Current Residents
Antonio Martinez Castillo, D.O. Hometown: Lagrange, IN Meghana Kumar, M.D. Isabella Nair, M.D. Hometown: Kansas City, MO Dylan Pate, D.O., M.S. Neal Talukdar, D.O. Hannah Aherrera, M.D. Hometown: Jackson, TN Russell Brown, M.D. Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas Celeste Ferguson, M.D. Hometown: Winnipeg, Canada Dakota Guerrero, M.D. Hometown: Arlington, Texas Leila Sarvestani, M.D. Hometown: Fayetteville, AR Alexis Joye-King, D.O. Hometown: Columbia, SC Castle Millan, D.O. Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA Amani Raheel, M.D. Hometown: Queens, NY/Overland Park, KS Kanhua “Kevin” Yin, M.D., MPH Hometown: Zhejiang, China Lukas Bassett, M.D. Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan Hometown: San Antonio, TX Hometown: Osun State, Nigeria Hometown: Minneapolis, MN Rose Xiao, M.D. Hometown: Chengdu, China Laura Andrews, D.O. Oluebube Ezenagu, M.D. Hometown: Fairfield, OH. Hometown: Memphis, TN
Medical school: Des Moines University
Undergrad: Huntington University
Surgery interest: Rural General Surgery
Hobbies: Running, playing soccer, hiking, listening to podcasts, listening to music, reading fiction, and watching movies.
Favorite things to do on days off: Spend time with friends catching up, watching movies, and going out to eat.
Reason I came to UMKC: I thought the program had a comprehensive curriculum that would be valuable for a future in general surgery. I wanted to be near family and Kansas City is also an awesome place live in. 
Brittany Hubbard, D.O.
Medical School: A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Medicine
Hometown: Liberty, MO
Undergraduate School: University of Missouri-Kansas City
Surgery Interest: General surgery
Hobbies: Reading, traveling when able, spending time with family and friends
Why I came to UMKC: Residents and faculty appeared to be very accepting with good camaraderie. Kansas City is also where I grew up so it was nice to go to a program near family and friends!
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Undergrad: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Medical school: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Surgery interest: Still undecided but wanting to explore MIS, Colorectal
Hobbies: Running, baking, movies/TV
Favorite things: Grab bubble tea or ice cream, explore local bars/breweries, meet up with friends
Reason I came to UMKC: I went to UMKC for medical school, so I knew it was a solid surgery program in a great city. As a bonus, my sister also lives in Kansas City.
Medical school: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Undergrad: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Surgery interest: Breast Surgical Oncology
Hobbies: Traveling, Pottery, Orange Theory Fitness
Favorite things to do on days off: If I am not working, you will find me in Chicago spending time with my husband. We love trying out new restaurants, patio hopping and traveling when possible! I also enjoy the occasional rot day to catch up on sleep and binge reality TV.
Reason I came to UMKC: I was able to see firsthand the culture of this program and the training its residents receive as a UMKC med student. Through my interactions with the residents while completing rotations on surgical services, I knew these were people who I wanted not only to be co-residents with, but also friends with. Kansas City is also home to me and I knew that having my family and high school friends close by throughout residency would prove invaluable.
Medical school: A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MO
Undergrad: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Graduate: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences
Surgery interest: Cardiothoracic Surgery
Hobbies: Hiking, football, fishing, and hunting.
Favorite things to do on days off: Spending time with family and friends, KC Chiefs football, spending time outdoors.
Reason I came to UMKC: I was able to visit the program for a month, and I was thoroughly impressed with the camaraderie between residents and the degree of autonomy afforded to the residents within this program.
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
Medical school: Kansas City University School of Medicine
Surgery interest: Transplant, Cardiac Surgery, Surgical Critical Care
Hobbies: Traveling, trying new restaurants, cooking, spending time with family
Why I came to UMKC: Strong operative experience, access to two level I trauma centers with diverse pathology, resident camaraderie.
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Undergrad: Saint Louis University
Surgery Interest: breast surgical oncology, general surgery, surgical critical care
Hobbies: hanging out with my family and English bulldog Moose, watching K-dramas, indoor cycling, tennis & pickleball, listening to music & podcasts
Why I came to UMKC: I was immediately drawn to the broad-based training that UMKC offers, and it was obvious how well the program prepares its residents for the future. Not only that, but the residents really seemed like a close-knit family when I met them. I wanted to become a well-rounded surgeon and to be surrounded by hardworking co-residents who encourage me to do my best, so UMKC was the perfect fit for me.
Medical school: UMKC
Undergrad: UMKC
Graduate school: UMKC
Surgery interest: Plastic Surgery
Hobbies: Running with my dog Graham, experiencing live music, and exploring national parks.
Reason you came to UMKC: I chose UMKC because of the supportive and friendly culture amongst the residents, balanced experience at different types of hospitals, and the opportunity to care for patients from a variety of backgrounds. The faculty are also very approachable and passionate about teaching. I am so grateful to continue my training at the institution that initially inspired my love for surgery.
Medical school: Saba University School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Western Ontario
Surgery interest: Surgical oncology, MIS, ACS
Hobbies: cycling, skiing, tennis, traveling, hiking, TV & movies
Reason I came to UMKC: I rotated here as a medical student and I saw firsthand how strong the program is. I knew I would get an excellent education at UMKC. Plus Kansas City is a great city with lots to do!
Medical school: UMKC
Undergrad: UMKC
Surgery interest: not decided
Hobbies: baking, taking my dog on walks or going to the park, trying new restaurants.
Reason I came to UMKC: UMKC had everything I wanted – great people, great curriculum, great Patient populations, and location in a great city. I am so happy to ‘be here and cannot wait to see what the next few years hold.
Medical School: UMKC-School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: UMKC-School of Medicine
Surgery Interest: Surgical Oncology/Breast Surgery
Hobbies: Anything sports related and hanging out with my family including my son.
Why I came to UMKC: I completed my first two years of general surgery residency at UMKC after falling in love with this program as a medical student. I knew I wanted a program that provided good operative exposure and was close to home, it was the best of both worlds. I spent three years completing my surgical oncology research fellowship at the NCI/NIH. I came back to complete the rest of my training at UMKC because I was looking for a program in which residents work at a safety net hospital, have a robust case load and a nice mix of open, laparoscopic, and robotic cases.
Medical school: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Spelman College
Surgery interest: General Surgery and Trauma
Hobbies: Gardening, dancing, traveling, DIY construction projects, pending time with family
Why I came to UMKC: UMKC provides the opportunity to train amongst a diverse group of faculty and treat a variety of patient populations. I was looking for a rigorous program where I would also feel valued and supported. Additionally, Kansas City is great place to live and raise a family. 
Medical School: Kansas City University
Undergrad: University of Kansas
Surgery interest: Trauma/Critical Care and palliative care
Hobbies: my 2 dogs (Paisley and Piper), craft breweries, coffee spots, skiing, KU basketball, and Chiefs football
Why I came to UMKC: The culture at UMKC is truly second to none. I wanted to be in a place that would value me in and outside of work and after spending a month here I knew that’s what I had found. I also wanted the opportunity to continue to work with the community here in KC and stay close to my family/friends.
Benigno Polo, M.D.
Medical School: Universidad Catolica de Cuenca
Hometown: Cuenca, Ecuador
Surgery Interest: Trauma-Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Surgery
Hobbies: Tennis, grilling and watching sport events.
Why I came to UMKC: Training at two Level 1 trauma centers provides the fundamental experience and clinical exposure essential for pursuing a fellowship. The opportunity to train in a program that emphasizes hands-on experience early in residency is invaluable for building surgical confidence and competence. Additionally, the high volume of robotic cases at UMKC offers a unique chance to develop advanced technical skills, preparing me to become a well-rounded general surgeon capable of utilizing the full range of modern surgical technologies.
Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Kansas
Surgery Interest: Pediatric surgery, critical care
Hobbies: Road-trips to the mountains, reviewing movies/music, learning languages, hosting friends & family, watching the Chiefs
Why I came to UMKC: I wanted an academic program that was close to home with well-rounded training and down-to-earth people. For me, one of the best parts of surgery is being able to work alongside your colleagues who are also your friends – I felt like I could have it all at UMKC.
Medical school: Fudan University
Graduate school: Harvard University
Surgery interest: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, General Surgery
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, running, swimming, and traveling
Why I came to UMKC: Diverse patient population, amazing faculty and residents, high volume of surgical cases, and excellent robotic surgery training
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Undergrad: Wayne State University
Surgery interest: MIS/Bariatrics, Vascular
Hobbies: Archery, Bonsai trees, Cycling, Tennis, learning Chinese, Reading, being outdoors
Why I came to UMKC: City life with Midwest charm. Great exposure, high volume, and an academic setting that will prepare me to be successful throughout my residency.
Dae Kim, D.O.
Medical School: Kansas City University
Undergraduate School: Texas A&M University
Surgery Interest: MIS, Vascular, Colorectal, Trauma/ACS/Critical Care, HPB
Hobbies: Lifting weights, fishing, hunting, golfing, spending time with wife and baby.
Why I came to UMKC: Did 7 sub-Is total and UMKC was my favorite by far. The attending’s were fantastic, the residents were happy/close-knit, and the vibes were immaculate. Additionally, the program has one of the most diverse patient populations with rotations spread across 5 very different hospitals, which I believe is crucial to becoming a great surgeon.
Abimbola Oyedeji, M.D.
Medical School: Windsor University School of Medicine, St. Kitts
Surgery Interest: Thoracic surgery
Hobbies: Watching Formula one racing, soccer and boxing, traveling and DIY furniture construction
Why I came to UMKC: The diversity of faculty and training, welcoming residents and atmosphere, and the desire to remain in the Midwest.
Zoe Perkins, D.O.
Medical school: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate school: North Dakota State University
Surgery interest: General/undecided
Hobbies: Embroidery, Painting
Why I came to UMKC: I chose UMKC for the wide variety of training experiences I’d get here. We get to rotate at excellent hospitals in the Kansas City area and treat diverse patient populations. UMKC also has great camaraderie among the residents. I feel very supported by the program and there is great mentorship from both faculty and senior residents. Kansas City is a great place to live and raise a family as well. I feel very lucky to train here.
Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Eastern New Mexico University
Graduate School: Northwestern University
Surgery Interest: Transplant Surgery
Hobbies: Playing the piano, attending classical music and electronic dance music events, running and staying active, medical research
Why I came to UMKC: After immigrating from China to the United States, I transitioned from a concert pianist, holding a Master of Music, to pursuing my passion for medicine. Teaching piano for four years was a rewarding experience, but my family’s experiences with transplant surgery ultimately inspired me to step into the operating room. Drawn to Kansas City for its dynamic medical community and vibrant electronic dance music scene, I’ve found a unique balance between my professional and personal passions.
Medical School: Kansas City University
Hometown: Louisville, CO
Undergraduate School: Colorado State University
Surgery Interest: General, MIS, Oncology, Breast
Hobbies: OrangeTheory, live music, rafting/kayaking, perusing a local farmers market, listening to podcasts, petting my dog and binging a show
Why I came to UMKC: I wanted to train at an academic center that offers complex cases and research opportunities, while prioritizing resident operative skills. I was also drawn to the welcoming atmosphere created by both the faculty and my co-residents, who are not only skilled surgeons but also genuinely kind people.
Hendrik Compagner, M.D.
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
Hometown: Staphorst, Netherlands
Undergraduate School: University of New Brunswick
Surgery Interest: HBP/General Surgery
Hobbies: Volleyball, basketball, swimming, games, and mowing grass
Why I came to UMKC: I loved the atmosphere among the residents during my fourth year rotation here, as well as how the program was run/organized. I am excited about the wide scope of practice that I will be exposed to as well.
Matthew Drabin, D.O.
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Stuart, FL
Undergraduate School: University of Miami
Surgery Interest: Trauma, Critical Care, Surgical Oncology, but just getting started and exploring all avenues
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, cooking, soccer, anything outdoors
Why I came to UMKC: Very supportive culture, vast procedural opportunities, exposure to a wide breadth of services and hospital systems, awesome city that’s accessible with lots to do all within a 15 minute drive.
Connor English, D.O.
Medical School: A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Warrensburg, MO
Undergraduate School: Missouri State University
Surgery Interest: Trauma/Critical Care/ACS, Burn, ECMO
Hobbies: spending time with my wife and son, trying new restaurants, watching football (Go Chiefs), basketball, and golf
Why I came to UMKC: I came to UMKC because of the program’s reputation for providing residents with early operative autonomy, a complex patient population, and a great training environment for both blunt and penetrating trauma. I also did a rotation at UMKC during my fourth year of medical school and felt like the residents were a very tight-knit group always looking for opportunities to help one another.
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington KY.
Undergraduate School: Wright State University, Dayton OH.
Surgery Interest: Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Hobbies: Spending time with family & friends, Knitting & Crocheting, Soccer, and Traveling when I can afford it.
Why I came to UMKC: The faculty here are incredibly supportive, and they genuinely want the success of every resident. I enjoy working with the residents, who are very kind and patient when teaching or guiding younger-level residents. The culture here is exceptional and reflects the people and the diverse patient population they care for.
Susanna Hatcher, M.D.
Medical School: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Undergraduate School: Baylor University
Surgery Interest: General Surgery, Trauma
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, baking and cooking, trying new restaurants, taking my dogs to the park
Why I came to UMKC: The residents and faculty were all so welcoming and supportive. I knew the diverse patient population and well-rounded training would prepare me well for future practice.
Takara Newsome-Cuby, D.O.
Medical School: Kansas City University
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Undergraduate School: Saint John Fisher University
Surgery Interest: General Surgery
Hobbies: Being an aunt, going on ice cream dates and binge-watching crime shows.
Why I came to UMKC: I completed medical school in Kansas City and quickly grew to love both the community and the people here. During that time, I had the opportunity to work with several UMKC faculty members through research and clinical experiences. Their warmth, mentorship, and genuine investment in trainees stood out to me. I knew I wanted to continue my journey in such a supportive and collaborative environment—and I’m proud to now be part of the UMKC family.
Landan Ruff, D.O.
Medical School: LECOM - Bradenton
Hometown: Springfield, MO
Undergraduate School: Missouri State University
Surgery Interest: Orthopedic Surgery, Hand
Hobbies: Golf, Traveling with my wife, Watching football/baseball/golf/Jeopardy!, and hanging out with my 2 cats
Why I came to UMKC: Access to two high volume trauma centers, strong operative experience, great camaraderie among the residents, supportive staff, and I felt the UMKC surgery program was the best overall fit for me. After attending medical school in Florida, my wife and I feel fortunate to be back in our home state and closer to our families as we start our own.
Amin Shabaneh, M.D.
Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology
Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Surgery Interest: Vascular Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, General Surgery.
Hobbies: volleyball, soccer, hiking, hunting, gaming, animal rescue.
Why I came to UMKC: The diverse patient population and surgical training exposure, where we rotate at five uniquely different hospitals in Kansas City.