John was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but spent most of his childhood in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania close to historic Gettysburg. He returned to Pittsburgh for undergrad at Pitt where he majored in biology and anthropology. John was extensively involved with the university ski clubs and enjoyed their yearly trip to Vermont. He also loved cheering for the hometown Penguins as they won back-to-back Stanley Cups (sorry Preds, no hard feelings). After undergrad, John stayed in Pittsburgh and worked in an inpatient pharmacy doing sterile compounding of medications before moving to Philadelphia for medical school.

Outside of medicine, John enjoys being outside, playing soccer, hiking, and exploring new places with his brilliant fiancée and hanging out with their little cattle dog mix, Mazie.

Aly was born and raised in Houston, Texas with three younger brothers. She then headed to northwest Massachusetts to attend Williams College where she majored in Math and Chemistry. During Aly's gap year, she worked in Washington, D.C. for a summer before moving back home to work in a lab. She stayed in Houston for medical school at McGovern Medical School at UT Houston. Throughout the next four years, Aly developed her passions for LGBTQ+ health, medical education, political advocacy, and pediatrics, of course.

Outside of medicine, Aly enjoys baking, running, spending time with her family, and trying out new restaurants.

Ramon was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil but moved to the United States in 2001. Prior to pursuing medicine, he worked as a corporate financial analyst. Ramon and his wife, Lindsey, can often be found spending time with friends, hiking with their two huskies, Kai and Alaska, riding motorcycles, scuba diving, playing music, suffering through bad Cleveland Cavaliers games or attempting to perfect their latte art. Ramon also enjoys playing volleyball, soccer, and basketball as well as snowboarding. He is a photographer, videographer and multi-instrument musician.

With regard to medicine, Ramon is currently most interested in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and particularly solid tumors as well as the long-term implications of cancer treatment.

Victoria grew up in Hoover, Alabama but has called Nashville home since 2013 when she began her undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University. At Vanderbilt, she majored in Spanish and Medicine, Health, & Society and was a member of the cheerleading team. Victoria completed research in the Stress & Coping Lab as an undergrad and for a year prior to starting medical school. During her time in the lab, she learned about the ways that stress, chronic illness, and ACEs can impact the lives of children and families. Victoria stayed at Vanderbilt for medical school and knew pediatrics was the path for her from the very beginning. During medical school, she was excited to be in one of the first cohorts of medical students to receive a graduate certificate in health equity. Victoria is thrilled to be staying at Vanderbilt for her residency in pediatrics and is now a proud “Triple Dore.”

In her free time, she loves walks at the McCabe Greenway, browsing the shelves at Parnassus Books, and hot yoga.

John grew up in Athens, Georgia where he also attended the University of Georgia (2021 National Champs, Go Dawgs!) and majored in English Literature and Cellular Biology. Through his studies, he became fascinated in stories and how people understand their illnesses within a particular narrative. John then attended the Medical College of Georgia where he developed an interest in Pediatric Cardiology and Medical Ethics in particular, focusing on how we understand suffering in medically complex children. Between his third and fourth year of medical school, John refined these interests as a Theology, Medicine, and Culture Fellow at Duke University's Divinity School, obtaining a Masters in Theological Studies.

In his spare time, John enjoys reading, writing, and hiking with his wife, Maggie, and their dog, Penn. You can also find him at a local bike shop procrastinating before rides and following World Tour Cycling a bit too closely.

Jaime was born and raised in northeastern North Carolina. He attended Campbell University (home of the fighting camels!) where he earned a bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He then spent a year as a medical lab technician prior to moving to Charlottesville, Virginia to attend UVA School of Medicine. From volunteering to read at pre-schools to working as a summer camp counselor, Jaime has always enjoyed working with children and is thrilled to continue his medical training with Vanderbilt pediatrics.

In his free time, Jaime enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, cooking, and playing/talking about basketball.

Magela was born in Holguin, Cuba and raised in the suburbs of Miami, Florida. She attended Stanford University for college and majored in Human Biology with a concentration in Global Health and Public Policy. She first found her love for pediatrics as a senior in college and spent her gap years working as a scribe at a pediatric emergency room in South Florida. She attended Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale to stay close to the support of her family. During her time in medical school, she solidified her passion for pediatrics and became interested in medical education.

Outside of medicine, Magela loves spending her time with her significant other, family, and friends. She loves a good workout, babysitting her young niece, Taco Tuesday, Settlers of Catan, and recently found an appreciation for hiking.

Dr. Syed is pursuing a career in academic Pediatric Hematology/Oncology with a focus hematology, specifically sickle cell disease and bone marrow failure disorders. She also has interests in medical education and physician/care team wellness.