General Surgery Residency

Visit the Research & Education Institute

General Surgery Residents

The Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center General Surgery Residency Program is designed to provide trainees with clinical and academic skills to prepare for future roles as academic surgical leaders.

For a list of our residency graduates, please see our Alumni page.

5th Year Residents

Christine Alvarado, MD

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI
College: University of Michigan, B.S. Neuroscience
Medical school: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Why surgery? To transform and make an impact on patients’ lives.
Surgical and professional interests: Thoracic surgery, clinical outcomes research
Hobbies: Yoga, music, food, movies
Any fun fact about yourself? I have the same birthday as Harry Potter
What’s one of your favorite things about being a UH Surgery resident? Getting to work with my co-residents everyday

Jamie Benson, MD

Hometown: Trenton, NJ
College: Temple University, B.S. Biology
Medical school: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Why surgery? I enjoy working with my hands and find surgery to be very energizing.
Surgical and professional interests: Minimally Invasive Surgery
Hobbies: Chess, reading, exercise
Favorite hangout spot: Brewnuts
Most scenic space in Cleveland: Chagrin Falls
What is one piece of advice you would have liked to hear as a new intern? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You are here to learn and you often learn the most from your mistakes.

Jonathan Hue, MD (Administrative Chief)

Hometown: Greensburg, PA
College: Pennsylvania State University, B.S. Chemistry
Medical school: Temple University School of Medicine
Why surgery? Human anatomy is miraculous
Surgical and professional interests: Basic science research related to pancreatic cancer-associated depression and the role of immune cells in pancreatic cancer, clinical research focused on cancer associated weight loss, neoadjuvant therapies, and surgical outcomes in elderly patients
Hobbies: Antique wooden furniture restoration, DIY construction, hiking and camping, running with my dog
Greatest accomplishment: Dancing for 46 straight hours during the Penn State Dance MaraTHON which raises money for pediatric cancer
Any recent goals? I’m trying to visit all the national parks. Five down, lots to go!

Sami Kishawi, MD (Administrative Chief)

Hometown: Chicago, IL
College: University of Chicago, B.S. Biological Sciences
Graduate education: Loyola University Chicago, M.S. Medical Physiology
Medical school: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Why surgery? I wanted the technical skills, knowledge, and comfort level to handle the highest acuity situations
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma surgery, critical care, chest wall reconstruction and disaster relief
Personal Interests: Writing, photography, architecture, Middle East arts and culture
Why UH?: It’s a large tertiary hospital with high surgical volume and a strong sense of community

Aaron Tipton, MD

Hometown: Akron, OH
College: Ashland University, B.S. Biochemistry
Medical school: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Why surgery? I chose surgery to serve others every day and the opportunity to master my clinical and technical abilities.
Surgical and professional interests: Cardiothoracic surgery
Hobbies: Running, Traveling, Basketball
Favorite movie: Gladiator

He Zhou, MD

Hometown: Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
College: Georgia Institute of Technology, B.S. Biomedical Engineering
Medical school: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Why surgery? Surgery has a lot in common with engineering – you need to use your brain and hands together. Most times, there is an immediate impact on a patient’s health and quality of life.
Surgical and professional interests: advancing cancer treatment, surgical technology
Hobbies: Cooking, baking, Taekwondo, flute, painting, traveling
What else should we know about you? I used to post recipes online and had more than 20,000 followers.

4th Year Residents

Avanti Badrinathan, MD

Hometown: Oak Park, IL
College: Northwestern University, B.S. Biomedical Engineering
Graduate education: University of Michigan, M.S. Biomedical Engineering
Medical school: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
Why surgery? I worked a lot with medical devices as an engineering student and surgery was a natural extension of my past work with biomedical engineering.
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma surgery, critical care, burns
Hobbies: Playing with my cat, classical piano, video games, cooking/baking, painting
Favorite surgical instrument: #10 blade
What else should we know about you? I placed world level ranking in a video game called Super Mario Rainbow Road

Adam Bullock, MD

Hometown: Gainesville, FL
College: University of Florida, BSc Chemistry
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Why surgery? I’ve always found it to be the most engaging field in medicine.
Surgical and Professional Interest: General surgery, breast oncology, rural medicine.
Hobbies: Woodworking, weightlifting, hiking, painting
Any important thoughts you’d like to share with new residents: Use any and all resources available to you but above all else, trust yourself.

Lauren Drapalik, MD

Hometown: Naperville, IL
College: University of Notre Dame, B.S. Biological Sciences
Medical school: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why surgery? The OR is my happy place.
Surgical and professional interests: Breast surgery, surgical education
Hobbies: Baking, long walks with my dachshund Mack, trying new restaurants
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Ginko
What is one piece of advice for new interns? When you’re having a rough day, don’t hesitate to reach out to those above you. Everyone has been there and everyone wants to help.

Kelly Hoerger, MD

Hometown: Boise, ID
College: Montana State University, B.A. Political Science
Medical school: University of Utah School of Medicine
Why surgery? For the real time satisfaction of helping a person that you get by operating on them.
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma surgery, global surgery, health disparities, health and surgical education
Hobbies: Running, skiing, hiking, camping, snuggling with my cats
What else should we know about you? I used to work for Red Bull

Kimberly Rebello, MD

Hometown: Farmington, CT
College: University of Connecticut, B.S. Chemistry, Minor in Mathematics
Graduate education: University of Connecticut, M.S. Synthetic Bioorganic Chemistry
Medical school: University of Connecticut
Why surgery? Surgery is a unique field that combines pathophysiology, engineering, and technical skills to create a work of art that allows you to become a part of a person's life.
Surgical and professional interests: Cardiothoracic surgery
Hobbies: Drawing, playing saxophone, baking
What else should we know about you? I'm a diehard Mortal Kombat fan
Fun fact about Cleveland? The term "rock and roll" was coined in Cleveland
What's the best piece of advice you've received? Be able to laugh at yourself, be able to forgive yourself, avoid making the same mistake again, and no matter what, push forward.

Mackenzie Simerlink, MD

Hometown: Solon, OH
College: Miami University
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why surgery? Surgery was the perfect combination of medicine and hands on problem solving which fit with my background in bioengineering.
Surgical and professional interests: Native American health, ultrasound, surgical innovation and technology.
Hobbies: True crime podcasts, reading, rowing
Fun fact about Cleveland? Cleveland is the birthplace of Chef Boyardee.

Tyler Stumm, MD

Hometown: Washington Township, NJ
College: Pennsylvania State University
Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why surgery? It’s very rewarding to operate on someone, manipulate their anatomy, and then watch them improve over time.
Surgical and professional interests: Plastic surgery
Hobbies: Skiing, travel, running
Fun fact about Cleveland? The Metroparks and breweries, and having so many of both to choose from!
Any important thoughts you’d like to share with new residents? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, your senior residents are an amazing resource.

Patrick Wieland, MD

Hometown: Bloomington, IL
College: University of Notre Dame
Medical School: Southern Illinois University
Why surgery? Surgery was the clerkship that I loved the most, from being in the OR to the people I was working with. I like the ability to work with my hands and affect immediate change.
Surgical and professional interests: Minimally invasive surgery, colorectal surgery
Hobbies: Cooking, watching sports
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride
What else should we know about you? I boxed on the club team in college.

3rd Year Residents

Aria Bassiri, MD

Hometown:Tehran, Iran
College: University of Toronto, B.Sc. Cell and Molecular Biology, B.Sc. Human Biology: Health and Disease
Graduate education: Boston University, M.S. Medical Sciences
Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why surgery? Because its the best field in medicine! See the problem, find the answer, and fix it.
Surgical and professional interests: Thoracic surgery, trauma surgery, medical education
Hobbies: Soccer, working out, watches, video games
What else should we know about you? I own 53 watches and counting
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Mabel’s BBQ
Any other interesting thing about Cleveland? The river once caught fire...

Louisa Chen, MD

Hometown: Canberra, Australia
College: University of California Irvine
Medical School: Dartmouth
Why surgery? The ability to intervene directly in disease processes and the opportunity to collaborate in the OR.
Surgical and professional interests: trauma, acute care surgery
Hobbies: photography, cooking, hiking

Jennifer Cui, MD

Hometown: San Diego
College: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why surgery? I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. Surgery allows for the perfect combination of medicine, art, and the physical ability to heal patients.
Surgical and professional interests: HPB surgery, surgical oncology, plastic surgery
Hobbies: Baking, hiking, exploring new places, art
Favorite Movies: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Why did you choose UH?: UH clearly provides a strong and vigorous training program while prioritizing camaraderie within the residency at all levels!

Saher Zahra-Khan, MD

Hometown: Wayne, PA
College: Villanova University, B.S. Chemical Engineering
Medical school: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why surgery? In addition to taking care of our diverse and complex patients inside and outside of the OR, there is so much knowledge, confidence, teamwork, and most importantly compassion to be gain in this field.
Surgical and professional interests: Colorectal Surgery, Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, Surgical Education
Hobbies: Bouldering, playing Scrabble, working out, happy hour, anything social
Most scenic spaces in Cleveland: Hilton Downtown Rooftop Bar, Edgewater Beach
What is one piece of advice you would like to share? The best advice I’ve heard so far is that you are never alone. There are always people around you here that are both able and happy to help! So never be afraid to reach out.

Alexander Kreger, MD

Hometown: Chagrin Falls, OH
College: Duke University, B.S. Neuroscience
Medical school: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Why surgery? I like doing things with my hands, and I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the rotation in medical school.
Surgical and professional interests: Pediatric surgery, minimally invasive surgery
Hobbies: Soccer, tennis
What else should we know about you? My parents are both accountants and I was born on Tax Day.
Best pizza in Cleveland: Il Rione

Alexander Loftus, MD

Hometown: Buffalo, NY
College: Cornell University, B.S. Biological Sciences
Medical school: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Why surgery? I want to become a surgeon for the opportunity to deliver compassionate, cutting edge, and safe care to my patients. I believe that as I surgeon I will be able to use both interventional and medical treatment to help patients.
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical Oncology, Surgical Critical Care
Hobbies: Snowboarding, water activities, Cooking & Beer
Research Interests: Melanoma & Pancreatic Cancer Metabolism and Novel Therapies, Cancer Surgery Outcomes
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Zhug

Daniel Mowoh, MD

Hometown: Bamenda, Cameroon
College: University of Maryland, College Park
Medical school: Howard University College of Medicine
Why surgery? Surgery is the specialty where we see our patients at their most vulnerable and a lot of times on their worst days so we become instruments capable of changing the course of their lives. I couldn’t think of a more rewarding and humbling endeavor that I get to partake in as take responsibility for my patients while advocating for them at their most vulnerable.
Surgical and professional interests: I am very passionate about healthy lifestyle and weight loss hence I became drawn to MIS bariatric surgery.
Hobbies: Playing soccer, biking, watching anime, and reading manga.
What else should we know about you? Baking enthusiast
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Morton’s Steakhouse
What do you reflect on at the end of a day of residency? I reflect on the immense honor it is to be given the opportunity to take care of my patients. I reflect on limitations that I could improve to make my patient’s care more optimal and strive to let every day be an opportunity to improve upon my previous day.
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Amidst the hustle and bustle of being new interns, always make sure caring for your patients come first.

Heming "Hannah" Zhao, MD

Hometown: Blacksburg, Virginia
College: Cornell University: B.S. Biological Engineering
Medical school: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Why surgery? I love to operate, being in the OR, and managing surgical patients.
Surgical and professional interests: Undecided for now
Hobbies: Hiking, Spartan race, hanging out with friends
Greatest accomplishment: Completing a Spartan race

2nd Year Residents

Sami Abul-Khoudoud, MD

Hometown: Ashland, KY
College: University of Kentucky
Medical School: University of Kentucky
Why Surgery: Surgeons have the privilege of being able to treat both the physiological and physical aspects of disease and have a direct impact on the outcomes of their patients.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Subspecialty interests include vascular surgery, HPB surgical oncology, and MIS/complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Professional interests include surgical education, quality improvement, and health equity.
Hobbies: Cooking and baking, painting, clay sculpture, watching sports, escape rooms
What else should we know about you? I have two dogs and a hedgehog who are my bosses outside of the hospital

Kayvan Barekatain, MD

Hometown: San Diego, California
College: University of California at Berkeley
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why surgery? I chose surgery because of my desire to make an immediate impact on a patient’s life while also helping them navigate complex health concerns.
Surgical and professional interests: Undecided, surgical education
Hobbies: Travelling, cooking, board games
Favorite Movies: Finding Nemo, Happy Gilmore
Favorite Food: Gheymeh (Persian Split Pea Stew)
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Favorite Game: Monopoly
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine?: While I’ve wanted to pursue medicine since my first frog dissection, helping my father navigate my late grandmother’s illness was a turning point in my commitment to becoming a physician.
Why did you choose UH? As a student at Case I was able to rotate at UH and see first-hand the impact that UH had on the local population. I choose UH to further my surgical training and continue serving the Cleveland community.
What else should we know about you? I love jokes and always want to expand my collection.

Jill Knepprath, MD

Hometown: Houston, TX
College: Minnesota State University Mankato
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Why Surgery: I love that you are able to dedicate your attention to one patient in the OR and make an immediate impact.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Surgical education, MIS
Hobbies: Houseplants, puzzles, movies, yoga, and spending time with my family.

Anandhini Narayanan, MD

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
College: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: New York Medical College
Why Surgery: There is something beautiful about constantly learning and refining your medical knowledge and technical skills, in order to provide the best care possible to your patients. Surgery allows you to develop a wide breadth of knowledge, as you rotate through different specialties, and enables you to interact with a variety of patient populations. Lastly, I appreciate the unique relationships you form with patients in surgery; a trusting, connected, and empowering dynamic must be created to help them through these vulnerable moments.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Pediatrics, Trauma, Surgical Oncology, DEI and Health Equity
Hobbies: Painting, reading, violin, yoga, weightlifting
Favorite Game: Coup
Favorite Movies: Boomerang, A Beautiful Mind, Mad Max: Fury Road
What else should we know about you? Sometimes, it’s hard for me to understand sarcasm.

Sandra Nguyen, MD

Hometown: New Albany, OH
College: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Why Surgery: Being able to provide immediate yet significant solutions and sharing a life-changing journey with patients from pre-op to post-op is super cool and unique to surgery.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Bariatric Surgery
Hobbies: Being a plant mom, reading psych thrillers, wine tastings, spending time with family and friends
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I will never say no to ice cream or pasta.

Julia Specht, MD

Hometown: Green Bay, WI
College: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Why Surgery: I loved working with my hands and loved being in the operating room. It’s rewarding to be able to make immediate and lasting changes that better the health of my patients.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally invasive/bariatric surgery, breast surgery
Hobbies: knitting, baking, taking care of my plants and exploring Cleveland with friends

Kallie Wynens, MD

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
College: The University of Georgia B.S. Biology, B.A. Spanish
Medical School: The Medical College of Georgia
Why Surgery: I felt at home the very first time I walked into an OR. After seeing the immediate impact that surgeons have on patients’ lives, I knew there was no other specialty that would be as rewarding.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Undecided but potentially pediatric surgery, trauma/critical care, or breast surgery
Hobbies: Running, painting, traveling, trying new restaurants and breweries, candle making, attempting to be a plant mom
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes

1st Year Residents

Cenk Atillasoy, MD

Hometown: Bryn Mawr, PA
College: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Why Surgery: Surgeons are uniquely positioned to use their hands and state-of-the-art technology to improve the lives of patients in ways that few others can. I am energized by the OR atmosphere and the collegiality among surgical teams.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Trauma/ACS, Plastics, MIS, Medical student education
Hobbies: I’m a HUGE foodie who recently discovered (and now loves) sour beers. Pokemon GO. Trader Joe’s enthusiast.
Favorite Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Never be afraid to ask for help or to clarify an uncertainty, we were in your shoes once and are all in this together.
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: There are two kinds of people in this world: those who live to eat, and those who eat to live. Be wary of those in the latter category. I can predict how the day will go based on the celsius I randomly select from the variety pack

Hamza Nasir Chatha, MD

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
College/Medical School: Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan
Why Surgery: I enjoy the physicality and technicality of this field as well as the ownership you have of your patients. I also love the teamwork in surgery where we all work towards one common goal: the betterment of our patients!
Surgical and Professional Interests: Surgical Oncology, Colorectal Surgery, Cardiothoracic, MIS, Surgical Education, and Clinical Outcomes Research
Hobbies: Basketball, Soccer, Hiking, Swimming, and travelling with my wife (Basically anything that involves sports and physical activity)
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: It is very important to find genuine mentors early on. They have a tremendous impact in shaping your career!
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I love to socialize and try out new food!

Lauren Johnson, MD

Hometown: Orono, MN
College: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine
Why Surgery: I chose surgery because I appreciate the tangible and immediate affect surgery can have on a patient's health and wellbeing.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Artificial Intelligence, Prion Disease Research
Hobbies: Skiing, Boating, Reading, Traveling
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Always ask questions and find something to make you laugh every day.
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I used to be a ski instructor, and still love to ski when I have the chance.

William Julian, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
College: University of Vermont
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why Surgery: Surgery is a wonderful craft to hone, and it lets you make an immediate difference in the lives of others.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Rural surgery, trauma surgery, vascular surgery.
Hobbies: Going to the gym, fishing, reading, spending time with my wife and cats.
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Cleveland is a great place to live, and UH is a wonderful place to train.

Francesca Ponzini, MD

Hometown: Wayne, NJ
College: MCPHS University
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why Surgery: I fell in love with being in the operating room early on and feel an immense privilege to be able to have an impact on patients’ lives from the preoperative to postoperative periods. In addition to the impact, I appreciate the team dynamic and continuous learning of both technical skills and clinical knowledge.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Surgical Education
Hobbies: Baking, Paint by numbers, Spending time with family and friends, Reading
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Remember your “why”. My favorite piece of advice a mentor once gave me is to build the career you want for yourself.

Ananya Tawde, MD

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
College: University of Akron, B.S. Natural Sciences
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Why Surgery: it combines all aspects of medicine and gives you hands-on work
Surgical and Professional Interests: ACS/Trauma
Hobbies: crocheting, art
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I’m a cat person

Akul Arora, MD, MBA PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Troy, Michigan
College: University of Michigan
Medical School: University of Michigan
Why Surgery: Early in my rotations in medical school, I started to categorize medical care based on how long it would take for me to help my patients. In its simplistic form I distilled down medical management to take longer to see results in comparison to surgery. I found that I preferred being able to see and feel the tangible results that surgery provides patients in a short time span. The tactile nature of surgery and the sense of gratitude that often came from patients just days after the procedure drew me into the profession. I knew that however I helped my patients, the first steps had to start in the OR and I wanted to be the one standing next to the patient, taking action to given them a second chance at health and longevity.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Currently undetermined specialty preference; Interested in applying my MBA for financial burden research and systems implementation throughout Hospital Systems
Hobbies: Soccer, Boxing, Cooking, Traveling, Gaming, Anime
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: This journey we are starting together will surely be difficult and stressful. I hope that we as a community can stay supportive and find time to step away and appreciate the world and the people in it for whom we have devoted ourselves.

Mina Ayad, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Lake Forest, California
College: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why Surgery: I found myself drawn to the gratification of having an impact on patients that is direct, profound, and often definitive, as well as the opportunity to engage with cutting edge surgical technology and clinical research.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Research (Clinical and Basic Science), leadership, medical education, and community outreach and service
Hobbies: Weightlifting, running, reading, hiking, and cooking
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I’m a cat dad and would die for her

Jeffrey Butke, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Oshkosh, WI
College: Cornell College
Medical School: Case Western Reserve School of Medicine
Why Surgery: After spending years behind a desk working to health at community nonprofits, I wanted to have a more direct impact. Health is complex
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally invasive surgery, disparities and outcomes research, global health & international aid
Hobbies: Cooking, rock climbing, skiing, travelling

Mario Carrillo, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: New Hartford, NY
College: Cornell University, B.S. Biological Sciences
Graduate School: Tufts University, M.S. Biomedical Sciences
Medical School: University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Why Surgery: I decided to pursue surgery because I admire the way surgeons are able to comprehensively care for patients with medical knowledge and hands-on surgical intervention that can often provide immediate benefits. Plus, I enjoy the dynamic and creative problem solving during patient care and OR cases.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Trauma surgery, vascular surgery, community-centered healthcare disparity research, diversity in medicine
Hobbies: Musician (piano and trombone), tennis, video games, salsa dancing, hiking

Bailey Hall, MD PRELIMINARY

Hong Lee, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Medical School: Dartmouth Medical School
Why Surgery: Surgery combines my love of caring for patients in the acute setting, working with my hands, and my fascination with anatomy.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Community surgery, trauma/critical care/ACS, breast surgery
Hobbies: Figure skating, cooking, watching K-dramas, sewing/drawing/painting.
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I love dogs of all shapes and sizes

Stewart Maxfield, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Holladay, UT
College: Brigham Young University
Medical School: University of Massachusetts
Why Surgery: I love working with my hands, and I love the variety that general surgeons see every day. I love the "can-do" attitude that infects our profession and the fact that we have the tools to solve (almost) any problem - be it surgical or medical.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally Invasive Surgery, surgical education
Hobbies: When I'm not playing board games, I love to take my family camping, hiking, or kayaking.
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: I'm a dad to two wonderful girls (Riley & Lydia)

Taylor Powell, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Bossier City, LA
College: Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Medical School: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – Shreveport
Why Surgery: I genuinely enjoy being in the OR: the team like atmosphere, the attention to detail to ensure we are being as safe as we can, and being able to gain a patient’s trust enough to help them when they are most vulnerable. It is a privilege and an honor I do not take lightly.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Surgical Oncology, Endocrine Surgery. Understanding how we can better approach cancers from a team perspective, investigating health disparities and finding actionable change, and classifications of temporal bone fractures in trauma patients to aid in sequalae predictions.
Hobbies: Baking, watching Star Wars with my dog Gia, reading books, and K-pop (Seventeen).
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: You must believe in yourself no matter what, even on the bad days. You are meant to be where you are, and you will accomplish your goal, trust in yourself.

Jayanth Rajan, DO PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
College: THE Ohio State University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Surgery: I chose to pursue a surgical field because it best complements my personality, interests, and goals in healthcare. Surgery is a unique combination of directly treating various pathological processes, an understanding of basic scientific principles and clinical medicine, and providing empathetic clinical care. It is for these reasons that I enjoyed my surgical rotations throughout medical school and plan to train in the surgical fields.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Oncology and plastic reconstructive surgery
Hobbies: Anything sports/activity related. I played tennis, table tennis and badminton all of my life but have recently jumped on the pickleball bandwagon. I love watching and playing soccer – the team I support is F.C Barcelona.
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: I would love to be involved in group activities outside the hospital, whether that involves sports and physical activities or checking out new restaurants in the Cleveland area.
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I was born in India and spent my early years there, but have lived in Australia, NYC, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Massachusetts, Houston, and Albany NY. However, having gone to high school in Beachwood, having made life-long friends here, and becoming a Cavs fan, I consider myself a Clevelander

Angela Wang, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
College: University of Virginia
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Why Surgery: I've been an artist and a teacher for most of my life. I see surgery as a perfect blend of my passions because I get to use my skills to not only improve my patients' lives but also educate them about their own body.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, minimally invasive surgery, teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals
Hobbies: Being a cat mom, art, pilates, baking (less so cooking), pickleball, volleyball, attempting crochet, dabbling in new languages
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: The days may be long but may the years be short! I am honored to call such a successful group of people my co-residents.
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: Would you like to see pictures of my cats?

Elizabeth Washnock-Schmid, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Fenton, MI
College: Grand Valley State University
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why Surgery: The field combines hands-on intervention with medical management and challenges providers to innovate in their practice
Surgical and Professional Interests: Reconstructive plastics, Critical Care, Medical Education
Hobbies: Weight training, running, sports, reading

Research Residents

View Our Research Residents