1st year fellow
Mohamed Abu hamad, MD
Mohamed Abu Hamad completed his medical degree at Jordan University of Science and Technology and pursued residency training in Pediatrics at the University of Iowa. Abu Hamad is passionate about pediatric gastroenterology, drawn to its blend of clinical complexity, compassionate care, and potential for long-term impact on young patients’ lives. He has a particular interest in pediatric nutrition, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping children’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Outside of his medical practice, Abu Hamad finds joy in hiking and exploring trails, immersing himself in nature’s beauty. He also embraces his competitive spirit as an avid gamer, where he enjoys the challenges and entertainment offered by video games.
2nd year fellows
Daniel Verbaro, MD, PhD
After graduating from Drexel University with a BS in Biological Sciences and Master of Chemistry, summa cum laude, Verbaro went on to earn his MD and PhD from Washington University School of Medicine. Having over ten publications and numerous talks/posters to his name currently, Dan’s continued passion and interest in Pediatric Gastroenterology grows as he continues to focus on the interplay/crosstalk between the gut enteric nervous system and the gut immune system. In his spare time, Dan likes to collect and build Legos with his children, go snowboarding, and new restaurants from the many choices St. Louis has to offer.
3rd year fellows
Molly Barr , MD
Molly Barr, MD, completed her pediatric residency training at Washington University School of Medicine. Prior to residency, she graduated with a MD from Indiana University School of Medicine and a BS in Public Health from Saint Louis University. Barr’s empathy for the children struggling with various diagnosis from constipation to complicated IBD presentations, finding the root of these problems and providing expertise to solve them is what drives her to continue in this field. In her spare time, Barr enjoys listening to podcasts, trying new cuisine and exploring all of the local parks St. Louis has to offer with her family.
Shelley Choudhury, MD
After graduating from Rhodes College with her BS, magna cum laude, Shelley Choudhury, MD, went on to earn her MD from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine. One of Choudhury’s favorite aspects of the field is how frequently it interacts with other disciplines she enjoys learning about — immunology, rheumatology and hematology. Lately, she has found herself drawn to specific GI pathologies with overlap in hematology and oncology. Choudhury’s passions extend out of the hospital and range from amateur watercolor painting, to traveling, to frequenting estate sales to get more ideas for home renovation projects.
Tess Coker, MD
Tess Coker, MD, finished her undergraduate studies with dual degrees of BS in Biology and BA in Spanish from the University of Arkansas. After reaching these milestones, she continued her education with a MD from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. From experiencing the Teaching and Tomorrow Program at NASPGHAN to learning about the complex interplay between gastrointestinal and other organ systems, as well as nutrition and obesity, Coker developed a fascination with the complexity and appreciation for the breadth of gastroenterology. During her spare time, Coker sets a goal for herself to read 50 books per year, restores/refinishes antique and vintage furniture and is a proud dog mom who takes her dog everywhere she can.