Current Residents General Surgery
I chose UK because I know, upon graduating, I will be a well-trained general surgeon prepared for fellowship or private practice.
I knew by doing residency at UK, I'd be prepared to practice as a surgeon anywhere in the country.
This is a robust training program with faculty and residents that care about their patients and each other.
PGY-1
Eleanor Lee, MD, MPH
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham; Univ of Tennessee HSC Col of MedHometown: Tainan, Taiwan; Chattanooga, TN
What do you like about your program?
Unmatched clinical volume, extremely supportive culture, tight-knit bonds between residents, and a leadership that cares about their residents'… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Piano, karaoke, latte art, keeping up with El Clásico.
Jesse S. Mast, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: Bethel University; Indiana University School of MedHometown: Nappanee, IN
What do you like about your program?
One of my favorite things about the University of Kentucky General Surgery Residency Program is that people don’t just talk about making things… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. I also love trying new restaurants and… Read More
Danielle R. Peterson, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: University of Kentucky; University of Kentucky College of MedicineWhat do you like about your program?
The University of Kentucky General Surgery Residency program is exceptional for a plethora of reasons. One reason being the faculty here at UK.… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Woodworking, running, weight training, hiking, baking sourdough
Ruben Vila, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: Portland State Univ; Oregon Health and Science UnivHometown: Portland, OR
What do you like about your program?
The great surgical experience and my colleagues. Everyone is invested in you and genuinely wants you to reach your personal and professional goals… Read More
What are your hobbies?
I love fitness, surfing, traveling, and eating at new places
PGY-1 Preliminary Interns
Camille Blackman, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: Northwestern University; University of Illinois Chicago College of MedHometown: Longmeadow, MA
What do you like about your program?
I love how supportive everyone is in helping me learn and grow these first few weeks.
What are your hobbies?
Competitive running, pilates, yoga, hiking, spending time with friends and family and my cats!
Amy Brouillette, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: Tulane University; Louisiana State Univ HSC - New OrleansHometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Semithe Chevelon, MD, MS
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: Florida International Univ; St. George's Univ School of MedHometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
What do you like about your program?
I like that I have the opportunity to gain exposure to a diverse range of pathology and patient populations, grow as an intern through increasing… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Cooking, watching sports, and working out
William Denton, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: Boston University; University of KentuckyHometown: Paducah, KY
What do you like about your program?
The breath of presentations, from simple problems with straightforward solutions to complex patients requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
What are your hobbies?
Fishing, Woodworking, Anything Outdoors
Grayam Sailor-Tynes, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: Davidson College; UT Health Science Center at San AntonioHometown: San Antonio, TX
What do you like about your program?
I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie and teamwork here at Kentucky. Everyone has been so welcoming and brings a great attitude to the hard work… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Fishing, hiking, skiing, soccer and spending time with my wife and our dogs
Allen Westerfield, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-1 Education: Vanderbilt University; University of KentuckyHometown: Lexington, KY
What do you like about your program?
I love all the people. I had so much fun on my rotations third and fourth year of med school and am excited to stay and be a part of the program… Read More
What are your hobbies?
I love skiing and spending time with friends and family
PGY-2
Rashmi Bharadwaj, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-2 Education: Vanderbilt University; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Louisville, Kentucky
What do you like about your program?
I was drawn to the University of Kentucky’s General Surgery Residency Program because we get to serve a vulnerable patient population with complex… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with friends and family; traveling; dancing, boxing, hot yoga, weight lifting; trying out new coffee shops and restaurants; fashion… Read More
Madeline Coleman, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-2 Education: University of Florida; Eastern Virginia Medical SchoolHometown: Jacksonville, Florida
What do you like about your program?
Our surgery program has the perfect blend of strong clinical training and emphasis on resident education, all within a supportive culture. The… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my partner, friends, co-residents, and family; trying new restaurants, fine dining, shopping, fashion, traveling, exercising,… Read More
Blake DiPaola, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-2 Education: University of Kentucky; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Nicholasville, Kentucky
What do you like about your program?
The University of Kentucky General Surgery Department has an incredible host of mentors that guide medical students and residents to their next… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Golf, hiking, and fishing
Margaret Hybl, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-2 Education: Virginia Tech Univ; Univ of Central Florida College of MedicineHometown: Fredericksburg, Virginia
What do you like about your program?
I love that someone is always available to lend a hand!
What are your hobbies?
Reading, baking, watching Formula 1, spending time with my cats
Paul Jin, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-2 Education: Tufts University; Eastern Virginia Medical SchoolHometown: Seoul, South Korea; Houston, Texas and Hagerstown, Maryland
What do you like about your program?
Excellent training environment, exposure to a wide range of pathology, and my partner is also here!
What are your hobbies?
Bodybuilding, Phenomenal Fantasy Football manager, Premier League Soccer, Go Texans and Rockets
Kayce Phelps, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-2 Education: Eastern Kentucky Univ; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Pikeville, Kentucky
What do you like about your program?
Training at UK means being trained by some of the most competent, compassionate surgeons. Kentucky is home and staying for residency means I get… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, hanging out with my two dogs Willow and Bubba, UK sports (Go Cats)!!!
PGY-3
Logan Beutler, DO
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: University of Nebraska-Lincoln; DeBusk College of Osteopathic MedicineHometown: Norfolk, Nebraska
What do you like about your program?
Great culture, supportive faculty, high volume of sick patients.
What are your hobbies?
Husker sports, soccer, quality time with friends and family, and diners, drive-ins, & dives.
Jeffrey Kuerzi, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: University of Indianapolis; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Louisville, Kentucky
UK trains surgeons ready to be independent when graduating. The culture of hard work and investment made in resident education. Wide exposure in… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Being outdoors, fishing, hunting, UK football, golf, exercise
Karleigh Maze, MD, MEd
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: Univ of Alabama; Univ of Alabama at Birmingham School of MedicineHometown: Trussville, Alabama
What do you like about your program?
The faculty and leadership are incredibly supportive and invested in your success. You are exposed to high volume, complex pathology that will… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Hosting, Reading, Snow-Skiing, Anything that Involves Family & Friends
Summer Roberson, MD, MPH
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: University of Georgia; Medical College of GeorgiaHometown: Blackshear, Georgia
What do you like about your program?
I was drawn to UK because it provides excellent and well-rounded surgical training at a high volume institution with opportunities ranging from… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, reading, supporting The Dawgs, spending time with friends & family.
Zhuang Yao Daniel Wei, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: UT Dallas; Texas A&M College of MedicineHometown: Uppsala, Sweden
What do you like about your program?
Operative autonomy. Complex pathologies. Friendships.
What are your hobbies?
Backpacking, books, photography, cafeteria chicken tenders, and saving lives
PGY-4
Carly Celebrezze, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-4 Education: Univ. of Oregon, WA State Univ. Elson S. Floyd College of MedicineHometown: Moscow, Idaho
I chose UK because it keeps all fellowship doors open. I appreciate that UK allows residents to pause clinical responsibilities for research but… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, Anything outdoors, Activities venturing outside of her comfort zone, such as bungee jumping, paragliding, skydiving, spending time with… Read More
Rylie Frayman, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-4 Education: Wake Forest University; University of Florida College of MedicineHometown: Indian Rocks Beach, Florida
What do you like about your program?
Small/safe city program with exposure to wide variety of surgical pathology and opportunity to treat and care for really sick patients.
What are your hobbies?
Running, baking, hiking, anything that involves being out on the water
Jacob C. Hubbuch, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-4 Education: Western Kentucky Univ; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: London, Kentucky
What do you like about your program?
High volume of general surgery and subspecialty cases, along with appropriate graduated autonomy.
What are your hobbies?
Running; Tennis; Snow-skiing; Cooking; Bread-making; Playing with my dog.
Osvaldo Mendez, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-4 Education: Univ of Arkansas - Fayetteville; Univ of Arkansas for Medical SciencesHometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas
What do you like about your program?
I chose the University of Kentucky because it is a busy program with exposure to complex disease processes.
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, Cooking, Canoeing, Watching TV
Andrew Whipkey, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-4 Education: Youngstown State. Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)Hometown: Ravenna, Ohio
Omar Zaki, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-4 Education: Univ. of IL at Urbana-Champagne, The Ohio State University COMHometown: Burr Ridge, Illinois
UK has a history of training very competent and capable surgeons, and an incredibly large referral area with complex and diverse pathology.
PGY-5 (Chiefs)
Cody Crnkovic, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: University of Louisiana Monroe, LSU New OrleansHometown: Delhi, Louisiana
Wide exposure to all fields of surgery early on. Great culture, great city, and excellent faculty.
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my wife, family, and friends; Playing with my dog; Renovating my house; Exercising; Watching sports; Being outdoors.
Noah Jordan, DO
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: The Ohio State Univ; West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineHometown: Fort Collins, Colorado
What do you like about your program?
I enjoy residency at UK because of the people and strong relationships I've been able to develop with attendings both in and outside the hospital… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Travelling, running, golf, visiting local coffee shops and distilleries, and spending time with my family and pets.
Jessica McKelvey, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: Florida State; University of South Florida Morsani College of MedicineHometown: Wilmington, Delaware
Even though my interview was virtual, I could still tell that the culture among residents and faculty at UK was just what I was looking for. I… Read More
Cristina Ortega, DO
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: Florida International Univ; Alabama College of Osteopathic MedicineHometown: Miami, Florida
What do you like about your program?
It's a very busy place with complex pathology and you never stop learning. The camaraderie among the residents is unmatched, and we truly are a… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Reading, hiking, Pilates
Gabriele Pate, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: Lehigh University; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Sumter, South Carolina
What do you like about your program?
The people! From the attendings, my co-residents, the OR staff, and anyone in between. We get great training, but the people are really what makes… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Research Interests: Breast Oncology, Surgical Critical Care
Aum Patel, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: University of Kentucky; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Bardstown, Kentucky
Lots of complex pathology in a wide catchment area followed by excellent operative experiences. Additionally, Lexington is a great place to live… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Geography, Planes, Legos, Trying new technology
Anna Reagan, MD, PhD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: Baylor Univ; Univ of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthHometown: Ames, Iowa
What do you like about your program?
The people! I have wonderful co-residents and have had incredible support and mentorship from faculty.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, trying new restaurants, traveling, spending time with family
Marina Robson Chase, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: Univ of Southern California; University of Virginia School of MedicineHometown: Frankfort, Kentucky
What do you like about your program?
This is a robust training program with faculty and residents that care about their patients and each other.
What are your hobbies?
Knitting sweaters for dogs, planting native plants in my garden, and reading to my daughter
Adam Rooks, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-5 Education: Univ of Northern Colorado; Univ of New Mexico School of MedicineHometown: Cripple Creek, Colorado
What do you like about your program?
Great operative and non-operative experiences and ability to feel comfortable taking care of a broad range of pathology. Good progressive autonomy… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Kids, hiking, video games
Research Year
Emily Cassim, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: University of Kentucky; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Harlan, Kentucky
What do you like about your program?
I chose to stay at UK for surgery residency over other programs because of the faculty and residents I met as a medical student. I love the people… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Reading, Orangetheory, shopping, traveling
Lekha Devara, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: University of Louisville; University of Louisville School of MedicineHometown: Louisville, Kentucky
What do you like about your program?
I love the community. I have met some of my best friends in this program and have really great mentor relationships. I truly feel like I could… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Running, Reading, Muay Thai, Painting, Legos
Madison Sands Gutierrez, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: University of Kentucky; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
What do you like about your program?
There's a large breadth of patients you will serve, with complex socioeconomic backgrounds and complex medical concerns. Every opportunity to care… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Weightlifting, gardening, visiting breweries, hiking.
Meredith Johnson, MD
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-2 Education: University of Kentucky; University of Kentucky College of MedicineHometown: Campbellsville, Kentucky
What do you like about your program?
The people are the best part! Not only those that you work with, but the people of Kentucky. Lexington is a great place to live, with lots of… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Reading, exercising, hiking, and cooking.
Manasa Veluvolu, MD, MPH
GME Program:
Surgery - GeneralSummary:
Year: PGY-3 Education: Univ of Arkansas; University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesHometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
What do you like about your program?
The exposure to volume and complexity we get to all fields within general surgery, approachable faculty, seeing chiefs/recent graduates recognize… Read More
What are your hobbies?
Trying new food, hiking, hanging out with friends/family, traveling