Current Residents
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We recognize that our profession of Obstetrics & Gynecology was founded on the abuse of Black bodies and the government sanctioned forced sterilization of Black & Brown women. We recognize the human rights issue of our disproportionately high Black and Indigenous maternal and neonatal death rates. We recognize that we train at a Land Grant institution, on Indigenous land that was forcibly and violently taken. We recognize that the murders of George Floyd and Philando Castile at the hands of the police are not isolated incidents. We are witness to the continued injustice of racism in personal, political, professional, and institutional arenas.
We are committed to using our privilege as physicians to not only speak out as individuals but advocate for systems-level changes that will move towards real justice for the communities in which we have the honor to live and practice medicine. We are focused on creating sustainable change in ourselves, our department, our hospitals, and our communities. Our efforts include participation in protest events, lobbying policy-makers, implicit bias training, didactics on racism in medicine, voter registration campaigns, journal clubs on reproductive injustice, and community outreach efforts. We know that we are just starting a long journey to affect these changes and are prepared to be lifelong physician-advocates for reproductive justice and health equity. Our commitment to health equity is reflected in our efforts to recruit and maintain residents and faculty that better reflect our patient population.
We hope you will consider joining us.
PGY 1
Tory Bruch, DO (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Butler, PA
Medical School: Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine
Plans After Residency: I plan to be a generalist. I am interested in working with people with substance use disorders and hope to integrate this into my practice. I also have a background in and passion for public health and would love to work at the country or state level on public health policies/initiatives. I also enjoy working with learners and can see myself working with medical students in the future.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I'd be working in the public health arena - likely on a maternal and child health-related initiative. If I wasn't interested in health and healthcare, I would love to be a librarian!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would spend a week hiking in the Shetland Islands!
Julia Dworsky, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Plans after Residency: I am interested in pursuing a fellowship but excited to explore all options! Prior to medical school, I gained experience in maternal-fetal medicine and complex family planning, and I loved every moment. My passion lies in working with underserved communities and acting as a mentor for medical students and residents.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I weren't a physician, I would be a book editor. I've always been an avid reader and the designated editor for my friends' job applications and school essays. I love diving into stories and would find joy in helping bring someone's vision to life.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: If I could spend a week anywhere, it would definitely be in South America! I got my undergraduate degree in Spanish Studies and I have yet to visit. It would be amazing to backpack throughout the continent and experience the culture and history I learned about.
Bailey Gifford, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Monticello, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: I would like to pursue fellowship training in gyn oncology after residency.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would open a bakery! I enjoy creating tasty cheesecakes for my family and friends.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I have a goal to hike in every national park! Next on the list is Yosemite or Zion National Park.
Rachel Greenberg, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Plans after Residency: I'm debating between being a generalist versus pursuing a fellowship in gynecologic oncology. My overall goal as an OB/GYN is to address inequities in reproductive healthcare and promote health equity. I'm also passionate about medical education and hope to incorporate teaching into my future practice.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I think I would be a chef. I find cooking to be very relaxing and love being able to try new recipes, especially since I have a handful of cookbooks that I'm making my way through!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Galway, Ireland. I studied abroad there when I was in college and it will always hold a special place in my heart!
Tara Johnson, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Minnetonka, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: I am currently planning on pursuing a career as a generalist! I have loved all aspects of the field of OB/GYN and hope to provide comprehensive care to my patients. My interests include abortion care, addiction medicine, and weight-neutral healthcare.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I think if I weren't a physician, I think I would be a Buzzfeed "Tasty" producer. I love to cook, but my favorite part is most definitely going off recipe and making it my own :) I also love the comedy and cinematography that goes into making the videos.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: San Sebastián, Spain! I spent a week there during my 4th year of medical school and fell in love. It is the perfect combination of tapas, hiking, and the beach!
Catharine Leahy, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Galesburg, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Plans after Residency: TBD! Excited to explore options during residency.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Librarian, data scientist, or full-time knitter.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I love hiking and exploring the outdoors - so really, anywhere with beautiful landscapes and good trails! For the next trip, we're hoping to visit Redwood National Park - but my bucket list is to visit all the US National Parks.
Mayrose Porter, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Austin, TX
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Plans after Residency: Academic generalist, family planning, or MFM.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I'd be a flight attendant or run a little seaside B&B in the Scottish Highlands!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I'd love to drive across New Zealand in a camper van someday
Lauren Ross, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Moose Lake, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: I am still deciding but am considering pursuing a fellowship in Urogynecology. I feel in love with this field as a medical student and am excited to gain more knowledge and experience as a resident.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would have been a professional bassist. I grew up playing string bass and would love to play in either a pit orchestra for musicals or for movie soundtracks.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Da Nang, Vietnam! I have been once before and would love to return and relax on the beach and eat all the amazing food!
Sydni White, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Southfield, MI
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Plans After Residency: I'm not sure yet! One of the reasons I chose OB/GYN was the many exciting opportunities for fellowship in addition to being a generalist. I have had lovely experiences with urogynecology, complex family planning, and MIGS, and am looking forward to exploring those fields further.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I have always believed in the power of stories, so I could see myself being a journalist either covering medicine or ecology.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Japan! I have been to Tokyo and Kyoto and want to spend time in more remote regions as well as visit Ishinomaki where my family is from.
PGY 2
Parker Blekkenk, MD (He/Him/His)
Preferred Name: Parker
Hometown: Missoula, MT
Undergraduate Education: Washington State University
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: Considering REI fellowship, but subject to change! I also have interests in family planning, LGBTQ+ health, and gender-affirming care that I hope to incorporate in my future practice regardless of setting.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would either be a political campaign manager or a beekeeper (which probably have overlapping skillsets).
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Australia, mostly for the animals but also the sightseeing and wine!
Samantha Bryan, DO (She/They)
Preferred Name: Sam
Hometown: Bend, OR
Undergraduate Education: University of Oregon
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Plans after Residency: Either becoming a generalist OBGYN or pursuing MFM fellowship.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Tough question! I would love to run a (hopefully) successful Etsy store with handmade crochet items.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would love to go to Italy and Spain!
Andrea Clinch, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Andrea
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Undergraduate Education: Cornell University
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: TBD! I'm currently leaning towards being an academic generalist but am excited to explore options during residency. I know I want to work with LGBTQIA+ populations as well as learners in my career.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: During med school I worked at a climbing gym and in another life I would stay in that industry and be a coach and route setter.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I have a long list of places I hope to travel but lately I've really been wanting to go to the UK.
Garrett Garbo, MD (He/Him/His)
Preferred Name: Garrett
Hometown: Boston, MA
Undergraduate Education: Smith College
Medical School: Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
Plans after Residency: I hope to serve my community and provide comprehensive gender-affirming surgical and hormonal care to transgender and gender-diverse patients. I'm considering a fellowship in pediatric/adolescent gynecology, or going into academic medicine to help me achieve this. I'll also continue to do research, and hopefully mentor undergrad and medical students!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I'd probably be a baker, a potter, or a quilt-maker. I love doing things with my hands (especially when I can see an end result!).
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are so many places on my travel list - I'd love to visit Jordan and Morocco, and Japan. I have a degree in Classical Studies and studied archaeology, so give me anywhere with cool history and great museums and I'll be there.
Mikaela Herberg, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Mikaela
Hometown: Mandan, ND
Undergraduate Education: Concordia College
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Plans after Residency: I am currently interested in becoming a generalist, but I am open to the idea of pursuing a fellowship! No matter where life takes me, I would love to be involved in medical education and will continue to be an advocate for reproductive justice and gender-affirming care.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would love to be a park ranger at Grand Teton National Park! I love getting to explore the great outdoors.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I was able to visit Greece while on tour with my college orchestra, and I would love to go back! I have also always dreamed of visiting Sweden.
Norma Jimenez Ramirez, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Norma
Hometown: New Hope, MN/Quito, Ecuador
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Stanford School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: I plan to be a generalist, but I am exploring fellowship options such as FPMRS or REI.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would either run an animal shelter, focusing on end-of-life care for elderly dogs, or continue my family's chocolate business - or both!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: The Galapagos Islands! The natural diversity is stunning.
Zoey Shultz, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Zoey
Hometown: Prairie du Sac, WI
Undergraduate Education: New York University
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Plans after Residency: I will either pursue a complex family planning fellowship, or be a generalist who provides abortion care. I would like to take care of patients who are historically excluded and underserved, and be a trusted provider for the LGBTQ+ community. I love education, so I plan to work with medical students in some capacity!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be a Spanish teacher!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: It is my dream to go to Nepal and go trekking in the Himalayas.
Bektu Solomon, MD, MPH (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Bektu
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Carleton College (BS) and Master of Public Health from University of Colorado School of Medicine
Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: Unclear right now.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I was sure I could make an income, I'd absolutely be a photographer.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Istanbul
Lisa Wanda, MD, MPH (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Lisa
Hometown: Enugu, Nigeria
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Duke University (BS) and Master of Science from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Medical School: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: I am contemplating becoming a generalist or pursuing gynecologic surgery such as Urogynecology. My overall goal is to empower women through increasing access to healthcare services especially for those on the margins in the US and in my home countries. I also plan to engage in community-based global public health research and health initiatives.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be an epidemiologist or a travel food blogger. I pursued an MPH in Epidemiology because I love the ability to visualize patterns and draw conclusions to help improve our well-being. I also love food and traveling. I believe in tasting any food at least three times before concluding I dislike like it; it turns out that there are very few things I don't like eating. If I can't use my Epidemiology degree, I would travel the world eating and meeting people from diverse backgrounds.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would spend a week in Costa Rica. I visited once and it was one of the most beautiful places I have been to. Sceneries resembled digitally edited photos. I appreciated the country's strong environmental efforts, including forest conservationism. Foods were delicious and people were warm, welcoming, and friendly. I recommend visiting.
PGY 3
Ruthie Baker, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: Bates College
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: Who knows! Currently considering pursuing fellowship in family planning or GYN oncology vs. generalist practice.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I think I would try find work somewhere at the intersection of environmental science and public health. I did undergraduate research in limnology and loved getting to spend time in the field and drawing connections between the data and its health implications.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Mustang District, Nepal
Katie Cooke, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Bellingham, WA
Current Clinic: HCMC
Undergraduate Education: Yale University
Medical School: Yale School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: I'm interested in potentially pursuing fellowship in Gyn Onc.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I'd love to work at an animal sanctuary!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are so many places I would love to travel--Prague has been on my list for a long time!
Arianna Delsman, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Berkeley, CA
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: University of Washington
Medical School: Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Plans after Residency: I will likely become a generalist, but may pursue a fellowship. Either way, I will continue to advocate for reproductive justice and equity in medicine and medical education.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be an investigative journalist or a water polo coach -- maybe both!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I love mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and wildlife, so my dream vacation is to explore Patagonia.
Reid Gamble, DO, MA (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences
Medical School: Kansas City University
Plans after Residency: Possibly FPMRS or MIGS, maybe academic OB/GYN. My ultimate goal is to provide excellent comprehensive surgical and clinical care for transgender and gender-queer patients!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Highly unlikely to come true, but I would audition and play for the Minnesota Orchestra. More realistically I would volunteer as a concert hall usher to get free tickets;) I’ve played violin since I was 4 years old.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Eating Kao Neo Mamuang (mango sticky rice) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I spent a semester in Thailand while at the University of Minnesota as an undergrad:) Fun fact my Thai name is pronounced “Pai”.
Polly Gwan, MD, MPH, MS (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Ruston, Louisiana
Current Clinic: HCMC
Undergraduate Education: Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
Medical School: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
Plans after Residency: After residency, I plan to pursue a fellowship most likely in MFM. I'm also passionate about health equity and reproductive justice, so I plan to work with nationally-based MCH organizations to develop and spearhead community-led research, initiatives, and policy focused on improving reproductive health outcomes for marginalized women.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be a professional clarinetist and try to play for a major orchestra in the U.S.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would love to visit Japan, South Korea, or Egypt!
Devin Hedlund, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: Luther College
Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Plans after Residency: I haven't decided if I would like to pursue fellowship or a career as a generalist, but I'm interested in staying in academic medicine.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be a fiction author and a musician!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are so many places I want to visit, so it's hard to choose. I'd like to go to Australia and New Zealand someday, as well as Japan!
Meredith Huszagh, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Lake Bluff, IL
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: Vanderbilt University
Plans after Residency: I plan to stay in academic medicine and help with medical education! I hope to practice as a generalist or pursue a Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery (MIGS) fellowship after residency.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be an event planner or run a small bakery!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are many places I have yet to visit, but Ireland, Norway, and Australia are on the list!
Marja Gillette, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Plans after Residency: Currently planning to be a Generalist, but we'll see where life takes me!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Maybe I'd be a chef! I love the creativity of cooking, the togetherness that a shared meal facilitates, and of course, the satisfaction of preparing and enjoying great-tasting food.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Finland, but a week in virtually any country would be enticing to me.
Sarah Shim, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of Michigan- Cellular and Molecular Biology, English
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Plans after Residency: I'm still open! I have an interest in REI and Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology fellowships and would like to eventually practice in academic medicine.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I wasn't a physician I would be either an author or journalist. I love to write and would enjoy either writing a book series or pursuing fashion journalism.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I've always wanted to travel to Australia!
PGY 4
Oluwabukola Akingbola, DO, MS (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred name: Bukky
Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of St. Thomas
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University
Plans after Residency: I would like to pursue a fellowship, right now thinking maybe MFM. I would like to work in Academic Medicine and hopefully stay in the midwest and continue to promote diversifying the face of medicine in all forms.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Interior Design! I enjoy creating beautiful spaces
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Right now hoping to visit Bali sometime in the next year!
Anna Ayers Looby, MD, MPH (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred name: Anna Ayers Looby, full last name - Ayers Looby
Hometown: Waconia, MN
Current Clinic: HCMC
Previous Education: Gustavus Adolphus College - Anthropology, Sociology, Peace Studies; School of Public Health - MPH in Epidemiology and Public Health Policy
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: I hope to be a local and global advocate for women through clinical and policy work
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Be an artist, ceramic potter, and policy advocate.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Backpacking across any beautiful landscape.
Anne Schmiesing, MD, MPH (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Annie
Hometown: Minnetonka, MN
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: St. Olaf College
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: I'm still open, but thinking I'll end up practicing as a generalist, hopefully in the Twin Cities.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would open up a small neighborhood coffee shop! I love coffee.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are a lot of places around the world I want to see. If I had to choose one, I'd pick the South of France.
Sarah Davidson, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Savage, MN
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of Miami
Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: Not sure yet if I want to pursue a fellowship or work as a generalist, but I would love to work in academics!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I've always thought I'd really enjoy being an event planner!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are so many places I would love to visit, but next on the list would be Japan, Argentina, or Iceland.
Anna Carroll, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Los Alamos, NM
Current Clinic: HCMC
Undergraduate Education: Smith College
Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: Family Planning Fellowship, Academic Generalist Practice
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be a full-time political activist and eventually run for elected office.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: The Amalfi Coast - for the history, the beautiful scenery, and, of course, the amazing food!
Steven Hesse, MD, MPH (He/Him/His)
Hometown: North Prairie, WI
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Plans after Residency: I am leaning towards a generalist. Regardless of fellowship training or generalist, I want to have some clinic time at an FQHC.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would find some way to be involved with AmeriCorps again or a similar organization at the domestic or global level.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Visiting my aunt and uncle in Lima, Peru! I have visited them twice and cannot wait to go back. They live close to the ocean and my uncle is a chef - perfect combination!
Brianna Hickey, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Bri
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of Chicago
Medical School: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Plans after Residency: Generalist or MFM
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be an architect or pursue a PhD in computational biology
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Italy!
Kali Olson, MD, MPH (She/Her/Hers)
Preferred Name: Kali (Kay-lee)
Hometown: De Pere, WI
Current Clinic: HCMC
Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Plans after Residency: After residency, I hope to be a generalist in a Midwest town serving a community of women.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I weren't a physician, I would love to own and run a combined coffee shop and dog rescue because I really can't imagine a life without coffee or our rescue pup, Tanker.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: The list is really too long to come up with just one place. I think our next big adventure will be hopping through various countries of Europe.
Laura Miller, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Madison, WI
Current Clinic: HCMC
Undergraduate Education: Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Plans after Residency: I hope to be a generalist, working to reduce healthcare disparities and continuing to be an advocate for reproductive justice in an urban setting.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Social worker or high school guidance counselor
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Madagascar!
Contact
To contact a specific resident, email [email protected]
Resident Committees
-
Wellness Committee
- Interview Committee
- Journal Club Committee
- Advocacy Committee
- Simulation Committee
- Global Health Committee