Evan Caston, M.D.
Medical School: University of Texas
Bio: I was born and raised in the Dallas area. I attended undergrad at SMU before medical school at UT Health San Antonio. I have a travel bug and love exploring new places and trying new food.
Why did you choose UMKC? I matched to UMKC’s Ophthalmology Residency and am excited about completing my Internal Medicine internship at the same institution. I will enjoy learning about Kansas City and the hospital system before starting my training in ophthalmology.
What are your interests? Tennis, running, hiking, and the exercising. I also love to relax with my significant other and watch a good movie/series.
Where do you live? Union Hill |
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Laura Drew-Bear, M.D.
Medical School: Universidad Central de Venezuela
Bio: I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, where I went to medical school. Afterward, I worked as a rural physician for a year before moving to the US to pursue an ophthalmology research fellowship at Johns Hopkins. After completing residency and fellowship, I see myself practicing in an academic institution participating in teaching, research, and global ophthalmology.
Why did you choose UMKC? UMKC is a university-based program that offers solid academic training with a diverse patient population in different teaching hospitals. The supportive learning environment, camaraderie among the residents, and incredible mentors spoke highly of the program. Kansas City is a perfect-sized city with many things to offer, including great BBQ. I look forward to KC being a host city for the 2026 Fifa World Cup!
What are your interests? Golf, tennis, yoga, piano, traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family.
Where do you live? Beacon Hill |
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Jordan Held, M.D.
Medical School: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Bio: Hello! My name is Jordan, I’m 24 years old, and I’m from Hannibal, Missouri which is known for its riverboats, caves, and being the home of Mark Twain. I’m the youngest of two other siblings my brother Jared and sister Lauren. My parents Phil and Linda Held both worked in the engineering field around Hannibal. I went to school at UMKC for my undergrad/medical school and was able to marry my classmate and best friend Carolyn Yoakum who is a psychiatry resident at Walter Reed in Washington, DC. I started this year as first year Ophthalmology resident and currently completing my internal medicine preliminary year.
Why did you choose UMKC? I thought UMKC was a great fit for me and allowed me to continue my medical journey where I started it. I also appreciate the experience of working in the downtown and metro area of Kansas City and participating in the care of the unique patient population at University Health and St. Luke’s Hospital here in Kansas City.
What are your interests? I love throwing the frisbee around with my dogs. I also enjoy going to the theater to see a movie, cooking, working on cars, finding shells and rocks at beaches or streams, and finding new places to hang out or eat at in KC.
Where do you live? Rosedale in Kansas City, KS |
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J. Mitch Kunzeman, M.D.
Medical School: Southern Illinois University
Bio: I was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois where I have lived for most of my life. I briefly moved down to South Carolina when I attended Clemson University for undergrad and then moved back to Springfield where I went to medical school at SIU. I am an ophthalmology prelim and am excited to spend the next 4 years in Kansas City!
What are your interests? Golfing, swimming, bowling, binging a good tv show, and spending time with my wife – Grace and dog – Cash.
Where do you live? Waldo area |
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Kevin Varghese, M.D.
Medical School: University of Missouri – Kansas City |
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Morgan Vogt, M.D.
Medical School: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Bio: I’m originally from Columbia, MO but moved to Kansas City for medical school. I am delighted to stay in Kansas City for one more year before beginning Radiology residency next year.
Why did you choose UMKC? UMKC has been a great fit for my academic and personal goals. The School of Medicine has dedicated faculty, numerous research opportunities, and a diverse community. Kansas City is a vibrant city with numerous cultural and recreational amenities.
What are your interests? Playing tennis, hiking, spending time with family, trying new restaurants, and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.
Where do you live? Downtown |
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