Surgery Residency

NewYork-Presbyterian Queens

Surgery Residency

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

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

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
 

Laura Holmes

Acute Care and Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant

Hometown: Mobile, AL
Education: Undergrad- The University of Alabama, PA program- CUNY York College
 

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

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

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

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

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

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
 

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

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

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

Physician Assistant

Hometown: Tirana, Albania 
Education: Master's PA Program at York College 
 

Samantha Nguyen

Samantha Nguyen

PA-C

Hometown: Great Neck, New York
Education: St. John's University 
 

Alex Liang

Alex Liang

Physician Assistant

Hometown: Corona, Queens
Education: St. John's University
 

Bariatric Surgical PA


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

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