Class of 2027

Bernie Barden MD

Bernie L. Barden III, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: The residents and faculty I met during my away rotation were all enthusiastic when it came to teaching. Every single resident I met was personable and took the time to get to know me. During my rotation, U-M quickly began to feel like home. This program is a powerhouse for research and also strongly emphasizes practicing evidence-based medicine, which I appreciate. Ann Arbor is close to home and it is truly a beautiful city — especially in the summer.

Mario Belfiglio MD

Mario Belfiglio, MD/MS

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I wanted a program that provided strong training alongside excellent mentorship and support. On my interview day, it was obvious that the University of Michigan excelled in both of these areas. The training is top-notch, there is strong camaraderie among the residents, and a larger sense of community and support within the department.

Danny Berger MD

Danny Berger, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Emory University

Advice for residency applicants: Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself on the interview trail. Unless you're going around telling every program they're your #1, it's almost never harmful to display an interest in a program, especially if you have good reasons to want to go there. It may just be the thing that gets you an interview or pushes you up the rank list!

Jacob Bruinius, MD

Jacob Bruinius, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Illinois

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose U-M because I wanted top-notch clinical training in an amazing community. Finding programs on the interview trail with happy residents and tight-knit cohorts was really important to me, and the atmosphere here on my interview day really impressed me!

Jason Correll, MD/MS

Jason Correll, MD/MS

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Michigan

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: As a transplant to Michigan from the south with a big family we found a great community with a great "4 season" climate and phenomenal sports — both to watch and to play for my kids. The department was an amazing place for me in the hospital as a medical student and I found amazing mentors and friends there that I did not want to leave. I loved that U-M built a team of people who all bring something to add. Summer/fall in Michigan is unbeatable.

Sarah Edwards, MD

Sarah Edwards, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Howard University

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose U-M after completing an away rotation in the department. It was evident from day one that U-M is an inclusive, warm environment. I knew that training here would enable me to become an excellent physician leader. I also admire the fact that both faculty and residents continue to prioritize community engagement while making significant contributions to the field of anesthesiology from a research and clinical standpoint.

Alexander Evans MD

Alex Evans, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Kansas - Wichita

Advice for residency applicants: Throughout the whole application and interview process, you need to figure out what you personally value in a program. Ask questions to the residents and staff that you interview with. Be open and honest during interviews. Try your best to relax and enjoy the process.

Juan Fonseca Guzman MD

Juan Fonseca Guzman, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Michigan

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I went here for medical school and got to know many faculty and residents in the department. I recognized how happy the residents seemed to be and how confident they were in their skills. Moreover, the faculty I interacted with all had a deep interest in teaching me as much as possible, despite me being a medical student at the time. It came down to me realizing that I would be excited to come to work every day alongside these folks for the next four years.

Austin Foote, MD

Austin Foote, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Cincinnati

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: For me, U-M Anesthesiology provided the perfect combination of top-tier training, collegial atmosphere, proximity to family, and ability to have a life outside of the hospital. Balance was one of the big reasons I chose anesthesia as a career, and I think U-M prioritizes it. There is something for everyone in Ann Arbor. We really enjoy the dog parks, restaurant scene, and golf courses in the area.

Hana Kebede MD

Hana Kebede, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Kentucky

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: It was an easy choice! The world-class training combined with the supportive environment are reasons why I chose the University of Michigan. During my interview, I was struck by the friendliness of the faculty and the department’s dedication to inclusivity through structured diversity-based initiatives like RADAR. Lastly, I chose Michigan to be close to my family. 

Zachary King, MD

Zachary King, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: UCLA

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I'd spent the last decade traveling around the country for my opportunity and education. University of Michigan gave me the opportunity to be close to home while providing spectacular training along with a strong union that I knew would support me as a member.

Radwa Koujane, MD/MS

Radwa Koujane, MD/MS

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: Even though I spent a month at U-M on an away rotation, it only took me two days to realize that it was the right program for me. The growth mindset displayed by the residents and attending physicians, as well as the support from administration and the CRNAs was quickly evident. I loved that everyone worked hard while still enjoying what they were doing. Put simply, I could see myself becoming an anesthesiologist here.

Brian Lee MD

Brian Lee, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago

Advice for residency applicants: The best advice I can give is to really understand your personal story, and the passion and enthusiasm will naturally come out in conversations, guiding the rest of your interview.

Timothy Liu, MD

Timothy Liu, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: U-M offers great clinical training and academic infrastructure for me to grow as a resident physician. The program also has residents and faculties from extremely diverse backgrounds. Being able to learn from some of the brightest colleagues and mentors is truly a privilege. I also have family in Toronto, and Ann Arbor's proximity to Canada means I will have an easier time visiting family during residency!

Kristopher Mell, MD

Kristopher Mell, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Michigan

Advice for residency applicants: Try to identify early on what is important to you in a training program. Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions and sometimes it's helpful to ask multiple people the same question. Make note of how the residents interact with each other and how happy they seem. Keep the most detailed notes you can about every program you interview at, but ultimately go with your gut.

Ayesha Muhammad, MD/PhD

Ayesha Muhammad, MD/PhD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Vanderbilt University

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: Michigan offered a rigorous and supportive training environment with an institutional focus on resident well-being and rights. In addition, everyone I met whether online or in person was very kind and thoughtful. The successful track record of the C-STAR program was also a major plus.

Maitreyi Narayan MD

Maitreyi Narayan, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I wanted to be part of a program where I would feel safe and empowered to grow professionally, and the culture (departmentally AND institutionally) is just that — extremely collegial and supportive. I felt at home on interview day!

Elizaveta Orysheva MD

Elizaveta "Liza" Orysheva, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Colorado

Advice for med students applying for residency: Take some time to figure out what your priorities are (both for your training environment and your personal life) and use them as a framework for identifying what residency program would be the best fit for you. Don't hesitate to reach out to those who have gone through this process before you, and don't dwell on what everyone else is doing — this is your journey and your decision!

Vishal Patel, MD

Vishal Patel, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Chicago Medical School

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: The University of Michigan offers fantastic clinical training, mentorship, and career development opportunities. Even through Zoom, the enthusiasm and friendliness of the residents was evident. Overall, there was a strong sense of collegiality and community that was welcoming and supportive.

Stephanie Pawlyszyn MD

Stephanie Pawlyszyn, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I chose the University of Michigan because I knew I would receive incredible clinical training in a supportive and collegial environment. All of the residents I spoke with on interview day seemed proud of their program and genuinely happy to be at U-M.

Tricia Pendergrast, MD

Tricia Pendergrast, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: The anesthesiology department at the University of Michigan is defined by a culture of excellence that was appreciable through a computer screen during my virtual interview day. The residents and faculty I interacted with really seemed to enjoy each other's company as well as life in Ann Arbor. In short, this program checked all my boxes: numerous research opportunities, fantastic clinical training, and great people.

Carston Roach, MD

Carston Roach, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Missouri - Kansas City

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: All too often, top-tier programs come off as distant and cold. At Michigan, everyone I met during my interview day, from residents to faculty, were incredibly kind, enthusiastic, and welcoming. You could tell the co-residents and attendings meshed extremely well and were incredibly supportive of one another. Everyone was genuinely happy to be a part of the program, and the possibilities available to you after training here are limitless.

Manal Saad, MD

Manal Saad, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Michigan

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: Having spent considerable time in the U-M anesthesiology department as a medical student, I was convinced that it offered everything I sought in a residency program. Its supportive and diverse culture, nurturing environment, exceptional leadership and mentors, robust clinical training, world-renowned research, and proximity to my hometown and family all made it the perfect choice!

Maxwell Sievers, MD

Maxwell Sievers, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Michigan

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: Growing up in Michigan, I am excited to be able to stay in my home state and train to be able to serve my community. Not only is the University of Michigan an excellent hospital system, but it is located in Ann Arbor, which is a phenomenal city. For my wife and I, it's the perfect size and has so many things to offer year-round. We are very excited to be able to start our family in such a wonderful place.

Terik Terrell MD

Terik Terrell, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: My initial interest in U-M stemmed from its reputation as a leader in medical education and healthcare delivery. Throughout the application cycle, I learned it was also full of incredible people eager to support and advocate for its residents. As a person of color, I was particularly drawn to departmental DEI initiatives like RADAR and other commitments to health equity at the institutional level. Ann Arbor is also a pretty cool town with lots to do!

Lindsey S. Trent, MD

Lindsey S. Trent, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: The University of Michigan has the perfect combination of excellent academic training with the most welcoming, supportive, department to learn in. After experiencing this first-hand during my away rotation and interview, I knew that I would be able to reach my fullest potential as a resident physician in this environment!

Lisa Yoder, MD

Lisa Yoder, MD

Resident, Class of 2027

Medical School: Penn State

Why I chose U-M Anesthesiology: I wanted a well-rounded program that could open a variety of doors during my anesthesiology training, including clinical excellence, research, leadership, mentorship, DEI, global health, and medical education opportunities. Equally important, I wanted a welcoming, supportive, and diverse place. I have found all of these things at the University of Michigan. Since my first day in Ann Arbor, I have felt so lucky to be a part of this community.