North Memorial Residents

First 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.

Second 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.

Not pictured:

Osasuyi Tongo, MD

Third Year: Class of 2025

Layne Anderson, MD

Medical school: University of Colorado School of Medicine

Medical interests: Hospice and palliative care, sustainable and equitable primary and preventative care, global medicine, social justice, addiction medicine, and immigrant health.

Personal interests: Spending time with family and friends, running, listening to live music, skiing (XC and downhill), hiking, biking, and drawing/typography.

Why North Memorial: I had the opportunity to do an away rotation with the Broadway/North Memorial group during my fourth year at University of Colorado. I was met with an immediate and overwhelming understanding that this team, while carrying unique passions, is unified in working for the greater good. There was something intangible and inspiring in everyone I met, and I knew quickly that this is the kind of community in which I want to train and grow.

Career goals: My goal is to engage in long-lasting relationships with people I see as patients. I have had a strong passion for palliative, hospice, and primary care for many years and would like to act as a bridge for people to engage with either/both philosophies of care when appropriate. I would also like to participate in advocacy and community engagement work in the communities I serve.

Katie Casty, MD, MS (she/her)

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: Primary care, preventative medicine, sports medicine, mental health, reproductive justice, prenatal care, health equity, integrative medicine

Personal interests: Running, biking, cross-country skiing, reading, cooking

Why North Memorial: Strong full-spectrum training, commitment to serving the community, many opportunities to pursue specific interests through electives, and an incredibly supportive and cohesive team of faculty and residents.
Career goals: Practice full-spectrum family medicine in an underserved setting.

Nardos Dawit, MD

Medical school: University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Medical interests: Women's health, lifestyle medicine, nutrition, addiction medicine, and health equity.

Personal interests: Spending time with my family, tennis, hiking, healthy cooking, and teaching.

Why North Memorial: North Memorial puts the community at the center of how they practice and teach medicine. The potential of our patients and community is the greatest asset we have for improving health, and I wanted to train at a place that embodied that. Everyone I met was so welcoming and passionate!

Career goals: Full-spectrum family medicine in an underserved community.

Rebekah Fiers, MD

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth

Medical interests: Preventative health care, health equity, underserved medicine (rural and urban), full-spectrum family medicine, clinic procedures, community engagement and advocacy, reproductive justice, LGBTQIA+ healthcare, and addiction medicine.

Personal interests: Spending time with my partner, cat, and family/friends. Visiting bookstores to find a good book to read with a good cup of coffee. Gardening (indoor and outdoor), exploring the outdoors (hiking, skiing, hammocks), and traveling (most recently to five national parks). Painting, drawing, and photography.

Why North Memorial: During medical school, I was part of different advocacy initiatives as well as involved with the MAFP and AAFP. I am inspired by all the work North Memorial residents have done to advocate for their patients, both in the clinic and on the legislative level, and I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to be at a program that is passionate about caring for underserved populations and being connected to the community outside the clinic. Lastly, to be near friends and family, especially my one-year-old niece.

Career goals: To provide full-spectrum family medicine to an underserved community. Provide access to gender-affirming care and medication-assisted therapy. Continue to advocate for health equity.

Ellis Atemlefeh Fualefeh-Morfaw, MD

Medical school: University of Buea Faculty of Health Sciences, Cameroon

Medical interests: Immigrant and refugee medicine, African and African American cultures and racial disparities in health care, community health, sports medicine, reproductive justice, maternal and child health, and integrative and holistic healing.

Personal interests: Making spicy barbeque "suya," spending time with friends and family, and playing sports (team handball and soccer).

Why North Memorial: I chose this program because of its warm, welcoming faculty and focus on full-spectrum family medicine, diversity, equity and social justice, maternal and child health, and sports medicine. As a first-generation American citizen and first-generation medical doctor, the experience of living in Minnesota through the Coronavirus pandemic and the uprising following the death of George Floyd deeply highlighted for me the importance of primary care and working with underserved communities. My dream is to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide the best evidence-based care to my patients, and this program is a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow into this dream.

Career goals: Serving underserved communities, either in emergency medicine or sports medicine.

Adjoa Kusi-Appiah, MD (she/hers)

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Medical interests: Bridging primary care and public health, Adolescent/teen medicine, the health of the Black community, community engagement, community-based participatory research, diversifying medicine, and local & national advocacy

Personal interests: Natural haircare, couponing, hammocking, walks by the lake, wine tasting, dance classes, and repping all things Michigan State and Detroit.

Why North Memorial: I chose North Memorial because of their relationship with the community, and the ready-for-change and ready-to-make-change attitude. North Memorial aligned with my mission to train and practice community-centered medicine through the lens of social justice. Serving in a community that looks like me made this choice all the more special.

Career goals: My long-term career goal is to establish a clinic in partnership with a community-based organization: a collaborative of healthcare providers, community members, community leaders, and public health practitioners working toward meeting the needs of the community. I hope to center patients, lead and heal outside the walls of the clinic, and uplift others through mentorship.

Aaron Rosenblum, MD (he/him, they/them)

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: Primary care and preventative health, health equity, LGBTQI+ health, mental health, addiction, family planning/reproductive health, environmental health, community health, holistic and integrative medicine.

Personal interests: Gardening, DIY projects, cycling, spending time outside, making and seeing art, and building community/grassroots power.

Why North Memorial: I'd heard murmurs throughout the medical school at the University of Minnesota that the program at North Memorial was full of good people, supportive energy, and had a solid community-based mission that set out on the difficult path of collaborative, patient-centered care, while training residents to seek solutions beyond the walls of the clinic/hospital. My sub-internship confirmed that this program would be one that would challenge me to grow into the best version of myself, both personally and professionally.

Career goals: A broad-spectrum primary care practice in an urban or rural setting, and continued engagement in community-based work aimed at shaping an equitable and sustainable future.

Graduates