Surgical Physician Assistants at NYP-Queens
Welcome to the Department of Surgery at NYPQ, where the invaluable role of Physician Assistants (PAs) in providing continuity of care stands as a cornerstone of our commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.
In an era where the landscape of medicine is marked by constant evolution and increasing complexity, the need for seamless transitions in patient care has become more pronounced than ever. Within our esteemed institution, the Department of Surgery has long recognized the indispensable contributions of PAs in bridging the gap between clinical encounters, ensuring a continuum of care that is both comprehensive and cohesive.
Since the inception of our PA program in 1979, NYPQ has been at the vanguard of integrating PAs into the fabric of our healthcare system. With over four decades of experience, our department's pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to patient welfare have cemented our reputation as a vanguard in surgical care.
Rooted in a foundation of academic rigor and clinical excellence, our cadre of PAs exemplifies the highest standards of professional competence. Each member of our team is a graduate of accredited Physician Assistant Programs, holding current NCCPA Certification and possessing a diverse array of life support and trauma related credentials. Their collective expertise serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing patients with the highest caliber of care.
Within the dynamic milieu of our teaching hospital, the role of PAs extends far beyond the confines of traditional clinical practice. Serving as integral partners in resident education, our PAs play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of surgical leaders. Through their mentorship and guidance, they not only impart invaluable clinical knowledge but also instill a deep sense of professionalism and compassion in our trainees.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so too does our commitment to innovation and specialization. From ENT to Neurosurgery, our specialized PAs bring a wealth of expertise and insight to their respective fields, driving advancements in patient care and outcomes. Their collaborative approach to healthcare delivery serves as a model for interdisciplinary cooperation, resulting in enhanced patient satisfaction and improved clinical outcomes.
Beyond their clinical prowess, our PAs are steadfast advocates for patient safety and quality improvement. Whether performing bedside procedures or participating in surgical rounds, they adhere to the highest standards of practice, ensuring that every aspect of patient care is conducted with precision and integrity.
The widespread acclaim and appreciation from patients, families, and colleagues alike serve as a testament to the invaluable contributions of our PAs. As integral members of the surgical team at NYPQ, they embody the spirit of excellence and innovation that defines our institution. Join us as we continue to push the boundaries of surgical care, guided by a shared commitment to patient welfare and clinical excellence.
Chief Physician Assistant
![Ronald D Combs, MMSc., PA-C, FCCM Ronald D Combs, MMSc., PA-C, FCCM](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Ronnie.jpg?itok=TMita1qo)
Ronald D Combs, MMSc., PA-C, FCCM
Chief Physican Assistant Surgery/Associate Director SICU
Hometown: Roslyn Heights, New York
Education: Alderson Broaddus University Philippi, West Virginia 1979
Specialty Division: Surgical Critical Care
General Surgery PA'S
Sherry Balkissoon
Surgical Physician Assistant
Hometown: NY / Guyana
Education: St. John's University & Pace University
![(Amy) Jia M. Feng (Amy) Jia M. Feng](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Jia%20Min%20Feng.jpg?itok=l4PrQ-pu)
(Amy) Jia M. Feng
Physician Assistant
Hometown: New York City
Education: St. John's University
Omel Figueroa
PA-C
Hometown: Malverne NY
Education: Touro College
Faizool Khan
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Education: St. John's University
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Laura%20Holmes.jpg?itok=lIMH645r)
Laura Holmes
Acute Care and Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Education: Undergrad- The University of Alabama, PA program- CUNY York College
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/lalla.jpg?itok=TF0TX8eU)
Shawn A. Lalla
Senior Physician Assistant
Hometown: Queens, NY
Education: Masters Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), Bachelor of Applied Science Physician Assistant (BASc)
![Shu Qiu Shu Qiu](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Shu%20Qiu.jpg?itok=f3_upu0H)
Shu Qiu
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Education: Cornell University B.S. in Nutritional Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine PA Program, Stony Brook University M.S. in PA studies
![Michael Rachwalski Michael Rachwalski](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Mike.jpg?itok=R8WO9vw8)
Michael Rachwalski
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Flushing, NY
Education: Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
Neurosurgery PA's
Frank Eisinger
Chief Physician Assistant
Hometown: Flushing, NY
Education: State University of NY at Stony Brook Allied Health PA Program
Jonathan Abayev
Assistant Chief Physician Assistant Department of Neurosurgery
Hometown: Forest Hills, NY.
Education: B.S. CUNY York College, M.S. SUNY Stony Brook University
Pedro X. Palacios
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Guayaquil - Ecuador
Education: CUNY School of Medicine PA Program - 2008
Megan Marie Tamborino
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Massapequa Park
Education: St. John's University, Bachelor of Science
Philemon Chu
Physician Assistant
Hometown: East Meadow, NY
Education: Cornell University
(Cindy) Sue Ping Cheng
PA-C
Hometown: Queens, NY
Education: Pace University
Lilliana Coppinger
Physician Assistant 1
Hometown: Huntington NY
Education: York College Physician Assistant program
Urology PA's
![MeiLong Yuan MeiLong Yuan](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/MeiLong.jpg?itok=t-zYfJ6t)
MeiLong Yuan
Chief Physician Assistant of Urology
Hometown: Queens, NY
Education: Masters of Physician Assistant at SUNY- Stony Brook, Bachelor of Science at CUNY- York College
![Mariam Rashidzada Mariam Rashidzada](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Miriam.jpg?itok=a4xjDTtI)
Mariam Rashidzada
PA, BS, MS
Hometown: Flushing, Queens
Education: Bachelors of Science from York college, City University of New York, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant studies from Touro University
![Yi Chen Yi Chen](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Yi%20Chen.jpg?itok=J-avEhwm)
Yi Chen
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Fujian, China
Education: BS and MS
Jonathan Babayev
Physician Assistant
Hometown: New York
Education: St John's University BS in Physician Assistant Studies
Nashid Islam
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Queens. New York
Education: SUNY Downstate
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-06/Niazmand%20Wahid.webp?itok=lmN_Lhm7)
Wahid Niazmand
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Valley Stream
Education: Bachelors of Science from York college, City University of New York
Elizabeth Lily Cabazon
Senior Physician Assistant
Hometown: Queens, New York
Education: Colgate University BA, St. John's University BS, Catholic Medical Center PA, Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management/Weill Cornell Graduate of Medical Sciences MBA MS
![Christine Ramkishun Christine Ramkishun](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Christine.jpg?itok=J1joB_Fi)
Christine Ramkishun
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Richmond Hill, NY
Education: Pace University, York College PA program
Marie A. Audain
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Education: Bachelors of Science Degree/ PA Studies from York College. Masters of Science Degree/PA Studies from Touro University School of Health Science
Robotics PA's
Andrea Pizarro
Senior Robotic Surgery Physician Assistant
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Education: YORK COLLEGE (2011): Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, PACE University (2015): Master in Physician Assistant Studies
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Eugene.jpg?itok=bYkeJ9yD)
Yevgeniy Eugene Yakubov
Senior Robotic Physician Assistant
Hometown: Donetsk City of Ukraine
Education: York College. PA training at NYU and NYP
![Kliti Shentolli Kliti Shentolli](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Kliti.jpg?itok=_8OZPPhV)
Kliti Shentolli
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Tirana, Albania
Education: Master's PA Program at York College
![Samantha Nguyen Samantha Nguyen](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Samantha.jpg?itok=IWerPnyi)
Samantha Nguyen
PA-C
Hometown: Great Neck, New York
Education: St. John's University
![Alex Liang Alex Liang](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Alex.jpg?itok=_CQDnSSy)
Alex Liang
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Corona, Queens
Education: St. John's University
Bariatric Surgical PA
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Tolentino%20Annalisa.jpg?itok=TFsu6C8Q)
Annalisa Tolentino
Bariatrics Surgical Physician Assistant
Hometown: Flushing, NY
Education: St John’s University PA program, Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from Pace University
Hepatobiliary Surgery PA
Olga Yakubov
Physician Assistant
Hometown: Farmingdale, NY
Education: Touro College
Breast Surgical PA
![Jianan Qiao Jianan Qiao](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_80px_x_80px/public/acquiadam/2024-05/Jianan%20Qiao.jpg?itok=DNhnZvvk)
Jianan Qiao
Senior Physician Assistant
Hometown: Queens, NY
Education: DMSc- Doctorate in Medical Science, University of Lynchburg, MHS - Master's in Health Science of Physican Assistant Study, Touro College