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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

Jonathan Bliggenstorfer, MD

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

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

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

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

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

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: Community General Surgery
  • Hobbies: Sports. video games
  • Favorite hangout spot: Saucy Brewery. Terrestrial Brewing Company
  • Most scenic space in Cleveland: Edgewater Park

4th Year Residents

Christine Alvarado, MD

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

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.  
Kelly Hoerger, MD

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

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

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
Aaron Tipton, MD

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

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.

3rd Year Residents

Avanti Badrinathan, MD

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

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

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.
Kimberly Rebello, MD

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

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

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

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.

2nd Year Residents

Natalie Chakraborty, MD

Natalie Chakraborty, MD

  • 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!
Louisa Chen, MD Preliminary

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

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

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.
Trisha Lal, MD

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 Food: Asian cuisine
  • Favorite Sport: Basketball (go Celtics!)
  • 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:)
Erik Risa, MD

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

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

1st Year Residents

Kayvan Barekatain, MD

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.
Alexandra Kinzer, MD

Alexandra Kinzer, MD

  • Hometown: Princeton, MA/ Columbus, OH
  • College: Purdue University
  • Medical School: University of Cincinnati
  • Why Surgery: It provides an opportunity to help people in a very tangible way.
  • Surgical and Professional Interests: Surgical oncology, breast surgery, women’s health, addressing disparities in surgical outcomes and access
  • Hobbies: Running, being outside in general, pilates, cooking
Jill Knepprath, MD

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

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

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.
Kallie Wynens, MD

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
Sami Abul-Khoudoud, MD

Sami Abul-Khoudoud, MD PRELIMINARY

  • 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
Roberto De La Rosa, MD

Roberto De La Rosa, MD PRELIMINARY

  • Hometown: Chicago, IL
  • College: Brown University
  • Medical School: Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine
  • Why Surgery: Surgery is hands-on, involves use of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, focuses on acute care, and provides a strong foundation of training for options in the future.
  • Surgical and Professional Interests: Keeping an open mind
  • Hobbies: Skiing/Snowboarding, Soccer, Gymnastics gyms, Exploring new places, Plant-based foods
  • Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I have never lived in Cleveland and am excited to meet new people
Sanjay Jinka, MD

Sanjay Jinka, MD PRELIMINARY

  • Hometown: Maumee, OH
  • College: The Kent State University, B.S. Integrated Life Sciences
  • Medical School: The Northeast Ohio Medical University
  • Why Surgery: I have wanted to be a surgeon since Kindergarten. Today, I find being able to work collaboratively in the Operating Room to treat patients with my own hands is one of the most rewarding aspects of medicine.
  • Surgical and Professional Interests: Plastic Surgery, Burn Surgery, Research, Medical Education, Leadership, Community Service
  • Hobbies: Photography, Weightlifting, Working on Cars, Travel
  • Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I’m always looking for new food and bar recommendations in Cleveland!
Suela Lamaj, MD

Suela Lamaj, MD PRELIMINARY

  • Hometown: Cleveland, OH
  • College: The Ohio State University, B.S. Biology
  • Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine
  • Why Surgery: I chose surgery because of the fulfillment I gain from helping patients in a hands-on manner and seeing the immediate impact on their quality of life.
  • Surgical and Professional Interests: Undecided
  • Hobbies: Gardening, yoga, attending stand-up comedy shows, traveling, hiking, kayaking
Uma Mahajan, MD

Uma Mahajan, MD PRELIMINARY

  • Hometown: San Francisco Bay Area
  • College: Case Western Reserve University
  • Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
  • Why Surgery: I enjoy working with my hands and being able to help patients in a tangible way. Patients come to us with a problem and in the right cases through our direct intervention, they leave without the problem. I also find it meaningful to support patients and their families through a challenging time in their lives.
  • Professional Interests: clinical outcomes research, clinical informatics, biomarker development, quality improvement,cost-effectiveness
  • Hobbies: I'm a certified yoga teacher. I also enjoy hiking, reading, writing, and crocheting.
Kaitlyn Mangus, MD

Kaitlyn Mangus, MD PRELIMINARY

  • Hometown: Uhrichsville, Ohio
  • College: The University of Akron
  • Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
  • Why Surgery: My undergrad degree is Biomedical Engineering, but I wanted to have more interaction with patients, so I decided to pursue surgery. I genuinely appreciate the problem solving, critical thinking skills, and the implementation of surgical instruments. I also love the relationship you develop with your patients and their trust in you during their most vulnerable time.
  • Surgical and Professional Interests: Breast Oncology Surgery and Plastic Surgery
  • Hobbies: I love anything beauty related! Fashion, makeup, jewelry, etc. I also really enjoy crafting and small DIY projects.
  • Any important thoughts to share with new residents: I am from a very humble background. If there’s anything I’ve learned from my experience thus far it is to not underestimate yourself. Find your passion and work for it.
  • Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I’m from a large family (4 older sisters and 9 nephews and nieces). When I’m not in the hospital, you can usually find me spending time with my parents and sisters or cheering on my nephews and nieces at sporting events and performances.
Tomislav Medved, MD PRELIMINARY

Tomislav Medved, MD PRELIMINARY

  • Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
  • College: North Park University 
  • Medical School: University of Split School of Medicine (Croatia)
  • Why Surgery: The sensation of making an instant impact on patient care in combination with the technical skills involved.  
  • Surgical and Professional Interests: General surgery, plastic surgery 
  • Hobbies: Hiking, running, and anything soccer related. 
  • What else should we know about you I love learning about history and cultures of the world. 
Melinda Nguyen, MD

Melinda Nguyen, MD PRELIMINARY

  • Hometown: Cypress, CA
  • College: University of California, Los Angeles
  • Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine
  • Why Surgery: I get the privilege of immediately improving or even saving a patient's life. I also really enjoy the technical skills and teamwork required in the OR.
  • Surgical and Professional Interests: Healthcare disparities and breast surgery at the moment but there are still subspecialties to explore!
  • Hobbies: all things related to art, skiing, yoga, hiking, curating Spotify playlists
Alex Stevens, DO

Alex Stevens, DO PRELIMINARY

  • Hometown: Erie, PA
  • College: Penn State University
  • Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Why Surgery: I love the instant gratification that surgery offers. It’s one of the few fields in medicine where you can see the results of your work immediately.
  • Surgical and Professional Interests: Endovascular trauma therapy, Surgical/Interventional Oncology
  • Hobbies: Golf, Fishing, True Crime Podcasts
  • Please add anything you would like to share: I will be continuing my training at UH in Interventional Radiology after my prelim year. Completing my preliminary training at the same institution is great because it allows me to form relationships with my co-residents and the surgical staff with whom I'll be interacting in the years to come.
Ananye Tawde, MD

Ananya Tawde, MD PRELIMINARY

  • 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

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