Residents: Class of 2028
Alexander Cardeiro, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Westford, MA
Why HUMC: I went to Hackensack Medical School and was fortunate enough to do many rotations at HUMC. I was able to experience the tight-knit community between team members and the excellent mentors available.
Professional Interests: I am passionate about Internal Medicine, more specifically, I’ve enjoyed Cardiology and Heme-Onc. I’ve always been passionate about teaching and would love to be able to teach others regardless of what field I fall into.
Personal Interests: I love to cook and try new recipes. I enjoy spending time with my wife and our new cat.
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: A chef
What being a good doctor means to me: treating the patient as a whole person and providing compassionate care to meet their needs.
Alexandra Crowley, M.D.
Graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine
Hometown: Miller Place, New York
Why HUMC: I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to complete my entire third year of medical school at HUMC, during which I truly fell in love with the program. The camaraderie among the residents, the strong and supportive curriculum, and the welcoming environment made it feel like home from the very beginning. Even before my interview, I knew in my heart that this was where I was meant to be!
Professional Interests: Hematology & Oncology, Breast Cancer, Gastroenterology, Gut Microbiome
Personal Interests: Reading, Going to the Beach, Watching the Sunset, Cooking, Traveling, Spending time with Family & Friends, Avid Marshalls & Dog-Lover
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: World traveler! Trying various foods all over the world!
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, being a good doctor is about both knowledge and heart. It means using what I've learned while really listening and showing up for my patients, especially in their most difficult moments. It's about being someone they can trust, and lean on, while constantly learning and growing in this profession. I want all my patients to feel seen and valued
Zachary Cullen, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Knowlton Township, NJ
Why HUMC: When I rotated at HUMC as a student for my internal medicine clerkship, I appreciated the collaborative and supportive nature among residents and faculty and saw myself being able to grow as a physician in that environment.
Professional Interests: Primary care
Personal Interests: Genealogy, traveling, trying new restaurants
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Tour guide
What being a good doctor means to me: Being a good doctor entails developing trusting and meaningful relationships with patients by partnering with and working alongside them as you help them navigate their health journey.
Allen Fooks, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ
Why HUMC: HUMC is cutting-edge, impressive hospital with a vast variety of patients to treat and learn from. From my time here in medical school I realized it's an incredibly supportive and educational environment to complete my residency.
Professional Interests: Cardiology
Personal Interests: Learning languages, Chess, Weightlifting
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be an: Engineer
What being a good doctor means to me: Beyond the medicine, being a good doctor means understanding, actively listening to, and empathizing with patients, not only to treat their physical condition, but to care for them holistically.
Swai Mon Khaing, M.D.
Graduated from St. George’s University
Hometown: Yangon, Myanmar
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC for its robust clinical training within a large academic center, which aligns with my professional goals. The program offers the ideal combination of a close-knit community and a well-resourced institution, with a balanced environment that supports both clinical rigor and personal growth.
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Endocrinology
Personal Interests: Baking, Gardening.
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Research Scientist
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, being a good doctor means not only having strong diagnostic skills, but also providing compassionate, patient-centered care. It involves building trust, forming genuine relationships with patients, and maintaining empathy while thinking critically to guide thoughtful and individualized clinical decisions.
Evan Locke, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Livingston, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC for residency because it builds upon what was emphasized during my time at HMSOM. I know through doing my training at HUMC I will continue to prioritize patient care and be challenged to consider the social determinants of health that exist outside of a traditional healthcare setting. Additionally, I believe I will be pushed to reach my potential and love that I can treat people from my home state of New Jersey!
Professional Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Personal Interests: I love to cook, go for walks/runs, exercise, travel, New York Sports Teams
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Fitness Coach
What being a good doctor means to me: A good doctor is one that is willing to go the extra mile for their patients. Whether it’s ensuring with the nurses that the patient received their medication or spending the extra few minutes talking to the patient about something other than their diagnosis, I truly believe that these small steps make all the difference for the patient to receive the best possible outcome. Furthermore, I know that a good doctor is one that is a team player. Medicine is truly a team sport involving many different healthcare professions and a good doctor brings all of these professions together to form a well-functioning organization.
Matthew Moussa, D.O.
Graduated from Rowan-Virtua University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Jersey City, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC because it offers the perfect balance between strong academic training and a genuine commitment to community care. The hospital’s reputation for excellence is well established, and its dedication to serving a diverse patient population really resonated with me. What really sealed the deal for me though was seeing how supportive and close-knit the residents and faculty are. It’s clear that they truly care about your growth and success, both professionally and personally.
Professional Interests: I’m still figuring out which area of medicine feels like the best fit, whether it’s primary care, hospital medicine, or a subspecialty. I am open to the opportunities ahead and look forward to finding the path that best aligns with my strengths and values. Regardless of where I end up, my goal is to become a confident and capable physician who provides high-quality care to every patient I serve.
Personal Interests: Anything that involves spending quality time with my fiancé, our husky (Leo), family, and or friends really recharges my battery! Whether we’re eating together, playing games, exploring around or taking a walk, just being in each other’s company does it for me!
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Pharmacist (if still considered medicine, then a psychological therapist)
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, being a good doctor means truly caring about your patients, staying passionate about the work you do, and making sure everyone on the care team, including the patient, feels heard and involved. The healthcare system isn’t perfect, but a good doctor keeps trying to learn, grow, and show up for their patients, their team, and themselves.
Quentin Olivacce, M.D.
Graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine
Hometown: Dayton, NJ
Why HUMC: I believe HUMC and Hackensack Meridian Health represent a premier healthcare experience across the state of NJ. We put our patients first, lead with innovation, and foster a meaningful educational experience for learners at all levels. HUMC is an institution that has always been near and dear to my heart. It is the place where my sweet sister and amazing brother were born. It is also where my mother has worked for 30 years, so best of all, I will always have someone to grab lunch with!
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Global Health, Critical Care
Personal Interests: Traveling/Sightseeing, Fitness, Sports (how bout them Cowboys!), Music, Anime, Hosting dinner parties
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be an: Astronaut
What being a good doctor means to me: A good doctor is dedicated to serving their patients' health needs while finding joy in everyday interactions amongst a compassionate team.&
Bruce Osei-Frimpong, M.D.
Graduated from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Hometown: Newark, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose Hackensack University Medical Center for residency because of its strong academic environment, diverse patient population, and commitment to serving the community. Since my first day as a med student, I felt a genuine sense of support and collaboration among residents and faculty. HUMC offers the opportunity to care for complex patients while also emphasizing the importance of compassion, equity, and innovation in medicine. I knew it was a place where I could grow both clinically and personally, while staying true to my passion for working with underserved communities.
Professional Interests: I’m deeply interested in pursuing a fellowship in cardiology, with a long-term goal of combining hospital-based patient care with a strong focus on social determinants of health. I’m passionate about working with underserved communities and addressing the systemic barriers that impact access to quality care. I believe in treating not just the illness, but the whole patient including considering the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.
Personal Interests: I enjoy staying active through running, playing soccer, and regular exercise. I’ve also developed a love for caring for houseplants as a way to unwind and stay grounded.
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: If I decided not to go into medicine, I would have done Environmental studies before opening up my own plant shop. I would have spent my days either advocating for environmentally safe practices or selling house plants.
What being a good doctor means to me: To me, being a good doctor means combining clinical excellence with empathy, humility, and a deep respect for every patient’s story. It’s about actively listening, advocating for those who may not have a voice, and striving to understand the full context of a patient’s life including their social and emotional needs. A good doctor never stops learning and is always willing to adapt, reflect, and grow in order to provide the best possible care. Ultimately, it’s about building trust and making patients feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.
Heet Patel, D.O.
Graduated from Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Edison, NJ
Why HUMC: I chose HUMC because it offers the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population within a rigorous academic setting, while still maintaining the warmth and support of a close-knit residency community. The program’s balance of high-level clinical training and genuine camaraderie made it clear to me that HUMC is a place where I can be challenged but also supported as I grow into the physician I aspire to become.
Professional Interests: Cardiology, Pulmonology & Critical Care
Personal Interests: Traveling, Creating Music (EDM), Soccer
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a: Investment Banker
What being a good doctor means to me: Being a good doctor means showing up with humility, curiosity, and compassion every day. It’s about listening carefully, communicating clearly, and remembering that each patient is a unique individual with their own story, not just a diagnosis.