Our Fellows
Third Year Fellows
Chidimma Acholonu
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Chidimma Acholonu
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: Morehouse School of Medicine
Residency: University of Chicago - Comer Children's Hospital
Why Children's National: Children's National Hospital sits squarely at the intersection of direct patient care and advocacy. The patient population we serve is a microcosm of America's children and just minutes away from the capitol, we have a unique opportunity to personally impact the policies that affect the health and wellness of children and their families.
Research interests: optimize best practices for utilizing security and law enforcement in emergency department spaces through a trauma-informed lens, reinforcing the physician pipeline
Fun fact: I love to travel and have visited 25 countries, 24 of them all during training (since medical school!)
Adenike Animasaun
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Adenike Animasaun
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Residency: Northwell-LIJ Cohen Children‘s Medical Center
Why Children's National: I chose Children's National Hospital for fellowship because of the incredible interactions I had with the attendings and fellows during my interview day. I was also drawn to the level of autonomy the fellows are given. It was important to me to train at a program that serves a diverse patient population and fosters the development of well-rounded PEM physicians—CNH clearly embodies those values.
Research interests: Asthma, school-based medicine, health disparities, global health, immigrant health.
Fun fact: I have never broken a bone!
Nico Dimenstein
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Nico Dimenstein
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: Carver College of Medicine - University of Iowa
Residency: Seattle Children’s - University of Washington
Why Children's National: I chose Children's National because of the inspiring people, the clinical independence of my fellowship, and the incredible research opportunities & mentorship. Plus, living in DC means I get to live close to my family while doing what I love.
Research interests: adolescent health, language, disaster science
Fun fact: I love photography and have a photo published in the New York Times!
Second Year Fellows
Maria Elena Arrate
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Maria Elena Arrate
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: Nova Southeastern University
Residency: Nicklaus Children's Hospital
Why Children's National: In addition to seeking a high-volume, high-acuity Level 1 trauma center, I knew I wanted to train in a place that felt like family. I was immediately drawn to the people I met on interview day and the strong sense of camaraderie among the fellows! Children’s National really stood out for its commitment to global health, advocacy and policy, and emphasis on mentorship—values that deeply resonated with me. I can say that our leadership genuinely prioritizes fellow education and professional development, with a clear goal of shaping well-rounded, confident PEM physicians. To find all of that in a vibrant and beautiful city like Washington, D.C.—what more could you ask for?! Plus, being married to someone on active duty in the Navy, having a surplus of military bases nearby was a huge bonus and made D.C. an even more ideal place to be.
Research interests: Global health and capacity building, injury prevention, medical education, and curriculum development
Fun fact: I used to be an opera singer!
David Branson
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
David Branson
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: VCU School of Medicine
Residency: University of Utah
Why Children's National: I was drawn to the friendly and mission driven faculty that deeply care about the population they serve, the opportunity for training in a high volume and high acuity setting, the opportunity for trainee autonomy early in fellowship, a diverse patient population, the ability to work with underserved communities and learn to work in both in a large academic center and smaller community based ED, and abundant advocacy opportunities.
Research interests: advocacy, immigrant health, combating human trafficking in the medical setting
Fun fact: I once won my age group in a 140.6 mile triathlon
Kammeron Brissett
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Kammeron Brissett
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Residency & chief year: Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
Why Children's National: Training at a Level 1 Trauma Center within a Quaternary Children’s Hospital offers the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population with a wide range of pathologies. Our department is deeply involved in leadership, research, and advocacy at the hospital, local, and national levels—creating ample opportunities for fellows to engage and contribute meaningfully. Our program emphasizes autonomy and self-directed learning, while also offering strong mentorship and support to help you build a solid foundation for a successful career —all within a collegial and collaborative environment.
Research interests: Injury Prevention, Social Determinants of Health and related advocacy issues
Fun fact: I enjoy true crime and watching documentaries.
Brittany Fitzpatrick
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Brittany Fitzpatrick
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: St. Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: Washington University/St. Louis Children's Hospital
Why Children's National: I love the wide range of clinical care we provide to anyone and everyone! The entire ED staff is dedicated to serving children at the highest capacity (in and out of the hospital). I'm drawn to the large volumes of high acuity patients with both common and very rare pathology. I know that I will be very well trained to take on anything after fellowship. The collaborative spirit of the faculty is truly special and creates an open space for consistent learning and clinical growth. The research and mentorship opportunities are unmatched and a huge strength of our program. I'm honored to be learning directly from incredible leaders in the field.
Research interests: Injury prevention, health equity, advocacy, public health.
Fun fact: I am a #boymom to a toddler who keeps me on my toes! Boxing workouts got me through medical school and residency.
Gabrielle Jasmin
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Gabrielle Jasmin
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem
Residency: Children's Hospital at Montefiore
Why Children's National: I was drawn to Children's National for its strong commitment to advocacy, diversity, health equity research, and outstanding faculty leading in these areas. The program also offers exceptional clinical training, dedicated mentorship, and support for my growth as a clinician.
Research interests: Health equity, social determinants of health education, and improving health outcomes and health education for non-English-speaking communities.
Fun fact: I love to sing and have both directed and have been part of various choirs.
First Year Fellows
Jamal Alanni, MD
Locations
Departments
Sarah Benett
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Sarah Benett
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin
Residency: Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Why Children’s National: I knew I wanted to train at a high-volume emergency department that serves a diverse patient population—ranging from providing primary care to the children of DC to managing complex cases from around the world. Children’s offers exactly this environment, ensuring I am prepared to care for any patient who walks into the ED. Additionally, I have a strong interest in Global Health, and I knew that Children’s would support my work in this area. Being located in Washington, DC, with its unique opportunities and resources, was an added advantage.
Research interest: Global Health and Procedural Sedation Curriculum Development
Fun fact: I met my husband when I was working in Uganda in-between my 1st and 2nd year of medical school.
Zara Ibrahim
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Zara Ibrahim
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: Georgetown University SOM
Residency: Children's National Hospital
Why Children's National: I have loved working with the people at CNH as well as our diverse patient population. The DC area is also home for me and my family.
Research interests: AI, health equity
Fun fact: If I weren't in medicine, I would run a bakery from my kitchen. Ask me about DC bakeries!
Katherine Ritter
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Katherine Ritter
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
Residency: Children's National Hospital
Why Children's National: Training here for residency, I was amazed at the volume and breadth of patients we see in our emergency department. It's truly an unparalleled opportunity to learn the clinical skills necessary to practice PEM anywhere. And the PEM faculty here are some of the most dedicated, curious, and inspiring mentors I’ve ever had.
Research interests: QI and safety
Fun fact: I've never met a cheese board I didn’t like.
Fatima Sallman
- Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Fatima Sallman
Locations
Languages
- English
Departments
Biography
- Medical school: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency: Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Why Children’s National: Children's National Hospital offers the kind of balanced environment I value—one where autonomy is supported, but teamwork and collaboration are at the core. I’m especially drawn to the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population alongside colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds. My two years working as a pediatrician in the ER at CHOP confirmed my desire to do PEM fellowship but also demonstrated how much I enjoyed teaching and mentoring learners in a fast-paced clinical setting. I’m excited to build on that foundation and grow as an educator. Being close to family in the DMV is an added bonus that makes CNH feel like the right fit both professionally and personally.
Research interest: Medical education, sickle cell pain management, and also interested in clinical informatics!
Fun fact: As a fourth-year medical student just prior to the COVID pandemic, I did a month-long rural medicine rotation in Hilo, Hawaii. I’m also a pizza enthusiast!
