Tiffany Dattel, D.O.

Medical school: Lake Erie COM

Where did you grow up? Leawood, KS

What are your goals and interests?
My goal is to practice in an outpatient setting where I can build long-term, meaningful relationships with patients while contributing to the community beyond the clinic. I value the opportunity to address not only medical needs but also advocate for better resources and empower individuals to take control of their health. Personally, I am drawn to rural life for the space, slower pace, and connection with nature. In my free time, I enjoy wakeboarding, traveling, and spending time spoiling my niece and nephew.

Best day as a doctor?
A best day as a doctor would be one where I get to tackle a challenging condition that’s been giving someone trouble for ages. Seeing the relief on their face when they finally have answers would make it worthwhile. It’d also involve connecting with patients on a personal level such as hearing their stories, helping them feel heard, and knowing they trust me with their care. I would not have only truly helped someone but also learned something new myself.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC Family Medicine because of the strong sense of camaraderie among the residents. The bond they share is clear, and it feels like joining a supportive, tight-knit family. The attendings are incredibly approachable and invested in teaching, creating an encouraging learning environment. I was also drawn to the program’s focus on OMT, which allows me to expand my skills. Lastly, the unopposed aspect means I’ll have more hands-on experience, allowing for more learning opportunities.

Jolene Glaude, M.D.

Medical Degree: University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine

Allen Hamblin, D.O.

Medical Degree: Touro University of Nevada COM

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the tiny, rural town of Roosevelt nestled in the mountains of Northeastern Utah. I grew up as the 5^th of eight children and spent much of my time on the family farm. We had beef cattle, chicken, horses, and pigs.

What are your goals and interests? 
Pay off my loans!I love hiking, swimming, and sports. I have a goal to train for and run a marathon. I finished a ½ marathon in medical school. I love cooking, gardening, and woodworking. I want to be the kind of primary doctor that can take care of the entire family from the baby and the mom to the grandma and the grandpa. I also enjoy sports medicine and physical medicine. Whether in a rural/underserved or urban setting I want to be a part of the community and know the patients I serve.

Best day as a doctor?
I would see a mix of continuing care patients and in office procedures/urgent care. Depending on the needs of the community, I see myself picking up some ER shifts or rounding on patients in the hospital. I want to have a practice that does full scope family medicine, and then spend the rest of the day with my family when the workday is done.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
Simply put, there is so much opportunity to learn here. UMKC’s curriculum allows for a broad spectrum of training and experience in the full scope of family medicine. There are excellent fellowship opportunities and many other sub-specialties close by. Also, I have a family that lives here in Kansas City and I have wanted to live in the Midwest.

Balbina Kagiri, M.D.

Medical Degree: Saba University School of Medicine

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Nyahururu (aka Thompson’s Falls), a small town in Central Kenya, known for its location on the Equator latitude, and its beautiful equatorial waterfalls “Thompson’s Falls” which serves as a tourist attraction. I have lived in the Kansas City area for over 20 years now and I now call this my home away from home.

What are your goals and interests? 
My interest is to mainly focus on comprehensive family health promotion and disease prevention with the goal of working towards a family global health/international medicine initiative focusing on disease screenings. I am also interested in health advocacy especially in the underserved populations, procedural skills, and health leadership.

Best day as a doctor? 
When a patient stops to say “Thank you for the care you provide”

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC for many reasons. Family and location – My husband and I have 2 boys who did not want to entertain the idea of having to move or change schools if I was to join a residency away from the Kansas City area. My kids were born in Overland Park, KS and the Kansas City metro area is the only home they know, and we felt that they would not cope well if I went somewhere else for residency. Also, having attended a Caribbean Medical school, I was mostly away from home and family in the past 4-5 years, and thus I felt it would only be fair to my children especially if I chose a program close to home for residency.

Cost – Joining UMKC also saves us a lot when it comes to accommodation etc. I do not have to pay extra cost for an apartment somewhere else while we are still paying mortgage for our house. Also, we do not have to double other living costs as a family.

What UMKC-FM residency has to offer. I will have the opportunity to learn from the faculty more on FM specialties in International Medicine, advocacy and national leadership and advocacy and procedural skills. Growing up in Kenya gave me an opportunity to see the health disparities in the community and hope to one day help support the needy communities both here locally and globally with the knowledge I will garner from UMKC.

Brady Kiracofe, M.D.

Medical Degree: Saba University School of Medicine

Where did you grow up? 
Manhattan, KS

What are your goals and interests? 
Within medicine my interests include preventative medicine and patient education. Outside of work my interests include reading, video games, breweries and wineries, football, traveling, and quality time with friends and family.

Best day as a doctor? 
A breakthrough in a patient’s care, whether that be via education, treatment, resources, or a combination of all of them.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
I have always loved Kansas City for the community and breadth of experiences there is to find here. I loved UMKC because it possesses the benefits of a smaller, community-based structure while being a part of a larger health system and enjoying the benefits of that incorporation. The patients I met all seemed to enjoy the care they got and the staff that they interacted with. Additionally, the faculty and residents were welcoming and made me feel at home.

Shaelyn Miklo, D.O.

Medical Degree: Des Moines University COM

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Okoboji, IA

What are your goals and interests? 
My professional interests are largely focused around full-spectrum primary care. Specifically, I am extremely passionate about having obstetrics as part of my practice in the future. Outside of medicine, you can find me cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, riding the peloton, or spending time on a boat!

Best day as a doctor? 
As a medical student, my best days were when I felt that I was really getting to connect with my patients. I suspect that as a doctor this will be even more fulfilling. I also look forward to the day that I get to take care of children that I delivered.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
I chose UMKC because of the unique opportunity to train at an unopposed residency with the support of an academic institution. Ultimately, I was trying to find a program where full-spectrum training is the expectation, not the exception.

Bradley Perkins, D.O.

Medical Degree: Alabama COM

Where did you grow up? 
I predominantly grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, but also lived in Oklahoma City as a child.

What are your goals and interests? 
My long-term goal is to complete a sports medicine fellowship. In the near term, my goal in residency is to become a well-rounded physician capable of connecting with and providing quality healthcare for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Best day as a doctor? 
My best day as a doctor would start with catching up with patients I had not seen in a while. I really enjoy following up with patients to see how they are making progress on their health goals and finding ways to help them get closer to achieving them. A perfect day would also consist of some procedures and learning something new either from a patient or a colleague.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
As a Kansas City native, I have always held UMKC/ University Health in high regard. Ultimately for residency it came down to three components: leadership, culture, and training opportunities. During my interview I was very impressed with the leadership of the program. They were honest and shared their future visions for the program which aligned with what I want out of a residency. The culture of a particular program changes over time and is largely dependent on the faculty and residents. I found it incredibly easy to connect with everyone I spoke to, and I could tell I would be happy to learn from and work with the people of the program. The training opportunities at UMKC are a perfect fit for my goals. Here, I will be able to do inpatient services at a community hospital with a hands-on feel to it. Additionally, I will become well rounded in OB, pediatrics and hospital medicine which is important to me as a family physician. Lastly, the in-house sports medicine fellowship will provide me with opportunities to get more experience in a field of interest.

Narda Salinas, M.D.

Medical Degree: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the lovely Austin, TX.

What are your goals and interests?
My goal is to deepen my knowledge and provide comprehensive care to my patients while getting to know what makes them unique. I’m still narrowing down my interests – inpatient medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, integrative medicine. Outside of medicine my interests include running, trying new foods, and crafting.

Best day as a doctor?
I look forward to the days when I can help empower my patients in their health whether it be helping them understanding their condition better, listening to them, or advocating for them. I want to help all my patients reach their full potential!

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC because it is a community-based program with a university affiliation meaning I would get to learn unopposed but still have access to more resources. I was attracted to the high OB and high pediatrics volume. Also, when I first arrived in Kansas City for the AAFP National Conference, the city just felt like home. 

Samuel Schrader, D.O.

Medical Degree: Kansas City University COM

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up just north of Seattle, Washington in a suburb called Lynnwood. While growing up there I participated in baseball, football and basketball while also learning to snowboard and wakeboard in the various mountains and lakes in the state of Washington. I attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington where I studied biochemistry and watched many college basketball games. I have made Kansas City my new home as I moved here for school in 2020 and have loved getting to know the area and all the great people that call KC home.

What are your goals and interests?
My goals after residency are to pursue a sports medicine fellowship and to work sports medicine into my future practice! I plan on focusing on outpatient medicine in a clinic-based setting. Outside of medicine, my interests include participating in intramural sports, staying active, and following my favorite teams. I also enjoy all sorts of board and card games (Settlers of Catan is all time favorite!).

Best day as a doctor? 
The best days as a doctor have been when patients tell you how you have been able to help them during their times of need. I love being able to connect with patients and working together.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
I chose UMKC because it fit my goals above! I want to be pushed in my training to become a great family medicine physician and I also am interested in sports medicine. UMKC filled both those criteria and so much more. Meeting the residents and faculty throughout the interview process was such a joy and everyone made UMKC feel like the place for me. In addition, I loved living in Kansas City so being able to stay in the area is a huge bonus for me. 

Chad Sullivan, M.D.

Medical Degree: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

Where did you grow up? 
Maryville, MO

What are your goals and interests? 
I’m interested in Rural and Sports Medicine. Outside of medicine I’m an avid reader and exercise enthusiast who enjoys a good board game.

Best day as a doctor? 
My best day as a doctor is the follow up visit after a patient has met a goal or made an improvement to their health and I get to celebrate their success with them.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
I’m UMKC through and through, my rotations with the UMKC Family Medicine program and my interview only made that more clear to me. The strong curriculum and bountiful opportunities to explore my interests while still offering an unopposed experience made it an easy choice.

Sarthak Thanawala, MBBS

Medical Degree: Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College

Where did you grow up? 
Mumbai, India

What are your goals and interests? 
I would like to practice Medicine in a combined outpatient and inpatient setting. I envision myself as a Family Physician practicing primary care medicine in an outpatient setting with inpatient admitting privileges that would enable me to provide continuity of care to more acute patients and see and treat them in an inpatient setting and vice versa. With my background in healthcare management and leadership, with focus on quality and documentation, I would like to engage in quality improvement initiatives at an Organizational level that would help me raise the quality of medicine delivered to patients in the Kansas City community.

Best day as a doctor? 
Is when I make a positive impact in my patient’s health status, learn from my experience and receive appropriate feedback and education from my seniors.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
I chose UMKC Family Medicine because it is one of the largest and most comprehensive FM Program in the Midwest with the option to pursue a Fellowship in Sports Medicine. This would empower me to pursue my above-mentioned goals and practice Medicine in a wide spectrum.

Having lived and settled in Kansas City for almost ten years, I call Kansas City my home. Pursuing Residency in my home city is a blessing and a privilege that would greatly help me in navigating through and succeeding during Residency by being close to family and friends.

Marissa Walz, D.O.

Medical Degree: Edward Via COM, Louisiana Campus

Where did you grow up? 
St. Peter’s, MO

What are your goals and interests? 
My goal is to be a well-rounded physician who practices the full scope of family medicine. I want my patients to feel comfortable and taken care of. In the future, I definitely see myself as an outpatient physician who incorporates Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) into their treatments for patients. I am passionate about Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and being able to provide my patients with OMT. I have seen the benefits it can provide to patients, and I hope to continue to hone my skills to be able to provide the best care possible.

Outside of medicine, I love to exercise by weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, and taking long walks. I play cozy games and love binging Netflix. You can also find me spending time with family and friends. Also, baking is another passion of mine, and I love cooking traditional Italian food.

Best day as a doctor? 
The best day as a doctor is going into clinic and making meaningful connections with my patients. Getting that time to get to know patients is one of my favorite things about being a physician. So far, my favorite days as a physician has been when I perform OMT on my patients and seeing them express so much gratitude for the pain that I was able to take away, or the mobility they were able to get back. I hope to have more of these days and make an impact in patients’ lives.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
I chose UMKC because it provides an unopposed community-based academic program, which lets me be the full spectrum physician that I want to be. I also chose this program because of the OMT opportunities they provide. I knew that this program could provide an empathetic, compassionate, patient-centered environment that I desire. During my interviews, everyone was welcoming and inviting, and I instantly felt at home. I am excited to return home to Missouri! Being able to be closer to my family in Saint Louis, but also close to my in-laws in Lee’s Summit is extremely important to me.

Kirsten Daniel, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

What are your goals and interests?
I am extremely passionate about pursuing obstetrics within the scope of family medicine. I realized this passion after working with a graduate of the UMKC FM Residency Program who showed me how obstetric care fits into the realm of family medicine. I am also interested in women’s care. My main goal is to become a well-rounded, compassionate family physician who provides exceptional care to patients of all ages, genders, and ways of life.

Best day as a doctor?
I imagine my best day as a doctor will be one where I am able to deliver a baby for a patient whom I delivered myself. I really enjoy the continuity of family medicine and have always dreamed of providing care to the entire family, for multiple generations.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
UMKC was always my first choice among family medicine residency programs. I was born and raised in the Midwest and have completed all of my schooling and training in the Midwest up to this point, so I had a strong desire to stay within the Midwest for residency as well. My interactions with faculty, residents, and staff were all great. After touring the facility at an open house and spending a month on the L&D floor with residents, fellows, and faculty, I knew that this is the place I want to call home for the next 3 years. Residents, fellows, and faculty alike were all very interested in helping me learn more about L&D, and I delivered my first baby on my own at University Health Lakewood! It felt amazing to spend my last month of clinical rotations as a student at the same institution where I will be completing my residency!

Philip Dauma, M.D.

Medical school: University of Missouri – Kansas City

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hannibal, MO! It is a small, tourist town on the Mississippi River about 100 miles north of St. Louis. If it sounds familiar, most people recognize it as the hometown of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), one of America’s greatest writers. The town boasts several stops for folks to go back in time and feel like they’re in a Twain novel. The best time to come is Fourth of July weekend for the National Tom Sawyer Days festival!

What are your goals and interests?
My goal is to be a reliable, trusted family physician for my patients and their families. I would
love to have an outpatient clinic to manage most of my patients’ healthcare needs. Specifically, I
am interested in the realms of chronic pain, geriatrics, palliative care, and hospice medicine.

Best day as a doctor?
I would imagine my best day as a doctor would be one in which my entire clinic has a smile on
their faces and we are able to treat all of our patients’ concerns. And then getting off of work,
seeing my wife, and maybe playing a round of golf would conclude my best day.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
As a graduate of UMKC School of Medicine, I was familiar and confident in the training and level
of patient care that this program would provide. I am so happy to continue my training with
UMKC.

Kale Harmon, D.O.

Medical school: ATSU Kirksville

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kearney, MO.

What are your goals and interests?
My goal is to be a useful and respected member of my community. I am interested in
doing full spectrum outpatient medicine and finding ways to close care gaps for
underserved patient populations.

Best day as a doctor?
My best day as a doctor is any that has left me feeling as though I’ve been helpful.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC because my interactions with the faculty made me excited to begin
residency, and it places me near people I care about.

Spencer Himpel, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up?
Basehor, Kansas

What are your goals and interests?
I’d like to work in an outpatient clinic for a smaller community. My professional interests include mental health and sports medicine. Outside of medicine I enjoy playing with our two dogs, weightlifting, and games.

Best day as a doctor?
Forming connections with different types of people and improving their quality of life.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
Kansas City has always been home and the unopposed program will prepare me to practice full-scope family medicine. I also think it’s important to go through residency near the communities you’d like to practice in one day. I really enjoyed my interview day and found everyone involved to be genuinely friendly.

Adriana Kitchens, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up?
Salt Lake City, Utah

What are your goals and interests?
I want to become a competent family medicine physician that my patients can trust. My medical interests include women’s health, nutrition, behavioral health, and preventative medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, hiking, playing the piano, and spending time with my family and two dogs.

Best day as a doctor?
My best day as a doctor would be a day where I can see a wide variety of patients and help them feel like they are being heard. I love to see my patients make positive changes in their life so they can enjoy what makes them happy.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I like that UMKC offers a community based, unopposed training with a strong academic reputation and background. I like that the curriculum provides strong training in my areas of interest and the faculty have a wide variety of special interests. During my interviews, I could tell that the residents were well-supported and I felt like I could fit in with the team.

Karstan Luchini, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in small-town Cole Camp, Missouri.

What are your goals and interests?
Major Goals: Grow into a well-rounded doctor, develop an expertise in side-hustles, and become fluent in Spanish. Interests: Football, video games, golf, cooking, and listening to podcasts. Professional interests: High quality outpatient care with emphasis on continuity and disease prevention, inpatient medical care, occupational medicine, and obesity and lifestyle medicine. I also plan to continue to serve in roles in organized medicine and help advance Family Medicine in Missouri.

Best day as a doctor?
My best day in training so far was scrubbing in for a CABG and getting to close at the end of the surgery!

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
UMKC provides an opportunity to train at an unopposed program with the resources and support of an academic institution. Meeting and engaging with faculty, residents, and UMKC alumni during the residency application process showed me that UMKC has a vast network of people that represent almost every area in Family Medicine. In addition, right now is one of the best times to be able to live in and enjoy all that Kansas City has to offer including access to the best BBQ on the planet.

Timothy Mayo, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up?
St. Charles, MO

What are your goals and interests?
My ultimate goal is to motivate my patients to live healthier, happier lives. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, working out in form, and spending time with friends and family.

Best day as a doctor?
The best days as a doctor involve establishing meaningful connections with colleagues and patients. Relating to, empathizing with, and empowering others are aspects of medicine I find to be the most fulfilling.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC primarily for the unique nature of the program given the unopposed training in a community hospital while maintaining a strong university affiliation.

Devin Perkins, M.D.

Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Where did you grow up?
Willow Springs MO

What are your goals and interests?
I hope to have a very broad scope of practice in the future consisting of inpatient, outpatient,
and OB. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, videogames, and ATV riding

Best day as a doctor?
The first time I participated in a routine delivery and witnessed the parents hold their new baby.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I choose UMKC for residency because of the people. Throught my time withthem they all felt
genuinely interested in my training and personal well being.

Haley Rogowski, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up? 
Shawnee, KS

What are your goals and interests?
I want to continue to learn the best way to take care of patients so they feel comfortable coming to me for their needs. I am interested in both sports medicine and geriatrics. I plan on staying in the Kansas City area and working in an outpatient setting. Outside of medicine, you can find me hanging out with family and friends at the Lake of the Ozarks, attending K-State football games, or playing sand volleyball.

Best day as a doctor? 
The best days as a doctor have been when patients tell you how you have been able to help them during their times of need. I love being able to connect with patients and working together.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
I chose UMKC because I liked that we are based out of a smaller, community hospital that also allows us to have resources at a bigger, academic center as well. I also love that there is an on-site long term care center. I really enjoyed meeting everyone during the interview process and it felt very welcoming. It’s a bonus that I am able to stay in my hometown because I plan on staying here to practice and I get to be close to family and friends! 

Sarah Seeherman, D.O.

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Where did you grow up? 
Philadelphia, PA

What are your goals and interests? 
I am hoping to pursue a career in OB with family medicine background

Best day as a doctor? 
When patients show gratitude

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
I chose UMKC because of the unparalleled training that the program has to offer. 

Kristy Shang, M.D.

Medical degree: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, and moved to St. Louis with my family when I was seven years old. I have spent the past 10 years living in Kansas City and still enjoy exploring what it has to offer!

What are your goals and interests? 
I hope to become a well-rounded, capable, and knowledgeable Family Medicine physician. I am interested in patient advocacy, preventive medicine, geriatric care, and urgent care.

Best day as a doctor?
My favorite experiences in patient care have been the ones where I made genuine connections with patients while providing clarity that inspired them to take charge of their own health. I hope to create more memories of “best days” by making an impact in a patient’s life for the better.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC for residency not only because it is an unopposed and community-based academic program, but also for its obvious care for its patients, residents, and staff. As a medical student on my Family Medicine core rotation and electives at UMKC, I felt welcomed by everyone and was consistently encouraged to learn and grow. Additionally, it’s important to me to have opportunities to provide care for the underserved, so I am excited to continue my training at a safety-net hospital. I strongly believe that the curriculum and opportunities available at UMKC will help me become a well-rounded Family Medicine physician.

Athena Strother, M.D.

Medical school: Creighton University

What are your goals and interests? 
My goal for each patient interaction is to increase patient autonomy through education and shared decision making. I have an unwavering passion for patient advocacy especially in the realms of sexual empowerment and chronic pain. I am specifically interested in the intersection of obstetrics and pediatrics within Family Medicine as well as LGBTQ+ and Gender Affirming Care. I am also a Certified Lactation Specialist and excited to bring that training to my practice!

Best day as a doctor? 
My best days are the days I have extra free time to talk with my patients, understand who they are and what is important to them, and then educate, empower, and advocate for them. I remember once after a day in clinic in my 3^rd year of medical school, I called my mom and told her: “If I could talk about sexual empowerment and contraception every day for the rest of my life, I would be so happy.” And so I would say, any day like that would be a great day.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency? 
The emphasis and expertise the UMKC program has regarding obstetrics and gynecology training caught my attention. I was impressed by the presence of the FM OB Fellowship and the hospital’s designation as Baby Friendly by the WHO. I knew very quickly that this program would provide me not only excellent comprehensive training, but also the empathic, collaborative, and patient-centered environment I seek to work within. I also am very excited to be returning to Missouri after 8 years away, as my entire extended family all live within a 10-mile radius of my childhood home in St. Louis and I hope to be able to visit more often. 

Salwa Abdelwahed, MBBS

Medical school: Asslut University Faculty of Medicine
Fellowship: UMKC Geriatric Fellowship program at University Health Lakewood Medical Center, 2022

Where did you grow up?
I grow up in Assiut, Egypt. I graduated from Assiut university school of medicine.

What are your goals and interests?
My goal is to become a proficient, compassionate, and careful family physician and utilize my training to provide comfort and care to my patients. I am also interested in volunteering and community services.

Best day as a doctor?
I believe every day as a physician is a privilege, and every day has its best moments. For example, one of the best movements is when I hear the sound of restarting heartbeats while resuscitating a patient. The joy I feel when I see the beautiful face of a healthy newborn. And receiving a genuine “thank you” from a patient cured of an illness.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I choose UMKC’s family medicine residency program because it has a great academic reputation. The program is committed to excellence in both clinical education and patient care in a friendly and collegial environment that supports learning and research.

Rachel Bentley, M.D.

Medical Degree: University of Missouri – Kansas City

Where did you grow up?
St. Louis, Missouri

What are your goals and interests?
I’m interested in OB and academic medicine.

Best day as a doctor?
My best day as a doctor was in clinic where I had a new patient to establish care with who has never had a primary care provider before. Through my visit, I learned of their skepticism of medicine and I slowly began to build a trust. I was excited to show the patient how preventative medicine could really improve their life.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
UMKC Family Medicine stood out from the very beginning when I met residents and attendings who showcased empathy and their passion for preventative medicine and patient care. The patients loved their doctor in every clinic I was in from sports medicine to labor and delivery. I knew I wanted these doctors as my mentor as I aspire to be a empathetic and caring family medicine doctor. I knew residency was going to be a tough journey so the people next to you through it   are so important. I was excited to be a part of such a nice welcoming group who were all so excited to teach the next generation of medicine.

Harlan Eagan, D.O.

Medical Degree: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up?
Nappanee, IN

What are your goals and interests?
A short list of interests within medicine include: reproductive/sexual health, OMT, women’s health, and nutrition. Outside of medicine I enjoy exercising, birding, gardening, and family time!

Best day as a doctor?
My best days as a physician will be when my patients to feel like they’re in charge of their health, their goals and concerns are being met, and their care is being maximized.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
There were so many reasons! I really liked that UMKC offered a community-based unopposed structure but with the resources and broader education/training opportunities of a larger academic program. I also had great experiences with everyone involved with the application/interview process. The residents were especially welcoming, and I wanted to be part of that environment!

Anagha Gopakumar, D.O.

Medical Degree: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Dubai, UAE

What are your goals and interests?
Women’s health, family medicine clinic, inpatient medicine Swimming, hiking, exploring new places

Best day as a doctor?
Happy patients!

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC for my Family Medicine residency because it is unopposed and a well-rounded program. This is important to meas I explore the different facets of Family Medicine and find my place in this diverse field of medicine. During my interview process, the residents and faculty seemed very supportive and seemed to love what they were doing. I look forward to completing residency with this great team of faculty and residents.

Benjamin Hire, D.O.

Medical Degree: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Midwestern University

Where did you grow up?
Kansas City, MO

What are your goals and interests?
I would like to work in an outpatient clinic in the Kansas City area in the future. My interests include exercise, watching and playing sports.

Best day as a doctor?
My favorite part about residency so far has been getting to know all of my coresidents really well during our orientation block.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC because I wanted to live in the Kansas City area. This is where I grew up and my family still lives here as well. I also liked that it was an unopposed program and I felt I would receive the training necessary to practice full scope family medicine in the future.

Yu Shiuan, D.O.

Medical Degree: AT Still University – Kirksville

Where did you grow up?
I spent most of my childhood in Taiwan, and moved to the Kansas City area with my family at the age of 12. More specifically, I have been living in Lee’s Summit for quite sometime. It is a very nice city where I met my best friends and other amazing individuals. The environment is great: it has all the thing you need, but the traffic is pretty chill. I am not the best driver, so I would say this is my ideal place to live!

What are your goals and interests?
One of my goal is to build strong patient-physician relationship with patients. I wish to become the safe space where the patients can feel comfortable to discuss information when problems arise. I would like to become a self-motivated, constantly improving physician, in order to better serve my patients. At this time, my interests are women’s health, behavioral health, and geriatrics.

Best day as a doctor?
If I am asked to imagine what my “best day as a doctor” will be in the future, I think it would be seeing a big smile from my patient who says “thank you doctor, I am feeling so much better!” Being able to help improving someone’s quality of life is always rewarding for me. I will put in my best effort to take care of my patients, and also to support them emotionally, letting them know “we are members of the same team to look after your well being.”

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
UMKC family medicine program offers everything I look for in the curriculum: a supportive environment where the residents are able to shape their education according to the style of practice they would like to have in the future. Residents also receive frequent feedback and data that will help them to grow throughout the training years. I am very interested in maternity care, as well as the integrative medicine, so UMKC caught my eyes when I was doing more research about the program. Additionally, osteopathic manipulative medicine is something I would like to do in my future practice, and UMKC provides residents with great opportunity to practice in a monthly clinic, and also didactics to help residents to enhance the OMT skills.

John Kaschke, M.D.

Medical Degree: Southern Illinois University School Of Medicine

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Streator, IL

What are your goals and interests?
I’m committed to practicing full-spectrum family medicine. I want to be able to provide a “one stop shop” for my patients and provide them quality healthcare. In doing so, I hope to expand on my education to become a better physician, patient advocate, and community member. My professional interests include point-of-care ultrasound; I believe its applications have the potential to bring high-quality healthcare quickly with increasing precision. Outside of work, my interests include
racquetball, exercising, spending time with family and my pets, cooking, touring local wineries and breweries, and any outdoor activity.

Best day as a doctor?
A great day as a doctor for me starts and ends with positive, meaningful interactions with my patients. Seeing a wide variety of patients is part of what makes Family Medicine so amazing.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
What’s not to love about Kansas City! UMKC produces quality physicians. Since Family Medicine is all encompassing specialty (in terms of age and level of care), UMKC has a strong university affiliation, yet still is largely community-based program that offers a unique experience. By going to UMKC, I will be exposed to a high volume of obstetric care experiences, where we’ll receive a high level of emphasis on women’s health training alongside board-certified specialists. Additionally, our pediatric rotations take place at Children’s Mercy Hospital, and as a nationally ranked hospital, this will allow us to receive training in more complex pediatric cases. Overall, UMKC felt like a family with a strong sense of comradery, which is crucial in any workplace. I’m excited be make a home in Kansas City, where fun, vibrancy, and opportunity are available in all aspects of my life.

Junwoo Lee, D.O.

Medical Degree: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Seoul, South Korea.

What are your goals and interests?
I want to become proficient at my job as a physician. This takes time and effort, and I believe residency is the time to accomplish this goal. I have many interests and hobbies but enjoy cooking and traveling the most at the moment.

Best day as a doctor?
Whenever I get to make a difference in patients’ lives. Whenever I feel I am glad I chose this career. I look forward to finding many more reasons to feel this way in the future.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose this residency because it’s unopposed and has the focus on serving the community while being an academic program. During the interview, I also noticed the residents seemed genuinely happy and satisfied with their education.

Justin McGee, D.O.

Medical Degree: Kansas City University

Where did you grow up?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What are your goals and interests?
Goal is to become an autonomous and well rounded physician. Some of my interest include attending sporting events, golf, and spending time with my family.

Best day as a doctor?
Best day as a doctor is any day when you’re able to make a positive change in someone’s life’s

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
Being able to stay close to my family and friends in Kansas City.

Matthew Vaughn, D.O.

Medical Degree: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Claire Wheaton, D.O.

Medical Degree: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Where did you grow up?
Channahon, IL

What are your goals and interests?
I am interested in the intersection of family medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, and women’s health.

Best day as a doctor?
The best day I experienced as a doctor was when I delivered my first baby!

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
I chose UMKC for residency because of the diversity in educational experiences with emphasis on FM OB.

Nicholas Yeisley, M.D.

Medical Degree: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri but have lived in Independence for most of my life.

What are your goals and interests?
My goal is to be a doctor who is equipped to provide the best care possible, regardless of the situation or setting. My interests include global health, lay worker community health programs, and emergency care.

Best day as a doctor?
Seeing the empowerment light bulb light up in someone.

Why did you choose UMKC for your residency?
Family, faith and community are extremely important to me. I am blessed that I got to keep my people close by as I grow as a physician!

Annie Abbott, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Miki Andris-Bearden, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Cicilla Ariga, M.D.

Medical school: University of Kansas

Johsua Chan, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Mallory Dameron, D.O.

Medical school: ATSU Kirksville

Wesley Goodrich, D.O.

Medical school: Burrel College of Osteophathic Medicine

Taylor Keen, D.O.

Medical school: ATSU Kirksville

Sunita Kolareth, M.D.

Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Chris Moyer, D.O.

Medical school: Des Moines University

Hannah Pancoast, M.D.

Medical school: University of Missouri-Columbia

John "Tony" Phillips, M.D.

Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Gregory Smith, D.O.

Medical school: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Kristin Adams, M.D.

Medical school: University of Oklahoma

Tasfia Ahmed, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University

Annie Anwander, M.D.

Medical school: University of Kansas

Morgan Dresvyannikov, M.D.

Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Kate Estes, D.O.

Medical school: Des Moines University

Logan Hemme, M.D.

Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Desztini Howard, M.D.

Medical school: Meharry Medical College

Haley Kertz, M.D.

Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Hai Song Kim, D.O. 

Medical school: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

Matthew Myrick, M.D.

Medical school: American University of the Carribean

Eddy I. Ndichie, Jr., M.D. 

Medical school: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Caroline Ward, D.O.

Medical school: Kansas City University