Our Residents

Hometown: Bozeman, MT
Medical School: UMN
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal Medicine, aspiring Infectious Disease
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I knew I wanted to go somewhere I would have a strong support network, somewhere that emphasized resident well being, and somewhere where I would see a diverse patient population. UMN was the perfect fit. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Before going back to school for medicine I was a Medical Laboratory Scientist for 5 years. If I wasn't a doctor I would go back to being a travel lab scientist and work part time and just enjoy the rest of my life. 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I'm hoping to complete a fellowship in Infectious Disease. I like both inpatient and outpatient care settings and am particularly interested in HIV positive care. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I like to lift weights, ride my bike, go kayaking and go to events around the city like farmers markets, vintage pop-ups, and RnB shows. 
What do you like most about being a resident? I'm learning a lot so quickly, just by coming to work! It's also nice to have financial security again. 

Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
Medical School: University of Minnesota

Hometown: Duluth, MN
Medical School: Saint Louis University
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I chose the U of M because I wanted to experience a diversity of training environments and train with experts on the frontier of medicine. With our three inpatient training locations and all the benefits of being at a large academic medical center, I am so very happy with my training so far!
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Even though my background is in engineering, I think in another life I would've loved to run a bakery/cafe. I love making bread and other baked goods, and have recently been upgrading my home espresso setup.
What are your future career plans (so far)? I am split between hospital medicine, cardiology, and palliative care. Currently though, I am just trying to stay open to everything and keep up with the demands of intern year.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I love to run! I recently did Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN and attend the Mill City Running Run Club weekly. Outside of that, I love meeting up with friends to explore restaurants and breweries around the Twin Cities.
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? Just how active everyone is here! I feel like everyday I see so many people taking advantage of the endless miles of walking and bike paths around the city, not to mention all those kayaking and paddle boarding on the nearby lakes.

Hometown: Rochester, Michigan 
Medical School: University of Minnesota 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The restaurants! I was really surprised with all the good food in the twin cities area. And the patios are also a huge plus in the summer. 
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I really enjoyed my time in medical school here and found that everyone was really nice and teaching oriented. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Definitely a marine biologist. I know way too many random facts about sharks than I know what to so with. 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I know I want to be involved in medical education although I'm not 100% set on a specialty choice yet. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Weightlifting, cooking, and shopping because retail therapy is definitely a thing.

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The beautiful nature and kindhearted people.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I was a lawyer in a previous life.
What are your future career plans (so far)? Pulmonary and critical care or nephrology.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I like taking walks in the many Minneapolis parks with my wife and son.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? I tried a Juicy Lucy and I haven't eaten a regular hamburger since.
What do you like most about being a resident? My wonderful colleagues.

Hometown: Kalispell, MT
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love that Minnesota has so many lakes! Minnesota is very beautiful and offers great opportunities for outdoor recreation.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Probably an engineer since I have always loved math. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I like working out and spending time outdoors. My favorite hobbies are hiking, skiing (both cross-country and downhill), biking, and baking. 
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? U of Minnesota has a 4+4 schedule that allows you to have a great balance between your work schedule and personal life. Minneapolis is a great city to live in. My co-residents are so nice, hard-working, and smart. 
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? I'll be going to the Minnesota State Fair and a Vikings game this year!

Hometown: Ham Lake, MN
Medical School: University of Iowa
Pathway and/or Specialization: Interested in Gastroenterology 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? Minnesota really has everything to offer. Many outdoor areas to explore, tons of activities and events going on in the cities, and great people. It’s impossible to get bored here.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? Location, 4+4 schedule, diversity of patients and clinical exposure, numerous research opportunities, and the programs commitment toward developing well-rounded, compassionate, physicians.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I enjoy spending time with my wife and 2 cats, spending time outdoors biking, hiking, running, going to movies, and listening to and playing music.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Visiting some of many “water features” in Minnesota. The Twin Cities has many lakes, rivers, waterfalls within the city limits that provide a uniquely large amount of green space to enjoy.
What do you like most about being a resident? Being able to be more involved in patient care. Learning to be a doctor is a challenging process but also a fun one.

Hometown: White Bear Lake, MN
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? It's a blessing to be able to live and work so close to my family and friends. I also really like that we get to experience all four seasons here and I love to be able to cheer for my favorite sports teams in person.   
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? As a highly regarded academic program with three distinct training sites and too many incredible teachers and colleagues to count, what's not to love? 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I'm interested in Gastroenterology, but I like the variety of general Internal Medicine so we'll see where my training takes me. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I love to spend time with my family,  to play golf whenever my schedule and the weather allows, and to work out.
What do you like most about being a resident? It's a privilege to care for patients and it feels good to know that my ultimate goal every day is to help people in need. 

Hometown: Lenexa, KS
Medical School: University of Kansas

Hometown: India, New Delhi
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal medicine. Interested in Cardiology/GI
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? It is a top tier internal medicine program and the people in Minnesota are very friendly. I had done a rotation here previously and I absolutely loved the learning environment. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would have been a pianist. I have 2 passions in my life, both start with M . Medicine and Music.
What are your future career plans (so far)? Currently I have entered residency with a very open mind and my aim is to become an efficient internal medicine resident. Later, I might choose between Cardiology and GI.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I am a pianist and playing piano really helps me bust stress. There is a piano in all three hospitals here and you can sometimes find it in the streets as well. I play it very regularly and it helps me calm down my nerves as well as people around me.
What do you like most about being a resident? Our assessment and plans are actually considered and given importance. We are given a lot of autonomy and I actually feel like a doctor for the first time in my life.  There is always a senior or an attending who has your back and eager to teach you and get out the best in you.

Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University

Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal Medicine
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love the community, diversity, and friendly-faces — it truly feels like home. Minnesota has big-city excitement balanced with homey vibes — there’s something for everyone, young and old, singles and families, etc. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would probably work for a local nonprofit or ministry. I enjoy building relationships with people, serving local communities, and working together for the common good. 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I love hematology/oncology and palliative care! I’m super passionate about walking with patients/families through seasons of suffering — it’s in a spot of deep suffering and vulnerability that a caring provider can make an especially meaningful impact on the patient & family. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Reading biographies from people who lived in different countries/centuries, visiting coffee-shops with friends, being involved in church community, and spontaneous roads trips.
What do you like most about being a resident? As a resident we still know very little about medicine — but it’s reassuringly not our book knowledge that impacts patients/families. It’s our compassion, honesty, relationship-building, and care. It’s taking a few extra moments to answer their questions. It’s helping them brainstorm how to take control of their health. And when treatments fail, it’s giving patients dignity amid their suffering. We can impact people in big ways as we humanize medicine. 

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Medical School: Al-Azhar University Faculty of Medicine
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? UMN has an outstanding reputation in clinical training and research, offering the opportunity to train at the largest healthcare system in Minnesota. But what truly sets it apart is the incredible people! The support and sense of community I've experienced here have made all the difference—and that's the real reason I'm thrilled to be part of this program.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? If I weren't a doctor, I would probably be an artificial intelligence researcher, focusing on clinical reasoning and decision making. The idea of understanding how doctors make decisions and creating smart systems that help them make even better decisions is so fascinating to me.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I keep playing chess and soccer every chance I get!
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? It's the incredible diversity. Each day, I meet people from all corners of the globe with unique backgrounds. It's a blast to discover new things, and there's always something new and exciting to learn from them.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? MN State Fair!

Hometown: Duluth, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Pathway and/or Specialization: hospital medicine
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? Being near friends and family. Access to the chain of lakes trail system. Big metro area amenities with a slightly smaller city feel
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? My family is rooted here in Minnesota especially after the birth of our kid and I feel at home in all of the University of Minnesota clinical sites. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Likely a nurse or paramedic
What are your future career plans (so far)? I am leaning towards being a hospitalist, but I am open to something else catching my interest along the way
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I enjoy running and biking along the river/creek/lakes. Cooking as well. I love to get creative with whatever we have in the fridge/pantry.

Hometown: Wasilla, Alaska
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont SOM
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal Medicine

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal Medicine
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I'm originally from Minnesota and was one of its biggest acolytes in my life outside of Minnesota -- waxing philosophical to anyone that would listen about all the ways that this state punches above its weight. The lakes, the food, the cityscape, the people, the education, the healthcare, and more! Don't get me started :)
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? My parents and one of my siblings and his family live in MN, as well as a number of my closest friends. I had lived away for a long time and never really worked and lived in MN on my own. I thought residency would be a wonderful time to have that experience and wanted to be close to those people during such an intense period of training.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? So, I am truly a career changer. If I hadn't decided to make the shift to medicine, I would likely be working in banking, tech, international affairs, or some combination of the three, based on my previous career path.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Trying to make it a point of walking outdoors and enjoying the sights and sounds of Minneapolis while the weather is still cooperative!
What do you like most about being a resident? The camaraderie with my fellow residents has been beyond my expectations. In coming home, I had a nostalgic ideal for the kindness and supportiveness of Minnesota life. And so far, residency has really fulfilled those vibes at every level. Very grateful to be having this experience here.

Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Medical School: Creighton University 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love the parks here and the people are generally friendlier than other places I've lived in
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? The amazing people and excellent training in a collaborative, friendly atmosphere
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I'd love to run a cafe! 
What are your future career plans (so far)? GI or Hospitalist 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Tennis, golf, taking walks, trying out new restaurants :) 

Hometown: Agawam, MA
Medical School: University of Colorado
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal Medicine
What are your future career plans (so far)? Practice as an academic hospitalist - I love the complexity and variety of hospital medicine and look forward to combining this with my passion for service and teaching others!
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Running, cycling, soccer, walking my dog (Petey!), cooking, and game nights!
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? How bikeable the city is - there are so many bike paths and protected bike lanes that it makes traveling by bike much easier and safer!
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Went to Matt's Bar for a Jucy Lucy!
What do you like most about being a resident? The increased responsibility in patient care allows you to learn and improve every day!

Hometown: Spirit Lake, ID
Medical School: University of Washington
Pathway and/or Specialization: Categorical
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? Everyone is super friendly here and all of the green space is amazing!
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I'd probably be an engineer. I really enjoy science and problem solving. We just get to do those with people in medicine.
What are your future career plans (so far)? So far I'm undecided, but am most interested in general medicine, pulm/crit, and heme/onc.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I enjoy most anything outdoors: running, climbing, backpacking, hiking, biking etc.
What do you like most about being a resident? The best part of being a resident is creating strong partnerships with patients to pursue their health goals.

Hometown: Norridge, IL
Medical School: Carver College of Medicine
Pathway and/or Specialization: Unsure but super excited to find out
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? My husband jokes that I'd be a great foreman because I always have a list of handyman work that needs to be done around the house.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? My favorite hobbies include exploring all the attractions in Minnesota on my days off or when on short call. There's a trail next to my place that I love to bike on, and there are so many trails here to explore with your dogs if you have any. I've also been checking out different breweries and lakes, which has been a lot of fun. 
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and Minnesota reminds me a lot of my hometown but safer. One of the most heartwarming experiences was when my neighbors brought me brownies when I moved in—it was such a kind and welcoming gesture. The people here are incredibly nice, which makes it feel like home.
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? DO IT! YOU WON'T REGRET!
What do you like most about being a resident? The opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives while learning and growing as a physician.

Hometown: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Medical School: King Edward Medical University, Pakistan
Pathway and/or Specialization: Cardiology/ Rheumatology
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I truly believe that Minnesota has many things to offer. From the beautiful fall colors to a collection of fun festivals during the spring. I also have a lot of family here which makes the harsh winter not so harsh. 
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I chose University of Minnesota for it’s amazing program and all of the supportive, educational community it provides. I really like the 4+4 schedule as well!
What are your future career plans (so far)? I am deciding between cardiology or rheumatology, and I am sure that once I experience more in this residency, I will be able to decide what resonates with me more. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Outside of work, I truly enjoy traveling to new places, trying new cooking recipes, and enjoying local events with friends or family. 
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? Minnesota Nice. I had heard about it but it truly is a very Minnesota thing. 
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Food truck festival and hopefully the infamous Minnesota state fair! 

Hometown: Sioux Falls
Medical School: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Pathway and/or Specialization: Physician-Scientist
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The nature around the metro area, especially the parks and lakes, are a wonderful place to visit experience and explore. 
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I heard wonderful things about the program from people I knew, the diverse training opportunities, the fellowship opportunities, and the program schedule.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I think I’d either be a pilot or an aerospace engineer.
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? Just how much of an impact we can have on people’s lives, not just with the medicine we provide, but with our presence and kindness.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Spending time with friends, trying new restaurants/breweries, listens to music, and walking my dog.

Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The thing I like best about living in Minnesota is enjoying the perks of living in a big city while also having so much access to green spaces, both inside the cities and just a short drive away. 
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I chose the University of Minnesota for my residency because of the curriculum design, availability of excellent research opportunities, and consistently strong fellowship matches. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would want to be a chef if I weren't a doctor. I love cooking and the way that food brings people together. 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I am interested in pursuing a career in Cardiology and working at an academic center in the future. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? My favorite hobbies include running, cheering on my favorite Minnesota sports teams, cross-country skiing, cooking, and checking out new restaurants around town. 
What do you like most about being a resident? What I like most about being a resident is establishing closer relationships with my patients and truly feeling like a valued member of the healthcare team. 

Hometown: Indianola, Iowa
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal Medicine

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Medical School: University of Colorado
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal Medicine, aiming to become Hospitalist 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love the sense of community in Minnesota, and I’ve always been a big fan of all the outdoors possibilities here. It’s something I really missed being away - yes, Colorado is beautiful with the mountains and sometimes I miss that, but my partner and I have family up on the North Shore and there is something so special about Lake Superior and the BWCA that is hard to come by elsewhere. The sense of community in Minneapolis is also second to none, and I’m thrilled to be back home and a part of it again.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I felt so at ease during my interview. I’m a Golden Gopher at heart, but did explore the other options in the Twin Cities for residency. However, I remember turning to my partner after my interview and simply saying “I hope that’s where I end up” because the program, the co-residents, and the culture just felt so right. Everyone is so supportive and open-minded here. Additionally, there’s a great sense of community involvement while still be an academic program — I don’t think those have to be separate ideas necessarily, despite being a common separating factor  residency pros and cons time — so that was a positive for me. I also love that the U of M employs medical historians in the medical school and has the Wangensteen library as part of their medical school; that kind of interdisciplinary employment and focus is not common amongst higher institutions, so it made me feel like my interests would be pursuable and respected here. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I thought about pursuing a PhD in History for a long time as well; I studied medicine and history of medicine as one of my degrees in undergrad at the U (the other was biology). I really do love history of medicine and the HMED department at UMN is wonderful! I still would like to teach history of medicine in the future, and have played with the idea of pursuing a PhD later.
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)?
What are your future career plans (so far)? I truly love Hospital medicine, so I would like to become a Hospitalist. I tend to love all the specialties when I rotate through them and because of that have a hard time choosing one to pursue for the rest of my career. I also loved the OR, just not the lifestyle and some of the culture, and becoming a Hospitalist allows me to practice procedural medicine still. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I love to run and bike! I’m training for the Ely half marathon for fall 2024, and recently got a new bike that I’ve been riding around town. I treated myself to a Peloton for graduation from medical school and that’s been a lifesaver in terms of stress relief/bad weather days. Outside of that, I love hiking and camping with my family (Colorado and Minnesota, plus Utah most springs). I also love to bake (my sourdough starter’s name is Frodough Baggins), cook for my family and friends, read, play with my two dogs, and draw.

I tend to be fairly active and find that having multiple options for decompression works best for me. Taking care of myself through exercise, food, and exploring subjects outside of medicine through reading and art help to keep me settled and happy.

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Medical School: UMN
Pathway and/or Specialization: Global Health Pathway

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical School: University of Minnesota 
Pathway and/or Specialization: IM

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Medical School: Lagos State University College Of Medicine
Pathway and/or Specialization: Primary Care, Global Medicine
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? The amazing attendings ,residents I get to work with and learn from, the supportive program leadership and the flexible schedule that allows time for personal wellness are some of the great things I love about this program.   
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? A Teacher
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Enjoying activities with my family.
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? The Weather!!The combination of cold, snow and wind chills.
What do you like most about being a resident? The supportive environment that challenges you to grow and the interactions with diverse patient population, residents, staff and faculty! 

Hometown: Minneapolis and Lomé
Medical School: UAB
Pathway and/or Specialization: Primary care and global health
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? Global health opportunities and diversity of patients
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? A chemist or a virologist 
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? It is ok to lean on your team. Constantly looking for blind spots and learn from them.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Lake walks and hike, hanging out with coresidents, crafting and candles, reality TV
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? Check out PTO, global health opportunities, and patient diversity. It is unmatched elsewhere.
What do you like most about being a resident? The few moments I truly made a difference in a patient’s life which reconnected me with my goal in pursing the career of a physician 

Hometown: Istanbul, Turkiye
Medical School: Kocaeli University
Medical interest or career plans: Aspiring gastroenterologist! 
Favorite thing about our residency program: All the awesome, friendly, supportive people
Favorite Minnesota activity: Again it is the people. Minnesota can be cold at times, but people are always warm and welcoming!

Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Medical School: Chulalongkorn University
Pathway and/or Specialization: Clinician educator 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love the outdoor activities Minnesota has to offer! Lots of lakes, waterfalls, hiking grounds, and biking/running trails as well as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter.
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? Don't forget to take care of yourself! Life will get busy but you have to make time to do it. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I like to find time to hang out with friends over dinner, exercise (preferably outdoors when the weather allows), binge watch netflix, and do some watercolor art.
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? How lovely spring feels and how beautiful fall is here!
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Having Tater Tot Hotdish at the hospital cafeteria

Hometown: Mt. Horeb, WI
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Pathway and/or Specialization: Addiction Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Physician Advocacy and Clinician Educator pathways
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? For the volume and diversity of patients, practice settings, and pathology in a supportive environment and great city. I thought the combination would help me become the best physician at the end of training.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I enjoy playing soccer, riding my bike, going to Alchemy classes, hanging out with my cats and doing anything where there’s something to be learned or good company!
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? I was pleasantly surprised to find that there are a ton of festivals year-round with lots of great food and art for sale.
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? Try to be yourself and get the best feel for the program that you can because you will spend a ton of time with the people in the program and if it’s a good fit, even though it’s hard, it’s a very rewarding and fun experience.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Enjoying pierogies and complaining about the weather (even though it wasn’t that bad at all this year haha)

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Medical School:  Midwestern University CCOM
Medical interest or career plans:  Undecided
Favorite thing about our residency program:  I love the diversity offered by working at three hospitals; the 4+4 schedule, and most importantly, the welcoming community amongst staff and co-residents at the U of M!
Favorite Minnesota activity:  Minnesota summers are unmatched! There are so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether that is biking or boating on one of the many lakes or enjoying a meal on a great patio!

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Medical School: University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities 
Pathway and/or Specialization: Global Medicine Pathway
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love the variety of nature and urban/rural communities you can experience without much travel or effort. It's easy to take a quick drive to go for a hike in a forest or spend a day in a walkable urban neighborhood all in a weekend. 
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I wanted to have variety in my training and was attracted to the different clinical sites, in town and abroad that we have access to at the University of Minnesota residency. I get to understand how it's like to see a patient at the VA while also following up on outpatient studies at a tertiary referral center like the UMN. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I really wanted to be a lawyer or be involved in aerospace engineering before deciding to go to Medical School. Right now, if I wasn't in residency, I'd probably be trying to open a coffee shop or spend my time rock-climbing outdoors.
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? Instant Korean ramen during a night shift saves lives and should be stocked in every call room. 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I hope to pursue a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology and treat solid tumors.  
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Bouldering, running, and spending wayyy to much time at Costco. 
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? I moved here when I was 7 from Korea. We moved to Austin, MN. I thought I was moving to Austin, TX. I was surprised when I stepped of the plane in December and saw snow instead of cacti. 
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? It's the QOL initiatives that matter the most when comparing most residencies. Are there good call rooms? How flexible are vacations? Will I be able to have time to travel to see family? Those are the questions and answers that will determine how well residency will go for you. During my time here, I've been fortunate to have great clinical learning, but also had time to work on my own life, such as getting married, traveling abroad, and getting involved in research. 
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Cross-country skiing. My legs still hurt. 
What do you like most about being a resident? Having the graduated responsibility and seeing yourself improve. You get to see the tangible impacts you have on your patient's lives which is very rewarding. 

Hometown: Dawson, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Pathway and/or Specialization: Hematology/Oncology
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The people are friendly and there are so many fun things to do outdoors.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? Excellent training and opportunities for research
What are your future career plans (so far)? Hematology/Oncology fellowship 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Golf, lifting weights, going on walks with my fiancé and our dog
What do you like most about being a resident? The opportunity to help patients in their most vulnerable moments and learning something new every day

Hometown: Stillwater, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Pathway and/or Specialization: Rheumatology

Hometown: Weyerhaeuser, WI
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School (started on Duluth campus)
Pathway and/or Specialization: Likely hospitalist with chance to practice in ICU or Critical Care fellowship. 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love everything about Minnesota. I love the weather (yes, even the snow).   I love the people. I love how many outdoor activities I can do here and also just the general Minnesota niceness. I also spent most of my adult life living in Duluth, MN which is arguably the most beautiful place full of outdoor activities, wonderful lake, temperate weather, and beautiful scenery. 
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I chose the U of M for residency because I really do just adore the type of people who live and work in Minnesota. I love the culture of medicine here and how I truly feel we all want to do what is best for our patients. I also could truly just not think about living anywhere else. Also, really just had to keep the tradition going of degrees from the University of Minnesota (undergraduate, medical school, and residency, triple threat). 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? If I weren't a doctor, I would 100% be a national park ranger or any job that would allow me to always be hiking.
What are your future career plans (so far)? Future career plans are still slightly undecided and up in the air. I think I will be looking for hospitalist positions in rural settings that allow me to work in an ICU. I have an interest in Critical Care, but would at like to at least take a break in between residency and fellowship. Additionally, my husband is also a resident in family medicine and we would like to open a brewery/winery/coffee shop (unsure which one yet) wherever we move. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? My favorite hobbies outside of work include hiking mountains (although I can't do that much around here), but hiking, biking, roller blading, and running. I also read a ton, hang out with my dog and attend many concerts!

Hometown: Duluth, MN
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Pathway and/or Specialization: Hospitalist
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love how there are tons of things to do here, especially if you love the outdoors! Being able to walk around a lake in the summer, or drive up the North Shore and hiking the coast of Lake Superior is amazing. There are also lots of great restaurants and breweries here - a great place to hang out with friends! But my favorite thing is the fact that we have seasons, which is something I really missed when I lived in Texas (we have all the fun fall-related things - apple picking, pumpkin patches, etc) :)
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? This program was my number one choice for several reasons. On my interview day, I could tell that the residency program was incredibly supportive of residents in their career endeavors while also prioritizing health & wellness. I also liked how we get the opportunity to rotate at 3 different hospitals with very different learning environments (academic vs community vs VA system); I felt like this would prepare me for a career at any hospital following graduation from residency due to the broad spectrum of conditions we see on a daily basis. Lastly, I chose this program for some of the logistics! We typically alternate inpatient months with outpatient/consult months, so you have "golden weekends" and opportunities to take PTO every other month. We also don't have continuity clinic during inpatient months but instead have one full day per week while outpatient. The way our schedule is set up truly does prioritize our learning but also gives us a chance to rejuvenate and focus on our wellness throughout the year. To this day, I am still so, so happy that I matched here and would choose this program again!
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Growing up, I always wanted to be a detective! I really enjoy puzzles and lately, I love listening to true crime podcasts on my way home from work or while I'm out for a walk around Lake Harriet. 
What are your future career plans (so far)? My goal is to return to my hometown in Duluth to work as a hospitalist!
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I love spending time with my co-residents, whether it be meeting up for dinner or at a brewery, or going on our coffee walks around Lake Harriet! I also enjoy spending time outdoors so I try to spend as much time as I can up in my hometown of Duluth as I can!

Hometown: Plymouth, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Pathway and/or Specialization: planning to specialize in pulmonary critical care   
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Travel Blogger
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Gardening
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? I love paddle boarding on the lakes during the summer!
What do you like most about being a resident? I love my residency family, my co-residents are amazing! 
 

Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Medical School: University of Iowa 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Go to the numerous festivals hosted in the twin cities all year round, go on a hike, paddle board on one of the 10,000 lakes. 
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? So much culture, diversity, and food choices.
What do you like most about being a resident? The friendships I developed in residency through shared experiences. 

Hometown: Edina
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Pathway and/or Specialization: PSTP with GI Fellowship
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? What I love about Minnesota, and specifically the Twin Cities, is that there is both the city with plenty of things to do as well as being surrounded by nature with opportunities for fishing, hiking, skiing and more.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I chose this residency program because I felt I would receive excellent training, plenty of research opportunities, as well as a program that does strive to help residents strike that balance being rigorous training and wellness. So far so good!
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? I learned the importance of going with the flow. There is a lot you can do as a physician but also knowing when to take a step back and accept things has become an important skill that's helped me in life as well.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? My favorite hobbies are spending time with my family (2 kids!), fishing, playing video games, and figuring out excuses to get outside and enjoy life.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? I've lived in Minnesota my entire life but only recently picked up fishing as an activity. I caught a Bigmouth Buffalo (fish) straight out of the Mississippi this summer! 

Hometown: Eagan, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Medical interest or career plans: Interested in fellowship possibly critical care
Favorite thing about our residency program: The staff are amazing! They really care about teaching and are very encouraging. Our program also prioritizes resident wellness and makes sure everyone is supported. 
Favorite Minnesota activity: Great food options and outdoor activities

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Pathway and/or Specialization: Gastroenterology Physician Scientist Training Program 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? What I like best about living in Minnesota is the perfect balance of natural beauty and urban amenities. From the serene lakes and forests to the vibrant arts scene in the Twin Cities, Minnesota offers a high quality of life that complements my medical career. The changing seasons, especially our crisp autumns and snowy winters, provide year-round opportunities for outdoor activities that help me maintain work-life balance.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I chose the University of Minnesota for my residency because of its outstanding reputation in medical education and research. The program offers a perfect blend of rigorous clinical training and cutting-edge research opportunities. I was particularly drawn to the diverse hospitals and clinics, which provides invaluable experience in treating a wide range of conditions. Additionally, the collaborative culture among residents and faculty, along with the state-of-the-art facilities, creates an ideal environment for professional growth. The University's commitment to innovation in healthcare aligns perfectly with my career goals and aspirations in medicine.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? If I weren't a doctor, I'd likely still be pursuing human health, but from a different angle. Before medical school, I had a career in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. This experience gave me valuable insights into the drug development process and the broader landscape of healthcare innovation. While I ultimately chose to become a physician to work directly with patients, my background in biomedical research continues to inform my practice, giving me a unique perspective on the intersection of clinical medicine and cutting-edge therapies.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? To decompress outside of work, I'm an avid squash player. The fast-paced nature of the game provides an excellent physical workout and mental reset. Beyond squash, I enjoy experiencing different restaurants and cuisines. In the winter I like to ski, and while Minnesota is quite flat there still a decent amount of places for downhill skiing. 
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? For those considering applying to the Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Minnesota, I'd offer this advice: Come prepared to work hard and learn extensively. The program offers excellent clinical exposure and educational opportunities. Be proactive in your learning and patient care. Also, take time to understand and adapt to the unique communication style in Minnesota. Known as 'Minnesota Nice,' it can sometimes mask directness with politeness. Learning to navigate this cultural nuance will serve you well both professionally and personally. Lastly, embrace the diverse experiences available, from cutting-edge research to community outreach programs. Your residency is what you make of it, so approach it with enthusiasm and an open mind.
What do you like most about being a resident? What I like most about being a resident is the continuous growth and learning opportunities. Every day brings new challenges that push me to expand my medical knowledge and clinical skills. I particularly enjoy the collaborative environment, working alongside experienced attendings, fellows, and residents who share a passion for learning. The balance of autonomy and guidance allows me to develop confidence in my decision-making while having support when needed. Additionally, the direct impact I can have on patients' lives, from diagnosis to treatment, is incredibly rewarding. Residency is demanding, but witnessing my own progression and the positive outcomes for patients makes it all worthwhile.

Hometown: Wausaukee, WI
Medical School: University of Illinois Chicago
Pathway and/or Specialization: PSTP - Cardiology
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love the people here in Minnesota, both within the program and whom I’ve met outside of it. I also enjoy Minneapolis and St Paul and that they are big enough to have everything I would want but not so crazy busy like Chicago (where I went to medical school). I like having all four seasons and such a wide variety of activities to do in my free time.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I went to college and met my wife (who is from the Twin Cities) at the U, so it felt like a natural choice to come back here after medical school. I also liked the variety of training sites, the generous time off and rotation schedule, and the people I met during my interview process.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would want to be a ranger for the National Park Service.
What are your future career plans (so far)? I plan to pursue a combined research and clinical career in cardiology. For the research component of PSTP training I will be joining the lab of Dr. Kurt Prins who specializes in pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Biking or cross country skiing (depending on the season), running, reading, playing the piano, going to breweries or restaurants with my wife and friends, and spending time with my dog Daphne and cat Leinie.

Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Medical School: Siriraj hospital
Pathway and/or Specialization: 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The medium-sized city that has very diverse food options and a lot of green space
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? Good communication is sometimes the most important thing in patient care.
What are your future career plans (so far)? Oncology
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Running, skiing, watching movies and series
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? It did not snow much last year!
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Going up north to the lake superior

Hometown: Rose Hill, Kansas
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Medical interest or career plans: Infectious Disease Fellowship
Favorite thing about our residency program: I love the supportive faculty & the opportunity to work across 3 hospital systems. Also the schedule and PTO process is amazing at this program!
Favorite Minnesota activity: love all of the parks and green spaces. There are also several opportunities to play in rec & competitive leagues for soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc which I have really appreciated!

Hometown: Houston 
Medical School: UT Houston 
Pathway and/or Specialization: Rheumatology

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Medical School: University of MN
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love biking around the lakes and Minneapolis has so many to explore!
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I am from Minnesota and wanted to stay close to home and I love that we get to rotate at multiple hospitals. We have an abundance of resources here and experts in many fields, which offers a lot of opportunities for research and career exploration.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would love to be a yoga instructor and/or own a bakery. More realistically I would probably do something in the Public Health/Environmental field.
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? It depends on the season, but I enjoy riding my bike, walking my dog, cross country skiing and doing crafts like knitting, crocheting, and sewing.
What do you like most about being a resident? People are excited to teach and at this program, you can find someone who is very knowledgeable in basically any area of interest. 

Medical School: Chicago Medical School

Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University

Where is your hometown? Rugby, ND 
Where did you complete Medical School? University of North Dakota 
Pathway and/or specialization: Hospital Medicine or Cardiology
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would have tried to pursue a career in the State Department ideally utilizing Russian language. 
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? Rotating at the University of Minnesota is like going through the most uncommon conditions listed in First Aid and treating them in real life! 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I'm interested in hospital medicine and cardiology. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Going to ballet classes, running, and playing the piano! 
What do you like most about being a resident? I love my job! We get to see interesting cases, take care of complex medical issues, meet a diverse patient population, and work with fun, caring, and passionate co-residents and faculty. The hours are long at times and can leave little time outside of work, but being a U of MN resident is a fun and fulfilling job. 

Where is your hometown? Bloomington, MN
Where did you complete Medical School? UMN Twin Cities 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The proximity of nature and city life. You get the best of both here!
What are your future career plans (so far)? Deciding between pursuing a fellowship in Heme/Onc or working as a hospitalist 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Eating at the twin cities' many incredible restaurants, spending time outside in nature, running
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? Absolutely apply! Our program has all of the benefits of a rigorous University program, plus a flexible PTO policy that helps to foster work/life balance. 
What do you like most about being a resident? Residency is tough, but amazing faculty and co-residents make it better. My favorite part of residency is seeing even very sick patients improve and leave the hospital

Where is your hometown? Victoria, MN + St. Petersburg, Russia
Where did you complete Medical School? Medical College of Wisconsin
Pathway and/or specialization: GI or hospitalist

Where is your hometown? Anantapur
Where did you complete Medical School? Tirupati, India
Pathway and/or specialization: Global medicine pathway and Hematology/Oncology
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Restaurateur
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? To get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
What are your future career plans (so far)? I intend to specialize in hematology and oncology, with a particular emphasis on global oncology and community oncology as my primary career interests.
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? After relocating to Minnesota, I was pleasantly surprised by the deep sense of community and the sincere friendliness of the residents. Whether in neighborhoods, workplaces, or casual encounters, Minnesotans were remarkably welcoming and supportive. The enthusiasm for outdoor activities and the willingness to embrace all seasons, even the traditionally harsh winters, were unexpected delights. Interestingly, last winter was unusually mild, prompting me to humorously remark that it felt like we were in a climate sanctuary rather than experiencing the usual Minnesota chill.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? "Attending the Minnesota State Fair has quickly become my quintessential Minnesotan experience. The bustling atmosphere, reminiscent of the lively festivities back home in India, immediately captured my heart.

One of the highlights of the fair was indulging in the raspberry cheese curd tacos, a delightful culinary fusion that was simply heavenly. The fairgrounds were perfect for people watching, allowing me to soak in the vibrant energy and diverse crowds, much like the gatherings I cherish from back home. It's not just about the food or the attractions; it's about the sense of community and celebration that resonates deeply with me, making it a place I eagerly anticipate returning to year after year."

Where is your hometown? Minneapolis, Minnesota
Where did you complete Medical School? AT Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Pathway and/or specialization: Nephrology
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? Walking around the lakes, the numerous music and arts festivals and the vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene 
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I completed my undergraduate degree at the U of MN, the personalities of the APD and PD, and the vast research and specialty opportunities (and I am a BIG gopher football fan!)
What are your future career plans (so far)? Nephrology 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Peloton (and exercise), candy crush saga and outdoor activities 
What do you like most about being a resident? Autonomy, and establishing relationships with my clinic and hospital patients and families 

Where is your hometown? Rochester, Minnesota
Where did you complete Medical School? Saint Louis University 
Pathway and/or specialization: Pulmonary/Critical Care
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? The residents all got along and look out for each other. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would try and start my own coffee shop. 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I'm interested in pursuing a career in pulm/crit, but also being involved in medical education 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Rock climbing 

Hometown: Baku, Azerbaijan
Undergraduate school: George Washington University
Medical School: Midwestern University
Pathway and/or specialization: Cardiology
Medical interest or career plans: Not sure, too many great choices in medicine!
Favorite thing about our residency program: It has been 2 months of residency and I still see my family more often than my coworkers. I don't think other programs are cool like that
Favorite Minnesota activity: Minnesota state fair will change both your life and BMI

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate school: Lighthouse International school
Medical School: Benjamin S. Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences Babcock University
Medical interest or career plans: Gastroenterology
Favorite thing about our residency program: I love the fact that this program has a diverse set of residents. I also love the fact that this program is big on academic medicine.

Hometown: Miami, Florida
Undergraduate school: Florida International University, Miami Fl
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills MI
Pathway and/or Specialization: Cardiology
Favorite thing about our residency program: I really love the diversity of patient encounter at this program. I am fortunate to work at the Center of International Health and provide care to the new immigrant and refugee population in the twin city area. I also have the opportunity to work at the VA hospital and provide care to those who’ve served. Finally, I get to take care of the most complex patients in state of Minnesota and even the surrounding states at the University hospital.
Favorite Minnesota activity: Food Truck Festival, some thing new I explored when I moved to the Twin cities.

Hometown: Champaign, IL
Undergraduate school: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical interest or career plans: I'm shooting for an endocrinology fellowship
Favorite thing about our residency program: The program is great and being in Minneapolis is a great city. It's a beautiful city with tons to do
Favorite Minnesota activity: There's a lot of nice biking and running trails that are fun to ride through

Hometown: Chanhassen, MN
Medical School: Midwestern University, Chicago
Pathway and/or Specialization: Pulmonary and Critical Care
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love that Minneapolis is a large city with everything you could need and plenty going on all the time but also has such great access to the outdoors (lakes, hikes, bike trails, etc) under an hour away!
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? I grew up in Minnesota, and me and my husband were ready to move back home near family and friends for residency.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I have always said that I would be a hairstylist! I was always in charge of doing all my friends' hair before events, and it's a career where I would get to meet so many different people and connect over time (kinda like medicine, I guess)!
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I love going up to my family's cabin during the summer and spending as much time as possible on the lake. It is absolutely the best way to relax after a tough week at the hospital!
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? The program is filled with a lot of great people and supportive / approachable attendings which makes this a great learning environment. We also have a very unique PTO structure which you will not find at many other programs, and I feel it fosters a great work life balance. I have been pleasantly surprised with how supportive the program is in getting time off for big life events!

Hometown: Melrose
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Pathway and/or Specialization: Gastroenterology

Hometown: Madison, WI
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Pathway and/or Specialization: Hospitalist
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? Getting to enjoy all four seasons every year
What are your future career plans (so far)? Hospitalist
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Walking outside in any of the many parks
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? The State Fair, Sweet Martha's cookies and all the other foods are worth the hype!
What do you like most about being a resident? Working with coresidents 

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Medical School: University of Wisconsin

Hometown: Montgomery, AL
Undergraduate school: The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Medical interest or career plans: Cardiology
Favorite thing about our residency program: The education on social issues that allow us to better understand our patients in their struggles pertaining to beliefs, socioeconomic status, race, etc.  when delivering cars.
Favorite Minnesota activity: Eating

Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota, Duluth
Pathway and/or Specialization: Hospitalist
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love all of the outdoor walking and bike paths, it's so easy to get around the Twin Cities. There's also some amazing restaurants downtown from Italian to Indian to Thai. Some attendings are kind enough to buy dinner on long call days, so branch out and try some new cuisine. My favorites are World Street Kitchen, On's Thai, and Jefe Urban Cocina. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would probably be a college professor because I love working with and learning from students.
What are your future career plans (so far)? Chief year at Regions, then working as a hospitalist in the Twin Cities. I also hope to adopt a dog in the next year!
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I LOVE being outdoors! My favorite walks are around Lake Como or the Stone Arch. I also like to spend long weekends in Duluth up north to hike along the shore of Lake Superior or go up to my cabin in Hackensack to paddle board.
What do you like most about being a resident? Definitely the camaraderie among the residents. The relationships you develop among fellow co-residents will help you get through some of the hardest days in the ICU while also supporting your learning in this fast paced hospital environment. 

Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University
Pathway and/or Specialization: Pulmonary & Critical Care
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The schedule and faculty truly support wellness and we have ample opportunities for mentorship and career development in every specialty and subspecialty.  The people are also wonderful!
What are your future career plans (so far)? Applying for fellowship!
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Resident book club, trying new restaurants, and going to breweries (many dog friendly).
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? Invest in a good winter coat and snow tires.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? My husband and I took a cross country skiing lesson last year and loved it. Hoping for a little colder winter this year so we can try curling. 

Hometown: Lutherville, Maryland
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College - Thomas Jefferson University
Pathway and/or Specialization: Gastroenterology
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? Summer time in Minnesota is hard to beat - great weather and tons of outdoor activities with something for everyone.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? High school science teacher 
What are your future career plans (so far)? Applying for GI fellowship after graduation
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? Cross country skiing - had a blast!
What do you like most about being a resident? The camaraderie with other residents on the teaching teams adds so much to the work environment!

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Undergraduate school: University of Michigan

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh

Medical interest or career plans: I’m not sure yet, but I’m most interested in hematology/oncology or GI.

Favorite thing about our residency program: Everyone has been so warm and welcoming! I also like the variety of patient care that we experience by rotating at three very different hospitals.

Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Medical School: Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Pathway and/or Specialization: Primary Care, Global Health
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? Great place for practicing medicine and raising family. Love its diversity, well balanced progressive-conservative culture, great schools, entertainment and dining
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? Diversity of medical care including medical complexities, patients and faculty
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Epidemiologist
What is the most unexpected thing you've learned during your residency (medicine or life)? Show confidence no matter what!
What are your future career plans (so far)? Primary care pathway and chronic disease research
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? 
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? 
What advice do you have for someone considering applying to the IM Residency at the U of Minnesota? You are an integral part of the medical team. You are here because you earned it. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. I am never a fan of people assuming on other's behalf about 'imposter syndrome'.
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? 
What do you like most about being a resident? 

Hometown:  Long Prairie, Minnesota 
Medical School: University of Minnesota 
Pathway and/or Specialization: Hematology/Oncology
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I love the lakes and the different seasons. Lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and people are friendly. 
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? The clinical training at 3 different sites, the flexible schedule and the focus on resident wellness. 
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I would be a teacher. 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I plan to subspecialize in hematology/oncology with a focus on multiple myeloma. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Go to the gym, try new restaurants and head to the cabin.

Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
Medical School: Des Moines University 
Pathway and/or Specialization: Gastroenterology
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The Twin Cities are a great place to live and work. They have a great food and arts scene plus the mix of outdoors with lakes and trails for walking/running/biking/skiing. I love the seasonality we experience here in Minnesota. The summer is especially my favorite.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Probably a chef (yes, chef!)
What are your future career plans (so far)? Transplant hepatology 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Spending time outdoors with my husband and dog, gardening, cooking, baking, and checking out new restaurants and breweries. 
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency?  Ice fishing!

Hometown: Detroit Michigan
Undergraduate school: Wayne State University
Medical School: Kansas City University
Medical interest or career plans: Hospitalist
Favorite thing about our residency program: Support system! everyone is willing to help and teach including Attendings, Chiefs, Residents.
Favorite Minnesota activity: Going to soccer games at the Allianz arena and trying out new restaurants.

Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Medical School: Faculty of Medicine Siriraj hospital
Medical interest or career plans: Cardiology
Favorite thing about our residency program: People
Favorite Minnesota activity: Walking by the lake, Coffee shop

Medical School: Texas Tech University

Hometown: Plainfield, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois
Pathway and/or Specialization: 
What do you like best about living in Minnesota? I came from Chicago, and I love that Minneapolis has so many of the benefits of a big city environment but without some of the busy antics of downtown Chicago. There's a good variety of food here as well!
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? I think I would've gone into finance or computer science. I liked math a lot in school!
What are your future career plans (so far)? I'm hoping to apply to gastroenterology fellowship!
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? My most consistent hobby has been going to the gym. Throughout residency, it's really helped me keep a good work-life balance and making sure that I have time each day where I don't have to think about work at all. Aside from this, I also play volleyball and video games!
What surprised you about life in Minnesota after you moved here? Having lived in Chicago right before residency, I was surprised at how affordable a lot of things here were in comparison, particularly housing! I was also told that almost anywhere in the twin cities was reachable within 20 minutes by car, and I was honestly amazed to find that to be true since I've moved here. 
What do you like most about being a resident? I find the work that we do as residents to be incredibly rewarding and meaningful! Our program does such a great job of incentivizing residents to take initiative and be a leader in our multidisciplinary teams, which really helps me feel the impact of the care that we provide to our patients. 

Hometown: Coimbatore - Southern India
Undergraduate school: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University - Coimbatore
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Medical interest or career plans: Minority care, global health, rheumatology, cardiology and so many more..
Favorite thing about our residency program: Inclusive culture. Diverse resident group.
Favorite Minnesota activity: Kayaking

Hometown: Belgrade, Montana
Medical School: Pacific Northewest University of Health Sciences 
Pathway and/or Specialization: Internal Medicine  
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? If I wasn't a doctor, I think I would work as a chef. I love high energy environments and thrive when I'm working with a team, something that both careers share. I think this also means I'm destined to work nights and weekends haha! 
What are your future career plans (so far)? I'm currently applying to pulmonary and critical care fellowship. Ultimately wherever I end up, I'd like to work at least part of the time doing outreach as I grew up in a rural community and want to help provide quality care to similar communities. 
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? I enjoy trying new restaurants with friends from residency, a few of us pick a new place to try every month and all coordinate our schedules to make it happen. My husband and I have an adorable dog, Summit. We like to take him on walks around lakes or paddle boarding in the summer. Also really enjoy cross country skiing in the winter. When I'm feeling tired, staying cozy with a good book is never a bad way to spend a day! 
What very "Minnesota" activity have you tried since starting residency? When you move here from out of state, everyone tells you to go to the state fair. I didn't believe them that it could be that enjoyable, and I was so wrong! It's super fun to try all the foods and see all of the exhibits. Also anything involving a lake is always fun! 
What do you like most about being a resident? I have so enjoyed getting to know my co-residents and have found them to be extremely supportive throughout what can be a tough three years. Everyone is willing to help if needed, vent about the stressors of residency, or go experience something new together. I'm incredibly greatful for the friendships I've made at UMN. 

Hometown: Batala, Punjab, India
Medical School: University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Medical interest or career plans: I loved doing research in the field of cardiology before I joined residency. and I plan on pursuing a career in it in the future.
Favorite thing about our residency program: The program is highly respectful of its residents and loves tailoring itself to the concerns of its residents. Everyone from chiefs to the faculty and GME staff will always be encouraging and helping in pursuing your goals while they always make sure that you remember to take care of yourself in the course of residency,
Favorite Minnesota activity: The nature and tons of activities. Everyone scares of Minnesota winters but they are fun! (just bring a heavy jacket!)

Medical School: Addis Ababa University

Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Undergraduate school: Saint John’s University
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Medical interest or career plans: Cardiology
Favorite thing about our residency program: 4+4, heavy focus on teaching from attending physicians.
Favorite Minnesota activity: The Minnesota State Fair!

Hometown: Roseville, MN
Medical School: Rush Medical
Pathway and/or Specialization: Global Health
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota for your Residency? Lots of reasons! But one of my favorite reasons is how flexible our PTO is, and how it makes it so much easier to fit life into residency. There have been times I want a whole week off for vacation, and there have been times I only need a day or two off to attend a wedding, and the PTO makes it so that I can actually attend significant life events.
If you weren't a doctor, what would your career be? Biomedical Engineering! My emphasis area in undergrad was in mechanics but I've found that I've really enjoyed Quality Improvement in healthcare, so perhaps I'd do something with that as well.
What are your future career plans (so far)? Hospitalist!
What are your favorite hobbies and/or ways to decompress outside work? Going on walks, visiting the lakes/parks, reading, gardening, pickleball, exploring new places to eat
What do you like most about being a resident? The other residents! The hours can be long, and the work can be hard, but being around people who you like hanging out with makes everything so much better. 

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Undergraduate school: Yale University
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh
Pathway and/or Specialization:  Primary Care Pathway
Favorite thing about our residency program: I love getting full weekends every other month. That is true wellness!
Favorite Minnesota activity: The state fair

Hometown: Edina, MN
Undergraduate school: Luther College
Medical School: University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
Medical interest or career plans: Maybe toxicology or critical care, but still deciding!
Favorite thing about our residency program: The enthusiasm for teaching and teamwork has made for an awesome first few months of residency. I really appreciate the balance of supported autonomy when it comes to developing my skills as a clinician, especially as an intern.
Favorite Minnesota activity: Cabin weekends up north! Sunset boat rides in the summer, snowy bonfires in the winter, and everything in between.