Residents
Tiffany Bender, MD, MPH, PGY-1
Medical School: University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine
Medical Interests: I enjoy the wide variety that general plastic surgery offers, both in its diverse procedures and patient populations. I'm particularly drawn to microsurgery and reconstruction. I'm also passionate about integrating my public health background in terms of increasing equity and access to surgical care across all settings.
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, fashion, barre classes, reading
Why I chose Minnesota: The program was very welcoming to me during my away rotation as a medical student and I quickly felt like I was a part of the program's family. Additionally, I know the wide variety of clinical settings and quality of education here will give me the training I need to become an excellent plastic surgeon.
Taylor Krivanek, MD, PGY-1
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Medical Interests: I’m still very open! My current interests are reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, peripheral nerve, and medical education.
Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, volleyball, cheering for Minnesota sports teams, ceramics and pottery, watching movies, and going to concerts
Why I chose Minnesota: Minnesota is home! I’m very lucky to have a program with great people and excellent clinical training in the place I grew up.
Daniah Alnafisee, MBBCh, PGY-2
Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Medical Interests: The entire specialty: aesthetic, burn, craniofacial, hand, and microsurgery
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, exercising, spending time with family, and spending time in nature
Why I chose Minnesota: The people are friendly and kind. The University of Minnesota has a clinically robust program with great learning opportunities and strong faculty.
Jose Foppiani, MD, PGY-2
Hometown: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Medical School: LF1 Charles University
Medical Interests: Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Reconstruction
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Traveling, Finding the Best Coffee shops in Town, World History, Camping in the African Bush, Skiing, Wakeboarding, A really good book.
Why I chose Minnesota: I chose Minnesota for my residency because, being far from my home country, finding a place that offers a true sense of belonging is essential. During my rotation, I instantly felt at home in the Twin Cities, where the rich culture and warm, welcoming community stood out. The area's vibrant atmosphere and diverse experiences resonated with me deeply. Additionally, having some of my longest-term mentors here solidified my decision, offering continued inspiration and fostering my professional growth.
Neej Patel, MD, PGY-3
Hometown: Northville, MI
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Medical Interests: Sociodemographics/public health, global health, and reconstructive surgery
Hobbies/Interests: Drawing and painting, dance, traveling
Victoria Zeyl, MD, PGY-3
Hometown: Wakefield, RI
Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Medical Interests: Microsurgery, peripheral nerve, and hand/face traumatic reconstruction for interpersonal and domestic violence survivors, researching access to reconstructive care and postoperative rehabilitation based on socioeconomic status and equity
Hobbies/Interests: Drawing and stained glass window building, lifting weights, cooking, trying new foods, and travel
Henry Marsh, MD, PGY-4
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Medical Interests: Hand and Microsurgery
Hobbies/Interests: Fly fishing, Skiing (downhill and cross country), Cycling, Woodworking, Home improvement, 3D printing
Nolan Schwarz, MD, PGY-4
Hometown: Bismarck, ND
Medical School: University of North Dakota
Medical Interests: Reconstructive surgery, hand/peripheral nerve surgery, and robotic/myoelectric prosthetics
Hobbies/Interests: Wakeboarding, fishing, camping, and of course, spending time with my wife and son
Anooj Patel, MD, PGY-5
Hometown: Holliston, MA
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, undergrad: Cornell University
Medical Interests: Artificial intelligence in plastic surgery, biostatistics, global health, systems-based healthcare
Hobbies/Interests: Snowboarding, fitness, outdoor adventures, hiking, traveling, SCUBA diving, cooking, medical app development
Lauren Powell, MD, PGY-5
Hometown: Fredericksburg, VA
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Medical Interests: Patient Education, Health Disparities, Craniofacial and Breast Surgery
Hobbies/Interests: Distance Running, Exploring New Restaurants
Pedram Zargari, MD, PGY-6
Victor Vakayil, MD, PGY-6
Hometown: Cochin, India
Medical School: St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences.
Medical Interests: My career interests are evolving, they currently include Gender Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery.
Hobbies/Interests: Sculpting is therapeutic for me; I experiment with clay, metal, and wood, and also occasionally dabble with ceramics. I’m an avid gardener and appreciate the patience and humility it teaches me. I enjoy traveling, visiting new countries, and exploring diverse cultures.