Medicine Pediatric Residency Program Residents

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

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

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?

I don't really know, maybe a nephrologist?

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

I love running along the many trails and through the neighborhoods in the Twin Cities - it's a great way to explore and see all of the lakes and parks that the cities have to offer. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, and spending time with my dog Millie. Tennis, Disc golf, walking and biking around the trails and lakes of Minneapolis and St Paul, seeing Broadway musicals, reading fantasy novels

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.

Coming soon . . . 

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

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.

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?

Do a combined Heme/Onc fellowship and likely specialize in Lifespan Sickle Cell Anemia. Also, I'm interested in social medicine and working with vulnerable populations.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities?

Yoga, running, going to the beach (when I lived 20mins away from the coast), trying new restaurants in the Twin Cities, becoming a plant mom, traveling, visiting family and friends.

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.

Hometown: Accra, Ghana

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I was looking for a MedPeds program that cared about my personal development just as much as my professional development. It was clear on interview day that Mike and Taj are thoughtful in structuring this program to fulfill that. This was also evident in the conversations I had with Residents on interview day. 

What are your plans after residency?

Combined Medicine and Pediatrics Hospital Medicine with some flavor of primary care and global health 

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

I love spending time with my nieces, trying new recipes, podcasts, and biking! Minneapolis has amazing biking trails. If you don't own a bike you can always rent one of the Nice Ride bikes at one of the many locations around town.  

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

A Teacher

Coming soon

Hometown: Kenmore, WA

Undergraduate: Scripps College

Medical School: University of South Florida

Why did you choose this program?

First and foremost the people, at the interview dinner I thoroughly enjoyed spending time talking to each of the residents. It is a group of people who are all passionate about promoting medicine and social justice as well as kind and funny. I also fell in love with the cities. As someone who has never lived in the Midwest, I was initially nervous but the Twin Cities are amazing. There are so many good restaurants, the park system is the best I have ever seen and its incredibly bikeable! 

What are your plans after residency?

Unsure, but definitely working with kids and adults

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Hiking, biking, cross country skiing and cooking

Favorite game to play on a game night?

Ticket to Ride

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

Baker

Hometown: Westbrook, MN

Undergraduate: South Dakota State University (BS in Biology) and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (MPH)

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Virginia Campus  

Why did you choose this program?

(1) The program’s excellent clinical training and exposure within multiple clinical settings, unparalleled global health training, and abounding opportunities for public health research involvement through collaboration with University of Minnesota faculty.  (2) The leadership’s commitment to resident well-being.  Plus, Minneapolis is a great city!  

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Hobbies- Reading from genres including theology and worldview literature, learning Arabic, playing strategy board games, running, and dating my wife. Favorite Minnesota Activities- Enjoying the twin cities fantastic park system, fishing for northern pike, ice skating

Favorite game to play on a game night?

7 Wonders Duel

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

A professor and researcher in a school of public health or an epidemiologist

Hometown: Goshen, Indiana

Undergraduate: Goshen College

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because it felt that residents were valued as people and as a part of the medical community. During my interview, they spoke to the importance of social justice, healthcare equity, and being active members of the larger communities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Also everyone I met was awesome and seemed like they were a tight-knit group who enjoyed spending time over shared food and exploring all of the amazing parks in the area! 

What are your plans after residency?

My hope is to be a combined hospitalist at an institution that has learners. I've always loved being a part of teaching teams and would enjoy continuing to be a part of medical education. I also have a strong interest in global health and would hope to be involved in global healthcare, whether abroad or locally, in some capacity! 

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

I love running along the many trails and through the neighborhoods in the Twin Cities - it's a great way to explore and see all of the lakes and parks that the cities have to offer. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, and spending time with my dog Millie.  

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

In real life, probably a science teacher. In my dream world where money does not matter, I'd probably own and run a used book store/vintage clothing/coffee shop/bar/flower and plant shop. You know. Something real chill. 

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Undergraduate: Western Michigan University

Medical School: University of Michigan

Why did you choose this program?

Some of the factors which drew me to the program include: a strong med-peds community with many attending physicians who practice both medicine and pediatrics, an exciting medical device ecosystem with the densest concentration of medical device talent in the country, the ability to train at a variety of clinical sites, a solid global health program and the fact that I have family in the area. 

What are your plans after residency?

global health; cardiology vs. general med-peds

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

badminton, taekwondo, making and listening to music, cooking Indian food and exploring the Twin cities' great network of parks and trails 

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

med tech entrepreneur 

Hometown: Coleman, WI

Undergraduate: UW-Madison (go badgers)

Medical School: UW-Madison (go badgers)

Why did you choose this program?

I chose Minnesota because the program is committed to supporting residents in rounding out their educations. That could mean giving residents extra time off to work on advocacy projects, or supporting projects through our world class global health programming; they will work with you to make your 4 years of residency what you want them to be. Also, the Minnesota Med-Peds program is well-established in the Twin Cities area which gives it the vibe of a big family!

What are your plans after residency?

Not sure!

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

When I’m not eating ice cream, I like to play dad-rock on my beat-up Fender, run the trail around Lake of the Isles or re-watch Veep bloopers. I’m a big fan of Badger football, until we inevitably lose in the Big Ten Championship. My favorite Minnesota activities include hunting for the best pho and best breweries in the Cities. 

Favorite game to play on a game night?

Poker

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

Chef

Hometown: Cottage Grove, MN

Undergraduate: Luther College

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you choose this program?

The people are wonderful, fun, and supportive. We have a strong med-peds presence in GME and in our broader medical community, and our categorical programs are terrific. I love that we get to train in a variety of different types of hospitals and clinics; I think it really helps for planning the sort of career one wants to pursue. Above all, the program feels like it has a soul.

What are your plans after residency?

I really like the idea of being a med-peds hospitalist, but I'm open to all sorts of things. I definitely want to be involved in med ed.

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

I like to eat, read, do lots of things outside, and hang out with my wonderful wife Tess and my delightful pup Ruby.

Favorite game to play on a game night?

Settlers of Catan

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

Maybe a linguist or a gentleman adventurer.

Hometown: Lakeville, MN

Undergraduate: Wake Forest University

Medical School: Wake Forest University

Why did you choose this program?

When I started interviewing for Med-Peds, I initially was resistant to moving home. But after seeing the program here, it was hard to resist. The program really checked all my boxes: strong global health, a focus on social justice and emphasis on advocacy, opportunities for me to explore immigrant/refugee health, and residents that loved their hobbies as much as their jobs (aka, they had time for said hobbies). Lastly,  there is such a robust Med-Peds cultures in the twin cities (coming from a place without Med-Peds, I was excited about this). 

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Hiking, Running (especially with my co resident Ali), Rock climbing (surprisingly a lot of outdoor climbing in MN),  Painting, Gardening, Cross Country Skiing. Love the MN breweries and restaurants, and running/walking/playing Frisbee/soccer/etc around the MN lakes! 

Favorite game to play on a game night?

Taboo

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

Farmer

Hometown: Eau Claire, WI

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin- La Crosse

Medical School: University of Washington

Why did you choose this program?

The program leadership and residents had genuine interest social justice and were doing inspiring community-based work that I would love to be involved in. The global health training was robust and aligned with my approach and ideals around global medicine. I wanted to work with various health systems especially county hospitals and top-tier academic hospitals. I also had a lot of respect for the program director, his vision for the program and his use of evidence-based strategies to combat racism in the interview process.

What are your plans after residency?

No plans, just lots of interests...

What are your hobbies? Favorite Minnesota activities? 

Playing and going outside with my cats, spending time with my partner, climbing of all kinds, skiing.  In MN I love to spend time on the lakes, mountain biking, canoeing, spending time with friends and family.

Favorite game to play on a game night?

Codenames

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

Anthropologist or artist

What is your hometown? Golden Valley, MN

College: Middlebury College

Medical School: University of Minnesota

When I grow up, I want to... Cardiology or Critical Care

My Hobbies are... Running, woodworking, nordic skiing, and anything on a lake

Why I chose this program: There are a ton of great med-peds programs out there, and when I was interviewing the first nonnegotiable criterion was a leading program where the training would not be compromised. While this narrowed it a little, what made Minnesota stand out to me was the vision and intentionality of the leadership in everything they did - big and small. As I'm interested in systems and possible leadership roles, training in such a culture offered unique benefit. Also there is critical balance between clinical skills and research here, without either being sacrificed for the other.  And finally, the people! (What's awesome about med-peds is most people will say this about their own program, and we all mean it. Find your crew on trail and go for it!)

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... A science teacher (Bill Nye generation forever!)

Favorite Residency Memory: Poolside (in a socially distanced manner) with my co-interns, sharing stories and reflecting on surviving a crazy year

What is your hometown? Indianapolis, IN

College: University of Notre Dame

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

When I grow up, I want to... be a combined med-peds hospitalist with a side of global health, academic medicine, and primary care. 

My Hobbies are... Camping, running, vegetarian cooking, bicycle repair

Why I chose this program: Minnesota immediately struck me as an exceptional program committed to social justice, community engagement, and resident education. Mike and Taj stood out as incredibly passionate program leaders, who are part of a close-knit med-peds network in the Twin Cities where our field is well-established and supported. The global health opportunities here are some of the best in nation. To top it off, Minneapolis is an awesome city, with endless parks, bike trails, lakes, and fun events year-round. 

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... Teacher + summer camp director

Favorite Residency Memory: Getting married! Also camping and hiking in beautiful northern Minnesota.

What is your hometown? Stillwater, MN

College: Macalester College

Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

When I grow up, I want to... be the best advocate for patients that I can be as a PCP.

My Hobbies are...  Attempting to build and fix things for my wife, trying to keep plants alive, cleaning up after my dogs. I now have chickens!

Why I chose this program: 

Three main reasons: 

1. The social justice orientation of the program
2. The residents that I met here on interview day
3. Focus on structuring the program to promote wellness--aka not just giving us lectures on resiliency. For example: 24 days of PTO that I can use as I want on outpatient months, plus an additional 4 professional development/advocacy days. I can't emphasize how huge it is to be treated like a professional and not be forced to schedule my vacation in 1-2 week blocks or to have all my vacation scheduled for me. "

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... Chip Gaines with fewer kids

What is your hometown? Deephaven, MN

College: Carleton College

Medical School: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

When I grow up, I want to... Practice primary care

My Hobbies are...  Explore the beautiful parks, lakes, rivers and trails throughout the Twin Cities and statewide on foot, bicycle, cross-country skis, kayak, and canoe with my partner, Rebecca, and our dog.

Why I chose this program:  I was attracted to the program for a number of reasons; namely, the large Med-Peds community in the Twin Cities, the program's focus on activism and social justice, the thoughtful program leadership, the wide variety of training sites, and the friendly, inclusive resident community. In addition, I couples matched with someone in Family Medicine, so having a stellar Med-Peds program in a city with phenomenal FM programs was a significant plus. Finally, Minnesota is home - I couldn't be happier to be back!

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... A teacher

What is your hometown? Overland Park, KS

College: Vanderbilt University 

Medical School: University of Texas at San Antonio 

When I grow up, I want to... Not quite sure yet, but likely transitional/complex care, global health, or palliative care 

My Hobbies are... Traveling, writing, reading in the park in my hammock, hiking, running outside, and being the official photographer for my roommate’s cat

Why I chose this program: The amazing global health opportunities, the prominent Med-Peds presence here, the diversity of training settings, the commitment to social justice and resident well-being, and most of all, the people I met on interview day all drew me to this program.

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... a writer, a travel or food journalist, or an ultrasound tech

What is your hometown? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

College: University of Minnesota

Medical School: University of Minnesota

When I grow up, I want to... be a Med/Peds Hospitalist.

My Hobbies are... I love cooking/baking for family and friends, hosting dinner parties where we play board games and have deep conversations, badminton, work with my husband on home improvement and decor, eating.

Why I chose this program: The global health program is one of the best in the country- there is so much support from staff and the program to accomplish your goals. I also appreciate the strong med/peds presence in the hospital sites we rotate through, which was very unique when I was on my interview trail. Last but not least, Minnesota is home for me, where my family and friends reside. Triple Gopher status achieved. 

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... A science teacher

Favorite Residency Memory: Adopting 2 puppies during 2nd month of 2nd year, enjoying the snuggles while the husband takes care of them while I’m working.

What is your hometown? Troy, MI

College: University of Michigan

Medical School: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

When I grow up, I want to... become a dual hospitalist with some element of global health. 

My Hobbies are...  Hiking and being out in nature, playing soccer, eating all of the food, Netflix, video games (especially Smash Bros!!)

Why I chose this program:  When I left my interview day, I felt that if I wanted to learn how to change the world there would not be a better place than here! It is home to a wonderful global health program, excellent clinical training at multiple hospitals, and a strong Med-Peds culture in the community. Also, the residents were so happy and it seemed like such a supportive family (I was right!). 

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... Video Game Developer vs. fantasy novel writer vs. professional super smash bros player

What is your hometown? Fairhope, AL

College: Southern Methodist University 

Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

When I grow up, I want to... be a primary care physician! I would love to have adolescent medicine and women's health be a part of my practice too. 

My Hobbies are... Walking our dog Ralph, watching the Food Network, exploring the different neighborhoods in Minneapolis, and searching for the perfect bowl of queso

Why I chose this program: I chose this program because the residents all seemed to be part of such a strong, tight-knit community!

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... a high school teacher

Favorite Residency Memory: Every time my class gets together, we make Peter stand and give a toast. They are always lovely and make us laugh.

What is your hometown? St. Paul, MN

College: College of St. Benedict

Medical School: University of Minnesota 

When I grow up, I want to... experience all of our national parks, travel the world, and probably be a dual hospitalist +/- palliative care 

My Hobbies are... tromping through state parks with my dog, otherwise, I spend the majority of my free time in my kitchen

Why I chose this program: It was obvious to me that this program takes care of its people. From the PTO model for vacation (seriously, the best) to making sure you're covered without issue should an kind of emergency arise, to a dedicated medpeds chief that watches out for us and advocates for us, the program administration and faculty are here to train us to be excellent medpeds physicians and also to help us take care of ourselves along the way. 

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... an amateur food blogger

What is your hometown? Juneau, Alaska

College: University of Puget Sound

Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University

When I grow up, I want to... combine teaching, thinking, and procedures, possibly through cardiology or peds EM. I am also excited about social justice, global health, and transitions of care. 

My Hobbies are...  Sleeping, running, skate skiing (youtube it!), backpacking, crossfit, and cuddling other people's dogs. 

Why I chose this program:  I was impressed by the diversity of training sites (VA to county newborn nursery to university hospital system just to name a few) as well as the patient population. More big picture, I was inspired by the program's emphasis on thriving not just surviving residency. Coming from the pacific northwest where there is less of a med-peds presence and being new to the midwest, I felt very welcomed. 

If I wasn't a doctor, I would be... Yoga teacher in Hawaii