Shereece Clarke, MD
 Medical School: University of the West Indies, Mona Jamaica
Bio: Hello there, I’m Shereece! I’m from the beautiful island of Jamaica, which I like to think of as the diamond of the Caribbean *wink wink*. Before coming here to pursue my dream of being an OBGYN, I spent my formative years there, and I’m thrilled about this fantastic opportunity! I’m a lover of nature, nice restaurants, music, and most of all, I value family time; it keeps me grounded. I’m excited about moving to Kansas City, exploring new locales, meeting new people, and adopting a new way of life. I chose UMKC because how could you not want Dr. Morales as your PD? He’s the best! Also, what really captivated me was the warmth of the UMKC family. It’s very rare you see residents genuinely happy despite the challenges that comes with residency. I’m looking forward to the next four years of residency and what life has to offer in general.
Plan after residency: I’d love to do fellowship, as I’m very passionate about mentorship, so I do see myself in an academic setting. Above all, I’d love to start a family of my own.
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Yasmin Dias, MD
 Medical School: Faculdades Integradas Pitágoras (FIP-MOC)
Bio: Hello! I’m Yasmin and I grew up in a small town in Brazil, Vitoria da Conquista. After graduating from medical school, I moved to the US to pursue my dream of becoming an OBGYN. Over the past year, I have been living in St. Louis, where I had the invaluable opportunity to engage in clinical OBGYN rotations and research at Washington University. I am excited to continue my journey at UMKC and immerse myself in the friendly Midwest culture I have grown to love! The program stood out to me due to the program’s commitment to serving underserved populations, quality faculty, supportive and friendly residents and a dedicated program director. I look forward to exploring everything Kansas City has to offer. In my spare time, I love outdoor activities! I enjoy hiking, beach volleyball, and jogging in local parks. I also love traveling the world and discovering new restaurants and bars with my husband.
Plans after residency: I’m currently undecided. I am particularly drawn to pursuing a career in an academic environment while continuing to serve a diverse patient population.
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Kaley Ferguson, MD
 Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Bio: Hey! I’m Kaley, and I’m from Hot Springs, Arkansas. I went to the University of Arkansas (WOO PIG!) for undergrad where I studied Public Health. After that, I moved to Little Rock for medical school at UAMS. My husband and I have two cats, Ginsburg and Mobius, and an almost 2-year-old son who keeps us very busy! We spend most of our time at the zoo, Science City, or playing outside! I fell in love with OBGYN because of the variety of the field and the opportunity to advocate for my patients, and I was really drawn to UMKC because of the diverse patient population. I also love the location and the tight-knit, supportive residents who already feel like family! I am so excited to be in Kansas City and to be training at UMKC for residency, and I can’t wait to see what the next four years hold!
After residency: I love the variety that general OBGYN has to offer, so I’m currently planning to be a generalist after residency! BUUUUT I do really love obstetrics and really really love nights, so maybe a laborist or nocturnist eventually? I’m also very passionate about family planning and reproductive advocacy, and I’d like to incorporate those things into my future practice! Clearly, I don’t have a very solid plan. Good thing I have a few years to figure it out, right? For now, I just want to learn as much as possible and experience all the incredible variety OBGYN has to offer!
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Alex Franco, MD
 Med School: Saba University School of Medicine
Bio: Hi, I’m Alex! I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I did my undergrad at the University of British Columbia, where I studied Biology. I worked for a non-profit organization for a couple of years before starting medical school at Saba University School of Medicine – the island of Saba had three of my favorite things… the sun, ocean, and hiking! During my clinical years, I completed a few rotations in Kansas City and absolutely loved the city and more importantly the people and the BBQ! In my free time, I love doing all the outdoorsy things, especially hiking. But I also love a good binge watching session of a true crime docuseries or a murder mystery series. I’m a huge foodie and am always on the lookout for restaurant recommendations and happy hours to enjoy. I am excited to be a part of the UMKC OBGYN family and know that the next four years will be quite the adventure!
Plans after residency: For now, I’m leaning towards becoming a generalist but I’m definitely open to pursuing fellowship if that’s where my future interests lead me!
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Melissa Godar, MD
 Medical School: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Bio: Hello! I’m Melissa, and I’m originally from the small town of Hardin, IL. I went to Mizzou in Columbia, MO for undergrad where I studied Biology. After falling in love with Kansas City during medical school, I decided to stay here for residency! My fiancé, Joshua, and I enjoy spending time with our small dog, Piper. In my free time, I love crocheting, playing pickleball, disc golf, weightlifting, reading, cooking, and indulging in reality TV. I chose this residency program because of the supportive community of residents and the diverse patient population it serves. I feel at home here every day and am excited to grow and learn in such a strong program.
After residency: I’m drawn to the variety that comes with being a generalist, but I’m also open to the possibility of pursuing a fellowship!
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Maitri Makwana, MD
 Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
Bio: Hello! I’m Maitri (my-three), and I’m thrilled to be a part of the UMKC family! Originally from a small town outside Toronto, ON, I spent the first two years of medical school (and COVID) on the beautiful island of Saba in the Dutch Caribbean. My clinical rotations took me on a nomadic journey across the States, but I felt instantly at home in Kansas City during my OB/GYN rotations.
I fell in love with KC’s vibrant culture, green spaces, and endless activities. But most importantly, it was the people —the ride-or-die residents who looked after one another, the faculty who supported and challenged their growth, and the diverse patient population that made each day meaningful.
When I’m not in scrubs, you can find me planning my next hike, dancing with friends, or exploring cute coffee shops. Though I’m not typically into sports, I’m excited to dive into the KC spirit and cheer on the Chiefs this season —I’ve been told it’s a big deal!
After residency: I’m passionate about working with underserved communities in an academic setting and continuing QI research. Whether I practice the full breadth of OB/GYN as a generalist or specialize in a particular area, only time will tell! The possibilities are endless and I’m excited for the journey ahead!
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Maggie Witt, MD
 Medical School: Saint Louis University
Bio: Hi! My name is Maggie and I’m from Springfield, MO. I went to Rockhurst University for undergrad in KC where I studied Biochemistry and Medical Ethics, and then I went across the state to Saint Louis University School of Medicine where my love for OBGYN blossomed. I’ve lived in every big city in Missouri, and Kansas City is by far my favorite (it helps that I have 4 siblings and 9 “niblings” who live here too)! I love to be outdoors and I am an avid runner, hiker, camper, and hammocker (one of my favorite spots to hammock is Loose Park). I also love to go to concerts and have a large album collection— I always love hearing suggestions for new music! When I get home from work, I like to watch Real Housewives (especially Beverly Hills but I’m not picky). I’m so excited to be at UMKC working with the kindest co-residents and learning from a very diverse and challenging patient population!
Plans after residency: I am currently interested in pursuing a career in Urogynecology/ FPMRS but I would also enjoy a career as a general OB/GYN. I am looking forward to a career where I can build strong relationships with patients from a diverse population and hopefully incorporate global health into my practice.
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Rachel Zussman, MD
 Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine—Peoria
Hi everyone! My name is Rachel and I grew up in Rockford, Illinois. I went to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for undergrad and then found myself back in Illinois for medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine–Peoria. I knew I wanted to move to a midsize city within the Midwest for residency and Kansas City fit the bill! I was particularly drawn to UMKC due to the unique opportunity to train at a county hospital within an academic institution.
I had only been to Kansas City once prior to matching, so I am looking forward to exploring all of the restaurants, coffee shops, and running paths that the city has to offer. I am also excited to live in a place that is so passionate about football and I’m working on becoming a Chiefs fan! In my free time, you’ll find me running, biking, working out, playing pickleball, watching reality TV, and spending time with my family and friends.
Plans after residency: I foresee myself becoming a generalist after residency because the variety of OBGYN was a large reason that I was so drawn to the field. But I am keeping my options open!
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