Class of 2012
Phuong Huynh, MD
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Michigan, Family Medicine
Interests: Covering football and hockey games, personal interest in yoga and rock climbing
I'm an Ohio native (originally from Cincinnati), so it was easy for me to want to come back after spending three years in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since I went to Medical School in Cleveland, I've called it home. It's a medium sized city with plenty to do without many of the big city issues. There is low cost of living in Cleveland, a fantastic art museum and orchestra, and multiple professional sports teams.
I looked at the University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s / University Hospitals Case Medical Center Sports Medicine Fellowship because it was started by two Sports Medicine doctors whom I really admire and enjoyed learning from when I was in Medical School. I like the fact that it's a two-year program which allows me to immerse myself in everything related to Sports Medicine and work on my research. I also like that it’s focused in Pediatrics because I hope to work mainly with teenagers when I'm finished with my training.
Terra Blatnik, MD
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital / University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Pediatrics
Interests: Gymnastics, cheerleading, skiing, scuba diving / dive medicine
I have been living in Cleveland for about 7 years, and I am glad that I will continue my education here. Cleveland is a great city that caters to people with all sorts of interests. My husband and I love hiking, and Cleveland has a fantastic Metroparks system with great hiking trails scattered around the city. We are also "foodies," and Cleveland has tons of wonderful restaurants and is the home to many nationally recognized chefs.
I have chosen to stay at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s / University Hospitals Case Medical Center for Sports Medicine Fellowship because of the great faculty and fellows and the comfortable learning environment. It provides a wide range of sports coverage at both the high school and college level and will allow me to continue my ongoing gymnastics research.
Class of 2011
Josh Purses, DO
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: University of Connecticut, Internal Medicine / Pediatrics
Interests: Running-- but I'm not the runner that I once was!
Cleveland is my hometown, I have always loved living here. We have very passionate sports fans despite our sordid past with, "the fumble," "the drive," and the list goes on. The fellowship has been a great experience. I have tremendously enjoyed working with Drs. Weiss Kelly and Briskin, or as we call them Mandy and Suz. They are great role models for us and have put together a fellowship with some great opportunities. A personal favorite of mine: the soccer trip to Europe. We get a lot of independence if we want it, but I think we all feel comfortable talking things over when we are unsure. Mandy and Suz make themselves available to us if we need them. It has been a fabulous learning environment I think I will be well prepared for the real world.
Career plans: Academic Sports Medicine
Mary Solomon, DO
Medical School: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital / University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Pediatrics
Interests: Running
I have enjoyed my Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. I have learned a great deal from the Pediatric Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic attending physicians during our clinics, lectures and game coverage. The Athletic Trainers at Case Western Reserve University, and at our local high schools are wonderful to work with and learn from. I have enjoyed covering sporting events on the national, college, high school and community levels year-round.
This program devotes attention to fostering my osteopathic manipulative medicine skills and supports my growing ability to practice independently. There are opportunities to expand my interests in research, as well. The welcoming environment created by my attendings and co-fellows has supported my interests in primary care sports medicine while balancing the demands of being a mother too.
Career plans: Academic Sports Medicine
Class of 2010
Chris Tangen, DO
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Family Medicine
Interests: I enjoy playing tennis, recreational softball, and living and working in Cleveland.
I really enjoyed my fellowship at RBC/UHCMC. I believe the second year was beneficial to me because of the additional experience with sports coverage and greater exposure to sports and orthopaedic cases in clinic. I gained increased autonomy throughout the fellowship, and felt much more comfortable with my physical exam and overall sports medicine skills. Dr. Briskin, Dr. Weiss Kelly, and Dr. Leone are wonderful teachers and mentors.
Career: Primary Care Sports Medicine Director at University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center, A Campus of UH Regional Hospitals
Class of 2009
Shane Cummings, MD
Medical School: St. George's University, School of Medicine
Residency: Alaska Family Medicine Residency / Providence Medical Center, Family Medicine
Interests: Tennis, Windsurfing, Mountain Biking, Surfing, Snowboarding, Skiing, Hiking
As an outdoor enthusiast, and lifetime Alaskan, I have been very active with sports and the sporting community in Alaska. I enjoy working with athletes from recreational to elite, but prefer working with those involved in more extreme or hazardous sports. In my hometown of Anchorage, there are plenty of opportunities to provide Sports Medicine care. From extreme skiing and snowboarding, to 2000 mile dog-sledding, and hundred mile sub-zero marathons to the top of the earth, the opportunities are as endless as the terrain.
I truly enjoyed my two-year Sports Medicine Fellowship in Cleveland. It provided me with the opportunity to have an in-depth exposure to a wide variety of athletic injuries at all levels of sports. Working with sports teams and providing coverage independently was a highlight for me. I found Sports Medicine clinic to be an excellent learning environment with great bedside teaching by Dr. Briskin and Dr. Weiss Kelly. The fellowship prepared me well for my future career.
Career: Primary Care Sports Medicine / Urgent Care Physician in Anchorage, Alaska & Student Health Physician at University of Anchorage