Current Residents
2024 - 2025 Residents
| PGY-1 | PGY-2 | PGY-3 | PGY-4 |
| Charles Giuliani | Zach Dent | Amerta Bai | Michael Figueroa |
| Christina Looby | Ryan Fuglestad | Karly Broderson | Ernest Hanes |
| Jinci Lu | Andrew Metz | Andrew Carlson | Omair Lodhi |
| Pranav Mirpuri | Amy Parkinson | Abhigyan Datta | Monica Ngo |
| Savannah Novy | Sophia Yang | Benjamin Ransom | Abhiram Pillai |
| Jordynn Palmer | Stephen Ward | John Ziegler |
Meet Our Residents
Class of 2025
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 Lodhi
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
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!
Class of 2026
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 Broderson
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
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.
S. Jackson 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.
Class of 2027
Zach Dent
Hometown: Barnesville, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? Since moving here for medical school, my wife, Courtney, and I have really come to love the Twin Cities. At the University of Minnesota I have met lifelong friends and mentors, and I know there is success in my future if I am shown the same grace and support as I have received here as a medical student. I could not be more excited to get started and to continue serving this community!
What are your plans after residency? Unsure! Likely fellowship training of some sort.
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? I really enjoy biking, a refreshing drink at a local brewery, and observing the night sky with my telescope.
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I only have one functioning Abducens Nerve.
If you weren't a physician, you would be... a pharmacist, physicist, or astronomer.
Ryan Fuglestad
Hometown: Green Bay, 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? I felt an immediate connection with staff and residents during my interview and really just felt like I fit in. The integration into the Neurology Department beginning in the intern year is a fantastic start to our training and I will have exposure to a wide variety of subspecialties to help me choose which fellowship I want to pursue.
What do you enjoy most about the program? Friday School is a fun way to continue our education while also providing a chance to catch up with co-residents.
What are your plans after residency? I plan on completing a fellowship, but am not sure which one at this point in my training. Early favorites are neuromuscular and pain.
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? I enjoy the variety of professional sports in the Twin Cities.
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I'm a huge Green Bay Packer fan.
If you weren't a physician, you would be... a pilot
Andrew Metz
Hometown: New Brighton, MN
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? There are many reasons why I chose the U of M neurology program! During my visiting sub-internship rotation, I was impressed by the strong sense of community among faculty and residents. Everyone was so welcoming, and I really enjoyed my time on rotation. I was also drawn to the wide variety of training opportunities at the program across the various sub-specialties within neurology. Finally, I'm excited to return to my home state to be surrounded by friends and family.
What do you enjoy most about the program? So far, I've enjoyed the sense of community within the program, and I'm excited to meet more of my future co-residents and faculty members.
What are your plans after residency? I will likely pursue a fellowship in an inpatient-related specialty like stroke or neuro-critical care, but I am keeping an open mind as I start residency!
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? I love getting outdoors and staying active. I enjoy golfing and hiking in the summer months and skiing in the winter!
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I've read the Harry Potter books more times than I can count (most recently last summer).
If you weren't a physician, you would be... a sports reporter! I am a big Minnesota sports fan, and my friends will tell you I'm always talking about players and statistics while watching a game (maybe too much!).
Amy Parkinson
Hometown: Waconia, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? While in medical school at UMN, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the neurology residents and attendings. It is clear to me that everyone involved in the program is invested in teaching, learning from each other, and working together to serve patients to the best of their ability. The program has been shaped with intentionality to help residents become excellent neurologists. I love the integration of neurology in the first year, through continuity clinic and Friday school, and the opportunity to participate in the education track. Finally, I love Minnesota! It is an amazing place to live and I am so thankful for the ways others have invested in me throughout my time in Minnesota.
What do you enjoy most about the program? The people!
What are your plans after residency? Most likely fellowship - I love working with and supporting individuals living with dementia so I could see myself pursuing a Behavioral Neurology fellowship but I am open to that changing!
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? Kayaking in the summer, looking at and collecting beautiful leaves in the fall, and cross country skiing in the winter!
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I love to write handwritten notes for my friends and family.
If you weren't a physician, you would be... an event coordinator.
Sophia Yang
Hometown: San Diego, California
Medical School: Chicago Medical School
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? U of M's clinical training is unmatched, offering diverse experiences across multiple sites. There are also ample academic and research opportunities that allow residents to customize their training to their career interests. Additionally, the program's supportive culture, including weekly protected didactics for all residents, creates an environment that encourages learning and team-building. Not to mention, Minneapolis is a beautiful and vibrant city with close proximity to many outdoor activities!
What do you enjoy most about the program? The supportive culture and friendly people! Also, the exceptional breadth and depth of neurology training here, including wide exposure to subspecialties like neuroendovascular intervention.
What are your plans after residency? Most likely fellowship, undecided - headache medicine, neuroimmunology, behavioral neurology.
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? Dinner at Bar La Grassa
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: In medical school, I became obsessed with houseplants, especially aroids, and acquired a massive collection. I enjoy propagating them and sharing cuttings with family and friends.
If you weren't a physician, you would be... a piano teacher or therapist.
Ziqiang (Selina) Lin
Hometown: Chengdu, China
Medical School: West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? The program is highly reputable and located in a scenic city, but the amazing people here were the ultimate factor! From program leadership to residents, everyone I met was welcoming, gracious, and engaging. I love the program's rich history with many talented alumni, among whom I'd be honored to be included in the future.
What do you enjoy most about the program? The people, of course! As an IMG, I found them extremely welcoming. I also appreciate the excellent scholarly opportunities, including Friday School, Neurology Boot Camp and others that focus on not only clinical training but also on teaching and leadership skills. The institution is well funded with exceptional research and mentorship opportunities!
What are your plans after residency? I anticipate going into a neuromuscular fellowship. My goal is to lead translational research to improve patient care and facilitate inter-disciplinary collaborations. Meanwhile, I will strive to become the best possible clinician educator to share knowledge and advance the field.
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? Exploring the history and art museums, the 10,000+ lakes, and the Mall of America.
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I am a huge VR fan and a competitive "expert plus" Beat Saber player. I enjoy cooking and went to cooking school for Sichuan cuisine, by far the most delicious Chinese food!
If you weren't a physician, you would be... a chef or a therapist to care for either body or mind!
Class of 2028
Charles Giuliani
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
Medical School: Des Moines University (DMU)
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? Born and raised in MN, happy to be home! Awesome program!
What do you enjoy most about the program? The people; from the current residents to the faculty, everyone is great.
What are your plans after residency? Fellowship, and then be a practicing Neurologist in MN
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? Boating on the Lakes
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I got 2nd in state in Chess as a 4th grader.
If you weren't a physician, you would be... Probably a business professional of some sort.....
Christina Looby
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical School: Rocky Vista University
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? I loved absolutely everyone I interviewed with and that I've spoken to about the program. They all had such good things to say about U of M. It made me really excited to be a part of such a great community.
What do you enjoy most about the program? I don't know quite yet, but I'm excited to get started soon! I suppose so far I enjoy getting to know everyone.
What are your plans after residency? I'd like to pursue a fellowship, although I'm not quite sure in what yet. I have a lot of interest in many things still!
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? I haven't been in the area for long, but so far it's been walks along the riverfront.
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: Eating dark chocolate too fast makes me sneeze.
If you weren't a physician, you would be... a geologist!
Jinci Lu
Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? I chose the UMN because I grew up in MN and this is the patient population/community that I want to continue serving. In addition, being around the department as a medical student, I have always felt a sense of family amongst the residents and faculty, so I believe being a part of this community during residency will help me thrive as a physician resident.
What do you enjoy most about the program? I think there is a strong sense of community within the program, and I have received strong mentorship from faculty and residents in this program.
What are your plans after residency? Currently, I have a strong interest in pursuing a fellowship in stroke neurology and neuro-interventional radiology after residency. However, I intend to explore other subspecialities within neurology during residency.
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? Trying out new restaurants in the Twin Cities
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: One of the coolest/random thing about me is that I started learning hip-hop dance during my 3rd year of medical school.
If you weren't a physician, you would be... a school counselor
Jordynn Palmer
Hometown: Bloomington, IL
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you decide to come to the U of M Neurology Residency Program? I wanted to join a program that had dedicated teachers as faculty and was progressive in thinking and caring for patients. Minnesota is just that! I also am interested in Academic Medicine and was drawn to the program's Educator Track.
What are your plans after residency? I am considering a fellowship in either neuroimmunology or cognitive neurology. I'd like to keep my mind open to others as well though.
What is your favorite Minnesota activity? Anything involving the lakes at summertime
Coolest/geekiest/most random thing about you: I've performed at a music festival before
If you weren't a physician, you would be... A musician
Positions After Graduation
- 2024 Placements
- 2023 Placements
- 2022 Placements
- 2021 Placements
- 2020 Placements
- 2019 Placements
- 2018 Placements
- 2017 Placements
Meaghan Berns - University of Minnesota, Movement Disorders Fellowship
Jeffrey Bowers - University of California San Diego, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Salman Ikramuddin - University of Texas Health Sciences Houston/StrokeNet, Vascular Fellowship
Madisen Janssen - Cleveland Clinic, Headache Fellowship
Robert Lowe - University of Minnesota, Movement Disorders Fellowship
Rebecca Roberts - Vascular Neurology, University of South Florida; Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology, Texas Stroke Institute
Joshua Vandeburgh - University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Nikita Khetarpal - University of Tennessee, Palliative Fellowship
Nicholas Purcell - University of Minnesota, Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship
Apameh Salari - Epilepsy Fellowship
Grace Tobin - John Hopkins
Mai Kau Yang - University of Miami, Neurocritical Care Fellowship
Heba Afeefy - Private Practice, Subspecialty Epilepsy, St. Cloud, MN
Emily Hudson - University of Minnesota, Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship
Kaci McCleary - Ohio Health, Palliative Care Fellowship
Lisa Moore - University of Minnesota, Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship
Bindi Parikh - University of Maryland, Neurocritical Care Fellowship
Hope Ukatu - University of Washington, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Mona Al Banna - Yale, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Malik Ghannam - Iowa, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Adam Lipschultz - University of Minnesota, Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship
Kent Nichols - University of Minnesota, Research Fellowship
Stephanie Reeder - University of Minnesota, Epilepsy Fellowship
Aubree Bruhnding - University of Minnesota, Faculty
Tanner Ferderer - Ohio State, Headache Fellowship
Michael Hayes - University of Minnesota, Fellowship
Allison Ho - University of Minnesota, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Nathan McGraw - University of Kansas, Fellowship
John Riedinger - University of Minnesota, Fellowship
Rami Assadi - Washington University - St. Louis, Stroke Fellowship
Matthew Britton - University of Minnesota, Fellowship
Roshni Patel - Rush College of Medicine - Chicago, Movement Fellowship
Edward Labin - University of Minnesota, Fellowship
Matthew Ronck - University of Minnesota, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Leighton Mohl - University of Minnesota, NCC Fellowship
AJ Christnovich - University of Minnesota, Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship
Parth Dhruv - University New Mexico, Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship
Erika Horta - Detroit, MI, Neurooncology Fellowship
Jessica Jarnot - University of Minnesota, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Jetter Robertson - University of Minnesota, Neurology Faculty
Kyle Smith - Missoula, MT, private practice
Anisha Bhangav - Washington University in St Louis, Neuromuscular Fellowship
Abby Metzler - Mayo Clinic, Headache Fellowship
Asma Moussaoui - Rush University, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
David Ortiz - University of Minnesota, Epilepsy Fellowship
Pratit Patel - University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Amber Stutz - University of Minnesota, Movement Disorders Fellowship
