Current Residents
The members of Mount Carmel's General Surgery Residency Program are a diverse group of physicians, representing a broad range of academic backgrounds and experiential histories.
Bryan Johnson, MD
University of Toledo College of Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I rotated with the General Surgery team at Mount Carmel as a 4th year medical student and had a great experience. I felt that the residents and attendings were all extremely welcoming and invested in my education. I found that the residents received operating experience and responsibilities earlier than any of the other four hospitals that I have completed surgery rotations. Additionally, the academic curriculum, which includes online lectures created by residents and Dr. Chambers, was engaging and held everybody accountable for learning the material. For these reasons, I felt that Mount Carmel would provide me with exceptional training for my career as a surgeon.
Kody Kasten, DO
Des Moines University
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
After rotating with Mount Carmel General Surgery, I knew this program was for me. The residents were welcoming and there was an obvious sense of camaraderie. The staff were engaging and seemed genuinely interested in my personal development. To top it off, the program features early operative experience, strong didactics, and a true chief year.
Joseph Keller, MD
St. Georges University School of Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
The Residents really sold me on the program. Everyone felt more family than friend, and that was present from the start of the pre-interview dinner. Strong community surgery program located in a great area with a Chief year that really prepares you for the next step. Not much else you can ask for in a program.
Calvin Pilbeam, MD
Trinity School of Medicine
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
Fresh out of high school I secured a position in the MCW OR as a surgical services assistant. Under the guidance and encouragement of the doctors, nurses, and scrub techs I fell in love with medicine, and more specifically surgery. It seemed only natural to finish my education where my passion began, with Mount Carmel.
Ali Lohr, MD
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
After meeting a Mount Carmel faculty and resident on a surgical mission trip as an M3, I was immediately impressed not only by their surgical technical skills, but also breadth of knowledge, leadership qualities, camaraderie, and high-quality patient care. They possessed all the attributes that I desired to develop as a future physician. The obvious sense of collegiality and camaraderie among staff and residents, both in and out of the hospital, was exactly what I was looking for. Furthermore, their robust academic focus, unique chief year, moonlighting opportunities, and ability to prepare residents for a general surgery practice or fellowship was further confirmation that Mount Carmel was the perfect fit for me.
Tyler Sheahan, DO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I was fortunate enough to rotate at Mount Carmel as a 4th year medical student and had an incredible experience. The residents were extremely welcoming and down to earth, and they truly embody the family-feel that I was looking for in a residency program. In addition, the autonomy fostered during the chief year was unmatched compared to other programs and was a huge draw for me during interview season.
Brittany Wienclaw, DO
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel is an incredible institution that truly prepares their residents for success from day one. The general surgery program functions as a team unlike anything I have previously experienced, and faculty/residents are completely invested in the personal and professional growth of all team members. The opportunity to train within this program is such a blessing and I am beyond excited for what lies ahead.
Florentina Albastroiu, MD
University of Toledo College of Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
Although virtual, on the day of my interview, Mt. Carmel quickly won me over. The residents, attendings and staff were so personable and friendly, and I knew immediately I could see myself working alongside them for the next 5 years. It was clear Mt. Carmel provides the perfect combination of diversified and early operative experience with the benefits of a community program feel.
Brenda Perez, DO
Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I did an audition at Mount Carmel and from day 1 I was very impressed. Not only were the residents some of the most competent residents I had ever seen, they also made sure I was always involved in the OR. The attendings were the exact same way; they were very approachable and patient. It was a very welcoming atmosphere that offered plenty of autonomy, especially by having a true chief year. By the end of the month I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be.
Malia Smolenski, DO
Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I was welcomed with open arms into their family and learned something from everyone I interacted with. Resident input is valued, and everyone from the interns to the program director is invested in raising the next generation of surgeons.
Lisa Gashonia, DO
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
It was an easy choice! After doing an audition rotation at Mount Carmel, I knew it was the place I wanted to train. The residents and attendings made me feel like a welcomed part of the team. Everyone at MC gets along very well, and their engaging personalities make this a fun, supportive place to learn. The faculty is highly invested in training competent general surgeons, and their unique chief year is designed to function as a transition into independent practice. I am excited to receive excellent training here, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to spend the next five years with.
Luke Bressler, DO
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel has been a constant presence throughout my life. I was born at Mount Carmel East and am now a third-generation physician to walk these halls. My first impression of the surgery program came during a third-year EM rotation, where I quickly became impressed by the level of competence and confidence held by the residents running the trauma bay. After a fourth-year audition rotation, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I desired to train in a community program with a close-knit atmosphere. The interactions between attendings and residents caught my eye, and I was thoroughly impressed with the operative ability of each resident during their respective training years. My highest priority was to choose a program that helped me reach my professional goals through great training and great people, and I have no doubt that Mount Carmel will fulfill these desires.
Evan Livingston, MD
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I loved working with the residents and teaching faculty at Mount Carmel. They invested in me as a medical student in my third and fourth years, and they encouraged me to pursue my potential as a surgeon. I like the small size of the program, which allows for a lot of personal time with attendings, as well as early responsibilities and privileges built upon trust. The chief clinic is a unique experience to equip residents to feel confident going into practice after graduation. Columbus is a great city to work and live in. I’m also happy to be close to both my wife and my family.
Casey Carr
Why Mount Carmel?
During my audition rotation, I was thoroughly impressed with the capabilities and skills of all the residents. The excellence of their training was so evident, I knew that this was the team I wanted to be a part of! Additionally, the comradery of the residents, the dedicated faculty, and the unique fifth year experience are just a few more reasons why I believe Mount Carmel is an exceptional residency program.
Blaire Schumacher, DO
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
The Mount Carmel General Surgery Residency combines all the facets of medicine and surgery I desire the most into one exceptional program. One of the top reasons I chose Mount Carmel was the promise of early operative experience. In addition, it offers the perfect combination of a community-based program with university teaching for unparalleled opportunities and a breadth of knowledge to its residents. Beyond the OR, the collegiality between the attendings, residents, and other team members provides a family-like environment to the big city. Lastly, I chose Mount Carmel because it meant coming home to my Buckeye State and my family after being away for medical school. I feel blessed to call myself a Mount Carmel resident and am excited for the path ahead!
Elizabeth McKinney, DO
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
The warm, welcoming feeling from the faculty and residents, the great reputation of the surgery program, and the wonderful location.
Derek George
Why Mount Carmel?
I chose Mount Carmel for multiple reasons. It is close to where I grew up and my wife and kids will be able to have some support from my family. The potential for early operative experience as I thoroughly enjoy working with my hands while helping others and it is a privilege to have the opportunity and ability to do so. The familial feel of the program makes me comfortable and excited to be a part of the Mt. Carmel community. Lastly, the breadth of knowledge I will develop at Mt. Carmel that extends beyond the OR for pre and post-op care, is without equal.
Gisella Drouet Saltos
Why Mount Carmel?
From my first interaction, I was completely blown away by the camaraderie and welcoming environment at Mt. Carmel. It was evident they fostered an inclusive, supportive, fun, and constructive work environment. The program’s unparalleled mentorship, early operative experience, dedication to patient care, commitment to shape compassionate and skilled surgeons resonated deeply with my professional aspirations.
Recent Graduates
Connor Holland, DO
Graduate of Ohio University College of Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
The residents and faculty help provide an awesome community that values respect and providing great care to patients. Residents excel during their training because of the program’s emphasis on education and operating room experience.
Samuel Kociola, DO
Graduate of Lake Erie University
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel is a unique program and clearly stood out during my interviews. Early operative experience, rigorous and meticulously crafted didactics, a clearly dedicated program director, competent and confident graduates prepared to enter practice, a unique chief year unlike many others, and above all else, welcoming and inclusive family-friendly people who truly care for and encourage the development of each other. It’s a team I want to be part of.
Faith Anne Roche, MD
Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
As a fourth year medical student, I rotated at Mount Carmel in General Surgery and had an incredibly positive experience. The physicians and residents were genuinely invested in my education and growth on a professional and personal level. I felt as though the staff was supportive and contributed to the success of the providers. I feel very lucky to have landed at Mount Carmel and I'm excited to see where this path takes me.
Julie Corbett, MD
Wright State University
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I rotated at Mount Carmel as a 4th year medical student and knew immediately this was where I wanted to be for my general surgery residency. I enjoyed that the residents were not only good friends, but also pushed each other to become better surgeons. In addition, having worked with some of their recent graduates, I was very impressed with the quality of their training and the confidence they had in the operating room.
Amy Fernow, DO
Ohio University
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I chose Mount Carmel because of my positive experience rotating there during my fourth year. I was impressed by how invested each member of the team was in resident education. The program offers excellent surgical training in a friendly environment that I wanted to be a part of.
Allyson Winter, DO
Des Moines University
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel met and exceeded expectations of my ideal residency program. Not only did the residents own a distinct autonomy and confidence, the sense of comradery and collegiality amongst the residents and faculty was unmatched. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity to join the Mount Carmel family and to receive excellent training.
Nicholas Boniface, MD
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I chose Mount Carmel because I loved the attention and dedication spent by every faculty member to each patient and the importance of educating the residents. The guided autonomy given to the surgical residents I believe is a key way to forming the most competent surgeons.
James Markman, MD
Michigan State University
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
It was an easy call. From the moment I met the surgical residents, I was struck by their distinct autonomy, confidence, and curiosity. In turn, I came to appreciate their sincerity and engaging personalities. It was clear that the program director and senior surgeons carefully crafted their program around these characteristics, and I was thrilled at the opportunity to join up for the long haul.
Tyler Gilliland, MD
University of South Dakota
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
The early operative experience was very appealing. When I came to interview, there was a genuine sense of comradery and I got along great with the residents and faculty.
Leslie Addengast, MD, is a graduate of the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. Leslie served as Research Chief Resident from 2020-2021. Leslie matched in a Trauma Critical Care Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
Early operative experience and friendly residents and obvious collegiality. I have worked with several of their graduates and was impressed by their operative abilities and general knowledge.
Interests
Good coffee, brunch, and reading non-medicine related books when I have the time.
Elliot Dobkin, DO, is a graduate of Western University of Heath Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Elliot served as Academic Chief Resident from 2020-2021. Elliot went into private practice at Adventist Health Hospital, Portland, Oregon.
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
A strong community program that puts an emphasis on early operative experience and provides exposure to a wide variety of pathologies.
Interests
Golf, basketball, hiking, snowboarding, puzzles, trivia, karaoke, live music and movies.
Jamie Hall, MD, is a graduate of Northeast Ohio Medical University. Jamie served as Administrative Chief Resident from 2020-2021. Jamie matched in a Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan.
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel made me feel like I wasn't just joining a residency program. I was joining a family. The early, hands-on operative experience is unparalleled. Everyone I spoke with had only great things to say about the surgery program at Mount Carmel.
Interests
Jamie has a special interest in Trauma/Critical Care and Pediatrics following residency. Outside interests include snow skiing, kickboxing and spending time with friends and family.
Daniel Hall, MD
University of Louisville School of Medicine
Future Plans
DANIEL J. HALL, MD is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 2015. Danny served as Administrative Chief Resident from 2019-2020. Danny has been accepted for a General Surgery - Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. After fellowship Danny will be returning to Mount Carmel and joining Central Ohio Surgical Associates.
Interests
My two dogs, Ohio State Football, reading, health and fitness
Brent Sherwin, MD
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Future Plans
BRENT H. SHERWIN, MD is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 2015. Brent served as Research Chief Resident from 2019-2020. Brent will be going to serve at Malamulo Adventist Hospital in Malawi, Africa.
Interests
Spending time with my wife, family, and friends, hiking, backpacking, and soccer
Paul Stechschulte, MD
The Ohio State University
Future Plans
PAUL J. STECHSCHULTE, MD a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2015. Paul served as Academic Chief Resident from 2019-2020. Paul has been accepted for a Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery fellowship at Prisma Health - Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina.
Interests
Spending time with my wife and our families, skiing, snowboarding, soccer, basketball, cycling, piano, singing, woodworking, home brewing, watching movies, Buckeyes, Boilermakers, Blue Jackets, and Steelers.
Bradley Hertzler, MD
University of Nebraska School of Medicine
Mount Carmel Surgery Resident 2014-2019
Private Practice in General Surgery at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
I chose Mount Carmel because of my quick and strong connection with the residents on my interview day. The residents were hospitable and were not negative in any environment. There was a sense of community, humility, and cooperation within the residents, but they also took their surgical training very seriously. The program was very family-friendly and they encouraged, not only my surgical development, but my personal development, as well.
Interests
Spending time with my family (wife and 3 daughters). We enjoy going for hikes, having backyard fires, going to the zoo, and playing at the park with our dog. Also, running, reading, playing the drums, and leading house church ministries and preaching.
Jacob Werkin, MD
Mercer University School of Medicine
Mount Carmel Surgery Resident 2014-2019
Private Practice in General Surgery at Union Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Dover, Ohio
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
It was a mix between the confidence of the residents in their field of expertise as well as the brotherhood among them.
Interests
Hunting, fishing, and outdoor sport, computer programming, UGA football, and spending time with my wife.
Andrew Yang, MD
West Virginia University School of Medicine
Mount Carmel Resident 2014-2019
Vascular Fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center Danville, Pennsylvania.
Why I Chose Mount Carmel
The sense of camaraderie between the residents at Mount Carmel really stood out during my interviews. Early operative experience and a collegial relationship with the faculty were also very important traits of Mount Carmel's program that appeals to me.
Interests
Cooking, spending time with family, sports, indoor rock climbing, volleyball and hiking.