SHEILA RUGNAO
Montclair
Summary
Professional with comprehensive experience in surgical procedures and patient care. Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal outcomes. Adept at adapting to evolving clinical situations and maintaining high standards in high-pressure environments. Strong background in surgical techniques, patient management, and medical diagnostics, with focus on delivering patient centered care with measurable results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
Years dedicated research
4
4
Distinct international academic experiences
Work History
National Delegate
Committee of Interns and Residents
Newark, NJ
02.2024 - Current
- Facilitated communication between residents and administration to address concerns and improve workplace conditions.
- Participated in contract negotiations between institutional leadership and resident union.
- Collaborated with leadership at national level to develop and implement policies enhancing resident experiences and engagement.
- Organized training sessions for new delegates, fostering a supportive learning environment for skill development.
Surgical Resident
Rutgers NJMS
Newark, NJ
07.2020 - Current
- Nominee Golden Apple Teaching Award 2023, 2025
- Assisted in complex surgical procedures, collaborating with surgeons and surgical teams to enhance efficiency.
- Participated in multidisciplinary rounds to coordinate patient care and optimize treatment outcomes.
- Exhibited adaptability through rotating across multiple hospital departments with diverse patient populations during residency training.
- Maintained detailed and accurate medical records, facilitating seamless communication among healthcare professionals.
Campus Representative / Event Coordinator
Rutgers Postdoctoral Association Executive Board
Newark, NJ
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Collaborated with executive board to create platforms to connect post-doctoral students across campuses.
Physician Evaluator
Signify Health
11.2022 - 06.2023
- Performed in-home clinical medical interviews, physical examinations, laboratory assessments and documented evaluations
- Developed and implemented treatment plans based on comprehensive patient assessments.
Research Scholar
Rutgers NJMS Department of Medical Ethics
Newark, NJ
07.2022 - 03.2024
- Published and presented research on quality control measures with focus on institution utilization of advance directives and health care proxies in patients undergoing major surgery.
- Published book chapter on Goals of Care Conversations in Geriatric Acute Care Surgery.
- Peer-reviewed journal articles in medical education on palliative care.
Faculty Mentor
Rutgers Univeristy
Newark, NJ
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Guided underrepresented mentees through personal and professional development, fostering skills and confidence in STEM fields.
- Cultivated supportive network for mentees, connecting them with industry professionals and resources.
Surgical Intern
UT Health Science Center
San Antonio, TX
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Gained robust clinical experience in surgical critical care, breast, transplant and emergency general surgery.
- Optimized time management by organizing daily schedules to accommodate surgeries, consultations, follow-up appointments, and other responsibilities as needed.
Teacher
YMCA
San Francisco, CA
04.2017 - 06.2018
- Developed and taught "Mini-Med School" curriculum on mindfulness and medicine at inner-city after school program to children ages 5-10.
- Implemented creative strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
Clinical Volunteer
Colorectal Cancer Institute @ UCSF Mission Bay
San Francisco, California
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Prepared medical records, evaluated and counseled patients in clinic, documented evaluations
- Specialized in colorectal and anal disease such as Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, fissures, fistulas, ostomies, diverticulitis and colon, rectal and anal cancer
Education
M.D. - Medicine
University California San Francisco School of Medicine
San Francisco, CA01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Cellular & Molecular Biology
University California Davis
Davis, CA01.2013
Skills
- Advanced surgical techniques in laparoscopy and robotics
- Complex wound management, including burns
- Emergency and acute care surgery
- Hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction
- Endoscopy (EGD and colonoscopy)
- Management of biliary tract disease
- Benign and malignant breast disease
- Colon & rectal disease
- Complex Problem-solving
- Interdisciplinary team coordination
- Medical record-keeping
- Trained as peer support provider
Certification
- NJ State Medical License 2022-Current
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 2019- current
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 2019- current
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) 2019- current
- Basic Life Support 2019 (BLS) - current
- Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy (FUSE)
- Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES)
- Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS)
- Davinci Xi Intuitive Certification
Timeline
National Delegate
Committee of Interns and Residents
02.2024 - Current
Campus Representative / Event Coordinator
Rutgers Postdoctoral Association Executive Board
01.2023 - 01.2024
Physician Evaluator
Signify Health
11.2022 - 06.2023
Faculty Mentor
Rutgers Univeristy
08.2022 - 08.2023
Research Scholar
Rutgers NJMS Department of Medical Ethics
07.2022 - 03.2024
Surgical Resident
Rutgers NJMS
07.2020 - Current
Surgical Intern
UT Health Science Center
07.2019 - 06.2020
Teacher
YMCA
04.2017 - 06.2018
Clinical Volunteer
Colorectal Cancer Institute @ UCSF Mission Bay
06.2015 - 06.2017
M.D. - Medicine
University California San Francisco School of Medicine
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Cellular & Molecular Biology
University California Davis
Memberships
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
American Medical Association (AMA)
Association of Women Surgeons (AWS)
New Jersey Medical Association