Today marks Match Day 2025, a milestone moment as we proudly welcome two exceptional new residents to our program. Dr. Philip E. Stieg, Dr. Jeffrey P. Greenfield, and Dr. Ibrahim Hussain announced that Ruth Saganty of Rush Medical College and Albert Antar of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine will be joining our department this summer to begin their seven-year neurosurgical residency training at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
This year’s Match Day is particularly significant as it marks the first under the leadership of Dr. Greenfield as residency program director and Dr. Hussain as assistant residency director. Dr. Greenfield, who has been with the program since completing his residency here in 2008, previously served as associate director for a decade. He now steps into the role of director following the tenure of Dr. Michael Kaplitt, whose leadership over the past 13 years helped expand the program’s clinical training and research opportunities. Dr. Hussain, an assistant attending neurological surgeon at Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, also completed his residency here in 2020 and now brings his expertise to mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons.
“Each year, we have the privilege of selecting from an extraordinary group of applicants who exemplify intelligence, dedication, and a passion for neurosurgery,” said Dr. Philip E. Stieg, chair and neurosurgeon-in-chief of NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Margaret and Robert J. Hariri, MD ’87, PhD ’87 Professor of Neurological Surgery. “Ruth and Albert have distinguished themselves through academic excellence and research achievements and their unwavering commitment to patient care. We are thrilled to have them join us.”
Jeffrey P. Greenfield, MD, PhD
“The residency match is an exciting and pivotal process, as we seek individuals who will contribute to the legacy of excellence in our program,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Greenfield, vice chair for academic affairs, professor of neurological surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, and residency program director. “Ruth and Albert bring immense talent and a collaborative spirit that will help shape the future of neurosurgery. We are excited to see them thrive in our rigorous, rewarding training environment.”
Dr. Ibrahim Hussain, assistant residency director at NewYork-Presbyterian, added, “Training in neurosurgery is one of the most challenging and fulfilling journeys in medicine. Ruth and Albert have already demonstrated the resilience, intellect, and leadership necessary for success, and we are eager to support their development as future neurosurgical leaders.”
Both incoming residents began their medical training at the height of the Covid pandemic, navigating unprecedented challenges with adaptability and perseverance. Their ability to excel in adversity is a testament to their dedication and determination.
Ruth Saganty will receive her medical degree this year from Rush Medical College, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. During her sub-internship last summer, Ruth impressed our team with her clinical skills, leadership, and dedication to patient care. She earned a master’s degree in biomedical science from Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Harvard University. Ruth has an extensive research background, co-authoring numerous publications on glioblastoma treatment strategies, blood-brain barrier dynamics, and neurosurgical innovations. She has also been actively engaged in global health initiatives and mentorship programs.
Albert Antar will graduate this year from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He previously earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Duke University. His research has focused extensively on spinal metastases, neurosurgical education, and biomarkers influencing oncological outcomes, leading to multiple peer-reviewed publications. Albert dedicated a year of research to advancing spinal oncology under the mentorship of leading experts at Johns Hopkins. Beyond his academic accomplishments, he has been a dedicated mentor, guiding aspiring medical students and advocating for underrepresented groups in medicine.
We proudly welcome Ruth and Albert to our residency family and look forward to their growth and contributions in the years ahead.
