Chiefs 2023-2024

PGY-1 Class Chief

Ariela Hazan, MD


Half Brooklynite, half Israeli, most of Dr. Hazan's life has been spent in NYC, with some brief stints for study in China and Scotland. Despite her local NYC schooling, traveling is a large part of her life, and she spent a year between college and medical school working as an English Teacher in Taiwan on a Fulbright Scholarship. She also spent time as a research coordinator and an after-school English teacher, and eventually attended the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Hazan graduated early in order to start working on the COVID floors at Mount Sinai Morningside and quickly transitioned into residency thereafter. During residency she was involved with the Medical Education Track, Leadership Development Program, the Harvard Macy program and multiple committees including the Root Cause Analysis and ethics committees. She plans to apply for palliative care fellowship. In her free time, she enjoys playing table tennis, beach volleyball and spending as much time outside as possible.

PGY-2 Class Chief

Jeeyune Bahk, MD


Dr. Bahk is originally from Seoul, South Korea and underwent most of her education in the UK. She earned her medical degree from Imperial College London. As a resident, she initiated several clinical studies, namely on pulmonary embolism and COVID-19 infection. Passionate about medical education, she pursued the Medical Education Track, the Harvard Macy program, and developed simulation-based curriculums for residents.

As a Chief Resident of the PGY-2 class, she will also serve as a co-council for the Research Committee, CPR, Sepsis, and Women in Medicine Committee. After her chief year, she plans to pursue a fellowship in Pulmonary & Critical Care.

Outside work, she stays very active as an avid biker & hiker, an amateur pianist, and loves spending time with friends in the wild city of New York. She also never misses an opportunity to travel!

PGY-3 Class Chief

Joseph Elias, MD

Dr. Elias, originally from Beirut, Lebanon, serves as the Chief Resident in the Department of Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai West and Morningside Hospitals. He obtained his medical education at the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine (AUB-FM) and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Mount Sinai West and Morningside. Dr. Elias is interested in Cardiovascular Disease and actively participates in various research projects while contributing to Med-Ed initiatives.
As a Chief Resident, Dr. Elias assumes responsibility for overseeing the schedules of third-year residents, organizing Peer Learning Sessions, and participating in the RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and Sepsis committees. With a strong interest in Cardiovascular Disease, he intends to pursue a fellowship in this field subsequent to completing his chief year.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Elias indulges in recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, and playing basketball. He also enjoys exploring new restaurants and cuisines.

Ambulatory / Clinic Chief

Randy Leibowitz, DO

Dr. Leibowitz is the current ambulatory clinic chief resident for MSMW. He was born and raised in New York and grew up in Jericho, NY. He received his bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He obtained his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine where he graduated with honors in the biomedical sciences.
Dr. Leibowitz is currently involved in multiple research and quality improvement studies with a focus in Gastroenterology and Hepatology and is currently applying to gastroenterology fellowship. During his residency, graduated from the Medical Education Track, served as president of the House Staff Council as well as various hospital committees including co-director of the Research Council, Root Cause Analysis, CPR Committee, and Medical Student Education. Outside of medicine, his passions include sports, music and you will likely find him playing shortstop and centerfield in Central Park. 

Ambulatory / Clinic Chief

Rohit Nathani, MD


Dr. Nathani, a native of Mumbai, India, completed his medical education at Seth GS Medical College in Mumbai and Internal Medicine residency at Mount Sinai West and Morningside. With a focus on Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr. Nathani has actively been engaged in multiple research projects and has been involved in quality improvement initiatives.

As a Chief Resident, he oversees ambulatory resident education, research curriculum, resident wellness and organizes the Internal Medicine Grand Rounds. Dr. Nathani plans to pursue a fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology following his chief residency. Outside of work, he enjoys biking in Central Park or along the Hudson River, hiking, and exploring new restaurants and cuisines, combining his passion for food and cultural experiences.