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

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, healthcare 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: 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

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.

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

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.

3rd 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.

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.

2nd Year Residents

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

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!

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

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

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

1st Year Residents

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

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

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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.

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

Research Residents

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