Seema Al-Shaikhli, M.D

Medical School: Florida International University

Bio: I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida where I went to the University of Central Florida for undergrad. For medical school, I attended the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. After my prelim year I’m continuing my advanced training in Diagnostic Radiology at UMKC.
Why did you choose UMKC? I chose to attend UMKC in part because of family in the KC area. Furthermore, I appreciate the diversity of the program and the patient populations served.
What are your interests? Spending time with my husband and son, cooking, home decor, thrifting, trying new restaurants, binge-watching TV shows
Where do you live? Shawnee, KS. I love it here because it’s very calm and family-friendly, there’s also lots of activities and restaurants

David Alley. M.D.

Medical School: University of Kansas – Wichita

Bio: I’m originally from the Wichita, KS area which is where I attended medical school at the University of Kansas. I took a roundabout path to medical school which led to me studying foreign languages and architecture before settling into medicine. I am thrilled to be training at UMKC and plan to learn all I can during my time here. Go Roos!
What are your interests? Throughout my life, I’ve always had a new hobby to keep myself entertained. Art, tennis, piano, and foreign languages are the ones I have spent the most time with over the years, but I’ve recently added hiking to the list as well.

Victor Correa, M.D.

Medical School: Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Bio: Having grown up in Brazil, I completed my medical training at the University of Campinas. I then moved to Boston with my wife for a research fellowship at Mass Eye and Ear, focusing on neuroprotection strategies for retinal diseases. I am eager to expand my clinical knowledge here at UMKC and promote vision health, especially within underserved communities.
Why did you choose UMKC?  I chose UMKC for its friendly and welcoming environment, which I found unique. Additionally, the Kansas City area offers a great quality of life for our family. The program is well-rounded, offering both wide clinical exposure and excellent surgical training.
What are your interests?  I love hosting pizza nights with friends and road biking in my free time.
Where do you live? Olathe – KS

Joel Gutovitz, M.D.

Medical School: Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine

Bio: As the youngest of four siblings, I grew up with great role models to learn from in a warm family from Overland Park, Kansas. With their guidance and that of my parents, I progressed through the developmental milestones of a Gutovitz: first words, first steps, first time dribbling a basketball and dunking on a 3 foot Fisher Price basketball hoop, brushing and flossing on my own, and developing a passion for helping others. My siblings and I were inspired watching our dad care for his dental patients — never hesitating to rush to his office to help a patient in need.

After studying Human Biology at the University of Kansas, I attended medical school at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. Growing up in Kansas about as far from any beach as it gets, I cherished opening my window to the sound of the waves, and both late-night and early-morning walks along the Mediterranean Sea. While in Haifa I enjoyed coordinating a neighborhood basketball league for medical students and Haifa locals as an opportunity to connect with people from diverse social and religious backgrounds. During this time I also became involved with ophthalmology research and worked as a clinical research analyst for an ophthalmic surgical robotics startup. After medical school, I continued working on research and completed an intern year at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan.
Why did you choose UMKC? I firmly believe that relationships are among the most valuable assets in life. When exploring residency options, my top priorities were excellent training and a highly supportive work environment. On interview day with UMKC, I felt that each attending genuinely cared about the success and well-being of the residents. Additionally, the ophthalmology residents conveyed that they truly like each other (most of the time), have fun together, and care for one another.
Aside from the basketball court or family board game night, I am not a competitive person. I truly believe that when we strive for success not only individually but also as a united collective, we all become stronger together. I love that UMKC did not have a competitive feel at all, and I am thrilled to join this supportive family of physicians. Here, everyone is striving to be the best they can be while generously helping each other to succeed along the way.

Even in the early stages of orientation and onboarding, this sense of collaboration and support is palpable, and I am excited to be part of such a nurturing and encouraging environment.

Additionally, kangaroos, the UMKC mascot, are fascinating and majestic.
What are your interests? Playing basketball, putting on an instrumental beat and making up goofy free-style raps with friends, spending time in nature, and jamming to country music with the windows down.
Where do you live? Overland Park – I love the calm pace, the nice Midwesterners always waving “go ahead” and “ope thanks” on the roads, and most importantly being close to family.

Dylan Hailey, M.D.

Medical School: University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine

Bio: I grew up near Kansas City and attended medical school here at UMKC in the 6 year BA/MD program. I’m very excited to pursue a career in ophthalmology and to do so in this city that I love.
Why did you choose UMKC? I chose UMKC for its training, wonderful culture, and the great people that make up the various programs and departments. I’m also very lucky to remain so close to my family here in town.
What are your interests? My hobbies include hiking, playing pickleball, watching car racing, playing guitar, and exploring Kansas City with friends and family.
Where do you live? Midtown

Srivats Narayanan, M.D.

Medical School: University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine

Bio; I was born and raised in Overland Park, KS and attended UMKC’s six-year program for my undergraduate and medical degrees. I am a Diagnostic Radiology prelim and look forward to another year at UMKC!
Why did you choose UMKC? Having attended UMKC, I was very impressed with our program’s internal medicine training. I have built great relationships with both research and clinical mentors here, and have been privileged enough to take part in UMKC’s collegial culture. The Kansas City area is home to me and I am excited to continue enjoying KC’s recreation and culture this year before I head to Florida for radiology training.
What are your interests? In my free time I enjoy playing the guitar and piano, swimming and running, exploring local Thai restaurants, and cheering for the KC Mavericks and Chiefs.
Where do you live? Downtown – I enjoy the close proximity to our amazing selection of local restaurants and the walkability of the River Market and Crossroads areas

Sagar Shah, M.D.

Medical School: Loyola University

Bio: I was raised in Central Pennsylvania and attended college at Drexel University in Philadelphia. I attended Loyola University Chicago for medical school, during which I also completed a Glaucoma research fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. I am excited to continue my education at UMKC as a preliminary intern!
Why did you choose UMKC? I am blessed to have matched to UMKC’s ophthalmology program. My mentors frequently spoke about the department’s strong faculty, and I look forward to training under my new mentors. I also love exploring new cities, and I’m looking forward to discovering Kansas City!
What are your interests? I’m an avid distance runner, hiker, biker…anything that gets me outdoors and active. I also love traveling and exploring new cities and countries with my significant other, Priya.
Where do you live? Crossroads. Great food options, short drive to hospitals, and tons of places to run.