Current Residents

Stephanie Allen, MD, MSc

Current Clinic: WHS

Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

Interests and Hobbies: Riding my bike, being outside, yoga, cooking, reading

Alexandra Bader, MD, MSGH

Current Clinic: Regions

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

Interests and Hobbies: Yoga, travel, reading, spanish

Nickey Jafari, MD, MPH

Current Clinic: WHS

Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine

Interests and Hobbies: Rock climbing

Navin Maredia, MD

Current Clinic: HCMC

Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

Interests and Hobbies: Hiking/outdoorsy activities, reading, puzzling, running, yoga

Casandra Olson, MD

Current Clinic: HCMC

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

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

Current Clinic:  WHS

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

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

Interests and Hobbies: Being active outside, playing music, watching live music, cooking, gardening 

 

Kelsey Stewart, MD

Current Clinic: WHS

Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

Interests and Hobbies: Camping/hiking, running, kayaking, cooking

Andy Thornton, MD, MPH

Current Clinic: Regions

Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Interests and Hobbies: Biking, hiking, softball, spending time with family, reading, breweries, soccer,  lakes, roadtrips, travelling

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

Plans after Residency: Gyn Onc Fellowship

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?: Bora Bora

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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

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."

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Jennifer Hagen, MD

Hometown: Chaska, MN

Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists

Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin - Madison

Medical School: University of Minnesota

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!

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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

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

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Tenley Klc, MD, MPH

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

Plans after Residency: "Most likely working as a generalist, hopefully at an academic institution."

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."

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Alisha Lindberg, MD

Hometown: Scandia, MN

Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota - Morris

Medical School: University of Minnesota

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"

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Audrey Messelt, MD

Hometown: Savage, MN

Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: Gustavus Adolphus College

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Plans after Residency: "Not sure yet, open to everything and maybe interested in Family Planning."

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"

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MacKenzie Thayer, MD

Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota

Current Clinic: Saint Paul

Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin - Madison

Medical School: University of Iowa

Plans after Residency: "Not certain. I will likely be a generalist in the Twin Cities, but am also interested in an REI fellowship."

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!"

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Dani Westenberg, MD

Hometown: Green Bay, WI

Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists

Undergraduate Education: Northwestern University

Medical School: University of Wisconsin

Plans after Residency: I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in one of the gynecologic subspecialties, such as Gynecologic Oncology or 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.

Katelyn Bojan, MD

Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN

Current Clinic: St. Paul

Undergraduate Education: University of St. Thomas

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Plans after Residency: I am keeping an open mind about my future career plans, but whether I do fellowship or work as a generalist, I would like to work in academics

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Trying new restaurants and breweries throughout the Twin Cities. The state fair is also pretty great!

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be a teacher

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would love to backpack around Chile

Current Research Project: Delivery of the Deeply Impacted Fetal Head During Cesarean Section

Research Mentor: Kamalini Das, MBBS

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Tony Grandelis, MD

Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN

Current Clinic: Hennepin Country Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Plans after Residency: Going into intern year I had planned on being a generalist. Oncology might be winning me over though...

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program?: My fellow residents and the PTO policy

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Rooftop happy hours

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I think I'd go back to school for architecture

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Doesn't matter, as long as it's someplace I haven't been yet. I love traveling to new places! During intern year I was able to go to Costa Rica, Miami, Toronto, DC, Lake Superior, and New Orleans.

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Paige Martin, MD

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists

Undergraduate Education: Bethel University

Medical School: University of Missouri - Kansas City

Plans after Residency: Possibly a fellowship in urogyn, but unsure right now

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Any activity on a lake - waterskiing, jet skiing, pontooning, swimming! I also love going to all the awesome restaurants

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would be a veterinarian. I would open up a low-cost clinic, so everyone could care for their fur babies

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Japan when the cherry blossoms are blooming

Current Research Project: Antibiotic Use in Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears and Prevention of Wound Complications

Research Mentor: Carrie Terrell, MD

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Jill Miller, MD

Hometown: Menomonie, WI

Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota - Duluth

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

Plans after Residency: I'm not sure yet, but I am considering a fellowship in Family Planning. I definitely plan to stick around the Twin Cities when I start to practice

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Biking around. I'm still exploring the area, but this has been my favorite activity so far. There are so many breweries and parks to stop by.

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would love to work in National Parks as a park ranger or a guide. I also considered doing something like plant ecology before going back to medical school

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I think my next big adventure will be to Australia and New Zealand

Current Research Project: Family Planning and Waiting Periods

Research Mentor: Christy Boraas, MD, MPH

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Alicia Myhre, DO, MS

Hometown: Lakeland, MN

Current Clinic: St. Paul

Undergraduate Education: University of St. Thomas 

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Masters Program: Drexel University College of Medicine

Plans after Residency: To practice as a generalist in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Biking the lakes, visiting the St. Paul Farmer's Market, and exploring the many restaurants and breweries the area has to offer

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would dedicate my time to establishing a student-run shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Twin Cities. I would model it after the Student-Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia - an incredible shelter that I had the privilege of working with during my 6 years in Philadelphia. I would also spend much of my time cooking and baking for the residents and volunteers of the shelter.

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Norway

Current Research Project: Utilizing Social Media to Explore Parental Attitudes Regarding HPV Vaccine

Research Mentor: Deanna Teoh, MD

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Alexandra Schefter, MD

Hometown: Mount Vernon, IA

Current Clinic: Hennepin Country Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: Carleton College

Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Plans after Residency: Undecided at this point, but keeping options open for fellowship

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program?: Obviously my co-residents! But also that we are given the opportunity to participate in procedures and surgeries from day one with really good support and teaching from our senior residents.

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Trying new restaurants, running along the lakes, and acquiring new winter activity skills like XC skiing and knitting

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I had a mid-college crisis and thought I wanted to work toward a PhD in biophysics, but took time off after college to work in a lab and missed working with people.

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Anywhere with good food, good hiking, and good friends. I'm very excited for my next adventure to Cartagena, Colombia!

Current Research Project: Will a Designated Gyn Oncology Curriculum Carried Out During the Gyn Onc Rotation for OBGYN Resident Change Gyn Onc Specific CREOG Scores and/or Will It Increase Resident Satisfaction of the Gyn Onc Rotation?

Research Mentor: Colleen Rivard, MD

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Amy Schumer, MD

Hometown: Middlebury, VT

Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists

Undergraduate Education: Middlebury College

Medical School: University of Vermont

Plans after Residency: Not sure yet, maybe something global health-related

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Biking

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Live in Latin America and work as a teacher or for an NGO 

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Somewhere in the mountains

Research Project: Pregnancy Outcomes at the Extremes of Maternal Ages

Research Mentor: Cresta Jones, MD

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Meredith Wise, MD

Hometown: Lubbock, TX

Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists

Undergraduate Education: Northwestern University - English

Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

Plans after Residency: I plan to eventually practice and teach at an academic medical center and possibly pursue a fellowship

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program?: We have such a supportive, cooperative group of residents and faculty. I know that both my learning and well-being is a priority! Our class group text is always good if you need a sounding board, a quick tip, or a good laugh!

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Biking near the river and lakes and exploring new restaurants and breweries

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would love to be a travel writer

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: So many places! Looking forward to a big family trip to Spain next year. It will be my first time back since studying abroad there!

Current Research Project: Examining the Success Rates and Complications of IUD Placement in Adolescents at Planned Parenthood, MN, ND, SD Affiliate

Research Mentor: Christy Boraas, MD, MPH

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Melinda Zhang, MD

Hometown: Bloomington, MN

Current Clinic: Hennepin Country Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: Yale

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Plans after Residency: "I love the Twin Cities and would like to work as a generalist in the area."

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program: "I enjoy night float breakfast, intern support group lunch, journal club dinners, and my co-residents."

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Laying in a hammock by any of the lakes

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would get some dogs and hang out at the poochie park all day

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Croatia

Current Research Project: Why is There a Higher C-Section Rate for Failed Induction of Labor in Obese Women Compared to Normal BMI Women?

Research Mentor: Buvana Reddy, MD

Leah Anderson, MD

Hometown: Buffalo Lake, MN

Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: St. Olaf College, Biology

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Plans after Residency: Not sure yet, maybe a fellowship in women's global health, maybe a generalist practice

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program: "The variety of different clinical experiences we get is amazing. We get to work with so many different patient populations in many different settings and my co-residents are pretty awesome!"

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: I enjoy biking places in the summer and exploring new neighborhoods

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I'd probably work for a non-profit of some sort either internationally or locally working with underserved populations

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: New Zealand

Current Research Project: Self-Identified Barriers to Obtaining Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives Among Low Income Women 

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Sabrina Bedell, MD

Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA

Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists

Undergraduate Education: University of California -Davis, Biochemistry

Medical School: University of Vermont

Plans after Residency: Fellowship vs. general practice... to be determined!

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program: "My awesome co-residents, the beautiful Twin Cities, and the supportive staff"

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Riding my bike to a lake or one of the many delicious restaurants in the area

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Open a bakery and cafe

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Nigeria, to visit my boyfriend's sister and see his hometown

Current Research Project: First Trimester Phthalates in the Development of Hypertensive Diseases of Pregnancy

Research Mentor: Ruby Nguyen, PhD

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Tia Brodeur, MD, PhD

Hometown: Springfield, MA

Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: Union College - Schenectady, NY

Medical School: University of Massachusetts

PhD Program: University of Massachusetts

Plans after Residency: REI fellowship or academic generalist practice 

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would teach middle or high school.

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Italy

Current Research Project: Endometrium >13mm increases frequency of negative pregnancy tests following euploid frozen single embryo transfer

Mentor: April Batcheller, MD

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Gita Byraiah, MD, MHS

Hometown: Maple Grove, MN

Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota, Biology

Masters Program: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Global Disease Epidemiology and Control

Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Plans after Residency: I hope to integrate my interests in global health, family planning, and women's health and pursue a career as a generalist.

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program: "I am amazed at how incredibly supportive and kind everyone in the program is. The faculty are very knowledgeable, the research is strong, and the clinical variety across all hospital sites is unparalleled."

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: There are too many to pick one! I enjoy the variety of activities available outdoors in all seasons. I also love trying new restaurants.

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Become a public health professional or a food critic

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are many places I would go, such as - Alaska, Bali, Greece, Australia, and South Africa

Current Research Project: Nitrous Use for IUD Placement in Adolescents

Research Mentor: Rachel Miller, MD

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Elizabeth Miller, MD

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

Current Clinic: Women's Health Specialists

Undergraduate Education: St. Olaf College, Dance and Psychology

Medical School: University of Iowa

Plans after Residency: I am interested in being a generalist, specializing in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, or doing a combination of both. I hope to practice in the Midwest

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program: "The people in the residency program are incredible. My co-residents truly care about each other. We also have the opportunity to work at a variety of hospital and clinical sites, which allows us to interact with diverse patient populations and helps us decide where we might like to practice in the future."

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: It's difficult to narrow it down to one favorite activity. I enjoy kayaking and hiking as well as trying out new restaurants

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would open a dance studio and teach ballet, modern, tap, and jazz to children and adults

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Reykjavik, Iceland

Current Research Project: Tranexamic Acid for Treatment of Acute Heavy Uterine Bleeding in Adolescents

Research Mentor: Rachel Miller, MD

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Malinda Schaefer, MD, PhD

Hometown: Potosi, WI

Current Clinic: Hennepin County Medical Center

Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin - Lacrosse

PhD Program: University of Michigan

Medical School: Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership

Plans after Residency: MFM Fellowship and academic practice

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program: "The other residents!"

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Visiting different breweries and hanging out by the lakes

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I weren't a physician, I would be an artist or event planner

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Almost anywhere with a beach

Current Research Project: Assessment of Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Minneapolis Metropolitan Area

Research Mentor: Jessica Nyholm, MD

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Annelise Wilhite, MD

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Current Clinic: Saint Paul

Undergraduate Education: University of South Carolina

Medical School: University of Virginia

Plans after Residency: Undecided, maybe a generalist because I love all aspects of OB/GYN and I don't know if I would be able to give up obstetrics or gynecology

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would love to be a photographer for National Geographic or maybe train horses

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: There are so many places I'd love to go, but I really want to see Patagonia or maybe visit my brother in Norway

Current Research Project: Adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Risk-Reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA Mutation Carriers

Research Mentor: Britt Erickson, MD

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Catherine Zhang, MD, MPH

Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa

Current Clinic: Saint Paul

Undergraduate Education: University of Iowa, Integrative Physiology & Psychology

Masters Program: University of Iowa, Master of Public Health

Medical School: University of Iowa

Plans after Residency: Fellowship, likely in Gynecologic Oncology

What you enjoy most about the U of MN OBGYN Residency Program: "The residents, staff, and administration are incredibly supportive and truly want you to succeed in becoming a competent and compassionate physician. I love the intern support lunch group that meets every Monday - it allows us to see each other despite busy and often conflicting schedules and is a great source of emotional and mental support!"

Favorite Twin Cities Activity: Activities around the lake (paddle boarding, kayaking, running, etc.) and trying new restaurants

If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Counselor or wedding photographer

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: One week is not long enough, but probably somewhere in southeast Asia like Thailand

Current Research Project: The Effect of HPV Testing in the Detection of Adenocarcinoma in Situ of the Cervix

Research Mentor: Britt Erickson, MD