2024 Graduating Class

Resident Awards

Our residency program offers a number of distinct honors that may be earned during time in the clinic, on call, in the operating room, or while mentoring other students. The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery is proud to offer the Gustilo Award for Best Resident Effort as well as for Best Scientific Paper to graduating residents each year.

Recipients of the award, sponsored by renowned surgeon Ramon Gustilo, MD, become members of the Gustilo Society. The Department of Orthopedic Surery also offers the Resident Teacher and Resident Role Model Award annually. These honors offer graduates a unique opportunity to distinguish themselves both within our program and once they enter the profession of orthopedic surgery. 

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Gustilo Awards

Sponsored by the late Ramon Gustilo, MD, recipients become members of the Gustilo Society. Best Scientific Paper is awarded to a resident with the most compelling and impactful research paper. Best Resident Effort is awarded to a resident for comprehensive involvement in their research project. 

  • Samuel Davidson, MD & Patrick Albright, MD (2025)
  • Justin Jabara, MD & Nicholas Gannon, MD (2024)
  • Erik Fritz, MD & Caroline Hu, MD (2023)
  • Brandon Kelly, MD & Kelsey Overman, MD (2022)
  • Scott Allen, MD & Michael Chau, MD (2021)
  • Celestine Shih, MD & Benjamin Williams, MD (2020)
  • TJ Ridley, MD & Eric Rohman, MD (2019)
  • Matthew Herring, MD & Michael Knudsen, MD (2018)
  • Sara S. Van Nortwick, MD & Jessica S. Shin, MD (2017)
  • Chad Myeroff, MD (2016)
  • David C. Ou-Yang, MD & Kyle C Bohm, MD (2015)

For Gustilo award recipients prior to 2015, please view this link. 

Resident Role Model Award

Presented to a resident that exemplifies the qualities of a good role model by taking an active role in education of the junior residents while on call, in the clinic, in the operating room, or elsewhere. Sponsored by James House, MD.

  • Lily Wood, MD (2025)
  • Justin Jabara, MD (2024)
  • Micheala McCarthy, MD (2023)
  • Kyle Morgenstern, MD (2022)
  • Scott Allen, MD (2021)
  • Lauren Zurek, MD (2020)
  • Robert Brenner, MD (2019)
  • Matthew Herring, MD (2018)

Resident Teacher Award

Presented to a resident that actively taught and mentored medical students. Sponsored by Deb Bohn, MD.

  • Arthur Only, MD (2025)
  • Patrick Albright, MD (2024)
  • Ilexa Flagstad, MD (2023)
  • Alexander Vasconcellos, MD (2022)
  • Jaren LaGreca, MD & Jeff Theismann, MD (2021)
  • Michael Chau, MD (2020)
  • Lauren Casnovsky, MD (2019)
  • Michael Stojanovic, MD (2018)

UMN Graduate Medical Education - Resident Leadership Academy

  • Anna Lundeen (2025-26)
  • Chris Chermside-Scabbo (2024-25)
  • Kelly Edwards & Arthur Only (2023-24)
  • Anthony Bitar (2022-23)
  • Shea Comadoll, MD (2020-21)
  • Erik Fritz, MD (2019-20)
  • Breana Siljander, MD (2018-19)
  • Lauren Smith, MD (2017-18)
  • Ben Williams, MD (2016-17)
  • Ryan Hoel, MD (2015-16)
  • Michael Knudsen, MD (2014-15)

AOA-OREF-Zimmer Resident Leadership Forum Recipients

  • Brenton Douglass & Anthony Bitar (2025)
  • Alex Vasconcellos & Drew Ormseth (2024)
  • Nicholas Gannon (2023)
  • Micheala McCarthy, MD (2022)
  • Kelsey Wise, MD & Breana Siljander, MD (2021)
  • Michael Chau, MD (2020)
  • Eileen Eggenberger, MD (2019)
  • Geneva Tranchida, MD (2018)
  • Matthew Herring, MD (2017)
  • Jessica Shin, MD (2016)
  • Nicholas Beck, MD (2015)
  • Patrick Horrigan, MD & Kelsey Davidson, MD (2015)