Current Residents

Salman Ikramuddin

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

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

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

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

Grace Tobin

Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University

Mai Kau Yang

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

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

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

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

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

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: I enjoy the diversity of patients and hospital systems we are exposed to in our training, as well as access to several different specialties within Neurology.

What are your plans after residency: Vascular Neurology

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Spending time outdoors in the summer

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

Joshua Vandeburgh

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.

Michael Figueroa

Hometown: Danville, CA

Medical School: LECOM - Erie Campus

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: The people! Everyone is so nice and inviting, really made a difference when I was choosing programs.

What do you enjoy most about the program: I like that there is exposure to more than one hospital system, which will in turn expose us to a diverse population of people.

What are your plans after residency: Probably a fellowship, but it's too early to tell.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Haven't spent enough time in Minnesota yet, but I imagine I'll spend a lot of time outdoors!

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I've kept all of my concert ticket stubs for the last 10 years in a box. One day, I plan to make a big collage with them.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: A therapist.

Ernest Hanes

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: I was impressed by the energy and comradery of the residents, the organization of my interview and the commitment by the department to advocate for its residents such as ensuring protected didactic and clinic time for interns.

What do you enjoy most about the program: Personally, I had the most fun just talking with the residents, faculty and staff about their favorite experiences living in Minneapolis including raising dogs and family. Professionally, the broad scope and variety of subspecialists, hospital sites and resources for both education and research left little to be desired. Geographically, I continue to be impressed by the Twin Cities and all the beautiful scenery, great eateries and excursions they offer.

What are your plans after residency: I am most interested in Critical Care and Education. However, I am open to exploring all the subspecialties UMN has to offer.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Eating! There are tons of great restaurants here of every cuisine. What I missed most after leaving San Francisco was the abundance of good eateries. Though I am not sure if Minneapolis surpasses my hometown, it makes a strong representation of its food scene.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I love writing/reading/watching Sci-Fi! This is one of the reasons I was drawn to Neurology. The procedures and concepts we are studying now used to be Science Fiction a generation ago. I am excited to see what breakthroughs will be achieved during my career.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Firefighter

Omair ul haq Lodhi

Hometown: Islamabad

Medical School: Shifa College of Medicine

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: I was a neurology resident in my hometown before joining UMN, so integration of neurology in PGY1 as well as Friday school stood out to me. The entire team is really invested in residents growth and follows up on resident feedback. I loved the friendly candor that made me feel very welcome, as if I was at a table with family. Everyone I spoke to seemed to genuinely care about everyone working here.

What are your plans after residency: It is too soon to say but if I had to choose right now then neuro-critical care/vascular neurology

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I used to teach street children in my hometown

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Event Manager

Monica Ngo

Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: Having been to medical school at the University of Minnesota, I was excited to continue working with the amazing faculty, mentors and residents at the program. Furthermore, I couldn't be happier to stay in Minneapolis - a commuter friendly city with food gems comparable (or even better) than other major cities.

What do you enjoy most about the program: The residents and the program's collaborative culture!

What are your plans after residency: Fellowship in an "undecided" neurology sub-specialty.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Jogging across the Stone Arch Bridge

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I really got into playing League of Legends / gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Co-owner of a restaurant/bakery (still a possibility in my future!). In a fictional universe, I'd be a professional surfer.

Abhiram Pillai

Hometown: Kerala, India

Medical School: Amrita institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: I am sure 2020 was a unique experience for everyone in terms of virtual interviews and the challenges associated with making positive first impressions through a computer screen. Indeed, being able to express oneself in a short time frame, and that too, through video call, proved to be quite an arduous task. But even with these modern-day obstacles, the faculty, staff, and residents at UMN portrayed their familial camaraderie and efficient yet pleasant work environment of the department in an exceptionally endearing manner. The wonderful vibe I felt from interacting with the faculty and residents at UMN was unparalleled to that of any other interview I attended during the match season, which was extremely reassuring to me as an international medical graduate. Furthermore, the long history of the department in contributing to the field of neurology, diversity of the patient population, Friday School classes, and the vast exposure of residents-in-training to different hospital setups all played a critical role in helping me choose UMN Neurology as the most suitable residency program for me.

What are your plans after residency: Fellowship for sure, undecided on which one yet. I'm really interested in vascular neurology and neuro critical but, Its always nice to have an open mind :)

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I watch too much anime!

If you weren't a physician, you would be: An Astronaut, I was always intrigued by the outer space and possible existence of aliens :P

John Ziegler

Hometown: Janesville, WI

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: The residents, staff, and faculty are wonderful! The mix of training sites offers an opportunity to serve a variety of patient populations. Last but not least, my wife and I have lots of friends and family in the area which is ideal as we raise our two daughters!

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Exploring the parks and bike trails with my wife and our two daughters.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: The only streaming service I subscribe to is PBS Passport.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: an elementary school teacher!

Amerta Bai

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Medical School: Jinnah Sindh Medical University

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: I really found U of M to be a wholesome platform in all the domain be it clinical, research, academia, or being an enriching environment to train as a budding neurologist. I absolutely loved the idea of Friday school and boot camp to help residents transition to the second year and feel like the part of the Neurology team from the day one. Lastly, the senior residents gave a great vibe of a supportive and fun comradery.

What are your plans after residency: I am definitely leaning towards fellowship. But I am looking forward to exploring all the possible interests to finalize the one to pursue.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: I am yet to experience in-person all the fun that Minnesota has to offer specially the out-door activities.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I love to write poetry mostly in Urdu language. I have recently made a youtube channel that’s yet to be flourished.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: A scientist or a therapist.

Karly Brodersen

Hometown: DeSmet, SD

Medical School: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: Great exposure to numerous subspecialties and interventional fellowship.

What do you enjoy most about the program:Eexposure to diverse patient population.

What are your plans after residency: Fellowship in vascular & interventiona.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Shopping.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I was a competitive gymnast for 12 year.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Fashion designer or stylist

Andrew Carlson

Hometown: Onalaska, Wisconsin

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: The department seems to demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality neurologic care to the people of Minnesota. I also deeply love Minneapolis, and am excited to have the opportunity to live in this culturally rich and interesting city.

What do you enjoy most about the program: This program demonstrates its commitment to education through the Friday School curriculum. I also love my the other residents in my cohort!

What are your plans after residency: I plan to pursue a fellowship, but I'm not sure of the subspecialty yet! I have interests in movement disorders and neuro-palliative care, but love all areas of neurology at this point.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Hiking along the north shore of Lake Superior

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I studied geology in Italy for a semester during college.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: The proprietor of a small independent coffee shop.

Abhigyan Datta

Hometown: Assam, India

Medical School: Maulana Azad Medical College, University of Delhi

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: From a strictly program perspective, there were quite a few things that stood out compared to other places I interviewed at- extensive exposure to neurology right from PGY1 (4 blocks of neurology+ weekly continuity clinic), protected didactic time during Friday school, wide variety of subspecialty exposure (including fields such as pain and interventional neurology- our program houses one of the few ACGME accredited ESN fellowships around), having the AAN headquarters right across, and an educator track to name a few. However, it was my experiences on interview day that made me realize that I would absolutely love to be a part of this family- everyone was incredibly friendly, and I had a blast with the resident during the meet and greet.

What do you enjoy most about the program: Friday School for sure! All the residents get to meet every friday (and it's protected- attendings hold the pagers), and we have a ton of incredibly fun team-based activities- Quizbowl (a Jeopardy style event), Neuro-games, simulations, etc.

What are your plans after residency: Fellowship, but not sure of the subspecialty.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Walking along the chain of lakes.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I have played 400 hours of Skyrim on 4 different systems (PC, PS3, PS4, Switch)- and still have not finished the main quest yet.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Artificial intelligence safety researcher- and working on the AI alignment/control problem. In fact, I still hope to work on this at some point in the distant future, either directly or perhaps through computational neuroscience.

Ben Ransom

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: I wanted to continue my training in the beautiful city I call home, with an institution I have come to admire and respect during my time first as a researcher (analytical chemist at the Masonic Cancer Center for ~6 yrs), then a graduate student (Masters in Biological Science), a medical student, and finally a resident physician.

What do you enjoy most about the program: The people!

What are your plans after residency: Will likely do a fellowship. Considering epileptology, sleep medicine, maybe vascular neurology -- so I'm pretty undifferentiated right now, but am excited to see where the next 4 years take me...

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Kayaking? Biking? Skiing? Hard to pick just one, but it will probably be outside.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I lived on a glacier for a month. Ask me about it...

If you weren't a physician, you would be: Pilot. For sure.

Stephen Ward

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah

Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program: During medical school, I rotated with a neurologist who completed her residency training at the University of Minnesota several years ago. She was a great mentor and my positive experience rotating with her inspired me to look into the program for myself. The beauty of the state, consistent positive interactions with native Minnesotans, focus on family life, quality education, and friendly staff and faculty all influenced me to rank the University of Minnesota as my number one choice when submitting my residency rank list.

What do you enjoy most about the program: So far, I enjoy the friendly nature of my fellow residents and other staff members.

What are your plans after residency: Currently, I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in Movement Disorders.

What is your favorite Minnesota activity: Walking my Golden Retriever around Minnesota's many lakes and rivers.

Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I play electric guitar.

If you weren't a physician, you would be: An audio engineer or music producer.