Honoring Our Graduating Class of 2026
On June 13, 2026, the Department of Anesthesiology gathered to celebrate a major milestone, the graduation of our exceptional residents and fellows. This annual event serves as a formal recognition of years of intense dedication, tireless clinical hours, and academic rigor. Our graduates now stand as experts in the specialty of anesthesiology, prepared to deliver high-quality patient care and lead groundbreaking research that will shape the future of our specialty.
Completing an anesthesiology residency or fellowship requires a blend of clinical acumen, poise under pressure, and deep empathy. Over the course of their training, this graduating class has served as the backbone of our clinical operations, navigating complex cases in our operating rooms, intensive care units, and clinics.
Beyond their outstanding clinical experience, these trainees have continuously pushed the boundaries of our specialty. They have authored peer-reviewed publications, presented at international conferences, and mentored younger trainees following in their footsteps. Their time with us has profoundly enriched our department.
2026 Year-End Awards
A central highlight of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of our year-end awards. These honors celebrate distinguished service, teaching excellence, and outstanding clinical achievements across our residents, faculty, and CRNA staff.
| Award | Recipient |
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| Resident of the Year (Selected by Medical Students) | Dr. John Cahir |
| Resident of the Year (Selected by Faculty) | Dr. John Cahir |
| Teacher of the Year (Selected by Residents) | Dr. Cody Tidwell |
| Teacher of the Year (Selected by Medical Students) | Dr. Anna Budde |
| Teacher of the Year (Selected by the Dept. of Pediatrics) | Dr. Holly Gillis |
| Merit in Education Award | Dr. Melissa Coleman & Dr. Wendy Nguyen |
| Curriculum Development Education Award | Dr. Lisa Sun, Dr. Wendy Nguyen, Dr. Susan Staudt, Dr. Iryna Chugaeiva & Dr. Ilana Fromer |
| Palmer Courage to Teach Award Nominee | Dr. Mojca Remskar |
| CRNA of the Year (East Bank) | Lucas Kallina, APRN, CRNA |
| CRNA of the Year (West Bank) | Lisa Thompson, CRNA |
As these physicians turn the page to the next chapter of their professional careers, they embark on prestigious and noble paths. Many are staying within academia to pursue highly competitive subspecialty fellowships, while others are stepping directly into vital roles as attending staff anesthesiologists in communities across the nation.
No matter where their future practices take them, they are fully equipped to provide the highest quality of safe, compassionate care to their patients and to serve as leaders in the medical community.
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Graduating Residents |
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John Cahir, MD Thank you to my incredible family. I would not be here without you. Audrey, John, Thomas when we started the journey we were a family of two now we are a perfect family of five. Aliecia you are my rock and this family’s superhero. You are my everything and I would not be here without you. |
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Makenzie Cherveny, DO Thank you to my husband, Dylan, for the love, patience, sacrifice, and grace you have given me through the long days, missed moments, overnight calls, and everything in between. I’d also like to thank our girls, Alessandra and Cecilia, for being my greatest source of love, strength, and motivation. To my parents, Kinnette and Patrick, Noel and Elizabeth, as well as my siblings: thank you for your endless encouragement and support throughout medical school and residency. This accomplishment belongs to all of us in so many ways, and I could not have made it here without each one of you. |
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Alexander Eddy, MD Thank you to my wife Kaitlyn for supporting me through residency and especially for pulling so much weight at home this last year since we had our baby! |
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Yaa Kwansa, MD With heartfelt gratitude, I would like to thank the following: My parents for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the years. Countless mentors and staff who helped |
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| Brian Nguyen, MD University of Minnesota |
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Alexander Niemczyk, MD Thank you to my wife Amy as well as my children Xander, Finn, Henry, and Evelyn. You have given me an amazing amount of support throughout my medical career. I could not have done it without you! |
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| Davina Tolbert, MD |
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Olubukola Toyobo, MD, MBA Thank you to my husband Emmanuel and daughter Emmaline for their unwavering love, encouragement, and support throughout residency. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, friends, and mentors along the way. Thank you for believing in me every step of the journey! |
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Sierra Trost, MD Thank you to my friends and family for always supporting and encouraging me through this busy and chaotic time. A special shout out to David who was there for me day in and day out in any way I needed. WE MADE IT! |
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Jessica White, MD Thank you to Cole, Ash, Dad, Cha-Chi, Bryan, and Nala for supporting me throughout residency. I would not have made it this far without each of you! Love you guys so much! |
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Graduating Fellows |
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| Anu Mahat, MBBS Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellow |
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| Nicholas Rothbard, DO Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellow |
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| Ravi Jindal, DNB Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellow |
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| Dina Boyuka, MD Regional Anesthesia & Acute Pain Fellow |
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