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
Laura Edinger, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Andover, MN
Medical School: University of Virigina
Plans After Residency: At this time, I think I would like to go to fellowship! I really enjoy high-risk obstetrics, and am considering MFM, however, I remain open minded!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would own a book-themed bakery-cafe!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would spend it at a cabin on a lake, enjoying the water and time with friends and family.
Megan Glenski, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Yakima, WA
Medical School: University of Washington
Plans after Residency: After residency, I plan to be a generalist providing full scope OB/GYN care to diverse communities. I grew up in Yakima, Washington, an agricultural town with a large Latino community. As a result, I'm inspired to practice as a bilingual OB/GYN and work with Spanish speaking patients. I hope to be involved in global health in Latin America throughout my career.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I weren't a physician, I would like to be an outdoor guide. I love exploring the Cascade Mountain Range and sharing my outdoor experiences with others.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: If I could spend a week anywhere in the world, I would choose to visit the volcanoes of Guatemala. The culture, the opportunity to speak Spanish with the locals, and backpacking around these famous volcanoes is a dream of mine!
Rachel Hill, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: South Vienna, OH
Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Plans after Residency: I plan to pursue a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology, but I am excited to explore all of the sub-specialties of OB-GYN throughout residency. I hope to incorporate research of social and geographic drivers of population health disparities into my future career!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: In my wildest dreams, I would love to perform on Broadway! I love everything musical theater.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Peru! Hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a top bucket-list item.
Madi Hubble, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Olympia, WA
Medical School: University of Washington
Plans after Residency: I am still exploring, but am very interested in gynecologic surgery and am considering a minimally invasive gyn surgery fellowship. Regardless of what I end up doing, I plan to incorporate teaching, LGBTQ care, and advocacy work into my career.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would own a flower farm! One day I hope to have a small hobby farm with a big garden and a few ducks.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: The Himalayas - it's on my bucket list to hike the Annapurna Circuit.
Rachel Knoebl, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Belleville, WI
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Plans after Residency: I am undecided about pursuing a fellowship versus practicing as a generalist at this time, so I am very excited to continue exploring my options while in residency. I am very passionate about reproductive justice and advocacy, health equity and health education and those will definitely be a part of my future career!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I think I would be a chef. I absolutely love cooking and being creative in the kitchen. Cooking for my family and friends is definitely a love language for me.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would say Thailand. It is high on my bucket list for the culture, natural beauty and food!!
Jessica Makori, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Bloomington, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Plans after Residency: I'm still figuring it out! Currently, I'm excited about the possibility of becoming a generalist, hospitalist, or pursuing a Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I find a lot of fulfillment in helping others achieve their goals, so I would probably work as a career counselor. I also find immunology fascinating and have previously considered a career as a research scientist in the field.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Zanzibar!
Lauren Ronnfeldt, DO (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Medical School: Des Moines University
Plans after Residency: I am currently planning to practice as a generalist because I truly love every aspect of Ob/Gyn! My interests include working with underserved communities, global health, advocacy, and menopause care. I also enjoy teaching and hope to stay involved with medical student education.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would own a matcha/coffee shop. I enjoy making my own matcha and coffee at home, and would curate a menu with fun pastries and breakfast sandwiches. I also love the idea of creating a space for people to gather that brings a sense of comfort and community.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I have always wanted to hike and explore the Dolomites in Italy. I think it would be fun to do a via ferrata there, and I would definitely leave some time to enjoy some amazing pasta and wine!
Grace Townsend, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK & Las Cruces, NM
Medical School: University of Oklahoma
Plans after Residency: Most likely generalist practice!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: Mountain guide or animal rescue
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would go to Ecuador so that I could mountaineer in the Andes and scuba dive in the Galapagos in the same week!
Katie Weston, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
Medical School: University of Iowa
Plans After Residency: Currently, I'm interested in being a generalist because I love everything this specialty has to offer! I'm also considering a fellowship in complex family planning. I enjoy working with learners, so I see myself practicing at an academic medical center.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I couldn't be a physician, I would probably be an opera singer! I studied classical voice and participated in choir all four years at my undergraduate institution. I even considered changing my major to vocal performance at one point!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: The UK! I've never been but it's been on my bucket list forever.
PGY 2
Hailey Baker, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Fairbanks, AK
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Plans After Residency: I plan to practice as a generalist in a tribal setting! I'm looking forward to providing full-spectrum, longitudinal care to patients in my community. I would also love to remain in medical education to uplift the next generation of healers.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: My dream job would be to narrate nature documentaries... but I'm not sure how great the job market is, so I'd likely continue to be in healthcare in another capacity.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: On the Kenai Peninsula with my family. Bonus points if the sockeye salmon are running.
Ebisie Deressa, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Plans after Residency: Planning to be a generalist, and very open to where my interests take me! Overall, would love to incorporate global health and working with underserved communities into wherever my interests take me!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I think I would either be a hairstylist, start a coffee shop, or work with kids!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I would love to go to either Bali, Turkey, or back to Zanzibar!
Bridget Dillon, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Plans after Residency: I am currently interested in pursuing a fellowship in gynecologic oncology. However, I am excited to explore the various sub-specialties within Ob/Gyn and learn more about being a generalist. I enjoy working with learners, providing mentorship, and conducting research.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I wasn't a physician, I think I would be a high school biology teacher or a yoga instructor! I love working with students and supporting people in accomplishing their goals. During my fourth year of medical school, I also did some substitute teaching and really enjoyed it!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Argentina!
Chloe Hall-Cooper, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Prior Lake, MN
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Plans after Residency: I could see myself either pursuing a fellowship in MFM or practicing as a general OB/GYN. I'm excited to continue exploring my options in residency! Either way I would love to stay in an academic setting to be involved with medical education.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I'm passionate about teaching and mentoring so I could see myself as a teacher in another life.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: The next trip on my bucket list is Hawaii!
Paige Maertz, DO (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Appleton, WI
Medical School: Des Moines University
Plans after Residency: While I'm open to pursuing a fellowship, currently I I see myself practicing as a generalist because I really want to do it all! My interests include reproductive rights, ultrasound, minimally invasive surgery, and menopause care. I hope that I have a diverse patient population and continue to work with medical students/residents!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would definitely be a cheesemonger. As a Wisconsin native and someone that spent the weekends of my childhood on family members' dairy farms, I was raised to appreciate cheese in its many forms. I would love to have a career centered around my favorite food while supporting local Wisconsin dairy farmers.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Marlborough, New Zealand. SO beautiful with its water, islands, and mountains. Also home to some of my favorite wines (Sauvignon Blancs!).
Daniella Odutayo, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Edina, MN
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University
Plans after Residency: I plan to pursue a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: A pilates/fitness instructor. I love working out and I'm really passionate about health and wellbeing.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Japan! I'd love to visit the botanical gardens, eat as much delicious food as possible and ride go karts through the streets like a Mario character.
Sajal Sanan, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Richland, WA
Medical School: University of Washington
Plans after Residency: I want to provide comprehensive OB/GYN care to rural communities with a focus on family planning - so I am unsure if that means pursuing fellowship first or becoming a generalist!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would probably go into education and teach! I did a lot of teaching before medical school and loved it.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: Egypt! The history has always fascinated me.
Madison Sundlof, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Apple Valley, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Plans after Residency: I hope to pursue a fellowship in gynecologic oncology. I find the field both beautiful and challenging, with the opportunity to work with some of the most inspiring patients. Whatever field I select, I look forward to walking alongside my patients as they navigate their care and advocating for them both in and out of the hospital.
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: I would love to work in a greenhouse or plant nursery. I studied environmental studies in undergrad and find so much joy in the feeling of soil in my hands. I've found ways to keep that passion alive - I care for over 60 houseplants and often wander greenhouses after a long day to soak in the warmth, smell, and stillness. It's my favorite way to reset.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: I've always dreamed of driving Iceland's Ring Road in a campervan. My husband and I love road trips and camping, so combining both in such a stunning and unique landscape sounds like the perfect adventure!
Julie Szczygielski, MD (She/Her/Hers)
Hometown: Franklin, WI
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Plans After Residency: As of right now I plan to pursue fellowship in either MIGs or Complex Family Planning, however I'm very open to other subspecialties and staying general!
If you weren't a physician, what would you do?: If I weren't a physician I think I'd try and go to culinary school! I really enjoy cooking, and love to experiment with new recipes & flavors.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?: If I could spend a week anywhere in the world, I would go to Iceland - it's been on my bucket list FOREVER!
PGY 3
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 4
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.
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