Vanessa Aponte, MD
Undergrad: University of Florida
MD: Howard University College of Medicine
Why Emory: When applying for residency, I was looking for several things (i.e., high clinical/operative volume, culture, cutting-edge research). I wanted to be in a program that allowed me to understand and fully experience the wide breadth of Urology, while also obtaining ample opportunities for research and close interaction within my community. Emory checked all of those boxes for me. In addition, the people here are incredible (s/o to the best co-interns a girl could have ever asked for!)
5-year plan: Finish residency, buy a house, and finally get my little Archie the Bernedoodle.
Interests within Urology: I see myself pursuing a fellowship post-residency. I am not entirely sure which route I’ll end up going yet. I have always had a strong personal connection with urologic oncology. However, I love the kiddos and don’t know if I’ll be able to stay away from pediatric urology. Stay tuned!
Hobbies: Pilates, running my foodie IG page whenever I remember (@medmamieats), starting a series and never finishing it, traveling, and baking.
What would you be doing if not Urology?: I’d be hands down trying to make my way in the food-tasting industry, just a gal trying to become the next Guy Fieri.
Random fact: I started collecting house plants during the pandemic, I’m now at 28 plants.
Pranay Manda, MD
Undergrad: Emory University
MD: University of Tennessee
Why Emory: I did my undergrad here and absolutely fell in love with both Emory and the city of Atlanta. There's always stuff happening, and you never run out of fun things to do or neighborhoods to explore. I can't think of a better place (for me) to get such excellent training in such a phenomenal city.
5-year plan: Graduate residency
Interests within Urology: Robotics, Pediatrics, Andrology
Hobbies: Cooking, Cleaning, watching movies, working on cars
What would you be doing if not Urology: Owning and operating a food truck (Indo-Mex Fusion)
Random fact: My last name means "flock of sheep"
Christina Shin, MD
Undergrad: University of Pennsylvania
MD: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Why Emory: I wanted to be in an urban environment and take care of people from all walks of life! In addition, I was drawn to Emory's diverse training sites, including but not limited to Children's Hospital of Atlanta, Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital, and the Atlanta VA! Emory particularly stood out to me for its impressive resident training to all subspecialties of urology. I knew I would receive comprehensive clinical and surgical training at Emory, and I cannot wait to grow as a clinician, surgeon, and person here.
5-year plan: To absorb as much knowledge during residency and try all the pho restaurants and boba shops in Atlanta!
Interests within Urology: I'm keeping an open mind about subspecialties and practice settings! In the future, I definitely want to work on health literacy in the urologic patient population.
Hobbies: watching horror movies, karaoke, running, thrift shopping, cross-stitching
What would you be doing if not Urology: I am interested in cognitive science, so maybe a cognitive science or a biology teacher!
Random fact: Growing up, I was a soprano in choir! Broadway shows will always have a special place in my heart. My favorites are Phantom of the Opera and Chicago!