Family Medicine First-Year Residents

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose Family Medicine because I want to ultimately end up in rural Missouri. I felt that the relationships with my patients, the broad scope, the preventative medicine, and the ability to pursue additional fellowship training that also allows me to further serve rural Missourians were the reasons Family Medicine was so attractive to me. 

Why did you choose the University of Missouri: I chose the University of Missouri because of the faculty, staff, and the respect the Family Medicine program has within the University's hospital system. Dr. Ringdahl has been the program director for many years, which is a great sign that is a great place to be as I know she cares about the residency program and each resident themselves. Many of our faculty members were either students or residents of our programs, which also indicate that this is a great place to be as many tend to return and/or stay. Our Sports Medicine faculty are great teachers and really take pride in preparing residents that are interested in pursuing a fellowship early on in their residency. 

Hometown, family, pets, and hobbies: I am from a small town in rural Missouri just an hour north of Columbia. I have 5 siblings, most of which still reside in and around my hometown. I am married to my beautiful wife Abby who is also a nurse. We just had our first baby girl in April of 2023, whose name is Harlyn Elayne and she is the absolute best! We also have a golden retriever named Izzy who we love to spend time with. I enjoy working out, hiking, and, spending time with Abby, Harlyn and Izzy, and watching my nieces and nephews compete in athletic competitions.

Random fact/facts about you: I have sat in a B2 bomber. I also made a half court shot at a Mizzou Basketball game for $5,000 when I was in undergrad.

Specialty Interests: I plan to complete a primary care sports medicine fellowship. I am also interested in rural and preventative medicine.  

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose Family Medicine because it has always been my passion to help underserved and rural communities. I love being on the front lines of healthcare and working with patients of all ages through a broad range of pathologies. Between developing meaningful relationships with patients and witnessing the impact a PCP could make on people's lives, I knew Family Medicine was for me.

Why you chose University of Missouri: I chose the University of Missouri because it was the perfect mix for me of academic medical training and a passionate focus on rural physician training. I know without a doubt that this program would help me become the type of physician I have always wanted to be.

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I grew up in a small rural town just outside of Peoria, IL. My wife is a Pediatric resident, and we are the proud "Fur-Parents" of two dogs and a cat (our "fur children"). I enjoy spending time with my wife and pets, weightlifting, playing video games and table top board games like D&D, reading fantasy & sci-fi, and being an all around super nerd.

Random fact/facts about you: My wife and I have a dream to have our own ranch someday with a variety of different livestock. We are huge animal lovers.

Specialty interests: I have specialty interest in Rural primary care and acute care.

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose family medicine because I wanted to take care of people of all ages and treat a wide variety of health conditions. During medical school I enjoyed taking care of adults, kids, and pregnant people, so family medicine was the perfect fit. I love the trust and relationships you build with patients in family medicine, and the continuity of care that is provided.

Why you chose University of Missouri: I chose Mizzou because of the people! From my first interactions with the program all the way through my interview day, everyone I met and talked with was extremely kind, welcoming, and very passionate about Family Medicine. I was also drawn to the program because of the opportunities to work in a rural clinic. I really liked the idea of working in both a large academic center and a small rural clinic. For me, that seemed like the best of both worlds! 

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I’m from Kewanee, IL, a small town in central Illinois. Growing up in a small town is really what developed my interests in rural medicine.  My family all live in Illinois, but thankfully it’s only a quick 4-hour drive from Columbia! My parents are both retired teachers and have inspired me to both help people and incorporate medical education into my career as a physician. I have two cats: Millie and Noodle. They’re usually finding new ways to cause chaos and are always keeping me entertained! In my free time I like to read, bake, go to thrift stores, ride my bike, and play with my cats! 

Random fact/facts about you: My hometown is the Hog Capital of the World! 

Specialty interests: I plan to practice in a rural area once I complete residency. I like the broad-spectrum care that is provided in a rural setting and navigating health concerns specific to rural populations. I am also interested in women’s health and addiction medicine.  

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose family medicine because I love getting to build relationships with my patients and seeing patients of all age groups! There is truly never a dull moment. From newborn babies to geriatric patients, we get to see it all! Family medicine also allows me to get to know my patients over time and really care for them as a person rather than just treat specific symptoms, which is what drew me to medicine in the first place.

Why you chose University of Missouri: I chose the University of Missouri because their family medicine program offers some of the best training in the country. I knew by choosing the University of Missouri, I would learn to become a well-rounded family medicine doctor.  I also just really love Columbia! After going to undergrad at Mizzou, I knew a piece of my heart would always be a Tiger. On top of Columbia being the best, I get to train side by side with my sister who is a 2nd year family medicine resident training at the University of Missouri. It has been a dream of ours to be back in the same town!

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I am from a town not too far from here-- St. Charles, MO.  I grew up knowing I wanted to go into medicine after having the best role models. My dad as a family medicine doctor and mom as a pediatric nurse. My sister and I now both live in Columbia and I have the cutest little nephew in the world! My younger brother just started law school at WASH U in St. Louis keeping all the siblings close to each other! I just recently got married before residency began to my AMAZING husband who cares for me so well.  We met at our church in Springfield, MO while I was on my clinical rotations for medical school. We love to explore all the fun restaurants Columbia has to offer and bike on the MKT together.

Specialty interests: When I finish residency, I plan to work in an outpatient clinic at an FQHC. I love working at my current clinic, Compass health and hope to continue working at a similar place when I graduate. I am passionate about global medicine and women’s health!

Why you chose Family Medicine: I decided to pursue a career as a family physician because it aligns with my philosophy of holistic care. It's not just about taking care of individuals; it's about extending that care to their families and communities as well. Even though I originally come from Springfield, Illinois, I chose to be part of this program because Mizzou and Columbia have become my family and community ever since starting my undergraduate and medical school journeys here at MU. My aspiration is to create a comprehensive practice that encompasses maternity care, pediatrics, and adult medicine, all while placing a strong emphasis on mental health and overall well-being at every stage of life.

Why you chose Family Medicine: I went to medical school wanting to do Family Medicine, and my rotations here fully solidified that decision. I love caring for people of all ages, managing complex illnesses, treating acute and chronic diseases, doing small procedures, and, most importantly, taking care of whole families while building meaningful, long-lasting relationships with my patients. 

Why you chose University of Missouri: Choosing Mizzou Family medicine was an easy decision for me. I went to medical school at Mizzou and worked closely with the faculty. I knew that this program would be hard to beat, not only because of the medical diversity Mizzou FM encompasses and the ability to confidently practice in any setting following residency, but also due to the wonderful encounters I had with FM physicians here, through whom I saw many of my own qualities. Their patient-centeredness, teaching passion, and knowledge of community resources for their patients is what truly drew me to this program as I was seeing those same qualities and skills instilled in the residents. Mizzou offers an academically competitive, nationally- recognized program in a warm and welcoming environment. Furthermore, Columbia is a cute community, offering everything you need in a small radius with abundant outdoor activities to explore.

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: In my free time I enjoy binging silly comedy shows, travelling abroad, spending time with family, and exploring some of the many parks in COMO. I love hunting a "good deal,” whether that is retail shopping, finding airline or hotel deals, or where I complete my residency (😉).

Random fact/facts about you: I grew up in Athens, Greece and moved to the US when I was 18 for college.  I plan to practice mostly outpatient family medicine, maybe academic medicine later in life. 

Why you chose Family Medicine: I have always wanted to be a Family Medicine physician. I enjoy truly getting to know my patients and providing for all aspects of their care, and I love caring for patients of all ages and walks of life. I also like the variety that comes with Family Practice, from acute illnesses and injuries to managing chronic diseases, from prenatal care and delivering babies to geriatrics and end-of-life care. To me, primary care embodies the heart of medicine.

I'm a Missouri girl, born and raised. I grew up in a small town near Springfield and attended Mizzou for both my undergraduate and medical education. With one of the best Family Medicine programs in the country, it only made sense to attend residency here, as well! I was drawn in by the brilliant and compassionate faculty in the Department of Family Medicine here, the opportunities for rural practice, and the strong integration of obstetrics training, hospital medicine, and procedural skills into our curriculum. I am excited and honored to be a part of this program, and I can't wait to continue serving the people of Missouri for many years to come.

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, playing board games and video games, and attending concerts. My husband and I live in Boonville, and we enjoy hiking, biking the Katy Trail, kayaking, birding, and cuddling with our rescue dog, Vinny.

Specialty interests: My special interests include rural medicine, mental health, obstetrics/women's health, preventative care, and LGBTQ+ health. I'm striving to create a well-rounded, full-scope, inclusive practice for my patients, where I can provide holistic, patient-centered care.

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose family medicine because I wanted a career that allowed me to take care of people of all ages and provide a full scope of practice to patients and their families. I really enjoy the variety of primary care and preventing chronic disease. 

Why you chose University of Missouri: I chose MU family medicine for many reasons. I went to mizzou for undergraduate and had always heard outstanding things about the family medicine program here. I spent a month at MU as a sub intern working in outpatient clinic and on the inpatient service and fell in love with everything about the program especially the faculty and residents. I am interested in pursuing a sports medicine fellowship and chose MU because I knew that the fellowship was offered here and would get plenty of exposure to sports medicine. 

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I am from north Kansas City and have 2 younger siblings who are currently at MU. My sister is a 3rd year medical student and brother is a junior in undergrad. My fiancé is now a second-year medical student at mizzou. My family is very important to me, and I am definitely not short on family and support in Columbia! I enjoy spending quality time with my fiancé, trying new recipes, and walking our dog, Jingles. In my free time I like to work out, water ski, play guitar, and go golfing with friends. There are plenty of opportunities for fun in Columbia and I love living here. 

Random fact/facts about you: I got engaged 4 months ago and am getting married in 2025. I am also in a rock band named Harbour with my uncles. 

Specialty interests: Sports medicine, mental health, volunteer health clinics

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose Family Medicine because I love the idea of seeing patients throughout their whole lives. I enjoy getting to know my patients and building a rapport with them. I also really love how hands on Family medicine can be. The opportunity to get trained in a large variety of office procedures was a big draw for me with Family Medicine.

Why you chose University of Missouri: I chose the University of Missouri for several reasons. I saw that this program would provide a strong foundation in all areas of Family Medicine so that I would feel confident in my abilities once I was practicing on my own. This program has a strong sports medicine presence and with my passion for that area of Family Medicine, I found it to be another great fit for me. During my interview, I also felt an immediate connection with both the faculty and the current residents. Everybody was genuinely interested in getting to know me and seemed invested in my success. This has certainly been the case during my time here as well. Finally, I am a Midwesterner at heart and Columbia certainly checked that box for me.

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I am originally from Altoona, Iowa which is a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa. My older brother and parents still live in that area along with our family dog, Pinot. I played football for a couple of years at Wartburg College in Northern Iowa before deciding to pursue a career in medicine. I then moved to Kansas City for medical school and have been living in Missouri since. When I am not working, I enjoy staying active by lifting weights and cycling. I play in a sand volleyball league with some of my co-residents and try to squeeze in a round of golf as often as I can. With my background in sports, I enjoy watching just about anything sports related and volunteered to be commissioner of our residency fantasy football league. I am a huge foodie, whether it be cooking at home or getting out to explore all the restaurants that Columbia has to offer. I run an Instagram page dedicated to nachos and am in search of the best nachos Columbia has to offer.

Specialty interests: I am particularly interested in sports medicine and plan on pursuing a sports medicine fellowship after I complete my residency. I am still undecided on which level of sports I would like to cover, however, my first choice for coverage would probably be football.

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose Family Medicine because I like to know and be good at everything! I also really enjoy helping and guiding people to the right answers, even if I can’t always provide those answers myself.

Why you chose University of Missouri: I went to medical school here and it was an incredible experience overall. The physicians, nurses, and patients all made the choice to remain in Missouri for residency a very easy decision.

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies:  I’m from the east coast but don’t miss it at all. My Wife and 2 kids have lived here for about 9 years and don’t plan on going very far to lay down some roots. We garden, walk the trails, and get too involved with BBQing in our spare time!

Random fact/facts about you: I served in the Army for 8 years and look forward to continuing to serve our Vets through my medical practice.

Specialty interests: I like all aspects of medicine and haven’t found any one area I’d like to further explore just yet.

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose family medicine because I wanted greater continuity and follow up with my patients. I wanted to be the doctor that patients could grow close with and come to me with all of their needs. I also enjoy the wide breadth of patients that I can see and the idea that I could be responsible for providing care for the whole family.

Why you chose University of Missouri: I chose the University of Missouri because I felt that UMHS and the family medicine residency at Mizzou were the right fit for me and my family. I loved all the program had to offer and that the faculty showed so much interest in me and my family and not just being another resident. I have come to really enjoy Columbia and have never doubted this was the right choice for me. My daughter being obsessed with tigers was a happy coincidence.

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I am from a small town north of Springfield called Fair Grove. I am married to wonderful wife with whom I have a perfect daughter and a dog. When not spending time with my family I enjoy spending time outdoors such as enjoy hiking, hunting, travelling, and cooking new foods. I enjoy reading, especially classics and fantasy novels and playing video games.

Random fact/facts about you: I have been to more than 15 countries.

Specialty interests: Procedures, nursing home care, reproductive health.

Why you chose Family Medicine: I honestly can’t see myself doing anything other than family medicine (as cheesy at that sounds, it’s true). It’s the specialty that relies on variety, community, relationships, problem solving, collaboration, and never-ending growth opportunities. It’s a field that is blossoming with wonderful people and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. Even more so, I think everyone deserves to be truly known and holistically cared for—something I hope to do for each of my patients. 

Why you chose University of MO: I chose MU for three main reasons: the passion, the people, & the place. I knew I wanted to explore rural medicine while also learning in a larger academic hospital—so it was a best of both worlds situation.   It was really important to me that I was surrounded by staff and colleagues who can consistently have fun, grow together, and be there for one another. I’m also just a few hours away from everyone I love back home! 

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I’m from Farmington, MO. My fiancé, Gavin, and I have a mini-Australian shepherd named Scout (I rescued her during biochemistry for emotional support). I was raised mainly on my family’s farm. I’m the youngest of three and have always been very close to my parents/family. We have lots of pets back home: dogs (Piper and Poncho), cats, cattle, horses, and donkeys. I enjoy being active, going to the lake or river, trail riding, hanging out with friends & family.

Random fact/facts about you:

• I used to play a lot of sports (basketball, cross country, track, swimming, triathlons). Now I try to play sand volleyball but am most definitely an amateur. 
• If I wouldn’t have gone into medicine, I would probably be a coach, a physical therapist, or a river guide. 
• My guilty pleasure is true crime podcasts 

Specialty interests: Rural medicine, sports medicine, women’s health, geriatrics (I truly cannot decide—hence my choice in family medicine) 

Why you chose Family Medicine: I love being able to form long-term relationships with my patients and manage and treat a very broad range of conditions. Family medicine is uniquely special in the way it positions us to integrate into our community and care for the patient in a very holistic and comprehensive way. 

Why you chose University of Missouri: The culture of the program here is very supportive and feels like one big family. Our faculty and residents are kind, compassionate and driven to be the best physicians they can be. It is an environment that motivates me to grow into a better version of myself, both personally and professionally. 

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I grew up in Springfield, MO and attended Drury University for my undergraduate studies. My partner Brandon and I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, cycling, birding, or watching the sunset. I also love classical music and play the piano and violin in my rare spare time. We recently adopted a sweet spunky cat named Pua who keeps us on our toes. 

Random fact/facts about you: I am fluent in Romanian. 

Specialty interests: Mental health, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and post-organ transplant care. 

Why you chose Family Medicine: I chose family medicine due to having a wide scope of practice and being able to take care of a wide variety of patients coming from a wide range of backgrounds with a variety of medical conditions. I enjoy building lasting relationships with patients to help provide the best care I can. 

Why you chose University of Missouri: I chose Mizzou because after interviewing I loved the program and the people that I had the opportunity to meet. Everyone here is incredibly welcoming and has made the transition into residency go very smoothly.  This program is very strong in multiple facets and will help me achieve my goals of becoming a high-quality physician. I have had the opportunity to cover several sporting events and look forward to continuing that.

Hometown, family, pets and hobbies: I am from Alexandria Minnesota and have spent the majority of my life in Minnesota. I like to stay active and be outdoors. I enjoy playing sports including baseball, volleyball, frisbee golf, and pickleball. 

Random fact/facts about you: I play trivia (almost) every week. 

Specialty interests: I am interested in pursuing a sports medicine fellowship following residency training. I also enjoy minor procedures.