The PEDS Network fellowship program is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of clinical leaders committed to improving early childhood development and reducing disparities for children and families by transforming pediatric primary care practice.

The 15-month fellowship program is sponsored by United Hospital Fund as part of its statewide Pediatrics for an Equitable Developmental Start (PEDS) Learning Network. The PEDS Network recognizes that the first few years of life are crucial in establishing a path toward—or away from—better health and educational outcomes over the lifespan and that clinicians are on the frontlines of supporting families during this critical period.  

The PEDS Fellowship is designed for early career physicians, nursing professionals, and clinical social workers licensed to work in New York State. Participants receive mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a stipend to implement an equity-focused, child health project in their work.

For a complete description of the program and eligibility, download the brochure

PEDS Network Fellowship Faculty

  • Elizabeth A. Isakson, MD, FAAP, Executive Director, Docs for Tots
  • Andrew Aligne, MD, MPH, Executive Director of the Hoekelman Center University at Rochester Medical Center
 
Showcasing the PEDS Network's Impact

An overview of the Urban Garden Initiative, “Buffalo Sprouts,” led by Dr. Sarah Ventre, MD, MPH, of Niagara Street Pediatrics in Buffalo.

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Amelia Koethen, MSEd, MHC, of Albany Medical Center Pediatrics, discusses her experience as a fellow in the PEDS Learning Network, and how it helped her implement a Trauma-Informed Care training and more.

A2B717D7-E474-4790-8FF2-2E9ED6FF19F6Created with sketchtool. Watch video

2022-2023 PEDS Network Fellows

Rachel Stein Berman, MD, MPH, FAAP
Albert Einstein College of Medicine

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Rachel Berman is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She practices general pediatrics and serves as clinician champion for social needs screening and referrals as well as for the Harvard Center for the Developing Child’s Health’s Early Roots and Origins Study. Dr. Berman teaches residents and medical students, and she is leading an effort to develop a curriculum on social and structural determinants of health for Montefiore residents in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Obstetrics/Gynecology. She serves a board member of the Interfaith Public Health Network, a nonprofit that engages and mobilizes faith communities to address social and structural determinants of health. Dr. Berman received her MD and MPH from Boston University in 2010, completed her residency in the Boston Combined Residency Program in Pediatrics in 2013, and completed a residency in Preventive Medicine at Boston Medical Center in 2015. 


Jena Burgner, DO 
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics 
Albany Medical Center 

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Jena Burgner is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY. She is a general pediatrician caring for patients from birth through adolescence. She is a clinical educator teaching pediatric residency trainees and acting as Associate Clerkship Director for third-year medical students completing their pediatric clerkship. She has a special interest in providing a medical home for medically complex patients and a focus on health equity and advocacy. She co-facilitates an annual advocacy training program for pediatric and medicine/pediatric interns. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the AAP NY Chapter 1 Advocacy Committee. She is originally from Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Rhode Island earning a degree in biology. She earned her DO at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her general pediatric residency training at Albany Medical Center, where she was also Chief Resident.  


Nicole Delgado-Salisbury, Ed.D. 
Education Specialist 
Saint Joseph’s Medical Center 

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Dr. Delgado-Salisbury is a member of the Behavioral Health faculty and the Education Specialist for Saint Joseph's Family Medicine Residency Program located in Yonkers, New York. She teaches the following rotations: Behavioral Health, Longitudinal Behavior Medicine, Population Health, Community Medicine, as well as Residency well-being. She is Co-Chair for both the Recruitment and Research Committees and is the Director of the Wellness Committee. Dr. Delgado-Salisbury completed her Doctorate and second master's degree at Fordham University. Her first master's degree was earned at Long Island University. She is a part-time Field Specialist and faculty member at Fordham University and an Assistant Professor for New York Medical College School of Medicine. 


Geri Lynn Galotti, MD 
Stony Brook Children’s 

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Geri Lynn Galotti practices primary care pediatrics on Long Island at Stony Brook Children’s. She serves as Assistant Professor at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook as well as teaching faculty within the pediatric residency program. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She completed her categorical pediatric residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 2018 and earned the Excellence in Pediatric Advocacy Award upon graduation. Dr. Galotti earned her medical degree from the Stony Brook School of Medicine in 2015 and was awarded Excellence in Medical Humanities. She graduated summa cum laude from Stony Brook University in 2011 with a BS in Biology and minor in Women and Gender Studies. Dr. Galotti is passionate about delivering the best care to her patients and families. 


Jisha Jacob, MD 
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx 

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Jisha Jacob is currently working at NYC Health & Hospitals/North Central Bronx pediatric clinic as a primary care pediatrician. She attended the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education BS/MD program and graduated with her MD from Albany Medical College. She then did her pediatric residency and chief year at Jacobi Medical Center-Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  


Talia A. Roth, MD 
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx 

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Talia Roth is pediatrician at NYC Health and Hospitals/North Central Bronx, a hospital-based community clinic. Dr. Roth provides medical care to children and families facing a multitude of socioeconomic barriers. She is excited to learn and apply her knowledge under the mentorship of the PEDS Network Fellowship to mitigate disparities and improve health outcomes for her patients. Dr. Roth is a native New Yorker. She grew up in Queens and completed her medical training in the Bronx. Dr. Roth received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She completed her residency in general pediatrics at Jacobi Medical Center, where she was also Ambulatory Clinic Chief Resident during her final year of residency. 


Beija Vasquez, MSW 
Open Door Family Medical Center 

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Beija Vasquez attended Dominican College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work and Psychology. She attended Adelphi University where she received her Master of Science in Social Work. Throughout her social work career, Beija has been an advocate and an educator, working with low-income families and underserved communities. Beija has presented to the Future Health Care Leaders as well as at the Open Door Foundation. Beija runs groups in English and Spanish, conducts prenatal groups monthly, and facilitates the 914-CARES program on site for families. Her work experience includes case management, crisis intervention, providing short-term BH counseling for prenatal and postpartum mothers, and assessing for basic needs as a Medical Behavioral Health Clinician and a Healthy Steps Specialist with Open Door Family Medical Center.  


Karina Vattana, MD, FAAP 
Pathway Pediatrics, Trillium Health 

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Karina Vattana attended college at the University of Buffalo (UB) where she completed her undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Spanish Language in 2014. She then stayed at UB to complete her medical doctorate in 2018. Dr. Vattana finished her residency training in General Pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester in June 2021 and joined Pathway Pediatrics, a division of Trillium Health, in July of 2021 where she currently serves as Lead Pediatrician. She also volunteers as a board member of the Laotian American Scholarship Foundation of Rochester, as a board member of the Spiritus Christi Church Visioning Board, at the Sunset House Hospice Home and at the Irondequoit Community Food Cupboard.