Fellows 

Shivani Ananthasekar, MD

Undergraduate School: University of South Alabama 

Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham 

Residency: University of Oklahoma

Hometown: Mobile, AL 

What are you most looking forward to during fellowship?
I’m most looking forward to immersing myself in hand surgery and developing a deeper understanding of its complex anatomy and pathology. I’m excited to refine my operative skills, gain confidence managing challenging cases, and continue growing as a surgeon.

What drew you to this fellowship program? 
I was drawn to this program because of its broad clinical exposure, strong operative experience, and supportive faculty who are genuinely invested in fellow education. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing tennis, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.

What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
I’ve been most surprised by how green and scenic Oklahoma is. I didn’t expect to find so many beautiful parks, lakes, and outdoor spaces throughout the state.

What is a hobby or talent that your colleagues might not know about? 
I am classically trained in Indian music and have been singing for many years. It is a creative outlet that has remained an important part of my life outside of medicine.

What advice would you give residents interested in pursuing fellowship? 
Seek out mentors early, pursue experiences that genuinely interest you, and take the time to understand what you want from your future practice. Be proactive, stay open-minded, and choose a fellowship where you feel supported and challenged to grow.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to travel to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. 

Tejas Nandurkar, MD

Undergrad School: East Carolina University

Medical School: RFUMS at The Chicago Medical School

Residency: University of Kentucky

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

What are you most looking forward to during fellowship?
Throughout my training, I’ve learned that becoming a great surgeon is about so much more than mastering procedures. It’s also about learning from the surgeons around you, how they think through difficult decisions, approach challenges, and care for their patients. I’m excited to spend this year learning from faculty who will challenge me, guide me, and help me continue growing into the surgeon I want to become.

What drew you to this fellowship program?
The culture of the program and how invested the faculty are in mentorship really stood out to me. I could tell they genuinely care about their trainees and want to help them grow into skilled, compassionate surgeons, which made OU feel like the perfect fit.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife, traveling, and trying new restaurants. I love to run, take in a baseball game, and explore new places with friends whenever I get the chance.

What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been. I love striking up conversations with people and getting to know a city through the people who call it home, so that’s been one of my favorite parts of being here.

What is a hobby or talent that your colleagues might not know about?
I’m a certified sailer. Anything under a 40 footer, count me in!

What advice would you give residents interested in pursuing fellowship?
Take a chance! The most unexpected opportunities have a way of finding you.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hoping at some point, the Alps with my wife!