Current Residents
Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program
Chief Residents
Paul Blake
Where are you from? Minneapolis, MN
What do you do when you're not practicing medicine? My wife, Kelsey, and I are kept very busy with our twin toddlers, Margot and Oliver, and two Great Danes, Minnie and Blue. When I get the chance, I like to do various projects around the house, explore the Minneapolis/ St. Paul food scene, and go for runs around the lakes.
Why did you choose the U of M for your residency? As a medical student, I saw firsthand how happy and fulfilled the residents at our program were. I saw that through the three clinical sites, there is a wide variety in terms of both volume and complexity, providing a well-rounded experience, which I knew I wanted. Additionally, I wanted to go to a program with supportive leadership who were willing to collaborate with the residents to continuously improve the program. I have found all of these things to be true, and I've been very happy with my decision.
Where do you see yourself in the near future? I will be completing a neuroradiology fellowship here at UMN. After that, I hope to stick around and practice here in the Twin Cities.
Nick Dubay
Where are you from? Eagan, MN
What do you do when you're not practicing medicine? Biking, running, pickleball, home improvement, chess, speed puzzling, and spending time with the fam.
Why did you choose the U of M for your residency? I chose UMN because of its great Midwestern culture of warmth and collegiality and because all the residents seem to love the program. With great diversity of training sites and patient populations, I know I will be well-prepared for any career I want to pursue. Not to mention, Minneapolis and St. Paul are hidden gems filled with culture, bike trails and craft breweries!
Where do you see yourself in the near future? I will be staying at the University of Minnesota to complete a neuroradiology fellowship and then hopefully finding a job in the Twin Cities.
Sam Lor
Where are you from? Fresno, CA
What do you do when you're not practicing medicine? Spending time with my family, including trying to keep up with my 2 boys. I like to go fishing (not a lot of catching), play basketball (lots of air balls), and watch sports. I'm not currently a huge Minnesota sports fan (also not a hater), but I'm always looking for a good opportunity to jump on a bandwagon (struck gold with the Warriors in 2015).
Why did you choose the U of M for your residency? Well-rounded training. Chill residents and staff. Good program perks. Strong family ties to the Twin Cities. Recreational opportunities in the area.
Where do you see yourself in the near future? I'll be staying at UMN for a breast imaging fellowship! Excited to see where I end up beyond that.
Current Residents
TY, Class of 2030
Sarah Alabsi, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Alpine skiing, trying out new coffee shops, watching (and endlessly rewatching) my favorite comedy shows, legislative advocacy.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota for residency because our program consistently trains top-notch radiologists who have a strong commitment to serving Minnesotans. The faculty here care deeply about enriching the future of radiology— both in and out of the reading room.
Diamond Brunt, MD
Education: University of Kansas
Hobbies: Aerial fitness, dance, sports (particularly basketball), food, weightlifting and playing Super Mario.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? The University of Minnesota stood out to me for its welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by the genuine warmth and support of both the program director and residents. The program director struck me as deeply engaged and truly invested in the residents’ training and well-being. It was important for me to choose a residency program that fosters a supportive environment for both my professional and personal growth. Additionally, Minnesota’s reputation for innovation made it an exciting place to continue my medical journey. The Twin Cities offer breathtaking scenery, abundant outdoor activities, and the perfect balance of adventure and proximity to my hometown. I am thrilled to begin this next chapter in Minnesota!
Clare Buntrock, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, traveling, walks along the lakeshore, trying new restaurants, cooking and baking, playing and watching soccer (Go Loons!).
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota because it had everything I was looking for in a program - academic excellence, strong mentorship, and a supportive culture among faculty and residents! From being able to learn radiology in a variety of hospital settings including the VA, HCMC county hospital, and the academic center of the UMN, I knew I would be well prepared for any career path in radiology after residency. The program's amazing commitment to uplifting and supporting women in radiology was unmatched and was something I was looking for in the culture of a residency program. On top of this, the great perks of moonlighting, research opportunities, and having the leadership under the kind program director Dr. Hoven made the University of Minnesota a great fit for the next stage of my career and life!
Tyler Dobratz, DO
Education: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: Playing or watching any sport, especially hockey, football, and snowboarding. Fitness and exercise. I lift at the gym at least four times per week. Playing with/training my dog, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd “Maverick.” Building with LEGO. I have loved building with LEGO since I was a kid.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Minnesota is home for my fiancé and I, and we both attended the University of Minnesota for undergraduate. After moving away for medical school, we knew our goal was to eventually end up back in Minnesota. I was able to do an away rotation with the radiology program at the University of Minnesota during my fourth year of medical school, and I loved it! It felt like a natural fit and I knew right away I wanted to end up here for residency, and luckily that's how it worked out! I am so excited to return home to Minnesota near family and friends as I progress through residency.
Shivani Kothari, DO
Education: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: I love tennis, pickleball, Indian dance, and exploring new cities. I enjoy board games and spending time with friends and family. Traveling, sunsets, solving Wordle in under 3, and anything food-related always make my day.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota for residency because of its supportive, collegial atmosphere and the program’s dedication to intellectual rigor and a wide range of academic opportunities. The Twin Cities offer endless possibilities for adventure, from exploring the beautiful scenery to enjoying a diverse food scene, there’s always something to do! It’s the perfect place for me to grow both personally and professionally as a physician.
Jacob Schroeder, MD
Education: University of Iowa
Hobbies: Outside of radiology, I love staying active outdoors—whether it’s hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, or camping. When I'm not outside, I enjoy woodworking, PC gaming, board games, and movie nights. Much of my free time is spent walking our dogs or helping my wife with her live music endeavors.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I was drawn to UMN for its strong sense of community, exceptional training, and proximity to my family in Northern Iowa. On interview day, I was struck by how kind everyone was—from faculty to co-residents—and how genuinely happy the residents seemed. I knew UMN would provide the outstanding education and flexibility I needed to pursue my goals as a future radiologist.
Tanya Shenoy, MD
Education: University of Mississippi
Hobbies: Art, cooking, travel, spending time with family.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Along with the excellent training and diversity of cases, I was excited by the program’s warm culture and emphasis on fostering a supportive community. Additionally, being in the Twin Cities offers wonderful urban living, access to nature, and a delicious food scene!
Andrew Wang, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, gardening, woodworking, video games.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose UMN after seeing firsthand the department’s warmth, enthusiasm, and high-quality education as a medical student here. My interactions with the residents and faculty were all incredibly positive, and the comradery and supportive culture was evident from the residents that I worked with. Minnesota is my home state, and I am excited to continue training where I plan to practice in the future!
RL1, Class of 2029
Mikayla Baker, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Running, walks with my husband and dog, pickleball, golf, watching sports (especially hockey), reading.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? There are several reasons why I chose the University of Minnesota for my residency training. The faculty and residents are outstanding—I can't imagine better people to work with and learn from. I also appreciate the ability to rotate through several diverse training sites, take independent call, and engage in research and innovation. Lastly, Minnesota will always be home to me, and I'm incredibly grateful to remain close to my support system throughout training.
Phuong Dang, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, picnicking, hiking and camping, rock climbing, weight lifting, board games, and coffee brewing.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? It's the whole package with the University of Minnesota! The people here are fantastic – every interaction I've had, from the leadership team to the residents, has been so welcoming and supportive. Plus, the diverse pathology we see across the different rotation sites is a huge draw. And being in Minnesota, my home, just makes it the perfect fit.
Naima Ismail, DO
Education: Ohio Univeristy - Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: Reading, watching a variety of genres of shows including true crime, international dramas and documentaries. I also enjoy sports, particularly basketball and football.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota for residency because of the institution's commitment to growth and innovation. I also liked the location of the Twin Cities, as it is both a close knit community as well as an up and coming bustling city.
John (Jack) Kirsch, MD
Education: Creighton University
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, being active (hockey, skiing, golf, working out), piano and video games.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Minnesota is home for both my wife and I, and after spending medical school in a different part of the country, we realized how much we miss the Twin Cities. I also did an away rotation at Minnesota and got to meet the amazing residents and faculty and knew this is where I wanted to train for radiology.
Megan Kollitz, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Anna Menezes, MD
Education: St. John's Medical College
Hobbies: Playing the violin, dancing, exploring new places and meeting new people.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? As an international graduate, my observership in Minnesota revealed a remarkably supportive environment. From the residents to our amazing program director, everyone’s encouragement inspired me to step out of my comfort zone in India and pursue residency here. The program truly feels like a home away from home, making it the ideal place for my professional and personal growth.
Patrick Miles, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Running, lifting, and reading.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota to return to my home state and receive a world class education at multiple clinical learning sites.
Nathaniel Miller, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Clay Neuenschwander, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, going to breweries, board games, video games and D&D
Why did you choose U of M for residency? For many reasons, the U of M was my #1 rank. I have grown very close to many of the residents and staff, the atmosphere has been unfailingly congenial and supportive through many serious milestones in my life, and the training sites are exceptional. Independent call is a crucible by which I know I will become a better radiologist, there is a daily high volume of cases and huge variety of pathology and it’s a Minnesota program where I plan to practice in the future. Minnesota is my and my wife's home state, so it is truly an honor to be able to give back to Minnesotans in my professional life. Go Gophers.
Kianna Nunally, MD
Education: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my husband and kids (exploring local parks, going on hikes, hanging out on the boat/swimming in the lake), watching NBA basketball and cooking shows, reading, swimming and painting.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? As a medical student here at UMN, I was welcomed into the radiology department with warmth and enthusiasm. I was able to see firsthand the department's commitment to mentorship, high quality education, research and service to our community. The residents I interacted with were very satisfied with the program, and it was encouraging to hear how many of them were able to successfully parent while also being a part of a rigorous training program with a fulfilling career. As a mom myself, I also love that the department here includes so many powerhouse radiologist women and moms (shoutout to Dr. Hoven (PD) and Dr. Holm (APD))! Here at UMN, I know I will get an exceptional education, build long-lasting relationships, and attain the tools/skills to become a successful Minnesota radiologist (and mom)!
RL2, Class of 2028
Lindsey Amundson, MD
Education: Undergrad: University of Wisconsin; Medical School: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Anything related to food (both hosting and trying new restaurants), video games, acrylic painting, visiting local breweries, and binge-reading anything fiction.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota for residency after rotating through the department on an elective rotation. I knew I enjoyed the environment of the work rooms and the opportunity for both collaboration and independence. One thing that stuck out to me was the strong presence of many subspecialties with fellowship opportunities. I knew this would be a good place to explore my interests with the infrastructure to pursue fellowship in the future.
Caleb Hoover, MD
Education: Undergrad: University of Minnesota/University of Wisconsin; Grad School: University of Minnesota; Medical School: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my wife and my dog (Nala) going on walks and hikes. My wife and I love to travel to see natural and culturally beautiful and inspiring places. We especially enjoy the opportunity to visit my wife's family and original home in Romania. I love the Vikings and Timberwolves. I am a big basketball fan- watching and playing as much as possible. I also enjoy reading and learning about history in my spare time.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I was born and raised in Minnesota, and I want to practice medicine in the Twin Cities in service to my community. The people and the natural beauty of Minnesota always keep me and my wife here despite our love for travel and the Minnesota winters. The U of M Radiology program brings you to several of the largest health centers in the Twin Cities and prepares you well for independent practice with a high volume of diverse cases.
David Kahat, MD
Education: Undergrad: St. John’s University; Grad School: University of Minnesota (MBA); Medical School: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Running, biking, lifting, making music, hanging out with my wife and dog (Goldy), starting and many times not finishing random house projects, and bouncing around great restaurants in Northeast MPLS!
Why did you choose U of M for residency? UMN checked all three of the big boxes I was looking for in a radiology program. The training offers high volume, extremely diverse pathology, and the opportunity to complete independent call at a level 1 trauma center. Being born and raised in MN, my wife and I knew we wanted to complete training near family, friends, and Minnesota is an amazing place to live. Lastly, the culture of the program is amazing; everyone, including residents, faculty, and other support staff, has each other's back!
Thomas Kane, MD
Education: Undergrad: University of Notre Dame; Medical School: University of Minnesota
Connor Nelson, DO
Ayca Ozbek Ozutemiz, MD
Education: Medical School: Istanbul Üniversitesi, Cerrahpasa Tip Fakültesi, Turkey Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi, Turkey
Hobbies: Baking and cooking Turkish/Mediterranean dishes, walking and hiking with my family, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, traveling, planting and gardening.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I have been living in Minnesota for seven years now, and my experience with the community and the healthcare system has been exceptional. After completing multiple observerships, I was drawn to the radiology program offered by the University of Minnesota. The program's emphasis on advanced medical practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered care aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations in the field. I am excited to continue my relationship with the University of Minnesota and to develop my skills further in radiology for a successful career.
Benjamin Simpson, MD
Education: Undergrad: Macalester College; Medical School: University of Minnesota
Hobbies: Soccer, basketball, pickleball... you name the sport and I'll give it a shot. Cycling with the goal of a triathlon on the horizon. Going to concerts with my wife and friends.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Strong background in medical education and great exposure to trauma and rare/uncommon conditions. Being from Minneapolis, the U of M allows me to continue my training with the goal of serving my community.
Jacob Stern, MD
Education: Undergrad: Gustavus Adolphus; Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Hobbies: Outside of medicine I enjoy reading, cooking, baking, camping, and spending time with my fiancé, family, and friends.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota for residency because of its excellent reputation, the variety of training sites, and its location in Minneapolis. I am originally from the Twin Cities and love the people. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in.
Logan Thomas, DO
Education: Undergrad: University of Iowa; Medical School: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and friends, trying new restaurants and cooking, playing board games and reading a good book, traveling, hiking, camping, working out, biking, and pickleball.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I had the pleasure of completing an away rotation at the University of Minnesota in radiology and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The faculty and residents were easy to get along with. The program has a great diversity of training opportunities including the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Hennepin County Medical Center, and VA Hospital. Minneapolis has great food, lots of parks, and fantastic bike trails. The state of Minnesota has abundant outdoor opportunities that I am excited to explore.
RL3, Class of 2027
Amon Amini, DO
Hobbies: Traveling, learning new languages, piano, working out, ultimate frisbee, new technology, food, video games, and playing with my big white fluffy dog, Cloud.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Being born at Hennepin Healthcare and spending the majority of my life in Minneapolis gave me the privilege of connecting with a community I am passionate about serving. From my time as an undergraduate student at the U of M to my time as a former surgery resident at Hennepin Healthcare, it was clear to me that the U of M’s radiology program will not only allow me to continue serving the community I deeply care for, but will allow me to train under outstanding radiologists who are passionate educators, leaders, and invaluable mentors. The strong camaraderie I have witnessed in the department, exceptional teaching, abundant research opportunities, and personable interactions with faculty and staff assured me that there is no better place for me to grow as a radiologist than the University of Minnesota. Words can’t express how grateful I am to continue my journey as a physician in Minneapolis and to be a part of such a wonderful and talented team!
Holly Boyum, MD
Education: Wayne State University School of Medicine; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2022-2023, Internship
Hobbies: Spending time with my partner and our two bulldogs, Seymour & Bernard, working out at my local gym (Skybox! It's the best), biking/rollerblading around the lakes, watching any and all iterations of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I'm from Stillwater and was eager to get home to my family after moving out of state for medical school (bonus points for the built-in transitional year). I felt that the U would offer me a robust educational experience, with multiple hospitals and unique patient populations and pathologies. Leading up to my interview day, and after speaking with the faculty during my interview, I also felt confident that the leadership was earnest in their desire to support residents and promote well being in and out of the hospital. The residents seemed happy, their dynamic felt authentic and I could see myself working with them. Overall, it felt very Minnesotan to me, so it was an easy choice.
Allison Cregg, MD
Education: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2022-2023, Internship
Hobbies: I was a violinist before medicine, so I play symphony and opera concerts along with various gigs. Love the outdoors - canoeing, backpacking, lake life, and my absolute favorite outdoor activity is skiing. Other than that, I cook yummy food, play with my niece and nephew and try to master new skills - currently tackling landscaping.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? People I vibe with that either trained here or rotated here all said good things about the program. Come rank list, I made one of those spreadsheets to put numbers to what I want in life and what programs had to offer. Priorities I have are: easy flight access, high reputation of PD/APD, skiing/outdoors close-ish, career prospects and local arts/culture scene. Minnesota always came out top.
Ileasa Green, DO
Education: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2022-2023, Internship
Hobbies: Cooking for friends, dancing, traveling to new cities, trying new restaurants and generally going on adventures!
Why did you choose U of M for residency? After visiting Minneapolis last year, I knew this city would be a perfect city to lay down roots. Minneapolis is full of beautiful nature, great restaurants, and wonderful people. This program holds great core values, staff are amazing faculty and are supportive. These reasons solidified my choice to come to the University of Minnesota.
Thomas Houghland, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2022-2023, Internship
Hobbies: Hiking the trails of Minneapolis with my wife and dog, cross country skiing at Theodore Wirth Park, road biking, going to Utepils brewery and playing guitar!
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota for my radiology residency because I had an incredible experience with the radiology department as a medical student and I love the city of Minneapolis! Everybody at the University of Minnesota is welcoming, supportive and enthusiastic to teach. I was also drawn to UMN for the diverse experiences that residents get between the University, Hennepin County and VA medical systems.
Mia Lundgren, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2022-2023, Internship
Hobbies: Hanging with my rescue pups (Jet and Magnus), dog mushing, knitting sweaters, playing the oboe or piano, catching a concert at Orchestra Hall, being outdoors, spending time with family.
Why did you choose U of M for your residency? I chose the University of Minnesota, because the radiology program offers everything I am looking for - excellent training and teaching, high volume, diverse pathology, a variety of clinical sites and a supportive environment. Probably most importantly, I enjoyed my interactions with residents and faculty as a medical student and could see myself fitting in here. The fact that this program is in Minnesota is icing on the cake. I was born and raised in Minnesota and absolutely love this place.
Jackson Penning, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2022-2023, Internship
Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and kids (often getting ice cream), golf, weight lifting, biking (commuting and recreation), home automation, encryption and cybersecurity.
Why did you choose U of M for your residency? The U of M met my important considerations for training. I was impressed with the culture staff and residents have created for learning and support, and this was confirmed on day one of starting the transitional year. Further, there is a broad pathology and volume base with the combination of University medical center, the VA and Hennepin Healthcare that will prepare me for any practice I choose. Finally, having this opportunity close to family was important as well!
Austin Promersberger, MD
Hobbies: Watching soccer/basketball, video games, reading fantasy books, house plants, trying new restaurants, exploring/going on walks with my wife.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I had the opportunity to do an away rotation at the U of M in Radiology and was impressed by the collegiality between the residents as well as the level of support from faculty/program leadership. I knew the U would provide me with a strong training experience with a wide variety of pathology in a supportive environment where I could thrive. My wife and I have also always wanted to live in the Twin Cities because of all it has to offer! Plus, we are close to family and friends which is very important to us.
Mitchell Szymczak, DO
Education: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2022-2023, Internship
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, friends and two cats, board games, trying new restaurants, traveling.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? The people I met during my interview made me immediately want to come to the University of Minnesota for my residency. I knew it would be a place where I would have the support to make it through residency and really feel at home. Being able to do my transitional year in the same city was also a huge benefit for me. I've lived all around the country but had never been to Minnesota, so I was excited for a new adventure and a new place to explore and call home!
Kristen Ward, DO
Education: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM); Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2022-2023, Internship
Hobbies: Going on walks with my husband and golden retriever (Winnie), board games, jigsaw puzzles, reading mystery/thriller novels, naps, finding new restaurants.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I had the opportunity to do an away rotation here as a medical student and instantly fell in love with the Twin Cities and felt like I fit in with the residents. I knew I wanted to complete my residency at a large academic center with a wide variety of pathology and high case volumes, but I also wanted to find a program that emphasized work/life balance - the U easily checked off both of those boxes. I couldn't be happier with my decision to pursue residency training at the University of Minnesota!
RL4, Class of 2026
Paul Blake, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2021-2022, Internship
Hobbies: Going on walks and hikes with my wife and dogs, trying new restaurants, running, home improvement projects, cooking and traveling.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Having done medical school at the University of Minnesota, I knew it would provide top-notch training in a welcoming and comfortable environment. Furthermore, Minneapolis is a great city with beautiful lakes, a great food scene and plenty of year-round activities. Overall I knew it would be a great fit.
Nicholas Dick, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2021-2022, Internship
Hobbies: Backpacking, snowboarding, disc golf, board games, travel, cooking with my wife, financial planning and investments, National parks, hockey, leadership philosophy, mentoring, music (guitar) and reading.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? UMN is known for its extremely high boards pass rate, well-rounded exposure to all aspects of the field in a large metro area academic center setting and for producing high-caliber radiologists who go on to great fellowships and/or careers. Of course, these were top priorities for me when choosing a residency, but what drew me to this program over all others was how laid back, approachable and friendly the residents and faculty are every time we interact. It is important to me that my residency experience give me freedom from intimidation and a collegial, team-focused atmosphere, and that is what I have come to expect from the program here at UMN.
Nick Dubay, MD
Education: Creighton University School of Medicine; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2021-2022, Internship
Hobbies: Racquetball, chess, board games, 3D printing, home-improvement, biking, audiobooks/podcasts and walks with my wife, daughter and dog.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I choose UMN because of its great Midwestern culture of warmth and collegiality and because all the residents seem to love the program. Additionally, with the diversity of training sites and patient populations, I know I will be well-prepared for any career I want to pursue. With the support of a large academic center, I look forward to pursuing the many unique opportunities for collaboration on business, research and teaching. Not to mention, Minneapolis and St. Paul are hidden gems filled with culture, bike trails and craft breweries!
Corinne Duncan, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2021-2022, Internship
Hobbies: Spending time with family, hiking and spending time outdoors, board games, baking and traveling.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I chose UMN for residency because of the wonderful people I have met here while rotating through the department as a medical student, as well as the great training program. I also love Minnesota and everything outdoors, so I was excited for the opportunity to stay here.
Lyfong Samuel Lor, MD
Education: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Hobbies: Freshwater fishing, food, chess, playing basketball, alternating nightly between cheering for the Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors during the NBA season and spending time with my wife and son.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Excellent clinical training, laid-back resident family and caring program leadership (perks were also better than other programs). Additionally, the Twin Cities provides endless recreational opportunities (teams in all major sports, outdoor activities and limitless food options). Lastly, St. Paul is home for my wife, and we wanted to be closer to family.
Chris Luedemann, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2021-2022, Internship
Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and children, playing with, building projects with, or teaching my children new things. Carpentry, construction projects and tinkering/ fixing cars.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I wanted to go to the University of Minnesota because I believe the radiology program here is second to none. In addition to getting to train at a major referral center, the radiology staff at the U of M personally make great efforts to provide personal teaching, high quality training and guidance for all of their residents. I am thankful for the opportunity to train at the U of M and am so grateful that the staff here take such pride in training their residents. I was born and raised in Minnesota and live in Minnesota with my wife and our four children. I am looking forward to completing my training with the U of M's residency program and continue my training in Minnesota.
Eric Nagarajan, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2021-2022, Internship
Hobbies: Kayaking, karaoke, tennis, reality TV and brunch.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? The faculty and residents at UMN are some of the most outstanding, friendly, supportive people you'll meet. UMN also has excellent variety in clinical sites and exposure with impressive outcomes for trainees. The built-in Transitional Year at Hennepin was also a huge plus, with high-quality teaching, two blocks of Radiology during intern year(!), and a year to bond with your cohort even before the advanced residency starts. Finally, Minneapolis is my ideal city- amazing food, culture, unique neighborhoods and events, while still clean, green and very quick to drive across the city.
Aaron Sipola, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2021-2022, Internship
Hobbies: Traditional archery, rock climbing, canoeing/kayaking, board games, backpacking, guitar and reading.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Minnesota is home. I grew up here. I intend to practice medicine here. Maybe it’s a hometown bias, but I genuinely think Minnesota is a special place. In Minneapolis, for example, everything is within biking distance. Interconnected bike trail systems and multiple community and regional parks ensure getting outside and enjoying the seasons is no difficult task. Plus, the food scene and craft breweries are fantastic! Academically, the University of Minnesota DR program is filled with faculty dedicated to building a collegial and supportive training environment. The integrated transitional year offers in-coming residents a year to bond prior to starting radiology specific training. Finally, education quality cannot be understated. The UMN Fairview is a world-class referral center that presents residents with diverse pathology. I feel confident that UMN will prepare me for my future radiology career.
Kent Van Note, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2021-2022, Internship
Hobbies: Backpacking, bikepacking, bike repair and maintenance, bike touring, bread baking, camping, cross-country skiing, coffee, drawing, pottery repair, running and woodworking.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I am originally from Minnesota. In my twenties, I had the opportunity to experience both East and West Coast lifestyles. I came back to Minnesota because I love having access to thousands of lakes, the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers and four distinct seasons for outdoor activities. I love that the same trail I run on in the summer, I can cross-country ski on in the winter. I believe that the unique topography and climate of Minnesota contribute to the community-orientation and social consciousness of the people who live here. I'm thankful that UMN has such an outstanding radiology program.