General Surgery Residency

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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.

At UH we are committed to diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit UH Diversity & Inclusion.

5th Year Residents

Katie Bingmer, MD

Hometown: Canal Winchester, OH
College: The Ohio State University, B.S. Biomedical Science
Medical school: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why did you choose surgery? Surgery chose me.
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical oncology
Hobbies: Trail running
Best pizza in Cleveland: Primoz Pizza
Any other interesting thing about Cleveland? Cleveland Metroparks consistently wins national awards for excellence in parks and recreation.

Shreya Gupta, MD

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
College: University of Pittsburgh, B.S. Biology
Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why surgery? I wanted to be a surgeon since I was 13.
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical oncology and multidisciplinary oncology care, surgical resident education, Behind the Knife (BTK) Podcast
Hobbies: Yoga
What else should we know about you? Hear my voice on BTK!
What advice do you have for new residents? A smile goes a long way!

Xun Luo, MD

Hometown: Guilin, China
College: Fudan University
Graduate education: Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Master of Public Health
Medical school: Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University
Why surgery? Surgery involves physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and anatomy to provide treatment. Every case is unique and can be challenging. Operating is fun and rewarding.
Surgical and professional interests: Clinical Outcomes Research
Hobbies: Skiing
What else should we know about you? My first name is simple but hard to pronounce

Vivek Sreeram, MD

Hometown: Houston, TX
College: University of Texas at Austin, B.S. Biochemistry
Medical school: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Why surgery? Being able to physically alter a patient’s life course for the better and seeing change almost instantaneously was the most exhilarating and fulfilling feeling I’ve ever had.
Surgical and professional interests: Vascular surgery (both endovascular techniques such as TECAR and open operations), surgical education
Hobbies: Singing karaoke, dancing salsa and Bollywood, kayaking, binging reality TV shows, true crime podcasts
Greatest accomplishments: Winning the surgical clerkship award for best student teacher
Favorite hangout spot: Luna Bakery
What is one piece of advice you would have liked to hear as a new intern? Ask a lot of questions and say yes to everything!

James Sun, MD

Hometown: Princeton, NJ
College: Stony Brook University, B.A. Music
Medical school: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
Why surgery? Surgeons have the opportunity to intervene on pathology by performing procedures with an immediate effect.
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical oncology, clinical and translational research in melanoma and breast cancer
Hobbies: Board games, live music
Why did you change from music to medicine? There have been surprising overlaps in the time, attention to detail, and physical dexterity required to be a musician and surgeon. Medicine allows me to make a broader impact in the community around me.

Muhammed Usman, MD

Hometown: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
College: Global College System
Medical school: Shifa College of Medicine
Why surgery? Human anatomy, level of trust between the physician and the patient, tissue planes, and level of responsibility.
Surgical and professional interests: Cardiothoracic surgery
Hobbies: Hiking, yardwork, DIY projects
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Pier W

4th Year Residents

Jonathan Bliggenstorfer, MD

Hometown: Wenatchee, WA
College: Washington State University, B.S. Biology, B.A. French
Medical school: Penn State College of Medicine
Why surgery? I wanted a career where I worked with my hands and I loved being in the operating room. Plus the pathophysiology of the GI tract was fascinating to me and I liked the instant gratification of surgical intervention compared to the endless rounds of internal medicine.
Surgical and professional interests: Colorectal surgery, medical education, operating
Hobbies: Home improvement and craft beer appreciation (sometimes at the same time)
Best pizza in Cleveland: Il Rione (for classic italian pizza) and Angelo’s in Lakewood (for Trenton style pie)
Why did you choose to come to UH? I was impressed by the mix of graduating residents, with many pursuing competitive fellowships and others going into general surgery practice. I wanted a program with a diverse academic and community experience that would shape me into a capable surgeon with excellent prospects for matriculating into a strong fellowship. For me, UH ticked those boxes.

David Ebertz, MD

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
College: University of Arizona, B.S. Molecular and Cellular Biology, B.H.S. Physiology
Medical school: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Why surgery? I did surgery first in 3rd year, to get it out of the way, and my very first day I walked into a pediatric surgery OR and the attending handed me a pair of bone cutters and said, "hey, come here and cut this cartilage. Careful – that beating underneath is the heart." It was a pectus excavatum case and I was hooked from that second on.
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical education, quality improvement, environmental justice and climate change
Hobbies: Board Games, D&D, gardening, everything Disney, crochet, camping and hiking, caring for my chickens and cats, very mild woodworking, DIY projects, signing, guitar/piano, singing in the OR, Nintendo Switch
What else should we know about you? I helped found and am still Chair of the Board of a 501c3 nonprofit called Care About Climate alongside my wife Natalie (who is the CEO, main founder, and overall amazing person that impacts worldwide sustainability efforts)

Ryan Moore, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
College: Oakwood University, B.S. Biology
Medical school: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why surgery? The pursuit of technical excellence coupled with the practical application of medical knowledge epitomized what I wanted out of my work.
Surgical and professional interests: Cardiac surgery, clinical outcomes research, process improvement
Hobbies: Basketball, video games, guitar
Favorite hangout spot: Ohio City
What is one understated factor that really impacts your experience in residency? Finding genuine mentors. We talk about it all the time, but knowing/feeling that there is someone who is truly invested in your outcome, as evidenced by their actions, adds a level of confidence that goes an incredibly long way in your development as a surgeon.

Rashi Singh, MD

Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
College: University of California, Los Angeles, B.S. Psychobiology, Minor in Biomedical Research
Medical school: University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
Why surgery? So many reasons! I feel like I am making a meaningful impact on a patient’s life while pushing the bounds of what I know with research. It’s an art just as much as it’s a sport requiring dedication, practice, and teamwork.
Surgical and professional interests: Breast surgery, clinical research
Hobbies: Tennis, yoga, exploring new restaurants, hiking, reading
What else should we know about you? I’m a food-blogger on Instagram
Best pizza in Cleveland: Vero, Harlow’s
Favorite restaurants in Cleveland: Momocho, Xinji, L’Albatross

LaVerne Thompson, MD

Hometown: Rochester, NY
College: Allegheny College, B.S. Neuroscience
Medical school: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Why surgery? I was drawn to the unique ownership that surgeons have over patient care and outcomes.
Surgical and professional interests: Vascular surgery, health care disparities, surgical education, diversity in medicine
Hobbies: Slam poetry, painting
What else should we know about you? I love elephants and I have a small collection of elephant decor

Nikolay Vakarev, MD

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
College: Binghamton University, B.S. Chemistry
Medical school: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Why surgery? Operating, curative medicine, not sitting behind a computer all day
Surgical and professional interests: Minimally invasive surgery
Hobbies: Sports. video games
Favorite hangout spot: Saucy Brewery. Terrestrial Brewing Company
Most scenic space in Cleveland: Edgewater Park

3rd 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: Cardiac surgery, transplant 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.

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

Jonathan Hue, MD

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

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

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.

2nd Year Residents

Christina Boutros, DO

Hometown: Oyster Bay, NY
College: New York Institute of Technology
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Surgery: The fast pace, ability to master a skill, and the ability to make an immediate and tangible impact on a patient’s life.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Surgical Oncology, Endocrine Surgery, or thoracic surgery specializing in lung and esophageal cancer.
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, playing guitar, playing with my dog, travel
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Always be happy to help and keep a smile on your face! :)

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.

Megan Chiu, MD

Hometown: West Lafayette, IN
College: Purdue University
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why surgery? Where do I start? I love being able to be support patients during what may be for many a scary and intimidating process. I enjoy how patient-centered the specialty is. As part of a surgical team, everyone is focused and dedicated to finding solutions and providing the best care for patients through dedication, innovation, and collaboration.
Surgical and professional interests: Rural/Global Surgery, Advocacy and Outreach, Health Disparities
Hobbies: Hiking, travel, dancing, cooking/baking, just food in general

Susan Doh, MD

Hometown: Glenview, IL
College: University of Chicago
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
Why surgery? I love operating and the teamwork involved, the breadth of the field, the technological applications of surgical care, and the capability to directly improve patients’ health and lives.
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical oncology, disparities in surgical outcomes, surgical education, systems improvement, sustainability research within the field of surgery
Hobbies: Cooking, Biking, Hiking, rock climbing, travel, playing music, crocheting
Fun fact about Cleveland? Bill Watterson, the artist and author of the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes,” grew up in Cleveland.
Any important thoughts you’d like to share with new residents? Never stop learning, ask for help, and build in time for people and things you care about, find the humor and joy in small things.

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: MIS/foregut, thoracic, and reconstructive 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.

Ramsey Sitta, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Great Falls, Virginia
College: George Mason University
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why surgery? The complexity of disease, the ability to directly intervene and see the fruits of your labor, and the ability to provide a durable solution. While also having the opportunity to be the last attempt at giving someone a chance at a good quality of life when all other interventions have failed.
Surgical and professional interests: Sub-speciality interests: cardiac, vascular, trauma or transplant
Professional interests: Healthy inequity, public health & health systems, device development
Hobbies: Olympic weightlifting, hiking, traveling, video games, reading, finding secret good food spots
Favorite Movies: Interstellar, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Arrival
Favorite Food: Depends on the day
Favorite Sport: Competitive napping
Favorite Game: Life
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine?: My dad and mom.
Why did you choose UH?: I was born at UH, but more importantly the complexity of surgical disease, the strong research and the ability to work in an under-served community.
What else should we know about you? My life-long goal is to work with NASA.
Any advice for a new resident? You are not the only one who is adapting, it is difficult and the responsibility is sudden. You are not alone. Be honest, work hard, care for yourself, and most importantly COMMUNICATE. Over-communicating is always better than under-communicating.

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.

1st Year Residents

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: Surgical oncology, trauma, vascular
Hobbies: Cross-stitching, photography, cooking

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!

Tal Eitan, MD

Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
College: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Why surgery? I appreciate the different roles that surgery can play in different disease processes and the patient empowerment that accompanies goals of care discussions. I’m also motivated by the teamwork, trust, and camaraderie that surgery uniquely creates, both among the surgical team and with patients.
Surgical and professional interests: Thoracic, transplant, HPB, colorectal
Hobbies: Playing ice hockey
Favorite Movies: Good Will Hunting, Miracle
Favorite Sport: Ice hockey
Why did you choose UH?: The staff are incredible to work with. They are encouraging when they challenge each resident to and beyond the appropriate level. Everyone seems to be invested in the professional and personal success of each resident. Additionally, UH is a research powerhouse that trains many successful academic surgeons.

Jessica Hungate, MD

Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
College: University of Texas at Austin
Medical school: Texas Tech University – El Paso
Why surgery? Surgery is the perfect combination of hands-on intervention and immediate results. Also, surgery allows me to support patients during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma/critical care, vascular surgery
Hobbies: Travel, yoga, exploring Cleveland

Trisha Lal, MD

Hometown: Varanasi, India but mostly lived in Boston/DC my whole life!
College: University of Maryland, College Park
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
Why surgery? Because I love the balance between clinic and the OR, I love using my hands, and I appreciate the privilege of meeting patients and being able to help them during their most vulnerable moments.
Surgical and professional interests: Undecided in terms of surgical subspecialties but passionate about health equity and hope to engage in disparity research!
Hobbies: Painting, cooking, yoga, travel, binging reality television
Favorite Movies: Titanic
Favorite Food: Indian food! Thai food! Pho!
Favorite Sport: Basketball (go Celtics!)
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine? My love for science and commitment to lifelong learning, combined with my passion for serving my community
Why did you choose UH? Because I could tell from even a virtual interview environment that this would be an incredibly supportive environment of inspirational colleagues and mentors who will push me to be my best! And also get my dry sense of humor:)
What else should we know about you? I’m thinking about getting a cat so I would love any advice!

Erik Risa, MD

Hometown: Seattle, WA
College: Santa Clara University
Medical School: University of Washington
Why surgery? As someone interested in trauma, burns, and critical care, I’m fascinated by the way surgeons intervene and rapidly influence the care of critically ill patients in high acuity settings. I found it very meaningful to care for patients at all stages of their hospitalization, from rapid diagnosis and management in the ER or trauma bay, to the OR or ICU, and finally to eventual recovery and discharge.
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma, burns, critical care, health services research
Hobbies: Golf, my two Golden Retrievers, sous vide cooking
Favorite Movies: Saving Private Ryan, Terminator 2, Good Will Hunting, Star Wars Empire Strikes Back
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Sport: Lacrosse
Favorite Game: Settlers of Catan
Why did you choose UH?: I was first pointed to UH at the strong suggestion of my mentors, and was very impressed by the excellent breadth and depth of surgical training as well as the opportunities for research through UH RISES. Additionally, I greatly enjoyed my interactions with residents and faculty on interview day, and appreciated how well residents got along and how excited they were to share their program with prospective residents. Finally, I really connected with some of the mission statements of the program with regards to training future leaders in surgery.
What else should we know about you? I couldn’t be more excited about the next 5 years in Cleveland!

Emily Simon, MD

Hometown: Portville, NY
College: University of Rochester
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why surgery? The pace, technical skill, team dynamic and special relationship with surgical patients felt like a space where I could be happy and passionate about going to work
Surgical and professional interests: Colorectal surgery, breast surgery
Hobbies: Running, trying out new breweries and food, boating and kayaking
Favorite Movies: David Fincher films
Favorite Food: Sushi, anything spicy
Favorite Sport: Swimming and all Cleveland sports teams
Favorite Game: Clue
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine? My parents (who love helping people in their jobs as educators)
Why did you choose UH? I loved the culture, academic focus and patient population at UH from my first MS3 clerkship. The surgical faculty and residents just felt like my people

Kayvan Barekatain, MD PRELIMINARY

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.

Natalie Chakraborty, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
College: Baylor University
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Why surgery? Surgeons get to work with their hands in the OR and to see their work immediately impact patient outcomes. Patient-surgeon relationships are so unique and special because they require such a high level of trust!
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical oncology, breast surgery, trauma/critical care
Hobbies: Cooking, exploring new restaurants and bars, walking my dog, traveling, reading
Favorite Movies: Pretty Woman, Gone Girl, Promising Young Woman
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Favorite Game: Card games, fish bowl
Why did you choose UH?: UH is a strong academic program that I knew would prepare me to accomplish my career goals. I was impressed by the breadth of residents’ exposure to complex pathology and high level critical care and by the collaborative training environment and genuine friendship among the residents!
What else should we know about you? I love entertaining/hosting and will never say no to happy hour!

Mona Lisa Delva, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Ft Lauderdale, Fl, USA; Vancouver, BC, Canada
College: Simon Fraser University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why surgery? I enjoy the technical challenge, the type of clinical problems I can address, and the fulfillment of making a direct impact on my patient's lives
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical - trauma, cardiothoracic, vascular. Professional - teaching, research into innovative and patient centered technology, mentorship, value based care
Hobbies: dancing, cooking and trying out new recipes, drinking wine, live shows/theaters/concerts, playing piano, spending time with my family
Favorite Movies: John Wick 1/2/3, Happy Feet
Favorite Food: Asado, sushi, hotpot and dim sum
Favorite Sport: Rugby
Favorite Game: Taboo
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine?: My mother and aunt
Why did you choose UH? For the people, camaraderie, the high caliber training all within an amazing city for young people and families
What else should we know about you? I LOVE reading epic Sci-Fi and fantasy books

Brian Frondorf, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Sunman, IN
College: Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
Medical School: Indiana University
Why surgery? The immediate impact on patient quality of life using clinical knowledge and technical skills
Surgical and professional interests: Sports medicine, pain management
Hobbies: SCUBA diving, sports, audiobooks/podcasts
Favorite Movies: Skyfall, Gladiator
Favorite Food: Lasagna
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite Game: Sequence
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine? Michael Fain, MD
Why did you choose UH? To continue my medical training in the Midwest

Jamie Xyleena Noelle, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Arlington, Texas
College: University of North Texas
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
Why surgery? I never thought I would want to be a surgeon until the first time I stepped into an OR. From there on, I kept hoping I would fall in love with something else, but my affinity for using my hands and taking care of surgical patients just grew and grew. In the world of global health surgery is often neglected, and I cannot imagine pursuing anything other than surgery.
Surgical and professional interests: Health equity and surgical capacity-building in low-resource regions, DEI and antiracism, global surgery, trauma/acute care surgery
Hobbies: Hiking, cooking, napping
Favorite Movies: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Sport: Hockey
Favorite Game: Texas Hold’Em
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine? I hope it does not sound arrogant to say that I did. I am the first in my family to go to professional school and discovered a passion for medicine a little later in life.
Why did you choose UH? UH was recommended to me by multiple mentors I respect greatly, and I really connected with the residents I spoke with at both recruitment events and my interview. UH offers all the training opportunities I was seeking, so across the board it was an excellent fit.
What else should we know about you? I had a career in restaurant management prior to coming to medical school have also spent a lot of time as a bartender. I still make excellent cocktails!

Benjamin Parker, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Northbrook, IL
College: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at RFUMS
Why surgery? The privilege to directly heal patients’ physical ailments
Surgical and professional interests: I’m keeping a very open mind
Hobbies: Gameshows, F1 racing, chess
Favorite Movies: The Apartment, The Godfather, Whiplash
Favorite Food: Mediterranean
Favorite Sport: Tennis
Favorite Game: Catan
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine? I had a lot of wonderful mentors along the way.
Why did you choose UH? UH has all the necessary tools for me to become an excellently trained surgeon and master teacher. I also have a great support system in the surrounding area as well.
What else should we know about you? Excited to start and help out as much as I can!

Jordan Roy, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Staten Island, NY
College: Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education BS/MD
Medical School: CUNY School of Medicine
Why surgery? It offers the opportunity to be adaptable in the OR, to work as part of multiple teams, and to tangibly treat what ails the human body.
Surgical and professional interests: Colorectal surgery and plastics and reconstructive surgery
Hobbies: Working out/running, Anime
Favorite Movies: The Dark Knight, Your Name
Favorite Food: Shake Shack
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Favorite Game: Elden Ring
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine?: My mother, who worked hard to become a nurse practitioner, worked with cardiothoracic surgeons and introduced me to the world of healthcare and surgery.
Why did you choose UH?: I wanted a program that would help me on the road to becoming a well-rounded and competent general surgeon and I feel that UH definitely offers that.

Adam Sauer, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Syracuse, NY
College: Binghamton University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Why surgery? It’s incredibly rewarding to use a combination of knowledge and physical skills to help patients.
Surgical and professional interests: surgical oncology, thoracic, education
Hobbies: Weight training, running, biking, hiking, music, cooking
Favorite Movies: Pan’s Labyrinth, The Prestige, Saving Private Ryan
Favorite Food: Soup
Favorite Sport: Baseball, basketball
Favorite Game: Hearts
Why did you choose UH? The people and learning environment. And Cleveland is a very easy place to live

Nilang (Neil) Shah, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
College: Emory University
Medical School: University of California Davis School of Medicine
Why surgery? The technical and intellectually demanding nature of surgery and the wonderful mentorship from surgical residents and faculty I received
Surgical and professional interests: Critical care medicine, medical imaging, minimally invasive surgery
Hobbies: Cooking, indoor bouldering, board games, TV
Favorite Food: Steak
Who Inspired you to pursue medicine? A doctor I met while working at a hotel before college
Why did you choose UH? The faculty and residents

Julia Specht, MD PRELIMINARY

Hometown: Green Bay, WI
College: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Why surgery? I loved the hands-on aspect, the anatomy, and the ability to see an immediate effect on the patient’s condition as a result of our teamwork.
Surgical and professional interests: Minimally invasive surgery and bariatric surgery
Hobbies: Cooking and baking, plants, yoga and knitting!
Favorite Movies: 10 Things I Hate About You and Meet the Robinsons
Favorite Food: Pasta - I’m learning to make my own!
Favorite Game: 7 Wonders
Why did you choose UH? I knew I’d receive great training and gain a wide breadth of experience while also working with great colleagues.
What else should we know about you? I love to try new things! You’ll never know if you like something if you don’t give it a chance.

Research Residents

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