Medicine Pediatric Residency Program Residents

Hometown: Burien, WA

Undergraduate: University of Washington

Medical School: Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program for many reasons! I love the large med-peds community here in the Twin Cities, I loved the exposure to many different healthcare systems I would get in training, but above all I loved the people I met. Everyone here is so genuine and kind, they are supportive and are always available when I need help. This program is a family and I love being a part of this family!

What are your plans after residency?

As of right now combined hospitalist, or maybe a combination of adult inpatient and outpatient pediatrics with a focus on adolescent care.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

•    Reading!
•    Hiking
•    Writing/journaling
•    Skiing (cross country and downhill)
•    Watching old movies

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

My friends and I have a dream of owning a bookstore/coffee/tea/knitting store that at night would double as a speakeasy bar.

Hometown: Blaine, MN

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota 

Medical School: University of Minnesota 

Why did you choose this program?

I knew I would be joining a culture and community of incredible, caring and supportive residents and faculty from my experiences here as a medical student. There is also no shortage of opportunities to take care of patients of all ages and all socioeconomic backgrounds with the variety of sites where we train. 

What are your plans after residency?

Dual Hospitalist or Adult Congenital Heart Disease

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

I love to take my wife and kids on adventures around the cities, run agility and bike with my dogs, play board games and tend to my patio garden. 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

I think I would be a teacher. I love sharing knowledge and passion with others and finding ways to support others in reaching their goals as well. 

Hometown: Eagan, Minnesota

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota- TC

Medical School: Unversity of Minnesota- TC

Why did you choose this program?

You'll hear this a lot around this program, but truly it is the people, sense of community, commitment to advocacy, incredible program support, and strong Med-Peds presence in the Cities. This program offers so many amazing opportunities with full support in whatever career goals you might have. Finally, Minnesota is home for me. Whether you were born and raised here (like myself) or looking for a new place to call home, the Cities offer so much and is 100% a fantastic place to live (even if it gets cold...like really cold). 

What are your plans after residency?

Currently, I am leaning toward combined hospitalist spending half my time in the peds world and half in the medicine world. I also have an interest in ID as well, but we will see over the next couple of years!

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Anything and everything sports. I play a couple of intramural sports, have season tickets to the Loons (MLS soccer team here), and can be found at many local sporting events. If I have additional free time (which yes, there is still some time), I spend time watching way too much tv and movies, explore new breweries around town, and love to travel all over the world. 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

What I would want to be: professional athlete, but learned that wasn't a realistic job after a year of college. But, I would most likely be a math/science teacher (grew up around education) and coach soccer as a side gig. 

Hometown: Chanhassen, Minnesota

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Medical School: University of Minnesota Twin Cities 

Why did you choose this program?

Proximity to home/friends/family, strength of the faculty and Program director, and the opportunity to work as a Med-Peds combined hospitalist in the area without needing a Pediatric hospitalist fellowship.

What are your plans after residency?

Combined Medicine and Pediatrics Hospitalist, Teaching

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Rock climbing at the Minneapolis Bouldering Project, intramural volley ball, snow-boarding in the Winter, and driving up to Taylor Falls for kayaking and camping in the summer!

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Mechanical Engineer

Hometown: Daleville, Indiana 

Undergraduate: Indiana University

Medical School: Indiana University

Why did you choose this program?

When I interviewed it was clear that the program valued and advocated for resident wellness and education. The program has a strong medpeds community and a variety of training sites, each with a different patient population and ample learning opportunities.  The residents and leadership stressed the importance of social justice, social drivers of health, and community engagement. Most importantly, it was clear that the residents looked out for each other and supported each other in times of need!

Flexible PTO is an extra perk! 

What are your plans after residency?

Combined Hospitalist, maybe fellowship, not sure!

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Outside of work, you can find me trialing a new recipe, walking through the many parks and gardens around the city, watching the latest reality show on Netflix/Hulu, or exploring the many restaurants and most importantly the ice cream and dessert shops in the Twin Cities with my co-residents! 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Realistically, teacher or something in the business world. In my dreams, an astronaut!

Hometown: Lincoln, NE

Undergraduate: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Medical School: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Why did you choose this program?

I was really attracted to the program's strong commitment to advocacy and equity that I saw reflected in every interaction with faculty and residents. I also really liked how there were so many sites we could rotate at to get a robust education. Lastly, as someone who a lifelong passion for global health, I was hooked after learning about the entire institution's commitment to the decolonization of global health. They pride themselves on bidirectional exchange and have strong relationships with many international sites. We can also get the CTropMed certification here! 

What are your plans after residency?

I would love to do a global health fellowship so I can prepare for a full-time career in global health! 

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Pottery, hanging out with my co-residents, collecting a vast array of plants (the Twin Cities have some great nurseries!) 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Immigration lawyer or a florist! 

Hometown: Plano, Texas

Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis

Medical School: University of California in Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Why did you choose this program?

I loved that there were so many dual hospitalists just out and about in the faculty and hospital system! I also loved that there were so many different sites to train at, because I want to be able to be dropped into any hospital system in the future and be comfortable with picking things up quickly (onboarding was a pain though!). Also, everyone during interview day (faculty and current residents) seemed so incredibly genuine and honest with a heart for their community, and had concrete examples of ways that residents are supported outside of clinical duties--I felt like I would be cared for as a person, and so far that has been true!

What are your plans after residency?

Thinking dual hospitalist! Hoping to incorporate med-ed and some form of global health

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

On my days off, you can find me in the kitchen baking or cooking from one of my (too) many cookbooks--OR catch me outside with my husband biking, running, or just walking around exploring our new city. There are so many free community events here (one of our first group activities as a cohort was garage sale hopping!) and I'm slowly picking out some fun pieces from local artists to decorate our apartment. Neither of us have been through a real winter yet (see: TX and CA) but we're looking forward to learning allll the fun cold weather activities! 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Either a contestant on the Great British Baking Show or some magical situation where I could get paid to travel the world (top few on my current list are Argentina, Peru, Spain, Morocco)

Hometown: Waterford, WI

Undergraduate: Iowa State University

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because of how evident it is that every single person cares so deeply about the community and the people they serve. Residents and program directors participate in outreach initiatives and even policy making. Everyone here is truly trying to make the area a better place for their patients.

What are your plans after residency?

Adult Hospitalist + Combined Clinic

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Trying different ethnic foods from local restaurants, playing pickleball, finding the best local breweries/wineries, and of course watching football.

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Coffee Shop Owner/Baker in Hawaii

Hometown: St. Anthony, MN

Undergraduate: Hamline University (St. Paul, MN)

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School - Twin Cities

Why did you choose this program?

First - the people! I had the fortunate opportunity to work with some of the faculty and residents as a medical student, and I couldn't say enough nice things about all of them. In my opinion, we have the best leadership team in the entire country!

Second, the amount of clinical site we rotate at. Being able to train at so many different hospitals on both the medicine and pediatric side provide us with such a great, deep, and broad knowledge of different patient populations and disease processes.

Third, the amount of Med-Peds trained physicians in the Twin Cities! It is hard to go through a rotation without finding a few Med-Peds docs as your attendings or consultants. It is a great way to know all of the career paths that are available to us and it is also a great mentorship opportunity. 

What are your plans after residency?

Undecided on primary care vs dual Med/Peds Hospitalist! I'm also considering doing a Palliative Care fellowship at some point in my career.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Hanging out with family, DIY house projects, fantasy football, watching the Vikings and Twins! Specific MN gems include all of the walking and biking trails, great local restaurants,  fun winter activities, and of course the best State Fair in the Country.

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

A teacher and football coach!

Hometown: Menomonee Falls, WI

Undergraduate: UW-Madison

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Why did you choose this program?

During the interview trail, the UMN Med-Peds program seemed extremely supportive of their residents which was important to me because residency is quite a challenging experience! I was also looking to stay in the Midwest but try something a bit different than Wisconsin. The hospitals have excellent reputations and diverse learning opportunities. Also, the people.. duh!

What are your plans after residency?

Most likely Med/Peds hospitalist! 

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

I love trying new restaurants, bopping around and exploring new neighborhoods, exercising, doing yoga, playing board games and spending time with my partner and friends!

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Esthetician

Hometown: New York, NY

Undergraduate: Brown University 

Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Why did you choose this program?

The values, the people, the breadth of training and the global health opportunities. (More or less in that order.)

What are your plans after residency?

I think I will try to pursue combined MICU/PICU fellowship…but it’s a lot of training and I am giving myself permission to change my mind. 

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Reading novels, discovering new music, exploring art museums, bike commuting (sometimes), skiing, trying to meditate, cooking, eating and a great cup of coffee.

I’m still discovering MN but I’m getting into cross country skiing and swimming/paddling in the lakes and rivers. 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Maybe a Public Defender?

Hometown: Arvada, Colorado

Undergraduate: Colorado State University

Medical School: University of Colorado SOM

Why did you choose this program?

The leadership team seemed incredibly authentic on my interview day and were honest about strengths and weaknesses of the program. That coupled with the strong Med-Peds community here (especially those practicing as combined hospitalists) made me feel like this would be a good fit. That's certainly held true. 

What are your plans after residency?

Thinking about combined hospitalist. Hopefully without having to do a pediatric hospitalist fellowship!

Favorite residency memory (so far...)?

Anytime a patient has thanked me or a kid gives me a surprise hug or a patient is excited to see me again in continuity clinic, those are always favorite memories.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Big fan of getting outside in any way possible: running, walking, hiking, stand up paddle boarding, cross country skiing (though I'm terrible at this). 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Archeologist or a book editor. Either I'd be in remote locations digging up history or sitting on a couch somewhere reading as many books as possible. Either sounds great! 

Hometown: Littleton, Colorado

Undergraduate: University of Colorado Boulder 

Medical School: University of Colorado Anschutz

What are your plans after residency?

Combined adult and pediatric palliative care

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Bouldering! Coffee shopping and finding the best places to read and write

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

I’d sure hope I’d go through some mfa program and be a writer of sorts

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Why did you choose this program?

I chose the University of Minnesota because of the strong med-peds presence. So many former graduates of the program seemed to stay on as faculty and remain closely involved in mentoring residents. Also as one of the larger programs, I was excited to have a larger number of peers to rely on for advice and support. I also was drawn to the diversity of the Twin Cities and the opportunity to learn more about practicing cross cultural healthcare. There is not only a strong global health program in both the medicine and pediatrics departments, but there are opportunities in many of the continuity clinics to participate in new arrival refugee visits as well as to become more skilled at effectively and clearly communicating with the aid of interpreters.

What are your plans after residency?

At the moment, I am strongly leaning toward rheumatology. I like the investigative side of medicine, trying to find a cohesive theory for a constellation of symptoms. Whether I pursue an adult fellowship or a combined med-peds fellowship, I plan to use my med-peds training focusing on transition of care for chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. 

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

My absolute favorite thing in the world is to spend a full day cooking an extravagant meal. I love coming up with flavor combinations and experimenting with new kitchen gadgets and cooking methods. Also, chopping vegetables while listening to history podcasts is my zen place. 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Either a cultural anthropologist or an owner of an animal sanctuary.

Hometown: Tinton Falls, NJ / Media, PA

Undergraduate: Princeton University

Medical School: University of Virginia (Go Hoos!)

Why did you choose this program?

So many reasons - the culture of the program and the leadership stood out to me immediately, and I knew that I would be surrounded by genuinely kind and thoughtful people. Coming from a medical school that did not have Med-Peds, I was impressed by the presence that Med-Peds has in the Twin Cities and the opportunity to gain clinical exposure across many different clinical sites. Additionally, it was important that I would be able to speak Spanish frequently and work with underserved populations, and Minnesota definitely has provided ample opportunities to do so.

On a personal level, both of my parents are from Minnesota originally and even though I lived primarily on the East Coast growing up due my father's military career, it feels like a homecoming to be in Minnesota.

What are your plans after residency?

Still in the process of deciding, but will likely pursue primary care or endocrinology.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Running and walking at the many lakes in Minneapolis, watching sports (Vikings, Liverpool FC, UVA/Princeton basketball), listening to music, and traveling to visit family and friends. My favorite activities in MN so far have been cross country skiing (which I picked up this winter) and going to the State Fair. 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Barista

Hometown: Waunakee, Wisconsin

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin (Go Badgers!)

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago

Why did you choose this program?

During my interview day, it was clear that this was a program that truly cared about the residents and pushed them to be activists. The program leadership and current residents were welcoming and genuine to all ideas that were brought up. We also get to rotate at many different hospitals, on both the adult and pediatric side, so we have a wide exposure to the different patients that we serve. There is also a well-developed global health program here with set up training sites in many different countries, making it easier to incorporate that into my training.

What are your plans after residency?

I'm currently debating between Med-Peds Hospitalist or pursuing combined Med-Peds Infectious Disease fellowship.

Favorite residency memory (so far...)?

Having a lightsaber battle with a pediatric oncology patient on my night shift

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Trying to visit all the sports stadiums in Minneapolis, especially if Wisconsin teams are playing, running around the many lakes, trying different breweries and outdoor patios with my wife and getting outside to ice skate or snowshoe in the winter.

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

I would try to go on Broadway, either singing or playing in the orchestra.

Hometown: McKinleyville, CA

Undergraduate: University of Oregon

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you choose this program?

Great Med/Peds culture, location and family

What are your plans after residency?

Nephrology or endocrinology, something with immunology/transplant involved.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Biking year round, running year round, camping, hiking, video games

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Scientist

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you choose this program?

Strong Med-Peds presence; supportive and inclusive leadership and culture; commitment to social justice, health equity, advocacy, community engagement, and mentorship; the ability to train in various clinical settings with diverse patient populations – I know that learning from and with faculty and residents at our Med-Peds program will allow me to grow into the physician, educator, and leader I hope to become!

What are your plans after residency?

Med-Peds hospitalist vs. fellowship, medical education, health policy

Coming soon . . . 

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you choose this program?

TBD! But interested in split hospital medicine and medical education.

What are your plans after residency?

I don't really know, maybe a nephrologist?

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

Trying new restaurants/breweries, river/lake walks, seeing live performances any local venues (First Ave, Varsity theater, Orchestra Hall etc)

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Teacher or Urban Planner

Hometown: Coon Rapids, MN

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you choose this program?

People: As a med student at the UofMN I kept meeting really great people (residents and attendings) and later learning they were MedPeds. And during my interview day the residents seemed like cool, fun people (and turns out they are).

Advocacy: During the interview day Dr Aylward said something like, we’ll make you good doctors and good citizens, and I liked that. Anywhere you look there is meaningful advocacy work going on here.

Wellbeing: I like to sleep and not having 24+ hour shifts was pretty important to me. The PTO is also great in that we get a lot of it (24 days) and it’s quite flexible (can take in any size blocks #ThreeDayWeekends)

What are your plans after residency?

Nephrology!

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

Tennis, Disc golf, walking and biking around the trails and lakes of Minneapolis and St Paul, seeing Broadway musicals, reading fantasy novels.

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

Engineer

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Why did you choose this program?

I chose Minnesota because it was clear on interview day that the program leadership really valued the residents and supported their goals--both in and outside of medicine. The program's strong global health training, focus on social justice, and wide variety of clinical training opportunities across many sites really drew me in. Finally, the Med Peds culture in the Twin Cities is well established and has a wonderful, welcoming family feel!

What are your plans after residency?

Still figuring it out. A few of my many career interests include community and global health, medical education, and palliative care

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

I love running & hiking the beautiful MN trails and spending time on the water (sailing, kayaking, water-skiing, etc). When I'm not outside I can usually be found baking, jamming out to showtunes, or exploring the many coffee shops, breweries and restaurants the Twin Cities have to offer!

Hometown: Delavan, WI

Undergraduate: University of Oklahoma

Medical School: University of Wisconsin SMPH

Why did you choose this program?

So many reasons! I was really excited about the many different training sites, including both academic and large community hospitals, as well as free-standing children's hospitals. I was really glad to find a program that placed emphasis on advocacy, equity, and community engagement too, and actually made time for it. Also, coming from a school without a Med-Peds program, Minnesota stood out with its large Med-Peds presence and amazing mentors. Finally, it was great to see how close-knit all the residents were!

What are your plans after residency?

Be a Med-Peds hospitalist (I think). Though open to exploring all of the amazing opportunities in Med-Peds!

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

Favorite Minnesota activities? Walking my dog Claudia, bike rides to the many lakes in the area, running when I can, getting together with my co-residents, baking, and reading various detective/mystery series.

Hometown: Neenah, Wisconsin

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you choose this program?

I chose UMN Med-Peds because I didn't have to sacrifice strong training for strong support for my young family. It was the only residency programs I interviewed with that brought up independently the leave policy and support structures for parents. Program leadership has a commitment to justice and empower residents (philosophically and structurally) to engage in the work of equity for our patients and community. Also, the faculty are really good humans.

What are your plans after residency?

Well, here is actual footage of me trying to explain my desired FTE: https://z.umn.edu/76wh

Favorite residency memory (so far...)?

Losing my glasses while jumping off a boat into West Lake Sylvia during our class retreat.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

Exploring Twin Cities parks with my wife and sons, breaking down Costco boxes, finding excuses to eat and discover new ice cream, and running with my pup.

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

I'd be a high school teacher again.

Hometown: Flemington, NJ

Undergraduate: Carleton College

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you choose this program?

I knew I would be welcomed into a community where I would find support from my co-residents and the program administration. I knew my well-being would be protected on a systems level and I would have mentors and role-models for my DEI work. I was also excited to train at multiple strong hospitals on both the peds and adult side to learn different systems and cultures of practicing medicine.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

All-weather walks, reading outdoors, talking to friends for hours, boxing, naps.

Hometown: Grayslake, IL

Undergraduate: University of South Carolina

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program for many reasons but a big reason is because the MedPeds presence is unparalleled. There are so many MedPeds providers around with their own niche, so I saw this program as a place where my career could blossom. Additionally, I really like the emphasis and encouragement on advocacy and being able to focus on what is important to you. I also love how resident wellness is a priority and the MedPeds leadership truly have your back.

What are your plans after residency?

I am still trying to decide. I am between Pediatric Critical Care or primary care with focus on adolescent medicine and underserved populations. 

Favorite residency memory (so far...)?

Working with my residency classmate Hayley on Regions Senior-only rotation!

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

Yoga, live music, traveling, exploring restaurants in the Twin Cities, collecting plants, watching TV and movies. 

What would you be if you weren't a physician?

FBI agent or yoga instructor!

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago

Medical School: University of Missouri Kansas City

Why did you choose this program?

On interview day I found the faculty and residents to be genuinely wonderful people. It was important for me that the program have combined MedPeds clinics and multiple training sites, both of which UMN does extremely well. Finally, I was impressed with the large MedPeds presence at all of the training sites, because it offers an abundance of mentors to help me figure out what I want to do when I grow up.

What are your plans after residency?

Currently I am trying to decide between primary care and combined hospitalist.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

Cycling, disc golf, tennis, learning new musical instruments.