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.
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Class of 2025
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Class of 2024
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Class of 2023
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Class of 2022
PGY 1
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!
PGY 2
Joshua Brill, MD
Hometown: Clarkston, MI
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: University of Michigan
Medical School: Albany Medical College
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I think that I would be a chef! I love to cook and to (try to) be creative while cooking. I also would have enjoyed a career in clinical psychology. I enjoy making people feel their best, whether it’s through a tasty plate of food or an open conversation.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I was lucky enough to spend time in Greece for a family wedding in 2017, and I would love to go back. The people and the food were lovely, and I want to spend more time exploring the sights. On my last trip we got to experience two islands and parts of Athens, but I know there is much more to see.
Shruthi Chandra, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Troy, MI
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of Michigan
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Plans after Residency: I'm considering applying for a fellowship in Gyn Onc after residency as of now. If I decide to continue as a generalist I would like to practice in academic medicine and continue to work with residents!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I'd probably be an engineer! I have an engineering degree and honestly loved all my classes, so I'd probably pursue that further. Or potentially try to pursue a career in Indian Classical Dance professionally.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Greece! I've always been fascinated with Greek mythology so being able to see some of the ruins there would be AMAZING.
Jessie Chen, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Columbus, IN
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: Indiana University
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: I want to be an academic generalist with an additional focus on LGBTQ+ health.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would probably combine my other passions and become a travel food blogger.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would love to go to Japan - good food, amazing culture, and so many cute things!
Jamie Gamache, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Alexandria, MN
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: likely going to practice as a generalist and hope to stay in Minnesota.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be a gardener and wedding florist, I would grow the flowers for the wedding bouquets.
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 my list are Greece, Iceland, and Australia.
Rachael Grundman, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Osakis, MN
Current Clinic: HCMC
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: generalist, somewhere probably in MN
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Backcountry trail guide.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Trek to Ciudad Perdida in Columbia with my sisters.
Andrea Johnson, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Alborn, MN
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota
Medical School: University of South Florida
Plans after Residency: I am possibly considering onc fellowship, but only time can tell.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Food critic
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Croatia
Rebecca Josephson, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: Willamette University
Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University
Plans after Residency: likely generalist but considering PAGS fellowship
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would love to work in adaptive sports and help make sure all people are able to participate in outdoor activities.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Backpacking in South America!
Natasha Kapur, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Current Clinic: HCMC
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Plans after Residency: Generalist
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be a chef!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Traveling along the coastal countries of the Mediterranean Sea.
Emily Norkett, MD
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Current Clinic: HCMC
Undergraduate Education: Williams College
Medical School: University of a Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Be a traveling photographer and live in a van :)
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Backpacking in Nepal or New Zealand
PGY 3
Stephanie Allen, MD, MSc (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Lake Jackson, TX
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Baylor University (BA), Master of Science from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Research Project: "Contribution of fetal abdominal circumference (AC) over estimated fetal weight (EFW) alone in predicting small for gestational age (SGA) infants"; Mentor: Stephen Contag, MD, Associate Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: Either academic generalist OBGYN or MFM fellowship
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Be an epidemiologist, fiction author, and pub trivia host!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Cape Town, South Africa
Interests and Hobbies: Riding my bike, being outside, yoga, cooking, reading
Alexandra Bader, MD, MSGH (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Current Clinic: Regions
Undergraduate Education: Providence College
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
Research Project: "Pregnancy outcomes in very young mothers and their neonates"; Mentor: Cresta Jones, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Department of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: Be a generalist, and work in advocacy and global health
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Be a gardener and open a state fair booth
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Skiing in Jackson Hole with my brother!
Interests and Hobbies: Yoga, travel, reading, spanish
Nickey Jafari, MD, MPH (She/Her/Hers)
Current Clinic: WHS
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Research Project: "Comparison of Time to Delivery Using Mifepristone-Misoprostol versus Misoprostol for Second Trimester Abortion Induction of Labor"; Mentor: Sarah Hutto, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Interests and Hobbies: Rock climbing
Plans after Residency: General Ob/Gyn
Navin Maredia, MD
Current Clinic: HCMC
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Research Project: "Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2) in Uterine Carcinosarcoma: A Multi-Institutional Cohort Study"; Mentor: Britt Erickson, MD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Interests and Hobbies: Hiking/outdoorsy activities, reading, puzzling, running, yoga
Casandra Olson, MD
Current Clinic: HCMC
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Research Project: "Postpartum Tubal Ligation: A retrospective review of unfulfilled postpartum tubal requests following vaginal delivery"; Mentor: Jessika Ralph, MD, MSCI, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Interests and Hobbies: Hiking/camping, biking, cross country skiing, hanging out with my boyfriend and our dog and working on fixing up my new old house.
Nick Quam, MD (He/Him/His)
Hometown: Minnetrista, MN
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: Bethel University
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Research Project: "Perceptions of telehealth among gynecologic cancer survivors"; Mentor: Rachel Vogel, PhD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: Undecided
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I think I would enjoy being an architect or home remodeler.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: New Zealand
Interests and Hobbies: LGBT community/healthcare/advocacy, biking, Twin Cities restaurants, hiking, dogs
Ruby Russell, MD
Current Clinic: HCMC
Medical School: University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
Research Project: "Normalized UASDR and Pulsatility Index for Risk Stratification of FGR"; Mentor: Stephen Contag, MD, Associate Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Interests and Hobbies: Being active outside, playing music, watching live music, cooking, gardening
Kelsey Stewart, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Grapevine, TX
Current Clinic: WHS
Undergraduate Education: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Research Project: "Impact of long term indomethacin therapy on early preterm birth"; Mentor: Stephen Contag, MD, Associate Professor, Dept of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: I am interested in a career in academic medicine and global/rural surgery - I am still deciding which fellowship/career path will take me there!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be an outdoors(wo)man; travel, hike, climb, kayak, and enjoy nature!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: In the Himalayas
Interests and Hobbies: Camping/hiking, running, kayaking, cooking
Andy Thornton, MD, MPH
Current Clinic: Regions
Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Research Project: "Severe Range Blood Pressure in the Postpartum Period: Does Addition of a Diuretic Improve Blood Pressure Control?"; Mentor: Stephen Contag, MD, Associate Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Interests and Hobbies: Biking, hiking, softball, spending time with family, reading, breweries, soccer, lakes, road trips, traveling
PGY 4
Chen Chen, MD
Hometown: Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, China
Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota - Morris
Medical School: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Research Project: "The impact of age and exposure to cancer care on the knowledge of palliative care among Minnesota State Fair attendees"; Mentor: Deanna Teoh, MD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: Generalist
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I'd be a veterinarian. I love animals, especially the furry ones.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Switzerland
Elizabeth Fronek, MD
Hometown: Woodbury, Minnesota
Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota, Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Research Project: "Incidence of Preeclampsia after 39 weeks and its associated adverse outcomes"; Mentor: Stephen Contag, MD, Associate Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: "I am interested in a fellowship in Family Planning and Academic medicine, but I'm keeping my options open."
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: "I would probably be a chef and would like to travel around the world learning how to cook different styles of food."
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: "I would love to travel to so many different places. The next big trip on my list is Thailand."
Jennifer Hagen, MD
Hometown: Chaska, MN
Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists
Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Research Project: "Ovarian preservation in low grade endometrial cancer and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia: outcomes and long-term health sequelae"; Mentor: Britt Erickson, MD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: I'm unsure if I will work as a generalist or pursue a fellowship, but either way I plan to work in academics.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Become a Dietician. I majored in Dietetics in undergrad and I am really passionate about nutrition and prevention.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are so many places I’d love to travel. My sister recently moved to Seoul, South Korea and I am hoping to visit this year!
Jess Holttum, MD, MPHS
Hometown: Mukilteo, WA
Current Clinic: Saint Paul
Undergraduate Education: University of Washington
Masters Program: Washington University in St. Louis - MPHS
Medical School: Washington University in St. Louis
Research Project: "Effect of silver impregnated silicone bandage on Cesarean section surgical site infection rate"; Mentor: Larry Goldenberg, MD, MBA, Adjunct Assistant Professor, HealthPartners Regions Hospital
Plans after Residency: I am deciding between generalist practice and fellowship. I would like to be involved in medical education in some capacity too!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would work in a bakery and perfect my cake decorating abilities.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Iceland
Tenley Klc, MD, MPH (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Current Clinic: Saint Paul
Undergraduate Education: University of Redlands
Masters Program: University of Utah, Master of Public Health
Medical School: University of Utah
Research Project: "HER2 in Uterine Serous Carcinoma: Testing platforms and implications for targeted therapy"; Mentor: Britt Erickson, MD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: I plan to be a generalist, hopefully working with and teaching medical students, residents, and other learners.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: "I would be a violinist in a traveling orchestra so that I could combine my love for music with the experience of traveling to different parts of the world."
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: "I have a long list of places I want to visit, but next on my list is Florence, Italy."
Alisha Lindberg, MD
Hometown: Scandia, MN
Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota - Morris
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Research Project: "Comparing Accuracy of Quantitative Blood Loss to Visually Estimated Blood Loss at the Time of Cesarean Section"; Mentor: Samantha Hoffman, MD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: "I plan to practice as a generalist, possibly in academics or a rural underserved community...to be determined!"
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: "I would be a wedding planner, own a coffee/floral shop, and run an animal shelter."
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: "New Zealand or Australia"
Audrey Messelt, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Savage, MN
Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center
Undergraduate Education: Gustavus Adolphus College
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Research Project: "Comparisons of emotional health by diagnosis among women with early stage gynecological cancers"; Mentor: Rachel Vogel, PhD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: REI fellowship
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: "Health Teacher"
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: "Norway or Sri Lanka"
MacKenzie Thayer, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota
Current Clinic: Saint Paul
Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Medical School: University of Iowa
Research Project: "Timing of Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) in relation to Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) and Pregnancy Outcome"; Mentor: Cresta Jones, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Department of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: I plan to practice as a generalist in the Twin Cities.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: "I think I would open an ice cream shop!"
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: "Peru - I would love to hike Machu Picchu!"
Dani Westenberg, MD
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists
Undergraduate Education: Northwestern University
Medical School: University of Wisconsin
Research Project: "Perspectives of Synthetic Mesh used in Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence Surgery"; Mentor: John Fischer, MD, FACOG, Professor and Department Head, Dept. of OB/GYN
Plans after Residency: I will be pursuing fellowship in FPMRS.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I weren't a physician, I would want to be a sommelier who travels around the world sampling wine.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would spend a week in Florence, going to museums and eating amazing food.
Contact
To contact a specific resident, email obgynres@umn.edu