General Surgery Residency

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General Surgery Residents

The Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center General Surgery Residency Program is designed to provide trainees with clinical and academic skills to prepare for future roles as academic surgical leaders.

For a list of our residency graduates, please see our Alumni page.

5th Year Residents

Avanti Badrinathan, MD

Hometown: Oak Park, IL
College: Northwestern University, B.S. Biomedical Engineering
Graduate education: University of Michigan, M.S. Biomedical Engineering
Medical school: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
Why surgery? I worked a lot with medical devices as an engineering student and surgery was a natural extension of my past work with biomedical engineering.
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma surgery, critical care, burns
Hobbies: Playing with my cat, classical piano, video games, cooking/baking, painting
Favorite surgical instrument: #10 blade
What else should we know about you? I placed world level ranking in a video game called Super Mario Rainbow Road

Adam Bullock, MD

Hometown: Gainesville, FL
College: University of Florida, BSc Chemistry
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Why surgery? I’ve always found it to be the most engaging field in medicine.
Surgical and Professional Interest: General surgery, breast oncology, rural medicine.
Hobbies: Woodworking, weightlifting, hiking, painting
Any important thoughts you’d like to share with new residents: Use any and all resources available to you but above all else, trust yourself.

Lauren Drapalik, MD

Hometown: Naperville, IL
College: University of Notre Dame, B.S. Biological Sciences
Medical school: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why surgery? The OR is my happy place.
Surgical and professional interests: Breast surgery, surgical education
Hobbies: Baking, long walks with my dachshund Mack, trying new restaurants
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Ginko
What is one piece of advice for new interns? When you’re having a rough day, don’t hesitate to reach out to those above you. Everyone has been there and everyone wants to help.

Kelly Hoerger, MD

Hometown: Boise, ID
College: Montana State University, B.A. Political Science
Medical school: University of Utah School of Medicine
Why surgery? For the real time satisfaction of helping a person that you get by operating on them.
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma surgery, global surgery, health disparities, health and surgical education
Hobbies: Running, skiing, hiking, camping, snuggling with my cats
What else should we know about you? I used to work for Red Bull

Kimberly Rebello, MD

Hometown: Farmington, CT
College: University of Connecticut, B.S. Chemistry, Minor in Mathematics
Graduate education: University of Connecticut, M.S. Synthetic Bioorganic Chemistry
Medical school: University of Connecticut
Why surgery? Surgery is a unique field that combines pathophysiology, engineering, and technical skills to create a work of art that allows you to become a part of a person's life.
Surgical and professional interests: Cardiothoracic surgery
Hobbies: Drawing, playing saxophone, baking
What else should we know about you? I'm a diehard Mortal Kombat fan
Fun fact about Cleveland? The term "rock and roll" was coined in Cleveland
What's the best piece of advice you've received? Be able to laugh at yourself, be able to forgive yourself, avoid making the same mistake again, and no matter what, push forward.

Mackenzie Simerlink, MD

Hometown: Solon, OH
College: Miami University
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why surgery? Surgery was the perfect combination of medicine and hands on problem solving which fit with my background in bioengineering.
Surgical and professional interests: Native American health, ultrasound, surgical innovation and technology.
Hobbies: True crime podcasts, reading, rowing
Fun fact about Cleveland? Cleveland is the birthplace of Chef Boyardee.

Tyler Stumm, MD

Hometown: Washington Township, NJ
College: Pennsylvania State University
Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why surgery? It’s very rewarding to operate on someone, manipulate their anatomy, and then watch them improve over time.
Surgical and professional interests: Plastic surgery
Hobbies: Skiing, travel, running
Fun fact about Cleveland? The Metroparks and breweries, and having so many of both to choose from!
Any important thoughts you’d like to share with new residents? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, your senior residents are an amazing resource.

Patrick Wieland, MD

Hometown: Bloomington, IL
College: University of Notre Dame
Medical School: Southern Illinois University
Why surgery? Surgery was the clerkship that I loved the most, from being in the OR to the people I was working with. I like the ability to work with my hands and affect immediate change.
Surgical and professional interests: Minimally invasive surgery, colorectal surgery
Hobbies: Cooking, watching sports
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride
What else should we know about you? I boxed on the club team in college.

4th Year Residents

Aria Bassiri, MD

Hometown:Tehran, Iran
College: University of Toronto, B.Sc. Cell and Molecular Biology, B.Sc. Human Biology: Health and Disease
Graduate education: Boston University, M.S. Medical Sciences
Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why surgery? Because its the best field in medicine! See the problem, find the answer, and fix it.
Surgical and professional interests: Thoracic surgery, trauma surgery, medical education
Hobbies: Soccer, working out, watches, video games
What else should we know about you? I own 53 watches and counting
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Mabel’s BBQ
Any other interesting thing about Cleveland? The river once caught fire...

Louisa Chen, MD

Hometown: Canberra, Australia
College: University of California Irvine
Medical School: Dartmouth
Why surgery? The ability to intervene directly in disease processes and the opportunity to collaborate in the OR.
Surgical and professional interests: trauma, acute care surgery
Hobbies: photography, cooking, hiking

Jennifer Cui, MD

Hometown: San Diego
College: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why surgery? I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. Surgery allows for the perfect combination of medicine, art, and the physical ability to heal patients.
Surgical and professional interests: HPB surgery, surgical oncology, plastic surgery
Hobbies: Baking, hiking, exploring new places, art
Favorite Movies: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Why did you choose UH?: UH clearly provides a strong and vigorous training program while prioritizing camaraderie within the residency at all levels!

Saher Zahra-Khan, MD

Hometown: Wayne, PA
College: Villanova University, B.S. Chemical Engineering
Medical school: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why surgery? In addition to taking care of our diverse and complex patients inside and outside of the OR, there is so much knowledge, confidence, teamwork, and most importantly compassion to be gain in this field.
Surgical and professional interests: Colorectal Surgery, Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, Surgical Education
Hobbies: Bouldering, playing Scrabble, working out, happy hour, anything social
Most scenic spaces in Cleveland: Hilton Downtown Rooftop Bar, Edgewater Beach
What is one piece of advice you would like to share? The best advice I’ve heard so far is that you are never alone. There are always people around you here that are both able and happy to help! So never be afraid to reach out.

Alexander Kreger, MD

Hometown: Chagrin Falls, OH
College: Duke University, B.S. Neuroscience
Medical school: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Why surgery? I like doing things with my hands, and I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the rotation in medical school.
Surgical and professional interests: Pediatric surgery, minimally invasive surgery
Hobbies: Soccer, tennis
What else should we know about you? My parents are both accountants and I was born on Tax Day.
Best pizza in Cleveland: Il Rione

Alexander Loftus, MD

Hometown: Buffalo, NY
College: Cornell University, B.S. Biological Sciences
Medical school: University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Why surgery? I want to become a surgeon for the opportunity to deliver compassionate, cutting edge, and safe care to my patients. I believe that as I surgeon I will be able to use both interventional and medical treatment to help patients.
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical Oncology, Surgical Critical Care
Hobbies: Snowboarding, water activities, Cooking & Beer
Research Interests: Melanoma & Pancreatic Cancer Metabolism and Novel Therapies, Cancer Surgery Outcomes
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Zhug

Daniel Mowoh, MD

Hometown: Bamenda, Cameroon
College: University of Maryland, College Park
Medical school: Howard University College of Medicine
Why surgery? Surgery is the specialty where we see our patients at their most vulnerable and a lot of times on their worst days so we become instruments capable of changing the course of their lives. I couldn’t think of a more rewarding and humbling endeavor that I get to partake in as take responsibility for my patients while advocating for them at their most vulnerable.
Surgical and professional interests: I am very passionate about healthy lifestyle and weight loss hence I became drawn to MIS bariatric surgery.
Hobbies: Playing soccer, biking, watching anime, and reading manga.
What else should we know about you? Baking enthusiast
Favorite restaurant in Cleveland: Morton’s Steakhouse
What do you reflect on at the end of a day of residency? I reflect on the immense honor it is to be given the opportunity to take care of my patients. I reflect on limitations that I could improve to make my patient’s care more optimal and strive to let every day be an opportunity to improve upon my previous day.
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Amidst the hustle and bustle of being new interns, always make sure caring for your patients come first.

Heming "Hannah" Zhao, MD

Hometown: Blacksburg, Virginia
College: Cornell University: B.S. Biological Engineering
Medical school: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Why surgery? I love to operate, being in the OR, and managing surgical patients.
Surgical and professional interests: Undecided for now
Hobbies: Hiking, Spartan race, hanging out with friends
Greatest accomplishment: Completing a Spartan race

3rd Year Residents

Christina Boutros, DO

Hometown: Oyster Bay, NY
College: New York Institute of Technology
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Surgery: The fast pace, ability to master a skill, and the ability to make an immediate and tangible impact on a patient’s life.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Surgical Oncology, Thoracic Surgery
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, playing guitar, playing with my dog, travel
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Always be happy to help and keep a smile on your face! :)

Megan Chiu, MD

Hometown: West Lafayette, IN
College: Purdue University
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why surgery? Where do I start? I love being able to support patients during what may be for many a scary and intimidating process. I enjoy how patientcentered the specialty is. As part of a surgical team, everyone is focused and dedicated to finding solutions and providing the best care for patients through dedication, innovation and collaboration.
Surgical and professional interests: Pediatric Surgery, Global/Rural Surgery, Surgical Innovation, Health Disparities
Hobbies: Baking, Cooking, Eating (all things food in general!), spending an inordinate amount of money and time on my future dog(s)

Susan Doh, MD

Hometown: Glenview, IL
College: University of Chicago
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
Why surgery? I love operating and the teamwork involved, the breadth of the field, the technological applications of surgical care, and the capability to directly improve patients’ health and lives.
Surgical and professional interests: Surgical oncology, disparities in surgical outcomes, surgical education, systems improvement, sustainability research within the field of surgery
Hobbies: Cooking, Biking, Hiking, rock climbing, travel, playing music, crocheting
Fun fact about Cleveland? Bill Watterson, the artist and author of the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes,” grew up in Cleveland.
Any important thoughts you’d like to share with new residents? Never stop learning, ask for help, and build in time for people and things you care about, find the humor and joy in small things.

Sandra Nguyen, MD

Hometown: New Albany, OH
College: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Why Surgery: Being able to provide immediate yet significant solutions and sharing a life-changing journey with patients from pre-op to post-op is super cool and unique to surgery.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Bariatric Surgery
Hobbies: Being a plant mom, reading psych thrillers, wine tastings, spending time with family and friends
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I will never say no to ice cream or pasta.

Erik Risa, MD

Hometown: Seattle, WA
College: Santa Clara University
Medical School: University of Washington
Why surgery? As someone interested in trauma, burns, and critical care, I’m fascinated by the way surgeons intervene and rapidly influence the care of critically ill patients in high acuity settings. I found it very meaningful to care for patients at all stages of their hospitalization, from rapid diagnosis and management in the ER or trauma bay, to the OR or ICU, and finally to eventual recovery and discharge.
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma, burns, critical care, health services research
Hobbies: Golf, my two Golden Retrievers, sous vide cooking
Favorite Movies: Saving Private Ryan, Terminator 2, Good Will Hunting, Star Wars Empire Strikes Back
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Sport: Lacrosse
Favorite Game: Settlers of Catan
Why did you choose UH?: I was first pointed to UH at the strong suggestion of my mentors, and was very impressed by the excellent breadth and depth of surgical training as well as the opportunities for research through UH RISES. Additionally, I greatly enjoyed my interactions with residents and faculty on interview day, and appreciated how well residents got along and how excited they were to share their program with prospective residents. Finally, I really connected with some of the mission statements of the program with regards to training future leaders in surgery.
What else should we know about you? I couldn’t be more excited about the next 5 years in Cleveland!

Julia Specht, MD

Hometown: Green Bay, WI
College: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Why Surgery: I loved working with my hands and loved being in the operating room. It’s rewarding to be able to make immediate and lasting changes that better the health of my patients.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally invasive/bariatric surgery, breast surgery
Hobbies: knitting, baking, taking care of my plants and exploring Cleveland with friends

Kallie Wynens, MD

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
College: The University of Georgia B.S. Biology, B.A. Spanish
Medical School: The Medical College of Georgia
Why Surgery: I felt at home the very first time I walked into an OR. After seeing the immediate impact that surgeons have on patients’ lives, I knew there was no other specialty that would be as rewarding.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Undecided but potentially pediatric surgery, trauma/critical care, or breast surgery
Hobbies: Running, painting, traveling, trying new restaurants and breweries, candle making, attempting to be a plant mom
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes

2nd Year Residents

Cenk Atillasoy, MD

Hometown: Bryn Mawr, PA
College: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Why Surgery: Surgeons are uniquely positioned to use their hands and state-of-the-art technology to improve the lives of patients in ways that few others can. I am energized by the OR atmosphere and the collegiality among surgical teams.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Trauma/ACS, Plastics, MIS, Medical student education
Hobbies: I’m a HUGE foodie who recently discovered (and now loves) sour beers. Pokemon GO. Trader Joe’s enthusiast.
Favorite Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Never be afraid to ask for help or to clarify an uncertainty, we were in your shoes once and are all in this together.
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: There are two kinds of people in this world: those who live to eat, and those who eat to live. Be wary of those in the latter category. I can predict how the day will go based on the celsius I randomly select from the variety pack

Hamza Nasir Chatha, MD

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
College/Medical School: Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan
Why Surgery: I enjoy the physicality and technicality of this field as well as the ownership you have of your patients. I also love the teamwork in surgery where we all work towards one common goal: the betterment of our patients!
Surgical and Professional Interests: Surgical Oncology, Colorectal Surgery, Cardiothoracic, MIS, Surgical Education, and Clinical Outcomes Research
Hobbies: Basketball, Soccer, Hiking, Swimming, and travelling with my wife (Basically anything that involves sports and physical activity)
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: It is very important to find genuine mentors early on. They have a tremendous impact in shaping your career!
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I love to socialize and try out new food!

Jessica Hungate, MD

Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
College: University of Texas at Austin
Medical school: Texas Tech University – El Paso
Why surgery? Surgery is the perfect combination of hands-on intervention and immediate results. Also, surgery allows me to support patients during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Surgical and professional interests: Trauma/critical care, vascular surgery
Hobbies: Travel, yoga, exploring Cleveland

Lauren Johnson, MD

Hometown: Orono, MN
College: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine
Why Surgery: I chose surgery because I appreciate the tangible and immediate affect surgery can have on a patient's health and wellbeing.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Artificial Intelligence, Prion Disease Research
Hobbies: Skiing, Boating, Reading, Traveling
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Always ask questions and find something to make you laugh every day.
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I used to be a ski instructor, and still love to ski when I have the chance.

William Julian, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
College: University of Vermont
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why Surgery: Surgery is a wonderful craft to hone, and it lets you make an immediate difference in the lives of others.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Rural surgery, trauma surgery, vascular surgery.
Hobbies: Going to the gym, fishing, reading, spending time with my wife and cats.
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Cleveland is a great place to live, and UH is a wonderful place to train.

Francesca Ponzini, MD

Hometown: Wayne, NJ
College: MCPHS University
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why Surgery: I fell in love with being in the operating room early on and feel an immense privilege to be able to have an impact on patients’ lives from the preoperative to postoperative periods. In addition to the impact, I appreciate the team dynamic and continuous learning of both technical skills and clinical knowledge.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Surgical Education
Hobbies: Baking, Paint by numbers, Spending time with family and friends, Reading
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Remember your “why”. My favorite piece of advice a mentor once gave me is to build the career you want for yourself.

Ananya Tawde, MD

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
College: University of Akron, B.S. Natural Sciences
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Why Surgery: it combines all aspects of medicine and gives you hands-on work
Surgical and Professional Interests: ACS/Trauma
Hobbies: crocheting, art
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I’m a cat person

1st Year Residents

Mina Ayad, MD

Hometown: Lake Forest, California
College: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why Surgery: I found myself drawn to the gratification of having an impact on patients that is direct, profound, and often definitive, as well as the opportunity to engage with cutting edge surgical technology and clinical research.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Research (Clinical and Basic Science), leadership, medical education, and community outreach and service
Hobbies: Weightlifting, running, reading, hiking, and cooking
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I’m a cat dad and would die for her.

Kelly Chambers, MD

Hometown: San Diego, California
College: Mount Holyoke College, B.A Biology and Gender Studies
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why Surgery: The combination of real time problem solving, technical skill, and complex medical management. And the people — the comradery is unmatched.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally invasive surgery, trauma and surgical critical care, colorectal
Hobbies: Cycling, hiking, anything outdoors

Jean Dai, MD, MBA

Hometown: Amarillo TX
College: University of Chicago
Medical School: Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Why Surgery: I love the immediate, significant impact that surgery can make on patient lives and the wide range of disease processes and patient populations that general surgery encompasses. During my surgical rotations, I enjoyed being part of a team in the OR and the hands-on nature of the field. I knew I wanted to not only become a technically skilled surgeon but also advocate for patients and serve as a comforting guide through an often scary and vulnerable experience.
Surgical and Professional Interests: endocrine surgery, breast surgery, surgical oncology; healthcare systems, health equity and education
Hobbies: hiking, long distance running, hot yoga, snowboarding, crocheting, dressing up my dog in funny outfits

Eleanor Lasch, MD

Hometown: South Newfane, Vermont
College: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why Surgery: Surgery was by far my favorite rotation during medical school. I love working with my hands and appreciate the immediacy of surgery, as well as the opportunity it offers to provide definitive, often curative, care.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Undecided but possibly trauma/ACS, healthcare disparities research
Hobbies: Cooking, reading, basketball, watching TV, hanging out with my cats

Stewart Maxfield, MD

Hometown: Holladay, UT
College: Brigham Young University
Medical School: University of Massachusetts
Why Surgery: I love working with my hands, and I love the variety that general surgeons see every day. I love the "can-do" attitude that infects our profession and the fact that we have the tools to solve (almost) any problem - be it surgical or medical.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally Invasive Surgery, surgical education
Hobbies: When I'm not playing board games, I love to take my family camping, hiking, or kayaking.
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: I'm a dad to two wonderful girls (Riley & Lydia)

Sanath Patil, MD

Hometown: Wilmington, DE
College: Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why Surgery: I love working with my hands and I loved anatomy in med school
Surgical and Professional Interests: Cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, Quality Improvement
Hobbies: Basketball, Pickleball, Badminton, Snowboarding, Traveling

Anjali Sivamohan, MD

Hometown: Floyds Knobs, IN
College: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why Surgery: I love working with my hands, fixing problems directly, and the OR is where my skills and curiosities come alive.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Surgical Education
Hobbies: Dancing, embroidery, traveling, puzzles
Any important thoughts to share with new residents: Always be curious and keep asking questions and finding answers.

Fikayo Akinbo, MD -Preliminary

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
College: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: University of Kentucky
Why Surgery: While I’m fascinated by the breadth of surgical approaches and find each one exciting to learn, the most rewarding aspect of surgery is knowing that your physical actions can so profoundly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Urology, reconstruction and general
Hobbies: Calligraphy, gaming, longboarding, weightlifting

Joshua Bartels, MD –Preliminary

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
College: The Ohio State University
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Why Surgery: I enjoy surgery because it demands both sharp clinical reasoning and meticulous hands-on skill
Surgical and Professional Interests: Minimally invasive surgery, trauma/acute care surgery
Hobbies: PC gaming, playing with my dog Ellie, pickleball, following Dallas and Ohio State sports, fantasy football, snow skiing

Eduardo Correia, MD, PhD -Preliminary

Hometown: Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Medical School: Universidade Federal Fluminense
Why Surgery: I chose Surgery because it allows me to contribute meaningfully to the care of patients with complex pathologies, gain exposure to a wide range of procedures, and further develop my hands-on skills, experiences that will be invaluable in my future career as a Radiologist.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Clinical Research, Medical Education and Radiology
Hobbies: Walking with my dog Hope, playing Pickleball, watching movies and TV shows

Akshima Dhiman, MD -Preliminary

Hometown: Loudoun County, Virginia
College: University of Virginia
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Why Surgery: I love being in the OR and working in a team-based environment. I like that this specialty requires precision and preparation, but also the ability to adapt very quickly, be creative, and problem solve in the moment when necessary.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Cardiothoracic Surgery, trauma/critical Care, and teaching future generations of physicians
Hobbies: Playing soccer and volleyball, I love watching movies and TV shows, and baking something new whenever I have the chance AND I’m a big Harry Potter and Marvel movies fan!

Kandace Horn, MD, MS -Preliminary

Hometown: Dallas, TX
College: University of Houston
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Why Surgery: Surgery requires hands-on trouble shooting and problem solving; love being able to solve complex cases with my hands; allows immediate impact to care of patients
Surgical and Professional Interests: Orthopedic surgery/Undecided
Hobbies: Peloton, Rock-climbing at Climb CLE, Paddleboarding, Watching indie films

Kiana Loo, MD -Preliminary

Hometown: Honolulu, HI
College: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Why Surgery: Surgeons are some of the best patient advocates and leaders in patient care, research, and innovation. They have the privilege of caring for patients and their families during stressful times and can treat a wide breadth and acuity of the conditions.
Surgical and Professional Interests: undecided, surgical education, community advocacy and health disparities
Hobbies: running, travelling, hiking, & dancing

Zain Mehdi, MD -Preliminary

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
College: Cornell University, BA: Cellular & Molecular Biology & BA: English
Medical School: Roy J and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Why Surgery: As an artist, I have always wanted to work with my hands and surgery offers the unique opportunity to not only work with my hands but also immediately help people
Surgical & Professional Interests: I am not sure exactly what surgical subspeciality I would like to specialize in but oncology research introduced me to medicine and is an amazing calling. The intricacy and artistry of plastic surgery has also intrigued me but I will let residency guide my final decision
Hobbies: Drawing and painting, cooking, rock climbing, gymnastics, boxing, and watching Harry Potter with my cat
Any fun fact about yourself: I reread the Harry Potter series every year. Quiz me!
What’s one of your favorite things about being a UH Surgery resident? Still need to start but I have continuously heard amazing things about the resident culture.

Shruthi Mohan, MD -Preliminary

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
College: Emory University
Medical School: George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Why Surgery: The hands-on nature of surgery and its immediate impact on patients’ lives drew me in early on. Being a part of an innovative field with continuous learning, teamwork, and the chance to treat a broad spectrum of conditions excites me.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Surgical Oncology, Endocrine, Minimally Invasive, surgical education and research
Hobbies: Movies, reading, traveling, flute, tennis
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I’ll like your cat, but I’m a huge dog person

Jared Rife, DO -Preliminary

Hometown: Berne, Indiana
College: University of Southern Indiana, BS Nursing
Medical School: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Surgery: I discovered my passion for surgery during the summer after my second year of medical school while working with trauma and burn surgeons. I was drawn to the ability to intervene decisively and make a meaningful difference on what is often the worst day of a patient’s life. Being part of this kind of work gives me a deep sense of purpose, knowing that what I do has a lasting impact on someone’s life.
Surgical and Professional Interests: Trauma surgery, acute care surgery, critical care, transplant surgery
Hobbies: Woodworking, Golf, Working out,
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: We volunteer for 4Pawsforability, and we adopted a flunky named Eggs. He was dismissed from the service dog training program for eating socks. To this day, he still eats socks whole.

Jovitha Nelson, MD -Preliminary, Interventional Radiology

Hometown: New Albany, OH
College: Youngstown State University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Why Surgery: I am an IR prelim, and I chose to do a surgery intern year to build a strong foundation for my radiology and IR years. This year will allow me to develop a strong visuospatial understanding of human anatomy and various pathologies, which will be helpful when analyzing images and performing minimally invasive, image-guided procedures in the future.
Surgical and Professional Interests: technological innovations in IR/surgical specialties, vascular IR, interventional oncology, pediatric interventional radiology, AI
Hobbies: watching movies/TV, hiking, visiting art museums, cooking/exploring different cuisines, making music playlists, dancing, painting
Please add anything additional that you would like to share: I absolutely love animals, anything that makes me laugh, and spending quality time with family and friends. Also, having a good sense of humor and staying curious has gotten me through even the toughest of times—that and music :)

Research Residents

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