CA-3 Christian  Derenthal, DO

Medical School: Kansas City University of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad School: Brigham Young University
Hometown:

Hobbies: Playing with kids, Making chocolate at home from cacao nibs, reading science fiction, playing pick-up basketball for exercise

CA-3 Rachel Goddard, MD

Medical School: Vanderbilt University
Undergrad School: United States Naval Academy
Hometown: Villa Hills, KY

Hobbies: Volleyball, skiing, traveling, going to breweries, spending time with family, going to sporting events, family dinners, hiking

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I liked every rotation of medical school, but anesthesia was the best mix of everything! It's hands-on, fast-paced, and combines physiology and pharmacology - all things I love.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

My husband and I are from Cincinnati and we wanted to move back home. I absolutely love this city as it has a great mix of parks, restaurants, bars, sporting activities, and it is very affordable. The camaraderie at Cincinnati was different than other places, and I knew I would fit right in. The smaller class size made it feel like a family where the residents and faculty had a great relationship with each other. During the interview, I was very impressed by the caliber of the program, in addition to, how much fun the residents had together. UC seemed to have a great work life balance which is important to me. I knew I made the right decision, when I informed the program that my husband and I were expecting and how supportive they were. I am so blessed to be apart of the UC Anesthesia family.

CA-3 Tetyana Khayo, MD

Medical School: Bukovinian State Medical University, Ukraine
Undergrad: Bukovinian State Medical Academy, Ukraine
Hometown: Bakhchisaray, Ukraine

Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy going to the movie theater, spending time with my family, reading sci-fi books or history books/watching historical documentaries, traveling, scuba diving, and collecting (I have a small coin collection and a few other small collections), also playing video games.

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I like to see the results of my intervention in real-time, not months later, and I have always been fascinated by physiology. In fact, this was one of the main reasons why I went to medical school. In addition, my interest in anesthesiology is driven by my passion for helping patients to overcome medical distress, even in the most challenging situations.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

University of Cincinnati program is small to medium in size, combined with a wide variety and high complexity cases, which provides a unique learning experience for the residents. In addition, Cincinnati typically has four full, varied seasons and is overall a great city to live in.

CA-3 Lior Kopel, MD

Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Undergrad School: Rochester, Michigan
Hometown: Westlake Village, CA

Hobbies: Golfing, Traveling, Trying new foods and restaurants, Binge watching Netflix, and taking my puppy on adventures.

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Going into medical school, I thought I wanted to go into surgery. Through my rotations during my 3rd and 4th year, I got more experience in the ORs and realized that I preferred to be on the other side of the curtain. I also noticed that my personality was very similar to many of the anesthesiologist I had met and realized that I had found my future specialty.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Cincinnati was my first virtual interview of the season, and after logging off the zoom call that day, I had a gut feeling that I was going to make this program my home for the next part of my training. After attending a medical school that valued strong relationships, I hoped to find a residency program that shared similar values. I had very genuine conversations with the faculty and all the residents seemed to be good friends. Throughout the rest of the interview cycle, I found myself comparing each program to Cincinnati, and in the end, none were comparable.

CA-3 Erik McKee, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergrad School: University of Miami
Hometown: San Diego, CA

Hobbies: Cooking, hiking, golfing, skiing, weightlifting, and playing video games

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Anesthesia provides constant opportunities to think through physiology, and I love how that knowledge has a direct impact on our immediate decision making. Our actions in OR also yield pretty immediate results, and seeing tangible changes as a result of your actions is very gratifying. I also enjoy the role anesthesiologists play in ensuring a positive outcome for medically complex cases. Anesthesiologists also get the unique opportunity to comfort anxious patients during some of their most vulnerable moments before surgery, combining the humanistic aspects of medicine with the procedural aspects of surgery.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I ranked Cincinnati as my top choice because of the strong relationships I made with both faculty members and residents during my medical school rotations. Not only have I grown to love the city over the past four years, but Cincinnati's program is also the perfect small-to-medium size. There is a wonderful, genuine culture of support amongst the residents and faculty, as well as plenty of large, complex cases with ample cardiac and transplant exposure. Overall, the tight-knit community coupled with the strength of clinical training made it an easy choice for me.

CA-3 Joseph Sandolo, DO

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad School: University of Connecticut
Hometown: Weston, CT

Hobbies: Eating pizza, Wikipedia rabbit holes, traveling, exercise, and video games

Why did you choose anesthesia?

While I was in medical school, I initially had a hard time deciding what specialty to go into as I kind of liked everything. When I found anesthesia, I knew it was right for me, anesthesia integrates physiology with pathology seen in every specialty of medicine. I like that I can be part of the care team for any type of patient, across all specialties, no matter how sick. Patients rely on and trust you to guide them through very challenging, and at times, life changing events. Best of all, anesthesiology is both diagnostic and procedural in nature, it requires efficiency and technical skill in many areas other doctors are simply not trained in. No one is ever disappointed when an anesthesiologist is in the room!

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I can honestly say that on my interview day, it sincerely seemed that the Cincinnati residents were the closest and happiest group of residents of any program I interviewed with. The leadership at our program truly has an open-door policy, and the faculty have the best interest of the residency in mind. They are extremely supportive and want to help you achieve your dreams. We have an incredible clinical experience, in an awesome location, with amazing co-residents, what more could I ask for? I feel blessed to be able to train at such a wonderful institution

CA-3 Morgan Tyler, MD

Medical School: University of Virginia,
Undergrad School: Old Dominion University

Hobbies: Baking, exercise (The Sculpt You app!), embroidery, podcasts (-Ologies, LeVar Burton Reads), trying new restaurants and recipes

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose Anesthesia because even on longer days, I still felt good and wanted to come back. The residents and faculty I worked with on my rotations were really great teachers and I want to understand physiology as well as they do. I also just loved the variety of cases you get to see and having the time to just listen to patients in the mornings before a case.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I chose Cincinnati mostly based on my interview and conversations I had with residents. Every interview felt like a casual conversation and I felt like I had common interests with both residents and faculty.  The interactions between everyone at the program seemed genuine and laid back so I felt like these could be my people. Residents I spoke with after interviews were honest about why they chose this program and continue to feel good about their decision which was reassuring. 

CA-2 Anne Burgess, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad School: Miami University
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, DIY house renovations

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose Anesthesia because it was the best combination of critical thinking and working with my hands. There are few other areas of medicine when problems can be identified and addressed so quickly and dynamically. In addition to that, there are so many career options within Anesthesia and how you practice can evolve over time.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

The culture here at Cincinnati is what really sold me. Spending time with Cincinnati residents and faculty made it very clear how supportive of a learning environment exists here. I knew I would get excellent training and be well supported in my journey through residency and beyond.

CA-2 Max Chou, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad School: Ohio State University
Hometown: Wyoming, OH

Hobbies: Swimming,  lifting, learning Mandarin, PC gaming, Pokemon HC nuzlockes, D & D shows

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I like practicing medicine that combines physiology, pharmacology, and procedures. I also wanted to be immersed in my work while also having the ability to be fully off when I leave the hospital. These were what initially drew me to anesthesia, but I found that every day we can connect to our patients in these relationships that are ironically both transient and strong. It’s that part where we meet someone for the first time and impart the feeling that says “we’ve got your back” that made me love anesthesia.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

The thing I cared most about when choosing a residency was how supportive the program was. I knew from doing medical school here how much our PDs care about their residents AND med student. Our wonderful program coordinator is the team mom that keeps our ship running smoothly. The program is built to be close-knit, and each year Cincinnati attracts residents who just gel with each other. I wanted to stay here because of those reasons. It also helps that our lounge is a cool place where we can decompress between cases and that the city of Cincinnati has a decent number of things to do and explore.

CA-2 Garrett Dunn, MD

Medical School: Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
Undergrad School: Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA
Hometown: Lancaster, OH

Hobbies: Soccer, brewing beer

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose anesthesia because of the mentors I met during my medical school rotations. Their personalities, and enthusiasm to teach, matched my own. I also appreciate the blend of pharmacology and procedures that are unique to the profession.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Why did you choose Cincinnati: I was interested in Cincinnati because it was close to home, and I would have the opportunity to be near my family and support networks. However, I ultimately chose Cincinnati because of the interactions I had with the residents, as well as the attendings. The comradery I felt, and welcoming environment that was created by both the residents and faculty was unique to the program, and heavily weighed into my decision. Additionally hearing firsthand from everyone why they chose Cincinnati, and what they appreciated about the program and the city felt genuine and encouraged me to rank the program highly.

CA-2 Anna Edwards, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad School: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Hometown: Union, KY

Hobbies: Baking, golfing

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Anesthesia is the perfect mixture of direct patient care and procedures. I like to stay busy so I really enjoy the fast paced nature of the specialty.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Choosing to train in Cincinnati was an easy decision for me. It is one that I have never second guessed. After speaking with the residents and some attendings at an interest group meeting, I knew this program was unique. It is filled with people who want to work hard and have each other’s backs. It truly feels like a family.

Choosing to live Cincinnati was also a no brainer. I grew up in Northern Kentucky and have always loved living here. Cincinnati can be whatever you want it to be. You could easily have lunch downtown at a boutique restaurant and dinner at a winery surrounded by beautiful farmland. Between professional sports, Broadway shows, concerts, and festivals, there is always something going on. We have the food, we have the fun, we have the people. We have it all here.

CA-2 Claudia Melissa Mort, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad School: Bellarmine University
Hometown: Guanajuato, Mexico

Hobbies: 7 pets, gel nail polish, DIY garden and house projects

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose anesthesiology because I loved that it was life-saving, and at the same time, focused on comfort. This was particularly attractive to me because one of my guiding principles is to decrease suffering as I can, whether it is for others or animals.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Cincinnati had been my home for four years before residency. Since my second year of medical school, I admired UC’s family-like culture that emphasized teamwork and well-rounded support. It was also a great choice for living, since housing is more affordable, and we could continue to grow our pet-family with way more space than we could in other cities. Overall, I knew  the UC Anesthesiology department would be a place where I could thrive and be supported in my endeavors.

CA-2 A. J. Pagan, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad School: University of Dayton, Dayton, OH
Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Hobbies: I really enjoy cooking. During COVID I purchased a smoker and have been trying new recipes. I am also passionate about staying active outside of work through exercise and playing pick-up sports or trying new restaurants and breweries throughout the city.

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I have always been passionate about providing patients comfort while they are experiencing vulnerable situations. As an anesthesiologist, I can do so in unique ways different from any other specialty, which include communicating with patients before surgery, providing instant relief in the forms of blocks/injections, or providing pain management postoperatively using multimodal methods. Anesthesiologists also have a unique role within the operating room compared to surgical fields. We have to constantly take in all the information on a moment-to-moment basis and critically think to make quick decisions about how to stabilize a patient. Each case presents unique anesthetic considerations and potential problems. I love the idea of having to critically think in every new case and make decisions quickly.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I chose Cincinnati because of the culture of the program and the supportive faculty. Being a medical student here at UC allowed me to interact a lot with this department and from the beginning, everyone was so kind and genuinely interested in my success and career development. Within the residency, each class was so friendly with each other and there was a true sense of family. In addition to the excellent education and training opportunities, the residents here took an interest in each other's hobbies and interests outside of work. Lastly, my significant other is an MD/PhD student here, and staying close to her and family was important to me.

CA-2 Nathan Pham, DO

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad School: Miami University
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Hobbies: Formula 1, racing, playing video games, trying new foods and drinks, traveling

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Anesthesia allows me to care for patients in the best way that I can. I work well under pressure, and I am drawn to the engaging and cerebral nature of anesthesiology. Each patient and case are unique, and I enjoy the careful planning that takes place to optimize a patient’s care plan. I also love the intensity and the dynamic nature of the operating room. No matter how carefully planned out a case may be, the situation within the operating room can suddenly change. I value how this unpredictability forces me to stay up to date with my medical knowledge and pushes me to constantly improve myself.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I did an away rotation at UC during my fourth year of medical school, and right away, I was treated as a member of the UC family. I felt right at home and welcomed by everyone that I met. I enjoyed working with the faculty and staff, and every resident that I met was happy to be at UC. The training at UC is also top notch, and I felt confident that I would become a well-rounded anesthesiologist by the end of residency. Lastly, Cincinnati is my home, and my wife and I are grateful to be so close to friends and family.

CA-1 Alero Arueyingho, MD

Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Undergrad School: Pepperdine University

CA-1 Lauren Ashley Brown, MD

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

Grad School: Medical College of Georgia
Undergrad School: Elon University
Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia

Hobbies: Group Fitness, Live Events (sports, concerts & open mic comedy shows), Psychological Thrillers

Why did you choose anesthesia?

In medical school, I had the privilege of learning from anesthesiologists who embodied traits I deeply admire : compassion, poise under pressure, critical thinking, and strong leadership. As I learned more about the field, I grew to appreciate the unique blend of procedural skills, critical thinking, and clinical expertise unique to anesthesia. The ability to build trust quickly with patients, understand complex pathology, and make real-time interventions is both challenging and rewarding.

Anesthesiology demands a "team player" mentality. Having grown up playing team sports, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of teamwork. Mastering the dynamics of leadership, cooperation, and collaboration is critical to the field—it is exactly what I strive to embody in my career.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Choosing Cincinnati was an easy decision. During my interview, I felt the genuine camaraderie among residents and leadership. It was clear that I would not only receive exceptional training but also be supported along the way. Beyond the medical training, Cincinnati has so much to offer. Amazing food, parks, sports and more—all without the usual hustle and bustle of larger cities. I am incredibly grateful to join a program that prioritizes learning, growth, and nurturing a supportive community—it is a place I am genuinely excited to call home.

CA-1  Ketty Consuegra, MD

Medical School: Florida State University
Undergrad School: Florida Gulf Coast University
Hometown: Naples, FL

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, re-watching my favorite TV shows, Reading, Cooking, 1000+ piece puzzles

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I loved my rotations in Anesthesia. I loved the fact that I got to be part of a team while also having my own work space. Patient interaction is also very unique in Anesthesia and can have a detrimental effect on a patient’s experience in the operation room. As a Spanish speaker I especially enjoyed my interactions with patient’s who could only communicate in Spanish and how much of a difference I made in their experience. The hands-on component and seeing the real-time effect of your interventions also attracted me to the field.   

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I was looking for a program where I would be exposed to complex cases as I wanted to leave residency prepare for practice in whatever setting I choose. I was also looking for a program that would take care of residents, see them as people rather than just a number and a place where residents seemed to truly care for one another. During the many open houses I attended, Cincinnati was by far the one that stood out the most. You could feel that the vibes were good between residents and that they actually enjoyed each other’s company both inside and outside of work. During my interview day and second look I was once again pleasantly surprise and blown away by the resident camaraderie and the volume of complex cases (trauma and transplant, especially liver transplants) seen at this institution. On a more personal level, I was also looking for a program that was close to my fiancée, who attends school in Ohio, and had easy access to an airport so UC and the city of Cincinnati were a no brainer.  I am incredibly excited to be here and can’t wait to see what else Cincinnati has to offer.

CA-1 Shreya Dey, MD

Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Undergrad School: University of Akron
Hometown: Mason, OH

Hobbies: Contemporary singing, piano, acrylic painting, enjoying the sun one way or another, speakeasies, breweries, exploring the city

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I had a hard time choosing a specialty throughout medical school. I remember everyone telling me “Don’t worry – something will click eventually.” Rather the opposite occurred; I felt that I ruled almost everything out! But during one of my rotations, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn more about anesthesiology, and I finally had that “click” moment. Anesthesia had all the components I wanted within a specialty from thought-provoking clinicals to various procedural opportunities. What resonated with me the most was the patient-physician interaction! As an anesthesiologist, we get the unique opportunity to form the first positive and comforting relationship with the patient about to undergo an intimidating surgical procedure. By forming these connections, I knew I was making a large difference for my patient – and I look forward to continuing this.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I had the privilege of rotating at UC as a visiting student and I had an amazing experience. Afterwards, UC became the gold standard for residency programs and nothing else could compare! In such a short time, I felt prioritized by the program leadership, welcomed by the residents, and learned valuable lessons from the attendings. When choosing a program, I had no doubt that Cincinnati offered clinical and academics with emphasis on high acuity cases. I was confident that UC would train me well. However, when choosing a program, I placed lots of emphasis on the camaraderie and culture within the hospital. At the end of the day, residency involves long hours, and I thought to myself, “who would I like to be around at 2AM?” I confidently chose UC as the team I enjoyed spending time with and learning from the most, and so far I can say that I do not regret my choice!!

CA-1 Katherine Dunshee, DO

Medical School: Marian University
Graduate School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Undergrad School: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Hobbies: Soccer, running/weight lifting/workout classes, spending time with family and friends, reality tv

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Going under anesthesia can be an overwhelming experience for many people. During medical school, I knew I wanted to be at the interface of these moments to help guide patients through their most vulnerable and life-changing events. As an anesthesiologist, you wholeheartedly take on the role of patient advocate, and I gravitated toward that responsibility. Anesthesiology is dynamic – it requires quick problem-solving skills and a profound understanding of physiology and pharmacology to deliver care efficiently and safely. I absolutely love the cerebral and procedural nature of this field.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

On paper, the University of Cincinnati was a no-brainer—you have the honor of serving a sick patient population, you get early exposure to very complex cases (most notably a high volume of liver transplants), and you have the ability to tailor your training to your future goals.

My away rotation at UC solidified that this truly is a special place. I’ve been on sports teams my whole life; so, being part of a group who pushes you to be the best version of yourself, recognizes the importance of teamwork and collegiality, and also supports you along the way was very important to me. I wanted that team environment to be replicated in my residency program, and I identified those qualities very quickly at UC. I was also impressed by how the residents troubleshooted intra-operative challenges and adapted to changes with confidence and ease. I can say with absolute certainty that I found my people and couldn’t be happier. The caliber of training here is unmatched, and I feel very lucky to call this program home.

CA-1  John Galvin, MD

Medical School: Emory University
Undergrad School: Emory University
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio

Hobbies: Swimming, running, trivia, cooking/grilling, spending time with my family and golden retriever

Why did you choose anesthesia?

As a former college athlete, I wanted to work in a team-based environment where I can be hands-on with the patients I care for. I really enjoy working in the perioperative setting where communication with the multidisciplinary team is essential, as well as communicating with patients before a procedure.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I am originally from Cincinnati and still have family in the area, so that was a huge draw. More than anything else, UC has an incredible culture of tight-knit residents and knowledgeable attendings who care about our development and well-being. Program leadership is also responsive to resident feedback.

CA-1  Garrett Gordon, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad School: Miami University- BS Kinesiology; Ohio State University- DPT Physical Therapy
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio

Hobbies: Tennis, pickleball, coaching youth basketball, parks and hiking with my golden retriever

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose anesthesia because it combines my affinity for anatomy and physiology in a fast-paced environment. It has a great mix of procedures and medicine, providing the balance I was seeking in a specialty. I also appreciate the versatility that it offers, as anesthesiologists can be specialists in several practice settings spanning from critical care to interventional pain.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I chose the University of Cincinnati for anesthesia because the program provides outstanding clinical training in a supportive work environment. Everyone in the department cares about your success, and the relatively small cohort size ensures that your training is tailored to your individual goals. Most importantly, Cincinnati is home, and the opportunity to train close to our friends and family was a priority.

CA-1 Rachel Kidwell, DO

Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad School: Georgetown College
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Hobbies: Running, weightlifting, watching college football, cooking and baking, finding new parks, spending time with my family and doggos.

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose anesthesia because I've always had a strong interest in pharmacology and physiology.  I really enjoy working in the operating room, recognizing and treating acute problems.  Being able to provide comfort and reassurance to patients during a high stress time is also an incredibly rewarding responsibility.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Being a Cincinnati native, I knew I always wanted to return home.  Not only am I surrounded by the love and support of my family and friends, but the community at UC is unmatched.  There is an overwhelming sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents, attendings, departments, and staff.  The level of care is known for exceeding expectations, and I knew my training here would well prepare me for my future in anesthesia.

CA-1  Christa Saelinger, MD

Medical School: University of Kentucky
Undergrad School: University of Kentucky
Hometown: Villa Hills, Kentucky

Hobbies: Playing pick-up sand volleyball and pickleball, hiking, running, watching just about any sporting event, reading

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Anesthesia uniquely blends intellectual reasoning, procedural skill, and a highly acute, complex environment. I was gratified by the immediate impact of the care I provided. Anesthesiologists are entrusted with the care and comfort of vulnerable patients. Their vast knowledge and skills allow them to collaborate with nearly every specialty in medicine – something unique to anesthesiology. Most importantly, they are HAPPY and fulfilled in their work!

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

As a native of the Greater Cincinnati area, I was eager to move back home after completing undergrad and medical school. Cincinnati has it all – great food, scenic parks, accomplished professional and collegiate sports teams, four distinct seasons, a welcoming Midwestern atmosphere, and more. During an away rotation at UC in my fourth year of medical school, I was instantly impressed by the caliber of the program and the relaxed, close-knit environment of the residency program. Additionally, UC serves some of the sickest, most vulnerable populations in the country, ensuring a challenging educational experience.

CA-1 Wesley Young, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Graduate School: Stony Brook University
Undergrad School: Cedarville University
Hometown: Brussels, Belgium

Hobbies: Cooking with my kids, making pizza, playing ice hockey, traveling and taking pictures.

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I love (LOVE!) physiology, and I am a little impatient. And so, from a scientific perspective, anesthesia was the perfect blend of deep physiology/pathophysiology and direct feedback to interventions. From a social perspective, anesthesia provides an interesting experience. You work with a wide range of medical specialties to optimize patients for surgery. In the OR you are a leader in coordinating care for the surgical patient. And on the day of surgery, you have a few moments to connect with patients and their family to put them at ease and keep them safe during the peri-operative period. I love that as an anesthesiologist I’ll have the privilege of working with so many different healthcare professionals to care for patients at a critical moment in their lives. Plus, I won’t have to wait 1 week for the results of the MRI scan I ordered for a patient’s back pain!

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I wanted a program that provided a wide range of surgical cases throughout training, but more importantly I wanted to be in cases that would challenge my understanding of physiology and push me to be an expert anesthesiologist for complex cases. The trauma and transplant (particularly liver transplant) volume are impressive here at Cincinnati and will provide me with the experience needed to handle any case as an attending. I also wanted a program that valued its residents. The family feel and care the leadership offers will rival any “top” program. They listen to our requests, and when possible, make changes on our behalf. Some of the notable highlights: We needed more community/high volume OBGYN/cardiothoracic surgery experience (as opposed to the complex care provided at UCMC), so they partnered with two different high-volume centers in Cincinnati for away rotations. POCUS is becoming an essential tool in the peri-operative space, so they created a curriculum that exposes residents to ultrasound as early as intern year. And, finally as we get closer to graduating, we have ample elective time to hone our skills, one rotation I look forward to doing is at the West-Chester campus where we learn to act as attendings and supervise multiple rooms at the same time.

On a personal level, Cincinnati is an amazing place to live and raise a family. I have lived in many different states and countries throughout my life, and I am excited to have my kids grow up here. The only con to living in Cincinnati is the airports access to Europe, but no city is perfect, and this small inconvenience is far outweighed by everything else.

PGY-1 Isaiah Giordullo, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad School: University of Cincinnati
Hometown: MIlford, Ohio

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose anesthesia because it was the perfect blend of communication and intervention. As an anesthesiologist I get the unique opportunity to interact with patients and their families during some of the most stressful and challenging times of their lives.  Every day, I get the opportunity to not only communicate with patients to ease their stressors, but I will also get to utilize my knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology to ensure all of my patients remain safe. I also really enjoy working with other specialists in the hospital and as an anesthesiologist I will get to interact with my colleagues every day. 

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

One of my biggest priorities when picking a program was finding one that was not only close to family but one where I felt like I would be supported every day to reach my goals and full potential. As a medical student, I saw how all of the residents felt supported and prepared for difficult cases. The faculty at UC not only are great mentors to the residents and students but they also genuinely care about everyone in the program. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that kind of culture, and I am so glad that I ended up at UC. Also, being a level 1 trauma center that does liver transplants, I knew that doing residency at UC would prepare me to handle any situation that I may end up in. 

PGY-1 Veronica Takougang, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Undergrad School: The Ohio State University
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Ever since shadowing in the summer of my M1 year, I developed a deep interest and excitement for the field of Anesthesiology. I enjoyed being in the OR, seeing real-time results of the medications administered, and the countless procedures that can be performed within the specialty. Anesthesia is a wide-ranging field that covers outpatient procedures in the pain clinic, electroconvulsive therapy, and the operating room. I enjoy the variation that comes with each day, and I think my personality fits well within the specialty! 

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I ranked Cincinnati as my top choice for residency because of the comradery of the residents and faculty. I felt at ease during my interview, and I could sense how close-knit of a community we have here. The faculty are very responsive to the needs of its residents and provide countless opportunities for the department to get together outside work. Cincinnati has so much to do whether it being attending sporting events, concerts, or trying a new restaurant that is always popping up. I am so happy that I matched here!