accepted into MD and residency programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, UCLA, UCSD, USC, and more.

Throughout Dr. Miljanic’s residency training, he has published multiple papers in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. He also concurrently earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Miljanic's combination of academic excellence, teaching experience, and dedication to mentorship makes him an excellent source of knowledge for aspiring medical professionals. His journey from a high school teacher to a top-performing medical student and now resident physician proves his ability to navigate the challenges of medical education and career development successfully.

Before attending medical school at Yale University, Dr. Chan worked as a life sciences consultant at a pharmaceutical consulting company. At Yale, she held various leadership positions in the Medical Student Council, served as the president of multiple interest groups, served on the Women in IR Committee for her specialty's society, and published more than 30 papers. She then completed a General Surgery internship year at UCSF before pursuing her residency.

Dr. Chan's passion for mentoring and guiding students through the residency application process is evident in her comprehensive approach. She reviews students' medical school performance, discusses specialty and geographic preferences, and guides them through the ERAS application process. Her coaching includes interview preparation, strategizing program rankings, and navigating the Match process.

One of Dr. Chan's greatest strengths as a coach is her ability to decompress complex processes into actionable steps. This approach reduces overwhelm and increases candidates' chances of success. By focusing on what sets each candidate apart, she helps them craft narratives that resonate with admissions committees. Her support extends beyond applications, offering stress management strategies and post-interview follow-up to ensure students remain focused and prepared.

Dr. Chan has helped numerous students achieve their residency goals. Her dedication to mentoring, combined with her extensive experience in medical education, makes her an excellent resource for aspiring medical professionals. As she continues her residency at UCSF, Dr. Chan remains committed to guiding the next generation of doctors through the complexities of residency applications.

Born in Baltimore, Dr. Ladines-Lim’s time at the Yale School of Medicine further solidified his passion for medicine and his desire to make a global impact. After medical school, he earned a PhD in chemical engineering before moving on to his residency training, where he acquired his own research funding for projects on antimicrobial resistance and gun safety in primary care.

Dr. Ladines-Lim has participated in projects on Zika exposure and neurodevelopmental sequelae in infants in Salvador, Brazil, and uptake of tuberculosis preventative therapy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He also worked for the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town. As a resident at Michigan Medicine, he spearheaded several impactful projects, including antimicrobial stewardship in immigrant and refugee populations in Southeast Michigan and the use of ICD-10 codes to estimate rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in large datasets. His dedication to research and improving patient care is evident in his work, and he aims to continue making significant contributions to the field of adult infectious diseases.

When it comes to coaching, Dr. Ladines-Lim uses the "optimistic realist" approach. As a non-traditional applicant himself, he is keen on picking out the hidden strengths of every student’s application. Dr. Ladines-Lim adapts quickly when needed, ensuring that students stay on track while also allowing them to take the lead with his guidance. His advising style is approachable, creating a relaxed, conversational atmosphere where students feel supported. By balancing clear, goal-oriented planning with adaptability, he maximizes each advising session to help students build confidence and present their strongest applications.

Dr. LaRivière attended both Reed College and the University of Connecticut, earning a BA in political science from Reed and a BS in molecular/cell biology from UConn. He successfully navigated the competitive MD/PhD admissions process, matriculating to the University of Colorado MSTP and completing his dual degree. During his eight years in the MSTP program, he was extensively involved in admissions and mentoring junior students. 

Dr. LaRivière has worked with individuals from various backgrounds, including students from the Reed College alumni network and the Mayo Clinic post-baccalaureate program, guiding them to acceptance at MD and MD-PhD programs. Students he has worked with have been accepted to top medical programs at the University of Minnesota (MD/PhD program), Columbia University, UT Health Sciences Center, Michigan State University, and the University of Washington (MD/PhD program).

Dr. LaRivière has received numerous prestigious awards, including the NHLBI Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA (F31), the CU School of Medicine Clinical Professionalism Award, the American Transplant Foundation Steve Farber Award, and the Alden Harken Clinical Science in Surgery Award. He is also a prolific researcher with 14 peer-reviewed publications and 10 published abstracts.

Dr. LaRivière's diverse educational background, which includes a PhD in pharmacology as part of his doctoral education, has given him a specialized perspective on the challenges faced by aspiring medical professionals from non-scientific backgrounds. He is passionate about helping others from diverse backgrounds find their dreams in a career in medicine. 

As a coach, Dr. LaRivière excels in guiding students through the application cycle in a stepwise, manageable fashion, ensuring they remain focused and organized throughout the process. He also has a keen ability to help applicants find their inner voice, enabling them to craft compelling narratives that showcase their strengths and experiences.

As Research Chief of his department during residency, Dr. Ng has an impressive portfolio of 160+ published manuscripts, 350+ poster/podiums, and 5 book chapters. Dr. Ng is a reviewer and on the editorial board of several leading medical and orthopedic journals, including The Spine Journal, Spine, The Journal of Arthroplasty, and Arthroplasty. Additionally, he is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Thessalus Capital, a healthcare investment firm featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, and CNBC. Dr. Ng previously served as a junior analyst at Ferghana Partners, an investment bank specializing in life sciences and specialty chemicals, and now is a medical affairs advisor.

He began his academic journey at Princeton University, where he majored in molecular biology and graduated with honors. He then attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine for his MD, again graduating with honors in research. As an admissions interviewer at Case Western, he played a key role in evaluating applicants and gained valuable insight into what makes a candidate stand out. With 10+ years of coaching experience, Dr. Ng has helped students gain acceptance to medical schools at Harvard, Princeton, Yale, UPenn, Columbia, Brown, NYU, UPitt, Johns Hopkins, Rutgers, and Duke.

Dr. Ng's passion for mentoring stems from his own experiences navigating the complex world of medical school and residency applications. He understands the challenges students face, including ESL, first-generation, and international applicants, as well as non-traditional students and re-applicants. Drawing from his own successes and challenges, Dr. Ng creates a supportive and non-judgmental environment for students, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

As a counselor, Dr. Ng excels at merging his practical experience with academic inquiry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the medical school and residency application processes. His diverse background brings a unique perspective on healthcare and innovation to his mentorship and advisory roles. 

Dr. Chung's academic journey began at MIT, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in biology and Spanish with a perfect GPA. During her time at MIT, she was also involved in Camp Kesem, Globemed, and peer tutoring within her sorority and the Department of Biology. Dr. Chung actively contributed to research projects exploring cancer proteomics and investigating morphological changes caused by seizures in murine models. These experiences not only deepened her understanding of the scientific process but also fueled her passion for translational research and its potential to improve patient outcomes.

In college, Dr. Chung also worked as a certified crisis counselor, providing meaningful support and guidance to survivors of sexual assault. Additionally, she played an important role on her undergraduate student government's presidential advisory council, an excellent example of her leadership skills and her ability to contribute to important decision-making processes.

Her passion for learning inspired her to pursue her medical degree at Yale University. At Yale, she tutored first- and second-year students, precepted clinical workshops for third-year students, and was invited to speak at internal medicine grand rounds as the winner of an essay competition. She served as Chapter President for the medical student section of the American Medical Association and guided several policies toward recommendations for adoption.

While completing medical school, Dr. Chung completed an international elective in Bogota, Colombia, volunteered at the HAVEN free clinic, and fostered her early career as a physician-scientist by spending four years as a clinical researcher in Yale’s Orthopedic Surgery Department and Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.

Following her graduation from medical school, Dr. Chung completed her general surgery intern year at Brigham and Women's Hospital before becoming a categorical general surgery resident at the University of California, San Diego. She has also been a Surgical Outcomes Analysis & Research Initiative (SOAR) research fellow at the Boston Medical Center. Dr. Chung also participated in the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian Research Fellowship and was awarded the Health Resources Services Administration's (HRSA) National Research Service Award Grant.

Dr. Chung's passion for counseling stems from her own experiences navigating the challenges of medical training and residency. Inspired by the support she received from mentors, she is dedicated to offering the same guidance to others, using her background to empower individuals and help them build resilience.

What sets Dr. Chung apart as a consultant is her ability to integrate resilience, empathy, and personal growth into her guidance. She helps students navigate both the technical and emotional aspects of medical school and residency applications, emphasizing qualities like grit and empathy. Her approach transforms challenges into compelling narratives, helping students stand out in a competitive applicant pool.

Dr. Chung's strengths as a consultant are rooted in her extensive experience in general surgery and surgical outcomes research, combined with her diverse training at top institutions. This expertise, along with her editorial experience at prestigious journals, enables her to provide clear, constructive feedback to help students articulate their strengths effectively.

Dr. Mellacheruvu initially began his college career at the University of Washington with dreams of playing competitive cricket. However, a sports injury sustained during a study abroad trip in Oxford unexpectedly ignited his passion for medicine. Dr. Mellacheruvu graduated from the UW Honors College with a degree in biochemistry, setting the stage for his future in the medical field.

Choosing to stay close to home,  Dr. Mellacheruvu completed his medical education at Washington State University. During his clinical rotations, he developed a deep interest in cardiology, which would shape his future career aspirations. 

Throughout medical school, Dr. Mellacheruvu demonstrated his commitment to advocacy and research. He became involved with national advocacy through the American College of Physicians, working to promote the interests of internal medicine physicians and their patients. Simultaneously, he participated in cardiometabolic research collaborations with teams at institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Duke University, Northwestern University, the University of Washington, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Between college and medical school, Dr. Mellacheruvu gained valuable clinical and research experience. He worked as a scribe for an oncology clinic, gaining firsthand exposure to patient care and the inner workings of a medical practice. Additionally, he served as a research assistant at NanoString Technologies, working on breast cancer assays.

Dr. Mellacheruvu's ultimate goal is to build long-term relationships with his students, providing support and guidance throughout their journey to medical school and beyond. He recognizes that each individual has their own story and is dedicated to helping them maximize their storytelling potential through their applications, personal statements, and interviews. He aims to be not only a knowledgeable resource but also a supportive companion during the challenging application process.

Dr. Ravi discovered her pre-med mentorship at Rice University. During her undergraduate years, she held leadership roles in the Rice University Pre-Medical Society and served as a senior interviewer on the university’s admissions team. In these roles, Dr. Ravi gained experience hosting various sessions and workshops for pre-medical students and conducting mock interviews for applicants. She was also named to the Rice University President’s Honor Roll and received the Distinction in Research Award (Biosciences).

In medical school, Dr. Ravi guided incoming students through the Big Sibling program. She also served as a research liaison for students interested in neurology and neurosurgery. Dr. Ravi has 15+ publications, and her research contributions span cancer nanotechnology, head and neck surgery, and interventional neurology and stroke. As a resident at Houston Methodist Hospital, Dr. Ravi was awarded the American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence and the Holzenburg Research Award for Research Excellence.

Dr. Ravi coaches applicants with a personalized approach tailored for each individual. She takes time to understand each applicant’s background and story, helping them determine their strengths and how to showcase these in the admissions process. Dr. Ravi has a deep understanding of the application process and is passionate about making it more accessible for aspiring medical students and residents.

Dr. Patel's academic journey began at the College of New Jersey, where he graduated from the honors program with a Bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in economics. Following his undergraduate studies, he dedicated a year to City Year, an AmeriCorps program, providing classroom and after-school support to 9th-grade students in Queens, NY. This experience deepened his commitment to education and community service.

Before entering medical school, Dr. Patel obtained a Master's degree in biomedical sciences at Rutgers University, further strengthening his scientific foundation. He then matriculated at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), where he excelled academically and in community service. As a student doctor at the Promise Clinic, he provided care for uninsured patients in the local community, demonstrating his commitment to accessible healthcare. Throughout his medical career, he has also published manuscripts and presented his work at both national and international conferences.

Dr. Patel's passion for teaching and mentorship is evident in his diverse experiences. He has worked as an SAT and MCAT tutor and has coached inmates for the GED at a correctional facility. At Rutgers RWJMS, he helped coordinate the mentorship program between master’s biomedical sciences students and first-year medical students.

As a mentor, Dr. Patel has successfully guided numerous applicants through the medical school and residency application process. He understands the challenges of these rigorous application processes and excels at breaking them down into manageable steps. Dr. Patel has always enjoyed working with students, and his approach focuses on helping applicants convey their motivations and highlight their individual achievements.

Dr. Rand completed her undergraduate studies at Barnard College, where she majored in English. Driven by her love for literature, she obtained her Master's degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University, further refining her analytical and critical thinking abilities.

While pursuing her passion for literature, Dr. Rand discovered her love for medicine and mental health. Determined to make a positive impact in the healthcare field, she completed the Scripps College Postbaccalaureate Program, which prepared her for the rigors of medical school. Dr. Rand then joined the UC Irvine School of Medicine and received her MD.

Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Rand has demonstrated a strong commitment to tutoring and mentoring. During her time at Barnard College, she worked at the Barnard Writing Center, helping students improve their writing skills and express their ideas effectively. At UC Irvine, she took on the role of a student interviewer, giving her insight into what schools look for in applicants. She also mentored undergraduate pre-med students, providing guidance and support as they navigated their own paths to medicine.

Dr. Rand's passion for helping students find structure and clarity in their thoughts and experiences sets her apart as an admissions counselor. She understands that the medical school and residency application processes can be overwhelming, and she is dedicated to helping students build confidence and highlight their strengths. By working closely with each student, she helps them craft compelling narratives that underscore their personal and academic achievements and commitment to serving others.

Dr. Podury is currently an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery resident at the University of California San Diego. Before beginning her residency, she earned a BA in neuroscience from Cornell University, where she was a Hunter R. Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar, Barry M. Goldwater Scholar Honorable Mention, and a Phi Beta Kappa member. She earned her MD from Harvard Medical School in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program.

During her time at Cornell, Dr. Podury earned several awards in recognition of her research, including the Einhorn Discovery Grant, the Zuckerman Prize for Excellence in Bioengineering Research, the Ewing Family Service Award, and the Menschell Cornell Commitment Award. While studying neural circuits, Archana worked at a syringe exchange in Ithaca, New York, where she witnessed firsthand the mechanics of court-based drug rehabilitation. Listening to patients’ stories deepened her conviction that science alone could not capture multiple dimensions of health and disease, which paved her path toward medicine.

At Harvard, Dr. Podury received $90,000 in scholarship support as a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow and David Margin Graduate Student Leadership Fellow; she was also a recipient of the Massachusetts Medical Society Information Technology Award and Freeberg Student Research Award. Her work has centered on developing technologies to improve patient’s quality of life. In the Boyden Lab at MIT, she used optical imaging methods to characterize circuit dysfunction in human brain organoid models of neurodevelopmental disease, culminating in a publication in Nature. 

Dr. Podury worked in the Dhand Lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital to apply network science tools to understand how patients’ social environments influence their health outcomes during disability. She is currently working in the Otopathology lab at Massachusetts Eye & Ear to study implant options for patients with sensorineural hearing loss and is applying machine learning methods to study surgical outcomes.

As an admissions coach, she enjoys listening to students' stories and is committed to helping them communicate their interests genuinely and in alignment with their values.

Before medical school, Dr. Lee graduated with departmental honors in Biology from Vassar College, where he was also Captain of the EMS agency. During his gap year, he worked as a research assistant at Northwell Health in Thoracic Surgery, managing a lung cancer database and publishing a paper on the benefits of robotic surgery for lung cancer. During his last year in medical school, he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society for excellence in academic performance and leadership. He will also be graduating with a Certificate of Special Proficiency in Medical Ultrasound.

Dr. Lee has always had a passion for medical education and helping students achieve their goals. He has mentored numerous pre-medical students at all points in the process of preparing to apply to medical school, from first-year college students to set them up favorably for the future to students actively in the application process. He specializes in a holistic approach to help students display their strengths beyond their academic records or metrics, allowing medical school admissions committees to fully appreciate their individuality. 

Dr. Lee also brings first-hand insight to the CASPer test, having taken it as both a pre-medical and medical student, recently scoring in the top quartile. With Inspira Advantage, he hopes to continue helping even more students on their journey to becoming a physician.

Dr. Chaturvedi graduated magna cum laude and with distinction from Duke University, with a major in neuroscience and minors in biology and chemistry. After graduating, he spent a gap year at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD, as an NIH IRTA fellow, investigating the roles of vasopressin and oxytocin in the central nervous system using mouse models. His research specifically focused on utilizing rodent models to better understand social behavioral deficits in patients with schizophrenia.

Dr. Chaturvedi then completed his MD at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He is currently in his fourth and final year of anesthesiology residency at Weill Cornell Medical Center. He has received multiple awards including the President's Choice Abstract Award ASRA, Excellence in Pharmacology Award, and MSTAR Funding Award.

In addition to his impressive academic and research achievements, Dr. Chaturvedi has a strong commitment to mentoring and guiding aspiring medical professionals. For several years, he has served as a member of Duke's Medical Advisory Program (MAP) and UC San Diego School of Medicine's Premedical Advisory Program, where he has helped many students succeed throughout the medical school and residency application processes. Students Dr. Chaturvedi has coached have been accepted to prestigious medical schools at NYU, Temple University, Brown University,  UCSD, and others. 

As a well-published author, Dr. Chaturvedi has extensive experience producing high-quality, professional essays, which have been instrumental in helping countless students navigate the admissions process successfully. His combination of academic excellence, research expertise, and passion for mentoring solidifies him as the perfect asset for students seeking guidance and support on their path to a career in medicine.

Dr. Sarad's academic journey began at UCLA, where she graduated with honors, majoring in physiological sciences and minoring in global studies. She then pursued a Master's in biotechnology at the Keck Graduate Institute, focusing on device/diagnostic development and collaborating with biotech/pharmaceutical companies on projects involving clinical applicability and therapeutic options. She also started a new Global Brigades chapter in her graduate program with medical trips to Honduras.

Dr. Sarad’s passion for medicine led her to New York, where she completed her medical school education at Touro College of Medicine. Dr. Sarad graduated in the top 10% of her class, and her academic excellence was recognized through her membership in the Sigma Sigma Phi National Honors Society. Her success led her to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center’s Surgical Residency Program, a competitive program with only five categorical positions open per year. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Sarad has been heavily involved in research, presenting at national conferences such as the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and publishing manuscripts. 

Dr. Sarad's dedication to mentorship is evident in her extensive coaching and admissions experience. She reviewed over 500 applications while serving on admissions committees and has mentored many students to achieve their career goals through coursework assistance, test prep, and application guidance. During medical school, Dr. Sarad was a member of MedAchieve, mentoring high school students interested in pursuing medicine through weekly didactics, encouragement of extracurricular activities, and college application review.

With her strong academic background, research experience, and passion for mentorship, Dr. Sarad is well-positioned to guide students through the challenges of medical school and residency applications. Her blend of experience in biotechnology, global health, and surgery provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the medical field, allowing her to offer interdisciplinary guidance to students.