Abigail Cox, MD
Location: Belleville Center
Medical school: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Abigail Cox, MD (she/her), fell in love with family medicine because of the kind and caring culture that is present throughout the field. She believes that kindness is an essential aspect of providing excellent care. She aims to combine the science of medical care with the human touch of kindness and a smile to bring positivity to her patients’ lives. Abigail is from Rochester, NY and she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. While in medical school she pursued her interests in behavioral health and the treatment of substance use disorders. She also contributed to her medical school community by participating in a wellness committee and mentoring junior students. In her medical practice, Abigail has strong interests in addiction medicine, behavioral health, dermatology, and women’s health. Abigail loves to dance – she started dancing at the age of 12. She also enjoys sampling ice cream, watching movies (especially Marvel movies), and playing board games.
Peter Fink, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
Peter Fink, MD (he/him), values being a family physician for the approach of not only treating illness, but also promoting long-term wellness. Peter is committed to caring for the whole person across all ages, organ systems, and acute and chronic stages. He also incorporates evidence-based integrative medicine into his practice to help patients actively cultivate wellness. Peter is from Valparaiso, IN and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in American Studies / Preprofessional Studies. He then worked as a community health specialist in AmeriCorps at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Portland, OR, where he enrolled patients in Medicaid, implemented a screening tool to assess patients’ social determinants of health, and helped introduce Community Supported Agriculture and Cooking Matters programs to the local neighborhood. Peter earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles. While in medical school, he helped design and implement a screening tool for Adverse Childhood Experiences and led health education classes at an underserved school in East LA. Peter enjoys playing guitar and trombone, running, playing basketball, and rooting for Notre Dame sports. He also finds fulfillment through his daily mindfulness meditation practice and involvement with spiritual communities.
Noah Garber, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Noah Garber, MD (he/him), is drawn to family medicine because of the ability to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients at all stages of life. He is from Farmington Hills, MI, and he studied Cellular and Molecular Biology, with a minor in Biological Anthropology, at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. He attended medical school at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He participated as a trainee in the Michigan Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MI-LEND) program, which taught him about the challenges faced in schools and healthcare systems by children on the autism spectrum and exposed him to the importance of community resources that are available for patients and families. Noah also volunteered as a camp counselor for a summer camp designed for children with serious medical conditions to have a fun and safe experience. Noah’s medical interests include preventative health, obstetrics, and outpatient procedures. He enjoys everything outdoors, especially playing tennis, rock climbing, hiking, and skiing. He also loves live music and spending time with family and friends.
David Hardin, MD
Location: Belleville Center – RHET
Medical school: University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine
David Hardin, MD (he/him), enjoys practicing full-spectrum, rural family medicine. From seeing patients in clinic to being called into the hospital for deliveries to caring for patients of all ages in all settings, David is committed to the life of a rural family doctor. He welcomes the opportunity to build long lasting relationships with his patients and hone the skill to care for all aspects of his patients’ health. In addition to rural medicine, he is also interested in addiction medicine and adolescent health. David is from Fredericksburg, TX and he earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. He attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston School of Medicine. While in Galveston, David volunteered at the local student-run free clinic, where he held several leadership roles. He was also involved with his school’s family medicine interest group, and he worked with other students to promote the broad scope of family medicine as a specialty. Outside of medicine, David enjoys exploring the outdoors and, coming from Texas, he is very excited to experience Wisconsin winter activities, especially on frozen lakes. His hobbies also include canning, spending time with his partner and their dog, and trying out new restaurants.
Kimberly Krawzak, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria
Kimberly Krawzak, MD (she/her), was born and raised in Streamwood, IL. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and Biochemistry from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. While in Appleton, Kimberly volunteered with a local hospice organization, where she enjoyed getting to know patients and their families and sharing in their grief, happiness, and nostalgia. She returned to Illinois and earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria. As a member of the public health interest group, Kimberly helped organize the annual Health Disparity Forums for the local community. Her experience coordinating the disability and ableism workshop helped shape her passion of working to ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all patients. She also conducted research on patients’ experiences utilizing food pantries, soup kitchens, and government assistance to combat food insecurity. This has inspired her to think creatively about working with patients and building coalitions of community partners to break down complex social situations. Kimberly strives to provide public health-informed family medicine to resolve health disparities and provide holistic patient care. Kimberly’s hobbies include collecting indoor plants, finding new places to eat, hiking, singing, painting, video games, and enjoying the next big Netflix show.
Micah Larson, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Micah Larson, MD (they/them), is a native Wisconsinite and claims Madison as their hometown. After completing their undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Biochemistry from Arizona State University, Micah returned to Madison to attend medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. While in medical school, they spent a month working with adolescent medicine physicians learning about eating disorders and reproductive health, two of Micah’s interest areas. They also spent a month learning about transgender health with a family physician in Green Bay. In addition to learning the medical aspects of transgender medicine, Micah learned how to be an advocate for the trans community in areas not yet accustomed to gender affirming approaches. Micah also led their medical school’s chapter of Students for a National Health Plan and became very dedicated to advocating for a national health plan and healthcare as a human right. Micah is also dedicated to caring for people with developmental disabilities and underserved populations. To unwind from a busy day in the clinic and hospital, Micah enjoys crocheting, cooking, and cuddling with their dog.
Evelyn Luner, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Evelyn Luner, MD (she/her), is drawn to family medicine because of the ability to form long-term relationships with patients and partner with them in their care. She also is passionate about community engagement and advocating for her patients. Her underlying approach to medicine and community health is doing the small acts that make things better for patients and communities. Evelyn is from Waterford, CT and she earned her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Public Health from the College of William and Mary. She worked as a clinical research coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she discovered how much she enjoyed working directly with patients and developing relationships with them. While in medical school at the University of Connecticut, she participated in the Urban Service Track program which sparked her interest in working with urban and underserved populations, as well as a desire to partner with communities to address social determinants of health and healthcare disparities. Evelyn is passionate about women’s health, reproductive justice, advocacy, public health, primary care, health equity, and gender-affirming care. When Evelyn is not in the clinic, she enjoys hiking, cooking, baking, yoga, reading, and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants.
Viktoriya (Vika) Ovsepyan, MD
Location: Belleville Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Viktoriya (Vika) Ovsepyan, MD (she/her), is committed to breaking down barriers to healthcare and advocating for social justice. She is from Cedarburg, WI and she earned her undergraduate degree in Gender and Women’s Studies, with a minor in Global Health, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While in college, Vika worked at the UW Women’s and Sexual Health Clinic, which sparked her interest in women’s health and taught her the importance of providing reproductive health services and empowering young adults to lead healthy lives. She completed a community health internship with a domestic violence women’s shelter in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. From this, she experienced the importance of providing trauma-informed care. Vika earned her medical degree from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. She participated in the TRaining in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) program in Milwaukee. This experience prepared Vika to serve medically under-resourced populations and promote health equity through advocacy and community engagement. As part of the TRIUMPH focus on public health, she partnered with the Milwaukee Health Department to increase access to sexual health services for uninsured patients. Outside of medicine, Vika enjoys spending time with family and friends, being in the great outdoors, and traveling.
Kailin Randolph, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Kailin Randolph, MD (she/her), is a family physician because of the opportunity to see patients of all ages and across generations. She enjoys building long-term relationships with her patients and helping them achieve their health goals. She is passionate about understanding and addressing the complex factors that impact patients’ health. Kailin earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Science and a certificate in Human Needs and Global Resources from Wheaton College. She completed an internship at a hospital in Uganda in which she saw firsthand the importance of addressing social determinants of health and increasing access to healthcare. After college, she earned her master’s degree in Teaching from Dominican University. Her participation in Teach for America and time in the classroom shaped Kailin’s desire to go into primary care. She is thankful to her students and their families for the countless lessons in leadership, communication, authenticity, and relationships. Kailin attended the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and was an active volunteer at the Interprofessional Care Clinic and learned the importance of allowing patients the time and space to communicate their care goals. Kailin can often be found hiking, running, cooking, crossword puzzling, and taking long walks with her dog.
Rutvi Shah, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Rutvi Shah, MD (she/her), is drawn to family medicine because she appreciates the continuity of care and the ability to build long-term relationships with patients and families. She is from Madison, WI and she earned both her bachelor’s degree in Biology and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While in medical school, she served as her class representative and as a leader in the Family Medicine Interest Group. She participated in a research experience examining workflow patterns among primary care physicians, with the ultimate goal of advocating for system changes to improve physician satisfaction and reduce burnout. Rutvi is passionate about STEM education and has mentored students and volunteered at local schools and science fairs to teach kids about careers in medicine. She enjoys seeing the variety of patients in clinic and works with them to address acute and chronic concerns. She enjoys the wide range of procedures that family physicians include in their care, and she is always looking for opportunities to be involved in patient advocacy and community engagement. She can often be found spending time with family and friends, traveling (she’s visited 25+ states so far), playing cards and board games, and exploring all Madison has to offer, from restaurants to walking trails.
Joanna (Jo) Sherrill, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine
Joanna (Jo) Sherrill, MD (she/her), knew that she would be a family physician when she saw that each day brought the opportunity to care for a wide variety of patients and build connections with patients at every stage of life. In addition to providing broad spectrum care, she is particularly interested in LGBTQ+ care, women’s reproductive rights, health equity, and underserved medicine. Jo is from Dallas, TX and she earned her undergraduate degree in Healthcare Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. She saw firsthand the profound impact access to medical care can have on a person when she volunteered with a research project which provided medical care to sex workers. This experience ultimately led her to pursue her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Her advocacy for access to medical care was reinforced when she volunteered in the Texas prison hospital. From this experience, she learned the importance of meeting patients where they are at on their own unique journeys and advocating for them when it is most needed. Jo can often be found hiking with her partner and dog, gardening, and thrifting.
Kyle Sherwin, DO
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Kyle Sherwin, DO (he/him), is from St. George, UT and he earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Utah. He earned his medical degree from the Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. While in medical school, Kyle completed an osteopathic fellowship during which he spent additional time training in the osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) clinic, completing research and service projects, and teaching OMM to junior medical students. He was also involved in various mental health outreach events on campus, and he founded a resiliency forum that provided students a place to discuss ideas on building and maintaining resiliency throughout medical school. Kyle is drawn to family medicine because he is committed to providing the human connection patients need to achieve their healthcare goals. He also loves the breadth of care offered which allows him to care for patients in a variety of ways and tailor care to each individual need. Kyle relaxes by playing sports, exercising, cooking, reading, studying philosophy, and playing along with Jeopardy!.
Elisabetta (Betta) Tyriver, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Elisabetta (Betta) Tyriver, MD (She/Her), hails from the Madison and Fox Cities metro areas. Prior to starting college, she was a Rotary Exchange Student in Lima, Peru, which introduced her to global health and where she gained Spanish fluency. Betta attended Johns Hopkins University and earned her degree in Public Health Studies. She then served as a Global Health Fellow for a non-profit in Thomassique, Haiti where she partnered with community health workers and clinic staff to improve their child malnutrition program, pre- and peri-natal services, and disease prevention and chronic disease management offerings. She earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Betta spent the summer after her first year in medical school in the rural Peruvian Amazon interviewing community members, patients, and clinic staff to conduct a community health needs assessment. She also volunteered with the CommunityHealth Clinic in West Town, Chicago to provide medical care to low-income, uninsured Chicagoans. Betta is interested in women’s and reproductive health, LGBTQ+ healthcare, global health, substance use, and integrative medicine. Outside of the clinic, Betta can often be found cooking Italian food and hosting dinner parties, biking around the city with her husband, travelling, and listening to podcasts.
Molly Vernon, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Molly Vernon, MD, enjoys the variety and scope of care she is equipped to provide as a family physician. She is committed to serving both individual patients and helping communities thrive. She is originally from Chapel Hill, NC and grew up as a huge UNC sports fan. She studied Health Sciences at Furman University and she earned her medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She is committed to building strong relationships with her patients and earning their trust so they can partner to achieve their healthcare goals. She is passionate about women’s health and advocacy, reproductive health, and gender affirming care. She is also committed to working with patients and families to address the obesity epidemic. She employs motivational interviewing and partners with patients to develop actionable goals to promote healthy lifestyles. Molly’s interests also include lifestyle medicine, family planning, and advanced gynecological procedures. She can often be found baking, cooking, playing sports, and exploring the outdoors. Her favorite Saturday morning activity is getting fresh produce from the farmers market and cooking for the week.
Aimée Wattiaux, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Aimée Wattiaux, MD (she/her), is originally from Madison, WI, and she values personal connection with patients and enjoys working with people in the context of their community, values, and lived experiences. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from McGill University. She returned to Madison and worked as a certified nursing assistant at a long-term acute care facility. From this, she learned firsthand about the importance of interdisciplinary teams to support the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of medically complex patients. Aimée earned her medical degree and master’s in public health from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Her capstone project for her public health degree included assembling a series of micro-learnings examining weight bias and developing a toolkit for clinicians to provide weight-inclusive care. During a global health field course in Ecuador, Aimée examined the interdependence of people, animals, and environmental health and gained proficiency in Spanish. She is passionate about weight-inclusive care, LGBTQIA+ care, and sexual and reproductive health. She enjoys reading, learning, and discussing body liberation and weight inclusivity. Aimée revels in spending time with her partner and their toddler.
Logan Yeager, MD
Location: Belleville Center – RHET
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Logan Yeager, MD (he/him), is a native Wisconsinite from Dodgeville. He is committed to rural family medicine and building strong connections with his community. He has volunteered for over 6 years at the Community Connections Free Clinic in Dodgeville, where he has helped with projects including improving blood pressure control. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in biology and his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While in medical school, Logan founded WisCARES Social Chats, a program that provides recurring phone call check-ins to individuals struggling with social isolation and loneliness. He also volunteered with Doctors Ought to Care where he led educational activities in local communities to teach kids about the human body and how to live a healthy lifestyle. Logan’s interests include full spectrum family medicine and the treatment of substance use disorders. He is honored to join his patients’ journeys and work with them to build care plans and goals. His goal is to practice in rural Wisconsin and partner with patients as they face issues and stresses impacted by rural health. Logan can often be found fishing, biking, playing the guitar, and spending time with his wife and friends.
Melanie Biegler, DO
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Melanie Biegler, DO (she/her), is drawn to family medicine for its ability to address health in the full context of family and community. Melanie is from Elmhurst, IL, and earned her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Marquette University. While at Marquette, she completed a public health internship where she served as an urban farmer and nutritional instructor in Milwaukee. Prior to starting medical school, Melanie served with the National Health Corps Chicago through AmeriCorps as an asthma educator. Melanie attended AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. Melanie developed her interests in providing culturally competent care while completing her clinical rotations in urban, suburban, and rural settings in Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. While in medical school, Melanie was involved with the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians in their Public Policy and Social Determinants of Health committee and served as a student board member. Her experiences have led her to interests in advocacy, policy, women’s health, community health, and working to address social determinants of health with patients and communities. Melanie enjoys running, reading, and exploring neighborhoods through their coffee shops. She also enjoys painting, writing poetry, and spending time with family and friends.
Ashlyn Brown, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
For Ashlyn Brown, MD (she/her), growing up on a pig farm in Avella, PA and participating in 4-H spurred her interests in community health and ultimately led her to a career in family medicine. Ashlyn attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, where she earned her degree in Neuroscience. While in college, she developed interests in pediatrics and teaching through working in a preschool and alongside an education student to develop a neuroscience curriculum for kids. Ashlyn earned her medical degree from the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She volunteered as a patient advocate at Eliza Shirley Women and Children’s Shelter where she helped connect families who were temporarily experiencing homelessness to child and healthcare services. Ashlyn also served as a coordinator for a regional Racism in Medicine Conference to bring together health professionals and community advocates to discuss how racism is prominent in medicine and to develop tools to address these issues and advocate for patients. Ashlyn is passionate about equitable and socially attentive healthcare and reproductive health. She also enjoys working with pediatric populations, patients with substance use disorders, and patients in the LGBTQ+ community. In her free time, Ashlyn can be found reading, knitting, and crocheting, baking, and playing with her puppy.
Jose Carrillo, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Jose Carrillo, MD (he/him), is dedicated to providing care to historically marginalized and low-income populations. He is from Aurora, IL and earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. While in medical school, Jose served as the chapter secretary of the Latino Medical Student Association, which allowed him to bring attention to health disparities in the Latinx community. He is interested in diversifying the medical workforce and has mentored high school students interested in health sciences, organized mentorship events for underrepresented undergraduate students, and led discussions about implicit bias and microaggressions for first year medical students. He also volunteered with FOSTER of Dane County as a COVID-19 relief volunteer, where he helped distribute food to children, ran food drives, and distributed information about COVID in Spanish and English. Jose is committed to providing LGBTQ+, gender affirming, and Spanish-speaking care and he is passionate about community engagement, underserved medicine, and integrative health. Jose enjoys cooking and exploring new cuisines, yoga, hiking, traveling, and spending time in Eagle River, WI.
Camille Gonzalez, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Camille Gonzalez, MD (she/her), is drawn to family medicine because of the trusting, caring relationships that she is able to build with her patients. Camille claims both Oconomowoc, WI and Corning, NY as her hometowns. She earned her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and she earned her medical degree from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, PA. While in medical school, Camille helped at a youth homeless shelter and helped translate information at the health fair so participants could more easily understand the information being shared. As part of the Medical Spanish Club, she also worked to expand ways for students to be more active in the Spanish-speaking community. Camille volunteered with Alley-Oop for Autism; she created a tournament where community members could donate and participate in friendly games of basketball. Camille’s medical interests include sports medicine, obstetrics, and women’s health. She is passionate about preventative care and helping her patients develop and maintain healthy diets and lifestyles. She relaxes by staying active playing soccer, running, skiing, cycling, and hiking. She also enjoys camping, cooking, and traveling.
Alex Hanna, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Alex Hanna, MD’s approach to medicine is through the lens of the story that connects us with one another and teaches us what it means to be human. Alex’s hometown is Muskego, WI, and he earned his undergraduate degree in Preprofessional Studies and Theology from the University of Notre Dame. After college, he spent a year living and working in a school and parish in Wexford, Ireland, during which he learned more about the power of fostering and investing in relationships within a local community. Alex earned his medical degree from the Loyola University Chicago – Stritch School of Medicine. While in medical school, he participated in a global health service immersion trip in Corozal, Belize, where he worked with and learned from local physicians as well as community health workers in the surrounding villages. Alex also served as his campus’ Family Medicine Interest Group president and helped create shadowing and mentoring opportunities for students interested in family medicine. Alex’s interests also include sports medicine, integrative medicine, and community health and he strives to create lifelong partnerships with his patients. Alex relaxes by playing piano and guitar, singing, cooking, recreational biking, going on family vacations in Door County, and yelling at the TV during Packers games. He is also a self-proclaimed Disney trivia expert.
Rachel Her, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Rachel Her, MD (she/her), calls both Madison, WI and SeaTac, WA home. Rachel chose to be a family medicine physician because this specialty recognizes, celebrates, and defends the humanity of patients. She brings her interests in building community partnerships and advocacy to her clinical care and she is also interested in behavioral health and addiction medicine. She earned both her undergraduate degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Rachel is committed to increasing diversity in the health professions and she served as a student coordinator of the Health Care in Diverse Communities elective, where she coordinated guest speakers and led discussions about the unique healthcare needs and challenges of diverse populations in Madison. Rachel participated in the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) Program, which allowed her to complete her clinical rotations in Milwaukee and participate in a structured long-term curriculum focusing on community responsive medicine and health equity, including developing longitudinal community-directed health projects with local organizations. Rachel enjoys baking desserts and playing board games, such as Dungeons and Dragons. She also enjoys singing and musical theatre and is a karaoke enthusiast.
Jenny Ho, DO
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Jenny Ho, DO (she/her), is from San Diego, CA and earned her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego. She earned her medical degree from the AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. In medical school, Jenny volunteered with underserved communities by working at free clinics, participating in after school programs for children with disabilities, and assisting at rehabilitation centers for older patients. She was the president of the Osteopathic Practice and Principles Club and had the opportunity to collaborate with attendings from various specialties to provide weekly osteopathic manipulative technique presentations for her peers. Jenny completed her clinical rotations in Hawaii. While there, she learned what it means to have an aloha spirit and was able to bond with patients’ “talking stories” so she could provide culturally competent care that was informed by their lifestyles and diets. Her work with low-income elementary students reinforced her passion to bring health education outside the healthcare system and tailor preventative therapies to different lifestyles. Jenny’s medical interests include osteopathic manipulative medicine, sleep medicine, integrative medicine, and preventative medicine. She enjoys playing tennis, bouldering, hiking, and playing piano. She also likes trying new restaurants and making charcuterie boards.
John Kalmanek, MD
Location: Belleville Center
Medical school: University of Virginia School of Medicine
John Kalmanek, MD (he/him), is passionate about primary care; he enjoys patient education, preventive medicine, community health, and providing care for marginalized populations. John is from Homer Glen, IL and he earned his bachelor’s degree in Science-Business from the University of Notre Dame. He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Virginia. While there, he developed his interests in learner-centered teaching by serving as a peer mentor for other students and leading health education classes at a local jail. During a “Caring for Refugees” elective, he discovered a passion for the challenge and value of providing care for refugee patients. He also participated in the Generalist Scholars Program, which allowed him to focus on developing as a primary care physician who is devoted to holistically improving the lives of others. John worked with an interdisciplinary team of students to create a mobile application designed to make it easier for caregivers to receive help; this experience fueled his passion for innovation and the team-based, multidisciplinary approach to healthcare. He loves playing and watching sports (go Bears!) and he enjoys playing board games with friends and trying new foods.
Colin Kavanaugh, MD
Location: Belleville Center – RHET
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford
Colin Kavanaugh, MD, is drawn to rural family medicine because of the opportunity to do something different every day. He is interested in working with his hands to do procedures and he wants to practice full scope medicine in a small town. Colin is from Sandwich, IL and he earned his bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Colin went on to participate in the Rural Medical Education Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford. In this program, Colin saw firsthand what it meant to be a rural full-scope family medicine physician. He also conducted research on the stigma towards mental illness in rural communities. Drawing on his passion for exploring the outdoors, he created a wilderness medicine interest group. Colin is interested in teaching learners and served as a clinical mentor. Colin enjoys developing relationships with his patients and his favorite interactions are when patients feel comfortable to speak casually and trust that he has their best interest in mind. Colin and his wife love spending time in the great outdoors – hiking, fishing, boating, and spending time at the lake. He also enjoys hunting and cooking different fresh fish and wild-game recipes.
Camila Khan, MD
Location: Belleville Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Camila Khan, MD, is drawn, to helping patients manage their health so that they can live the life they want. Camila hails from St. Louis, MO and she earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. She then went on to earn her master’s degree in Economics from Miami University in Oxford, OH. Prior to starting medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Camila worked at Epic. She began to consider a career as a doctor as she witnessed the direct and important impact physicians have on patients. Camila is also interested in advocacy, and she participated in initiatives with Doctors for America regarding gun violence prevention, women’s reproductive rights, treatment of asylum-seekers and migrants, and the opioid epidemic. She worked with Centro Hispano of Madison to help train community health workers on maternal and infant health and recruit expecting or new mothers to their group support sessions. Camila’s medical interests include maternal health and newborn deliveries, addiction medicine, and integrative medicine. In her free time, Camila enjoys reading, watching movies and television, and taking walks with her friends.
Rebeca Liebl, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Rebeca Liebl, MD (she/her), chose family medicine because of its flexibility and breadth as well as the opportunity to create long-term relationships with patients and their families. Rebeca grew up in Managua, Nicaragua and moved to Madison as a young adult. She earned her undergraduate degree in International Relations and Environmental Studies from Edgewood College in Madison. After college, Rebeca worked as a Spanish medical interpreter for inpatient, emergency, and clinical services. She went on to earn her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. While in medical school, she volunteered at the student-run free clinic. As she worked alongside other health professions students, she solidified her commitment to the importance of multidisciplinary care. Rebeca is committed to diversifying the healthcare workforce and was a member of the Student National Medical Association and the Latino Medical Student Association. With both organizations, Rebeca was able to mentor junior students and to create a community that celebrated under-represented minorities in medicine. Rebeca’s clinical interests include sports medicine procedures and she is also interested in advocacy for gynecology and women’s health. She finds joy in going out dancing with her friends and exploring parks and trails in the summer and show shoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Nivedita Nair, MD, MPH
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Nivi Nair, MD (she/her), is drawn to family medicine because of her desire to create deep and trusting relationships with her patients. Nivi is from the Madison area and she attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison for her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, her Masters of Public Health, and her medical degree. She participated in the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) Program, completing her clinical rotations in Milwaukee. While in Milwaukee, Nivi learned firsthand the struggles faced by urban underserved communities and how community engagement is truly part of the practice of medicine. She is committed to collaborating with community partners to improve population health. Nivi is also interested in maternal-child health, mental health, and the care of patients with alcohol and other drug abuse disorders. She frames her medical knowledge through the lenses of service, community, and social justice. She hopes to use her physician voice to partner with underserved patients and populations to advocate for and providing healthcare across the lifespan, particularly around reproductive justice and family health. Nivi unwinds by reading, hiking, playing with her dogs and cat, and exploring the city by eating at local restaurants.
Bradley Pfeifer, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine
Bradley (Brad) Pfeifer, MD (he/him), comes to family medicine with an enthusiasm for local and national advocacy, ethical and equitable clinical practice management, optimal mental health and physical wellness, and physician leadership in both healthcare and local communities. Brad is from Sheboygan, WI and he earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Marquette University. He earned his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine. He is currently pursuing a master’s in Business Administration from Marquette and a master’s in Organizational Leadership from Creighton. Brad was very involved with student government at Creighton, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Physicians. He is committed to mentoring and he started a 400-person pre-health professions mentoring group for college students. He also created a peer-led fitness program for graduate students. Brad is interested in sports medicine, nutrition, LGBTQ+ care, global health, and healthcare systems / IT. His career goals include practicing full-scope Family Medicine in small-town Wisconsin, becoming a clinical preceptor and working adjacent to academia, and gaining further training in global health and obstetrics. To unwind, Brad enjoys long-distance running, piano, guitar, and traveling. He likes being in nature, hiking, and exploring national parks.
Luke Ragon, MD
Location: Belleville Center – RHET
Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Luke Ragon, MD, is drawn to rural family medicine because of its focus on disease prevention, care for medically underserved populations, and outpatient procedures. His goal is to work in a small, rural town, developing enduring relationships with his patients and engaging with the community. Luke is from Dansville, MI and earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Hope College in Holland, MI. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. While in Detroit, Luke was involved with community service and clinical outreach. He was a part of the Fabric of Society program that allowed him to volunteer with local organizations providing clinical and social care. Through his volunteer work, Luke learned how people are adversely affected by socioeconomic disparities and how this directly impacts health. He also volunteered with Street Medicine Detroit to provide care for the unreached and homeless population. From these experiences, Luke learned empathy, compassion, and a renewed respect for the resilience of the human spirit. He also learned the joy of working with patients in limited resource settings. When he is not in the clinic, Luke enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, hunting, and fly fishing and fly tying. He also enjoys cheering for the Cleveland Browns and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Taylor Ross, MD, MPH
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
Taylor Ross, MD (she/her), is drawn to family medicine because of her passion for advocacy, social justice, and community medicine. Taylor is originally from Nixa, MO and she earned her bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Missouri State University. She then went on to earn her Masters of Public Health and medical degree from the University of Missouri. She served as Director of Clinic Services and started the Food Security Team at MedZou Community Clinic, the student-run free clinic. During her last year of medical school, she served as an intern at the Boone County Department of Health and Human Services, where she helped with contact tracing and the translation of COVID-19 infographics. Taylor also worked with Live Well by Faith, a Community Health Worker program that partnered with Historically Black Churches to create a system to match community members with primary care providers. Taylor believes that forming relationships outside of the clinic is essential in providing practical advice and interventions to improve the health outcomes of communities. Taylor’s medical interests also include women’s health, medication assisted therapy, gender affirming care, and sports medicine. In her free time, Taylor enjoys growing plants, cooking, baking, hiking, and enjoying life with her husband and their two dogs and cat.
Jagpreet Sekhon, DO
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jagpreet Sekhon, DO (she/her), calls Madison, WI home. She became a family doctor because she wants to help patients overcome suffering and navigate their care. Jagpreet is committed to creating spaces for her patients to feel safe and supported during difficult conversations about goals of care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology and a certificate in Global Health from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While in college, she interned for STREETS (Social Transformations to End the Exploitation and Trafficking of Sex) and she learned about health disparities while working as an intern with the Area Health Education Center Community Health Internship Program in Milwaukee, WI. Jagpreet attended the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. At her clinical rotation in Bayou La Batre, AL, she saw firsthand the necessity of providing culturally competent care that addresses the social determinants of health. Jagpreet’s interests include providing trauma informed care, improving access to care, community medicine, and providing mental healthcare to BIPOC communities. She is also interested in adolescent medicine, preventative care, and integrative health. In her free time, Jagpreet enjoys music, poetry, and curating cheese boards.
Yusuf Abdullah, DO
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Undergraduate: Carroll University
Yusuf Abdullah, DO is drawn to family medicine because of the comprehensive care he witnessed family medicine residents provide to his family. Yusuf was born in Afghanistan and spent his early years there and in Moscow before moving with his family to Waukesha, WI. Yusuf earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Carroll University. Prior to starting medical school, Yusuf worked as a CNA at a Wisconsin nursing home; this experience helped solidify his commitment to patient care and medicine. He earned his medical degree from A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. While in medical school, Yusuf served in student government as a Senator for Activities and organized events like the school formal and Halloween costume contest. He also was a Student Ambassador and participated in applicant interviews. His interests in family medicine include preventative, hospital, and sports medicine, patient education, and osteopathic manipulative treatment. As a life-long learner, Yusuf is excited to provide care across the lifespan and for people of all backgrounds. Yusuf enjoys reading and writing poetry, learning how to cook new dishes, and participating in and watching mixed martial arts. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends in Waukesha.
Estefan Beltran, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: Rosalind Franklin University
Undergraduate: University of Maryland – College Park
Estefan Beltran, MD is drawn to family medicine because it allows him to engage with and serve his community. He is driven to explore how the medical community can advocate for and empower underserved communities. Estefan is from Germantown, MD and earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Maryland – College Park. After graduating from college, Estefan taught high school biology in Miami Gardens, FL through Teach for America. While a teacher, he saw firsthand the negative health outcomes that were caused by disparities and violence and he was compelled to help his community as a doctor and advocate. He moved to Chicago to earn a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University. While in medical school, Estefan’s interest in providing quality care for the underserved led him to serve as the Executive Officer of Community Outreach for the student-run clinic, where he was in charge of community outreach, patient education, and the referrals process. Estefan is interested in developing and strengthening health professional pipeline programs and he founded an outreach program in which health professional students mentored and taught high school students, who then taught fourth grade students. Estefan enjoys playing team sports, R&B, NeoSoul, and Afrobeats music, food – both cooking and eating, and watching TV.
André Biscaye, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: University of Rochester
Undergraduate: Westminster College
André Biscaye, MD is devoted to creating longitudinal relationships with his patients. He claims Denver, CO as his hometown, and has also lived in Mauritania, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Cambodia. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology at Westminster College of Salt Lake City and his medical degree at the University of Rochester. Between his 3rd and 4th years of medical school, he lived in Lima, Peru, and learned about the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the city’s most impoverished areas. This deepened his passion for serving underserved and Spanish-speaking patients. In Rochester, André served as a student leader of a smoking cessation group and saw firsthand the difficulties of overcoming addiction and the importance of patient-centered, shared decision making. From his experience in caring for people with mental illnesses, he sees every person as having a hidden story just waiting to be heard by an understanding, compassionate ear. He approaches his patients with love and kindness and works with patients to help them uncover what makes life meaningful, even in the face of devastating illness. André is interested in addiction medicine, global, behavioral, and women’s health, and palliative care. André enjoys climbing, drumming, cooking, reading graphic novels, and playing with his black lab.
Adam Cordum, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: University of Oklahoma
Undergraduate: University of Oklahoma
Adam Cordum, MD is passionate about the relationships he forms with his patients and his teammates. Adam grew up in Edmond, OK and earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK. While in medical school, he worked extensively with a free clinic in Oklahoma City that served the uninsured, predominantly Latino, population in the area. He also served on the executive committee for the OU Community Health Alliance, which coordinates the partnership between local free-care clinics and the medical school, facilitating both medical student volunteering and ongoing financial support through fundraisers, donations, and university support. As a co-intramural chair, he helped organize sporting events and recreation league participation for his medical school class. Adam loves family medicine’s broad focus on prevention and community involvement in health and wellness. As a family physician, he strives to make a powerful impact by advocating on patients’ behalf, working alongside them to see the entire picture of their health and integrating all contributing factors into a care plan. He is specifically interested in sports medicine. Outside of medicine and community involvement, Adam is interested in board games, taking his puppy on walks, fitness, and all recreational sports, especially soccer.
Charissa Etrheim, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Augustana University
Charissa Etrheim, MD hails from Brandon, SD. While earning her undergraduate degree in Biology and Spanish from Augustana University, Charissa coached Girls on the Run, a program that taught elementary-aged girls how to lead a physically, socially, and emotionally healthy lifestyle. She attended the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and served as a committee member and volunteer for the student-run free clinic. While in medical school, Charissa participated in a medical trip to San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala, where she provided medical care in rural villages and was able to gain experience with global medicine, including the importance of learning about the people and culture of the patients she serves. Charissa’s rural family medicine rotation deepened her love of full scope family medicine by instilling in her the responsibilities communities expect from a small-town doctor. Charissa is drawn to family medicine because of the variety of care she is able to provide and the opportunities to build relationships with patients from all walks of life. Her medical interests include women’s health and obstetrics, public health, and preventative and sports medicine. Charissa can be found running, camping, snowshoeing, exploring the outdoors, reading, spending time with friends and family, and cheering for the US Women’s National Soccer Team.
Nathan Gorman, DO
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: Truman State University
As a military child, Nathan Gorman, DO spent his childhood moving around the country (Delaware, Colorado, Kansas, Virginia, Alabama, and Missouri) and world (Russia) but calls Kansas City, MO his hometown. He earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and played four years of college football at Truman State University before earning his medical degree from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. While in medical school, he developed a novel way of quantifying osteopathic manual therapy with ultrasound and presented his findings at the national Student American Academy of Osteopathy Convocation. Nathan is most motivated by working directly with patients and seeing each of his colleagues develop a unique style to connect with patients and deliver high quality care. Nathan’s interest in family medicine comes from his desire to be dynamic and innovative in his approach to healthcare, allowing him to create a practice that follows his passions: osteopathic manual therapy, bedside ultrasonography, obstetrics, and inpatient, emergency, and sports medicine, all within a holistic clinical model. When he is not in the clinic or hospital, Nathan enjoys being outside: backpacking, backcountry skiing, fishing, golf, and playing basketball.
Caroline Hensley, MD, MPH
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Cincinnati
Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati College of Arts & Sciences Cincinnati
Caroline Hensley, MD, MPH (she/her), hails from Wheaton, IL, and spent many of her formative years in Cincinnati, OH. Caroline is committed to learning the story of each of her patients – how they live, work, and play – to provide care that is tailored to each person. She earned her undergraduate degree in Spanish and Biology, her Master of Public Health degree, and her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. While she was growing up, her parents regularly assisted refugee families and this experience instilled a strong commitment to caring for underserved populations. She also conducted research related to the social determinants of health and the structural barriers patients face as they seek quality medical care. This research led her to develop and lead programs to address the social needs of patients at a local federally qualified health center. Caroline evaluated the need for and established a student run free clinic for the uninsured in Cincinnati; her success solidified her motivation to creatively address health disparities and advocate for the needs of communities. In addition to her interests in health equity and care for vulnerable populations, Caroline is also interested in maternal-child health. Caroline enjoys participating in community building activities, gardening, nail art, and fitness.
Brian Kenealy, MD PhD
Location: Belleville Center
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Brian Kenealy, MD, PhD (he/him), is a native Madisonian, having grown up in the Monroe Street neighborhood. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and his doctorate in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology. He attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In medical school, Brian participated in the Health Systems Management and Policy Pathway, which exposed him to ways in which systems can be leveraged to improve health and wellness, such as advocacy at Doctor Day at the Capitol. He also participated in leadership, teaching, and mentorship activities and is committed to medical student education. Drawing on his research training, he conducted research on how psychosocial determinants affect diabetes and how fat cells regulate cholesterol. He also used his research skills to inform community projects and mentor the next generation of medical professionals and scientists. Brian is committed to caring for patients across their lives and medical conditions. He is interested in obstetrics, chronic disease management, shared decision making, and community-focused preventative care. Brian finds joy in spending time with his wife and daughter, walking his dog and tending to his backyard chickens, indulging in science fiction, and playing ultimate Frisbee and basketball.
Kane Laks, MD
Location: Belleville Center – RHET
Medical school: University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine
Undergraduate: St. Louis University
Kane Laks, MD (he/him), is from Hannibal, MO. Kane studied Biology and French at Saint Louis University and earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine. Kane is committed to providing care for underserved and rural populations: in medical school, he volunteered at the student-run free clinic in Columbia, MO and rotated at the Menominee Tribal Clinic in Keshena, WI. Kane is also interested in academic medicine; as a medical student, he worked with his junior peers to teach them how to develop differential diagnoses, interpret lab results, and explore treatments. Kane is drawn to family medicine because the variety allows him to care for patients in clinics and hospitals and ranges from obstetrics to psychiatry to palliative care. His passion for working with underserved populations and his drive for life-long learning combine to create an evidence-based, nuanced approach to medicine that places the patient and the community at the center. Kane enjoys playing the clarinet and saxophone, learning more about the French language and culture, following the Oscars, reading fantasy and thriller novels, and cooking Indian food.
Stephanie Liu, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Stephanie (Steph) Liu, MD (she/her), approaches medicine with an awareness that patients place an extraordinary amount of trust in their doctors by sharing deeply personal stories and moments. She loves developing meaningful, long-lasting relationships with her patients of all ages. Steph is originally from Ann Arbor, MI and earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. She earned her medical degree from the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine. While in medical school, she helped develop a curriculum for teaching health literacy in partnership with a local agency that teaches adults who struggle with reading. This experience gave her an appreciation for the obstacles faced by patients with low health literacy and strengthened her commitment to patient education. Her interests in behavioral health and caring for young adults led her to join a research team on the topic of ADHD in adolescents. Steph is also interested in preventive medicine and weight-loss counseling. As a family physician, she is committed to being present for her patients, providing quality care, and helping them improve their health and their lives. Outside of medicine, Steph likes cooking and trying new recipes, listening to music, watching TV and movies, going to the gym, trivia, and pop culture.
Eleanor Meisner, MD
Location: Belleville Center
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford, IL
Undergraduate: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Eleanor (Elle) Meisner, MD hails from Richmond, IL and received her bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While in college, Elle volunteered at the refugee center in Urbana and provided afterschool educational activities for first generation and immigrant children. Elle went on to attend the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and earned a master’s degree in Comparative Biosciences. Prior to starting medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford, she studied the role of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during early development in animal models and developed a passion for the crossover between basic science and clinical research. While in medical school, she volunteered in the homeless department at the underserved clinic in Rockford and saw firsthand the impact of social determinants of health, poor environments, and economic difficulties on patients’ lives and healthcare. This experience deeply impacted her career choice and she is focused on advocacy, health communication, evidence-based medicine and research, and geriatric, palliative, and preventative medicine. When she is not serving her community, Elle enjoys being outdoors, skiing, biking, hiking, yoga, and trail running. She also enjoys experimenting with new recipes and traveling.
Ana Pearson, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburg
Ana Pearson, MD (she/her), is from Hudson, WI and earned her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. While in high school and college, Ana worked as a certified nursing assistant at an assisted living facility, where she developed a passion for forming relationships with patients. In college, she worked on a research team that studied mental health in women and children; this fueled her interest in mental health and women’s health and how families and communities can impact individuals’ health. She also participated in a research trip to Bolivia to study mental health in the Quechua culture; she gained an immediate appreciation for the importance of incorporating patients’ backgrounds into their care plans. Ana attended the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and she served as the volunteer clinic coordinator at the Share the Health free women’s clinic in Madison. She also volunteered at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center and in her community garden. Ana’s medical interests also include pediatrics, gender-affirming care, and providing care to the underserved. When Ana is not in the clinic or working in the community, she can be found gardening, cooking and baking, learning about film, watching Survivor, and reading good books.
Melissa Ricker, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
Melissa (Mel) Ricker, MD (she/her), is from Green Bay, WI. She attended the University of Notre Dame and earned her bachelor’s degree in Science Pre-Professional Studies and Psychology. While in college, Mel worked as a certified nursing assistant, where she realized her love of working with geriatric patients, and learned the importance of doing all jobs, no matter how big or small, with compassion. Mel returned to Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. In medical school, she served in student government as a Class Representative and Student Body Vice President, where she developed an interest in medical student education while collecting feedback on the new ForWard curriculum. As a part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mel raised awareness of mental health illnesses in high school classrooms across Wisconsin. She also participated in a public health trip to Thailand where she developed a passion for improving health literacy. Her main interests within family medicine include pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, health literacy, and community engagement. She was drawn to family medicine because of the focus on taking care of the whole person and forming deep, long-term relationships with her patients. She cheers for the Packers, Fighting Irish, and Badgers and enjoys running, board games, being on the water, and singing karaoke.
Stefanie Sippl, MD
Location: Belleville Center – RHET
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
Stefanie (Stef) Sippl, MD (she/her), is drawn to family medicine because of the opportunity to form long-term relationships, care for whole families, and advocate for patients in the clinic, hospital, and community. Stef is originally from Wausau, WI and earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Prior to medical school, she worked at the University of Minnesota in the Schulze Diabetes Institute. She returned to Wisconsin and earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Stef conducted research examining the practice locations of Wisconsin family medicine residency graduates in relation to three different measures of medical need, which highlighted the importance of providing care to underserved communities. This was emphasized by her rotation in Hayward, a small town in northern Wisconsin, where she gained insight into the value of full-spectrum family medicine in rural areas. Volunteering at the MEDiC student-run free clinics in Madison explicitly showed her the importance of considering all aspects of health in patient care. Beyond full-spectrum family medicine, she is passionate about women’s health, obstetrics, sports medicine, mental wellness, and care for the underserved. Stef likes ultimate frisbee, camping, hiking, knitting, playing board games, and spending time with friends, family, and her cats.
Justin Temple, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Justin Temple, MD’s (he/him), approach to patient care is informed by the principles of addressing all aspects of a patient’s health, forming longitudinal relationships with patients, and advocating for their needs. The patient is always at the center of his care and he practices narrative-driven medicine. Justin is from Aurora, IL and earned his bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. In medical school, Justin participated in a medical mission to the Dominican Republic and learned how care is provided in impoverished areas. He also volunteered with Chicago Street Medicine, a group which provides medical care to the homeless population of Chicago. Justin served as the vice president of his school’s Queers and Allies group and as the wellness representative for his medical school class. Justin conducted Type 1 diabetes research at Columbia University through a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases program. Justin’s medical interests include women’s health, LGBTQ health, HIV medicine, and providing quality care for underserved and Spanish speaking populations. Justin enjoys eating and exploring the food scene of each city he visits, watching bad reality TV, playing video games, and spending time with his friends, family, and cat.
Nicole Altman, MD
Location: Belleville Center – RHET
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Nicole Altman loves family medicine because of the lifelong relationships and connections that she builds with her patients. She is thrilled to provide care to whole families and communities. Nicole is from Merrill, WI. She earned both her undergraduate degree in biology and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nicole is passionate about practicing family medicine in a rural Wisconsin community. She participated in the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) program and completed her clinical training in and around Marshfield, WI, where she gained a better appreciation and understanding of the unique health care challenges of rural Wisconsin. While in college, Nicole was a certified nursing assistant; this helped her develop a compassionate bedside manner and see the importance of maintaining patient dignity and autonomy. Nicole completed a Path of Distinction in Public Health and worked to improve the Marshfield community’s knowledge of NSAIDs through a media campaign she implemented. Nicole is passionate about primary care, rural medicine, public health, women’s health, pediatrics, and preventative medicine. Nicole enjoys getting outdoors and staying active. She likes to hike, fish, kayak, snowshoe, and camp. She also enjoys cooking, going to farmer’s markets, and playing with her wirehaired pointer.
Anne Drolet, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine – Flint
Undergraduate: Central Michigan University
Anne Drolet is drawn to family medicine because she enjoys building relationships with patients and becoming a part of the community in which she lives and works. Anne grew up in Clarkston, MI and earned her undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences from Central Michigan University. She went on the earn a master’s degree in basic medical sciences from the Wayne State University School of Medicine before earning her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. While in medical school in Flint, Anne earned a certificate in public health and saw firsthand the importance of community resources to building and sustaining the health of a community. Anne’s special interests include women’s health, public health, research, interprofessional education, and advocacy. Anne’s term on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians has helped her understand how medicine works at the larger level and has empowered her to advocate for change to better care for her patients. She also earned a certificate in interprofessional education and recognizes the importance of teamwork in providing care. She is interested in providing full spectrum care and helping whole families throughout all of life’s stages. Outside of medicine, Anne enjoys bouldering, drinking coffee, watching HGTV, and spending time with friends and family.
Megan Dudek, DO
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Megan Dudek is originally from Pulaski, WI and earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire prior to earning her medical degree from Des Moines University. Megan is interested in LGBT / Trans healthcare, mental wellness, integrative and preventative medicine, and nutrition. She chose family medicine so she can provide accepting, non-judgmental care to patients of all ages and identities. She served as a leader in her medical school’s Gay Straight Alliance Club and provided input on the new gender identity portion of the electronic medical record that was being implemented at one of her clinical rotation sites. While in medical school, Megan volunteered at a free clinic where she learned first-hand about the disparities and medical needs of her community. Megan also has a strong interest in mental health compassion and care. After witnessing the struggles of her peers and loved ones, she became involved with stress management groups and other projects to help others express their struggles in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. Megan is committed to helping her patients live healthy lives by promoting disease prevention and nutrition. Megan’s hobbies include kayaking, playing board games, cooking, baking, and walking, hiking, and snuggling with her two huskies.
Brenna Gibbons, MD
Location: Belleville Center – RHET
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Undergraduate: Luther College
Brenna Gibbons grew up in the tiny town of Coon Valley, WI, nestled in the Driftless area. Brenna moved to Decorah, IA to earn her degree in biology. While in Decorah, she coached collegiate basketball, volunteered with Iowa Hospice and a free clinic, and gained an appreciation for tightly knit communities. Brenna returned to Wisconsin to attend medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. While in Madison, Brenna co-founded the Alumnus Project, a non-profit organization promoting cycling in the Madison area and encouraging kids to ride bikes. This experience blended her passions of sports and public health, and she organized a seminar for cyclists on concussion recognition and safe return to sports. Brenna also served as a coach for the Allied Running Club to promote healthy lifestyles. Brenna is drawn to family medicine because it provides the opportunity to meet the needs of the community through inpatient, outpatient, obstetrical, and pediatric care. She is also interested in palliative care, women’s health, hospital medicine, and medical ethics. In her free time, Brenna enjoys singing and playing with her family band, competitive cycling, running, fishing, coaching youth athletics, and writing.
Tyler Grunow, MD
Location: Belleville Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Platteville
Tyler (Ty) Grunow is dedicated to the broad scope of practice of family medicine and developing personal, long-lasting relationships with his patients. His goal is to work with patients to improve their health by preventing disabling and costly chronic diseases and providing evidence-based care. By partnering with each of his patients, Ty hopes to transform the health of his whole community. Originally from Dodgeville, WI, Ty attended the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, where he majored in biology. Before starting medical school, Ty worked as a medical scribe in the emergency room at St. Mary’s Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. While in medical school, Ty was part of the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) program and completed his clinical rotations at the La Crosse Gunderson campus. While in medical school, Ty organized and participated in training exercises for local EMS squads to improve the care provided for severe rural and farm injuries. As a public health intern with the Jackson County Public Health Department, he developed educational materials about infectious diseases and vaccinations and developed emergency preparedness plans for tornado and thunderstorm disasters. In his spare time, Ty enjoys exercising, playing with his dog, and spending time with his friends and family.
Danielle Hartwig, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Danielle Hartwig is drawn to family medicine because she enjoys forming long-term relationships with patients and because of the broad scope of practice. She approaches each individual patient as their teammate, support system, teacher, cheerleader, and physician. She has special interests in maternity care, women’s health, and procedures. Danielle is from New Berlin, WI and she earned both her undergraduate degree in medical microbiology and immunology and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to starting medical school, she worked as a lab technician at the Medical College of Wisconsin. While in medical school, she volunteered at the MEDiC student-run free clinics and served in a medical leadership role where she learned more about Madison’s public health needs. Danielle is interested in fostering inter-professional communication and participated in a “nursing for medical students” program at the VA Hospital. Danielle enjoys watching Badger football and hockey, playing board games and trivia, knitting, and spending time with her husband. She will also try to befriend every cat that she meets.
Melanie Hellrood, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin Central Campus
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Melanie Hellrood values the relationships she is privileged to build with her patients as she cares for all ages and stages of patients’ lives. Melanie grew up in Mosinee, WI and earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and biology from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Before medical school, she was an AmeriCorps member and helped coordinate a program for first-generation middle school students, which focused on career exploration and college readiness. Melanie earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin Central Wisconsin campus, where she helped start the Family and Rural Medicine Student Organization. Melanie has been an on-call sexual assault response advocate, which has strengthened her passion for women’s health and taught her how deeply trauma affects people. Along with this, she has worked with a domestic violence and sexual assault prevention program in local high schools to assess the effectiveness of their prevention education. Melanie is also interested in maternity care, underserved medicine, palliative care, rural health, and adolescent medicine. Outside of medicine, Melanie can be found in nature hiking and getting lost in new places. She also enjoys painting, cooking, baking, frequenting ice cream shops, and listening to live music.
Elise Malzer, MD
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Elise Malzer is drawn to family medicine because of the long-term relationships that she builds with her patients. Elise is originally from Chicago, IL, where she spent her early years, and moved to La Crosse, WI prior to starting school. Elise earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and completed a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Chicago. Elise developed an interest in mental health through her work as a dormitory counselor and special education teaching assistant at a residential psychiatric school prior to starting medical school. She earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She is passionate about advocacy, women’s health, and obstetrics. As the president of the University of Wisconsin’s Medical Students for Choice group, she worked with students, faculty, and local activists and lawmakers to advocate for women’s reproductive healthcare needs. She also submitted testimony on several Wisconsin bills that would impact the quality and availability of graduate medical education in the state. In her free time, Elise enjoys running, hiking, ultimate Frisbee, cooking, baking (especially sourdough), fly fishing, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Thomas Ridella, MD
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine – Flint
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
Thomas (Tom) Ridella is originally from Detroit, MI. He is drawn to family medicine because of the long term relationships with patients, the full-spectrum of care, and the positive impact primary care physicians have on both their patients and their community. Tom majored in preprofessional studies and minored in science, technology, and values at the University of Notre Dame and earned his medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Tom earned a public health certificate and has been extensively involved with improving community health and advocating for the needs of individuals and whole communities. In Flint, Tom helped organize a free dental and health screening fair and in Lansing, he volunteered with the prescription assistance program at a free clinic. He completed a research project on Adverse Childhood Experiences and worked with an organization to help teach a resiliency model and connect people with community resources. He is also interested in preventative medicine, sports medicine, and procedures. Tom enjoys all sports, especially golf, basketball, running, and squash. He can often be found exploring local coffee shops and all of the best brunch spots.
Jeremiah Shaw, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: The Ohio State University
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
For Jeremiah Shaw family medicine is a responsibility to deliver equitable care such that health becomes accessible for all. Jeremiah is from Yellow Springs, OH. He earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical science and his medical degree from The Ohio State University. In medical school, Jeremiah chaired the Columbus Free Clinic steering committee which allowed him to advocate beyond basic healthcare for the underserved to addressing deep barriers to health. During his time on the committee, the free clinic expanded to include a free refill pharmacy, full EMR integration, improved social work and behavioral health services, specialist care, legal counsel, and an onsite food pantry. Jeremiah is also interested in integrative medicine in the holistic care of both patients and physicians. As president of the Students for Integrative Medicine, he promoted yoga, meditation, relaxation stations, difficult discussion groups, and the creation of a wellness room to encourage access to integrative health. His medical interests also include community medicine, obstetrics, women’s health, population health, advocacy, and care for the underserved. Jeremiah enjoys outdoor activities, running, yoga, meditation, piano, and anything that keeps him inspired and imaginative.
AJ Sheehan, DO
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: St. Olaf College
Andrew (A.J.) Sheehan brings empathy and attentive listening to each patient to build a strong, trusting relationship that allows patients to open up about their physical and mental health. A.J. has lived in Danville, PA, Cedar Rapids, IA, Madison, WI, Northfield, MN, and Des Moines, IA. He attended St. Olaf College and earned his degree in English. He earned his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. While in medical school, A.J. was awarded the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Teaching Fellowship which allowed him to spend an extra year in medical school caring for patients in the OMM clinic and teaching the OMM course to junior medical students. From this, A.J. developed a strong passion for medical education and advocacy. He is a strong advocate for mental health, has worked to de-stigmatize mental health issues for patients and contributed to a task force with the Iowa Medical Society on combating physician burnout. A.J. is also interested in sports medicine. His hobbies include hockey and other sports, reading and writing, cheering on the Badgers and the Packers, and hanging out with his dog, Enzo.
Laura Shingleton, DO
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University
Laura Shingleton is driven by learning about people’s stories, cultures, and languages through her interactions with patients and through her travels. Laura grew up in Baltimore, MD and attended Johns Hopkins University, where she studied the Writing Seminars and Russian. She earned a master’s degree in the biological sciences form the Drexel University College of Medicine. Prior to starting medical school, Laura moved to Xela, Guatemala without knowing Spanish and had to quickly learn how to communicate in a new language and culture. She took the lessons learned during this experience with her to Maine, where she earned her medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. While in medical school, Laura volunteered in Bolivia and studied HIV mortality. Laura is drawn to family medicine because of the capacity to develop strong relationships with patients that are built in the context of both health and disease. Laura is interested in working with people of all ages and has strong interests in osteopathic manipulative treatment, obstetrics, and caring for underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad. Laura enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, reading nonfiction, writing, enjoying live music, and playing the harp.
Neal Smith, MD
Location: Belleville Center
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin Central Campus
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Neal Smith is from Verona, WI and takes great honor and humility in the responsibility he has to care for patients. Neal earned his degree in community health education from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. He went on to serve as a health extension agent in the Peace Corps in Cambodia. He provided health education on many topics, including childhood nutrition and sanitation. Neal returned to Wisconsin to attend medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin Central Campus. As a member of the new campus, he helped establish new student groups on campus, including the cultural competency and medical Spanish student group. While in Wausau, he worked with the Marathon County Child Development Agency to develop and implement a project to identify and address the barriers to receiving dental health care for children enrolled in Head Start in Marathon County. Neal has strong passions for community medicine, mental health, point of care ultrasound, and advocating for the needs of rural underserved patients. Neal is always looking for opportunities to play soccer, disk golf, and to go downhill skiing. He enjoys watching Wisconsin sports teams with friends and family and joking about fantasy football.
Jake Starsiak, DO
Location: Verona Center
Medical school: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Gregory (Jake) Starsiak thrives on meeting people from diverse backgrounds, learning their stories, and advocating for their care. Jake grew up in New Berlin, WI and attended the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, earning a degree in biology. Jake went on to volunteer with Americorps in Boston, MA. In Boston, he learned firsthand how to be a community advocate and how to focus on all aspects of healthcare. Jake earned his medical degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. While in medical school, Jake also earned an MBA in Healthcare Leadership from Rockhurst University. Jake is interested in osteopathic manipulative medicine, sports medicine, and full spectrum family medicine. He is also interested in community health and advocacy, global health, medical practice management, and group-based health visits. In medical school, Jake was part of a group that provided group-based family nutrition education to combat childhood obesity. He was also the president of his class, where he learned how to be a leader in medical education and emphasize mental health and wellbeing for medical trainees. Outside of medicine, Jake enjoys hockey, soccer, running, and playing with his dog. He also enjoys travel, roadside attractions, storytelling, museums, inventing games, and lake life.
Nick Sullivan, DO
Location: Northeast Center
Medical school: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: Creighton University
Nicholas (Nick) Sullivan grew up in Naperville, IL. He studied exercise science and Spanish at Creighton University. While at Creighton, he worked as a patient advocate and interpreter in a federally qualified health center where he worked to overcome existing healthcare inequities and learned that quality healthcare is more than just physical health. Nick attended the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine to earn a master of arts in bioethics as well as a medical degree. As an osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) fellow, Nick spent a year teaching junior medical students physical exam skills, clinical medicine, and OMM while learning skills in teaching methods and adult learning theory. Nick participated in medical trips to the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, where his Spanish improved and he developed a passion for caring for Hispanic and Latino communities. Nick is drawn to family medicine by the breadth, continuity, and comprehensiveness of care he can provide to his patients. His specific interests include full spectrum medicine including OB, newborn, and pediatric care, nutrition and wellness, and bioethics and social determinants of health. Nick enjoys running, basketball, tennis, board and card games, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the Creighton Bluejays. He also enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, and sampling coffees.
Morgan White, MD
Location: Wingra Center
Medical school: University of Michigan Medical School
Undergraduate: Yale University
Morgan White sees family medicine as a platform to address healthcare disparities affecting underserved communities, with a particular emphasis on the African-American population. Morgan is from Crystal Lake, IL and earned her undergraduate degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from Yale University. She went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. While in medical school, Morgan served as president and treasurer of the Black Medical Association. She has committed herself to addressing issues affecting the healthcare needs of the black community and supporting the educational pipeline to train more black doctors. Morgan forms deep relationships with each of her patients, from birth through old age, in sickness and in disease prevention. In medical school, Morgan completed a month-long palliative care rotation, during which she learned how to have important, difficult conversations with her patients about their end-of-life care. For Morgan, medicine is more than just physical conditions and treatments; it is about relationships, values, and creating communities that promote health. Morgan enjoys traveling with friends, including trips to Barbados and Thailand while in medical school. She also enjoys cheering for the Michigan Wolverine football and basketball teams, cooking, and taking scenic walks.