Current Residents
TY, Class of 2025
Alexander Asleen
Education: A.T Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: Fishing, hockey, exploring/camping with my significant other
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Excellent staff and teaching opportunities. Minneapolis is home and my family/friends are in the area.
Cassiano Crespo-Santiago
Education: Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), School of Medicine, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, 2020-ongoing, Internship
Hobbies: My hobbies include but are not limited to: electric guitar and bass, music concerts, movies, working out, tabletop roleplaying games, computer games, socializing, traveling, craft beers.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Being a great institution and a top-notch residency program aren't exclusivities of the U of M radiology program, but I could not find a better group of peers, staff, and faculty to be around. I have tons of respect and admiration for the people here and I'm very grateful to be part of the team.
Christopher Knoedler
Education: Tulane University School of Medicine; Intern year- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - General Surgery 16-17, Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group 17-20, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment 20-21
Hobbies: Bag Piping, Alpine Skiing, Fishing and Hunting
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I grew up in the twin cities and wanted to move back. I was drawn to the University of Minnesota for a Residency with great mentors and a program with a high case volume and a diverse patient population.
Patrick McGonagill
Education: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, traveling, snowboarding, golf, boating, watching sports, trying new restaurants
Why did you choose U of M for residency? The U of M was an easy choice for me. First and foremost, the staff are friendly and incredibly welcoming, which was important to me when evaluating residency programs. It is clear that the atmosphere here at the U of M is one that is collaborative and strives to support the current residents during their time in this program. Additionally, this program offers diverse training sites with a mixture of academic and community medicine with high volume, unique pathology, and diverse patient populations.
Nikolas Parisis
Danica Seifert
Education: Undergrad Concordia College Moorhead MN; Medical school: Creighton University
Hobbies: Hiking, biking, cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I am a Minnesota native and knew I wanted to continue my medical training close to home. I also wanted to be part of a program with good camaraderie, diversity in training sites, and located in a fun city to continue to explore.
Nolan Shen
Education: Undergrad: UMN-TC, Biochemistry BS; Medical School: Des Moines University, DO
Hobbies: Guitar, Lifting, miscellaneous nerd things.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? Minneapolis is great and I loved the University atmosphere during the time I was there for undergrad. I had done a few medical student rotations at some of the UMN sites including Fairview and HCMC, and appreciated the collegiality throughout the specialities. I liked the large volume of trauma at HCMC and the complexity of cases at the University including its transplant and oncological imaging. The UMN has specialists in all fields including physics and computer science allowing you ample variability for research if wanted. The Minnesotan radiology job market is also populated with strong physician-led private practice groups as well.
Samuel Sutton
Education: Undergrad: University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN), Neuroscience Major & Exercise Science Minor, B.S.; Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine (Grenada, West Indies), M.D.
Hobbies: hockey, soccer, golf, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, boating, hiking, anything outdoors, service work, time with family and friends
Why did you choose U of M for residency? I was fortunate enough to rotate through the rads program a couple of times and the people within the department from residents to staff were all so welcoming, enjoyed teaching, and it seemed to be a great work & learning atmosphere. The diversity of cases & training sites also made me confident it would help me become the best physician I could be. Minnesota is home for me and being by family made it even sweeter!
Austin Webs
Education: Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO MBA. Undergraduate: Kansas State University, Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences
Hobbies: Personal finance, running, hiking, collegiate and professional athletics, traveling.
Why did you choose U of M for residency? In addition to the exceptional training and diverse pathology of a large academic medical center, the people are extremely supportive and welcoming. It immediately felt like a program I would feel comfortable training at while preparing me for practice in any setting following graduation.
R1, Class of 2024
Morenike Fanu, MD
Education
University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, AZ; 2019-2020, Internship
Hobbies
Sewing, arts and crafts, anything to do with with music except playing an instrument
Why did you choose the U of M for residency?
Leadership is very approachable and they truly care about the residents.
Samuel Friedlander, DO
Education
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2019-2020, Internship
Hans Hesse, DO
Education
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2019-2020, Internship
Daniel Hofstedt, DO
Education
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH; 2019-2020, Internship
Yu-Hui Huang, MS, MD
Education
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2019-2020, Internship
Hobbies
I love to make things whether it be doodling, origami, 3D printing, and more! I also enjoy exploring, traveling, trying new things, food, and spending time with friends, family & pets!
Why did you choose the U of M for residency?
First and foremost, the people are genuine, supportive, and welcoming with great camaraderie among the residents, faculty and staff. The opportunity to train at a large tertiary academic medical center, a level 1 trauma center with a focus on the underserved at HCMC, and a large Minneapolis VA hospital, each with different practice settings and diverse patient populations.
Charles McCahery, MD
Education
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2019-2020, Internship
Brendan O’Gorman, PharmD, MD
Education
University of Minnesota Medical School, MD
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2019-2020, Internship
Russell Pluhm, DO
Education
A.T. Still University of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2019-2020, Internship
Hobbies
Spending time with my fiancé and friends, sports, movies, biking, boating/fishing, finding new breweries.
Why did you choose the U of M for residency?
The U of M was an easy choice for me. Growing up in the Twin Cities, I knew how much Minnesota had to offer in terms of entertainment and natural beauty. I also immediately appreciated the collaborative feel of the program, it is a welcoming group that truly values and supports residents. The U offers university, VA, and community hospital settings, each with ample volume and diverse pathology. Returning home to be closer to friends and family was important to me as well.
Alexis Swenson, MD
Education
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2019-2020, Internship
Nathan Wunder, MD
Education
Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2019-2020, Internship
Hobbies
Weight lifting, board games, and touring breweries
Why did you choose the U of M for residency?
The culture of independence in learning, hands on teaching , high study volumes, and excellent opportunities in IR.
R2, Class of 2023
Kevin Ehlers
Education:
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2018-2019, Internship
Kyle Kitzman
Education
St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2018-2019, Surgery-General
Hobbies
Boating, biking, traveling, trying new restaurants/bars
Why did you choose the U of M for residency?
The University of Minnesota has an excellent radiology program that offers diverse training sites with exposure to a wide variety of pathology and high case volumes.
Kevin Klee
Education
Creighton University School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2018-2019, Internship
Hobbies
Cooking, playing sports, spending time with family and friends, checking out local breweries, board games.
Why did you choose the U of M for residency?
I was drawn to the U of M for residency because I knew that I would get high caliber training at a large academic center that sees a variety of patient populations and pathologies. Combined with the attractions of living in the twin cities, it was an easy decision to make.
Andrew Mason, MD
Education
Tufts University School of Medicine
Los Angeles County Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; 2019-2020, Diagnostic Radiology Residency
Ranjan Ragulojan
Education
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA; 2018-2019, M.D. Residency, Surgery-General
Nicholas Reason
Education
Medical College of Wisconsin
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2018-2019, Internship
Jesse Reiter
Education
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2018-2019, Internship
Hobbies
Hiking with my wife and children. Fishing, hunting, golf, hockey, football
Why did you choose the U of M for residency?
My wife and I grew up near the twin cities and were looking to come back home to raise our children. I also chose the University of Minnesota because following my interview I felt as though I was a good fit and would get exceptional training with excellent staff radiologists and an incredibly complex patient population. I was also excited by the ability to rotate at 3 sites (UMMC, HCMC, and the VA) allowing for easy networking opportunities and a wide variety of patient populations.
Divya Shenoy
Education
University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2018-2019, Internship
Karlyn Messer
Education
Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2018-2019, Internship
Tyler Studer
Education
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2018-2019, Internship
Hobbies
Hunting, fishing, watching/playing sports
Why did you choose the U of M for residency?
Multiple, diverse training sites. It was close to home.
R3, Class of 2022
Ornina Bachour
Education:
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2017-2018, Internship
Hobbies: I love traveling, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking! In Minneapolis, I regularly enjoy the outdoors, trying new restaurants, sporting events, the Orpheum theater, and spending time with my family and friends.
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
I chose the U because it felt like the perfect fit. I knew I’d receive excellent training in a friendly, collegial environment. The diverse training sites bring exposure to a large variety and high volume of pathology. The program leadership is supportive and truly values teaching. The residents are a tight-knit, collegial crew! And Minneapolis is a diverse, beautiful, and active city to live in. Choosing my alma mater was easy!
Michael Benson
Education:
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI; 2017-2018, M.D. Residency, Internal Medicine
Hobbies: Basketball, golf, camping, hanging out with friends, going to the beach, movies, trying new restaurants
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
After graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth I spent a year living in the Twin Cities and loved it. Minneapolis has a great balance of big-city entertainment and camping/fishing spots just outside the cities. Being able to rotate through a community, university, and VA hospital setting all in one residency was also something that really attracted me to the U of M.
Jeff Clegg
Education:
University of Rochester School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2017-2018, Internship
Hobbies: movies, people watching
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
The supportive environment and location
Robert Dolan
Education:
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2017-2018, Internship
Hobbies: Golfing, grilling, skiing, fishing, craft beers, bourbon, movies, hanging out with family
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
I love the Twin Cities and Dr. Keuhn-Hajder was my favorite program director from my interview trail. After meeting the rest of the faculty, learning about the excellent the training opportunities and knowing everything Minnesota has to offer it was an easy decision.
Michael Gee
University of Utah School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2017-2018, Internship
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
The University of Minnesota offers excellent radiology training and research opportunities in a bikeable (year round), affordable and culturally rich city.
Michael Hafertepe
Education:
Creighton University School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2017-2018, Internship
Hobbies: sports, golf, boating, going to the lake, playing my kids
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
Ultimately there were two major reasons I chose U of M for residency. The first is the people. They have great teachers and see a broad spectrum of pathology. I was confident I would be a competent radiologist at completion of the program. Additionally, graduates from the U of M have routinely been offered great fellowships or very attractive positions in the job market. The second major reason is family. I have two kids and my wife and I wanted to be closer to family as they grew up.
Grant Larson
Education:
University of North Dakota School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2017-2018, Internship
Hobbies: Hockey, cycling, waterskiing, travel, food
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
The opportunity to get great training in a variety of practice settings. Also, my family and I love Minneapolis!
Ben Levy
Education:
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of California-Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA; 2013-2014, M.D. Residency, Surgery-General
United Sates Air Force, Dover, ED; 2016-Present, Medical Director, Emergency Response Function, 436 th Medical
Group
Hobbies: biking,yoga, investing, spending time with my family
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
The University of Minnesota Program has 4 distinctly different rotations sites that offer a wide variety of pathology. Thus by the end of our residency, we will be extremely well prepared for any fellowship or practice environment. Equally as important, the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area offers an amazing place to live, to work, to play, to raise a family. I cannot think of a better place with as many things to offer both personally and professionally than the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
Anthony Spano
Education:
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2017-2018, Internship
Hobbies: Reading, exercise, gaming
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
I chose the UMN for its case volume and of sites and corresponding patient population. I am also excited to work on a diversity of research projects while at the University.
Nicole Sztuk
Education:
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2017-2018, Internship
Hobbies: Cycling, traveling, finding new restaurants
Why did I choose the University of Minnesota for residency?
I had the opportunity to do an away rotation at the U while I was a medical student and knew immediately that I wanted to do my residency here. Everyone was welcoming and I felt right at home! I knew I wanted to complete my residency at a large academic center that would provide both volume and pathology to prepare me for fellowship/practice upon completion of residency. As a resident you rotate at the university hospital, a large level 1 trauma center, a children’s hospital, and the VA, allowing for a well rounded, rigorous residency. The U was a perfect fit for what I was looking for. I am originally from Indiana, but my family happened to move to MN while I was in college, so coming to MN allowed me to be closer to family again! In my free time, I visit with my family, spend time with my fiancé, and hang out with friends (most of which are fellow residents). We love exploring the Twin Cities, finding new restaurants, cycling, walking through our favorite neighborhood (The North Loop), and traveling around the world (as much as our schedules will allow). I don’t think I ever imagined I would end up in Minnesota, but I’m so happy I did!
R4, Class of 2021
Thomas Baron
Education:
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2016-2017, Internship
Hobbies: Running, rock climbing, gardening, cooking, camping and canoeing, traveling.
Why did you choose the U of MN for residency? The U of M has a strong reputation as an academic center that prepares its residents for competitive fellowships and staff positions. Covering multiple hospitals with very different patient populations also allows for a wide range of cases and procedures. Plus, the Twin Cities is a great place to live, especially in the summer!
Michael Brydone-Jack
Education:
Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2016-2017, Internship
Hobbies: I enjoy running along the Mississippi and the Chain of Lakes. I am an avid traveler. I enjoy photography and capturing landscapes during my travels and at home. I also enjoy exploring the great outdoors through camping, hiking, backpacking and rock climbing.
Why did you choose the U of MN for residency? I was attracted to the U of M because of the broad experience provided by rotating at three major medical centers. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, I was also attracted to some of the things that make the Twin Cities and Minnesota a great place to live: renowned arts, music and theatre, proximity to outdoor activities and a culture that appreciates the outdoors, fantastic craft beer, a sports team in every major league as well as Big-10 college sports, and the welcome I felt as a newcomer when I visited for the first time during my interview.
Chad Christensen
Education:
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2016-2017, Internship
Hobbies: Skiing; hockey; golf; mountain biking; camping; spending time with family; and traveling
Why did you choose the U of MN for residency? The U of M provides you with the opportunity to train at a strong academic program that exposes you to a variety of different pathology across several hospitals including an academic medical center, a level 1 trauma center, and a VA hospital. Additionally, I love the outdoors and Minnesota provides a variety of opportunities to experience all kinds of outdoor activities all within a few minutes drive.
Alexander Clyton
Education:
Indiana University School of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2016-2017, Internship
Hobbies: Enjoying the Parks/Lakes with my Family, International Travel, Home Renovation, Home Automation, Minnesota United Soccer, Bonsa
Why did you choose the U of MN for residency? I desired a program that offered both access to world-class research, and volume loads that would prepare me for high volume private practice. I feel that it was important to be prepared for all employment options; academic and community. There is a very professional atmosphere, with lots of camaraderie. There are people here that really enjoy working with one another. There is a healthy mix of autonomy and 1:1 instruction. Additionally, my family needed a city that met all our needs; great schools with multiple language immersion options, a park system which is consistently ranked top in the nation, and a robust public transport system. All of these amenities we use daily, in a beautiful city that is surprisingly affordable. As a non-native Minnesotan, I can say that my family loves the winters too.
Alissa Evenson
Education:
Penn State University College of Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2016-2017, Internship
Hobbies: Running, biking, gardening, fishing, playing piano, reading, spending time with my husband and daughter.
Why did you choose the U of MN for residency? I wanted to return to the upper Midwest to be close to family, and what made the program here stand out for me versus others in the tri-state area was the approachability of the faculty and residents during my interview day, the opportunity to see a variety of pathology due to the multiple training sites, and the convenience of a categorical program with the transitional year at HCMC. Additionally, the amenities available in the metro area (nice airport with lots of direct flights, major league sporting teams, museums, theater/concerts, and dining options) combined with the ease of access to outdoor activities (hiking/biking/running trails, lakes, etc.) make this a great place to live and raise a family, especially in a field where you are afforded more time for life outside medicine than you are in other specialties. I'm happy with my choice on both counts: for radiology as a specialty and for the U as a residency program.
Glen Gross
Education:
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2016-2017, Internship
Hobbies: Running, Nordic skiing, biking, cooking, craft beer, piano
Why did you choose the U of MN for residency? I went to medical school at the University of Minnesota, and I chose to stay here for residency because I knew that I would get excellent training. The environment is very collegial between residents and staff. We get to rotate between several different hospitals and are exposed to a diverse range of pathology. Minneapolis is also a great place to live, and there’s always something to do outside of work all year-round.
Joshua Heaton
Education:
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2016-2017, Internship
Hobbies: Swimming and spending time at local lakes, or on the St. Croix River, with my family. Doing work around my house including yard work and light projects. Going to the MN zoo and Como zoo with my wife and daughter. Visiting nearby museums and parks with my family.
Why did you choose the U of MN for residency? I grew up in Minnesota and really appreciate what the state, the people, and the program have to offer. I thought the clinical rigor of a TY year at HCMC, along with the incredibly supportive staff and teams, offered a great foundation for any type of career in radiology. The breadth of practice that the U of MN program offers was also attractive. The program offers a broad mix of complicated university cases, a good level 1 trauma experience, and lots of bread and butter cases through rotations at the U of MN, HCMC, the Minneapolis VA, and Masonic Children's Hospital. The program is supportive of raising a family and having a life outside of medicine, while also offering approachable academic leaders for those interested in pursuing research.
Ken Larson
Education:
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2016-2017, Internship
Hobbies: Cooking, hunting, fishing, reading, playing guitar
Why did you choose the U of MN for residency? I chose the University of Minnesota radiology program because I felt the program offers excellent training through a diverse range of patient populations and presentations. I also like living in the Twin Cities.