By Shawn Yonker
Contributing Writer
When Junaid Khan, MD, was growing up in Pakistan, his fascination with the human body and the complex physiology that powers it led him to pursue medicine as a career. The opportunity to help vulnerable people and make a difference confirmed he chose the right path.
After graduating from medical school in his home country, Dr. Khan’s search for a residency in the United States zeroed in on hospitals that serve rural populations, are accessible to the ocean and featured a growing program with a mind toward the future.
“Whenever you join a new program, you can actually help the program grow and make changes that will affect or impact the life of upcoming residents,” Dr. Khan said. “That felt really powerful to me.”
Now in his third year of an internal medicine residency at TidalHealth, and looking ahead to another three years of fellowship focused on gastroenterology, Dr. Khan still believes he made the right choice.
Beyond the opportunity to shape the program as one of two chief residents for his cohort, Dr. Khan has also been pleased with the growth he has seen in just a few short years.
“A few years ago, if somebody would have told me that in 2026, TidalHealth would have this many residencies and fellowship options and the program would be growing right and left, I wouldn't have believed it,” Dr. Khan said. “I would like to give credit to our designated institutional official for the GME program, Dr. Simona Eng DO, FACOI, SFHM, FACP, for her vision and how she has made this program grow. I mean, it's amazing.”
The availability and willingness of the senior doctors and attendings to support the residents has been another reason Dr. Khan has been so thrilled with his TidalHealth experience.
“They are always there for us,” he said. “A few of my friends are at different hospitals and they have talked about their attendings not being available. But here, I felt that everybody was just there to hug us with their arms open, wide open. If we needed anything, they were just there for us.”
One mentoring interaction in particular has helped shape Dr. Khan’s future. His interest in gastroenterology led him to the opportunity to work with Jerrold Canakis, MD, and he counts himself lucky for the experience.
“I was having a discussion with Dr. Canakis about working in a community setting, and he told me a beautiful thing,” Dr. Khan said. “He said, ‘I feel like all my patients are my family because when I go out for groceries, I meet one of my patients. When I go out to a bakery, I see another one of my patients and it really keeps me going.’ That's why I decided to stay here for my fellowship as well — because I really want to be a part of the community. “
Each month, we spotlight the physicians, students and training programs that make medical education a meaningful asset to Delmarva. From the classroom to the bedside, these stories highlight the people who are learning, teaching and building their careers while caring for our communities. You’ll also see how medical education strengthens access to high-quality care, supports a strong pipeline of future clinicians and helps keep exceptional talent close to home.
