Residents

Residents

PGY-5

	Angela M. Bailey, MD Hometown: Utica, MI Undergraduate: University of Michigan Graduate: University of Michigan Medical School: University of Michigan Career Goals: Trauma Surgery About Me: I'm a proud metro Detroit native. I'm excited to be working towards a future as an academic trauma surgeon, with a focus on health services research and improving quality of care for Spanish speaking patients. I hope to practice in a high-volume penetrating trauma center with a significant Latinx population. For fun, I like to go boating on the lake with my family and love to dance. Fun fact: During COVID I learned how to sew and co-founded the COVID Cap Crew.
	Katherine L. Baur, MD Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI Undergraduate: University of Michigan Medical School: Loyola University Career Goals: Colorectal surgery, global surgery About Me: I was born in Michigan and lived in the Ann Arbor area until the age of 12, when I moved overseas with my family. I spent middle school and high school in Asia and moved back to the United States for college. My wife is also a doctor, and we have two adorable cats. In my free time I love hiking, backpacking, playing guitar, watching rugby, and reading books.
	Alyssa M. Beach, MD Hometown: Cypress, TX Undergraduate: Texas A&M University Medical School: Texas Tech University Career Goals: Trauma/Acute Care Surgery About Me: I was born and raised in Texas, and I enjoy reading, cross-stitch, cooking, and watching movies. I hope to return to Texas after my residency with plans to complete a critical care fellowship.
	Sarah E. Benson, MD Hometown: Van Buren, OH Undergraduate: Hillsdale College Medical School: The University of Toledo Career Goals: Rural General Surgery / Colorectal Surgery About Me: I’m a proud buckeye living and working in the enemy wolverine territory. In undergrad, I studied biochemistry and ran collegiately for the Hillsdale College Chargers. I returned to Ohio for medical school with hopes to move back north to Michigan for residency. Outside the hospital, I’m most likely to be found enjoying summer weekends “Up North” MI, hobby-jogging, crocheting baby blankets, and drinking coffee. I hope to someday serve a smalltown community in Michigan as a general surgeon and as a coffee shop owner.
	Nawal A. Peracha, MD Hometown: Monroe, MI Undergraduate: University of Michigan Graduate: Wayne State University Medical School: Wayne State University Career Goals: Trauma/Critical Care About Me: I was born in Karachi, Pakistan but I've called SE Michigan home since the age of 2. I enjoy canoeing, painting with my little sister, finding interesting books to read but never reading them, and drinking vast amounts of coffee. I am forever an aspiring morning person.
	Prathusha Yerramilli, MD Hometown: Falmouth, ME Undergraduate: University of Michigan Medical School: Tufts University Career Goals: I’ve got 5 years to figure that out! About Me: I was born in Ann Arbor but moved to Maine when I was a year old. I came back to the Midwest for college at U of M (Forever Go Blue!!!!) and bounced back to New England for medical school at Tufts. I’m very excited to spend the next 5 years of surgical training here in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti! When I’m not in the hospital, you can find me outdoors as much as possible—my happiness is directly related to the density of trees around me, and I often procrastinate life duties by walking way too many miles.

PGY-4

	Justin J. Jickess, MD Hometown: Canfield, OH Undergraduate: Youngstown State University Graduate: Northeast Ohio Medical University Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University Career Goals: Trauma Critical Care or Vascular Surgery About Me: : I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. Before medical school I took a gap year to pursue my master’s in public health while working for the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown through AmeriCorps. I’m excited to be training in Michigan, even if my family of Ohio State fans think I’m a traitor. Outside of medicine I enjoy hiking, cooking, and soccer.
	Sasha S. Lenus, MD Hometown: Clarksville, MD Undergraduate: University of Maryland Baltimore County Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine Career Goals: I haven’t decided just yet, but I’m excited to figure it out! About Me: I grew up in Maryland, and I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in Michigan! In my free time, I enjoy writing and playing music on my piano, hiking, and reading.
	Melinda D. Nguyen, MD Hometown: Cypress, CA Undergraduate: University of California Medical School: The University of Toledo Career Goals: Undecided About Me: I grew up in Southern California but have lived in the Midwest since 2017. Outside of medicine I enjoy camping/hiking, skiing, painting, propogating plants to share, hanging with my cat and exploring new restaurants.
	Gina N. Polsinelli, MD Hometown: Toronto, Canada Undergraduate: Ryerson University, Toronto Graduate: Wayne State University Medical School: Wayne State University
	Joseph A. Sledzinski, MD Hometown: Livonia, MI Undergraduate: University of Michigan, Dearborn Medical School: Wayne State University Career Goals: Trauma/Critical Care About Me: I was born and raised in the Metro-Detroit area. Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling the world and relaxing up north with my family. I love watching the various Detroit sports teams and, of course, the Wolverines!

PGY-3

	Yashoda V. Dhole, MD Hometown: Baltimore, MD Undergraduate: George Washington University Graduate: Boston University Medical School: Boston University
	Noriko Katagiri, MD Hometown: Baltimore, MD Undergraduate: University of Maryland Medical School: University of Maryland
	Riley P. Sanders, DO Hometown: Golden, CO Undergraduate: Texas Christian University Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Goals: Trauma/ACS or Rural General Surgery About Me: I was born and raised in Colorado and went to medical school in Idaho and Montana so it’s safe to say I’m still getting used to the Midwestern humidity, but I am excited to experience all that Michigan has to offer! I have way too many hobbies but in my free time, I like traveling, cooking, baking, hunting, and skiing, just to name a few!
	Rachel S. Song, DO Undergraduate: University of Illinois Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University Career Goals: Global Surgery About Me: I am a local farmers market aficionado, washed up high school soccer player, lover of sunsets, overly dedicated Duolingo-er, wannabe jigsaw puzzler extraordinaire, and amateur cyclist always on the hunt for the best local coffee shops & roasters!
	Xhesika Topalli, MD Hometown: Saint Clair Shores, MI Undergraduate: University of Michigan Medical School: Michigan State University Career Goals: Trauma Surgery About Me: I was born in Albania and moved to the United States at a young age, where I was raised in the Metro-Detroit area. Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my puppy Gus, traveling, tending to my garden, and tackling home improvement projects!

PGY-2

	Luna Al Lababidi, MD Hometown: Chicago, IL Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Medical School: Chicago Medical School Career Goals: Unsure About Me: I’m originally Syrian and grew up in the United Arab Emirates, but I’ve been in the Midwest since college. I went to Case Western for undergrad for biomedical engineering, then straight to medical school in Chicago after. In my free time I like crocheting, running, cooking and discovering cute coffee shops.
	Michael R. Boysen, MD Hometown: Iowa City, IA Undergraduate: Iowa State University Graduate: University of Minnesota Medical School: University of Colorado Career Goals: Colorectal Surgery, though still exploring other options About Me: I spent the first 27 years of my life in Iowa and Minnesota, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in biomedical engineering. I then moved to Colorado to pursue my medical degree and am now thrilled to be back home in the Midwest. Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing golf and basketball, staying active at the gym, and—most of all—spending quality time with my wife and our dog, Penelope.
	Emily E. Garcia, MD Hometown: Hudsonville, MI Undergraduate: University of Chicago Graduate: Tufts University Medical School: Tufts University Career Goals: Possibly thoracic surgery, but still exploring all paths! About Me: I am an animal lover with a perfect fluffy dog and cat, an ice cream lover, and a book worm. In my free time I love hanging out with my husband, trying new foods, camping, listening to podcasts, and learning new crafts.
	Zarak U. Islam, MD Hometown: Salem, IL Undergraduate: University of Illinois Medical School: University of Illinois Career Goals: Still figuring it out! About Me: I was born in New York and raised in the small town of Salem, Illinois about an hour and a half outside of St. Louis. I went to the University of Illinois in Chicago for both undergrad and college, so this is my first time really living outside of Illinois! I have two goofball cats named Thor and Loki that are always up to some trouble or just sleeping, there is no in-between. In my free time I love watching anything sports related (big New York and Chicago sports fan), watching movies, running, biking, and hiking.
	Jared P. Rife, DO Hometown: Berne, IN Undergraduate: University of Southern Indiana Medical School: University of Pikeville Career Goals: ACS or Vascular Surgery About Me: Originally from Berne, Indiana, I began my healthcare career as an intensive care nurse. The challenges, rewards, and mentors I encountered during that time inspired me to pursue a career in surgery, leading me to leave bedside nursing and attend medical school. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy staying active and spending time with family and friends. My wife and I share our home with our adopted dog, Eggs—a “failed” service dog whose tendency to swallow socks ultimately led him down a different career path. In my free time, you can often find me on the golf course, enjoying time with family at Lake Wawasee, or working out.

PGY-1

	Amanda Cui, DO Hometown: Northville, MI Undergraduate: University of Michigan Medical School: Michigan State University Career Goals: Trauma/Critical Care or Vascular Surgery About Me: I spent half my childhood in London, Ontario before moving to Northville, MI in high school and have been here ever since. I enjoy cross-stitching, skiing, pilates, long walks, visiting friends in NYC, and browsing Google Flights for my next adventure. I am a proud mother of two (cats).
	Mussa Ibrahim, MD Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI Graduate: University of Michigan Undergraduate: : Earlham College Medical School: Western Michigan University Career Goals: Undecided; interested in Trauma/ACS, Thoracic, and MIS About Me: Outside of medicine, I spend much of my time playing soccer, reading, traveling, and cooking. I enjoy exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends.
	Kelly Mei, DO Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI Undergraduate: Wesleyan University Medical School: Michigan State University Career Goals: Possibly colorectal surgery but still exploring other options! About Me: I grew up in NYC and somehow found myself becoming a Midwesterner during medical school. While I still miss the skyscrapers, bagels, and ability to get food at 2 a.m., I've grown to love Michigan's lakes, fall colors, and genuinely kind people. I'm excited to spend the next five years here! When I'm not at the hospital, I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, exploring coffee shops, and trying new restaurants with my friends.
	Brandon Szydzik, DO Hometown: Canton, MI Undergraduate: Wayne State University Medical School: Michigan State University Career Goals: Trauma/ACS or Thoracic Surgery About Me: I was born and raised in Michigan. In my free time I enjoy golf, tennis, reading and spending time with my wife. I am a huge sports fan, especially MSU, go green!
	Rahul Thusay, MD Hometown: Holland, OH Graduate: Case Western Reserve University Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Medical School: Creighton University Career Goals: Colorectal Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, Rural Surgery About Me: Originally born in Michigan, raised in Ohio, and educated in Nebraska, I am excited to be returning to the area and closer to family. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my fiancée, Jothsna, and her dog, Jessie, as well as boating, kayaking, and reading history books. I am also a major Star Wars fan and Cleveland sports enthusiast. After training, I hope to continue practicing somewhere in the Midwest—ideally near a body of water.