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Luke Allen, DO
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Hey, I’m Luke! I grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and then moved to Seattle where I went to Seattle Pacific University to get my BS in Physiology. After taking a sociology course in my senior year I became fascinated with epidemiology and how social patterns can be risk factors for certain diseases and I moved back to Oregon to get a master’s degree in public health with a focus on epidemiology at OHSU. Before medical school, I worked several different jobs, many of which were as a CNA. My first exposure to being in an emergency department was as a research coordinator just out of college. I really liked this job and being in the ED, which prompted me to consider emergency medicine as a specialty in my first year of medical school, but it wasn’t until my first rotation in the ED in my third year that I knew this was the right specialty for me.
My wife grew up in western Massachusetts, which was my initial draw to New England. I had the opportunity to rotate in the ED at Baystate in my 4th year of medical school and immediately felt welcomed, and like part of the family. There is a very special thing about the people and the culture here that is difficult to describe, but by the time my rotation was over I knew I wanted to return.
Being from the PNW I enjoy doing a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and car camping. Most of all though would be skiing so I am excited to see what skiing the east coast has to offer. I also enjoy woodworking, running, and playing golf.
Vicky Barragan-Lopez, DO
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hey! My name is Virginia, but my friends and family call me Vicky. I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. (GBR!) I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I majored in Biology and minored in French. I then took a year between graduation and medical school to work as a pharmacy technician. I later relocated to the Southwest where I have spent the last four years. A few of my hobbies include playing soccer, finding new street murals (bucket list to paint one of my own), traveling, and cooking (especially anything bien picoso).
I chose Baystate because of the diverse patient population, the emphasis on wellness, and the residents I met during my interview - all super welcoming, very upbeat personalities, and genuine support for one another. Baystate stood out for me since the start of my interview trail, so truly excited to be able to join this group!
Nakiya Belford, DO
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Pleased to meet you! I was born in Portland, Oregon and have spent the majority of my life in southeastern Washington. After completing my bachelor’s degree at Washington State University, I worked at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as a research assistant. Sensing that I was more comfortable around people and not pipettes, I later began working as a scribe in my local ED while preparing to apply for medical school. It was love at first trauma. One of the talented physicians I worked for was trained at Baystate, and everything I learned about the program drew me further in. My audition rotation last fall solidified Baystate as my top choice.
I love traveling when I can, and I managed to get to 7 countries in the year before medical school. Concerts are one of my major passions and I constantly have tickets to something on the horizon. In my third year of medical school, I took up watercolor painting and I can’t say if I’m getting any better, but I do enjoy sitting on the couch with my paints and some mindless TV show on in the background. Eating is one of my most profound joys in life, with cooking inconveniently being the bane of my existence. Restaurant recommendations are strongly encouraged. On days off, you can find me staring at my cat, drinking tea, and listening to something from my vinyl collection.
I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my life in New England with the wonderful crew at Baystate!
Stefan Boas, MD
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Faculty of Health Sciences
Hey everyone! I was born in San Francisco to a Czech mom and Dutch dad, and I am the first person in my family to be born in the U.S. My family and I moved all over the country before landing in Vermont, where I went to high school and college at the University of Vermont. After that, I moved to New York City where my family lives now.
I had many unique experiences growing up that influenced my interest in global health, which eventually brought me to Israel for medical school at the Medical School for International Health at Ben-Gurion University. I met my wife in my class, and together we had the most incredible experience living and studying in Israel.
Before starting medical school, I had a lot of emergency medicine experience, so I knew this was the right career for me. In medical school, while researching residency programs, I found that people had tons of positive things to say about Baystate. During my interview, it was exciting to confirm all these amazing things I heard and I knew this is where I was meant to be. Resident wellness and happiness was a priority for me, and Baystate excels in this category. Also, I found the training to be robust with a strong emphasis on personal and professional development. To put it simply — Baystate checked all the boxes. In my free time I love to travel. I’ve been to 28 countries, and my wife — who is 5 years younger than me — has been to even more! My goal is to hit 100 in my lifetime. Eating is a big part of travelling, so, naturally, I also love anything food related. I developed a passion for cooking and baking at a young age and worked in restaurants my entire adult life. I always say that if I didn’t end up in medical school, I would have gone to culinary school. As far as sports go, I grew up snowboarding and was on my high school freestyle snowboarding team in Vermont. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to ride, so I can’t wait to be back in New England to pick up where I left off!
Mackay Burgon, DO
University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hey guys, I am Mackay! I grew up in Utah and graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology. While in undergrad I was an EMT which naturally led me to the world of emergency medicine. I went to medical school at the University of North Texas.
I chose Baystate because of the high acuity, high volume ED mixed with the great personalities I found here on the interview trail. Everyone was so genuine and nice throughout the interview and during the second look. I knew this was the residency where I could find excellent training with incredibly nice residents and attendings.
In my spare time, I love to spend time with my wife. We are typical EM people in that we like to do basically anything and everything outdoors. Our unique hobby is snowmobiling, we love the snow! We love to travel, be in the mountains, watch movies, and spend time with friends.
Joseph Douglass, MD
UMass Chan Medical School - PURCH
Hello everyone! My name is Joe and I am originally from Western Massachusetts. I grew up right next door to Baystate in Chicopee, MA before attending Assumption University for undergrad, where I studied Biology. From there, I had four gap years before medical school and spent the bulk of that time as a research technician at Brandeis University and BU School of Medicine, where I helped conduct a CRISPR project. I first became interested in emergency medicine during my gap years, when I spent time shadowing in an ED and also as a volunteer right here at Baystate. I then moved on to UMass Chan for medical school, where I was part of the PURCH Track, spending additional didactic time learning about the social determinants of health and having completed most of my clinical rotations at Baystate! At UMass and Baystate, I loved the pace, the ability to provide patient-facing care, the breadth of pathology, and the procedures of the ED. Though I am biased in this, I also feel that the best people are in EM, especially here at Baystate. Being from the area and having spent most of my clinical time at Baystate as a third year and as a Sub-I in the ED, choosing Baystate EM was an easy choice.
Academic interests include the intersection of climate change and healthcare. Additionally, I am currently interested in wilderness med, sports med, advocacy, and medical education — all of which I am excited to explore during residency.
Outside of the hospital, you can find me rooting on all of the Boston sports teams, trying to get out to play basketball, soccer, and golf, attempting a new recipe I found on YouTube, and being outdoors hiking or fishing!
Jordan Eichelser, MD
St. George's University
Hey everyone! My name is Jordan. I was born and raised in Western Mass in a town called Pittsfield. I went to UMass Amherst for undergrad and received a Bachelor's in Biology. Once I graduated, I had the opportunity to work as a scribe at Berkshire Medical Center in the Emergency Department. I was there for 4 years (yes, you read that correctly… I was still trying to figure my life out) when I decided that I wanted to go to medical school. I went to St. George’s University, knowing all along that I was going to pursue emergency medicine after my experience as a scribe.
I chose Baystate for many reasons. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to rotate here during my fourth year, I was able to connect with current residents and alumni who were nothing but friendly and welcoming. When I worked alongside Baystate grads as a scribe, it was very apparent that they graduated feeling well-prepared and equipped to take on any challenge. Although my interview was on Zoom, I felt an instant sense of family and I could tell that resident wellness was a priority. I couldn’t ask for anything more in a program and I am so excited to be a part of the team!
Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my two dogs, doing all things outdoors, exploring new restaurants, and watching football (Go Dolphins)!
Samara Fox, MD
Yale School of Medicine
Hi there – I’m a Montreal native, New England transplant. I was torn between psychiatry and emergency medicine coming out of med school. I did a psych residency in Boston but could not let go of the stethoscope/ultrasound probe and signed up for residency round two. I experienced the Baystate ED many years ago when shadowing a friend in the EM program before deciding to go into medicine and still remember the collegiality and great learning atmosphere of the department.
Outside of residency, I love spending time with my wife and our dogs, cooking, gardening, and playing soccer and touch rugby.
Frances Kimball Russo, DO
Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolina's Campus
Hi Everyone! I grew up in Bridgton, Maine. Funny enough, after graduating High School I said I would “never take another science class.” While attending The University of Maine at Orono I unexpectedly took a job working as a Scribe in the Emergency Department in Bangor. Never say never. That ED is where I met the most wonderful mentors and officially began my path towards a calling in medicine. After completing my B.S. in Biology with a Pre-Med concentration, my husband and I moved to Virginia so I could pursue a Masters in Biomedical Science. That year I was accepted into VCOM. After finishing my Masters, I dragged my husband (willingly) to South Carolina where we have spent the last 4 years with our two outgoing crazy dogs.
I got the chance to rotate at Baystate during my 4th year auditions. I knew Baystate was the residency for me – it was just a feeling you get when you know you’re in the right place around the right people. I feel lucky!I’ll do almost anything at least once. I love to try new activities and travel new places. My hobbies range from reading to gem digging, mushroom foraging to playing piano, and baking bread to weight lifting. So excited to be joining the Baystate!!
Calvin Knox, DO
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-New York
Hi everyone, I’m Calvin! I was born in South Africa and moved to the US when I was four. My family has lived in Oakland, New Jersey since then, but we went back to visit South Africa whenever we could (let me know if you ever plan on traveling there). I studied Exercise Science at Rutgers New Brunswick, where I also ran track. After undergrad, I went back to South Africa for six months to volunteer in different hospitals. It was there that I had my first real taste of EM and grew to love it. Following that experience, I worked as a scribe while waiting to attend medical school in New York.
I did an ultrasound rotation at Baystate during my 4th year and knew, after one week, that it was going to be my top choice. The culture, faculty, facility, and patient population were exactly what I was looking for when searching for a program. Plus, there is great food in the area, tons of outdoor activities, and plenty of places to grab a drink.
Outside of the hospital, I love doing just about anything and I’m always down to try something at least once. I enjoy hiking, golfing, kayaking, eating, playing board games, and general traveling. During residency, I would like to improve my cooking skills, learn Spanish, and get back into hobbies like skiing, biking, and rock climbing! One day I would like to open a coffee shop or small restaurant that hosts adoption days for local animal shelters.
Lynn LeBlanc, DO
Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hey everyone, I’m Lynn! I grew up in Lebanon, NH, just two hours north of Baystate, though I have traveled all over New England. I moved to Vermont for undergrad at Castleton University (formerly Castleton State College) where I earned two degrees: one in Forensic Psychology and one in Chemistry. Following graduation, I worked full-time as Chief Medical Scribe in the ED in Rutland, VT for several years, where I first met and worked with a few of Baystate EM’s amazing alums! During this time, I also served in the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years with the 382ndMilitary Police Battalion, completing drill weekends at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, MA.
A couple of years after undergrad, I started working full-time as an EMT in Vermont until moving to Philadelphia, PA for graduate school, where I majored in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Forensic Medicine. Another move brought me to East Tennessee for medical school, where I knew from day one that I wanted to go into Emergency Medicine. During Fall of my 4th year, I had the privilege of rotating in the ED at Baystate and immediately felt at home. Everyone I had the pleasure to work with made me feel genuinely welcomed and like a valued member of the team. I knew that not only would Baystate’s high acuity and diverse, medically-complex patient population provide an excellent education, but their emphasis on resident wellness and camaraderie is what really stood out to me. I am very excited to join the Baystate family and to be moving back home to New England!
Outside of the hospital, you can find me curled up with a good book or movie, exploring new pubs and diners with friends, spending time with family in NH, hiking, running, powering through 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles in a single day, watching true crime documentaries, hitting up trivia nights at a local bar, or dog sitting for friends to get my puppy fix!
Stephanie Newsome, MD
St. George's University
Hey, everyone! I’m Steph. I grew up in Chicopee, MA, and graduated from Springfield College with a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a Minor in Psychology. After completing my undergraduate, I attended Elms College to obtain a Post-Baccalaureate in Pre-Medical Sciences. Throughout my undergraduate and post-graduate career, I worked at Baystate as a Unit Secretary, starting in the ICU. I loved working in the ICU because of all the great people and the fascinating cases we would get. It is what solidified my plan to become a doctor. I discovered Emergency Medicine during one of my clinical rotations in my third year. I instantly found my home. I loved everything about the ED; the residents I worked with were always willing to teach students. I knew it was the specialty for me.
Outside the Hospital, you can catch me reading a new book, binging a show, finding some great food, road-tripping, amateur interior designing, listening to True Crime shows, or doing a peloton workout. Tuende and Cody are the best! I have two fur babies. I have my 13-year-old cat Fuzzyman, who frequently has the zoomies still at 3 am, and I have my 7-year-old dog, Finnegan, who spends 90% of the day sleeping.
I chose Baystate because of the people! Everyone was so friendly and easy to talk to during my interviews. Even with interviews continuing to be virtual, I felt the family-like atmosphere through the screen. This added to the excellent training and diverse patient population, is everything I was looking for in a program. I am so excited to start this next chapter at Baystate!
Jennifer Nordbye, DO
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Hey there, I’m Jenny! I’m a lover of all things outdoors, traveling, food, and breweries. I grew up near Minneapolis (skol Vikings), so I’m a midwesterner at heart and you’ll often catch me putting Ranch dressing on anything edible. I moved away from the cold for a bit for medical school, first to Arizona and then to our Hawai’i campus for the past 3 years where I have soaked up all the sun I possibly can.
The first time I ever visited the northeast was for an away rotation in my 4th year of med school. I explored around while I was there, fell in love with New England and all there is to offer, and the rest is history! I met a mentor there who had trained at Baystate and had nothing but positive things to say about the culture and the program, which initially drew my interest. When I interviewed with the residents and faculty it felt so welcoming, even over Zoom, and it was such a fun-loving group of people I could definitely see myself spending the next several years of training with. Beyond being such a strong, diverse, high-volume EM training program, Baystate also showed a genuine appreciation for resident wellness that was hard to come by. I knew it was where I wanted to be!
Outside of the hospital, you can usually find me out exploring new places, checking out a local brewery or restaurant, taking a night in to catch up on my Netflix shows, hiking, or really doing anything outside. I love to travel, whether it’s a new country to see or a day trip to somewhere new nearby. I absolutely cannot wait to experience my first New England fall and to get back out on the ski slopes this winter for the first time in a few years!
Jacob Paul, DO
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hello!! I was born and raised in Kingston, NY, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. I went on to play baseball at Southern Connecticut State University while earning my B.S. in Exercise Science – Human Performance. After graduating, I worked for a few years as an exercise specialist and orthotic and prosthetic assistant. After this, I returned to school and earned my M.S. in Nutrition from Columbia University – Institute of Human Nutrition. I didn’t want to stop there, so I decided to further my education by attending medical school at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. In medical school, I served as the student government president and co-founded the lifestyle medicine club.
I decided to pursue Emergency Medicine because I fell in love with the teamwork atmosphere, the grassroots advocacy, and the fact that it feels like the rawest form of medicine, as you never know what you’ll get. I did not rotate at Baystate during my 4th year; however, I chose Baystate to come home! I missed the Northeast and living with family. Baystate checked every box for me and more, as it is somewhere I feel I can genuinely thrive personally and professionally. Baystate not only has high acuity and will provide tremendous educational experience but truly cares for their resident’s wellbeing.
Outside of medicine, you can find me spending time with my partner, our cat, and our baby boy. In my free time, I’m a big sports fan and movie buff. I Enjoy binging the latest shows, cooking, exploring local cuisine, and hitting the gym.
Kit Sitterley, DO
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi, I’m Kit! I grew up all over the United States, but I call Colorado and North Carolina home. After a long meandering career as an ice hockey player, taking me throughout North America and Europe, I graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Boston where I played collegiately and received my B.S. in Biology. After college, I spent a few years working in Orthopedics, Cardiology, traveling, and coaching on the side before attending medical school in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
My interest in Emergency Medicine is multifaceted, but was primarily born from being a hockey player and my experience with receiving and observing high-quality emergency care. After learning about Baystate, I knew I wanted to train there from the start – it was a gut feeling that simply never went away. Baystate has a great reputation and wonderful, supportive people. Their emphasis on resident well-being and a healthy work/life balance solidified it for me. To say I’m ecstatic about continuing my training at Baystate would be an understatement.
When I’m not in the ED you can usually find me trail running, fishing, golfing, alpine skiing or in search of a great IPA.
Rachel Truland, MD
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
I grew up in Troy, NY and completed my undergraduate degree at Hartwick College where I played soccer and majored in both biology and economics. The year after undergrad I worked for the Center for Craft Food and Beverage at Hartwick College getting laboratory experience in the craft beverage industry and was a teaching assistant on a trip to Portugal studying local food systems and fermentation science. During a second gap year I went back to healthcare and worked as an ED tech at Albany Medical Center where I was first exposed to the wonderful world of emergency medicine. I attended medical school at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Michigan.
I knew I wanted to head towards the northeast for residency and Baystate soon became a clear first choice. Even in a virtual environment, I could feel the sense of community and value for their residents. I was looking for a department with high volume, acuity, and diverse patient population and am confident Baystate will provide all of that and more.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my significant other, Iain, and our dog Reggie, skiing, hiking and traveling to new places. We are excited to explore our new home of Western MA!
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Oscar Barnes-Valldejuly, MD
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Hello everyone! I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and then went to the University of Dayton for my undergraduate education, where I majored in Pre-Med and minored in business administration. Right after graduating college I went back to Puerto Rico for medical school and now, against all recommendations against leaving my warm little island again for cold northeastern weather, I will be starting my intern year here in Baystate. Although I was not able to visit the institution personally during my 4th year of medical school, the way the faculty and program coordinators were willing to communicate, answer all questions, and make themselves available to me as an applicant really made me consider them as a top choice for residency training. Then, during interview day, I was sold on the program immediately and there were no remaining questions, as I felt this program could really be a second family during my training years.
I’m a huge soccer fan and you can find me supporting my teams easily as I am one of those that will be yelling the entire match whether we are winning or losing. I also enjoy playing golf, ping pong, bowling, and basically any sport anyone is willing to teach me. Going on hikes and kayaking is another simple pleasure of mine, and am looking forward to doing as much of that as possible throughout residency. Finally, when I’m not out exercising and exploring the world around me, I thoroughly like sitting around with friends and family with a nice beer or drink in hand and enjoying each other’s company.
During these next few years of my medical training, I hope to take away as much as I possibly can to become the best physician I am capable of. I also hope to help and inspire those around me any way I can to reach their goals as well. Very much looking forward to undertaking this next journey in my professional career!
Gabriella (Gabby) Bilyeu, DO
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hey everyone, my name is Gabby! I was born and raised in Spokane, WA and have spent almost my entire life in the Pacific Northwest. I made a small detour to Helena, MT for undergraduate at Carroll College where I graduated with two degrees: one to get me to medical school (Biology) and one that was inspired by my passion for traveling and other cultures (French). I worked as a scribe in the ED there for a few years during college but before too long, Washington called me back for medical school.
During my 4th year, I road tripped across the country to the northeast to get some exposure to the people and hospitals over here at which point I was lucky to come to Baystate in person and gain firsthand experience with the patient population, the flow of the department, the genuine interest the program has in developing well-prepared doctors, and the emphasis of a work-life balance.
And, speaking of balance, outside of the hospital you can find me out hiking/skiing/kayaking/snowshoeing if weather permits, inside doing yoga if weather doesn’t permit, hunting down some live music to drink beer to, snuggling up with a good book, and generally making my kitchen messy in the pursuit of something delicious to eat. I’m looking forward to some new memories on this side of the country, and can’t wait to be blown away by all the fall colors!
Geoffrey (Will) Fisher, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hey, I’m Will, I’m a lover of dogs, the outdoors, good beer and cast iron pans. I grew up in Tolland, Connecticut, did my undergrad at Stonehill College in Massachusetts where I received my Bachelors of Science in Biology, and given my weakness for lobster rolls, I attended medical school in Biddeford, Maine at UNECOM. After medical school, I spent several years as a Flight Surgeon with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. However, after 5 years of moving, 1 deployment to Afghanistan, and a lot of commuting to see my wife while she was doing her residency, I decided it was time to settle down, grow a beard, and pursue my original plan of doing emergency medicine.
I interviewed at a lot of really great EM programs, most of whom had the high volume, high acuity Level 1 Trauma facilities I was looking for, but only Baystate had all that AND a candy safe (a literal safe full of candy) for residents’ inevitable mid-shift sugar crashes. And while honestly, that was enough to sell me on their program, I also noticed that they had significantly more total interview spots throughout the interview season than any other program. When I asked about this during my own interview they said they believed in the idea that everyone who was qualified, deserved the chance to interview, and that applicants didn’t need to be stressing about refreshing their email faster than any other applicant just to reserve an interview spot. I knew, by and large, that most programs would give me the skills I needed to be a good EM physician, and that the residency training was going to be hard no matter where I went, but the fact that Baystate had faculty who were saying “We’re going to go the extra mile to make things as just a little less crazy and stressful for you”, really set them apart for me. That, and the free candy.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and dogs, either hiking or more often, watching the TV show “Alone” and talking about how we could DEFINITELY survive in the wilderness on our own, as we eat cheese and crackers on the couch. My career goal is to someday work in a remote rural part of the country where I can practice emergency medicine in a small community hospital and enjoy the great outdoors on my days off.
Meghan Harrington, MD
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Hey there, I'm Meghan! I grew up in Northampton, MA, and graduated from UMass Amherst with a bachelor's degree in biology. I spent the summer after undergrad getting my EMT certification, then worked on an ambulance for a year and a half before attending UMass Medical School.
As a medical student, I was a member of UMass' PURCH program, which allowed me to complete my two years of clinical training at Baystate. After rotating through Baystate's Emergency Department, I knew I wanted to stay for residency. The residents and faculty were so welcoming and interested in teaching, and I loved the program's emphasis on wellness. Moreover, I was confident that the department's volume, acuity, and diverse patient population would provide an excellent education.
When I'm not in the ED, you can find me on a beach, cooking, traveling, hanging with friends, or flipping furniture.
Grace Klanderud, MD
Creighton University School of Medicine
Hey guys, Grace here! I am a Midwest girl who spent most of my life, including undergrad, in the great state of Minnesota. I dreamed of being a doctor since I was in middle school and spent my college years prepping for applying to medical school including becoming an EMT. My time in EMS was when emergency medicine swept me off my feet, and there really was no question about specialty after that. I went to medical school at Creighton University and had the unique opportunity to complete my didactic years in Omaha and my clinical years in sunny Phoenix.
Outside the department I love to spend my free time being active and exploring the outdoors. I love both preparing and eating food of all types, but I definitely have a huge sweet tooth and make chocolate chip cookies as often as possible. I am a fur momma and big-time animal lover! I dream of having a hobby farm full of rescued animals someday. Other things I enjoy are coffee, traveling, binging tv, and thrifting!
I chose Baystate because of the incredible people. Everyone has been overwhelmingly friendly welcoming. Even though my interview day was virtual it was clear that the whole group is a family. I cannot wait to start this new adventure!
James Kramer, DO
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hey all! My name is James, but my friends call me Jimmie. I am a true Pacific Northwesterner, with my family having homesteaded in Oregon after making the trek in covered wagons via the Oregon Trail. I completed my Undergraduate at Western Oregon University and worked in several healthcare settings, even as a CNA at the hospital where One flew over the coocoo's nest was filmed, before completing medical school at Pacific Northwest University.
I first learned of the training atmosphere of Baystate after working with several alumni as an ED scribe on the West Coast. Seeing how every physician trained at Baystate advocated for their patients not just in the department but upon discharge and was able to hand any patient that walked or rolled through the door I knew Baystate would be the ideal place to train! Then having an opportunity to complete a rotation at Baystate I was impressed by not only the training the residents receive but also the commitment to community and resident wellbeing.
Outside of the hospital the PNW stereotype holds true because I wear plaid shirts and you can find me with my wife, daughter and husky either riding our bikes, hiking a mountain, golfing, or snowboarding down a hillside dependent on the time of the year.
Jinjoo Lee, DO
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi everyone, I’m Jinjoo! After moving around for a couple of years, it’s so great to be able to say I’m coming back home to Massachusetts! I grew up in Lexington MA and went to UMass Amherst for undergrad where I studied Nutrition. After college I moved to Wisconsin and worked as an ED tech and a barista at Starbucks before going to med school (unconventional combo I know but trust me they actually have more similarities than you would think).
I chose Baystate because I knew this was a program that was committed to not only training amazing physicians but also supporting and encouraging their residents as well! While I wasn’t able to rotate at Baystate, interacting with the faculty and residents during interview day really made me feel at home. Combine that with the diverse patient population and acuity that Baystate has to offer, I knew this was the program for me!
So excited to call Baystate home for the next 3 years and spend it with amazing faculty and co residents!
Zoe Lombard, DO
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus
Hi Friends! I am Zoe and I am from the Sunshine State. As a kid, my family took many vacations to Cape Cod, where I began to fall in love with New England. For undergrad, I went to Boston College where I played soccer for four years, go eags!! After undergrad, I moved to Alabama to train and play for USA Team Handball, which has taken me around the world and even gave me the opportunity to live in France. During that time I also worked as a heath coach and pursued my masters at the University of South Florida. Another move brought me to VCOM- Carolinas in the upstate of South Carolina for medical school. It was here where I adopted our dog Dunkin (yes after Dunkin’ Donuts) who is the best adventure buddy.
During my time off between undergrad and medical school, I worked in the local Emergency Department and fell in love. I loved the environment, the acuity, the banter, and the team-based approach. As I went through medical school, I always found myself gravitating back towards Emergency Medicine. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to rotate at Baystate during the fall of fourth year. By far the biggest thing that stood out to me were the people. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. They really made me feel apart of the team.
Some of my interests include: reading, hiking, traveling to new places, drinking lots of coffee, spike ball, and skiing. I’m excited to return to Massachusetts and begin my journey at Baystate!
Jacob (Jake) Luecke, MD
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Hey there, I’m Jake! I was born and raised in the cornfields of northern Illinois, then headed south to Missouri for an undergrad degree in Theology and Philosophy. Following school, I took time to travel and work all over the country, from engineering in the Rockies to woodworking and welding in Missouri, then up to the rocky coast of Maine for…wait for it…more school, and a job as an Emergency Department technician. Though I had experienced the medical field in previous positions, it wasn’t until I worked in the ED that I finally felt the coupling of who I was with what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: serve others and create meaningful connections while challenging myself and those around me to be better people and providers.
I attended UConn School of Medicine in Farmington, CT, and continued to fall in love with emergency medicine as well as the Pioneer Valley during my time there. When it came time to apply for residency, my priorities were staying in New England, a high acuity center, a program that truly cares for its residents, and an EM family I would vibe with and that would make me the best physician I could be. Baystate checked every box and more. I am beyond excited to serve Western Mass and work/train within the excellent tradition Baystate EM has established.
Aside from medicine, I can usually be found outside or eating food, or both at the same time. I love trail running, hiking, camping, woodworking, and drinking beer under a mountain night sky with my girlfriend and pup. Being from the Midwest, my downhill skiing is a work in progress, but I love cross country and all New England winters have to offer. My alternate career would be as a chef, so I love cooking and not following recipes, and exploring craft breweries and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. I can’t wait to explore Western Mass, learn about its people and cultures, and train alongside everyone at Baystate!
Brendan McFall, DO
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hello hello! I was born and raised in Southern California and have taken the scenic route through college and beyond. I worked for a a decade in various industries including marketing, retail, movie theatre, hair salon, auto body, and motorsports before pursuing medicine. I graduated undergrad from Cal Poly Pomona and then attended the SMP Program at Georgetown University prior to medical school at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine where I also completed a Masters in Management with concentration in Leadership at Troy University.
Emergency Medicine caught my eye from the start of medical school and core rotations but my interest really sparked after a Wilderness Medicine rotation and spending 5 days on the Delta River in Alabama learning how to treat patients and get them to higher level of care with minimal resources. I was also interested in various other specialties and spent two years in General Surgery prior to coming back to my roots. Baystate caught my eye with its exceptional training, very supportive program director and faculty, and the amazing family culture embodied by the entire department. I am very proud to call Baystate EM my home.
My wife Kimberly is in Family Medicine but we love spending time with our two dobermans Princess Peach and Princess Daisy hiking, canoeing, traveling, taking naps, and enjoying the sun. You can find us outside by a campfire with good company and beverages when the weather permits and sometimes when it doesn’t!
Sebastian Orman, MD
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Hey everyone! My name is Sebastian. I was born and raised in Connecticut. Growing up, I spent the majority of my time playing soccer, which culminated in a season-ending injury as a senior in high school. I spent a lot of time around doctors that year, which inspired me to shift my focus away from sports and instead on pursuing a career in medicine.
The following year, I moved to Washington D.C. where I attended Georgetown for college and medical school. During undergrad, I worked as an EMT and was exposed to both emergency medicine and orthopedics. I ended up spending a few years at Brown for orthopedic residency, and to make a long story short, I realized I missed everything that emergency medicine has to offer. Thanks to a very supportive program at Brown, I was able to make the big career switch!
During my third year of residency, I spent a month rotating at Baystate and absolutely fell in love with the program. There are so many amazing programs out there, but I ranked Baystate first because of the talented & caring attendings, the down-to-earth residents, the impressively high volume and acuity, and the special culture that challenges you while truly valuing your wellbeing.
Other than that, I love hiking, biking, running, and lifting. I’ve hiked in several state and national parks, and my goal is to explore as many of them as possible. I also enjoy a good sci-fi book and geeking out about space (if anyone wants to fund my Blue Origin flight, let me know!!).
Matthew (Matt) Senno, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
I'm Matt, and I'm from Rhode Island. I attended the University of New England in Maine for my undergrad. graduating with a degree in Psychology, and completed medical school there as well. A New Englander at heart, I have been lucky enough to rotate at many different hospitals throughout the area, and I am so happy to remain here to complete my residency training. The mix of a family atmosphere coupled with high quality academic training is what attracted me to the Baystate Emergency Medicine program.
Outside of medicine, you can find me on outdoor adventures trying to keep up with my dog Sebastian. I have also started to explore the world of wildlife and nature photography, which has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the wildlife that is found within New England. My first true love is drumming though, and I spend a lot of time trying to find new bands to go and see (or drum with).
Syara Slaughter, DO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hello! My name is Syara. Unlike everyone else, I can't really say that I have a hometown. My parents were in the military when I was younger and I have moved a ton. I was born in Fort Benning, Georgia and have lived in Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Indiana, and Maryland! Now I'll be adding Massachusetts to the list!
For undergrad, I attended Rice University in Houston, Texas where I majored in Cognitive Sciences and minored in Anthropology and Biochem/Cell Bio. (After my mom reassured me that it was a real school and she was not playing a joke about my love of rice the food). After a gap year, I attended graduate school at PCOM Georgia where I received a masters in Biomedical Sciences and did research on antibiotic development. I then stayed at PCOM Georgia for medical school.
Although I was not able to perform a rotation at Baystate, I could not be more excited to join the program. While the high acuity and amazing teaching faculty would be enough to draw anyone in, what really sold me on the program was how easy it was to talk with everyone from the residents to the PD during interview day and their commitment to wellness.
When I'm not working you can probably find me napping under the sun, reading a new book, hunting for a new eating spot, planning my next trip, or trying to learn a new language.
Andrew Tan, DO
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hi everyone! My name is Andrew, I was born and raised in NYC and have spent most of my life in the city. I completed undergrad at NYU, had a great time living in the heart of Manhattan, and went to medical school at NYITCOM. The main thing that drew me to EM was the high acuity cases, having the knowledge set to handle any type of situation, and the happiness and enthusiasm of the residents and medical staff while working. In my free time, I really enjoy going hiking, skiing, or going on impromptu weekend vacations. I also love exploring different restaurants and trying different types of foods.
I was drawn to Baystate from how much they valued their residents, with a heavy focus on wellness and education. From speaking with the attendings and residents, I could see that Baystate really fostered a welcoming environment for their residents to grow and learn emergency medicine while allowing them to balance their time to enjoy their personal lives outside of medicine. That in addition to the high volume and caliber of cases as well as the procedural exposure put Baystate at the top of my list!
Ashley Tracy, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
I grew up in the suburbs south of Atlanta, GA, and spent all of my childhood in the southern US until I moved to Costa Rica as a teenager. After spending five years there, I did my undergraduate at Kennesaw State University in GA studying International Affairs and Political Science. I also worked as an ED scribe for three years and ultimately decided to pursue medicine. I did medical school at UNECOM in Maine which allowed me to explore the Northeast for the first time.
I was fortunate enough to do 3 different rotations at Baystate, and what I loved most was how welcoming everyone was and how multiple people went out of their way to help me. I found the people at Baystate to be humble, genuine, and confident, and I knew that I wanted to be part of a program that would help highlight those traits in me as well. I am interested in Peds EM and toxicology but I have an open mind as to where my career will take me!
When I’m not working you can usually find me hanging out somewhere outdoors with my husband and my rambunctious one year old daughter. I also have two grumpy old cats who love to play with toys as long as they can stay stationary. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and swimming, and I love to try out new restaurants or coffee shops. I’m trying to get into biking as well now that the little one is old enough to tag along. I am passionate about music and singing in choirs and watching Broadway musicals. My family and I try to get back to Costa Rica as often as we can, and we hope to one day own a house down there!
Jenna Wells, MD
University of Vermont College of Medicine
I was born and raised in rural Vermont and am very proud to be a Vermonter! Yes, I love maple syrup and I carry a small bottle around for my coffee. I went to Stony Brook University on Long Island for undergrad, worked in clinical research in the emergency department there for a year and then moved back to VT. Before attending medical school at The University of Vermont, I was a ski instructor, worked in the UVM ED as a scribe and research coordinator, and worked at a rural assisted living home. I cannot publicly report how many days I skied during medical school, but it is more than you are thinking. I love alpine/backcountry/XC skiing, biking, hiking, trail running, traveling, paddle boarding, quality craft beer, interior design projects, and spending time with my friends and family.
I am very excited to be pursuing my dream career in emergency medicine and am really looking forward to this adventure at Baystate! Even through a virtual interview, the incredible people at Baystate stood out. The emphasis on a strong emergency medicine education with resident wellness at the forefront was essential to me and Baystate checked the boxes. I am also thankful to still be close to my family in VT who are just a drive away!
PG3
Colleen Bannigan, DO
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine -Virginia Campus, Blacksburg, VA
Hey there, I'm Colleen! I was born and raised in Herndon, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. I attended Virginia Tech (go Hokies!) where I served as a student athletic trainer for the university’s women's soccer team and received a B.S. in Human Nutrition, Food, and Exercise. Following undergrad, I joined the Peace Corps and moved to a rural South African village where I worked as an HIV/AIDS outreach volunteer. After this rewarding experience, I returned to the U.S. and scribed for an orthopedic hand surgeon before attending VCOM for medical school.
I fell in love with EM following a month in Honduras, spent working in the ED at Hospital Escuela -- a public hospital in Tegucigalpa -- during my third year clinicals, and never looked back! While I was unable to rotate at Baystate during fourth year, it was always on my radar as someone who grew up vacationing in Cape Cod every summer. When considering programs, I had my sights set on both Massachusetts and a high-volume center with diverse patient population, longitudinal pediatrics, and international opportunities. I also wanted a program that supported my interest in pursuing a sports medicine fellowship. Baystate checked all of those boxes -- and as my final interview of the season, it became clear that I had saved the best for last!
In my free time, I enjoy golfing, skiing, and cheering for the Hokies and New England’s professional sports teams. My guilty pleasure is reality TV -- most notably 90 Day Fiancé and Summer House. I also enjoy traveling and photography and hope to dive back into these passions soon.
I’m very excited to have an opportunity to train at Baystate and become part of this awesome family!
Dean Cataldo, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME
I was born and raised on the coast of Massachusetts on Plum Island. I then went to UMass Amherst and found my love for medicine. I spent a few years after getting my undergrad degree working as a social worker outside of Boston with low-income elders. Then I went to UNECOM for medical school and got to learn medicine while still being able to surf a few times a week.
Now, my wife and I are very excited to move back out to Western Mass – where we both lived while going to UMass together. We can’t wait to hit the slopes, trails, and breweries in the area.
Colton Conrad, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Howdy! Colton here. I grew up in Boone, North Carolina and consider it home. I became interested in medicine by accident when taking an anatomy class during high school. After graduating from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology, I worked as a patient care technician in the emergency department of a local medical center. The hospital was a level 1 with a large rural catchment area. Working in the emergency department and seeing the acuity of patients and camaraderie of the staff convinced me emergency medicine was right for me.
I moved to Massachusetts in 2017 to attend the University of Massachusetts Medical School where I was enrolled in the PURCH track – a satellite campus of UMass whose home base is at Baystate Medical Center. My first experience in the Baystate ED was during my second year of medical school. I remember being pleasantly surprised at just how nice everyone was! Additionally, I was reminded of the hospital I previously worked in with an urban vibe and high acuity, but an arm that stretches deep into the surrounding rural areas. Since that moment three years ago, Baystate EM was where I wanted to be.
My fiancée is a South Boston native, third-year medical student interested in internal medicine and is a future Baystate resident hopeful. We love Western Massachusetts and hope to stay for a while! We like the outdoors, barbeque, binging TV series, and our cat Roxy.
Laura Director, MD
University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Hello! I'm from Maine and love New England so much I went to both college and medical school here. In addition to loving all things Maine, I am a big fan of skiing, biking (mountain and road), ocean activities, lifting heavy things, all things Carolina basketball, fine-tipped pens, bourbon, and most importantly my dog. I knew EM was for me when I was working in Alta, Utah at a mountain-side clinic and never looked back.
After my interview at Baystate, I was left with the impression of a strong sense of community and an emphasis on wellness. I knew I wanted to train at a busy, high acuity center with a diverse population and Baystate is exactly that. Not to mention it's close to the Basketball Hall of Fame, and who isn't excited about that?!? I'm looking forward to joining the Baystate family and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to train at a wonderful program.
Julianne Earle, DO
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine Glen Head, NY
Hey peeps! I’m Julianne - born and raised on the Southeast coast of Massachusetts in a little place called Fall River, less than two hours away. I am ecstatic to be returning home to MA for residency because my family means everything to me, and I couldn’t be happier to be at Baystate. My last four years have been spent at NYIT-COM in Long Island, NY, but prior to that I graduated from Stonehill College where I majored in Biology, minored in Spanish. I was an Emergency Medicine Scribe for just over a year after undergrad, and truly felt right at home. My mentors, my attendings, the nursing staff that I worked with just set the experience apart for me. Even through medical school, there was just nothing that compared to being in the ED.
Outside of the ED, I’m a Red Sox and Pats fan (yes, even after Brady) who loves cooking and food, the beach, iced coffee, hip hop and trap/rap music, puppies, DIY projects/home improvement, scrapbooking, camping, exploring new places, community service, and Netflix. I also love to travel, but that’s been temporarily put on pause until safe to do so!
In a year filled with unknowns during this application cycle, the one thing I did know was that Baystate was for me. It was probably the easiest decision to make because right off the bat (no pun intended), I knew this institution valued me as a doctor, a human, a woman, and a team player. From the strong emphasis on a culture of resident well-being to the way I immediately felt comfortable joining in on virtual resident game nights on Zoom - I had no doubt that this was where I belonged. It was truly a testament to the community at Baystate, and I consider myself so lucky to be here.
Teana Gravel, DO
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glen Head, NY
Hello everyone! I was born and raised in southeastern Massachusetts and am so excited to be returning to my home state! I went to undergrad at UMass Amherst where I played rugby and received my B.S. in Neuropsychology. After graduating, I spent two years working as a scribe for various specialties where I was able to connect with many amazing physicians who mentored me. During this time is when I ended up falling in love with emergency medicine.
I chose Baystate because I had my sights set on returning home to MA and wanted to be somewhere with a high volume and diverse patient population to maximize my education. I am also interested in working with vulnerable populations, and Baystate offers the opportunity to do this both locally and abroad. After meeting the people at Baystate, I knew it was the place for me and felt like home (even through virtual interviews). Everyone was so welcoming, and I knew it was somewhere I would not only become the best physician I can be, but also somewhere I would have fun doing it at the same time.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our dogs, Cairo and Cleo, traveling to find the best beaches, cooking, eating, and wine. I play many sports, and I also enjoy the occasional hike which will be even more accessible in beautiful Western MA. I am very excited to join the Baystate family on this journey!
Georgina Koutouzis, DO
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine -Virginia Campus, Blacksburg, VA
Hi, I’m Geo! I was born in Hartford, CT, and raised just 40 minutes away from Baystate where I grew up helping with the family restaurant business. I attended UConn as an undergraduate, where I created my own major called Human Health & Multiculturalism, while working full time as a bar manager. I decided to take a few gap years, during which time I also worked as an EMT part-time and received a master’s degree in Biotechnology at Johns Hopkins. I just graduated from VCOM for medical school and am excited for this next step in my journey!
I knew from my first EMT shift that I wanted to go into emergency medicine. The fast pace, quick decision-making skills, and ability to connect with a wide variety of people also (oddly enough) mirrored everything I enjoyed about running a bar. Although I did not have the pleasure of doing an audition rotation at Baystate, this program had always been on my radar, as it had a great local reputation. I knew I wanted to return to the Northeast to practice medicine and I have a lot of fond memories of Western MA growing up (going to Six Flags, the Big E, etc.). Baystate met all the criteria I was looking for in a program and exceeded my already high expectations during the resident social and interview day.
In my free time, I enjoy visiting new coffee shops, browsing antique/thrift stores, doing anything crafty/ DIY, and lounging around with my cat, Poopsie. I’m thrilled to come back home to New England and train at a great program with a group of awesome co-residents.
Kelsie Mitchell, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME
Hey everyone! I'm Kelsie, born and raised in Massachusetts. I’m returning to western Mass having studied Public Health at UMass Amherst for undergrad. After graduating, I did a 180 and moved to California to work harvest at a winery in Sonoma. Among some of the most beautiful views I'll ever have at a workplace, I decided I liked caring for people more than caring for wine, and I returned to Mass to apply to medical school. First as a scribe then as tech in the ER, I was introduced to emergency medicine and grew to love the camaraderie among the chaos.
I attended the University of New England in Maine where I was intent on applying to emergency medicine. Well…my clinical years did try to sway me, but ultimately, it was my rotation at Baystate during a pandemic that I felt most at home. While COVID-19 brought changes to medical education, from day one at Baystate I was supported by program leadership. Residents were open and welcoming, the pathology diverse, and the academic resources numerous. Above all, however, there was a sense of community at Baystate that I knew would be difficult to replicate elsewhere, and I’m ecstatic to call Baystate my home for the next three years.
Alyssa Muchisky, MD
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA
My name is Alyssa and I am originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania. I attended the University of Scranton where I graduated with a degree in Biology in 2016. During my time in college, I spent a semester at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and developed a love for traveling and exploring new places. During my gap year, I worked as a sales rep at a local mall and saved up enough to travel to Italy and Greece before starting medical school at GCSOM. In my spare time I like to hike, try new restaurants, and chill with some good wine and Netflix. My favorite past time is taking afternoon naps with my two cats, Peppermint and Piper.
Baystate was the top choice for residency for both my significant other, Sahil (an incoming EM intern!) I for many reasons. We both wanted to go someplace that would challenge us academically and expose us to high volume of critically ill patients. More importantly, we looked for a place that would support each of us individually and as a couple as we navigate residency. Baystate has all of this to offer and more. I truly felt like the residents I met prior to my interview were extremely happy to be there and loved the program. On interview day, it was evident that the faculty really cared about the residents and were committed to making the program the best it could be. I really believe they live up to the “work hard, play hard” motto and I am beyond excited to be joining the Baystate family!
Caleb Noone, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Hey everyone, I’m Caleb! I grew up in a small town in Southern Maine. My undergrad degree is from UMass-Amherst, where I studied sports management. After college, I moved to Chicago for 4 years and worked as an account executive for a few companies; including Groupon when it was a small startup. When I realized this was not the career path for me, I applied to Teach for America. The Americorps program placed me in rural Arkansas near the Mississippi River. I taught high school math and coached basketball. During my 3rd year of teaching, I started taking pre-medical courses at night and my path to medicine began.
I ultimately ended up back at UMass for medical school where I was lucky enough to complete my 3rd and 4th year clinical rotations at Baystate. This is where I became attracted to emergency medicine. The diversity of patients, fast-paced atmosphere and teamwork are what drew me to the specialty. After deciding on EM, choosing to train at Baystate was a no-brainer. From the first day I set foot in the department I felt comfortable and welcomed. The faculty, residents and staff are all dedicated to training exceptional EM physicians, creating a family environment and promoting wellness.
Outside of medicine, I love going on adventures and exploring the world with my wife and 4 year old daughter. We enjoy any activities that get us out in nature like camping and hiking. My interests also include trail running, road cycling, rock climbing, woodworking and DIY projects!
Emily Norman, MD
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
Hi everyone! My name is Emily and I grew up in Amherst, MA. I could not be more excited to return to Western MA for residency. I went to Vassar College for undergrad where I majored in Biology and Anthropology. After graduation, I attended Columbia University where I obtained my Masters in Public Health with a focus in Epidemiology and Global Health. During that program, I was lucky enough to live in Durban, South Africa for six months where I worked as a research assistant on a project involving STI treatment. I then switched gears and worked as a paraprofessional in a first grade classroom while I applied to medical school. Next on my tour of the Northeast was a stop in Hanover, NH for medical school at Dartmouth.
I knew I was interested in Emergency Medicine from the first day of medical school as my dad and sister are both ED nurses. I also knew that I wanted to go to Baystate for residency as I had heard from many different people that the program has the perfect mix of high acuity, diverse patient population, and a caring and welcoming environment to learn. Although I was sad to not be able to visit Baystate as a visiting student due to COVID, the strengths of the program and close relationships were apparent even over Zoom.
In my free time, I love to swim, bike, cook, read novels, watch bad reality TV and hang out with my family!
Sahil Pandya, MD
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA
Hey everybody, I’m Sahil! I am a lifelong northeastern Pennsylvania native. I grew up in Allentown, where I attended both high school and college at Muhlenberg College. My Emergency Medicine journey began my senior year of college, where I worked as a scribe at Lehigh Valley Hospital and had the opportunity to work with amazing mentors that helped guide my career path to EM. After graduating college, I took a year off where I applied to medical school, continued my work as a scribe, and learned about the joys of traveling. I was accepted to Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, PA (home of the Office) and now am leaving the nest of Northeast PA and traveling further north to Springfield, Massachusetts! When I’m not busy doing medicine-related activities, I love to travel, hike, spend time with my significant other (Alyssa Muchisky – another incoming EM intern!) and our two chonky cats, Peppermint and Piper.
In a time of unprecedented virtual interviews, Baystate stood out to me for multiple reasons. Despite the virtual setting, my interactions with the current residents and hearing about their supportive culture and overall experience in the program really jumped out. Moreover, interacting and talking with the program leadership and faculty on the interview day left me with those warm fuzzy feelings - I knew this was the right program for me. After these experiences, I knew that this program would train me to be an excellent emergency physician while supporting Alyssa and me as we navigate residency. We both are incredibly excited to begin the next stage of our life and join the Baystate EM team!
Michael Penna, DO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA
I am a Western Mass native who grew up in the Berkshires in the tiny hill town of Washington. I completed undergrad at Providence College, where I majored in psychology. After college, I still wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I worked on clinical research trials for the treatment of alcohol dependence at Yale while I tried to figure it out. Once I had decided on medical school, I entered a post-baccalaureate program at UMass Dartmouth to complete the necessary prefer courses. I also worked as an emergency department scribe at Berkshire Medical Center before starting med school. That was where my love story with emergency medicine really began.
I think the best way to judge a residency program is by looking at the type of physician it puts out into the world. I was fortunate to work with many Baystate EM grads and residents during my time at Berkshire Medical Center. I quickly saw that they were not only incredible clinicians but also incredible people. They were well-equipped to handle whatever came through the door and, believe it or not, they had lives and personalities outside of medicine. Even before med school started, I knew Baystate was where I wanted to train someday, and I am ecstatic that day has finally come.
Outside of the hospital, I like to spend my time on hiking trips, cooking with my fiancé, playing basketball, and golfing (poorly).
Ana Maleesa Santos, MD
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
I am Ana Maleesa Santos, I go by Maleesa to most everyone. I am from Albany, NY and I went to Eastern Nazarene College for undergrad and I went to medical school at UMass med. I played soccer all four years of undergrad, after that, I took two years between college and medical school. I worked as a patient care technician in the emergency room at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, NY. That is where my love for emergency medicine began.
I first heard about Baystate at UMass, where it's reputation for excellent resident training and resident wellness preceded itself. I was fortunate to be able to rotate at Baystate in summer of my fourth year where I was able to see that its reputation held up in person. The patients were sick and complicated and yet the residents seemed at ease with taking care of them. Every person who was working in the ER seemed like they were there to help each other be the best provider they could be, and I knew from the first week that was where I wanted to train.
When I'm not in the hospital you can find me either reading, on the couch watching Netflix, on the soccer field, or on the golf course.
Emily Schaffer, DO
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME
Hello! My name is Emily and I am so excited to be pursuing emergency medicine at Baystate! I am originally from the small town of Litchfield in southern New Hampshire. My undergraduate journey was tangential but enabled me to hit three corners of the United States, including Miami, Florida, Boston, Massachusetts, and Eugene, Oregon. I obtained my B.S. from the University of Oregon in biology and human physiology with a minor in chemistry. Following undergraduate, I initially worked as a medical scribe alongside a movement disorder specialist. I later became a clinical trials coordinator in pediatric anesthesiology. Following this position, I became a project manager in medical imaging at a clinical research organization.
My inspiration for entering emergency medicine stems from my mom, who is an emergency medicine physician assistant. Her first day of undergraduate was my first day of first grade, and during middle school I often helped her to study in between soccer games and drama club. When she started working in emergency medicine, I was drawn to the wide breadth of stories and people she was able to help. Despite trying to keep an open mind on my rotations, I found myself drawn back to emergency medicine for the pace, diversity, and ability to develop a differential. I was able to perform research at Baystate on medication assisted treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the emergency setting and loved working with the medical providers at Baystate. During my interviews with Baystate, I gained a sense of belonging while feeling confident that my training would be exemplary.
In my free time, I am a cornhole board creator and enthusiast. In the summers, you can find me wakeboarding and boating with family. In the winters, you can catch me snowboarding on the slopes. My backup career is being a Facebook market flipper, which started with my love of furniture restoration. I have been a singer since the moment I learned to speak and once sang backup for Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block. I love social events, live music, and sporting games. A fun fact about me is that on my 12th birthday I decided to become vegetarian and have not eaten meat for the past 18 years since then!
I am so excited to join the Baystate EM family and look forward to this next step in my journey.
Bessie Young, MD
University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA
Hi! I’m Bessie or Bes. I grew up in New Jersey and for undergrad went to nearby Amherst College. I fell in love with this area the moment I saw the Holyoke Range and that feeling has kept leading me back here. I studied art in college and, after a few years abroad photographing elder care homes, came back to the Pioneer Valley for a post-bacc program. Now, after five years in the Bay Area for an MD/MS, I’m so excited to be returning to a place I love.
Baystate won my heart during the pre-application zooms. I found everyone to be so kind and welcoming and talking to faculty and residents brought back all my fondest memories of the area. The program felt like home, and I knew it was a place where I would be supported and challenged in equal measure.
In my free time, I like building stuff, growing stuff, cooking stuff, and laughing at stuff, usually with friends but sometimes just with my cat, Winifred.