May 06, 2021

Meet Our Newest Matches

As one of the nation's top training programs for othopaedic surgery, we have the opportunity to train some of the most extraordinary and talented individuals. Hear what our incoming interns have to say about why they chose WashU Orthopedics for residency and what they're most looking forward to getting out of our program.

Ravi Agrawal, MD, Boston University

"I chose WashU ortho for my residency because I thought it exemplified balance. The operative experience and autonomy, the structured education and didactics, international leaders in orthopaedic surgery, and the collegiality between residents and faculty - WashU has it all.

I'm looking forward to learning orthopaedics. I know it's cliche, but I want to truly be like a sponge and soak all the knowledge and expertise that everyone has to offer."

Helena Barber, MD, Duke University

"In looking at residencies, I knew I valued a program with a close-knit group of residents and exceptional operative and academic experiences. WashU ortho provided the perfect balance of all of these things and had an amazing track record of graduating a diverse group of extremely competent, caring surgeons. 

I am most looking forward to getting to know all of the residents, faculty and staff I will be working with at WashU. I am so excited to see how much I will grow and learn in such a supportive and inclusive environment."

Caroline Granger, MD, University of Miami

"I chose WashU because I truly believe it is the best ortho training program in the country. The WashU residents I met during the interview season were not only amazing people but consistently stood out to me as the most prepared, knowledgeable, and confident residents I had ever met. I also loved that the faculty are leaders in the field in all subspecialties and most importantly are approachable, humble, and incredibly invested in their residents. I wanted to be at a program that would expect a lot from me and make me the best I can be operatively, clinically, and as a researcher. I knew no place would make me happier than WashU and I feel so lucky that I get to train here for the next five years. 

I’m really looking forward to everything that the program offers! I’m especially excited to get to know and work with all of the incredible people within the department. I can’t wait for my PGY-1 on-service rotations and for surgical skills month in January. I’m also looking forward to the challenge of the steep learning curve that comes with intern year and to Fridays on trauma days when the PGY-1 has a chance to operate."

Ndeye Guisse, MD, Emory University

"I made a list of non-negotiables when I was applying for residency and WashU surpassed all of my expectations. WashU provided the perfect mix of excellent training, dedication to diversity and inclusion across the residents and faculty, and a sense of community and genuine care for one another. As a native Midwesterner, I’m also excited to be closer to home! 

I am looking forward to learning from and with such a dedicated group of faculty members and residents. These next five years will be filled with many highs and lows, but I look forward to my own growth as a surgeon, patient advocate, and person overall."

Jesse Hu, MD, Washington University School of Medicine

"I chose WashU for Ortho because of the people. The faculty mentors in department have been wonderful role models and teachers during my time as a medical student. I have been impressed time and time again by the camaraderie and culture of teaching among the residents. That in combination with the diverse patient population, cutting edge research, and robust clinical volume all under one roof made WashU an ideal place to stay for residency.

I'm most looking forward to getting to know my co-interns. From our zoom calls, they are all wonderful people that I will be lucky to call peers over the next five years. I am sure that we will learn so much from each other and I look forward to meeting everyone in person!"

Jeremy Huckleby, MD, University of Illinois

"WashU was the perfect mix of hands-on experience and academics, but ultimately, the people and culture in the department of orthopedics is what sold me on WashU! 

I'm looking forward to getting to spend time with my co-residents and other faculty members in person! The relationships throughout the department were apparent virtually and to be a part of that dynamic in a more intimate setting is exciting!"

Lindsey Kahan, MD, Brown University

"I chose WashU for the program’s unparalleled balance in operative and academic experiences, and for the team culture fostered by resident camaraderie. I aimed to join a program where I will earn graduated autonomy while working hard alongside dedicated and supportive colleagues. 

I can’t wait to meet my co-residents in person and to build strong professional relationships with new mentors! I am also looking forward to reestablishing my home in St. Louis after four years away and to explore both new and old favorite spots."

Daniel Pereira, MD, Vanderbilt University

"Despite never traveling to St. Louis or WashU before, I was able to appreciate everything that the program has to offer from afar. For me, being in an institution that was at the forefront of education, research, and at the same time not sacrificing operative exposure, was essential. I found in WashU a culture of teaching and learning that was compelling, and for me, a first generation, minority immigrant, it was comforting and empowering to see a program that emphasized representation into practically every level of practice. I also felt that the mentors, who by the way are world-class surgeon academicians, would be amazing doctors to practice under and learn from.

As someone cultivating a small family with my spouse, I also felt welcome with open arms and warm support. In my gut, I just simply wanted to be here – it's as simple as that. Once I got to know the residents and the faculty, I was sold.

I'm looking forward to learning orthopaedics and to be a "real" doctor. But, at WashU in particular, I'm eager to meet everyone in person and to develop friendships and strong relationships with co-residents and faculty alike that I can carry on throughout my training and practice. I can't wait to be in the OR with WashU faculty and staff. I will finally say that the curriculum (the night float system, the way rotations are structured and the resident-centric training) was a huge sell for me, and I'm excited to jump right in!"