General Surgery Residents

PGY-1

Natalie Bourdakos, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad School: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: St George's University of London
What drew me to 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.

Karla 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 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!

Sharon Ke, DO

Hometown: Olympia, Washington
Undergrad School: University of Washington
Medical School: Rocky Vista University - Southern Utah
What drew me to General Surgery: I am pursuing a preliminary year in surgery to strengthen my clinical foundation, refine my procedural skills, and gain experience caring for a wide spectrum of patients-from the acutely ill to healthy individuals. This year has enhanced my ability to think critically in high-stakes situations, collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and appreciate the surgical perspective-all of which I believe will help me become a well-rounded and capable anesthesiologist.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, and photography. When I am not outdoors, I spend my time building legos, playing board games, Netflix, and reading with a cup of coffee.

Catherin 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.

Shraddha Patil, MD

Hometown: Toronto
Undergrad School: KNV, BHUSAWAL, INDIA
Medical School: B.J. MEDICAL COLLEGE, PUNE, INDIA
What drew me to General Surgery: I come from a family of doctors! ""Anesthesiology"" captured my attention the most for these reasons: the seamless communication and teamwork between anesthesiologists, surgeons, and nurses; anesthesiologists' multitasking abilities; and their dedication towards patient care and safety are awe-inspiring. I loved the freedom this specialty offers to work in a team with diverse surgical specialties in the operating rooms, as well as thrive in fast-paced environments like EDs and ICUs. Additionally, I could diversify and work as part of a pain management team in pain clinics or work independently as a freelancer if I choose. |I opted for the general surgery preliminary course to step into a surgeon's shoes to understand their perspective on patient care, which can help me in the future to provide well-rounded care to my patients as an anesthesiologist.
What do I like to do in my free time: I am very passionate about learning and practicing ancient painting styles and fine arts such as dot mandala, lippan art, warli painting, etc. I love creating wall dÃ©cors, clocks, mugs, and other gift articles with dot mandala painting. Whenever I am away from my hospital work, I can be found immersed in the wonderful world of colors! Gardening is my favorite stress buster. I love planting and caring for a variety of plants, both indoors and outdoors. It's very gratifying, refreshing, and relaxing. I make special efforts to develop my garden as the 'most serene spot' in my house. Also, I enjoy cooking both savory and Desserts, Traditional Indian dishes being my specialties!!

Chelsi Patton, DO

Hometown: Argyle, TX
Undergrad School: University of North Texas
Medical School: Rocky Vista University
What drew me to General Surgery: What initially drew me to anesthesia was the blend of hands-on procedures, physiology, and the ability to be a calm presence during some of the most critical moments in a patient's care. I'm currently doing a general surgery intern year to build a strong foundation in acute care and surgical decision-making, which I believe will make me a better, more well-rounded anesthesiologist.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors with my family-whether it's hunting, fishing, or just spending time in nature. I also love running with my golden retriever, Jedi, who makes every day a little more fun and a lot more active.

Suraya 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-II

Ergest 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.

Morgan Klingfus, MD

Hometown: La Habra Heights, California
Undergrad School: San Diego State University
Medical School: Ross University Medical School
What drew me to General Surgery: I was drawn to anesthesiology for its blend of meticulous procedural skills and the critical role in patient care. The dynamic environment of the operating room, along with the hands-on nature of patient management under anesthesia, also appealed to me, particularly the opportunity to ensure patients' comfort and safety throughout their surgical experience.
What do I like to do in my free time: Trying new activities, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Justin 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, 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

Adrian Muniz Sarriera, MD

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Undergrad School: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
Medical School: Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: Anesthesiologists and surgeons work together. Learning and working from the surgery side of the drape is critical for teamwork in the OR. There is no better way to prepare to manage the perioperative period than working with general surgery. A mentor once told me: What differentiates a great anesthesiologist from an excellent one is knowing the surgery steps to anticipate possible ways to help both the patient and the surgeon.
What do I like to do in my free time: Watching or playing sports. I follow almost every sport, and I am big on fantasy. Also, I like spending time with family and friends by chilling in a house or going to restaurants. I am always active for board game night.

Hannah 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-III

Shannon Baron, MD

Hometown: Vestal, NY
Undergrad School: Susquehanna 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, 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, 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, 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.

Lauren Beck, MD

Hometown: Manchester, NJ
Undergrad School: Susquehanna University
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
What drew me to General Surgery: As a medical student, I was rapt during each surgery I had the privilege of attending. All specialties enjoy the satisfaction gleaned from caring for their patients, but none quite so intimately, definitively, and immediately as a surgeon. The OR's fast-paced yet serene environment, artistry, and manual dexterity drew me in. I enjoy the teamwork aspect, and appreciate surgeons' direct and efficient communication style. I admire general surgery's broad scope and diverse fellowship opportunities.
What do I like to do in my free time: Music-violin, trumpet, singing and most recently-ukelele; dance (ballet and tap); exploring the outdoors/hiking/biking/skiing; tennis; baking (ginger cookies are my specialty!); playing board games; home improvement projects; listening to podcasts; watching documentaries and Law and Order: SVU; chilling with friends, family, and my two cats.

PGY-IV

Lindsey 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

Richard 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.

Sahejpreet 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

Jieun Lee, MD

Hometown: Orlando, FL
Undergrad School: University of Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University - Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD)
What drew me to General Surgery: While I also love being in the OR and working with my hands, it is what I am doing with my hands and the meaningful difference I can make for a patient with them that makes me most passionate about surgery. I cannot imagine a better honor nor a more humbling experience than to be someone's surgeon and be trusted with such decisive and vulnerable moments in his or her life trajectory.
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending time with friends and family, watching movies, reading, learning foreign languages, having a good cup of coffee or tea.

Fouad 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.

PGY-V

Alvaro Assuncao, MD

Hometown: Salvador, Brazil
Undergrad School: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
What drew me to General Surgery: It was during my third year of medical school that I realized nothing thrilled me more than to be in the OR. The unique ability of surgeons to go beyond the limitations of non-invasive care and to integrate medical and surgical treatment is fascinating to me. The instant cure that’s possible in some cases as well as the apprenticeship and manual nature of operative training, are also reasons why I chose surgery.
What do I like to do in my free time: Spending time with family and friends, playing the guitar, hiking.

Sierra Smith, DO

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Undergrad School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus
What drew me to General Surgery: Surgery allows me to do a little bit of everything! I really enjoy the challenging and fast paced nature of the surgical field.
What do I like to do in my free time: Hiking with my boyfriend and dog, hanging out with friends, and watching Netflix.

Nikoleta Tellios, MD

Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Undergrad School: Western University
Medical School: University College Cork - Ireland
What drew me to General Surgery: I enjoy the complexity and technical skill involved in surgery. I am also drawn to the unique ability of the specialty to provide immediate interventions and offer patients definitive treatments.
What do I like to do in my free time: Reading a good book, going for a hike, and getting together with friends for board games.

Michael Wilson, DO

Hometown: Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
Undergrad School: University of Delaware
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia
What drew me to General Surgery: What drew me most to general surgery was the broad spectrum of opportunities it could provide to me as a resident and physician. It allows me to learn to be a healer with my hands in the OR while simultaneously teaching me to provide the best holistic and well-rounded care to my patients. To have the opportunity to learn to integrate many areas of medicine into one specialty, as a general surgery resident, I know will best serve my current patients and America's servicemen and women who I will eventually serve as a physician in the Air Force Medical Corps.
What do I like to do in my free time: Playing ice hockey; Reading historical non-fiction books; Fishing; Running and lifting weights; Participating in freelance railroad photography