CA-2s

Chelsea Angel, MD

Chelsea Angel, MD

Hometown: Portage, Michigan

Undergraduate School: Cornell University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I was looking for a program with a strong research department that also offered multiple fellowship options. The fact that I could finally get back close to home was also a huge bonus!

 

Hobbies: Animal documentaries, cooking
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: York (there is food available, so it qualifies, I think)
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: There is a huge food and bar scene to explore! I also love all the space for outdoor activities.

Andrew Benner, DO

Andrew Benner, DO

Hometown: Milford, Michigan

Undergraduate School: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: As a life-long Spartan (Go Green), choosing the University of Michigan was simultaneously the easiest and most difficult decision of my young professional career. On one hand, my avid MSU sports fan inner-monologue told me I could never wear that off-tone yellow known as maize. On the other hand, through an away rotation as a medical student, it was readily apparent that the University of Michigan was the premier anesthesiology program in the state, region (Midwest), and even the country. From approachable faculty/staff to extraordinarily complex patient cases, well-established anesthesiology education series, and excellent work-life balance in a unique city — the University of Michigan was the clear choice to build the foundation of my future career.

 

Hobbies: Soccer, lake life, backcountry snowboarding, live music, and craft beer
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Aventura - Spanish gastronomy; HOMES Brewery is a close second
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: The incredible balance of nature (hiking trails, bike paths, Huron River, parks) and city amenities (endless locally owned businesses: restaurants, art galleries/shops, craft breweries), all within 5-10 minute walk from my affordable apartment.

Jace Burton, MD

Jace Burton, MD

Hometown: Northbrook, Illinois

Undergraduate School: University of Colorado, Boulder
Medical School: Chicago Medical School

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose U-M for its national recognition in excellence for anesthesiology, its large network of alumni, and the quality of living in and around Ann Arbor.

 

Hobbies: Watching movies, exploring nature with my fiancé and puppy, Peloton
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: The Boro
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: College town vibe

Albert Byun, MD

Albert Byun, MD

Hometown: Bellevue, Washington

Undergraduate School: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose the University of Michigan as I was looking for an academic program with advanced clinical cases and volume that would prepare me for anything after residency. In addition, the department seemed extremely friendly and supportive as a whole, which I definitely felt on my interview day. This sentiment was prevalent when I spoke to other applicants on the trail, as well as residents at other programs, which I felt was pretty unique to the University of Michigan. The resident HOA is also an important thing to consider, as we are afforded many benefits that are not as common at other programs.

 

Hobbies: Trying to get back into shape, snowboarding, learning golf, trying various craft beers, eating food
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Spencer
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Floating down the Huron River

Johnathen Diaz, MD

Johnathen Diaz, MD

University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Thomas Epperson, MD

Thomas Epperson, MD

Hometown: Middlesboro, Kentucky

Undergraduate School: University of Kentucky
Medical School: University of Louisville

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose the University of Michigan because it offers world-class anesthesiology training in an environment that fosters continual learning, teamwork, and resident well-being. The faculty and staff that make up the Department of Anesthesiology are always kind, supportive, and willing to take the extra step to facilitate residents achieving their personal and professional goals.

 

Hobbies: Tennis, golf, vintage watches, watchmaking, going on runs with my wife, classic cars
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Frita Batidos
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Tubing down the Huron River

Brittany Ervin Sikhondze, MD

Brittany Ervin-Sikhondze, MD

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Undergraduate School: Dartmouth College
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: Easy — THE PEOPLE are phenomenal to work with and learn from.

 

Hobbies: Learning languages, reading (cultural anthropology), traveling as much as possible
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Jolly Pumpkin
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Arboretum

Rachel Gioscia-Ryan, MD

Rachel Gioscia-Ryan, MD/PhD

Hometown: Buena Vista, Colorado

Undergraduate School: University of Colorado Boulder
Graduate School: University of Colorado Boulder 
Medical School: University of Michigan

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose Michigan for the opportunity to train at a world-class clinical and research institution, which also embodies a culture of collective striving for excellence, teamwork, and support.

 

Hobbies: Running, strength training, cooking, bird-watching, Michigan sports (particularly baseball, soccer, cross-country and track), novice gardening
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Wolverine State Brewing
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: I love that there are abundant and easily accessible paths and trails to explore that allow me to take advantage of all four seasons.

Grace Glowniak, MD

Grace Glowniak, MD

Hometown: Alamo, California

Undergraduate School: University of Michigan
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I already knew I loved Ann Arbor from my time here in undergrad, and my interview day far exceeded my already high expectations! Everyone I met was welcoming and easy to hang out with, the residents seemed to really enjoy being here, and I felt like I belonged from the second I stepped into the hospital.

 

Hobbies: Petting cats, petting dogs, hiking, biking, traveling, and trying new restaurants/bars/breweries
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Fleetwood Diner
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: First and foremost Football Saturdays, but also the wonderful arts culture and natural beauty

Tyler Kleaveland, MD

Tyler Kleaveland, MD

Hometown: Muskegon, Michigan

Undergraduate School: University of Michigan
Medical School: Chicago Medical School

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: The people and the unique educational experiences. Plus, Ann Arbor is a great city to live in.

 

Hobbies: Fishing, soccer, hiking
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Mani Osteria
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: The great restaurants

Karl Krieser, MD

Karl Krieser, MD

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Undergraduate School: University of Nebraska Omaha
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: U-M offers a top-tier anesthesia training program with enthusiastic faulty, supportive and fun fellow residents, in a town that offers everything.

 

Hobbies: Running, golfing, spending time outside and cooking a nice dinner
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Bell's Diner
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Radrick Farms and University of Michigan Golf Course

Kathryn Krukowski, MD

Kathryn Krukowski, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Undergraduate School: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: The people, the culture, the depth of women as anesthesia faculty, the educational opportunities!

 

Hobbies: Running, playing with my dog, snowboarding, boating, cooking
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Miss Kim
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Lots of dog-friendly places/restaurants

Patrick Larabell

Patrick "Pat" Larabell, MD

Hometown: Northville, Michigan

Undergraduate School: Michigan State University
Medical School: Wayne State University

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: The people. Every person that I met within the department was friendly and extremely supportive in my non-traditional path (I completed an EM residency previously). Additionally, the training and case exposure at U-M is outstanding and close to home.

 

Hobbies: Cycling, rock climbing, and hanging out with my family
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Isalita
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Huron River Drive from Ann Arbor to Dexter - amazing cycling route with great parks along the way

Sara Levey, MD

Sara Levey, MD

Tufts University School of Medicine
Alexander Loji, MD

Alex Loji, MD

Hometown: Kentwood, Michigan

Undergraduate School: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: Top-notch clinical exposure, commitment to resident education, and approachable faculty

 

Hobbies: Backpacking/hiking, Cleveland/Michigan State sports, golf, guitar, Peloton, travel
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: The Boro
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Lots of great parks and restaurants to explore

Colleen Mismas-Hooley

Colleen Mismas-Hooley, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Undergraduate School: Ohio State University
Medical School: University of Toledo

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: The incredible people and diverse patient population!

 

Hobbies: Spending time with my kids — we love to travel, bake, and enjoy a good movie!
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Umi Sushi
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: The walkability of the city! There are so many different parks and restaurants to explore with my family. We are never bored!

Chika Nwosu, MD

Chika Nwosu, MD

Florida International University College of Medicine
Julia Ocampo, MD

Julia Ocampo, MD

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College
Alexandria Papadelis, DO

Alexandria Papadelis, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Anders Quigg, MD

Anders Quigg, MD

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Robert Rotondo, DO

Robert Rotondo, DO

Hometown: Livonia, Michigan

Undergraduate School: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: My top reason for choosing University of Michigan was the amazing culture and working environment of the residents that I witnessed during my interview and away rotation.

 

Hobbies: Gardening, craft cocktails, vinification
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: The Slurping Turtle
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: The Huron River and its associated nature parks

Dylan Shearer, MD

Dylan Shearer, MD

Hometown: Milan, Michigan

Undergraduate School: Kalamazoo College
Medical School: University of Michigan

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: It checked all my boxes: top training program, inclusive and collaborative learning environment, fun city (can’t beat football Saturdays or Zingerman’s fried chicken sandwich), and affordable cost of living

 

Hobbies: Swimming, all things cars, traveling, and spending time with my wife, son, and our Australian Shepard
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Chop House or Gratzi
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Great food and breweries, Michigan football, and the Arboretum

Siddartha Simha, MD

Siddartha Simha, MD

Hometown: Troy, Michigan

Undergraduate School: University of Michigan 
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I was so amazed during the interview day how close all the residents and faculty were — it was like everyone was a big family! I also bleed maize and blue and have been a diehard Wolverines fan for my whole life. Go Blue!

 

Hobbies: Watching any and all sports, playing basketball, playing with my dog, Niko, binge watching The Office for the 100th time
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Isalita
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Michigan Football!

Fitz Tavernier, MD/MPH

Fitz Tavernier Jr., MD/MPH

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Undergraduate School: University of Michigan School of Kinesiology
Graduate School: University of Michigan School of Public Health Medical School: University of Michigan

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose to stay at U-M because of the people and the culture. Being able to train at an institution whose leadership is nationally recognized for their contributions to the field while simultaneously (along with the staff) fostering a true sense of family and community was the most attractive thing to me. Although I've been at U-M for all of my training along each step, I've thoroughly considered branching out but have yet to find a place like this. Additionally, I felt that the commitment to enhancing diversity in the field, under the direct leadership of our accomplished chair, Dr. George A. Mashour, was both genuine and proactive — which was apparent with the appointment of Dr. Matt Wixson as associate chair for diversity, as well as the creation of RADAR (Raising Anesthesia Diversity & Anti-Racism).

 

Hobbies: Restoring old sneakers back to new, searching for/downloading music (I take pride in my vast 15-year-old iTunes library with >30k songs), concerts (some of my favorites I've been too: Nipsey Hussle, Majid Jordan, Kanye's MBDTF tour & Jeezy at SummerJam Detroit), cooking (especially traditional Caribbean dishes like fried plantains), soccer (played all my life and still play in local pick-up/IM leagues), skateboarding, reading (especially books related to economics), binge-watching shows and spontaneous weekend trips to Toronto.
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Jamaican Jerk Pit or Fritas Batidos
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: The restaurants/food scene, the summers, and the ease of access to everything you need within 20 minutes. Go Blue, baby!

Michael Tobar, DO

Mike Tobar, DO

Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan

Undergraduate School: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: Great culture of inclusivity, the residents and faculty were all so nice and passionate about teaching. Good case variety and patient population.

 

Hobbies: Playing hockey and golf, trying new restaurants in Ann Arbor, traveling.
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Joe’s Pizza
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Summertime when they close down the downtown streets and have a bunch of outdoor dining.

Arden Vanderwall, MD/PhD

Arden Vanderwall, MD/PhD

Hometown: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Undergraduate School: University of Michigan
Graduate School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: It was important to me that I complete my training at an institution with amazing learning opportunities as well as support for research. It also doesn't hurt that the Ann Arbor area is an awesome place to live.

 

Hobbies: Raising my toddler, wrangling my dogs and cat, hiking, canoeing, gardening, skiing, rock climbing
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Adventura
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: Lots of opportunities for getting outdoors year-round. I particularly like walking in the Arboretum or canoeing on the Huron River.

Jomy Varghese, MD/PhD

Jomy Varghese, MD/PhD

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Jacqueline Vidosh, MD

Jacqueline Vidosh, MD

Hometown: Berkley, Michigan

Undergraduate School: University of Michigan-Dearborn
Medical School: University of Michigan

 

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose to stay at the University of Michigan for residency because the patient population and cases are varied and complex, the ICU experience is very strong, and the faculty are brilliant and extremely engaged in resident education.

 

Hobbies: Biking/Peloton riding, swimming, strength training, true crime podcasts and documentaries
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant: Pacific Rim
Favorite thing about life in Ann Arbor: The fall is so beautiful here! I love walking and biking along the Huron River when all the leaves are changing color. There are so many orchards and cider mills in the area that are really fun to visit too.