Our Residents
If you would you like to connect with our residents, please use this inquiry form and we will get back to you.
Fourth Years
Theresa Asuquo, MD, MPH - University of California San Diego School of Medicine
About Theresa:
Theresa was born and raised in Southern California and did her undergraduate studies at Stanford University where she studied Human Biology and African and African American Studies. After working for a mobile anesthesiologist in the Bay Area for two years and completing a post-baccalaureate program at University of California, San Diego, she attended medical school at the University of California, San Diego. During medical school, she was active with Student Council, Student National Medical Association, LGBTQ-Pharmacy and Medicine Student Group, Diversity Coalition/Anti-Racism Coalition, and the school’s student run free clinic. Additionally, she completed a Master’s in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University focused on advocacy, policy and health equity. After residency, she is hoping to practice primary care within disadvantaged communities, alongside some work in public health and policy, particularly around social and structural determinants of health.
Outside of the hospital:
When not in the hospital, Theresa can be found hanging out with her partner, Lily, and/or friends at a brewery, restaurant, park, or on a hike. She also loves playing both indoor and outdoor volleyball and is excited to try new sports too like kickball and pickleball. Additionally, she enjoys travelling and looks forward to making some international trips during vacations. Lastly, she’s hoping to keep her extensive plant collection alive, especially on her inpatient rotations.
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds:
“During my interview, I just fell in love with the program and knew it was the right program for me. I could tell the program was extremely supportive of each other and felt like a family. As a Black woman in medicine, I wanted a program where I felt safe and supported and CU Med-Peds really demonstrated a commitment to advocacy, diversity, equity and inclusion. Additionally, as someone interested in primary care in underserved settings, the program offers incredible opportunities and training, including a dedicated Med-Peds clinic being at an FQHC, which is a setting I would love to work within in the future. I was also excited about the opportunities around advocacy, policy and public health, given Denver is the capital of Colorado and Denver Health has the Public Health Institute embedded within its health system. Overall, I am so grateful to be training in this program, given the various training opportunities and settings, dedication to health equity and social justice, and outstanding peers and program leadership.”
Contact Theresa for:
Residency
as an URiM, interest in health equity and public health policy,
having/relocating a partner not in medicine, LGBTQ+ in medicine
Jordan Cisneros, MD - Rush Medical College of Rush University
About Jordan:
Jordan Cisneros was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He is proud of his Mexican roots and is the first member of his family to go to college. Jordan attended the University of California Los Angeles where he majored in physiological science. Shortly after graduating, Jordan went on to attend the UC Davis School of Medicine Postbaccalaureate program where he gained a community of like-minded individuals who were the first in their family to pursue a career in medicine. Upon completion of the postbaccalaureate program, Jordan did clinical research at the University of California San Francisco and Stanford University. Jordan then pursued his medical degree at Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. During his second year of medical school, he lost one of the most important people in his life to Covid-19. Since the death of his father, Jordan often recalls the motto his father instilled in him as a child, “there is no quit or victim in me.” And with that motto in mind, he thrived as both a scholar and advocate during his time at Rush. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Honors Society and was selected by faculty and peers to serve as the student commencement speaker at his medical school’s graduation. When all is said and done, Jordan wants to be remembered as an advocate who took a stand for what he believes in and as someone who uses his to instill in others the belief that anything is possible!
Outside of the hospital:
Outside of the Hospital Jordan loves to get physical in any capacity. He loves cycling, lifting weights, playing golf, and hiking. Jordan has extended this mentality into his family time as he often spends time-off with his wife and son kayaking and hiking the Colorado mountains.
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds?
"I had the opportunity to do an acting internship during my fourth year of medical school at Colorado Children’s Hospital. The experience was unlike any other I have had in medicine. There is a sense of community and belonging that this program offers to all of its members. Most importantly there is a commitment towards creating a more diverse workforce that recognizes we all offer a unique perspective to this field. I choose this program because the support is real, the people are real, and their commitment to serving ALL communities is real."
Contact Jordan for:
Discussing the following: being a first-generation doctor, NBA talk (Lakers all day), why I choose this med-peds program over others, how to convince your wife that three hours of golf on the weekend is good for overall wellness lol.
Alexandra Gillotte, MD - University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
About Alex:
Alex grew up both in Lebanon, OH and Wellington, FL. She attended Florida State University for her undergraduate studies. While at Florida State she worked on the campus’s Medical Response Unit and at a local hospital as an EMT, which is where her love for medicine flourished. After a gap year, she attended medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. During her time there she was heavily active in medical education as a curriculum representative and a clinical skills teacher, advocacy work through the Student Wellness Committee and as a ODEI student representative, mentorship through her role at Chasing Medicine and conducted CQI research looking at Social Determinants of Health. Alex’s current interests involve Adolescent Medicine, Medical Education and working with underserved populations both in a clinic and hospital setting.
Outside of the hospital:
Out of the hospital
Alex enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also loves trying out
new cooking recipes, going on a hike or bike ride and watching anime/ playing
her Switch.
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds?
“After the
resident meet and great it was clear to me that this program truly cared about
the wellbeing of their residents and the importance of work-life balance. There
also was a strong emphasis on the growth mindset. The program was (and still is)
constantly seeking feedback from residents and implementing awesome changes
because of it. CU Med-Peds program was a program where I could see myself becoming
a strong Med-Peds provider with endless opportunities and have the support
needed not only to survive residency but thrive!”
Contact Alex for:
Moving from the Midwest with a partner who is not in medicine. Navigating residency and medical school as a first-generation physician/ professional in medicine and URM. Social determinants of health, Adolescent Medicine, or Medical Education (3 big passions of mine). Or anything Med-Peds related!
Brenda La, MD - University of Colorado School of Medicine
About Brenda:
Brenda grew up in
Westminster, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado Boulder for her
undergraduate studies where she majored in business & finance. She realized
her indisputable passion for medicine midway through college and launched into
pre-requisites for medical school in her last few semesters. Prior to medical
school, she was a Care Coordinator for the student run free clinic, DAWN
Clinic. She then attended the University of Colorado for medical school where
she was involved with the student government, serving as Class President for
four years. She continued to seek opportunities to serve the underserved
communities, where she feels like her purpose in medicine is rooted, in various
student-run free clinics and as a member of the urban underserved track. She is
passionate about mentorship, health equity, and community service and
hopes to center her med-peds career in being able to serve populations of all
ages in these pillars, as she explores all the career paths available to her.
Outside of the hospital:
Brenda loves spending time outdoors and especially enjoys running, hiking, paddleboarding, pickleball, skiing, and playing with her puppy, Linus! You can also find her at game night, trivia night (trivia knowledge not guaranteed), or watching any season of Survivor. She is learning how to swim in hopes of one day surviving her first sprint triathlon.
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds?
"The residents, faculty, and leadership of the CU Med-Peds family are my first (and continual) source of inspiration for pursuing med-peds and are the same reasons why I hoped to train here. I had the incredible fortune of working with these individuals as a medical student. Their kindness, thoughtfulness, intellectual curiosity, and generosity are qualities I wish to work alongside and cultivate in myself. It was clear to me that they sincerely care for each other and their community like no other and purposefully dedicate energy in personal and communal growth, advocacy, and leadership. Ultimately, CU Med-Peds was the gold standard for me, and I feel so grateful to be part of this family.”
Contact Brenda for:
Anything Colorado (including our 4 seasons!), getting a puppy during residency, navigating life and education as a first-generation student, wellness in medicine
Third Years
Regan Denny, MD - Creighton University School of Medicine
About Regan:
Regan grew up in Renton, Washington and completed her undergraduate degree at Boise State University. While living in Boise, she spent two years working in the emergency department and conducting research on climate change and ecosystem ecology. After graduating from college, Regan moved back to Washington where she spent one year working in a Federally Qualified Health Center. After matriculating into Creighton University, Regan’s love for working with the underserved was evident by her time as the Vice President of the St. Vincent de Paul student-run free clinic and an assistant coach for GritFit adaptive CrossFit. Her passion for medical education started in medical school, where she served as her class curriculum chair, working closely with faculty and administration to create curricular reform. She also tutored pre-clinical courses and worked as a facilitator for the MS1 and MS2 ethics and humanities courses. Regan hopes to pursue a career in Global Health, and during her MS4 year she spent time in the Dominican Republic working in a medical clinic through Creighton’s Institute for Latin American Concern. While she isn’t sure which specialty she wants to pursue just yet, she is currently interested in hospital medicine and critical care.
Outside of the hospital:
Regan loves everything outdoors! When she’s not in the hospital, you can find her hiking, running, or rock climbing with friends. She loves going to the gym and staying as active as she can during residency. Regan also loves reading and being a part of book clubs. She has two cats (one of which she adopted on the first day of residency) who also keep her busy.
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds?
“During my fourth year of medical school, I did an away rotation at the University of Colorado through the pediatrics department. I absolutely loved all of the med-peds residents that I worked with and I could tell that CU was truly a family. I also appreciated all the wonderful teachers I had–both residents and attendings–and knew that I would receive incredible training at the University of Colorado. Plus, Colorado is a beautiful state with so many fun things to do when you’re not in the hospital!”
Contact Regan for:
Global health, medical education, finding balance during medical school and residency. Also anything fitness, nutrition, or overall wellness!
Paige Romer, MD - University of Colorado School of Medicine
About Paige:
Paige was raised in Denver, CO and attended Stanford University where she majored in Human Biology with a minor in Creative Writing. She returned to Denver after undergrad to teach middle school science, which she did for four years while also earning her Master’s in Education Psychology. After four years of teaching, she decided to pursue a career in medicine and completed her post-baccalaureate at the University of Virginia before attending the University of Colorado School of Medicine. During medical school, Paige used her background in education by serving as a student leader in curriculum reform and developing a program to teach learning science to incoming first years. She is still undecided about future career plans, but is planning to practice in an academic setting so she can continue teaching and hopes to work with underserved populations.
Outside of the hospital:
Paige is a mom to three young kids, who bring lots of joy and chaos into her life! She also has a dog and a cat and a wonderful husband (Todd). She loves reading, lifting weights, going for walks and hikes, and spending time with family and friends.
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds?
“During medical school, I got to know some of the folks in the med-peds program, and was always so impressed by their intellect, kindness, commitment to patients, and dedication to teaching. I knew that the CU Med-Peds program would be a place where I could continue my training in a supportive environment with abundant educational opportunities and an amazing community. I feel so lucky to have my dream program in my home state where I can continue to live close to family.”
Contact Paige for:
Being a nontraditional student, finding time to exercise during residency (hopefully), being a parent in medical school and residency, interest in medical education
Julia Small, MD - University of Massachusetts (UMass Chan Medical School)
About Julia:
Julia grew up in Topsfield, Massachusetts and completed her undergraduate degree at UMass Amherst. Afterwards, she spent three gap years as a clinical research coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, focusing on early brain tumor diagnostics. Her passion for legislative advocacy grew during this time, sparked by her involvement with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network where she collaborated with elected officials to enact patient-centered policy. After matriculating into UMass Chan Medical School, Julia deepened her involvement in organized medicine and social justice through roles with the Massachusetts Medical Society and AMA. She also helped co-lead curriculum on caring for patients in foster care, spent time at UMass’ Foster Care Evaluative Services (FaCES) clinic, and dedicated her clinical training to working with underserved populations in Western MA through the PURCH program. Her proudest accomplishments include co-pioneering a workshop-based course called "Health Equity and Advocacy in Practice (HEAP),” empowering medical students in advocacy skills, and developing a curriculum for inclusive family history-taking aimed at diverse patient backgrounds. Julia is excited to expand her interests in health equity, advocacy, community engagement, and child welfare through a career in primary care.
Outside of the hospital:
When not working, Julia thrives on Colorado’s outdoor activities! She is an avid hiker and enthusiastic (but maybe not good) rock climber. She also loves to bake, travel, dance, and go to concerts. She is excited to explore the Denver arts community and wants to take pottery, painting, and wildlife photography classes!
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds?
"When I did an away rotation at CU, the dedication to supporting residents was immediately apparent. All of the faculty and residents I worked with genuinely wanted me to thrive and succeed, and that sentiment was further solidified on my interview day. As someone who is interested in working with the foster care community and being involved with child welfare, I was thrilled to hear about the robust resources and efforts Colorado Children’s offers in support of this patient population. Additionally, I was drawn to the med-peds clinic’s (Pena) commitment to addressing social determinants of health and sustainable social justice initiatives. Pena seemed like both a home for the med-peds residents and a true medical home for the community it serves."
Contact Julia for:
Moving to Colorado from the east coast, partner outside of medicine, interest in advocacy/social justice/DEI, outdoor Colorado activities, or anything else med-peds related in general!
Samantha Steinhall, MD - Rush Medical College of Rush University
About Sam:
Sam grew up in Thornton, Colorado and attended Cornell University where she majored in Nutritional Sciences. After three gap years as an ED scribe in Denver, she attended Rush Medical College in Chicago. During medical school, her interest in advocacy was fostered by Rush’s four-year Health Equity and Social Justice Leadership Program. She was also passionate about Street Medicine, Restorative Justice, peer-to-peer education, and mentorship through the Latino Medical Student Association. Going forward, Sam is most intrigued by a career as a dual hospitalist. She hopes to remain involved in health equity and advocacy efforts, medical education, and mentorship for fellow URiM and first gen students.
Outside of the hospital:
Sam enjoys hiking with her favorite pup, Coco, venturing out to new coffee shops and group fitness studios, and being the reason her loved ones eat more baked goods.
Why the University of Colorado Med-Peds?
“My away rotation at Children’s Hospital Colorado solidified my desire to come here. I was pleasantly surprised to find residents, faculty, and other staff members who so fiercely advocated for their patients while also cultivating an environment where intellectual curiosity, humility, and growth is both encouraged and modeled. Furthermore, I was coincidentally paired with a couple of the Med-Peds residents (obviously that’s a sign) and was especially in awe of their unique insight, leadership, and kindness, which I later found out was reflective of the program as a whole. Lastly, the CU Med-Peds program truly stood out in terms of their dedication to fostering physicians who are agents of change as evidenced by their practice in the Pena clinic and the REACH curriculum. The mountains and proximity to family was just a cherry on top!”
Contact Sam for:
Interest in health equity, advocacy, and community engagement, being a URiM and first gen, being able to confidently decide on Med-Peds in general, especially if you’re equally as indecisive as me, or if you need Colorado hike and pastry recs!
Second Years
André Borrego, MD - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
About 
André:
André was born and raised in the border town of El Paso, Texas, where he attended the University of Texas at El Paso and earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. As an undergraduate, André conducted research focused on identifying proteins that could suppress HIV replication. Outside the lab, he volunteered at the El Paso Baptist Clinic, where he helped provide uninsured individuals with access to both primary and specialty care. Having faced the challenges of pursuing higher education as a first-generation student, he collaborated with peers to create a program that offered local high school students the tools and guidance needed to prepare for and adapt to college life. During medical school at the Foster School of Medicine, he discovered a deep interest in hematology and oncology, which evolved into a passion for adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology. André hopes to return to El Paso to improve access to care and coordinate long-term support for AYA cancer survivors facing the lasting physical and mental effects of their cancer treatment.
Outside of the hospital:
On slow days you can find André trying out new coffee shops, perfecting my pour overs, at museums of modern art, or finding estate sales or antique store trying to snag some nice mid-century finds. On days he finds himself wanting to be more active you’ll find him on the bouldering wall trying out some crimpy slab routes or attempting to hold my tree pose at a yoga studio.
Why CU Med-Peds?
"When I interviewed at this program, one thing was immediately clear: it is exceptionally well-run and organized. The residents felt very close-knit, and the leadership is clearly committed to helping the residents grow into the best physicians they can be. What stood out even more is how deeply passionate they are about caring for the underserved through initiatives like the REACH curriculum. University Colorado Health and Children’s hospitals are quaternary care centers that provide access to specialist in my hometown, El Paso, Texas, making this program feel even more connected to the community I hope to continue serving. I’m also drawn to the program’s ongoing work with immigrant populations, helping to bridge longstanding gaps in access to care. I am confident that this program will not only support me during residency but also prepare me to lead meaningful change long after."
Contact André for:
Questions about deciding on med peds coming from a medical school that does not have a home program. Coming from a background of first gen and underrepresented.
Lauren Do, MD - Baylor College of Medicine
About Lauren:
Lauren was born and raised in Austin, Texas and attended the University of Texas at Austin for undergrad, where she studied Public Health. She then moved to Houston for medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. While at Baylor, she was highly involved with her school’s student-run free clinic organizing health fairs and vaccination drives. She also developed an interactive and longitudinal preventative health curriculum for children and families living in transitional housing and conducted research surrounding access to dental care for children undergoing chemotherapy. Lauren is interested in providing care to underserved communities, and her clinical interests are diverse, including care for adults and children with medical complexity, primary care, endocrinology, medical education, and public health. She hopes to promote health equity throughout her career.
Why Colorado Med-Peds:
"I knew that CU had fantastic training on both categorical sides, but what really made me fall in love with the program during my interview day was the true closeness of the CU med-peds family. I was looking for a supportive program and a place where I felt safe to learn and grow, and I’ve found that in spades. In combination with the med-peds clinic being a FQHC, the many different settings in which we rotate, and the program’s commitment to improving the health equity of our community and beyond, I couldn’t have found a better match!”
Outside of the hospital:
You can find Lauren, on a run or a bike ride, hiking, or trying new restaurants and coffee shops on her days off, often with her fiancé and their dog Bernadette. She is also looking forward to learning how to ski during her first winter here! Lauren is a knitter and always looking for fiber craft friends!
Contact Lauren for:
Interest in health equity and community engagement, relocating with a partner not in medicine, moving away from home for the first time, book or coffee shop recommendations, knitting and yarn shops in Denver, truly anything med-peds!
Margaret Lyons, MD - The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
About Maggie: 
Maggie grew up in Irwin, PA which is just outside of Pittsburgh. She graduated with a degree in biology and anthropology from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. There, she participated in EC-SAR, a collegiate maritime search and rescue team. After graduation, Maggie worked at Massachusetts General Hospital as a lab technician and volunteered with Boston Healthcare for the Homeless before starting at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, RI. While in medical school, Maggie participated in street outreach with House of Hope to provide resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and taught sexual education and health literacy classes to teens at the juvenile detention center in RI. She authored patient narratives that were incorporated into the EMR in efforts to humanize patients to their care team. Maggie spent hours at the bedside chatting with patients who had limited social support during prolonged hospitalizations. She also drafted affidavits supporting applications for asylum as a part of the Brown Human Rights Asylum Clinic. She has a variety of interests within Med-Peds. Wherever she ends up, she knows that her main goal is to use her position as a physician to advocate for the needs of her patients and community.
Outside of the hospital:
Maggie looks forward to reading in a park, trying out a local coffee shop or restaurant, and cooking for her friends. She loves spending time with her partner, Joe, and two cats, Bean and Belly. She enjoys hiking, camping, and taking pictures of wildlife. She's an avid traveler and loves to explore new places. If you can't find her, she's probably at the Denver Botanical Gardens.
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds?
"Why anywhere else? CU Med-Peds checked all of my boxes. During my interview day, this program demonstrated a deep commitment to advocacy and community-centered care that was not limited to elective experiences. The feeling of family and community was palpable, even across the zoom screen. I wanted to be trained at a program surrounded by people who inspired me with their ideas about what medicine should be and their actions serving our community. Both categorical programs provide exceptional training in both academic and community settings—preparing me for any possible future career. The program leadership has demonstrated that they care for us both personally and professionally (and we just got here!) I am also excited to explore the Denver area and soak up the 300+ days of sunshine."
Contact Maggie for:
Moving from the east coast, long distance during residency, interest in advocacy and community engagement, book or coffee shop recommendations, bird facts, travel recs, advice.
Ryo Sakuma, MD - University of Tokyo Faculty of Medicine
About Ryo:
Ryo was born in Tokyo and raised in Mississauga, Canada. Midway through high school, a desire to reconnect with his cultural roots brought him back to Japan, where he completed both his undergraduate and medical education at the University of Tokyo. After graduating, he completed his post-graduate internship at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo, where he cared for underserved communities and helped run a childhood cancer survivorship clinic. These formative experiences deepened his interest in Med-Peds and the importance of seamless care transitions. He later joined the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka as chief Japanese fellow, where he led efforts to coordinate emergency transfers for critically ill U.S. service members and their families to local hospitals, serving as a medical liaison and advocate for American patients navigating the Japanese healthcare system. Ryo is particularly interested in adult congenital heart diseases and is passionate about improving care transitions for children and adolescents with congenital heart conditions.
Outside of the hospital:
Ryo enjoys playing sports, including volleyball and tennis, and training for marathons, now with the added bonus of high-altitude runs in Colorado. He is also a devoted baseball fan and fully onboard with the Shohei Ohtani hype. Ryo looks forward to exploring the natural beauty of Colorado with his wife, who will be joining him during his intern year.
Why CU Med-Peds?
"I was looking for a Med-Peds program with strong training in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, along with ample opportunities to pursue my specific interests, all of which I found at CU. I was also impressed by the leadership, residents, and faculty, who were not only dedicated to being excellent clinicians but also actively engaged in health equity, advocacy, research, and community leadership. Ultimately, what drew me in the most was the warmth, inclusiveness, and supportive culture that embraced my unique path into residency, something I felt throughout the interview process and have continued to experience since day one in Denver."
Contact Ryo for:
Moving across continents, navigating long-distance with a partner, Med-Peds as an IMG, exploring transitions of care, finding good sushi, or talking baseball stats.
Interns
Max Clary, MD - Stanford University School of Medicine
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About Max:
Max was born in Evergreen, Colorado and came to medicine through a circuitous path shaped by resilience, service to others, and a belief that healthcare should be accessible for everyone. Max graduated cum laude and as an Pamplin Honor Society Fellow with a BA in Chemistry from Lewis & Clark College. He then completed a Master’s degree in Public Health as a Delta Omega Honor Society Fellow from George Washington University before attending medical school at Stanford University.
Throughout Max’s education and career, he has sought opportunities that bridge direct patient care, community partnership, and systems-level change. His work has included neonatal resuscitation research in Ethiopia, public health and social entrepreneurship in Uganda and Pakistan, refugee health advocacy as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, and clinical work with underserved communities at Roots Community Health Center in San Jose, California. He is especially proud of projects that combine compassionate bedside care with practical innovation, including efforts to improve access to primary care for refugees and immigrants.
Outside of the hospital:
Max loves being outdoors and spending time with animals, friends, and family. He regularly competes in 50/100 mile endurance races on horseback and finds joy in experiences that combine challenge, nature, and gratitude. He is also energized by travel, cross-cultural connection, community-building, and the occasional overly ambitious idea that turns into a real project.
Why CU Med-Peds?
"I am drawn to Med-Peds because it reflects the kind of physician I hope to become: someone who can care for patients across the lifespan, support patients and families through complex transitions, and advocate for communities facing barriers to accessing healthcare. The University of Colorado Med-Peds program stood out to me because of its balance of rigorous clinical training, thoughtful mentorship, and deep commitment to meaningful service. I hope to continue growing at The University of Colorado as a clinician, advocate, and innovator committed to an excellent healthcare system for all patients."
Contact Max for:
Global health, refugee and immigrant health, community-based care models, social entrepreneurship, health equity innovation, horseback endurance riding, backpacking, or talking through why Med-Peds is such a powerful path for people who care about both patients with lifelong health challenges and ways healthcare systems could better support them.
Luke Coffman, MD - University of Texas Southwestern Medical School At Dallas
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About Luke:
Luke grew up in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kansas before moving to Texas to attend The University of Texas at Dallas. There, he earned a major in Biology, played piano for the jazz band, minored in Spanish, and met his wife! After undergrad he started medical school at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. While there, Luke served as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, where he established a GED tutoring program for individuals experiencing homelessness—a project which blended his passion for teaching with his prior experiences as an AmeriCorps member at a local shelter. He also gained expertise in Quality Improvement (QI) methodologies and implemented large scale QI projects to improve the transition to adult care, earning his MD with Distinction in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. While at UTSW, Luke was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and received the Vanatta, Hesser, Schmalstieg Excellence in Tutoring Award. Luke is passionate about health equity, health system improvement, and medical education and looks forward to exploring career paths that will allow him to be a career learner, educator, and advocate.
Why Colorado Med-Peds:
"I was seeking a residency program that aligned with my values of community partnership and humanism and offered a diverse set of training experiences. The University of Colorado Med-Peds program presents the incredible opportunity to work at a leading pediatric and adult hospital, a large public health system, and to have continuity at an incredible FQHC. During the interview process, the leadership and current residents demonstrated a culture of down-to-earth people who were passionate about their work and clearly cared for the humans around them with depth and intentionality. Beyond this, the residency program is deeply involved with the local community through innovative partnerships and advocacy. CU’s well-resourced Med-Peds community and opportunities to continue working in health care transition clearly made CU the right choice. Oh, and did I mention the mountains? ”
Outside of the hospital:
Luke is an avid off-road cyclist and is excited to explore all the gravel and mountain biking that Denver and the Front Range has to offer. Aside from biking, he also loves skiing, hiking, and camping. If he is on his phone, he is likely surfing the internet for deals on used bikes, giving endless Strava kudos, or planning his next cycling route.
Contact Luke for:
Interest in health care transitions, QI projects, medical education, being married to another healthcare provider, and to be convinced that you should buy a gravel bike instead of a road bike.
Phaedra Johnson, MD - Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
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About Phaedra:
Dr. Johnson's biography will be available soon!
Victoria (Vee) Vanderpoel, MD - Oregon Health & Science University
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About Vee: Vee grew up in Castle Rock, Colorado, and is thrilled to be returning home for residency training. She is grateful to have been raised by a family deeply committed to service—her mom, a swim coach, her dad, passionate about habitat restoration, alongside her wonderful brother and sister. Their dedication to the community first inspired her interests in medicine and public health.
She earned her bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Pomona College in Southern California, where she was a member of the varsity swim team. After college, she worked as a clinical research coordinator in Pediatric Hematology at the University of California, San Francisco. There, she had the privilege of supporting children and their families through vulnerable, joyful, and challenging moments. She also volunteered with the UCSF Wellness Center for Youth with Chronic Conditions conducting community-based participatory research, an experience that foreshadowed her love of transitional care and Med-Peds.
She enjoyed her time in medical school at Oregon Health & Science University, where her passion for primary care, public health, and longitudinal patient relationships continued to grow. During her time at OHSU, she also completed a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology with a focus on health equity. She also served in leadership roles within a student-run free wound care clinic for disadvantaged populations, conducted patient outreach with a community harm-reduction clinic, volunteered at healthcare career fairs for local high school students, and facilitated narrative medicine workshops with her peers focused on storytelling and the humanities as restorative practices within medicine.
After residency, she hopes to build a career that combines primary care, public health, and advocacy to partner with underserved communities, advance health equity, and improve access to care for patients across the lifespan. She is particularly drawn to the breadth of primary care, with interests in adolescent health, addiction medicine, medical education, and street medicine.
Outside of the hospital:
Vee’s favorite way to spend her time is with family, friends, and dogs (including her chihuahua mutt Banjo) in the great outdoors! You can find her swimming or paddleboarding in any body of water (especially in alpine lakes or the Pacific Ocean), biking or hiking in the mountains, birdwatching, tasting every flavor of ice cream in the city, perusing farmers' markets, and eating gluten free food on a patio. She hopes to keep doing open water swimming events with her family throughout residency.
Why University of Colorado Med-Peds?
"Everyone within CU Med-Peds, including program leadership, residents, alumni, and our coordinator, are truly some of the best, coolest, and brightest people I have ever met. I felt very welcomed and encouraged to be my authentic self during the interview day, and I’ve learned even more about how close and supportive everyone is after moving back to Colorado. The commitment to advocacy, community partnership, and health equity feels core to Colorado Med-Peds and I couldn’t dream of a better place or community to grow with in residency. Colorado’s incredible Pediatric and Internal Medicine Programs also have so many opportunities for advocacy, medical education, and friendship! Also, the Rocky Mountains can’t be beat!"
Contact Vee for:
Loving primary care, dual applying, home program without Med-Peds, having a dog during medical school/residency, anything swimming/birdwatching/or Med-Peds related, gluten free food scene in Denver, trying to be an active human and good friend/family member in residency.