Our Current Residents

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. 

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  

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. 

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: 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. 

Hometown: Baltimore

Medical School: Columbia University

Awards & Research:

Stephanie Liem Azar Memorial Award 2022

• 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.

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.

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.

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! 

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: 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. 

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!

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 U of MN? 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.

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.

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.

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.

Hometown: Irvine, CA

Medical School: Washington University School of Medicine

Awards & Research: At WashU, I was a Clinical & Translational Research (TL1) Trainee and earned a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation. A list of my publications can be found at Jenny's Publications I'm excited to continue exploring my research interests and further develop my skills during residency. 

Medical Interests: Everything ENT has been interesting so far! I'm looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience and further exploring all of the different subspecialties during residency. 

Hobbies: Exploring new restaurants, cooking, thrifting, and traveling.

What made you want to become a doctor? While I've always been drawn to the science of medicine, it was the meaningful patient interactions and the collaborative process of developing effective, practical treatment plans that solidified my commitment to the field.

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? I love the breadth and depth. ENTs specialize in the head and neck region, but they are also able to perform a wide variety of procedures, from in-office injections to free flaps in the OR.

Why did you choose the U of MN? The program’s emphasis on teaching, supportive culture, and diverse clinical experiences across multiple training sites left a strong impression on me during my away rotation. I also really enjoyed my time in Minneapolis and am excited to be able to explore the city that I now call home.

Hometown: St. Paul, MN

Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine

Awards & Research: Throughout medical school, I helped with the Great MN Earwax research.

Medical Interests: I am open to everything in ENT so far, excited to learn more.

Hobbies: I love being outside as much as the weather permits, hiking, skating, skiing, running, and biking. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

What made you want to become a doctor? I was often a patient throughout my childhood, and somewhere along the way, I decided I wanted to help patients too! It is such a privilege to care for vulnerable patients.

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? So many reasons! I love how much variety ENT offers. There are big cases and small cases, but each case has a large impact on a patient's life. I feel like each day on ENT, you have a great opportunity to significantly improve lives, which is incredibly humbling and fulfilling.

Why did you choose the U of MN? UMN offers so much, from heavy surgical volume, supportive staff, multiple sites, and great co-residents. The faculty and co-residents have also been so supportive throughout this journey. Minnesota is also a great place to live!

Hometown: Stamford, CT

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University

Awards & Research: My research has primarily focused on the relationship between nutritional status and olfactory dysfunction in the setting of COVID-19, surgical outcomes, and quality of life studies. 

Medical Interests: I love everything in ENT and ENT-related!

Hobbies: Running around new lakes and neighborhoods, biking, baking, frequenting the incredible farmers' markets, and trying new restaurants.

What made you want to become a doctor? The opportunity to provide comfort, stability, and guidance to individuals navigating the uncertainty and vulnerability of being a patient.

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? As an otolaryngologist, we have the privilege of making a meaningful impact on people's lives—even through interventions that may appear simple on the surface. I’m drawn to the specialty for the intricate anatomy, wide variety of procedures, and incredible people. 

Why did you choose the U of MN? After my interview day, I knew that the residents and faculty truly care about you as a whole person. We have the opportunity to work with supportive faculty members at each of our different sites and gain exposure to a variety of conditions and techniques. Minneapolis has the outdoors easily accessible while still being in a large city with something happening every weekend!

Hometown: Albany, MN

Medical School: Western Michigan Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine

Awards & Research: 

• Alpha Omega Alpha
• James R Ryan Family Foundation Scholarship 

Medical Interests: All components of otolaryngology!

Hobbies: Skiing, climbing, boating, hiking, camping, surfing, golf, volleyball, basically any outdoor activity. 

What made you want to become a doctor? The opportunity to build the skills and knowledge to become a person people can turn to during their most difficult times has always been appealing to me.

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? The wide range of patients, diagnoses, and surgical techniques encountered in otolaryngology, combined with the unique nature of treating the head and neck, makes the field particularly interesting to me.

Why did you choose the U of MN? This program is extremely well-rounded, with high volume and varied experiences, which allows great opportunities for any career path. Additionally, the proximity to many family members, friends, and familiar hobbies makes it an ideal location. 

Hometown: Woodbury, MN

Medical School: Harvard Medical School

Awards & Research: 

• Janee and Paul Friedmann, M.D. ’59 Surgery Prize (2025)
• Hollis L. Albright, MD ‘31 Award (2025)
• P.E.O. Scholar Award (2023-2024)
• Fulbright Scholar (2019-2020)

My research in otolaryngology has focused on head and neck cancer outcomes and imaging-informed decision-making. I have also been involved in health services and economic research with an emphasis on equity, examining how financial, structural, and policy factors shape healthcare delivery and decision-making, using tools such as net present value (NPV) analysis. Additional interests of mine include medical education and global health, with a focus on culturally responsive care and equitable health systems.

Medical Interests: All aspects of ENT! I am especially interested in areas related to improving patients’ quality of life, such as facial plastics and laryngology. I am also interested in academic medicine and medical humanities.

Hobbies: Making music (flute, piano, piccolo, singing), reading, running, baking, biking, hiking, traveling, exploring farmers’ markets, trying new restaurants and bakeries, performing and attending theatre and music performances, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

What made you want to become a doctor? My interest in medicine began through research, but the human stories behind the research drew me to patient care. I especially appreciate the opportunity to make meaningful connections with patients while working collaboratively with colleagues. Ultimately,  I found that medicine offers a unique and compelling balance of intellectual challenge and human connection.

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? I initially became interested in ENT because of its connections to music. I play flute, piano, and sing, and I’ve performed individually and in ensembles my entire life. While ENT extends far beyond music-related issues like the voice and hearing, my music background gives me a unique appreciation for some of the quality-of-life issues that ENTs address. I also appreciate the variety that makes up ENT – from clinic to OR, and from improving patients’ quality of life and supporting their ability to communicate and interact with the world, to caring for cancer patients and guiding them through treatments that affect some of the most fundamental aspects of identity and humanity.

Why did you choose the U of MN? I chose the U of MN because it is an excellent program with high surgical volume, and a place where I knew I would get early surgical experience and well-rounded, top-notch training. I also really enjoyed my interactions with residents and faculty here, and felt confident I would find a supportive home here where people work hard, push one another to be their best, and also have a lot of fun together - and that has proven true. It also happens to be in Minnesota, close to family and friends, and an excellent place to live!

Hometown: Orono, MN

Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine

Awards & Research:

• 2023 - Surgeon General Award for Excellence
• 2021 - Naval Medical Center San Diego Intern of the Year
• 2018 - Aesculapian Award

Medical Interests: Keeping an open mind for subspecialty selection, but I am passionate about delivery of care in low-resource settings and the role of physicians in the legislative process.

Hobbies: Finding new restaurants/cooking, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, pickleball, board games, golfing, and anything on the water (diving, open water swimming, skiing or spending a day on the lake!)

What made you want to become a doctor? Medicine initially drew me in through its foundation in science, teamwork, and problem-solving. What motivates me today is the privilege of walking alongside patients through their illness/injury and the opportunity to make an impact that extends beyond the clinical realm, as well as engagement in both the local and global community. 

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? I was drawn to ENT for the fulfilling combination of clinic and the OR. The intricate anatomy, variety of pathology, and the meaningful impact you can have on patients' lives make every day rewarding. Few specialties offer the same breadth of diverse patients, conditions, and procedures. 

Why did you choose the U of MN? The U offered everything I was looking for, including diversity in training sites in academic, community, and county hospitals, outstanding subspecialty depth, high surgical volume, and a long track record of producing excellent surgeons and physician scientists. What made it a no-brainer was the culture. It was immediately apparent that the faculty deeply invested in resident development and that collaboration is a core value of the department. The Minneapolis food scene was the icing on the cake!

Hometown: St. Charles, IL

Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Awards & Research:

• Alpha Omega Alpha

My prior research involved further evaluating the ancestry of individuals with idiopathic subglottic stenosis.

Medical Interests: All aspects of ENT! Interested in further exploring medical technology/product development as well. 

Hobbies: Basketball, photography, pickleball with my fiancée, cooking, and spending time with co-residents.

What made you want to become a doctor? I always loved anything science-related growing up. While working in clinical experiences during college, I really enjoyed connecting with patients and being able to make a positive difference for them. Medicine provides the opportunity to help people going through some of the more difficult times of their lives, and it is a special privilege to be able to support and care for patients during those times.

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? Despite knowing little about the field of ENT prior to medical school, I quickly gravitated towards the complexity and variety that ENT offered. Each subspecialty is unique in how it approaches diagnosis and treatment, but all have a strong emphasis on improving patient quality of life - in many ways directly affecting how they interact with the world.

Why did you choose the U of MN? Minnesota provides incredibly well-rounded training through exposure to distinguished faculty across every subspecialty, along with diverse clinical experiences at several hospitals throughout the Twin Cities. During my interview, what stood out most was the genuine sense of support and community shared by both the attendings and residents. It exemplified everything I hoped to find in a residency program and more.

Hometown: Cali, Colombia

Medical School: Universidad del Valle Escuela de Medicina, Cali, Colombia

Awards & Research: So far, my research in ENT has focused on head and neck cancer outcomes, loss of independence after head and neck cancer surgery, and improving hearing screening at schools!

Medical Interests: Everything ENT!

Hobbies: Running, paddleboarding, salsa and merengue dancing, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, horseback riding, baking brownies for friends, traveling. I also love petting every dog I meet and spending time with my husband, Enrique, our family, and friends.

What made you want to become a doctor? The opportunity to help people in a direct and unconditional way during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Interacting with people every day, building meaningful human connections, making difficult times a little easier for patients, being creative to solve problems, and working alongside a team dedicated to caring for others is so rewarding!  

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? What I love most about ENT is that you're helping people with the everyday things that make us feel connected to the world! You have the opportunity to make a difference in a patient's quality of life by restoring things that people truly care about. I also fell in love with how diverse ENT is. I enjoy the balance between clinic and the OR, the opportunity to care for both children and adults, and the variety that comes with treating everything from hearing loss to head and neck cancer. Also, the ENT residents and faculty were some of the happiest, most approachable physicians I met! 

Why did you choose the U of MN? The more I learned from the program, the more I realized it was where I wanted to train. This is a program where people work hard, support one another, and really enjoy what they do. I was excited by the opportunity to train across diverse clinical sites and learn from leaders in every area of ENT, but it was the culture that ultimately won me over. I wanted to be part of a program that values collaboration, mentorship, and kindness just as much as clinical excellence, and that's exactly what I found here!.The program offers everything you need to grow into the professional you want to be, and I  found mentors who cared not only about my growth as a physician but also about me as a person! I also love Minnesota and everything it has to offer in every season!

Hometown: Maple Grove, MN

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Awards & Research:

• 2026 - Melvin E. Sigel Medical Student Award
• President's Student Leadership and Service Award
• Alpha Omega Alpha

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=aanish+puri

Medical Interests: Otolaryngology & Quality Improvement

Hobbies: Dancing bhangra, attending Twins games, hiking, camping, playing board games, spending time with family and friends, shopping on Facebook Marketplace

What made you want to become a doctor? I became interested in medicine through Scouting, specifically the value of service and learning the basics of First Aid. During further exploration, I loved the applications of science and the special trusting relationship that a patient and their physician develop together. 

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? While shadowing early in medical school, I was amazed at the breadth of the field and the incredible applications of anatomy. Studying in-depth topics with faculty and rotating with the ENT department confirmed that this was a very special field. I found that otolaryngologists helped patients express themselves through incredible procedures, and I wanted to help patients to do the same. 

Why did you choose the U of MN? From my very first time shadowing, everyone in this department was so welcoming and truly enjoyed being here. I also saw how incredible the residents were in both clinical knowledge and operative skill. I knew that the rigorous training would make me become a strong otolaryngologist. 

Hometown: Boise, ID

Medical School: The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont

Awards & Research:

My research to date has focused on improving access to specialty care in rural and underserved communities and advancing the treatment of aggressive thyroid cancers. A list of my publications can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=JL+Rustad&sort=date#

Medical Interests: One of the things I love most about ENT is its variety. I enjoy caring for patients with diverse conditions and am excited to continue exploring every aspect of the field.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, you'll usually find me mountain biking, restoring cars, refilling my bird feeder, browsing yard sales, or taking a long walk around my neighborhood.

What made you want to become a doctor? I enjoy connecting with people, hearing their stories, and serving my community in tangible ways. The opportunity to earn patients' trust and help them through difficult moments is what drew me to medicine.

What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? Otolaryngology is unique in that it combines both medical and complex surgical care to treat conditions affecting the senses and functions that are central to how people experience the world. I was inspired by mentors who used their technical and interpersonal skills to make a meaningful difference in their patients' lives.

Why did you choose the U of MN? I had the privilege of visiting the University of Minnesota for an away rotation and was immediately impressed by the breadth and depth of the clinical and surgical training. Just as importantly, I found a program with exceptional faculty mentors and an incredibly welcoming, supportive group of residents.