Emergency Medicine Residents
PGY-I
Cassidy Ellis, DO
Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
Undergrad School: Liberty University
Medical School: LUCOM
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: Emergency medicine allows you to step into people's lives when things are most critical, requiring adaptability, rapid decision-making, and an intentional, empathetic presence. There is never a day that doesn't challenge me which means I am always being pushed to grow both professionally and personally. There is also something special about how diverse the patient population is from infants to the elderly, you never know who you will get to meet on any given day.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my spare time, I love to hike with my husband and our two dogs. We are hoping to make a dent in the 46 4000 footers during our time here. I also like to bike, play pickle ball and tennis, and attempt to play golf.
Patrick Gibson, DO
Hometown: Ridgefield, CT
Undergrad School: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Medical School: LECOM Elmira
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I enjoy the fast pace, the variety, and the chance to step in during critical moments to make a real difference. Emergency medicine challenges me to think quickly, work as part of a team, and provide direct care when patients need it most.
What do I like to do in my free time: Hiking, climbing, playing hockey, golfing, watching F1, and spending time with my friends and family.
Rachel Grant, DO
Hometown: Roswell, Georgia
Undergrad School: University of Georgia
Medical School: Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: Before medical school during the COVID pandemic, I worked as an EMT for Grady EMS in Atlanta, GA and realized how much I enjoyed the fast pace and variety of emergency medicine. I love doing procedures and working with my hands, but above all I like being able to be their for people on their worst days. This specialty gives me a rare glimpse into so many peoples lives that I never would have met and allows me to understand my neighbors and community in a more thorough way.
What do I like to do in my free time: Crocheting all sorts of fun projects, hanging with my cats, and writing my own historical fantasy novels as R.M. Grant. I love football and any sort of sport whether it is watching or playing it. I stay active by hiking and power lifting.
Alexandra Inslee Daya, MD
Hometown: West Point, CA
Undergrad School: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: University of California, Davis
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I was drawn to Emergency Medicine for the pace, the teamwork, and the chance to show up for people on some of their hardest days. It's a space where adaptability matters and where you can make a meaningful impact in minutes. I also love the breadth: caring for undifferentiated patients, performing procedures, and constantly learning. EM aligns closely with my interest in rural and resource-limited care, where a broad skill set and creative problem-solving are essential.
What do I like to do in my free time: Getting outside whenever I can: trail running, hiking, camping, or exploring new places with my husband and our dogs. I love anything that gets me into the mountains. I also enjoy low-key time at home cooking, doing mini construction projects, or just unwinding with a good book. Travel is one of my favorite ways to reset and gain a new perspective.
Nicollete Grace McIntosh, DO
Hometown: Bainbridge, GA
Undergrad School: LaGrange College
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I love the dynamic nature of emergency medicine. The procedural skills, fast-paced environment, and wide variety of presentations really suit my personality.
What do I like to do in my free time: I love to weight lift, geocache, play pickleball, or simply relax in the sun next to a body of water. Wherever I am or whatever I'm doing, you can probably find me listening to music.
Ellen Oakley, MD
Hometown: Chewelah, WA
Undergrad School: Oregon State University
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I was drawn to Emergency Medicine by the immediacy of its impact and the breadth of care it demands. Emergency Medicine allows me to care for patients across all stages of life and presentations, from critical resuscitations to undifferentiated complaints, while serving as a vital safety net for the community.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I enjoy staying active and connected to the outdoors through horseback riding and hiking with my heeler. I value quieter moments spent reading, writing and crocheting. A big part of my life is working and training with my Australian Cattle Dog, Gus, whether that's through structured activities like herding, search and rescue basics or dock diving or just simply spending time together.
PGY-II
Vivian Deng, DO
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Undergraduate School: Wesleyan University
Medical School: LECOM at Elmira
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: Emergency Medicine is a fast-paced specialty with remarkable variety, where I'm constantly problem-solving across a wide range of clinical scenarios. There are numerous hands-on procedures, from intubations to laceration repairs, while treating patients of all ages and conditions. This breadth of practice excites me and fits my drive to thrive on constant change and decisive action under pressure.
What do I like to do in my free time: Going on nature walks with my dog, cooking, gardening, golfing
Derek McGuire, DO
Hometown: Newcastle, Oklahoma
Undergraduate School: University of Oklahoma
Medical School: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I was drawn to Emergency Medicine by the opportunity to be the first point of care for patients in critical need. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the ED, the ability to perform hands-on procedures, and the challenge of stabilizing patients in high-stress situations.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, camping, hunting and playing pickleball.
Sindhu Nadipallo, MD
Hometown: Ashburn, VA
Undergraduate School: Drexel University
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The variety of patients we see and environments we can work in, the opportunity to be hands-on, and having to be knowledgeable in all areas of medicine. .
What do I like to do in my free time: Working out at the gym, reading, spending time in church, and getting together with friends and family. I also enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and eating good food.
Alyssa Strassburg, DO
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergraduate School: SUNY Old Westbury
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I chose emergency medicine for its ability to spark curiosity, require creativity, and embrace unpredictability in a fast-paced environment. I consider it a privilege to provide care to anyone on what may be the worst day of their life-regardless of their background, insurance status, or personal circumstances. I love connecting with patients, learning their stories, and helping them return to the things they love most in this world.
What do I like to do in my free time: Most of my spare time is dedicated to my dog, cat, gecko, partner, family, friends, and Buffalo sports teams. When I can, I love playing board games, listening to audiobooks, enjoying video games, and creating art -including leatherworking, painting, and sewing.
Kaylee Townsend, MBBCh
Hometown: Glenwood, Iowa
Undergraduate School: University of Central Missouri
Medical School: University of Galway
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I am drawn to the field of emergency medicine because it allows me to provide immediate care to patients in their times of need, making a tangible difference and positively impacting their lives. In addition, the fast-paced environment and the diversity of patients are aspects of the field that I value, as they make every day unique and enable continuous learning and growth.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy spending time with my husband, staying active at the gym or outdoors, baking sourdough or out other goodies, and playing with my dogs.
Collin Van Gorden, DO
Hometown: Vestal, NY
Undergraduate School: Binghamton University
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I chose Emergency Medicine because you never know what you are going to get. The need for a hands-on approach and the opportunity to perform procedures is exactly the type of medicine I want to practice. I like the fast paced nature and helping patients when they need it the most.
What do I like to do in my free time: Stay physically active, spend time outdoors, work with my hands on epoxy resin crafts etc., relax on the couch watching TV.
PGY-III
Rachel Arakawa, MD
Hometown: Heʻeia, Hawaiʻi
Undergraduate School: Chaminade University of Honolulu
Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The variety of patients we see and environments we can work in, the opportunity to be hands-on, and having to be knowledgeable in all areas of medicine.
What do I like to do in my free time: Working out at the gym, reading, spending time in church, and getting together with friends and family. I also enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and eating good food.
Emily Hodack, DO
Hometown: Kirkwood
Undergrad School: Binghamton University
Medical School: LECOM
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The fast-paced environment, teamwork approach to caring for patients, and variety of complaints. You never know who is going to walk through the doors of the ED and that makes for a unique shift every day.
What do I like to do in my free time: Watching garbage TV, snuggling with my cat, and enjoying a beverage in the sun.
Timothy Holmes, DO
Hometown:
South Jordan Utah
Undergrad School: Utah Valley University
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I chose EM because it allows me to use my hands and provide immediate and sometimes lifesaving care, while making a tangible difference in peoples lives. The unpredictable nature of the ER presents unique challenges and opportunities each day which keeps me constantly engaged and on my toes.
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending time with my family and playing golf.
Darby Kasper, DO
Hometown: Columbia Crossroads, PA
Undergrad School: The Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: I was drawn to emergency medicine because I desire to provide quality compassionate care to a complex population of patients seeking care for acute medical conditions. Emergency medicine is a unique field that allows me to provide care to patients of all demographics, and with a diverse range of needs.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy figure skating, spending time with my family, hiking with my dog, and helping out on my family’s dairy farm.
Hannah Shantillo, DO
Hometown: Vestal, NY
Undergrad School: University of Scranton
Medical School: LECOM
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: Emergency medicine often allows me to be the initial provider when seeing a patient. Having the ability to be the first one to listen and understand what is troubling the patient drives me to be the best physician I can be. Being responsible for starting the patients' course of treatment and helping them navigate their hospital experience on their way towards improvement is fulfilling to me and something I look forward to in my career.
What do I like to do in my free time:
Spending time with my family and friends, going for walks, gardening, and trying new restaurants!
Tinna Thrastardottir, MD
Hometown: Reykjavik, Iceland
Undergrad School: Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada
Medical School: St George's, University of London, UK
What drew me to Emergency Medicine:
I am drawn to the fast paced and dynamic nature of Emergency Medicine with its diverse population group and wide range of medical presentations. Having been on the receiving end of emergency care, I understand the anxiety and urgency that accompanies a visit to the Emergency Department. I aspire to be the reassuring presence that patients first encounter, offering a listening ear, empathy, and hopefully some immediate, effective solutions. My compassionate nature and desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives draws me to Emergency Medicine, where I believe I can have a significant impact.
What do I like to do in my free time:
On my free time, you’ll often find me engrossed in a documentary series on Netflix or enjoying a good movie, TV show, or book — Line of duty, Fargo, Stephen King novels. I also enjoy discovering new places, hiking different trails, running, and baking. I also have two cats that often get most of my attention.
Thaddeus Wiktor, MD
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Undergrad School: University of California San Diego
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
What drew me to Emergency Medicine: The diverse range of patient conditions, requiring continuous learning and offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives during challenging times.
What do I like to do in my free time: Mountain biking, skiing, hiking, reading sci-fi/fantasy books, hanging out with family and friends.