Our Current Residents
Chelsea Gelboin-Burkhart, MD
Hometown: San Diego
Medical School: Stony Brook University
Awards & Research: Wound healing, Tobacco and antioxidants; Wound healing and cellular senescence (Funded by CORE Otolaryngology Research Award 2023-2024); Genomics of head and neck cancer, novel therapeutics
Medical Interests: Head and neck cancer treatment, microvascular reconstruction, psychosocial impact of cancer, management of psychiatric comorbidities, endocrine surgery, voice outcomes, endolaryngeal surgery, subglottic stenosis
Hobbies: salsa dancing, singing, violin and viola, watercolor painting, hiking, traveling, tasting menus, animals of all variety
What made you want to become a doctor? My grandfather, a scientist inspired me to pursue biology and I chose medicine to combine my passion for research with human interaction, thus achieving a greater understanding of both!
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? As a musician and singer growing up, I was initially drawn to ENT due to my interest in voice as well as the large number of pediatric patients we care for. I loved the wide variety of surgical techniques, medical disciplines and patient populations we see. I have since developed a passion for caring for patients with cancer, and love all that is head and neck surgery.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The number of basic science opportunities and the 6 month research block, the variety of clinical sites with varying experiences including VA/county hospital and two children's hospitals. Overall, I knew the UMN had the breadth and depth of training to prepare me for whatever career I eventually chose to pursue.
Autefeh Sajjadi, MD
Hometown: San Jose, California
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Awards & Research: Majority of my research and prior grants focus on bridging gaps in access and healthcare inequity.
Medical Interests: Ears, Noses, & Throats
Hobbies: Reading, Drinking Boba, and most adventure sports.
What made you want to become a doctor? I had previously worked in non-profits to help identify healthcare inequities and felt inspired to switch it up and become a physician to help in a different manner.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? Same reason most people do- I really loved the intricacy of head & neck anatomy and thought the surgeries were very cool.
Why did you choose the U of MN? We work with some of the best faculty around, are trained in the full breadth of ENT, and get a wide variety of practice types, hospital systems and patient populations.
Why did you choose the U of MN? We work with some of the best faculty around, are trained in the full breadth of ENT, and get a wide variety of practice types, hospital systems and patient populations.
McKenzie Tolan, MD
Hometown: Rosemount, Minnesota
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Awards & Research: My research is primarily focused on the ear and cochlear implantation. Of which I have received research awards and grants including; Lions Research Grant Awardee - 2021, 2022, 2023 and Paparella Award for Otology Research.
Medical Interests: Everything you could ever want to know about earwax!
Hobbies: I enjoy playing with my dog, solving jigsaw puzzles, and exploring new restaurants.
What made you want to become a doctor? The integration of science and art, with limitless options to shape your career.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? Fun anatomy with diverse surgical approaches and the opportunity to improve quality of life issues.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The fantastic faculty, diversity of clinical and surgical experiences, and the supportive environment.
Cynthia Koenigsberg, MD
Hometown: Farmington, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Awards & Research:
Awards
Manuscripts
Medical Interests: My current interests are primarily anterior skull base and sinus surgery but I'm still keeping an open mind!
Hobbies: Intramural Sports, Concerts, Running, Baking, Thrifting
What made you want to become a doctor? I enjoyed science and working with people, and was interested in a career that would involve life-long learning and teaching others. I also really enjoy working with my hands which is what ultimately led me to a career in surgery.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? In the anatomy lab, I was fascinated by the intricate and detailed anatomy involved in ENT. On my ENT rotations, I saw this translate into challenging and intricate life-changing surgeries. Finally, ENT surgeons are some of the happiest and friendliest surgeons in the hospital!
Why did you choose the U of MN? I chose Minnesota primarily because of the culture of mutual support, collegiality, and fun that I saw among the residents when I did my ENT rotations here. This program also offers terrific training and experience and I knew I would be well-trained once it is time to enter the workforce.
Alec Straughan, MD
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Medical School: George Washington University
Awards & Research: Interests include acute & chronic rhinosinusitis, oral cancer carcinogenesis
Medical Interests: Sinus & skull base surgery, facial reconstruction, functional septorhinoplasty
Hobbies: Running, hanging with my doodle Loki, latest Netflix docu-series
What made you want to become a doctor? Developing authentic and meaningful patient relationships, intellectual curiosity, strong sense of collegiality within departments and nationally
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? Intricate anatomy, technical skills, cool instrumentation in clinic and OR
Why did you choose the U of MN? Wonderful people, hands-on experience, depth in every specialty, research opportunities particularly in my clinical area of interest
Lydia Weykamp, MD
Hometown: Grand Haven, MI
Medical School: University of Virginia
Awards & Research: Eye tracking software applied to pediatric facial scars and surgical proficiency in the OR, First impressions of patients with unilateral facial paralysis
Hobbies: Fly fishing, triathlons, hiking, skiing, ice cream
What made you want to become a doctor? Getting to help people when they are at their most vulnerable state - it's a privilege that I've been reminded of countless times in residency.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? We do the coolest surgeries in the hospital without a doubt. Even our "bread & butter" cases have huge impacts on patients' lives - giving them the ability to hear or breathe again. There is so much diversity in our field that allows you to find something you feel really passionate about.
Why did you choose the U of MN? Minnesota has the best mix of surgical diversity, volume, and nice people. We get to operate at 7 hospitals in the Twin Cities which allows us to learn from so many different staff, and see a variety of patient populations. Our staff and co-residents are super down to earth and supportive. There's also plenty of things to do outside of work in all seasons of the year.
Stacey Bjorgaard
Hometown: Oconomowoc, WI
Medical School: Medical School of Wisconsin
Awards & Research: CORE Grant recipient for research on the role of LDH in head & neck cancer
Medical Interests: Head & Neck cancer research
Hobbies: Anything and everything to do with my mini lop bunnies; Biscuit and Gravy. I also enjoy playing violin, solving crossword puzzles, and exploring new restaurants.
What made you want to become a doctor? The opportunity to help others while applying my interest in the sciences.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? Interesting anatomy and operative cases with the ability to have a meaningful impact on patient's quality of life and their ability to communicate with others.
Why did you choose the U of MN? A genuine sense of family amongst the residents and staff, breadth and depth of surgical training
Bridget Ebert, MD
Hometown: Columbia Heights, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Awards & Research:
- Undergraduate: CRC Undergraduate Chemistry Research Award; Distinguished Service Award (CSB Chemistry Department); WCLA National Championship All-Tournament Team (women's lacrosse)
- Medical School: Eivind Hoff Medical Student Award (UMN Department of Otolaryngology); Melvin Sigel Medical Student Award (UMN Department of Otolaryngology); Gold Humanism Honor Society
My list of publications can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ebert%2C+Bridget%5BAuthor%5D&sort=
Medical Interests: Otolaryngology
Hobbies: Racquet sports, coaching/playing lacrosse, scuba diving, hiking, any winter activity (snowshoeing, skiing, hockey), petting dogs, spending time with friends and family
What made you want to become a doctor? I love science, problem-solving, and working with people. I enjoy working on a team and wanted to spend my life serving others, so a career in medicine was a perfect fit.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? While working as a volunteer at Children's Minnesota after my freshman year of college, I met a pediatric otolaryngologist named Dr. Jim Sidman who encouraged me to pursue medicine and was an incredible mentor. This was how I was introduced to ENT, and the spark never faded. Among many things, I enjoy the patient relationships, surgical depth/breadth, impact on quality of life, and collegiality of the field. Hands down the best specialty with the best people.
Why did you choose the U of MN? There are so many reasons I love this place. Outstanding faculty, culture, residents, training, and surgical experience. The faculty model who I want to become - excellent surgeons and even better people. I feel extremely supported by the program in both my career goals and personal life. If I had to repeat the application process, I would still choose UMN every time.
Liam Gallagher, MD
Hometown: Baltimore
Medical School: Columbia University
Awards & Research:
Stephanie Liem Azar Memorial Award 2022
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Gallagher L, Diop M, Olson E, Time-domain and frequency-domain effects of tensor tympani contraction on middle ear sound transmission in gerbil, Hearing Research, Volume 405, 2021
- London AO, Gallagher L, Sharma RK, Spielman D, Golub JS, Overdevest JB, Yan CH, DeConde A, Gudis DA. Impact of Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Disease-Specific and Conditional Survival. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2021 Dec 29;83(5):451-460.
- Gallagher L, Pandrangi V, MacArthur C, Large Cervicofacial Vascular Anomaly, a Difficult Case: Is This a NICH?. Journal of Vascular Anomalies 3(4):p e051, December 2022.
- Gary JB, Gallagher L, Joseph PV, Reed D, Gudis DA, Overdevest JB. Qualitative Olfactory Dysfunction and COVID-19: An Evidence-Based Review with Recommendations for the Clinician. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2023 Jan;37(1):95-101.
- Gallagher, L., Ray, A., & Gudis, D. (2023). Chapter: Congenital Encephaloceles. In E. C. Kuan, B. A. Tajudeen, H. R. Djalilian, & H. W. Lin (Eds.), Skull base reconstruction management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and skull base defects, Springer International Publishing
- Gallagher, L., Todatry, S., Oldenburg, K., Misono, S. and Gray, R. (2023), Endoscopic treatment of subglottic stenosis with flexible bronchoscopy via laryngeal mask airway. The Laryngoscope.
Medical Interests: Surgical sustainability
Hobbies: Skiing and biking of all varieties
What made you want to become a doctor? To have the opportunity to help people with things that matter to them with a set of physical skills.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? In OHNS, we help people with the way that they perceive and interact with the world.
Why did you choose the U of MN? Superb clinical and surgical training. Also, the vibes.
Friederike Luetzenberg, MD, MBA
Hometown: Berlin, Germany
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Awards & Research: Effects of TXA in facelift surgery; Factors predicting residual disease in cholesteatoma
Medical Interests: Facial plastics and otology
Hobbies: Baking, tennis, going on adventures with my husband, spending time with my baby girl, and our crazy Berner
What made you want to become a doctor? My science classes during undergrad were obviously the most interesting and challenging!
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? I had the most amazing mentor in ENT and loved all of the research topics.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The University of Minnesota has the largest facial plastics department in the country and I am finally back in a location where I can enjoy all 4 seasons.
Elizabeth Kim, MD
Hometown: Fairmont, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Awards & Research: Alpha Omega Alpha
Medical Interests: Art of medicine in reflective writing
Hobbies: Running, quality time with family and friends
What made you want to become a doctor? My dad is a surgeon. I am grateful for my parents' teamwork and example of serving a community well together. I likewise wanted to pursue a career that involved helping others and lifelong learning.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? Storytelling is a unique gift that distinguishes the human experience. Otolaryngologists are surgeons that have opportunities to play integral roles in patients’ abilities to share their narratives.
Why did you choose the U of MN? UMN's ENT program provides excellent training opportunities from talented, kind, thoughtful staff with an encouraging resident team. Also, MN is home. My closest support system is here.
Hans Baertsch, MD
Hometown: Duluth, MN
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine, USC
Awards & Research: Before residency, I studied laryngeal innervation with nerve conduction studies, worked on quantifying vocal cord changes in the aging larynx, and investigated methods for stimulating vestibular hair cell regeneration by converting Type II to type I hair cells.
Going forward, I am interested in facial nerve reinnervation and reanimation, laryngeal nerve reinnervation, the role of palliative care in head and neck surgery, and medical device applications within otolaryngology, among other things.
Medical Interests: It's all interesting! I am interested in reconstructive surgery so inclined toward Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery or head and neck surgery.
Hobbies: Skiing, Ski mountaineering, Climbing, Sailing, Fly fishing, Yoga... Adventuring in general!
What made you want to become a doctor? The opportunity to engage with people in the full range of the human experience, from birth to death, from the best moments to the worst, and to have the opportunity to improve that experience for people. The intersection of science, innovation, psychology, spirituality, and implementation of technical skills and creativity is amazing.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? The nature of working in the head and neck which is critical for how people experience the world as it involves breathing, communication, eating, senses, and aesthetics. Also the types of pathologies, surgeries, technologies and patients are so varied. There is a lot of room for innovation.
Why did you choose the U of MN? Well rounded training with high operative volume and amazing mentors which opens doors for any future career path you could want. I was struck by how the staff took interest in and emphasized supporting my goals even in the interview. I felt really aligned with the people here - hardworking and ambitious but also very kind and generate a real sense of family. Plus Minnesota is home and I was ready to come back after many years away.
Ryan Sabotin, MD
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Medical School: University of Iowa
Medical Interests: All aspects of ENT so far!
Hobbies: Playing cards with my family, watching soccer on the weekends, exploring small towns with my partner, and anything that involves a patio.
What made you want to become a doctor? Because it is one of the coolest jobs a person can have! Being able to think critically and creatively while trying to improve the lives of your patients can be incredibly rewarding.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? The complex anatomy and wide variety within the field got me interested in ENT. In my biased opinion, the coolest procedures performed in the hospital are with ENT.
Why did you choose the U of MN? I chose the U of MN program because of the amazing faculty and residents, with the ability to train at multiple different hospitals in Minneapolis/St. Paul. The surgical and clinical training at the U of MN is superb, and everyone is very approachable and eager to teach!
Jacqueline Tucker, MD
Hometown: Phoenixville, PA
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine
Awards & Research: I was awarded a CORE Otolaryngology 2022-23 research award. I am interested in quality of life outcomes in our patient population. Check out my current publications: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Tucker%2C+Jacqueline%5BAuthor%5D
Medical Interests: I love it all! I love academic medicine and will likely pursue a fellowship, just not sure in what area yet.
Hobbies: Running, skiing, reading, traveling, and trying new restaurants
What made you want to become a doctor? I love problem-solving and working in teams to make a difference. I also love science and understanding how things work. I want to continue to learn and grow and medicine is a perfect field for that.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? So many reasons! The anatomy is amazing and the diversity of what we are trained to do is outstanding. I love the collaborative nature, the procedures and operations we provide for our patients can greatly impact their quality of life.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The opportunities here are endless and this program sets you up for success with whatever future you choose, whether that be a fellowship, or general otolaryngology. I love the confidence and skills that the residents have by the time they graduate. I also love the environment and feel as though I am surrounded by people pushing me to be better in multiple aspects of my life.
Katherine Xie, MD
Hometown: Long Grove, Illinois
Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Awards & Research: Outcome studies for laser wedge excision in the management of subglottic stenosis
Medical Interests: Currently interested in both peds + adult reconstructive surgeries - e.g. airways and craniofacial
Hobbies: Running, hiking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, watching/reading psychological thrillers, exploring new restaurants, and going on adventures
What made you want to become a doctor? The role called out to me in early high school and I found that I enjoyed the environment of medicine the more I explored it. I particularly appreciated the day-to-day of meeting people of all different backgrounds, being able to build trust, and then trying to have some meaningful impact in their lives in this way that felt unconditional despite who it was walking through the door. I wanted a work/life with diversity that would keep every day interesting too, and the mix of different practice settings like inpatient, clinic, OR certainly does that!
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? The breadth of practice within a complex, intricate part of the body - there's a true mix of medicine & surgery, short-term vs. long-term patient care, management of acute vs. chronic conditions, and patients of all ages. Meaningful work that impacts the quality of life, the sense that makes life worth living, and sometimes even life itself in cases of life-sustaining care. There's also a lot of scuba correlates.
Why did you choose the U of MN? Welcoming and supportive culture, the opportunity to rotate across multiple hospitals with different learning opportunities and patient populations including Fairview (university hospital), Hennepin (county hospital), 3x Children's Hospitals, Regions (insurance-based health system), and VA Medical Center. I was particularly impressed with the peds experience here after spending time with the Children's of Minnesota team and seeing the unique craniofacial/facial plastic surgery-heavy practice. Having been originally from the Chicago area, I also wanted to do a residency in a city environment that would be affordable/easy-living and at the same time, support hobbies outside of medicine. Minneapolis was perfect for that!
Aziz Abdilahi, MD
Hometown: Borama, Somalia and Eagan, Minnesota
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Awards & Research: Alpha Omega Alpha, Gold Humanism Honor Society, The Melvin Segal Medical Student Award
Medical Interests: Global surgery, facial reconstruction, and pediatrics
Hobbies: I enjoy playing and watching various sports, backpacking, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.
What made you want to become a doctor? After undergrad, I spent a month in Somalia visiting family, during my stay I volunteered at a local teaching hospital. I was deeply inspired by the American doctors there who dedicated much of their careers to establishing residency programs and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Somalia. Upon returning, I was motivated to apply to medical school, aiming to contribute similarly to underserved communities.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? While shadowing, I observed some of the most fascinating surgeries I had ever seen. As I continued exploring the specialty, I was increasingly drawn to the specialty’s diverse combination of surgical and medical management, exciting anatomy and pathology, and welcoming culture.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota? As a UMN home student, I’ve witnessed firsthand the exceptional training the residents receive here. The faculty is highly supportive, encouraging residents to reach their individual goals. The program’s diversity of training sites and proximity to my family and friends also made it an ideal choice for me.
David Cvancara, MD
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Awards & Research: My interests include identifying otolaryngologic factors that reduce quality of life and implementing strategies or developing tools to improve patient outcomes. My prior work has involved laryngeal innervation in translational rat models, building objective tools for identifying laryngological and sinus-related pathology, and developing endoscopic surgical trainers among others.
2023 – American Laryngological Association award for my work involving the neurophysiology of the SLN, 2023 – WWAMI Institute for Simulation in Healthcare Grant, 2022 – 2nd place poster American Rhinologic Society, 2021 - 1st place for Addressing Access & Disparities at the Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge
Medical Interests: I am fascinated by all aspects of otolaryngology especially those that deal with improving human interaction and function (communication, breathing, reconstruction, eating, aesthetics, etc.)
Hobbies: Hanging out with people, especially in the following settings: Skiing (backcountry/mountaineering, water, and XC), hockey/skating, mountain/road biking, climbing, fishing/hunting, soccer, pickleball/tennis, & reading among others.
What made you want to become a doctor? During my undergraduate years, I reflected on my past experiences and the future I wanted to build for myself, my family, and my community. Ultimately, it was the community, collaboration, innovative opportunities, and team aspect of medicine in combination with the ability to provide patients hope and improve their quality of life that solidified my commitment to medicine.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? Otolaryngology arguably deals with more quality-of-life issues than any other medical specialty. The ability to use my brain and hands to improve these issues is infinitely rewarding and fun.
Why did you choose the U of MN? Amazing resident culture and people, resident ability to shape the program, personable/understanding attendings, top tier surgical training, robust research infrastructure & industry support, beautiful city/state with lots of opportunities for adventure.
George Sankar, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine
Awards & Research: My research has focused on technology in surgery, outcomes research and novel surgical techniques.
Medical Interests: So far I have loved everything in ENT!
Hobbies: I enjoy shopping at Costco, playing basketball and pickleball, walking, and traveling.
What made you want to become a doctor? I enjoy solving complex problems and making a tangible difference in people's lives.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? I was drawn to ENT because it combines intricate anatomy, diverse procedures, and the opportunity to improve patients’ lives.
Why did you choose the U of MN? Excellent surgical training, collaborative and supportive culture, and the opportunity to work with a diverse and complex patient population.
Claire Washabaugh, MD
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Medical School: Duke University
Awards & Research: My research has focused on pediatric complex care, pediatric airway management, interdisciplinary care, qualitative research methods, surgical & medical ethics, flourishing, and character in surgery.
Medical Interests: Pediatric otolaryngology, palliative care, medical humanities including narrative medicine, medical ethics
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, traveling, skiing, hiking, water polo, workout classes, interior design, chess, learning guitar & piano, and enjoying my new neighborhood downtown (echo Ryan's interest in patios!)
What made you want to become a doctor? The opportunity to bear witness to a patient’s lived experience and try to positively impact that experience in a range of moments, from the mundane to the memorable and the challenges to the celebrations.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? There are so many ways in which ENT directly interfaces with what it means to be human, from the most basic life-sustaining needs, to the ability to communicate and interact with the world around us, to the ability to adjust how one presents themselves to the world. The opportunity to provide an intervention that might empower a patient to more fully be able to experience their life, or support a patient through pathologies or injuries that affect these integral parts of one’s identity, appeared to me to be one of the most meaningful and fulfilling things I could do. And I love the collegiality with other disciplines which is integral to each of these endeavors.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The excellent training and mentorship (including in pediatrics), the variety of city & outdoor out-of-work activities, and most of all the culture — almost immediately I found that the residents and staff were as approachable and friendly as they were driven and talented, and I have felt supported not only professionally but for who I am as a person from the interview and on.