Farewell Fellowship WashU Nephrology News

Farewell and Best Wishes to Our 2024 Graduating Renal and Transplant Fellows

WashU Nephrology celebrated our graduating renal and transplant fellows at a dinner held at the Third Degree Glass Factory on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

To all the graduates, please know you will be missed.  We wish you, the future of nephrology, all the best in your careers!


Parting words:

Taha Mohamed Djirdeh, MD   

Taha is joining the WashU Nephrology faculty as an Assistant Professor of Medicine.
@TahaMDNeph

Being here and living in St Louis has been good.  The place is accepting of newcomers and people are helpful.”

Shelden Selas Rodrigues, MBBS

Shelden is joining Avera Nephrology Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

“Only wonderful things come to mind when I think about my time here in St. Louis and WashU.  It’s a city rich with history; the best part would be how nice and welcoming everyone has been.  In addition to a robust training experience, I got to enjoy the multiple fun activities and places that the city has to offer.”

Abdullah Jalal, MD

Abdullah is joining the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for an Advanced Onco-Nephrology Fellowship. 
@Abdullah Jalal

“As I conclude my nephrology fellowship, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support and guidance I’ve received.  Though I’m sad to leave, I’m excited for the future and carry with me invaluable lessons and memories.  Thank you for being a part of my journey.”

Swathi Velagapudi, MD

Swathi is joining the private group practice Nephrology and Hypertension Specialists in Dalton, Georgia.

“WashU has been a great experience. I met wonderful people and made lifelong friends during my time here. St Louis has been an unexpected pleasant surprise. This city has grown on me and will be missed.” 

Marco Bruno Thierry, MD

Marco is joining the community-based Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana.  He will practice alongside Dr. Jonathan Jakubowski, who graduated from our fellowship program in 2023. 
@MarcoThierry1

“My time here at Wash U has been fantastic.  Being able to be around so many people who are passionate about patient care and nephrology was a blessing.  I’ve made life-long friends and mentors who have helped shape my training.  If I had to do it all over again, I would come here in a heartbeat.  We have had so many amazing experiences in St. Louis, as I married my wife, Monica, here at Forest Park, and got to celebrate with old and new friends.  We have made friends in the community and will look back on our time fondly.”

Juan Eduardo Sanchez, MD

Juan is joining the Nephrology Associates of Central Florida. @JuanEduardoMD

“Reflecting on my time here at WashU Nephrology, I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Working alongside such dedicated and talented colleagues has been incredibly rewarding.  Living in St. Louis has also been a wonderful experience, offering a great blend of professional growth and personal enjoyment.”

Farah S. Abuazzam, MD

Farah is joining Willis Knighton Health System in Shreveport, Louisiana.
@FarahDabbas89

“This year of fellowship in WashU has been very special to me for being able to achieve my goals and reach my dreams finally to become a transplant nephrologist.  I think I will have many cheerful fun memories to recall when it comes to living in St. Louis, many adventures and achievements, delicious food, travels, and good friends.”

Pics of the graduation celebration at the Third Degree Glass Factory (credit, @Myasirbaloch and @HumphreysLab):