
Monika Paroder, MD, PhD is currently completing her Anatomic and Clinical Pathology residency at New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center. She obtained her MD/PhD degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her predoctoral work focused on the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), a key protein for thyroid hormone biosynthesis and the basis for radioiodide therapy for thyroid cancer. With a strong interest in the development and implementation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, Monika looks forward to training for a career in transfusion medicine with an emphasis on cellular therapeutics. Her hobbies include travel and spending time with her family.

Elizabeth Godbey, MD is currently completing her Anatomic and Clinical Pathology residency at New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Godbey obtained her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is eager to expand her knowledge of transfusion medicine and to gain valuable new experiences at NYBC. She enjoys traveling and reading.

Swathi Ratkal, MBBS is currently completing her Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Residency at Northwell Health. She obtained her medical degree from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute in India. Dr. Ratkal developed an appreciation for transfusion medicine as a volunteer student with Lions Club International in India. Her experience in the apheresis unit at Northwell health and along with self-motivated perusal of articles in published journals and online resources, led to her current calling in transfusion medicine. Being a nature lover, in her free time she likes to travel, go hiking and cycling.

Robert A. DeSimone, MD is currently completing his Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, where he is Chief Clinical Pathology Resident. He graduated at the top of his class from Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Dr. DeSimone is involved in several transfusion research projects at Cornell and oversaw a quality improvement project to implement a new temperature-monitoring device for RBC units returned from issue. His interests include pediatric transfusion medicine, patient blood management, and therapeutic apheresis. During the NYBC fellowship, he hopes to expand his research in transfusion medicine and is excited to learn more about blood donation and reference lab issues. Outside of medicine, Dr. DeSimone likes to attend concerts, play the drums, run, and play soccer.