Residents

Scott Cuthbert, D.O.
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“When I was looking for residencies I wanted to find a place where I would get a good education, a place that I wanted to live, and a place where I was going to be happy. With this residency I knew I would get all three. Milwaukee is a great place to be, with easy access to Chicago or nature, if so desired. The residency has allowed me to access Integrative Medicine, gain knowledge in Addiction Medicine (including Suboxone treatment), improve my Osteopathic Manipulation skills, and gain a strong foundation in Family Medicine with our diverse group of faculty. I also found CSM to be a place where residents were and are happy throughout their residency which is essential to a positive experience.”

Mathew Engmann, D.O.
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“Being born and raised in Wisconsin, I am excited and honored to be able to complete my residency training as a part of Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s.  In my personal life I enjoy doing a little bit of everything, and that is also reflected in my desire to pursue Family Medicine. For this reason I wanted a program that has well-rounded training throughout multiple disciplines and demographics. With their several tracks, flexible curriculum, and both urban and community settings this is exactly what I found at Columbia St. Mary’s.  During my interview day I was further impressed by how comfortable I felt with everyone I met, even if only after a talking for a few minutes.  When combining this broad-spectrum training with people that are happy, knowledgeable, and welcoming, I know I found the right place for me.”

Matthew Jenson, M.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“Growing up in Wisconsin, I always knew I wanted to do residency in Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee. Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Residency Program was a perfect fit for me because it had all of the essential requirements that I was looking for in a residency such as diverse population, strong pediatric experience, ample OB, addiction medicine training, and multiple tracks where I can hone more specific skills and experiences for my future career. The thing that really solidified my decision on interview day was the approachability and comradery of all the faculty and residents. It’s an added bonus that the hospital overlooks the beautiful Lake Michigan as well.”

Jack Jorgenson, M.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“As a medical student I had the opportunity to rotate at CSM for multiple rotations. I was impressed with the residents, faculty and support staff through each of my encounters. During my time rotating at the CSM Family Health Center I felt welcomed from day one, as residents would greet me and introduce themselves on a daily basis. The support staff made a point to build a rapport with me, and make me feel part of the team. I saw firsthand how the faculty is encouraging to residents, and they provide an excellent learning environment that I was looking for in a residency program.  I distinctly remember saying to my spouse after my fourth year rotation, that I could easily see myself being happy about going to work at CSM every day. One of the biggest draws for me to the CSM program was the commitment to serving the urban patient population with an emphasis in community medicine training. Knowing that CSM has all the opportunities I wanted in a program makes me very excited for my training. I am honored and excited to join the CSM family!”

Chizelle Rush, M.D.
Loyola

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“A mentor of mine once said, “Find a place where fitting in is simple, it will make the most challenging and grueling tasks, easier.” These words of wisdom led me to choose Columbia St. Mary’s as my best fit residency program. From interview day onward, I’ve felt right at home! The faculty, staff, and residents are genuinely engaging and work hard to foster community within the program. This creates a supportive learning and working environment. Additionally, my values of providing patient-centered care to culturally, socio-economically, and racially diverse populations, including those who are medically underserved, both domestically and abroad, aligns well with the mission of the program. I’m thrilled to have found a program that will allow me to continue to explore and cultivate my passions and am excited to learn from and to be challenged by my future mentors and colleagues.”

Elizabeth Wayne, M.D.
Central Michigan University

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“fell in love with CSM on my interview day – from the powerhouse strong female program director to the vibrant residents laughing and razzing each other to the energetic faculty enthusiastically bustling around the clinic. As a now PGY3, I can honestly say that I still love this program. The faculty are up to date on the latest studies, care genuinely about our wellbeing, and have an open-door policy. The culture among the residents is more akin to close-knit siblings: joking around together, working hard together, relaxing together, learning together. The program’s focus on serving the underserved is pervasive and passionate. The city is diverse and full of things to explore. I was nervous to move to a new city (and state) but I truly found my home here. Plus I get to work in a hospital with giant windows everywhere showing off the gorgeous lake view, keeping me plenty oriented to time of day & weather!”

Kiwan Wright, D.O.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“Coming from the East coast, moving Milwaukee would come with huge challenges: Learning a brand new city, leaving my support system, all on top of the inherent challenges of residency. From day one, the warmth I had received and continue to receive from every part of the CSM family, from co-residents to attendings and staff to even specialists, was one of the more clear reasons that I had made the right choice in programs. The collaboration and comradery from the top down I have felt will be sincerely hard to duplicate and will be the aspect I will miss the most after graduation.”

Joel Adams, D.O.
Pacific Northwest University COM

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“Ascension CSM Family medicine residency has been a wonderful place to get trained. I am a resident who transferred from another program who was looking for feedback, structure and opportunities to get exposure to many different sub specialties of family medicine. This program delivers in all of these areas, and I feel valued and supported by faculty and staff. I feel the program has valued and been responsive to feedback from residents and has made adjustments to improve our training experience. As one who has been to and visited multiple residency programs, I can say that Columbia St Mary's family medicine residency is a cut above the rest and I highly recommend it as a place to receive training.”

Megan Eichstaedt, M.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin - Green Bay

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“When I started looking at family medicine residencies, I knew I wanted a couple of things. I wanted a program with a strong obstetrics curriculum, the opportunity to rotate internationally, and the chance to work in an urban environment. Not only does Columbia St. Mary’s check all of my boxes, but the entire curriculum is so well developed that I knew I would be able to get high quality experiences no matter what direction I choose to go. Beyond the draw I felt to the curriculum and structure of the program, I was also incredibly impressed with the group of residents I met during my interview. From my very first interaction with the residents at CSM I felt completely at ease and welcomed. I knew this was a group of people who truly enjoyed spending time with each other. Opening my envelope on match day, I could not have been happier to find out I would be spending the next three years learning and growing at CSM.”

Lindsey Freed, M.D.
St. Louis University

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
"I had the opportunity to do an away rotation at the Family Health Center as a medical student. From the very first day, I felt welcomed by all staff, residents, and faculty! Everyone made a point to introduce themselves to me and include me in educational opportunities. I left clinic each day feeling like CSM was a place where I could become a strong family physician and find support during the trying times of residency. While interviewing, I stayed open-minded, but constantly found myself comparing programs to CSM. I couldn’t have asked for a better program to train and serve the community for the next three years!"

Maxwell Lehmann, D.O.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Med - Bradenton

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“Throughout my medical school training it became very apparent to me that a career in Family Medicine was my calling. To be able to care for patients and families throughout their life span offers a variety of opportunities to be a catalyst in making a difference and being a positive influence in their health. Columbia St. Marys provides an environment that will help me continue to become a well rounded Family Physician and continue to train in both an urban and community setting. Being born and raised in Wisconsin and then attending undergrad in Chicago and Medical School in Florida it has always been important for me to be able to return to my home state and my family here. The people I have met at CSM have all been kind and supportive and I am honored to be a part of this team.”

Christopher Smith, M.D.
Rush Medical College

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“When interviewing at programs, what I was looking for was a place that would support me while at the same time providing a foundation that would help me become a competent physician following residency. During my interview day at CSM, so many residents/faculty members came by to introduce themselves and ask more about myself, which made a great first impression. The program also struck me as a institution that could highlight your strengths and help you overcome any weaknesses or fears you may have as a young physician. I knew following my interview day that CSM was a place that could push me to not just become the best clinician I can be, but a clinician that can actually make a change in their surrounding community as well. As I am going through residency here at CSM, I have had tremendous support from co-residents and faculty. I have become more comfortable in dealing with different patient populations, and much of that can be attributed to the comfortable work environment that the program creates for its residents.  I am looking forward to future clinical opportunities during my sports medicine track, one of the many tracks that residents can select from.”

Taylor Starcynski, M.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
"Having worked with many of the residents and faculty at CSM, I knew that this program was going to allow me to succeed in my future career in Family Medicine. One of the strengths of this program is the support the residents receive from the faculty and staff. I knew right away during my interview that the faculty were greatly invested in the residents' education and were willing to tailor educational experiences based on interest. Being a graduate of Marquette University, where service to the community was an important part of my experience, I also knew I wanted to be in a program that worked closely with the Milwaukee community. From the moment I came to interview, I felt supported by the program and knew that CSM was the right residency for me. I feel honored to be given the opportunity to continue my education with the CSM Family Medicine Residency!"

Scott Stauder, M.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“My desire to go into family medicine was rooted in the tenets of the physician-patient relationship, the ability to provide care for
patients of all ages and their families, and the opportunity to effect change in my community. Columbia St. Mary’s was the ideal choice for me, as it provides its residents with an unmatched opportunity to serve the urban population of Milwaukee, surrounded by renowned physicians and educators, and to hone my skills in all areas of medicine. From the start of interview season, I was often advised to “find my people”; after my interview day with CSM, I knew I had done just that. All faculty, staff, and residents were kind, supportive, and dedicated to resident learning, and it was clear that this program is well suited to develop family physicians trained to work in any clinical environment. I’m excited to see what the future holds at CSM!”

Allison Strauss, M.D.
University of Colorado

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“Being born and raised in Colorado, I can happily say that I have found my second family at Columbia St Mary’s. My co-residents, faculty, and staff are so welcoming, compassionate, and dedicated to their jobs. It is fabulous to be surrounded by people who genuinely love working and spending time together. I love our program’s focus on health equity, which is crucial as we provide care to Milwaukee’s most underserved population.  I feel confident that CSM’s curriculum will not only provide me with the skills to become a well-rounded family physician, but the various tracks will allow me to tailor my education to my interests – particularly women’s and global health. I feel fortunate to be part of the CSM family!”

Ellen Wegner, M.D.
St. George's University - Grenada 

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“During the interview season, I asked resident physicians if they had any advice. Almost everyone said, ‘Find a program that you fit in with.’ After my Columbia St. Mary’s interview, I knew I had found my fit. Everyone I met was very welcoming and the residents were not only colleagues but also seemed to be a family. Additionally, it was evident that faculty and staff were extremely dedicated to their careers. My Second Look Day confirmed my first impressions. I knew that I wanted to continue my training in this environment. Columbia St. Mary’s not only has the sense of community that I desire, they also provide a rigorous curriculum that prepares physicians well for life after residency.”

Deseray aguirre, D.O.
A.T. Still University - Kirksville

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“I have worked in health care for the past several years in many roles, so I know how important it is to really enjoy your environment and the people you work with in order to thrive. I did a rotation with the CSM Family Medicine Residency and immediately felt at home. Since I have a number of special interests including maternal and child health and OMT, I was looking for a residency that would help shape me into a well-rounded Family Physician. Also, it has always been important to me that patients are treated in a caring and holistic manner, which is one of the many highlights of this program. I feel privileged that I will be learning from the best and that I get to work with a great team.”

Taylor Bachaus, M.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay 

Joshua Berger, M.D.
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ellen Hallberg, M.D.
St. Louis University 

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“I think what stood out about CSM to me the most was the passion that the residents, faculty and staff have in serving the Milwaukee community! I knew after the interview that CSM would be a place where I could grow both as a family medicine physician in training and as a person.  I'm excited to be living in another solid midwest sports town, although I am confident I will not become a Packers fan!”

Sarah Larsen, M,D.
University of Nebraska

Melinda Pierdomenico, D.O.
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“Being from the east coast, I never thought the Midwest would have me for more than medical school, but my interview day at CSM presented to me everything I wanted out of a residency. At every step of the interview day, each resident I encountered was enthusiastic about CSM and very driven about providing care in any way possible for their patient population. The resident who gave us a tour mentioned making an unannounced home visit for an OB patient who had not been showing up to her clinic visits. By sharing this story with us, I was able to see that both the residents and faculty truly care about the patient population they are caring for. My interests include palliative care and trans-affirming care, and I know with the support of faculty and staff at CSM that I will be able to become competent and confident in providing care in these areas.”

Claire Springer, M.D.
St. Louis University

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“From the moment I first interacted with the residents and faculty I felt like I could fit in and this could be my home. It was so easy to get along with the residents who easily let their amazing personalities shine through and I was impressed with the supportive faculty who made this program feel like a family. I am passionate about working with the urban underserved population that CSM serves and I knew I wanted to train in a program that teaches how to help a patient in many aspects of their life using all of the available resources. I have many interests such as maternal, integrative, international, and addiction medicine and this program is unique in that it would allow me to do multiple tracks and continue to develop these interests with enthusiastic and supportive mentors. No other program felt quite as warm and welcoming for me and it was clear that this program values the wellness of the residents and strives to take care of them.”

Mario Tempe, D.O 
Des Moines University

What impresses me about Ascension Columbia St. Mary's:
“While exploring Family Medicine Residency programs on my interview trail I knew I wanted a program that had a traditional teaching focus that emphasized all aspects of family care, both inpatient and outpatient, and for patients of all ages. I also wanted a program who had a strong healthcare presence in an underserved, urban community. Columbia St Mary’s met these requirements, but went above and beyond with qualities that are much rarer. The wonderful faculty, residents, and staff who work here are genuinely committed to their patients and believe in doing what is right and doing it well. This is a value I continue to admire every day that I work here. Equally as important, they treat one another as a family and work together to meet the needs of the population they serve. I honestly could not have been happier when I found out I was accepted to this program.”