Third Year Fellows

Hayes Aguilar, MD

2024-2027

Medical School: LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine

Residency: Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC

I chose Neonatology because  I rotated in the NICU as a medical student in 2020 at the time of COVID. It was during my NICU rotation at Touro that medical students were taken out of clinical rotations, so I learned all about the NICU through online modules. I fell in love with the physiology of neonates when learning through online modules. As a 4^th year medical student, I was able to do multiple rotations in the NICU at both Children's Hospital (now MFC) and Touro. I really loved caring for babies and was inspired by all of the attendings I had the chance to work with. My love for NICU was confirmed in residency when I found myself enjoying taking care of babies and their families as my favorite patients, which helped me choose neonatology as my career! I also really love doing procedures so the procedures that we are able to do as neonatologists enticed me even more. The ever-changing, fast pace of the NICU helped me realize neonatology was the perfect field for me! 

Research Interests: Communication and language barriers, Quality Improvement, Metabolic Bone Disease of Prematurity, Medical Education 

Favorite thing to do in New Orleans: Try all of the amazing food! My husband and I love to explore restaurants, and New Orleans has a great variety of restaurants and cuisines to try. We also love being outdoors with our 2 young boys, so we go to a lot of parks in the city, and we frequent Felipe's on Metairie Road and Superwitch soft serve in Metairie! 

Amanda Barkemeyer, MD

2024-2027

Medical School: LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine

Residency: LSU Health New Orleans Pediatric Residency Program

I chose Neonatology because of the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life, meaningful relationships with families, unique physiology, and critical care

Research Interests: health disparities and NICU to home transition

Favorite thing to do in New Orleans:  go to City Park +/- poboy

Second Year Fellows

Karleigh Barkemeyer, MD

2025-2028

Medical School: LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine

Residency: LSU Health New Orleans Pediatric Residency Program

I chose Neonatology because I love the challenge of caring for our most vulnerable patients and the rewarding experience of watching them grow and thrive. I also value the meaningful relationships we build with families throughout their NICU journey.

Research Interests: Medical Education

Favorite thing about New Orleans: There is always something to do! Whether it’s spending time with friends, going to the park, trying a new restaurant, or attending one of the many festivals and events around the city, there’s always a fun way to enjoy your time off.

Stephanie Pepper, MD, MPH

2026-2028

Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine

Residency: University of Texas at Austin

First Year Fellows

Caroline Moreau, MD

2026-2029

Medical School: LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine

Residency: LSU Health New Orleans Pediatric Residency Program

Manvi Tyagi, MBBS

2026-2029

Medical School: Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India 

Residency: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta

I chose Neonatology because I love the unique challenges that come with caring for each baby and how every day brings something new to learn. I also really value being there for families during such a vulnerable time in their lives and being able to support them through it. Neonatology is constantly evolving, which means there are always new opportunities to learn and grow.

Research Interests: neurodevelopment outcomes, providing family centered care

Favorite thing(s) to do in New Orleans: exploring the food scene (especially hunting for good vegetarian spots!), trying new coffee shops, and just enjoying everything NOLA has to offer