Samaritan Hosts New Physician Reception, Welcomes 27 New Caregivers
Published on: October 27, 2026
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center hosted its annual New Physician Reception on October 19 at Samaritan Summit Village to welcome new physicians and advanced practice providers. In total, 27 new Samaritan caregivers were recognized over the course of the evening, which was generously sponsored by the Kinney Drugs Foundation, the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York and Children’s Miracle Network.
This annual event provides an opportunity for area physicians, Samaritan board members, local business and community leaders, hospital donors and Samaritan leadership to connect with the newest members of the medical staff, celebrate their arrival, and highlight Samaritan’s commitment to expanding and strengthening patient care across the region.
“It’s such an honor each year to welcome our new caregivers into the fold, each one eager to serve our community with the highest level of service they can provide,” said Rory Sears, DO, Medical Staff President. “Samaritan’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible care to our local area is highlighted by the continued growth of our medical staff. We are proud to welcome these talented individuals whose expertise will make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our community.”
The physician guests of honor included:
- Shaikh Ahmed, Hospitalist
- Ayat Alhakeem, Hospitalist
- Sammy Aung, Hospitalist
- Chhabilal Bastola, Pulmonary/Critical Care/Sleep Medicine
- Teja Boppana, Pulmonary/Critical Care/Sleep Medicine
- John Devine, Pediatrics
- Mary Green, Pathology
- Dacia Harris, Internal Medicine/Long Term Care
- Akshay Kumar, Hospitalist
- David Layer, Anesthesiology
- Robert Mauger III, Family Medicine
- Ashley Nguyen, Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Vladimir Sabayev, Pulmonary/Critical Care/Hospitalist
- David Slawaska-Eng, Orthopedic Surgery/Sports Medicine
Also recognized this year were 13 new advanced practice providers (APP). APPs are highly trained medical professionals who care for patients under the supervision of a physician. The advanced practice providers recognized included:
- Vida Dinsdale, CRNA – Anesthesiology
- Byron Evans, PA-C – Orthopedics
- Laura Henderson, FNP-BC – Medical Oncology
- Carrie Kall, PA-C – Family Medicine
- Jessica Lasiowski, AGACNP-BC – Medical Oncology
- Christina Lisardo, FNP-C – Emergency Medicine
- Xiaoyun “Emily” Lund, FNP-C – Family Medicine
- Jillian Marra, FNP-C – Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Christina Rath, PA-C – Orthopedics (military)
- Jamaica Mariae Tobias, FNP-C – Emergency Medicine
- Emily Richards, CRNA – Anesthesiology
- April Wood, FNP-C – Cardiology
- Rosmany Zerquera, AGNP-C – Long Term Care
