Current Residents

Stephanie Reeder, PGY4

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program:

1) Diversity of clinical sites (HCMC, VA and Fairview UMMC Eastbank)
2) The dedication to protected weekly didactics
3) Involvement of PGY1 residents in the protected didactics and early neurology clinic exposure as PGY1
4) I enjoyed the residents and faculty I met at the interview
5) At the end of my residency interview, they handed us brain decorated donuts with red jelly inside representing brain hemorrhage. It showed me that the program had a personality and that it appreciated nerdy neurology humor

What do you enjoy most about the program: The diversity of patient exposure and my co-residents

What are your plans after residency: Epilepsy Fellowship

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Nature based activities - Parks and water.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: Bird Watching. We have 7 feeders in our yard for song birds and hummingbirds. I take dedicated eagle watching trips and follow the eagle cameras from the DNR/Eagle Center. Since moving to Minnesota, I've seen 50 or more bald eagles in person. I've been to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN, 3 times and I know all their rescue eagles by name. I've forced all my loved ones to accompany me on eagle siting trips.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Hard to say, probably still in medical research or science field. If I went in a completely different direction, maybe an accountant or money manager because I think money awareness and financial planning are important for everyone.

Emily Hudson, PGY3

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

Medical School: Western University of Health Science

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: I enjoy the twin cities. I like the experience in rotating through a university hospital, county hospital, and veterans hospital. This allows us to see a huge variety of patient populations and pathology.

What do you enjoy most about the program: The program is very receptive to resident feedback and makes changes when able.

What are your plans after residency: Neuroimmunology fellowship

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Eating cheese curds and kayaking

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: For one summer I worked on a fig farm on a small island in Greece.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: A travel photo journalist

---

Kaci McCleary, PGY3

Hometown: Newton, IA

Medical School: University of Iowa, CCOM

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: The culture and the people.

What do you enjoy most about the program: Friday school when I get to see all my colleagues, eat lunch, and learn.

What are your plans after residency: I would like to work with families on end of life dementia care.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Swing dancing (there's a good scene here!)

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I collect medical antiques.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: in some technical aspect of film making like set design.

---

Hope Ukatu, PGY3

Hometown: Roseville, MN

Medical School: University of Minnesota

What are your plans after residency: University of Minnesota

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: The MN State Fair, of course.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I love to sew in my spare time! I started as a little kid with a bag of scraps and no machine, so I would spend hours stitching doll clothes, bean bags, and whatever else I could make by hand. Now I'm on my second sewing machine and enjoy working on clothing and decorative items.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Interior Designer

Salman Ikramuddin, PGY2

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: After attending Minnesota for medical school I was open to exploring options outside of the midwest. However, previous experiences in medical school with the attendings, staff and research teams in this department made clear to me that our program was truly unique. My mentors here are caring and invested in my success and that is invaluable. In addition to this, the program offers a number of tangible items that set it apart from others; Weekly didactics ensure a deep understanding of basic neuroscience, neuropathology, and neuroradiology, while a PGY-1 neurology clinic experience inspires confidence in the second year. The presence of a committed neuro-critical care unit allows for unsurpassed training. The program is also the home of millions in research funding across stroke, NCC, and movement disorders among others.

What do you enjoy most about the program: The people! My co-residents have quickly becoming friends, the staff have been unwavering in their support during the challenges of residency.

What are your plans after residency: I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in Movement Disorders with a focus in deep brain stimulation. The neuroscience involved in stimulation is absolutely fascinating and I see much room for innovation and advancement in this space.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Minneapolis is truly an amazing city and is a big part of why I decided to stay for residency. Summers are fantastic for the lakes and rivers, our crisp winters are a chance to visit the many art galleries and theaters in the city. I personally love being out on a boat on Lake Minnetonka when the opportunity presents itself.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I love meteorology and read lots of weather blogs! (it's a thing around here since the weather can change at any moment)

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Most likely a pilot! Cant rule out being an investment banker or CEO of a multinational VC.

---

Nikita Khetarpal, PGY2

Hometown: Saginaw, MI

Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: Easy -- the people! I loved the camaraderie between the residents and the fact that faculty go out of their way to make this residency program a positive experience. An added perk is that Minneapolis is a beautiful city with plenty of neat places to explore and things to do!

What do you enjoy most about the program: Friday School

What are your plans after residency: Neurohospitalist in the Memphis, TN area

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Complaining about the snow/cold weather, but secretly enjoying it.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I love classic British comedies!

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Airline pilot or professional makeup artist

---

Nicholas Purcell, PGY2

Hometown: Rapid City, SD

Medical School: University of South Dakota

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: My training hospitals in South Dakota would occasionally send patients to UMN and I remember them speaking highly of the care they received here. Additionally, I plan to practice Neurology in a rural setting, and I spoke to multiple residents and faculty who spoke to the many ways this program could accomplish that goal. Finally, I was thoroughly impressed with the staff and residents I met during the interview process, which truly exceeded most other interviews I had.

What do you enjoy most about the program: The faculty and staff. They continually help me address my needs to become the best neurologist I can be, all while caring for my personal wellness.

What are your plans after residency: Practice Neurology in a rural setting and do a multitude of procedures (EMG, EEG, Botox, etc)

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Fishing, and I can bike a few blocks from my house to do it.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: As a kid I played in the Little League World Series

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Game, Fish and Parks supervisor

---

Apameh Salari, PGY2

Hometown: Kerman, Iran

Medical School: Shahid Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, Iran

What do you enjoy most about the program: My co-residents and Friday school!

What are your plans after residency: Fellowship, not sure about the subspecialty

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Kayaking and paddle boarding on the lakes

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I'm a good oil painter

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Animal rescuer or interior designer

---

Mai Kau Yang, PGY2

Hometown: Fresno, CA

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: Great experiences as a medical student, fantastic residents and supportive faculty, training in various hospitals serving different populations

What do you enjoy most about the program: My co-residents!

What are your plans after residency: Neurohospitalist, but also taking the time to explore subspecialties and considering fellowship.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Getting ice cream as Izzy's and walking along the Stone Arch Bridge

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I watch the entire Back to the Future series at least twice a year

If you weren't a physician, you would be: A judge on a television cooking competition, but if I'm being realistic, a teacher.

Meaghan Berns, PGY1

Hometown: Stillwater, MN

Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: It had a reputation for being a very supportive program with rigorous training. I was also particularly drawn to the way Neurology pulls its students into its program during the first year with multiple neuro rotations, neurology continuity clinic, and attendance at Friday school. I felt that most other programs left you to IM that first year, but why wait until PGY2 to start practicing your field of choice? Plus, I knew the Twin Cities to be a diamond in the rough, having a surprising amount of diversity, arts and culture, and excellent food scene while maintaining a more close-knit, Midwestern feel.

What do you enjoy most about the program: Everyone from the Program Director to faculty to my fellow residents have welcomed us interns with open arms and have worked hard to make us feel like we're already part of the Neuro team

What are your plans after residency: Not quite sure yet. I'm interested in neuroimmunology, movement disorders, and neuro-infectious disease

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Camping in the Boundary Waters

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I have a playlist containing exclusively Renaissance-era music

If you weren't a physician, you would be: A baker or archaeologist

---

Jeff Bowers, PGY1

Hometown: Rochester, MN

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: The wonderful people involved with the program and the nurturing learning environment they have fostered.

What do you enjoy most about the program: Friday school

What are your plans after residency: Vascular or Neurocritical Care Fellowship

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Boot hockey in the winter

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I love conspiracy theories

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Professional baseball player (kidding)

---

Madisen Janssen, PGY1

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Medical School: Rocky Vista University

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: The residents and faculty alike were all very easy to talk to, shared a mutual enthusiasm for the quality of the program, and the resident camaraderie I sensed was exceptional. I decided to come to the U of M Neurology program because of the people I met during the interview process, the teaching environment I sensed, and because I knew this program would push me and prepare me for any fellowship and ultimately for a successful life-long career in Neurology.

What do you enjoy most about the program: I really love the teaching focus, the people, the camaraderie, and the vast unique medical exposure.

What are your plans after residency: Likely a fellowship, but its too early for me to decide which sub-specialty yet.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Spending time outside and enjoying the many lakes and trails, thus my favorite MN activity is paddle boarding and biking

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I was a River Guide on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, in Idaho

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Science Teacher/Professor

---

Robert Lowe, PGY1

Hometown: Eagan, MN

Medical School: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: I did several neurology rotations at the U of M hospitals during medical school and was sold by the amazing culture of the program. Every attending, fellow, and resident I worked with was happy, hardworking, and eager to teach.

What do you enjoy most about the program: Starting continuity clinic in PGY-1 and the protected didactic time that we get during Friday School!

What are your plans after residency: Undecided at this point, but I'm leaning towards a Epilepsy or Movement Disorders fellowship.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Walking around the many parks in the Twin Cities area, especially in the fall.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I beta-test board games for a local board game company.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: A professor or high school science teacher.

---

Rebecca Roberts, PGY1

Hometown: Lino Lakes, MN

Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: I knew I wanted to come to the U of M for residency as soon as my interview day was complete. Everyone was extremely welcoming and excited to share the program highlights. It was made clear that the staff is very invested in your training and provide whatever support you need to reach your personal, academic, and career goals. In addition, the ability to train at several different sites allows for exposure to a wide patient population which I found to be a huge plus. Not to mention, Minneapolis is an awesome place to live!

What do you enjoy most about the program: n/a - too new :)

What are your plans after residency: Fellowship, undecided specialty.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Boating on the lake in the summer!

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Fitness Trainer

---

Joshua Vandeburgh, PGY1

Hometown: Florence, MT

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

What do you enjoy most about the program: My co-residents are the best!

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: I'm still discovering, but I heard something about lakes around here...?

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I'm only cool by association to my awesome dogs: Emma the Great Dane, and Pau the intrepid Black Lab mix.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court... or purveyor of fine foods and spirits.