By: DoM Communications
In this month’s special edition of the Chair’s Spotlight, we are proud to introduce our newly appointed Chief Internal Medicine Residents for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. Please join us in welcoming Joseph Daniel, DO, Mason Winkie, MD, Tess Decater, MD, MPH, Nicolas Fandino-Rubio, MD, and Tyler Jones, MD. We recently had the opportunity to connect with the incoming chiefs to learn more about their backgrounds and their goals for the year ahead.
Dr. Joseph Daniel attended medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. He completed his first two years of medical school in Maine, followed by his third year primarily at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island. During his fourth year, he trained at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received a degree in kinesiology.
As chief resident, Dr. Daniel is responsible for creating resident schedules, assisting with curriculum and policy development, advocating for residents, supporting recruitment efforts, and assisting the program director. “This school year, I am most excited about helping develop a noon conference lasting curriculum and being an advocate for all my residents,” shared Dr. Daniel.
Dr. Daniel was previously featured as the Resident Spotlight in the Department of Medicine newsletter in January 2024.
Dr. Mason Winkie earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia, where he studied biochemistry and clinical psychology. He attended medical school at West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia.
As chief resident, Dr. Winkie is committed to supporting residents throughout the year by serving as both an advocate and a resource, while fostering a collaborative learning environment. “I am particularly excited for the opportunity to lead and enhance our morning report sessions, promoting clinical excellence and thoughtful discussion,” said Dr. Winkie.
Dr. Winkie was selected as the resident recipient of the 2025 Sarah Stone Award for Excellence in Medical Education, which is presented to a single graduating Internal Medicine resident.
Dr. Tess Decater earned both her MD and MPH from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. She completed two years of clinical training in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, where she studied biological science and sociology.
Before starting her chief resident year, Dr. Decater was one of two chief residents involved in designing the incoming resident schedule. Additionally, she helped organize the intern orientation and welcomed incoming residents to the program. As chief resident, Dr. Decater is looking forward to advocating for residents, leading morning report, and developing high-yield, engaging noon conference curriculum. “I’m also looking forward to the upcoming recruitment season, especially the opportunity to host meet-and-greet events and participate in interviewing applicants,” said Dr. Decater.
Dr. Nicolas Fandino-Rubio earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Before attending medical school, Dr. Fandino-Rubio conducted clinical research on asthma at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he discovered his passion for patient care, which led him to pursue a career in medicine. He went on to attend medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and later attended UMass Chan Medical School to complete his Internal Medicine residency.
As chief resident, Dr. Fandino-Rubio looks forward to advocating for and supporting residents in all aspects of their training. His responsibilities include managing the resident schedule to ensure balanced workloads and meaningful clinical experiences. He also plans to collaborate with program leadership to develop and review policies that advance the educational mission of the residency and promote a healthy learning environment. Additionally, he looks forward to taking ownership of various teaching initiatives to ensure the learning culture remains strong, relevant, and resident-centered. “What excites me most about being a chief resident is the chance to mentor residents and shape their educational experience. I find it deeply rewarding to support their growth, advocate for their needs, and foster a culture of high-yield, resident-centered learning, all while continuing to grow as an educator myself,” shared Dr. Fandino-Rubio.
Dr. Fandino-Rubio was previously featured as the Resident Spotlight in the Department of Medicine newsletter in May 2024. He also received the 2022-2023 Intern of the Year Award.
Dr. Tyler Jones earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, where he studied biology and chemistry. He then attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma and later matched at UMass Chan Medical School for his Internal Medicine residency.
As chief resident, Dr. Jones looks forward to advocating for residents while fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment. Alongside his co-chiefs, he will lead morning reports and coordinate noon conferences to enhance the educational experience. Additionally, he will work closely with both residents and program leadership to promote professional growth, ensure high-quality patient care, and continuously improve the training program.