North Memorial Residents

First Year: Class of 2028

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Yaseen Abdalla, MD

Medical school: Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

Medical interests: Community health, full spectrum family medicine.

Personal interests: I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, going to national parks, and nothing can beat a good cup of chai.

Why North Memorial: Definitely the staff and future colleagues! The program is welcoming and has a lot to offer. I chose the North Memorial Family Medicine program because it aligns closely with my passion for community-focused, patient-centered care. I was drawn by the program level of advocacy and program's mentorship. I'm thrilled to embark on this new journey with this wonderful program.

Career goals: To deliver full-spectrum family medicine grounded in health equity, serving historically marginalized and immigrant populations, and to promote inclusive medical education and mentorship.

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Janine Bennett, MD

Medical school: The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Medical interests: Full spectrum medicine, community health, health equity, and underserved medicine.

Personal interests: Cooking, baking, spending time with family and friends, relaxing with Max (my cat).

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial for the full spectrum training within a supportive learning environment that would train me well to be a competent and confident physician. I was also impressed by the program's dedication to the community, evidenced by extensive social engagement and advocacy work.

Career goals: Full spectrum family medicine in an underserved rural or urban community.

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John (Jack) Freesmeier, DO

Medical school: University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Preventative care, addiction medicine, mental health, sports medicine, lifestyle medicine, LGBTQ+ health, men's health.

Personal interests: Barry's / high intensity interval training, running, cooking, traveling, spending time with friends and family, boating.

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial because it aligned with many of the qualities I was looking for in a residency program. I knew I wanted to be at a program located in an urban environment that was affiliated with a large research university. During my interview, everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming. I could tell that there was a real sense of community between the faculty, staff and residents. I felt North Memorial had the support and resources I needed to advance my clinical training and prepare me for independent practice.

Career goals: After completing residency, I hope to work in a practice that advances care for marginalized individuals and young adults. I am particularly interested in incorporating elements of addiction medicine and infectious disease into my future practice.

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Tahir B. Geleto, MD

Medical school: Hayat Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Medical interests: Community and preventive medicine – particularly outreach, vaccinations, and early screening for chronic diseases.

Personal interests: My interests include spending quality time with my family, especially my wife and children, which brings me joy and balance outside of medicine.

Why North Memorial: I chose the University of Minnesota North Memorial Family Medicine program because of its strong commitment to community-based care and its mission to serve diverse and underserved populations—values that deeply align with mine. During my interactions with the faculty and residents, I was inspired by the program's supportive culture, dedication to teaching, and emphasis on developing holistic, humanistic physicians. As someone who trained internationally and now lives in Minnesota, I am excited to train in a program that not only reflects my passion for equitable healthcare but also allows me to serve the community I now call home.

Career goals: My career goal is to become a compassionate, community-centered family physician who provides comprehensive, preventive, and culturally sensitive care to the communities I serve. I am particularly committed to improving access to care for underserved populations, including immigrants and refugees. Long-term, I aim to engage in public health education, mentor future physicians, especially international medical graduates, and create accessible health education materials to empower patients and promote better health outcomes.

Savannah Maynard, MD

Medical school: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Medical interests: Addiction medicine, obstetrics, LGBTQ+ care, family planning and contraception, mental health, medical education.

Personal interests: Crocheting, reading, exploring coffee shops and new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, hanging out by the pool, board/card games, visiting the bookstore.

Why North Memorial: I chose UMN North Memorial because of their dedication to providing full-spectrum training while emphasizing health equity, patient-centered care, and community-based medicine. The residents and faculty I met while rotating at Broadway clinic during medical school were so supportive and welcoming. It was obvious how much everyone cared for one another and were dedicated to serving their patients and community while promoting a safe and healthy educational environment for residents and medical students. I was also impressed by their emphasis on providing all patients with judgement-free substance use care and ensuring all residents were comfortable prescribing Suboxone.

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Andrew Poffenberger, DO

Medical school: Des Moines University

Medical interests: Broad spectrum primary care, sports medicine, palliative care.

Personal interests: Getting outdoors! Former Olympic/Paralympic development coach for cross country skiing. I love to spend time exploring the amazing parks of Minnesota with my wife and son.

Why North Memorial: North Memorial is an unopposed family medicine residency that allows for access to patients from all walks of life. I am excited to work at a Level I trauma center for training. The Broadway clinic is also home to the Sports Medicine Fellowship with opportunities to work alongside those attending and fellows throughout residency.

Career goals: I am a hobbiest at heart and find myself interested in all corners of medicine. Residency will be a time to explore the abundant career paths available to family medicine physicians.

Andrew Sibley, MD

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: Sports medicine, preventative care, pain management, sexual health, sleep medicine, LGBTQ+ care.

Personal interests: In my free time I love to exercise, talk books with my book club, cook, walk my dogs, and explore the Twin Cities!

Why North Memorial: I knew North Memorial would provide me the training I need to become a well-rounded family physician capable of addressing a broad range of health issues. The program's high-volume inpatient service, emergency medicine rotation at North Memorial's Level 1 trauma center, and clinic emphasizing community health were all huge draws for me.

Sterling Thomas, DO

Medical school: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan

Medical interests: Sports medicine and lifestyle medicine.

Personal interests: I enjoy watching and playing sports, working out, music and traveling.

Why North Memorial: I was seeking the highest-quality training, and I knew the University of Minnesota North Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program could provide it.

Second year: Class of 2027

Joey Buytendorp, MD (he/him)

Medical school: University of Minnesota

Medical interests: Community health, preventative care, addiction medicine, mental health, health equity and advocacy.

Personal interests: Improv, soccer, basketball, spending time outdoors, traveling, and cooking new recipes.

Why North Memorial: I chose UMN North Memorial because of the dedication to providing full-spectrum training through the lens of patient-centered care and health equity. During medical school, I spent a year in the residency program, and there was a palpable sense of community among the residents, staff, and patients. I was a welcomed team member and felt supported throughout my time at Broadway/North Memorial. I am also very excited to continue to learn from the North Minneapolis community and how to positively impact the health of our patients beyond the clinic walls.

Victor Furman, MD (he/him)

Medical school: University of Minnesota

Medical interests: Underserved medicine, full-spectrum family medicine, preventative health, and medical education.

Personal interests: Music, spending time with family and friends, and exercise.

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial because of its strong focus on community-based medicine. The faculty and residents I met during my interview were all very passionate about serving their community, and that resonated with me deeply. I also wanted to train at a program that focused on providing high-quality full-spectrum training, and I am confident that I will get that at North Memorial.

Sydney Geiger, MD (she/her)

Medical school: University of Minnesota

Medical interests: Health equity, underserved and community medicine, sexual and reproductive health, gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ care, addiction medicine, immigrant and refugee health, medical Spanish, and minimizing language barriers to care.

Personal interests: Dancing, walking my dog, watching telenovelas (La Reina del Flow is my favorite), trying new group fitness classes on ClassPass, learning to crochet, and spending time with family and friends.

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial for the community. Getting to know the residents and faculty, it was clear they were passionate about caring for patients of diverse backgrounds, forming strong relationships with the surrounding community, and advocating for health equity. During my medical school rotation at Broadway, I observed residents support one another, and I saw their faces light up when they talked about the program. I knew that the comprehensive and collaborative learning environment at Broadway/North Memorial would help me grow as a physician, advocate, and human being.

Reem Ghanem, MD (she/her)

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School, Twin Cities

Medical interests: Reproductive health and justice, behavioral health, substance use disorder, and palliative medicine.

Personal interests: Environmental justice and ethical/sustainable living, social justice, and advocacy. I also love curating memes and hunting for niche music, and I adore animals of all kinds. I enjoy looking at nature (from indoors), writing mediocre poetry, and exploring new foods and restaurants.

Why North Memorial: In choosing a residency program, it was important to prioritize programs that shared my priorities within medicine. I particularly wanted to find a program that committed itself to social justice and community engagement within and beyond their neighborhood. I wanted a program that "walked the walk," as I've heard some people phrase it—a program that did more than list social justice as a core commitment, but demonstrated a genuine connection to these principles through its curriculum, electives, didactics, and community engagement. I wanted a program where I wouldn't feel like it was exclusively up to me and others of color to push for change and equity against staunch resistance. North Memorial stood out to me because it met all of those needs and more! I saw and heard from administrators and residents the program's commitment to the values of social and racial justice and equitable care, and I felt welcomed rather than isolated, and that was such a lovely experience.

Career goals: I want to practice full-spectrum family medicine with a special emphasis on engaging with advocacy, social justice, and decolonization within medicine, healthcare, and our broader communities. I'm considering a palliative care fellowship after residency, but I am so open to discovering new passions and goals within family medicine.

Cedith Giddings, MD (she/her)

Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine

Medical interests: Full spectrum and obstetrics.

Personal interests: Anything that involves spending time with family.

Why North Memorial: Minnesota is home, so being back home with family/support system and North Memorial/Broadway specifically because of its heavy involvement with the community they serve.

Career goals: Fellowships in surgical-OB/women's health.

Tim Nyangacha, MD

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: Underserved medicine, social determinants of health, community health, sports medicine, health equity, and health policy.

Personal interests: Cooking, trying new restaurants, Cribbage, coffee, playing and watching sports, and biking.

Why North Memorial: As a Robbinsdale native whose primary care physician was through North Memorial, this hospital has played an important role in my story as well as my family's. I chose this program because of its commitment to partnering with the vibrant North Minneapolis community and its goal of graduating competent, compassionate family physicians who will positively impact their communities.

Denise Paola Quintanilla, MD, MPH (she/her)

Medical school: University of Minnesota

Medical interests: OB/GYN, sports medicine, addiction medicine.

Personal interests: Plants, cats, soccer (going to Allianz Field for games), and reading.

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial because I had a wonderful time there during a clinical rotation, the wonderful team dynamic (positive, friendly, supportive), and the diversity of the staff, attendings, patients, and, most importantly, residents.

Career goals: I would like to work closely with a Spanish-speaking population and provide services to those who do not have access to health care. I hope to do this by addressing social determinants of health and working alongside organizations prioritizing health equity.

Pa Ta Xiong, MD (she/her)

Medical school: UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health

Medical interests: Underserved and community medicine, maternal and child health, reproductive justice, preventative health.

Personal interests: DIY projects, spending time with my family and dogs, going on long walks, practicing mindfulness, football (Go Pack Go!)

Why North Memorial: The faculty and residents stood out to me most during the interview process. You could sense their commitment to advocacy, community health, and health equity. There was also a great sense of community within the program itself. This, in addition to the curriculum, made me feel that North Memorial was the best place to support me in becoming the community-responsive physician I want to be.

Third year: Class of 2026

Allison Aase, DO, MPH

Medical school: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Sexual and reproductive health, underserved populations, LGBTQ care, community health, academic medicine.

Personal interests: Running, yoga, pop culture podcasts, downhill skiing, watching movies, and playing with my rescued pitbull named Diva

Why North Memorial: I was looking for a community program with academic affiliation and fell in love with North Memorial, Broadway Family Medicine Clinic during my med school rotation. The faculty and residents are so supportive, kind, and committed to this community and to health equity. I know I’ll receive high-quality training here that will prepare me to be the best family medicine doctor. Plus, Minneapolis is home for me and I feel lucky to train in the community where I want to stay and practice.

Carlos Aispur, DO (he/him)

Medical school: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Underserved medicine, full-spectrum family medicine, addiction medicine, reproductive health, LGBTQ+ health, behavioral medicine, and language-concordant medicine.

Personal interests: More than anything, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I like to watch cooking shows and classic movies, play video games, stay active, and, most recently, spend time with my new puppy.

Why North Memorial: North Memorial/Broadway Family Medicine was the perfect match for me throughout the interview process. North Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program is serious about its dedication to the community in North Minneapolis, combating health inequity, and training family medicine doctors that are capable, conscientious, and responsible to their community. I'm confident that in my three years here I will be able to obtain the training necessary for the career I want to have. Finally, seeing as how I have no prior connections to Minneapolis, faculty and my fellow residents have been incredible people to be around, and I feel welcomed and wanted here.

Fredrick Blaisdell, MD (he/him)

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth

Medical interests: Underserved medicine, American Indian/Alaska Native/First Nations health, sports medicine, addiction medicine, and community health.

Personal interests: Ice hockey, ice fishing, river fishing, being outside, enjoying a hot cup of coffee, playing the drums, listening to classic rock (my favorite bands are AC/DC, Metallica, and Pink Floyd), golf (trying to stay within the fairway!), and traditional Anishinabe and Haudenosaunee drumming and singing.

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program for its high-quality family medicine training that keeps the local community at the heart and center. I had a rotation at North Memorial as a medical student, and I immediately felt welcomed by the faculty, residents, and staff. I was inspired by the program’s mentorship and advocacy opportunities, and I am excited grow into a physician that can care for the community both in and out of the clinic.

Ian Durbin, MD (he/him)

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: Underserved medicine, sports medicine, and addiction medicine.

Personal interests: Soccer, running, hiking, climbing, traveling, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Why North Memorial: I completed a rotation at Broadway/North Memorial during medical school, and I quickly learned this was the program for me. The faculty and residents provided an engaging and supportive environment to learn with the extensive community involvement opportunities that I was looking for in a family medicine program. I am excited to grow as a family medicine physician here over the next three years!

Abdulaziz Gabow, MBBS

Medical school: Elrazi University

Medical interests: Full spectrum family medicine, community-focused medicine, sports medicine, refugee health, and medical education. I am dedicated to addressing health disparities through developing health literacy improvement program for local communities facing barriers to health.

Personal interests: I enjoy watching and playing soccer, table tennis, spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial due to the unwavering support and exceptional mentorship I received over the past few years. On my interview day, it became apparent to me that the faculty and residents are like a family fostering a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere. I was particularly impressed by how the program actively strives for high quality training in a supportive environment. I am also drawn to the program’s commitment to health equity by addressing social determinants of health and meeting patients where they are through community outreach and advocacy.

Ruth Kimo, MD (she/her)

Medical school: All Saints University School of Medicine, Roseau, Dominica

Medical interests: Mental health, addiction medicine, underserved medicine, lifestyle medicine, community health, sports medicine, primary care, and health equity.

Personal interests: Cooking, community outreach, food drives, crafting and sharing recipes, hosting meal events, practicing spiritual disciplines, the color green, watching football (soccer), music, and forming meaningful relationships.

Why North Memorial: The people! The warmth was palpable! I admire the family-like dynamic that exists at the program as a whole, as well as the top-notch hospitality they show their visitors. North Memorial boasts one of the most supportive and rigorous training programs, which I believe will help me become one of the best physicians: adept at various levels of medicine in diverse environments. The strong emphasis on community service, advocacy, and change at North Memorial is something I value.

Kennita Solberg, MD (she/her)

Medical school: St. George's University School of Medicine

Medical interests: Full-spectrum medicine, Health equity - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, underserved medicine, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, adolescent health and education, gender-affirming care, addiction medicine, and mental health.

Personal interests: Spending time with my family, outdoorsy stuff: hiking, camping, fishing. Trying new/different foods and restaurants, online shopping, cheering for my son at his sporting events, and reading/watching all things true crime.

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial because of the dedicated and friendly staff and residents. Everyone that I encountered made me feel immediately welcome. Their dedication to the community and commitment to advocating for the underserved and under-represented was exactly what I was looking for in a program. I want to be a part of the change that is taking place in this community and abroad. I was confident that North would best prepare me to utilize my skills in a variety of healthcare settings, at an exceptional level.

Osasuyi Tongo, MD

Osasuyi Tongo, MD (he/him)

Medical school: Chicago Medical School

Medical interests: Primary Care, Medical Education, Community Health.

Personal interests: Sports, chess, golf, comedy, European soccer.

Career goals: Working in primary care, building a patient panel, engaging with the community, serving as an advocate, and publishing research. I eventually would like to work in a medical school or residency program as an attending/preceptor.

Why North Memorial: The people. My program director, faculty, and co-residents are exceptional. I’ve received rigorous evidence-based training in a conducive learning environment with constant feedback. This, by far, produces the best-trained, high-quality, caring physicians that we need in medicine!

Graduates