Resident Life

Madeline Ann Coulter, MD

Introduction: I grew up on the CT shoreline and then went to Wesleyan University for college where I played 4 years of varsity lacrosse. I love to be outdoors and to run. Obsessed with chocolate milk and love to ski!

Hometown: Branford, CT
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Career Goals: I am most interested in sub-specialization in Gyn Oncology or Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. The medical and surgical complexity of these patients I find incredibly compelling.
Program's Best Feature: I think a hidden gem about this program is our experience with family planning and surgery surrounding this subspecialty. The FP specialists here are amazing and help residents gain unique procedural skills that can be applied to may areas of OB/GYN.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The food scene and running in Highland Park when the lilacs are in bloom!
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: More about how much OR exposure and practice residents receive in robotic surgery especially through the MIGS and Gyn Oncology departments. To prepare us for this we also have protected didactic time on Benign Gyn rotations to practice skills on the DaVinci starting 1st year.

Jordana Gilman, MD, MPH

Introduction: I grew up in Rochester, NY and attended Cornell University for Undergrad. I completed medical school in Syracuse at SUNY Upstate, where I also got my MPH in a combined program with Syracuse University. My wife (internal medicine) and I couples matched to URMC, and we are now living our best lives with our kittens in the White Coat Neighborhood.

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Career Goals: Rochester for LIFE! Hopefully I can find a career here. I am deciding between generalist OB/GYN and potentially urogynecology—whenever I spend time with our urogynecologists in the OR or office, it's always an amazing time!
Why I Chose URMC: I was looking for an OB/GYN program with great opportunities in Family Planning, and I felt surrounded by people who care about Reproductive Justice at the interview. I loved growing up in Rochester and I was eager to come back to this amazing city.
Program's Best Feature: The people! My co-residents are my best friends, and our attendings are incredibly brilliant, kind, and patient teachers.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Walking along the Erie Canal, renting a cabin in the Finger Lakes, picking up produce and fancy cheeses at the Public Market, skiing at Bristol Mountain, and walking around the historic neighborhoods admiring beautiful houses.
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: How to speak Spanish! I didn't realize how diverse our patient population would be. It is an honor to take care of so many different kinds of people and families.

Becky Hartman, MD

Introduction: I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, where we spend a lot of time on the water regardless of whether or not it is frozen. Prior to becoming a doctor, my passion was the sport of hockey. I was recruited to play at The University of Minnesota where we won the national championship in 2012 and 2013. I currently live with my husband Jared and our chocolate lab Abe.

Hometown: Minnetonka, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Career Goals: I plan to move back to Minnesota and practice as a generalist.
Why I Chose URMC: I worked with several graduates of the program during medical school. They all were excellent clinicians and had rave reviews of the program. Every person I met during my interview day was fun to be around, and seemed to share many of my same values. I got the impression that a strong camaraderie existed between the residents which was important to me. My husband has family ties to Rochester so we felt we would be well supported from that perspective.
Program's Best Feature: The residents! We have a ton of fun at work and everyone is incredibly supportive of one another.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: There are so many waterfalls upstate NY!

Hallie Nelson, MD

Introduction: Born and raised in Richmond, VA. Then to William and Mary for undergrad (Biology, Spanish minor), with a short stent abroad in Argentina. Spanish medical interpreter then ER scribe for short while, before moving to Boston for stem cell research. Penn State for medical school, where I got to start my research in contraception choices and to go to Ecuador for a women's health elective. In my free time, I like to play cello, crochet, run along the river, eat ice cream, travel in a world pre-COVID, hike, and lazily search Petfinder.

Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Career Goals: Probably a generalist, maybe in academics. As I try out more specialties in residency maybe I will change my mind, but for now I do not want to give up OB or GYN.
Why I Chose URMC: I knew I wanted to go to a program with a strong family planning curriculum, which is what initially got me interested in UofR. Then during my interview day/dinner, I got to see how great a community UofR is when interacting with the residents and the faculty.
Program's Best Feature: Support of the residents. If you need time off for a maternity leave, disability leave, or a death in the family, the residents cross-cover so you can get the support you need to be a person as well as a resident.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I really like how much Rochester has to offer as a smaller city. There is a vibrant arts scene with traveling Broadway shows, countless breweries and wineries in the Fingerlakes area, great hiking with the Adirondacks close by for a weekend off, and even a good food scene!

Sara Spielman, MD

Hometown: Belmont, MA
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Career Goals: I am debating between a career as a generalist or pursuing a fellowship.
Why I Chose URMC: URMC offered a balance of excellent education and clinical experience, with a friendly/supportive atmosphere.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Summer festivals, exploring parks in and around the city, trying new restaurants and breweries.

 

Sarah Thappa, DO

Introduction: I grew up in the Midwest, and graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Biology. I then joined AIDS United AmeriCorps and served in Washington, DC at an NGO focusing on healthcare and housing for homeless, low-income and immigrant women in the District. After deciding to pursue medical school, I moved to NYC and completed a MS then matriculated to medical school at TouroCOM Harlem.   

Hometown: Rockford, IL
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem
Why I Chose URMC: For the clinical experience and the welcoming community fostered by the program. 
Program’s best feature: The people and vast breadth of clinical experience. 
My favorite things about Rochester: The outdoor spaces. There are so many great places to explore including trails, hikes, parks along the river, canal, and lakes. 

Logan Todhunter, DO

Introduction: I grew up in Ithaca, NY, and have three younger siblings and both of my parents are veterinarians. We always had a lot of dogs running around. I spent a lot of my life in a pool and swam for Williams College. I did a post-baccalaureate year and then bopped around Boston, MA, after college, tutoring high schoolers at Lawrence High School. I was then lucky enough to start medical school at UNE COM.

Hometown: Ithaca, NY
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Goals: Hopefully I end up close to my family, would love to stay in upstate NY!
Why I Chose URMC: Upstate NY has always had such a special place in my heart, after growing up in Ithaca, and it was a dream to come back for residency. I was fortunate enough to do a rotation at URMC at the beginning of my fourth year of medical school and was so impressed by the residents, faculty, staff, and patient population. I could tell this was a place I could learn and thrive in.
Program's Best Feature: The people.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I love that it is close to the water.

Chloe Williams, MD

Introduction: I'm a bit of a nomad having moved around the US when I was younger but my family moved to NM before High School and that's where I call home. I did my undergrad in Minnesota at Carleton College where I majored in Spanish. I then spent 3.5 years in the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa working in a maternity ward and then in public health. I went back to NM for med school but wanted to come back east for residency.

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Career Goals: I don't know yet! Career wise I will probably end up as a generalist because I like so much about Ob/Gyn that I find it hard to give up any part of it to specialize. If I were to do a fellowship it would probably be a global health fellowship or a family planning fellowship. I see myself long term in academics but will probably start out in Private Practice initially to get more surgical experience.
Why I Chose URMC: The people! I had been extremely interested in the program prior to interviewing but what really sold me was the interview day when I got to meet everyone. The residents were friendly and seemed to love the program and the faculty seemed very invested in the residency and getting to know the interviewees. The people plus the fact that I was looking for a strong academic program with an interest in family planning sold me that this was where I wanted to be.
Program's Best Feature: The people! I feel like that's a bit of cliche since most programs say that, but it's true. I chose this program for the people and they are definitely the best part of the program.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The proximity to outdoors. Being from the southwest I love the outdoors and the nice thing about Rochester is how easy it is to get to hikes, lakes, national parks. There are definitely some delicious restaurants, as well.

Yanling Dong, MD

Introduction: I grew up in Fuzhou Fujian province, China. My family and I moved to Queens, New York City when I was eighteen years old. I went to SUNY University at Buffalo for undergrad and SUNY Stony Brook University for medical school. I always wanted to become a doctor since middle school, and I am the first doctor in my family. My hobbies of crocheting, origami and cooking make me fall in love with surgical fields, where I can continue to use my hands. I chose obstetrics and gynecology because it is a perfect combination of medicine, surgery and primary care.

Hometown: Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, and Queens, NYC
Medical School: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
Career Goals: I have not finalized my career goal yet, since I just started my residency and I want to explore the specialty more. So far, I enjoy all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, especially the continuity of care. I may end up being a generalist if I don't develop a particular interest in a subspecialty.
Why I Chose URMC: URMC Obstetrics and Gynecology program is one of the most supportive programs I have ever met on my interview trail. It provides tremendous efforts to help the residents to achieve their career goals, as well as start and grow their families during residency. The training quality of our program is also extraordinary, as the residents have the opportunities to see complex referrals from upstate New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Program's Best Feature: I love the people in our program so much. All the attendings are dedicated to teaching, and the nurses on the floors are very friendly. My co-interns and senior residents have regular get-together events to de-stress, debrief and bond. We celebrate the important moments in our lives together, like birthdays and baby showers. It makes me feel that I belong to a big family.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: My favorite things about Rochester are the beautiful sceneries and Wegmans!
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: I wish I knew there are so many beautiful trails in Rochester, so I could quit my sedentary lifestyle earlier!

 

Victoria Ly, MD

Introduction: I was born in Poughkeepsie, NY ("upstate" in the mid-Hudson Valley), but I lived with my grandparents in the Bronx for the first few years of my life. I eventually moved back to Poughkeepsie—although technically Wappingers Falls—to live with my parents and brothers after kindergarten. Then I went to Stony Brook University on Long Island for undergrad (biochemistry major) and medical school before I decided to move back upstate for residency! I will forever be a New Yorker.

Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
Medical School: Stony Brook University
Why I Chose URMC: I have only heard wonderful things about URMC. The OB/GYN department is phenomenal, and residents truly receive a comprehensive education in all breadths of obstetrics and gynecology. The program has a robust family planning curriculum based on the Ryan Program, which was one of my deal breakers because I want to be a strong advocate for reproductive rights. Additionally, Strong Memorial Hospital (SMH) is one of the few places where there is a separate designated L&D for high risk patients. I also knew I wanted to train in an academic institute with a high research output, but ultimately, I think I chose the University of Rochester because I was blown away by how incredibly kind and genuine everyone was on my interview day. The strength of the training may have lured me to the program, but the people made me choose it.
Program's Best Feature: The people! Everyone is approachable, patient, and extremely eager to teach. That's a good combination to have in an educator. Also, I feel like people care about me and my well-being here, and I am not just another interchangeable person rotating through their program.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I received a lot of mixed comments when I told my friends and family downstate that I was moving to Rochester, but honestly, I am loving it here! Granted I have not yet experienced the Rochester winters, but I am thoroughly enjoying the craft breweries, vineyards, and hiking trails either locally or along the Finger Lakes. Although garbage plates have not grown on me yet, I am a true fan of Wegmans at Pittsford.

 

Michelle Vu, MD

Introduction: I am a Chicago native to Rochester transplant. Runner, sushi lover, and reproductive rights advocate!

Hometown: Barrington, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Why I Chose URMC: URMC is an incredible place to learn and work. I am able to work with an extremely diverse, urban patient population. I am also able to receive comprehensive family planning training.
Program's Best Feature: Your co-residents become your family and there is never-ending support from your attendings.

Emily Hart, DO

Introduction: I grew up in Webster, NY and met my partner in middle school. Crazy, I know. We moved to Maine for my medical school education and got married along the way. Fell head over heels for OBGYN in my 3rd year of school and never looked back!

Hometown: Webster, NY
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose URMC: I always knew that I wanted to be back home near family, but I also wanted a residency program that felt like a second family. I loved the emphasis on bettering yourself and one another that was clear from talking to anyone involved in the program. Also, I admired the amazing reputation for great teaching, research, and happy residents who love each other!
Program's Best Feature: Everyone supports one another and really wants everyone to succeed!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Close to the finger lakes (Dry Riesling anyone?), close to state parks for camping or hiking, Buffalo Bills games close by (GO BILLS)... It truly is an underrated city with endless things to do in and around the city.

Joanna Lin, MD

Introduction: I was born in Chicago and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland. I received my BS in Nutrition Science at The Ohio State University and MD at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.

Hometown: Solon, OH
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Why I Chose URMC: After my interview, I had the sense that the residency felt like a big family, which is an environment in which I would thrive. Plus, my mentor completed his fellowship here and had nothing but glowing remarks about the residency.
Program's Best Feature: It's one big family!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The close proximity of beautiful hiking trails and scenic lake views.

 

Alexis Platek, MD

Introduction: I am from Hamburg, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, NY. I went to the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada where I studied zoology. After receiving my BSc I obtained a Masters of Science degree from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Natural and Biomedical sciences and then pursued medicine at the University at Buffalo. I love spending time with my husband and our fur babies, Lille (husky/shepherd) and Leo (Maine coon).

Hometown: Hamburg, NY
Medical School: University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Why I Chose URMC: I chose URMC for the people I met on my interview day and at my pre-interview dinner. Everyone I met during the interview process was wonderful and extremely welcoming. I felt comfortable and new that these were the type of people I wanted to work with everyday.
Program's Best Feature: The residents!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I am new to Rochester and am enjoying exploring all of the restaurants in the area!

 

Devin Williams, MD

Introduction: I have spent the majority of my life in school. However, it gave me the opportunity to live in other cities such as Atlanta and NYC before returning to Rochester for medical school and residency. Outside of work, my favorite things are food and travel. I am always looking for a new restaurant to try. Specifically , a good burger and the best happy hour deals! When I get vacation time, I will probably be traveling to somewhere new or visiting friends out of Rochester. I also enjoy working out, reading and puzzles.

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry
Career Goals: I am not sure where I will end up but I hope to be the best advocate for my patients and work to end racial disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality.
Why I Chose URMC: Rochester is home. I wanted to train at a program close to family and friends. Additionally, I chose a program where I felt supported and there were people with values similar to mine.
My Favorite Things About Rochester:  My favorite thing about Rochester is there is something for everyone! There is amazing food, wineries, breweries, fun festivals in the summer, beaches and great hiking. I also love that we get all four seasons, and I don't mind the winter.

Patricia Coughenour, MD

Introduction:  I'm Tricia. I went to the University of Virginia where I studied biology and 
neuroscience and spent my free time enjoying Charlottesville and performing as part of an 
acapella group. I spent a year after undergrad teaching at a boarding school in England 
and traveling around Europe before coming back to the states and applying to med 
school. I couples matched with my partner, and we found our way to Rochester!

Hometown: Williamsburg, VA
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine 
Why I Chose URMC: I chose URMC for the amazing training, including the focus on family planning. 
Program's Best Feature: The great group of people I get to train alongside! 
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Summer has been beautiful! My partner and I enjoy getting to explore all the awesome places to eat and drink in the city! 

Savannah Kaszubinski, MD

Introduction: My name is Savannah and I am originally from Arizona. I went to undergraduate at the
University of Arizona where I completed a dual major in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Physiology. I wanted to live in the Northeast for the first time and ended up at Albany Medical College in Albany, NY. I love coffee, ballet, and exploring new restaurants with friends and family.

Hometown: Peoria, Arizona
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Why I Chose URMC: I chose URMC based on the wonderful people I met during my virtual interview.Even though the virtual interviews made it hard to truly get a feel for the program, I could tell right away that this program was the right one for me. I also appreciated that the generalists at URMC feel comfortable managing complex cases.
Program's Best Feature: The family planning program here is robust and the residents graduate with a ton of experience that other residency programs may not see. Of course, the people here are amazing too!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I am brand new to Rochester, but I am excited to explore new restaurants and events! I can't wait for the fall/winter to enjoy apple cider and snowboarding.

Lila Marshall, MD

Introduction: Hi, I'm Lila! I was born and raised in Southern California and studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. I went to medical school at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY, and now I am Rochester's newest California transplant! I am the proud mother of two Siamese cats and I love being outside, whether reading in Highland Park on the weekend or enjoying some beers with my co-interns on a 
rooftop patio. I plan to do a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology or Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. 

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Medical School:  State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine
Why I Chose URMC: I wanted to be in a place that would not only provide me with incredible surgical training and 
clinical opportunities but that would also be a home for me. At URMC, I've found like-minded people and an incredible environment for learning and building strong friendships. 
Program's Best Feature: One of the best parts of our program is the opportunity to participate in specialty clinics! You get the opportunity as a resident to help people that travel hundreds of miles to be seen in our
clinics. It's an incredible honor and training that few programs offer! 
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The people are passionate about making this city a better place, from social justice to urban agriculture. But my most favorite thing about Rochester is Misfit Donuts - vegan donuts just a few blocks from my apartment! 

Danielle Martin, MD

Introduction: I am Danielle from Stamford, CT. I went Princeton University for undergrad where I studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. After college, I moved abroad to Kenya for year and worked at research center. I had always had an interest in OB/Gyn but fell in love with women's heatlh working in in rural Kenya. I then made my way back to the CT for medical school at the Netter School of Medicine. I love to dance and travel. Looking forward to exploring the area.

Hometown: Stamford, CT
Medical School: Frank H Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
Why I chose URMC: I chose URMC because I really enjoyed speaking with the people I met on my interview day. It is also clear that the program, our attendings and and co residents are invested your growth as a physician.
Program’s best feature: The people! My co-residents have been so supportive during this transition.​
My favorite things about Rochester: Exploring the restaurant scene. Always new places to try. I also really look forward to visiting all the cool nature spots and wineries in the Finger Lakes region.

Leanne Ondreicka, MD

Introduction: I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I studied Kinesiology at UMass Amherst and was on the varsity rowing team there before going to UMass Med. I love traveling whenever I can and anything that involves the outdoors and/or eating! 

Hometown: Sutton, MA
Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School 
Why I Chose URMC: I chose URMC for the people! On interview day, everyone seemed genuinely happy and so 
supportive of each other. It feels like one big family!
Program's Best Feature: My intern class, obviously. 
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I love exploring all of the restaurants and breweries in the area! 

Pavithra Vijayakumar, MD

Hometown: New Haven Connecticut
Medical School: Yale School of Medicine

Introduction: Hi, I'm Pavithra! I'm from Yonkers, NY, and went to Princeton for undergrad where I studied public policy. I did research at the NIH in Phoenix, Arizona for one year and then went to Medical School at Yale where I was involved with our student-run free clinic. I love hanging out outdoors, baking, and road trips!

Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Medical School: Yale University
Why I Chose URMC: I chose URMC because of how welcoming the environment was on interview day, and how committed the program was to education. I was also looking for a program in a larger city that served both an under-resourced population and saw interesting cases a broader and more rural populations, and URMC had all of the above.
Program's Best Feature: My co-interns! 
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I am still very new to Rochester and so far I've loved exploring the different neighborhoods and coffee shops!

Aladeyemi Osho, MD

Introduction: Hello! I'm Aladeyemi. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and studied Biological Sciences at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. I went to medical school at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY and I decided to bring my talents to Rochester, NY! In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, catching up on my favorite shows, skincare routines, traveling, trying new restaurants, and interior decorating. 

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Medical School: State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine 
Why I chose URMC: From my (virtual) interview day, I was thoroughly impressed with the program's supportive community of residents and faculty and emphasis on education, wellness, and patient advocacy. I knew immediately that this was the right program for me! URMC also provides well-rounded clinical experiences and diverse patient encounters.
Program’s best feature: The residents! 
My favorite things about Rochester: Since I just moved here, I have so much to explore! So far, I'm enjoying diverse restaurant options and spending time with my co-interns. ​

Kathryn Voss, MD

Introduction: I completed my undergrad at William & Mary in Virginia and studied Kinesiology and Health Sciences. My interest in nutrition, exercise, and public health led me to pursue a master's in nutrition at Columbia University. For medical school, I attended Albany Med. In my free time, I love golfing, skiing, and being on the water!

Hometown: Brighton, NY
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Why I Chose URMC: Having grown up in Rochester, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Strong in high school, intern during my college summers, and work as an ambulatory tech in the year prior to med school. I loved each of these experiences and the people I met, and knew I wanted to return to the URMC community.
Program's best feature: My co-interns
My Favorite Things About Rochester: All of the outdoor activities no matter the season. From Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes, hiking in the many parks, biking on the Erie Canal, golfing, or skiing at Bristol, Rochester has so much to offer. I also enjoy spending time with my parents, brother, and extended family!

Youngeun Armbuster, MD

Introduction:  I am Young from Pennsburg, PA. I went to Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA where I studied Nuclear Medicine Technology. Prior to starting medical school at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, I worked as a PET/CT technologist, an EPIC electronic health system implementation specialist, and a combat medic in the U.S. Army Reserve. My husband and I have two amazing pups Jesse and Abby together.

Hometown: Pennsburg, PA; Daegu, South Korea
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine 
Why I Chose URMC: It was love at first sight! I fell in love with URMC during my interview, because of the people and their passion for resident education. I could see myself as a member of this wonderful family.
Program's Best Feature: The people
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I love the food scene, Rochester Museum & Science Center, and so many beautiful parks I can take Jesse and Abby for long walks!

Laura Bowman, MD

Introduction: I am from Minnetonka, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis. I went to Pennsylvania State University where I studied biochemistry and molecular biology and played Division I ice hockey. After receiving my BS I played hockey in Vienna, Austria for a season before pursuing medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School. I love spending time outdoors, hiking and camping.

Hometown: Minnetonka, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Why I Chose URMC: During the virtual interviews I immediately felt at home. The residents were easy to talk to and all seemed to support each other. This program has a culture I want to be a part of.
Program's Best Feature: I have not worked in the program yet but I'm guessing my co-residents are going to be my favorite part!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I am new to Rochester, but I am excited to get to know the city and the surrounding area.

Annie Brunton, MD

Introduction: Hi, I'm Annie! I grew up in Victor, NY and went to Mercy High School and St. John Fisher College here in Rochester.  I completed my MD and MPH from the University at Buffalo and couples matched with my fiancé, who will be moving back to Rochester with me. In my spare time, you are most likely to find me trying out a new fitness class, reading, or walking my golden doodle, Oliver.

Why I Chose URMC: The faculty and residents were so welcoming on interview day and I felt right at home. I also get to be close to my family while training at a great institution! 
Program's Best Feature: The residents, the focus on education, and the excellent exposure to sub-specialties.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The Finger Lakes, the arts festivals during the summer, and just down the road from the Buffalo Bills!

Allison Guarin, MD

Introduction: I was born and raised in Rochester, NY and went to The College at Brockport for undergrad where I got my BS in Biology. After graduation I worked for the University of Rochester for a year as a float tech before starting medical school at the University at Buffalo in 2018. In my free time I love spending time with my husband, exploring new restaurants or cooking new recipes, and spending time outside!

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Why I chose URMC: So many reasons! The residents hosted the most fun meet and greet I attended all interview season (a fun zoom session is no small feat). The proximity to family for me, focus on training well rounded generalists, and the family planning exposure also contributed significantly to my decision.
Program’s best feature: The kind people!
My favorite things about Rochester: Accessibility of so many beautiful parks... something I took for granted growing up here! 

Carolyn Larkins, MD

Introduction: Hi, I'm Carolyn! I have spent most of my life in New England, although I did venture west after undergrad for a year as a JVC/Americorps volunteer in Wenatchee, WA. I entered medical school interested in primary care, but after discovering OB/GYN during my 3rd year there was no turning back! Outside of medicine I enjoy baking delicious treats, cooking new recipes, visiting farmers markets, camping, and hiking.

Hometown: Manchester, NH
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine – Maine Medical Center Program
Why I chose URMC: I finished my interview day with a BIG smile on my face. It was clear that this is a place with a collaborative and supportive environment that cares deeply about patient care and resident education. I was also drawn by the broad exposure to all things OB/GYN and the program's commitment ​to undergraduate medical education.  
supportive of each other. It feels like one big family!
Program’s best feature: The amazing people and family planning training! 
My favorite things about Rochester: My favorite things about Rochester: I am enjoying exploring the beautiful parks, restaurants, and coffee shops here.

Melissa Chima, MD

Introduction: I am Melissa Chima from Baltimore, Maryland but lived in the DC metro area for many years before medical school. I went to University of Maryland in College Park, MD where I studied Biology with a concentration in Neurophysiology. After receiving my BS, I worked as a sleep technologist for four years in DC while working on my post-bac. I pursued medicine at Penn State College of Medicine. I love hanging out with my husband, my big extended family, and my cat, Mr. Darcy, who I have had since I was in college. 

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine
Why I chose URMC: I chose URMC because I felt it was the place to get a complete Ob/Gyn residency education. Family planning is robust and integrated in the program throughout the four years. Also, the programs directors and residents I met during my interview day were very welcoming and honest about the program. I felt confident this program was the best fit for me.
Program’s Best Feature: The program director and associate program director. I really feel heard, and they always make an effort to make the program better for residents. 
My Favorite Thing about Rochester: I am new to Rochester and really love livingclose to Lake Ontario.

Emily King, MD

Introduction: I’m Emily and I grew up in rural Canton, Ohio. I went to undergrad at The Ohio State University where I studied Genetics and French and then moved north to the University of Toledo for medical school. In my free time, I love outdoor activities like running and hiking, exploring restaurants and breweries/vineyards, and listening to true-crime podcasts!

Hometown: Canton, OH
Medical School: University of Toledo
Why I Chose URMC: I was originally drawn to Rochester because of my partner who is attending residency here, however, once I got the fortunate chance to rotate at URMC I fell in love with the welcoming attitude of the team. Both faculty and residents were clearly dedicated to helping each other and I felt comfortable right away. Even during the interview process, virtual as it was, it was obvious that everyone was invested in the process and genuinely interested in not only sharing about the program but also getting to know the applicants!
Program's Best Feature: One of the things that blew me away immediately was the early and extensive involvement in family planning and reproductive rights advocacy. Coming from a region where access to this kind of care is very limited, it was an entirely different world at URMC and I loved that the residents got to play such an active role.
My Favorite Things About Rochester:  I love the dozens of parks and trails in and around the city as well as the fairly cheap (35$ general admission at the Armory, how even…) and diverse music scene!

Alexsaundra Zywicki, MD

Introduction: I am Ally from Liverpool, NY, a suburb of Syracuse, NY. I went to undergrad at the University of Rochester where I studied Brain & Cognitive Science with a minor in Biomedical Engineering and played basketball. I am a big sports fan (Go Bills!), love to rollerblade, will search for new music on Spotify for hours and can never say no to French fries.

Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Why I Chose URMC: The interactions among faculty and residents impressed me the most on interview day, and I felt a genuine interest in getting to know me beyond what was written on my application.
Program's best feature: I’m interested in teaching and medical education, and I found having an Education Specialist to be a unique aspect of the program.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The breweries and restaurant scene, rollerblading along the Erie Canal Bike Trail, Wegmans and the Public Market.