Chief Residents

Internal Medicine Residency Program
Chief Residents 2025-2026

University Hospital

Angelika Drozd, MD

Chief Resident, University Hospital

Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Future Plans: Academic Internal Medicine

Angelika is a first generation Polish American, born and raised in New Jersey. She earned her undergraduate degree in Genetics from Rutgers University. She went on to complete her medical education at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and was recognized as a Rutgers Rising Star. During residency, she completed the clinician educator track, which deepened her passion for learning, teaching and academic internal medicine. Outside of her professional pursuits, Angelika enjoys spending time with family and friends, savoring a good cup of coffee, and exploring new places through travel.

Brian Smighelschi, MD

Chief Resident, University Hospital

Undergraduate: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Medical School: Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine
Future Plans: Pulmonary-Critical Care Medicine

Brian is a proud New Jersey native, having spent his formative years, undergraduate education in biomedical engineering, and postgraduate training all within the state. While his engineering background helped sharpen his analytical and problem-solving skills, his passion for medicine grew through volunteer experiences in various primary care settings, where he developed a strong foundation in patient care. At the same time, Brian pursued his love for teaching by serving as a peer tutor and later completing the medical education track during residency. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing soccer, video games, aquaristry, and watching TV shows.

Veterans Affairs

Mateo Garland, MD

Chief Resident, East Orange VA Medical Center

Medical School: Universidad de San Martin de Porres
Future Plans: Pulmonary-Critical Care Medicine

Meet Mateo, born and raised in Lima, Peru. Raised in a family of engineers, he inherited a curious mindset—but found his true passion in the medical sciences. He earned his medical degree from Universidad de San Martin de Porres.  Following graduation, Mateo became a post-doctoral research fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a teaching assistant in clinical research. Mateo's journey led him to Newark, where he continues to hone his skills as an internist and future educator with aspirations of becoming a Pulmonary-Critical physician. Outside of medicine, Mateo enjoys endurance sports, spinning vinyl records, learning new skills (handstands), and spending time with his friends and family.

Julia Ramadhar, MD

Chief Resident, East Orange VA Medical Center

Undergraduate: New York University
Medical School: NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine
Future Plans: Academic Internal Medicine/Nephrology

Julia is a die-hard Jersey girl, born and raised in Morristown. After witnessing her mother put herself through nursing school, Julia was drawn to the medical field. Because of her, Julia prides hard work, dedication, and her Guyanese heritage. As a first-generation American, Julia believes that it is not only a privilege to practice medicine, but an honor to pursue what she loves. She earned a Biology degree at NYU before taking two gap years to work as a nurse's aide and care for her grandmother. Afterward, she completed the 3-year medical program at NYU's Long Island campus. Outside of work, she enjoys making inside jokes with her siblings, dancing to the best of her ability, and (re)watching a good miniseries.

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

Radhika Malhotra, MD

Chief Resident, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

Undergraduate: University of Connecticut
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Future Plans: Academic General Internal Medicine

Radhika is a New Jersey native. She earned her undergraduate degree from UConn in Physiology & Neurobiology and Economics. She completed her MD with Thesis at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School with a Distinction in Research and earned the Kenneth M. Klein MD Award for significant interest, participation, and innovation in medical education. She has completed her internal medicine residency and is currently completing her preventive medicine residency while earning her Masters in Public Health from Rutgers School of Public Health. In her free time, she enjoys reading at a coffee shop, crocheting, pilates, and spin class.

Arthi Palani, MD

Chief Resident, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

Undergraduate: Boston University
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine
Future Plans: Cardiology

Arthi’s journey began in Bridgewater, NJ where she spent much of her childhood and early adulthood. During high school, Arthi volunteered as an EMT at a local rescue squad through which she developed her interest in medicine and community service. She went on to complete her undergraduate and medical school education at Boston University through a combined 7 year BA/MD program. Outside of medicine, Arthi enjoys running, playing/watching tennis, meditation, and trying new ice cream spots.