Woodwinds Hospital Family Medicine Residents

First Year: Class of 2029

Jo Beyer, MBBCh

Medical school: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine

Medical interests: Obstetrics and gynecology, women's health and lifestyle medicine.

Personal interests: Gardening, basketball, traveling and hiking.

Why Woodwinds? After spending much of my training abroad, I am really looking forward to coming home. Minnesota is a place where I will be able to have full-spectrum education on women's health, and Woodwinds provides a smaller community where I hope my relationships with my colleagues and patients will be close-knit.

Career goals: I currently aspire to pursue a surgical obstetrics fellowship where I will have the training to practice high-acuity obstetrics while continuing to provide care in women's health and full-spectrum family medicine.

Sabrina Chu, DO

Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Preventative care, LGBTQ+, sports medicine and primary care for all ages.

Personal interests: Pickleball, baking, watching Top Chef, bouldering, pottery and trivia.

Why Woodwinds? I chose the Woodwinds Family Medicine Residency Program because of the opportunity to train in both rural and suburban environments, along with the diverse training experiences the program offers. I also felt very welcomed on my interview day and am excited to call Woodwinds home for the next three years!

Career goals: To serve my local community by providing preventative and acute care services to my patients.

Fuchi Hang, MD

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: I'm interested in all types of medicine within family medicine. I feel like everything that I get exposed to I end-up really enjoying. Some things that stick with me however are POCUS, addiction medicine and sports medicine.

Personal interests: I've recently picked up reading fiction again, currently working my way through a high-fantasy novel series called "Stormlight Archive." I play a lot of volleyball and recently started playing trading card games.

Why Woodwinds? I had a wonderful rotation here as a medical student. I also grew up in and around the Frogtown community and love to stay and give back.

Career goals: I just hope to be a good doctor; a doctor that patients enjoy seeing, and that they feel safe with.

Carson Hauge, DO

Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Sports medicine, preventative medicine, nutrition, behavioral health and wilderness medicine.

Personal interests: I love staying active with strength training, hiking, snowboarding and hunting. I enjoy exploring the Twin Cities and trying new coffee shops and breweries. I am a big fan of the Vikings and love watching the games with my friends and family.

Why Woodwinds? During my interview day I felt very welcomed and got a great sense of community. I wanted to be part of a program that allowed residents to pursue their interests while also providing a great foundation in family medicine. Having grown up in Minnesota, I am very grateful to be in the Twin Cities and stay close to friends and family.

Career goals: I hope to pursue a fellowship in sports medicine and work alongside various teams on the sideline as well as assisting patients in an outpatient setting.

Zuag Paj Her, MD

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: My medical interests center on culturally responsive, community-based primary care, with a strong focus on advancing health equity for underserved populations. As a proud first-generation Hmong-American, I am passionate about integrating cultural practices into patient care. Additionally, I am particularly interested in women's health, along with research, public health and education.

Personal interests: Outside of medicine, I enjoy baking, singing karaoke, and spending quality time with my family, friends, and my dog, Winnie. I also love reading, anything from romance or nonfiction to personal empowerment/development books. I especially enjoy exploring creative outlets that help me recharge. These are only some of the many activities that keep me grounded and bring balance, joy and connection to my daily life!

Why Woodwinds? I was drawn to Woodwinds because of its strong commitment to whole-person, relationship-centered care and its emphasis on community engagement - values that closely align with my own. My experiences working with diverse and underserved populations, particularly within the Hmong community, have shaped my passion for culturally responsive care. Woodwinds' focus on behavioral health integration, longitudinal care, and addressing social determinants of health deeply resonates with how I hope to practice as a future family physician. Beyond its strengths as a program, Woodwinds also feels like home. I have experienced a genuine sense of belonging, support and shared purpose among the team. I value the program's emphasis on resident wellness and professional development, and the opportunity to train in a community I feel connected to. Altogether, Woodwinds offers the ideal environment for me to grow in competency, advocacy and culturally humble care.

Career goals: My career goal is to become a family physician who provides full-spectrum, patient-centered care while advocating for more culturally inclusive health systems. I hope to incorporate public health approaches, quality improvement, and community-engaged work into my practice, particularly in improving access to meaningful care for immigrant and refugee populations. I am especially interested in integrating maternity care as a space to provide culturally responsive, longitudinal support for patients and families.Long-term, I aim to serve as both a clinician and educator, with a strong commitment to mentoring and supporting diverse, underrepresented, and marginalized trainees. I hope to help build a more inclusive physician workforce while training future physicians to deliver equitable, culturally humble care.

Maggie Kempf, MD

Medical school: University of Nebraska College of Medicine

Medical interests: Community medicine, immigrant/refugee health, LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming care and addiction medicine.

Personal interests: Hiking, pickleball, spending time at parks, skiing poorly, gardening/tending to my house plants, birdwatching, crocheting, embroidering, hanging out with family and friends, trying new foods and traveling.

Why Woodwinds? Woodwinds stood out to me because of their dedication to immigrants, refugees and other underserved populations within the community. Being involved in the community we serve is my favorite part of family medicine, so it immediately caught my attention. During my interview, I felt right at home. It was exciting to see everyone's passion for the program's mission and that they share my similar interests. At the second look, I could picture myself working in this community with the residents and faculty I met. I knew Woodwinds would be a place that will foster my interests while pushing me to expand my ability to care for our fellow neighbors.

Career goals: I want to do mostly outpatient work in an urban setting and continue my care for underserved populations while getting involved in teaching and advocacy.

Chase McCollum, DO

Medical school: Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Full-scope care, lifestyle medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine, sports medicine, and caring for underserved communities.

Personal interests: Spending time outside with my wife and dog, exploring new restaurants, playing golf, and watching college basketball.

Why Woodwinds? I chose Woodwinds because I was struck by the strong sense of community and support among both the residents and faculty during my interview. I was also drawn to the program's excellent full-spectrum family medicine training, along with the flexibility it offers residents to explore and develop their individual interests in medicine.

Career goals: I would like to practice full-spectrum family medicine in an underserved community in the Midwest. I would also love to incorporate procedures into my practice and hope to continue working with medical students and residents.

Spencer Weckwerth, MD

Medical school: Western Michigan University School of Medicine

Medical interests: My medical interests in family medicine include caring for underserved and unhoused communities through street medicine and community-centered care that meets patients where they are. I am passionate about caring for individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions, supporting family planning, preventive and lifestyle medicine, and building long-term relationships through continuity of care across all stages of life. I value the role of family medicine in advancing health equity, compassionate advocacy, and whole-person care within the community.

Personal interests: Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time outdoors exploring state and national parks, often choosing the less-traveled path. I'm also passionate about discovering local cuisine and spending quality time with friends and family. When given the chance, I can usually be found disc golfing, snowboarding or gaming. At home, I'm kept company by my four cats and my partner, Arianna.

Why Woodwinds? I chose the Woodwinds Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program because its values closely align with mine, particularly its emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care and strong community connections. From my first interactions with the team, I was struck by the immediate sense of camaraderie and the welcoming, family-like culture among the residents and faculty. As a bonus, the opportunity to return to the Twin Cities area allows me to be closer to many of my family members and personal support
system.

Career goals: My career goals are centered on expanding access to high-quality healthcare across all populations, including underserved communities, through efforts such as street medicine. I aim to provide comprehensive, ongoing care for patients of all ages while building strong, lasting patient-physician relationships grounded in trust and continuity. I am also committed to lifelong learning and ongoing professional growth throughout my career. In the long term, I have an interest in pursuing academic medicine, contributing to teaching, mentorship and the advancement of family medicine.

Second Year: Class of 2028

Ana DiSpirito, MD

Medical school: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

Medical interests: Preventative medicine, women's health, palliative care, LGBTQIA+ care, health equity and advocacy.

Personal interests: Spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants and food, board/video games.

Why Woodwinds? My interview day with Woodwinds was incredibly fun. Everyone I interacted with was so kind, and I could see myself working with them as a resident. I love the diverse community of St. Paul, and Woodwinds caught my eye for their clear passion for health equity and advocacy for their patients.

Career goals: My goal after residency is to practice outpatient family medicine in Minnesota and work with patients from all stages of life.

Woman smiling wearing a purple hijab and black and red blouse.

Khadra Hussein, MD, MPH

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: My medical interests include women's health, preventative health, community health, and refugee/immigrant health.

Personal interests: I enjoy traveling, baking, trying new recipes, going for walks around the lake, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Why Woodwinds? I chose Woodwinds because of its strong commitment to advocacy and community health. I was also drawn to the opportunity to tailor my residency experience to align with my specific medical interests. Additionally, I was impressed by the warmth and intentionality I encountered during the interview process. Everyone I spoke with took the time to share their experiences at Woodwinds with me and thoughtfully addressed my questions. It quickly became clear that Woodwinds is a place where I would receive not only excellent clinical training, but also the support needed to become a competent family physician.

Career goals: My career goal is to provide full-spectrum care. I'm passionate about working with underserved communities and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, culturally sensitive care.

Woman smiling wearing a white collard shirt and black blazer.

Bailey Kent, MD

Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine

Medical interests: Preventive medicine and community health, geriatrics, and palliative care.

Personal interests: Anything outdoors with family and friends - running, gardening, skiing, pickleball, tennis, lounging outside on a sunny day.

Why Woodwinds? Woodwinds cultivates a positive and supportive learning environment where the people are welcoming and excited about resident learning and growth. I appreciate how residents are encouraged to pursue their personal medical interests in addition to developing a commitment to community outreach and improvement.

Career goals: Practicing in a local Minnesota community where I can build strong, lasting relationships with my patients! I would love to incorporate procedures into my routine clinical practice, and I'm excited to explore available opportunities during residency.

Man smiling wearing round glasses and a suit coat, shirt, and tie.

Garrett Manion, MD

Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine

Medical interests: I am interested in preventative and community medicine, psychiatry, sports medicine, ophthalmology, reproductive health, LGBTQ+ and gender affirming care, and procedural treatments.

Personal interests: I have a deep interest in music and have played in bands and orchestras for many years. I also enjoy recording and producing music. My athletic interests include tennis, snowboarding, mountain biking, hockey, and golf. I like learning languages and cooking a variety of foods. I studied abroad in Japan in college and took up kendo and karate afterwards. I also enjoy fantasy books, DnD, board games, and arts and crafts.

Why Woodwinds? I chose Woodwinds for residency for several reasons. The program is set up very well for comprehensive training due to its unopposed status at Woodwinds hospital while having the resources of the University. The clinic in downtown St. Paul serves a very diverse population and enables exploration of many interests including refugee health and health policy. St. Paul and Woodbury are great cities for families and have exciting options for recreation and entertainment. The faculty, especially Dr. Martin, showed more interest in my personal characteristics and potential fit with the program than at any other interview. Their kindness and excitement for learning and service made a large impression on me.

Career goals: I plan to keep refining my career goals as I progress in training. For now, I value training to be a physician who will be effective in many environments in family medicine and can stay adaptable through the ever-changing landscape of medicine, be a lifelong learner, and serve patients to the best of my ability.

Woman smiling wearing round glasses and an orange blouse.

Sindhu Manivannan, MD

Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Medical interests: I am especially interested in outpatient procedures, women's health, and integrative/lifestyle medicine! I also aim to work with various refugee/immigrant populations.

Personal interests: I really love being outside and exploring the city I live in! In my spare time, I crochet, ice skate, run, read, cook, and dance.

Why Woodwinds? What I loved about Woodwinds was their dedication to serving the community as well as their opportunities to work with various refugee and immigrant populations in Minnesota! Everyone was very welcoming and extremely passionate about their field, and I truly felt like this would be a great place to call home for three years!

Career goals: I currently plan on practicing outpatient family medicine in the future. I would love the chance to explore family medicine OB through residency and determine if this is something that I would like to incorporate into my practice as well!

Man smiling wearing a blue shirt and tie.

Austin Miller, DO

Medical school: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Full spectrum family medicine, sports medicine, lifestyle medicine, nutrition.

Personal interests: Spending time with my wife and family, watching/playing sports, strength training, running, hiking, and any outdoor activities with our dog.

Why Woodwinds? I chose Woodwinds because I was impressed by the sense of community amongst residents and faculty during my interview. I was equally impressed by the strong full spectrum family medicine training the program offers while also allowing residents the opportunity to pursue individual interests in medicine. Additionally, my wife and I were looking to move closer to family, and we are extremely excited to be in the Twin Cities!

Career goals: I hope to either pursue a fellowship in sports medicine or practice full spectrum family medicine in the Midwest.

Noah Wick, MD

Medical school: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

Medical interests: LGBTQ+ care, mental healthcare, and preventative care.

Personal interests: In my free time I enjoy distance running, going to the gym, and baking desserts.

Why Woodwinds? I was especially drawn to the program’s emphasis on health equity and how the additional services at the clinic site help address broader barriers to health beyond just access to medical care. Training in both an urban clinic and a suburban hospital was also a great way to expand my experiences in caring for patients in different clinical settings. Faculty here were all incredibly passionate about what they do and eager to discuss clinical interests and ways they could help me meet my career goals.

Career goals: I hope to practice primary care for a broad diversity of patients in the outpatient setting and hope to continue to work with medical students and residents.

Man smiling wearing a pink tie and navy blue suit.

George Tong Yang (Tooj Yaj), DO, MPH

Medical school: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, underserved medicine, refugee health, behavior medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine, sports medicine, and MSK disorders.

Personal interests: Gym, wood burning, baking focaccia, and playing video games like Stardew Valley, Minecraft, Vintage Story, or Fallout 4.

Why Woodwinds? I chose the University of Minnesota Woodwinds Family Medicine Residency Program because I felt genuinely supported by the faculty, program leadership, and residents—both past and present. From my first interactions, it was clear that this was a program where residents thrive, not just in training but as part of a strong, tight-knit community. I wanted a program that offered robust inpatient and outpatient training, and Woodwinds delivers exactly that. The comprehensive inpatient and ICU experience builds a solid foundation in hospital medicine, while the high-volume outpatient clinic at Bethesda ensures a wide range of pathology. On top of that, the emphasis on outpatient procedures, especially primary care dermatology, was a big draw for me since I want to strengthen my skills in managing dermatologic conditions within primary care. Another key factor in my decision was high-risk OB training. Woodwinds provides hands-on experience in labor and delivery management on a high-volume maternity floor, giving me the opportunity to build confidence in obstetric care. The program's integration of behavioral health, refugee health, and underserved medicine further pushed me to choose this program. At the end of the day, I wanted a program that would challenge me, support me, and prepare me to serve my future patients well.

Career goals: My ultimate goal is to complete residency and advance health equity by caring for communities that have been historically underserved, both as part of my National Health Service Corps (NHSC) commitment and because of my deep passion for providing equitable, culturally responsive care. I want to integrate osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) into my practice, ensuring that my patients have access to a holistic approach to healthcare, especially in communities where resources are limited. Beyond my NHSC service, I plan to pursue leadership opportunities in medicine, whether through academic medicine—where I can help train and mentor future physicians—or by pursuing a sports medicine fellowship to further expand my clinical skills. No matter which direction my career takes, my focus will always be on advocating for patients, advancing community-driven care, and strengthening the role of OMM in primary care.

Third Year: Class of 2027

Cassidy Berg, MD, MS

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Medical interests: Women's health, restorative reproductive medicine, perinatal care, pediatrics, full spectrum family medicine

Personal interests: I enjoy reading, walking/biking on trails in our neighborhood, interior design, and musical theater (especially when I can attend in person!). I am also involved in my Catholic parish and cherish spending time with my husband and two daughters.

Why Woodwinds? I chose Woodwinds because of my experience rotating here as a medical student. I felt so at home with the culture among the residents. It was clear to me that as a resident here I would be supported in my personal goals for growth and learning, and that I would also be invited to contribute to the growth and improvement of the residency program at large. I am also very excited about the opportunity to serve both urban and suburban patients with our clinic located in St. Paul and hospital in Woodbury.

Career goals: In addition to providing full spectrum family medicine, my goal is to utilize my certifications in restorative reproductive medicine to serve women and couples struggling with infertility, recurrent miscarriage, endometriosis, and related endocrine dysfunction. I also hope to educate adolescent girls about the menstrual cycle and empower them with understanding about its importance for their holistic wellbeing.

Mackenzie Bernu, MD

Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine

Medical interests: Full scope care including OB, hospice + palliative care, and practicing community-responsive medicine

Personal interests: I love finding new places to eat, spending time outside with my family and dog, and completing the occasional paint-by-number.

Why Woodwinds? I chose Woodwinds because I felt a connection to both the people and the community. Growing up in Minnesota, I saw the need for quality family physicians first-hand, and after my interview I thought this was the best place to prepare for such a goal while surrounding myself with like-minded individuals.

Career goals: I would like to practice full-scope family medicine within an underserved community.

Mohammed Beshir, MD

Medical school: Jimma University College of Public Health and Medical Sciences

Medical interests: My medical interests span a wide range, including health equity, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, sports medicine for injury prevention and treatment, acute illnesses and chronic diseases management, obstetric care, point-of-care ultrasound, preventive health measures, conducting research and advocacy to drive healthcare advancements, and mental health and immigrant health needs with cultural sensitivity and compassion.

Personal interests: In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and watching matches, as well as engaging in friendly ping pong games. I have a passion for watching medical films to further my knowledge and understanding of healthcare. However, nothing compares to the joy of spending quality time with my family and friends, cherishing those meaningful connections outside of work.

Why Woodwinds? I found Woodwinds Family Medicine Residency to be an ideal place where I felt truly welcomed and included throughout the interview process. Having lived in the Twin Cities during the pandemic, I was particularly drawn to the diverse population of Saint Paul. Woodwinds' dedication to caring for this diverse community as a whole is what truly sets them apart. Their commitment to inclusivity and equity is evident, and it's inspiring to see such values upheld, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

Career goals: My future goal is to practice full-spectrum family medicine while also taking an active role in educating the next generation of physicians. I aim to conduct research focusing on immigrant health, seeking to address the specific healthcare needs of the community. Additionally, I aspire to advocate for underserved populations throughout my career, working towards ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all.

Maryam Hameed, DO

Medical school: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Adolescent health, primary care for pediatric patients in general, HTN management, lifestyle and obesity medicine

Personal interests: Baking, gardening, barre, reading mysteries, exploring new restaurants

Why Woodwinds? When looking for a program, I hoped for supportive attendings and co-residents, a diverse patient population, and full-spectrum training. I found all of this and more at Woodwinds. On interview day I felt comfortable because of how welcoming everyone was. I was drawn to the program’s commitment to community outreach and making healthcare more accessible, and I was happy to see that they have legal and social services on site to fulfill that goal.

Career goals: I look forward to practicing outpatient so I can create long-term relationships with patients and maintain a robust pediatric panel.

Anaas Mergoum, MD, PharmD

Medical school: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Medical interests: I want to treat a full spectrum of conditions as a family medicine physician. I am also interested in gaining expertise in sports medicine.

Personal interests: I like to draw, play soccer or basketball, and watch classic old movies (generally from the 1940s era).

Why Woodwinds? I love the St. Paul area and I wanted to serve this vibrant and diverse community as a physician, which made Woodwinds the ideal choice. However, during the interview process the staff and residents stood out to me as genuinely decent people who just happened to be smart. I believe I found a residency that will help me achieve my goals and maximize my potential as physician.

Career goals: Become a professor in the University of Minnesota, and be an active researcher throughout my career while simultaneously caring for patients.

Zainab Nathani, MD, MPH, MBA

Medical school: SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine

Medical interests: I am specifically interested in preventative medicine, alternative and integrative medicine, maternal-fetal health, end-of-life discussions/care, and child development. I also want to expose myself to as many opportunities as possible in ultrasound, outpatient procedures, and uncomplicated obstetrics.

Personal interests: I love learning and experiencing world languages, spending time in nature, learning about how world history and politics
have shaped the world that we live in, learning more about my faith, and playing badminton. I love spending time with friends and family and getting involved with teaching and mentoring opportunities, especially with K-12th graders.

Why Woodwinds? I wanted to find a residency program that would allow me to pursue full-spectrum family medicine in a suburban setting
with a diverse patient population and in an environment that fully supported my learning. These are all qualities that I found in the Woodwinds program! When I interviewed with Woodwinds, I found that the faculty and residents alike seemed sincere when discussing the program and did not seem to be exaggerating or putting on a facade, but genuinely felt comfortable in and believed in the program, and this led me to solidify my decision.

Career goals: Although I am open to the experiences that residency will bring and how that may change my career goals, I currently see myself practicing full-scope family medicine, mainly in the outpatient setting, with perhaps some involvement in teaching/ academic medicine.

Yenchi Tran, DO

Medical school: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Pre-natal care, hospice, and sports medicine. I love family medicine and am interested in caring for people at different parts of life.

Personal interests: I enjoy going to the gym, reading, spending time with friends and family, sculpting clay, and do nail art.

Why Woodwinds? Coming back to Minnesota was one of my main priorities; I grew up in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and I always wanted to stay around the east side (of the river) to train and practice within the community I grew up in. My friends and family, who were my support system throughout medical school, will be so much closer to me now. Furthermore, I want to be the most competent and confident physician I can be, and I believe that being trained at an unopposed program in a community hospital with ample learning opportunities will help me be the type of physician I want to be. I also want to work with the refugee population, and Woodwinds will allow me to do just that. Lastly, during my interview, I felt like the faculty I met were down-to-earth, kind, and eager to teach, while the residents were honest and kind as well, which provides a community of people I want to be part of.

Career goals: I wish to work in an outpatient setting around the Twin Cities and working with mostly underserved populations, specifically, refugees and immigrants. Who knows what will happen in residency!

Caden Wippler, DO

Medical school: AT Still University, Kirksville School of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical interests: Rural health, sports medicine

Personal interests: Golf, hockey, fishing/hunting, wood-burning

Why Woodwinds? Faculty, staff, and current residents. I had the privilege to rotate here during fourth year and had very rewarding experiences with everyone I interacted with. Everyone I met had the desire to learn and to teach, and I felt very comfortable approaching anyone I had questions for.

Career goals: To work in an outpatient clinic with an eclectic patient population and to work at least part-time in a rural setting. I would like the opportunity to volunteer time outside of a clinic within a community as well, maybe in a non-healthcare setting.

Graduates

Below are our graduates of the last few years, including their current practice site.