Welcome New Residents and Fellows - 2025

We are pleased to welcome Family Medicine Residents, Psychiatry Residents and our Sports Medicine Fellows to the Penn Highlands Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program.

Meet our Class of 2028 Family Medicine Residents

The Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Program is a three-year program offering inpatient and outpatient training to prepare residents for a career in primary care.

Manpreet Hans, MD

Dr. Hans is passionate about delivering whole person-centered care. He earned his medical degree from Caribbean Medical University and completed his clinical rotations in Houston, Texas, where he discovered his calling in family medicine. The experience of caring for diverse patient populations in a variety of settings solidified his commitment to serving individuals and families across all stages of life. With a warm and approachable style, Dr. Hans strives to build lasting relationships with his patients, focusing on prevention, education, and wellness. Outside of medicine, he enjoys staying active through basketball and hiking, and believes in the importance of maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Janice Marie Riad, MD

Janice Marie Riad, MD, provides comprehensive primary healthcare with an emphasis on current routine health maintenance, screening and preventive care at Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Clinics.

Yen Vu Schulz, MD

Dr. Yen Schulz is originally from Saigon, Vietnam. Inspired by the healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities in her homeland, she excels in acute care, thriving in high-pressure moments to make a direct impact on her patients’ lives. Fluent in Vietnamese and English, she builds trust with diverse patients through attentive listening, ensuring they feel valued and understood. Her dedication extends to medical missions in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, where she provides essential care to those in need, experiences that fuel her commitment to her central Pennsylvania community. Dr. Schulz chose Penn Highlands for its supportive residency program and welcoming environment. Outside medicine, she finds balance in gardening, nurturing vibrant vegetables, flowers, and creative landscaping, while playfully attempting to grow tropical fruit in Pennsylvania’s chilly climate. A lover of international travel, she explores diverse cultures, enriching her perspective. At home, she cherishes time with her husband and two children, who inspire her daily.

Kimberlee Elaine Shoemaker-Thompson, DO

From Punxsutawney, PA, Dr. Shoemaker completed her Bachelor of Science from Clarion University. She attended medical school at LECOM in Erie, PA. Dr. Shoemaker was a medical student with Penn Highlands prior to becoming a resident here. She joined Penn Highlands because of the welcoming and supportive environment that is close to home. She looks forward to serving the population of the community she grew up in. In her free time, she likes to garden, fish, and go on walks with her dog. She is excited to start her medical journey and glad to be a part of Penn Highlands Healthcare.

Mikayla Marie Shute, DO

Mikayla Shute, DO, is originally from Buffalo, NY. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology with a Minor in Psychology at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. While at WVU, Mikayla Pole Vaulted for the Division 1 Track & Field team, she even competed in the Big XII Championships! She pursued her dream of becoming a physician by attending Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, TN, where she earned her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine. Throughout her residency, Mikayla aims to excel in outpatient care, office procedures, and newborn deliveries. She also has immense interest in Women’s Health and Obstetrics. She hopes to foster this interest by growing her OB/GYN knowledge and skills. Outside of work, Mikayla enjoys reading and playing card games. She has a border collie named Kiwi, and 2 cats named Doozie and Marteeny. She enjoys seeing her family, especially her nieces and nephews! Mikayla also likes watching gymnastics as she used to be a gymnast herself!

Meet our Class of 2029 Psychiatry Residents

Penn Highlands Psychiatry Residency Program is a four-year program offering a one-to-one experience with the attending physician.

Catherina Almalouf, MD

Dr. Almalouf earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and received her medical degree from St. George's University. Originally from Pittsburgh, Dr. Almalouf enjoys trying new foods, spending quality time with family and friends, painting, and playing with her dog, Milly.

Niyati Panchal, DO

Dr. Panchal earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and received her medical degree from WesternU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Originally from Butler, PA, Dr. Panchal enjoys acting and performing as a creative outlet and is passionate about incorporating the arts into her personal and professional growth. She also finds balance and strength through regular exercise, especially yoga, which supports her well-being and focus in clinical practice. Halla Park, DO

Dr. Park attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In her free time, Dr. Park enjoys thrifting, crocheting, and baking.

Laxmi Poudel, MD

Dr. Poudel received her medical degree from Nepalgunj Medical College, Nepal. Prior to residency, she gained diverse clinical and research experience in both academic and community settings in Nepal and the US. Dr. Poudel has volunteered in several nonprofit organizations and served as a crisis counselor at Crisis Text Line. She is passionate about improving access to mental health care, particularly in underserved populations. Outside of medicine, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and exploring new cuisines.

Meet our Sports Medicine Fellows

The Penn Highlands Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is a one-year program offering opportunities for rotations, one-on-one time with attending physicians, time in the sports medicine clinic, on-site sports care, inpatient care, and non-sports ambulatory care.

Wesley Michael Paul, MD

Dr. Paul has previous fellowship training in sports medicine at NOVA Southeastern University, is residency trained in family medicine, and has previous attending experience in sports medicine and family medicine. Dr. Paul is currently training with Dr. Christopher Varacallo, DO, CAQSM and Dr. Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO, CAQSM, who have extensive training and experience in microinvasive surgical procedures including tenotomies and carpal tunnel release, interventional and diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, orthobiologic injections (stem cell, platelet-rich plasma or “PRP”), concussion treatment, and sports performance optimization.

Kartik Pottepalem, DO

Originally from New Jersey, Kartik Pottepalem, DO, completed his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University before earning his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to complete a Family Medicine residency at Rutgers RWJBH Somerset.