General Surgery Residents

PGY-I

Fnu Anam, MD

Hometown: Srinagar, J & K, India
Medical School: Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
What drew me to General Surgery: I chose to pursue a preliminary year in surgery before starting my anesthesiology residency to gain a stronger, hands‑on understanding of the surgical side of patient care. This year is helping me build procedural confidence, refine my perioperative decision‑making, and collaborate more effectively with surgeons in the operating room and on the floors. It is also giving me important exposure to postoperative pain management, fluid and electrolyte balance, and critical care, all of which are fundamental to safe and thoughtful anesthesia. This experience is shaping me into a more well‑rounded physician and will allow me to support patients and multidisciplinary teams more effectively as I move into advanced anesthesiology training.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy painting and traveling to different parts of the world, and above all I value spending time with my family and friends.
 

Jacob Ballard, MD

Hometown: River Falls, WI
Undergrad School: Brigham Young University
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin 
What drew me to General Surgery: Surgery is the best! For me, there is nothing better than direct, hands-on intervention to ease the pain of others. It is humbling to be trusted with life and health in this way. Surgery's opportunities to innovate, admire the complexity of the human body, and care for those facing fear and suffering continually propel me forward in this fulfilling field. I aim to practice with high levels of both technical excellence and humanism. With a shortage of surgeons in rural areas, I am working toward a future practice which provides broad surgical care to underserved communities.
What do I like to do in my free time: My time goes first to my wife and six children where I find the greatest happiness. I sing, play the piano, guitar, and a few other instruments. I also like small woodworking projects, growing gardens of things I can eat, and reading classic novels to unwind.
 

Russel Bauer, DO

Hometown: Newtown, Pa
Undergrad School: Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Elmira
What drew me to General Surgery: My fascination with anatomy and desire for a hands-on specialty first sparked my interest in surgery. As I gained comfort in the OR, I developed a profound appreciation for the complexity and variety within surgery. No two cases are truly the same-patient anatomy, medical history, and surgical approach all influence outcomes. There are often multiple valid techniques to achieve the same goal, and I am fascinated by this nuance. Surgery demands precision, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to learning. It is a craft honed over time, and I am excited to embark on that journey. 
What do I like to do in my free time: Cooking, playing golf, woodworking, traveling, watching Atlanta sports (go Braves), exploring local breweries, and spending time with family and friends. 

Natalie BourdakosNatalie Bourdakos, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad School: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: St George's University of London  
General Surgery: What initially drew me to general surgery was the hands-on nature of the field, being able to diagnose and treat in real time. The diversity of cases and the unpredictability of each day keep the work both stimulating and rewarding. I'm excited by the breadth of the field and look forward to exploring its many subspecialties while continuing to grow both technically and intellectually.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy learning new crafts and skills, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and exploring new foods.

Tegan Carlson, MD

Hometown: Benton City, WA
Undergrad School: Carleton College ​​​​​​​
Medical School: University of Washington​​​​​​​
What drew me to General Surgery: So many things! Surgery is a team sport and I love the opportunities to work with all members of the team to care for patients. And not only do I love the hands-on aspects and the ability to be part of a concrete fix, I also feel that the relationship between patients and their surgeons is so unique. Patients trust us in some of their most vulnerable moments to use both knowledge and technical skill to help them, and to me there is nothing more fulfilling.
What do I like to do in my free time: Reading, playing volleyball, hanging out in my hammock, and otherwise getting outside (hiking, camping, kayaking, etc.)! I also love to play board games and can hold my own at bar trivia.. 

Victoria Chavez-Uceda, MD

Hometown: Hackensack, NJ
Undergrad School: Montclair State University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: This specialty is one of the most hands-on and exciting ways to learn medicine. I love the fast-paced, team-based environment and the chance to think on my feet. Being there for patients during vulnerable moments really resonates with me, especially having experienced the patient side myself. I'm especially interested in how surgical care and anesthesiology intersect, and I'm excited to build a strong foundation.
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. 

Marisa Gasbarra, MD

Hometown: Endicott, New York
Undergrad School: Cornell University
Medical School: Ross University
What drew me to General Surgery: I chose to pursue a PGY-1 year in surgery because I am drawn to its fast-paced, hands-on environment and the ability to make an immediate impact on patient care. As someone from the area, it is especially meaningful to care for the communities that shaped me and to give back to the patients I feel deeply connected to.

During my clinical training, I was most engaged in settings that required teamwork, precision, and critical thinking under pressure. I look forward to continuing to grow my skills while providing compassionate, high-quality care to this population.
What do I like to do in my free time: Being with my family, exploring new restaurants, going for walks, and spending time with my dog, Miso. I also love traveling, giving back through volunteering, and watching documentaries.

Eniola Otukoya, DO

Hometown: Houston, TX​​​​​​​
Undergrad School: Texas Southern University
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine- Harlem​​​​​​​
What drew me to General Surgery: I was drawn to general surgery because I enjoy being in environments that demand both decisive action and technical skill. I value the ability to take ownership of patient care, especially in critical moments, and to see the direct impact of my work. Surgery challenges me to think, adapt, and improve every day, while also allowing me to support patients through some of their most vulnerable experiences.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy music-whether that's singing, dancing, practicing piano, or simply listening-as a creative outlet and a way to stay grounded. I have an adventurous spirit and enjoy hiking, cooking, exploring new places, and trying new experiences. I also value quality time with friends and family, especially through game nights and shared moments that help me recharge outside of the hospital.

 

PGY-II

Karla Bracho, MDKarla Bracho, MD

Hometown: Maracaibo
Undergrad School: La Universidad del Zulia (LUZ)
Medical School: La Universidad del Zulia (LUZ)
What drew me to General Surgery: The privilege to serve patients not only with the knowledge gained through years of studying, but through a concrete physical action. Surgery combines these two complex intellectual and manual elements, and the opportunity to collaborate as a team to achieve a tangible positive result.
What do I like to do in my free time: I love running, enjoying the outdoors, finding great new songs for my playlists and spending time with my family and friends.

 

Meghan CallahanMeghan Callahan, DO

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergrad School: Denison University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Elmira 
General Surgery: Surgery is a complex field combining both procedural skills and medical knowledge in a fast-paced environment. Every day keeps you on your toes, forcing you to think critically and act on your feet in order to serve your patients. 
What do I like to do in my free time: Enjoying time with friends and family, checking out local breweries & wineries, hiking and baking!

 

Catherin MorochoCatherin Morocho, MD

Hometown: Wilkes Barre, PA​​​​​​​
Undergrad School: Wilkes University​​​​​​​
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine​​​​​​​
What drew me to General Surgery: I was drawn to surgery because it allows me to act decisively in moments that matter. I'm motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems with precision and focus, while also being a steady, compassionate presence for patients when they're at their most vulnerable. In general surgery, I'm constantly learning and applying a wide breadth of medical knowledge, using it to take direct, meaningful action-often in urgent or high-stakes situations. It's a specialty where I can blend technical skill with purpose and see the impact in real time.​​​​​​​
What do I like to do in my free time: Going on scenic hikes, running, sunny walks, cooking or baking, painting, watching a good show or movie, and spending time with my family, friends, and my adorable dog.

 

Suraya Poian, MDSuraya Poian, MD

Hometown: Reston, VA
Undergrad School: George Mason University
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: What attracted me most to general surgery is its diverse range of cases, spanning from emergency trauma to elective procedures. Throughout my medical school surgery rotations, these unexpected cases were uniquely challenging, yet they kept me excited and engaged with a sense of curiosity and anticipation for what's to come. I was captivated by how surgeons not only provide medical management but also perform surgeries with tangible and transformative outcomes.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time I try to catch up with loved ones; whether in person or over the phone. I find relaxation in long walks, sightseeing, trying new foods, and playing tennis with my partner.

PGY-III

Ergest Isak, MDErgest Isak, MD

Hometown: Troy, MI
Undergrad School: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Medical School: Michigan State University-College of Human Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: What drew me to surgery is the multifaceted nature of the field. I love being able to use an intersection of innovation, technology and evidence-based medicine to perform surgical procedures with the primary aim of improving a patient’s quality of life. Surgery provides the unique opportunity to positively impact public health not only through individualized, yet simultaneously collaborative patient care, but through research, teaching, and advocacy that extend beyond the boundaries of the operating room. Cultivating deep patient connections that are founded on trust and established in what is often a very brief courtship, is both an incredible privilege and a humbling responsibility.
What do I like to do in my free time: My interests include: hiking/outdoors, soccer, Formula 1, Michigan Football, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Justin MeinartJustin Meinert, MD

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergrad School: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: From a young age I had worked for my father's family water well drilling business. I prefer to work in a significantly more hands on type of setting. As such, after finding my way to medicine, I have found that surgery allows me to maximize my passion for medicine and the amount of hands on application that I prefer to have in a career.
What do I like to do in my free time: I have been doing CrossFit for the last 5 years. It is a great way to decompress and involve myself in a community and health oriented environment in order to effectively mitigate the various stresses brought on by a rigorous work schedule.

 

James Mullin, MDJames Mullin, MD

Hometown: West Hartford
Undergrad School: Providence College
Medical School: Brown
What drew me to General Surgery: Surgery provides a unique opportunity to create a real time impact in a patient's life. It's also one of the few specialties where a "cure" is actually possible.
What do I like to do in my free time: Hiking, fishing, camping, gardening, cooking

 

Hannah Stein, MDHannah Stein, MD

Hometown: Southampton, NY
Undergrad School: Cornell University
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
What drew me to General Surgery: I like surgery because it is at the crux of art and medicine. Surgeons are able to create solutions to patient's life threatening problems by integrating their medical knowledge and technical training with their own creativity and expertise. This fosters constant innovation and advancement within an already mind-blowing field.
What do I like to do in my free time: Being outside, spending time with my family, friends, and dog Bruno, drawing/painting

PGY-IV

Shannon Baron, MDShannon Baron, MD

Hometown: Vestal, NY
Undergrad School: Syracuse University
Medical School: Upstate Medical University
What drew me to General Surgery: I have been drawn to General Surgery since I first stepped foot in the operating room during my medical school surgical clerkship. The fast-paced, hands-on nature of surgery along with the intensity and teamwork that takes place in the OR have continued to draw me to the field. The vast amount of medical management and patient interaction involved in General Surgery will allow me to use all my skills and knowledge to best care for my patients.
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending time with friends and family, being outside, exercising and traveling.

 

Elliot Cha, MDElliot Cha, MD

Hometown: Irvine, CA
Undergrad School: Carnegie Mellon University
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: Surgery is unique in that it provides opportunities to apply both surgical and medical treatments for patients. The streamlined process of the OR is second to none and highlights the power of teamwork and is an added bonus to the specialty
What do I like to do in my free time: Trail running, backcountry snowboarding, work on cars, visiting friends

 

Makayla Dearborn, MDMakayla Dearborn, MD

Hometown: Brackney, PA
Undergrad School: Syracuse University
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: I was drawn to surgery because of my love for the OR, the challenge of the field, and the chance to have a lasting positive impact on my patients lives. I like general surgery  because of the ability to work on the whole body and work with a diverse set of patients.
What do I like to do in my free time: Hiking, backpacking, embroidery, and cuddles with my cat Luna.

 

Emma Satchell, MDEmma Satchell, MD

Hometown: Seattle, WA
Undergrad School: Colgate University
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: The ability to offer patients definitive solutions to complex problems and the camaraderie in the OR. 
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending time with my husband and son, cycling, running, hiking, camping, traveling, and reading.

 

PGY-V

BodenhornLindsey Bodenhorn, MD

Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Undergrad School: University of Colorado at Denver
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
What drew me to General Surgery: What motivates me in medicine and surgery is impact. Surgery grants the opportunity to serve patients in one of their most vulnerable moments, to enhance their life in a meaningful way – a way that blends the principles of basic biomedical sciences into interpersonal interactions and transformative procedures. I value the high expectations surgeons have held me to over the years to bring out my best and deliver excellent patient care outcomes consistently when the stakes are high. I believe these expectations of surgeons are signs of the field’s deep investment in the personal and professional growth of the next generation – a legacy of impact I am honored to contribute to.
What do I like to do in my free time: Hiking, biking, camping, and playing tennis

 

ChoeRichard Choe, MD

Hometown: Great Neck, NY
Undergrad School: Wesleyan University
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: Surgery is an exciting, fulfilling field that is rapidly developing. I treasure the opportunity to work on a team with multiple different kinds of healthcare providers who share the common goal of patient care and optimizing patient outcomes. 
What do I like to do in my free time: Writing and playing music, playing golf, and cooking.

 

SahejpreetSahejpreet Kaur, MD

Hometown: Kleinburg, Ontario
Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
What drew me to General Surgery: The ability to localize disease to a specific point and taking care of the underlying disease process whether it be symptomatic relief or curative. A surgeons care transcends from the operating room to the wards, and provides patients with holistic care.  ​​​​​​​
What do I like to do in my free time: Painting, working out, trying out new recipes, shopping, hanging out with my friends and family 

 

SaegFouad Saeg, MD

Hometown: Los Angeles
Undergrad School: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: My favorite aspect of general surgery is the opportunity to emergently save a patient's life. Clinically, resuscitating a patient following a motor vehicle collision, or emergently heading to the operating room in a patient with pneumoperitoneum is thrilling. The opportunity to develop better, more effective ways of managing these patients, such as evidence-based protocols and wound healing technologies, is stimulating. General surgery affords me the privilege to restore the lives of patients while also providing me with robust clinical material to support my interests in research and innovation.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I enjoy: starting new home improvement projects, gardening, camping, fishing, cooking, listening to music, and having fun with friends and family.