Undergrad School
- Baylor University
Medical School - University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Medicine
Hometown - Gretna, Nebraska
What have you enjoyed most about residency?
Working with my co-residents and faculty has been one of the most rewarding parts of residency so far. While residency can be intimidating, the transition from medical school has felt much easier because I’m surrounded by people who are genuinely invested in my growth.
What are you looking forward to doing during residency?
I look forward to developing confidence as a physician, surgeon, and teammate. I’m excited to look back five years from now and appreciate how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally.
What is your favorite OU Ortho tradition?
Trauma team themes. It’s an OU tradition for each trauma team to choose a name and theme that captures the personality of the rotation, and I’m looking forward to seeing what ours becomes.
What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
The grocery stores here are open 24/7. I have no idea how that makes economic sense, but I appreciate the peace of mind that eggs are always within reach.
What hidden benefit of Oklahoma have you enjoyed?
There is always something to do here. Oklahoma has a variety of professional sports teams, a fantastic food scene, and tolerable weather year-round. It’s impossible to be bored in OKC!
What has become your favorite place to dine or hang out?
Waffle House.
What is something you enjoy doing in your spare time?
My husband is an incredible chef, so one of my favorite hobbies is enjoying the meals he makes and helping him sample new recipes.
What is your favorite season?
Spring! I grew up in Nebraska, so the first warm day of the year was treated as a holiday.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
New Zealand. I like to plan vacations around hikes, so backpacking in New Zealand would be a perfect trip.
Undergrad School
- Michigan State University
Medical School - Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Hometown - Clarkston, MI
What have you enjoyed most about residency?
While I have yet to officially start residency, the thing that I have enjoyed the most thus far has to be being sent down to a two-day ortho boot camp in Houston, TX! Between learning the quintessentials of orthopedic management from renowned surgeons, to bonding with my co-interns, and getting hands-on during the splint and fracture labs, it truly was an incredible start to residency here at OU Orthopedics!
What are you looking forward to doing during residency?
The area that I am most looking forward to during residency at OU is to learn and grow alongside such an incredible team of co-residents, faculty, and patients. Between the impeccable training that is provided at OU by the faculty and the personnel this department attracts/matches year after year, I am ecstatic about these next five years learning how to be the best orthopedic surgeon I can be alongside people I consider family.
What is your favorite OU Ortho tradition?
The annual golf tournament!
What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
The thing that has surprised me the most about Oklahoma since rotating and moving here for residency has been the amount of fun things to do within a close distance whether it's a day at Lake Hefner, going to the Wichita Mountains to hike and see the wildlife reserves, or staying closer to the city and the undergrad campus for football games. There really is everything you could ask for and more!
What hidden benefit of Oklahoma have you enjoyed?
The cost of living is undeniably affordable. For future residents hoping to own a home during residency, this is the state to do it in! Between the low $$/sq ft, competitive interest rates, physician mortgage options, and shear housing market/supply, you can easily find a home within a reasonable distance to the hospital that is impeccable; not just for a first house but for any house.
What has become your favorite place to dine or hang out?
I'm a huge fan of jalapeno poppers. So when I went to Smitty's Garage in OKC and found they have a burger that is essentially a deconstructed jalapeno popper, I've been hooked ever since!
What is something you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy hanging out with my wife and our two dogs, Kevin and Jasper (they're both whippets). We enjoy walking them, taking them hiking with us, or even paddle boarding. Additionally, I really like to do woodworking/carpentry; if nothing else, it's an opportunity for me to get new Milwaukee tools (I'm a big fan of Team Red)! When it's not too windy outside, I also enjoy flying some of my RC airplanes and hopefully landing them all intact too.
What is your favorite season?
Coming from Michigan previously, I would say it is hands-down either Summer or Fall. I am excited to see how the seasons translate here in Oklahoma compared to back in Michigan.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
I've always wanted to visit Banff in Alberta, Canada. My wife and I got to visit the Italian version on our honeymoon when we visited Lake Como, Italy and it made me even more excited to eventually visit Banff.
Undergrad School - University of Oklahoma - Norman, OK
Medical School - University of Oklahoma College of Medicine - Oklahoma City, OK
Hometown - Tulsa, OK
What have you enjoyed most about residency?
I have enjoyed meeting the residents and faculty in the department. The program is filled with great people who are passionate about creating a positive culture
What are you looking forward to doing during residency?
I look forward to traveling the country to attend orthopedic conferences!
What is your favorite OU Ortho tradition?
It has to be the Trauma 'Staches.
What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
The people are incredibly kind, Oklahoma City is growing rapidly, and the food scene is amazing!
What hidden benefit of Oklahoma have you enjoyed?
The state is full of so many great people that want to help you, and the cost of living is so affordable so you can comfortably accomplish your goals!
What has become your favorite place to dine or hang out?
Harvey Bakery and Scissortail park!
What is something you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to golf around the city and attend Oklahoma City Thunder basketball games.
What is your favorite season?
Fall! OU Football season begins and it feels great to be outside.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
I really want to visit Tokyo, Japan!
Undergrad School
Oklahoma State
Medical School
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Hometown
Tulsa, OK
What have you enjoyed most about residency?
How kind and helpful everyone is in the program. Everyone wants each other to succeed.
What are you looking forward to doing during residency?
Helping patients and getting to do surgery
What is your favorite OU Ortho tradition?
Trauma stache
What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
Growing up in Oklahoma, it's been nice to see how much it has grown these last few years. I'd say for Oklahoma City especially the food scene has exploded there is always a new restaurant to try.
What hidden benefit of Oklahoma have you enjoyed?
The cost of living is super low. Buying a house is a very realistic option.
What has become your favorite place to dine or hang out?
Mcnellies is a fun Irish pub with great food and drinks. Great to watch sporting events or hangout with friends after work.
What is something you enjoy to do in your spare time?
I really enjoy making pizzas in my pizza oven
What is your favorite season?
Fall
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Scotland
Undergrad School - University of Oklahoma 
Medical School - University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Hometown - Claremore, Oklahoma
What have you enjoyed most about residency?
Getting to know my fellow residents and being part of the positive, supportive culture within the program!
What are you looking forward to doing during residency?
Growing as a surgeon and making a meaningful difference in my patients' lives.
What is your favorite OU Ortho tradition?
The annual pool party!
What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
How much there is to do in OKC. There's always somewhere new to eat or something fun going on.
What hidden benefit of Oklahoma have you enjoyed?
The affordable cost of living and how easy it is to get around with very little traffic.
What has become your favorite place to dine or hang out?
There are so many great places, but some of my favorites are Pizzeria Gusto, Barrios, and Deep Deuce!
What is something you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Reading, hot yoga, and spending time with my husband and our dog, Leo.
What is your favorite season?
Fall!
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Greece
Undergrad School - Northern Arizona University
Medical School - University of Arizona College of Medicine
Hometown - Phoenix, AZ
What are you looking forward to doing during residency?
I'm looking forward to building lifelong friendships with my coresidents and becoming an astute physician and capable surgeon.
What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
Everyone here is so kind and polite.
What hidden benefit of Oklahoma have you enjoyed?
The minimal traffic and reasonable commute times have been a plus.
What has become your favorite place to dine or hang out?
I'm still new to the food scene here, but I love a breakfast sandwich and chocolate croissant from Harvey Bakery & Kitchen.
What is something you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I'm a huge baseball fan, so in my free time I love to watch highlights or go to games.
What is your favorite season?
It's hard to beat the early Fall: cool nights and playoff baseball.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Yosemite
Undergrad School -Missouri State University
Medical School - Wake Forest University Medical School
Hometown - Springfield, Missouri
What have you enjoyed most about residency?
Working so closely with my co-residents and building relationships that will last a lifetime.
What are you looking forward to doing during residency?
Win the annual golf tournament.
What is your favorite OU Ortho tradition?
Hands down the trauma team mustache.
What has surprised you most about Oklahoma?
The OKC marathon is absolutely massive and was a ton of fun to be a part of!
What hidden benefit of Oklahoma have you enjoyed?
Between OU and the OKC Thunder, we have some really good sports teams to watch and pull for. Also the running trails around here are awesome.
What has become your favorite place to dine or hang out?
Edmond in general has a ton of places to eat and hang out, I have really enjoyed exploring the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops there.
What is something you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am a big CrossFit guy and also love playing golf
What is your favorite season?
Summer
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Bali