Current Residents
Laura Esry, D.O. Hometown: Lenexa, KS Garima Thakkar, M.D. Hometown: St. Louis, MO Madelynn Watkins, M.D. Hometown: Bossier City, LA Patrick Weldon, D.O. Hometown: Wilmington, NC Antonio Martinez Castillo, D.O. Hometown: Lagrange, IN Meghana Kumar, M.D. Isabella Nair, M.D. Dylan Pate, D.O. 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 Jennifer Sayers, M.D. Hometown: Escondido, CA Brittnay Sipp, D.O. Hometown: Topeka, Kansas Kanhua “Kevin” Yin, M.D., MPH Hometown: Zhejiang, China Lukas Bassett, M.D. Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan Oluebube Ezenagu, M.D. Hometown: Fairfield, OH. Hometown: Memphis, TN Hometown: Sacramento, CA Hometown: San Antonio, TX Hometown: Osun State, Nigeria Hometown: Minneapolis, MN Hometown: Seymour, TN Rose Xiao, M.D. Hometown: Chengdu, China 
Medical school: Kansas City University
Undergrad: University of Kansas
Surgery interest: Trauma/Critical Care
Hobbies: Walks with my dog, ballet, sporting events (go chiefs and Jayhawks!), cross-stitch, puzzles, board games
Favorite things to do on days off: Traveling, spending time with my family and friends, sleep
Reason I came to UMKC: Everyone that I met was incredibly welcoming. I rotated here as a student and greatly enjoyed interacting with the attending’s, residents, and hospital staff!
Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City
Undergrad: University of Missouri-Kansas City
Surgery interest: Trauma, Surgical Oncology, MIS
Hobbies: Reading, traveling, yoga
Favorite things: Eating, exploring new places around KC, being outdoors
Reason I came to UMKC: As a medical student here, I was fortunate enough to experience the diverse training, friendly residents, and supportive faculty mentors first-hand and knew it was right for me. KC feels like home and is a great city with countless things to do!
Medical school: Louisiana State University Shreveport Medical School
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Surgery interest: Breast or General
Hobbies: Playing and Watching Most Sports, Walking, Puzzles, Hanging with Friends
Favorite things to do on days off: Hanging out with my daughter, husband, and dog!
Reason I came to UMKC: During the reception the night before interviews, I immediately felt that this was a place I want to be. The residents were so welcoming and seemed to be very close with each other. During interviews, there was a family atmosphere where everyone has each other’s backs and everyone is willing to work hard for each other to achieve a common goal.
Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – Carolinas Campus
Undergrad: Virginia Tech
Surgery interest: Vascular and endocrine surgery
Hobbies: Running, hiking, snowboarding, college football, fantasy football, traveling, taking my dog Wilson on walks, anything involving a large body of water, craft breweries, grilling/cooking, playing Jeopardy/trivia
Favorite things to do on days off: Find a trail to running on, go to a local coffee shop, take my dog to a dog park (excited to check out Bar-K), visit a local brewery, watching Netflix/Hulu or any type of sporting event
Reason I came to UMKC: I am from the East coast but was excited for a change of scenery and chance to be in the Midwest. I had a great time at my pre-interview dinner and on interview day I felt a true sense of comradery among the residents. I’m excited to be a part of the UMKC family and experience all that Kansas City has to offer.
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. 
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.
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Undergrad: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Medical school: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Surgery interest: MIS, Trauma, Cardiothoracic
Hobbies: Traveling, Baking, Pottery, Spin Class
Favorite things to do on days off: I love spending time with my family, boyfriend and friends. We all enjoy trying out new restaurants in Kansas City, patio hopping and traveling when possible! I also enjoy sleeping in and bingeing netflix on my days off!
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 know that having my family, boyfriend and high school friends close by throughout residency will prove invaluable.
Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MO
Undergrad: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Medical school: A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Surgery interest: Cardiothoracic and Vascular 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, minimally invasive surgery, general surgery
Hobbies: Hanging out with my family and English bulldog Moose, watching dramas, cooking food, eating food, exercising, listening to music & podcasts, and spending time with my wonderful co-residents!
Why I came to UMKC: It seems like I am making my way west across the State of Missouri! Over the nine years leading up to residency, I completed my undergraduate and medical school education in St. Louis, completed a year as a preliminary general surgery resident at Mizzou in Columbia, and am now Kansas City to finish my general surgery training! I was immediately drawn to the broad-based training that UMKC offers. It was obvious how well the program prepares its residents for the future, no matter what specialty they choose. And when I met the residents, I could tell that they truly enjoyed working with each other. My goals for surgical training were 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.
Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Kansas
Surgery interest: Breast, Surgical Oncology
Hobbies: Reviewing movies and restaurants, being a coffee snob, studying languages, music, make-up, working out, traveling, and video games.
Why I came to UMKC: I wanted an academic program that was close to home with well-rounded training and down-to-earth people. One of the best parts of medicine for me 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: Saba University School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of California, Riverside
Surgery interest: Trauma/ACS, Global Surgery
Hobbies: Golfing, diving, anything active and outdoors, restoring old furniture
Why I came to UMKC: As a medical student, I rotated at St. Luke’s for several of my elective rotations. There I got to know many of the surgical staff and residents. I was so impressed by the teaching culture of UMKC and the competence of the residents. Everyone I have encountered is so friendly and helpful. I knew that UMKC would be a positive learning environment that would prepare me for a career in general surgery.
Medical school: Kansas City University
Undergrad: South Dakota State University
Surgery interest: Undecided, but maybe breast or surgical oncology ,
Hobbies: Frequenting new places to get coffee, happy hours with friends, frequenting dog parks with my great Dane;, Remi, and trying to keep my plants alive! :
Reason I came to UMKC: It was a perfect combination of wonderful people, a great surgery education with; attending’s who ·value teaching, and getting to experience serving a diverse patient population. It was a bonus to stay close to my family and friends!
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.
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.
Molly Kearney, D.O.
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate School: Northern Michigan University
Surgery Interest: Not sure yet
Hobbies: Motorcycle riding, re-watching The Office and Parks & Rec., Traveling, hiking with my husband and our fur baby
Why I came to UMKC: I’ve visited Kansas City in the past and really enjoyed the town. I felt very welcomed by the staff and residents, and knew my education and well-being would be cared about.
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 werefantastic, 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.
Jessica Sponaugle, D.O.
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate School: Lincoln Memorial University
Surgery Interest: Trauma
Hobbies: Kayaking, hiking, fishing and walks with my puppy
Why I came to UMKC: I wanted to come to UKMC because I knew it was an environment I would thrive in. The faculty and residents were accepting, and I knew they would be able to teach me. UMKC has felt like home to me since my sub-internship as a medical student.
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.