Carson Klasner, MD
Introduction: I grew up in Webster, NY (a suburb of Rochester), then moved to Los Angeles to study Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, with a minor in Theatre, at the University of Southern California. I made my way back to the East Coast for medical school at the University of Maryland, then very happily returned home for residency. I love reading, spending time on Lake Ontario, and all things musical theatre!
Hometown: Webster, NY
Medical School: University of Maryland
Career Goals: I think I'll become an academic generalist - I'd love to be a program director one day!
Why you chose URMC: URMC has the perfect mix of a friendly, community feel with all the bells and whistles of a major academic center. Even on my virtual interview day I knew that I would feel supported and empowered by my co-residents. Plus, having no 24-hour shifts is a HUGE bonus!
The Program's best feature: I've been so impressed with the care our department provides. The Rochester population is quite diverse, so each patient needs something different. I'm learning to provide evidence-based, holistic, and empathetic care to every patient.
Your favorite things about Rochester: I've seen the city grow and change so much since I was a kid - every day I hear about a new restaurant, festival, store, or park to visit! There is so much to do here, and since it's a smaller city it all feels very accessible and affordable. I love having all four seasons and living close to the Great Lakes.
Before you started the program, what did you wish you knew? When current residents tell you to enjoy your fourth year of medical school, believe them! I love going to work every day (seriously!), but I definitely miss those months when my time was truly my own.
Clare Lennon, MD

Introduction: I've taken a winding path to residency! I grew up in Florida and majored in journalism with a classics minor at the University of Florida. In the first few years after college, I worked as a newspaper reporter and healthcare tech writer, and I lived in Brooklyn, Tampa and Portland, Ore. Then I moved to the Philadelphia area to enroll in the Bryn Mawr College Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program. After postbac, I worked in clinical research in Philadelphia, took up running, and first began to think about OB/GYN. My interest in OB/GYN grew throughout medical school at the University of Rochester, and I completed a research fellowship for an additional year of medical school. When I'm not at work, I love to take walks with my husband and our toddler, read the news (morning) and fiction (evening), squeeze in a HIIT workout, and enjoy a good bowl of ice cream.
Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
Medical School: University of Rochester
Career Goals: Likely REI or MFM, but we will see!
Why you chose URMC: I loved working with the residents and faculty when I was a medical student here, and I was impressed by how residents supported one another through parental leave, life changes and the everyday stresses of training. I wanted a program with a track record of supporting residents with families as well as training outstanding generalists and fellowship applicants, and Rochester felt like the perfect fit.
Program's best feature: Your favorite things about rochester: The parks and trails in Rochester are great, and Highland Park in the spring is gorgeous. My other favorite aspect of life in Rochester is being close to family.
Before you started the program what did you wish you knew?
Hmmm, I'm still in my first month of residency. Ask me in six months!
Grace Narlock, DO
Introduction: I was born and raised in the sunny San Francisco Bay Area. I attended the University of Rochester for undergrad, where I enjoyed studying anthropology and microbiology. After graduating, I completed a fifth-year fellowship and worked at Strong’s Wilmot Cancer Center in clinical research while applying to medical school. I love to travel, hike with friends, read a good novel, and explore local breweries and eateries.
Hometown: Corte Madera, CA.
Medical School: A.T. Still University.
Career Goals: I love both obstetrics and gynecology and hope to work as a generalist.
Why I chose URMC: After my interview, I knew that URMC offered a challenging, robust curriculum at a high acuity hospital within a supportive, collaborative environment: A perfect balance. I was impressed by all aspects of the program and confident in my ability to get unhindered complex abortion care training. The humility and kindness in every person that I had the privilege of speaking to on interview day tipped the scale.
Program’s Best Feature: The people! My co-residents are kind and supportive and the faculty are knowledgeable, helpful, and eager to teach.
My Favorite Things about Rochester: Rochester has something for everyone. From spending time outdoors on Lake Ontario or taking a nice walk at Mendon Pond to shopping on Park Ave or seeing a show at the Little Theater, there is always something to do and explore.
Paige Riedelsheimer, MD
Introduction: Hi I’m Paige! I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was then recruited to play soccer at the University of Rochester, where I also studied Biology and Public Health. I took a year off after graduating, where I worked as the supervisor for the Emergency Department Research Associates program here at URMC. I then went back to Ohio for medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I'm excited to be back in Rochester for the next step of my training. I like to stay active in my free time, so I weight lift, hike, run, etc. I like to spend time with my husband (a former UofR squash player) and my dog, mostly exploring the city and upstate NY. During football season, you can also catch me cheering on my Cincinnati Bengals - Who Dey!
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Career Goals: I always knew I would be in a surgical subspecialty during medical school, and I have continued to love the OR so I imagine myself focusing on the gynecology side and spending more time in the operating room, whether that'd MIGS, UroGyn, or GynOnc.
Why I chose URMC: first for the people - during my interview it was easy to talk to and connect with the other residents and attendings. I also wanted a program that had great exposure to every sub specialty within the field, and I found that at UofR
The Program's best feature: Resident support from other residents, faculty, and staff
Favorite things about Rochester: the brewery and food scene - for it being a smaller city it has a really good variety!
Before you started the program what did you wish you knew? I wish I knew how much fun I could have in residency. Residency is obviously a lot of work, but here you are able to work and learn with others who truly passionate about what they do and make it fun for everyone!
Tiffany Wang, MD
Introduction: Hi! My name is Tiffany! I was born and raised in Connecticut and studied Biopsychology at Tufts University. I worked in the Boston area for several years as a research assistant before going to Albany Med. I completed my yoga teacher training certification while in medical school and love to teach/practice yoga in my spare time. I really enjoy trying new restaurants (especially if they include sushi or noodles), camping, and spending time outdoors!
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Career goals: Probably generalist, with a focus on medical education
Why I chose URMC: I chose URMC for the people I met on the interview day and pre-interview social. The residents, attendings, and program staff all seemed genuinely kind and down to earth. I also wanted a program with strong family planning training and the chance to serve a diverse, underserved patient population. It was clear that the program created the type of environment where I could be supported in my training and my career goals.
Program's Best Feature: My lovely co-residents!
Favorite Things About Rochester: Saturdays at the Public Market, the thriving festival scene in the summer, fun coffee shops, and proximity to the Fingerlakes