November Intern Spotlight
Nov 30, 2025
The 含羞草研究所 Downstate Department of Surgery is excited to introduce a new social media and newsletter initiative: The Surgical Intern Spotlight Series. Led by residents, Dr. Olivia Blanchard and Dr. Sukaina Alikhan, this series will showcase this year鈥檚 talented class of surgical interns who are shaping the future of our department and our field. Each feature will offer a closer look at their journeys, passions, and the unique perspectives they bring to our team. Stay tuned on Instagram and the department鈥檚 blog as we celebrate achievements, share stories, and welcome the next generation of surgical leaders.
This month, featuring:
Alexa De la Fuente, MD
Medical School: Universidad de las Americas Puebla
Clinical Interest: Plastic Surgery
Favorite Memory of Residency: 鈥淪uper cheesy but the friendships I鈥檝e made so far鈥�
Fun Fact: 鈥淚鈥檓 an intern, a wife, and a mom to a 6-month old sweetie pie and a 2lbs
Yorkie. I speak 3 languages!鈥�
Kitty Trudeau, MD, MPH
Undergraduate: Taylor University
Medical School: Indiana University
Research/Clinical Areas of Interest: Public health, health equity, trauma and acute
care
Favorite Memory of Residency: 鈥淪crubbing in on my first case after becoming a physician鈥�
Fun Fact: 鈥淚 have 80+ plus houseplants :)鈥�
Sarah Fangmeyer, DO
Undergraduate: William & Mary
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Clinical Interests: Head and Neck, Medical Education, Health Disparities
Favorite part of residency so far: 鈥淕ood times with coresidents, both in and out of
the hospital鈥�
Fun fact: 鈥淚鈥檓 a huge fan of ice cream, dogs, lattes, hikes, and Lord of the Rings鈥�
Eric Sun, MD
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: UT HSC San Antonio
Clinical Interests: Colorectal surgery, surgical oncology
Favorite memory of residency so far: 鈥淚ntern brunch turned into walk through Prospect
Park turned into afternoon out on the lake鈥�