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
Troy Kincaid, MD - University of Colorado School of Medicine
About Troy:
Troy
grew up in Lindenhurst, Illinois, a small suburb (pretty far) outside Chicago.
He attended Washington University in St. Louis for undergrad where he majored
in Chemistry and Spanish – perhaps foreshadowing his Med-Peds training! He
played football and volunteered as an EMT there as well, and he left the
Midwest for milder winters and attended the University of Colorado for medical school.
Here, he sought opportunities to engage with passion and to collaborate with
generous people. His most proud work was organizing an effort with several
student leaders to assess cultural humility during the School of Medicine’s
interview day with the aim of cultivating the school’s diversity and
inclusivity. While he is uncertain about the setting in which he hopes to
practice, he aspires toward teaching and working in an underserved area.
Outside of the hospital:
Troy
loves playing team sports – especially basketball, pickleball, and volleyball
(despite not making the sixth-grade team!). He has also attempted baking,
hiking, coffee-shopping, and reading – most with sixth-grade-volleyball levels
of success. Most important to him is spending time with family and friends
doing what they love.
Why CU Med-Peds?
"The inspiring, humble, and fun people that drew me to Med-Peds are the same reason why I hoped to stay at the University of Colorado. The synergy between the program’s social and educational missions epitomizes what I sought in residency. It is not lost on me how lucky I was to begin my medical training here! The approach to teaching and quality of life is incomparable."
Contact Troy for:
The ice cream scene in Denver, interest in medical education
research or teaching, the social mission of being at a place like CU or Denver
Health, or just what med-peds even means!
Helen Queenan, MD - Howard University College of Medicine
About Helen:
Helen was born in Easton, Maryland where she lived until she moved with her mother to Wellesley, Massachusetts. She attended Smith College for undergrad, and took a few years off after college to explore interests in public health research and complete her post-baccalaureate at Brandeis University. She attended Howard University College of Medicine for medical school in Washington, D.C. Helen has a commitment to working with resource limited communities, and as the Co-Vice President of Community Service she organized and participated in a variety of community service projects which included a mobile health clinic fair, Back to School Drive for elementary schools, and a clothing drive for patients in the Emergency Department. After residency, Helen is interested in pursuing a health equity fellowship and ultimately practicing primary care at an FQHC.
Outside of the hospital:
Helen is most likely enjoying a kickboxing/boxing class, or trying out a new restaurant around town especially a breakfast restaurant with real Vermont Maple Syrup. One of her favorite breakfast restaurants is Snooze! Other activities include watching new Netflix series, dancing, and hanging out friends and family..
Why CU Med-Peds?
"I found the program to be very supportive and committed to the success of the med-peds residents. The residents are truly a cohesive unit, and care about each other. I was interested in training at a program with strong categorical Internal Medicine and Pediatric programs, and that afforded opportunities to work at diverse training facilities. I was excited to work with underserved populations at a truly unique continuity clinic. These opportunities were possible while also experiencing the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer. Of course, I can’t forget the fact that there are 300 days of sunshine!"
Contact Helen for:
Moving from the east coast, new restaurants, kickboxing/boxing classes, interest in health equity research.
Dr. Queenan serves as Co-President for the Minority and Allied Resident Council (MARC) in 2024-2025.
Elizabeth Stein, MD - University of Washington School of Medicine
About Elizabeth:
Elizabeth completed her undergraduate studies at Brown University in Public Policy and French Studies where she became passionate about the intersection of health and policy, and simultaneously became grounded in the humanities. She subsequently worked at Seattle Children’s and Children’s National in clinical research, studying the longitudinal impacts of trauma, refugee health, and rheumatic fever in low-resource settings respectively. As a medical student at University of Washington School of Medicine, she became passionate about reimagining medical education to be more humane, reflective, and competency-based. She helped design an anti-racism curriculum which was disseminated nationally and internationally, facilitated reflection sessions on professional identity formation in the Internal Medicine clerkship, and served on the Program Evaluation and Assessment Committee. She plans to combine her interests in health equity and humanities through a career in adolescent/young adult oncology.
Outside of the hospital:
you can find me trail running in the foothills, at a bakery, reading fiction, at an art gallery, or in a pool (or better yet, open water) swimming.
Why CU Med-Peds?
"The University of Colorado Med-Peds program stood out amongst programs around the country as a place that best aligned with my values where I could thrive as a person and a physician. Taken together, the collaborative academic medical ecosystem engendered by the Anschutz Medical Campus, two exceptional categorical training programs across internal medicine and pediatrics, human-centered ethos around patients and trainees alike, emphasis on finding balance in/outside of medicine, robust primary care training in an FQHC clinic, and genuine commitment to justice and health equity made this program my top choice. Most importantly, I thought I would be happy training in Colorado surrounded by supportive peers and leadership alike with the ability to recharge outside. In this environment, I could maximize my growth, and therefore be best equipped to care for patients, advocate on their behalf, and lead transformational change in medicine."
Contact Liz for:
Dual applying, applying to med-peds from a medical school without a med-peds program, research, medical humanities, trail running.
Joaquin Alfonso Villaruz, MD - University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
About Joaquin:
Joaquin was born in Manila, Philippines before immigrating to the U.S. at age six and ultimately ending up in Kenosha, WI. A Badger through-and-through, he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison then attended the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Prior to medical school, he served as a behavioral therapist for children with autism and acted as a research specialist for an autism imaging-genetics study. During medical school, Joaquin became a class co-president and dedicated his tenure to advocating for a more inclusive, anti-racist learning environment and securing opportunities to support student wellness. He was also invited to join the TRIUMPH program, an urban medicine and public health track that allowed him to complete his clinical rotations in Milwaukee while conducting a public health project with a local community partner. Through this work, he explored how cultural/societal stigmas may act as barriers to early diagnosis and intervention of autism in Milwaukee’s communities of color. Inspired by his younger brother, Joaquin pursued Med-Peds to become a provider for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across the lifespan. He has special interests in pediatric complex care and transitional-age care for affected patients within underserved communities.
Outside of the hospital:
Joaquin is a hip-hop dancer, amateur baker, and “plant dad” who loves exploring new restaurants/bars with friends and hanging out in local coffee shops while listening to his favorite R&B or 80’s tracks. He is constantly looking for some friends to join a volleyball or bowling league!
Why CU Med-Peds?
"CU was on my radar since before medical school when I learned from fellow therapists that the state avidly supports autism efforts and has a plethora of child development resources. When I researched CU Med-Peds further, it became strikingly apparent that both categorical programs offered equally exceptional training, a rarity that I highly valued as an aspiring transitional care provider. On top of its academic rigor, the Med-Peds family’s dedication to community-centered care and serving underserved populations through a lens of cultural humility was incredibly palpable. After meeting the humanistic and outstanding program leadership, I knew that CU was a place that deeply cared for its residents, provided ample opportunities to pursue any dream, and had a solid foundation for DEI initiatives. I knew they would value what I had to offer and eagerly accept me for who I am."
Contact Joaquin for:
Interest in community-asset-based and equity-focused care; Working with developmental populations; Becoming a first-generation physician; Residency as an underrepresented minority; Music and Asian restaurant recommendations.
Third 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
Second 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!
First 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.