Residents
Neej Patel, MD, PGY-1
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-1
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-2
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-2
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-3
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-3
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-4
Victor Vakayil, MD, PGY-4
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.
Lamvy Le, MD, PGY-5
Hometown: Great Falls, VA
Undergrad: University of Virginia
Awards: Alpha Omega Alpha, Gold Humanism Honor Society
Medical Interests: Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Global Health
Hobbies/Interests: Yoga, hiking, painting, photography, foodie and plant enthusiast
Why I chose Minnesota: I chose the plastic surgery program at Minnesota for the people. The residents and staff are friendly and supportive, and I know that I’ll receive excellent training and mentorship in whatever I pursue. The Twin Cities also offers a wealth of culture, food, and outdoor activities that fit my interests.
Sagar Deshpande, MD, PGY-5
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Awards: United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award, John F. Kennedy Fellowship, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery Young Investigator Award
Medical Interests: Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Post-Oncologic Reconstruction
Hobbies/Interests: Bikejoring, Smoking Meats, Cooking Sous-Vide
Why I chose Minnesota: I wanted to train at an academic program, and I enjoy winter and large quantities of snow.
Matthew Rich, MD, PGY-6
Hometown: Stafford, Virginia
Undergrad: Virginia Tech
Awards: Best Matt Rich award 30 years running
Medical Interests: Hand surgery, burn surgery
Hobbies/Interests: Mountain biking, fishing, running
Why I chose Minnesota: Great city with a diverse patient population.
Michelle Frees, MD, PGY-6
Hometown: Bemidji, Minnesota
Undergrad: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Medical Interests: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Hobbies/Interests: Painting, hiking, and traveling
Why I chose Minnesota: I love Minnesota! I chose to stay at the University of Minnesota because I know I will get excellent training in a fun and supportive environment.
John Mayo, MD, PGY-7, RL2
Hometown: Huntington, IN
Medical School: University of Indiana
Medical Interests: Trauma, both facial and hand; microsurgery; general surgery
Hobbies/Interests: Doing anything with my two awesome sons, running, reading, home improvement projects, grilling/smoking meats, lawncare