CLASS OF 2025
Nitin Bajaj, DO
Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA)
Internship and Residency: Pediatrics at LAC+USC Medical Center
PM&R Interests: Pediatrics PM&R, most likely! I am always open to seeing more and who knows what might happen, but my intention is to work with the kiddos!
Personal Interests: Music has been a huge part of my life. I have been playing the drums since I was 11 years old and am still learning so much more about the instrument and the theory of music! It's a fascinating world. I pursued music as a career before medicine and want to incorporate music as a form of therapy in my medical practice. I also love to snowboard (for which the PNW is the perfect place!), play basketball, golf, travel, spend time with my friends and family! Movies - I really enjoy going to a movie and eating popcorn (the simple pleasures!). And of course, I love spending time with my better half - Meghan - and our two feline children - Baloo and Bagheera!
Why UW? It just felt right. On interview day, the residents and faculty were so sweet and genuinely interested in me and my journey to physiatry! And they are all very happy to be a part of the UW program. There are so many different opportunities as a resident at UW and I felt that the program administration would help individualize my experience based on my interests. It's an incredibly strong program and I am honored to train here. Plus, it's in the beautiful Emerald City - and super close to plenty of skiing and snowboarding!
Noah Gorelick, MD
Medical School: Medical School for International Health, Ben Gurion University, Be’er Sheva, Israel
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: Neuro-rehab, cancer rehab, pain. I'm also particularly interested in the interface between technology and rehabilitation.
Personal Interests: Hiking, biking, walking, climbing, orienteering (pretty much anything outdoors- whatever the weather). I also enjoy eating, talking with strangers, photography, making art, and repairing things.
Why UW? I was immediately drawn to the culture and open-mindedness of the program that stood out here at the University of Washington. I had the sense from my interview that this was a program that actively works to cultivate a warm, welcoming, and inspiring learning environment, with an intentional emphasis on equity. The fact that this program is based in the Pacific Northwest, with easy access to a wide range of delicious foods and the great outdoors is a wonderful bonus. I also came for the Kraken.
Jaimie Hearn, MD
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Internship: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
PM&R Interests: Pediatrics, adaptive sports, neurorehab, prosthetics/orthotics
Personal Interests: Hiking, camping, snowboarding, wakeboarding, yoga
Why UW? I felt this program had strong clinical training in all areas of PM&R and embodied a positive learning environment. UW also offers exposure to complex cases and diverse patient populations that I was looking for. Plus I've been dying to explore and adventure around the beautiful PNW so that was another major bonus!
Ian Kim, MD
Medical School: University of Washington
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: There is so much to learn and explore in PM&R. I’ve been interested in pain medicine, adaptive sports, and amputee rehab and will expand as I go!
Personal Interests: The pacific northwest has so much natural beauty, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my paddleboard by the Lake Washington in the summer. I love karaoke and singing in choirs too. Other hobbies include cooking, eating, sleeping, and a bit of racket sports. (see my featurette on Seattle Tennis League here!).
Why UW? How wonderful it is to have an incredibly well rounded PM&R program with the such kind and generous staff/co-residents right here in my hometown! The undeniable comradery we share makes this journey through residency absolutely worthwhile.
Jihong Min, MD
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago
Internship: Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University Sinai-Grace Hospital, Detroit, MI
PM&R Interests: Sports Medicine, Neurorehabilitation, MSK, Pain management
Personal Interests: Traveling, trying new restaurants, martial arts, playing sports in general, and music
Why UW? UW PMR is an amazing program with an excellent reputation that provides a well-rounded experience. I am interested in all aspects of PMR and wanted diverse training during residency. The potential for numerous research opportunities also drew me to UW. Being a UW alumnus, I wanted to come back to UW and Seattle!
Jessica Sher, MD
Medical School: New Jersey Medical School
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: MSK, Sports Medicine, Performing Arts Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury
Personal Interests: Yoga, running by the water, tennis, pickleball, snowboarding, cooking, Japanese desserts, solo-touring museums, strolling night markets
Why UW? At the end of interview season, I remained tremendously awed by UW's superb clinical training, curriculum, and diverse community of leaders. I was met with incredible warmth from residents and felt right at home on interview day. Witnessing such kindness and community exuding from a world-class institution was incredibly humbling and inspiring. Choosing to live in Seattle was also a no-brainer.
Garrett Wahl, MD
Medical School: Washington University in St. Louis
Internship: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
PM&R Interests: Interventional Spine, Pain Management, Sports Medicine, Adaptive Sports, Ultrasound, General Rehabilitation
Personal Interests: Hiking, skiing, exploring the outdoors/wildlife, traveling, trying new restaurants/breweries, photography, sports, movies, music
Why UW? UW PM&R offers a well-rounded training experience with a diverse patient population at a variety of clinical sites, a stellar academic reputation, and faculty members who are leaders in the field. Even during my virtual interview, I could tell this program had a strong sense of community and a commitment to supporting one another. In addition, I have always thought I would enjoy the Pacific Northwest and am excited for a fun, new city with awesome outdoor activities!
Josh Wilson, MD
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Internship: Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
PM&R Interests: TBI, SCI, Stroke recovery, Pain and Spasticity management, Prosthetics, and post amputation recovery
Personal Interests: Weightlifting, cooking, loose-leaf tea, home-brewing beer, all-terrain vehicles, motocross, scuba diving, and fossil collecting
Why UW? I first heard about UW from a friend in medical school. She would often tell me how amazing the UW hospital system is and about the beautiful landscapes and summers of Seattle. So, when I realized that UW was top rated program in my specialty, how could I say no? On interview day the program showed great compassion for helping patients no matter their circumstance. I was impressed when one resident spoke about providing rehab services to incarcerated patients. The icing on the cake was how kind and down-to-earth the residents and staff are. I feel like UW will be a joyful experience with great education, and one that comes with a stellar view!
CLASS OF 2026
Christine Chilaka, MD
Medical School: Ohio State University, College of Medicine
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: Interventional Pain, Cancer rehabilitation, Pelvic rehabilitation
Personal Interests: Netflix, brunch, walking, wine tasting, and music
Why UW? A fabulous program in a fabulous state! The PM&R residency here offers so many opportunities in and out of the clinical setting. I also get to work with a variety of folks from diverse backgrounds.
Megan Gillum, MD
Medical School: Chicago Medical School
Internship: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
PM&R Interests: TBI, SCI, adaptive sports, disability advocacy
Personal Interests: Food, exploring new places, rowing, barre, reading
Why UW? Going into residency my highest priorities were serving a diverse patient population, training at variety of clinical experiences (academic, public, and VA) and leave residency feeling ready for any fellowship or job I might take on. On the interview trail, UW checked all those boxes in addition to drawing me in with the collaboration between residents and faculty, and the amazing relationships amongst the residents. It also helps that it's Seattle, a place I've grown up visiting and always loved (stay tuned for if I feel the same after the winter!)
Stan Kamande, MD
Medical School: Georgetown University SOM
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: Neurorehabilitation, Global Health
Personal Interests: Basketball, Photography, Traveling, Cooking, and Biking
Why UW? I had the opportunity to rotate here as a medical student, and I loved how close-knit everyone involved in the program was! Additionally, the breadth of experiences that UW has to offer, is second to none!
Katrina Ngo, DO
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences - COMP
Internship: University of California, Irvine
PM&R Interests: Spinal Cord Injury, Cancer Rehabilitation, General Rehabilitation
Personal Interests: Perusing the aisles of Trader Joes/Target/Home Goods, puzzling, napping, trying new restaurants, spending time with loved ones
Why UW? When I was looking at programs, I was interested in going to a challenging program that would set me up for success when I ultimately become an attending. I’m confident that UW’s well-rounded and diverse training will prepare me for whatever comes down the line whether it’s fellowship or directly into the workforce. The down-to-earth vibe of the residents and faculty during interview day sealed the deal for me. In addition, I have a ton of family support here and that’s always a plus!
Becca Potts, MD
Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: Brain injury, rehabilitation engineering, sports & regenerative medicine
Personal Interests: Horseback riding , thrifting, trivia, sketch comedy
Why UW? PM&R is such a diverse specialty but I knew that training at UW would be an exciting and incredibly well-rounded experience. I’m confident that our program will give me the skills, research opportunities, and community support necessary to succeed in any field of rehabilitation medicine. With that in mind, I also chose UW for the close-knit and collaborative culture. Everyone is so kind and truly willing to help one another here. Seattle is an amazing place to live and I can’t wait to experience everything this city and the PNW have to offer!
Kirsten Schlosser, MD
Medical School: University of Buffalo
Internship: Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia
PM&R Interests: Neurorehabilitation Spinal Cord Injury, Neuromuscular Medicine, spasticity, pediatric rehab medicine.
Personal Interests: Soccer, tennis, reading, painting, drawing, knitting.
Why UW? I chose UW for the opportunity to challenge myself and to get the most breadth out of my training as possible. I wanted exposure the most diverse cases I could get my hands on and I felt that UW was the place to do that.
Jordan Schroeder, MD
Medical School: University of Washington
Internship: Spokane Teaching Health Clinic
PM&R Interests: SCI, Pediatrics, Sports Medicine, Ultrasound, Neurorehab...an open book right now!
Personal Interests: Going outside; hiking, skiing, paddling! Cooking! Trying new restaurants and brews in the company of good friends! Playing with my sewing machine!
Why UW? The program, the people, and the place! This is a uniquely well-rounded residency with diverse patient pathologies that reflect the breadth and depth of physiatry; for the engaging and welcoming residents and faculty who are invested in my personal growth as a physician; and Seattle is an absolutely gorgeous city with fabulous access to outdoor recreation and great food!
Micah Sommer, MD
Internship: SharedHealth/ WRHA
PM&R Interests: Sports Medicine, Orthobiologics, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Pain medicine/Spine, and Sideline/Sports coverage
Personal Interests: Football, camping, and anything outdoors. Quality time with family, friends and dogs!
Why UW? It stood out as an opportunity of a lifetime to learn from the leaders in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation subspecialties. It is a place that will allow me to maximize my potential, become a skilled clinician and well-rounded Physiatrist, while having as much fun as I can along the way. Also, I love living on the water and have a real soft spot for cherry blossoms.
CLASS OF 2027
Levi Bale, MD
Internship: Sacred Heart Medical Center
PM&R Interests: Pain, Sports & Spine, Sports, Neuro-rehab, General PM&R
Personal Interests: Cooking food, eating food, watching food shows, and exercising so I can eat more food
Why UW? I chose UW PM&R because it is an incredibly well-rounded program, has a massive catchment area allowing us to treat patients from all walks of life, and emphasizes serving the most vulnerable people in our communities. Also, it's hard to compete with a place with endless city, water, and mountain activities all within an hour's drive.
Thao Doan, MD
Internship: HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood
PM&R Interests: Sports Medicine, MSK, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Adaptive Sports, Global Health, Ultrasound
Personal Interests: Powerlifting, hiking (all the national parks!), traveling, eating any and all cuisines, vintage thrifting, sewing, reading/audiobooks, music
Why UW? I wanted to attend a top program with well-rounded training, a diverse patient population, and many opportunities with close-knit and supportive faculty and co-residents. I love the outdoors, but growing up in Texas, I've been limited to flat scenery and extremely hot/humid weather. I'm so excited for the PNW mountains and many fun activities to do outside!
Jared Eng, MD
Medical School: George Washington School of Medicine
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: Spinal Cord Injury, Pain Medicine, Sports Medicine
Personal Interests: CrossFit, running, Netflix RomComs, trying out new restaurants, going to the movie theater, traveling, thrifting
Why UW? I spent my gap year here in an AmeriCorps program teaching 5th graders in South Seattle. I loved my time spent here, and also having friends in the area, I knew that I would love to return back to the West Coast for my residency training! UW is such a well-balanced program with amazing, supportive faculty and I had a gut feeling that this would be a great place to spent the next 4 years of my life on my path to become a physiatrist!
Aden Feustel, MD
Internship: Baylor College of Medicine
PM&R Interests: Brain & spinal cord injury, neuropharmacology, clinical applications of psychedelics, medical/research ethics
Personal Interests: oat milk flat whites, bouldering, public transportation, the outdoors(!!)
Why UW? In medical school I did my away rotation at Harborview: essentially a rehabilitation unit in a Level 1 trauma & burn center that covers multiple states. This was my introduction to the incredible breadth and depth of training that UW offers (and that's just 1 of our 4 sites). The faculty and residents were so welcoming and gave me the sense that I could really build an academic and personal life here. I'm very excited to explore Seattle & the Pacific Northwest!
Conor Linehan, MD
Internship: Providence Spokane
PM&R Interests: Spinal cord injury, pain medicine, and sports medicine to name a few!
Personal Interests: Hiking, fishing, volleyball, basketball, traveling to new places, and occasional video game nights with family/friends
Why UW? I’ve been a husky for several years now as both an undergraduate and a medical student. UW has always treated me well, which is why I was so excited to match here for residency! Additionally, my 4th year PM&R sub-internship at Harborview Medical Center essentially confirmed my commitment to pursuing PM&R as a career specialty…it had to be one of my all-time favorite rotations as a medical student. The UW faculty members are wonderful, the PM&R training is well-rounded, and the Seattle area/PNW is absolutely stunning. I’m excited to see what these next few years as a UW resident have in store for me!
Jodie Makara, MD
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: Neurorehab, Pediatrics, Adaptive Sports, Sports Medicine, Amputee Medicine, P&O, MSK, General Rehab to name a few :)
Personal Interests: Exploring new trails (both on bike paths and hiking in the mountains), taking in all the stunning views WA has to offer! Also triathlon/aquabike racing, open water swimming, snowboarding, helping at adaptive sporting events year-round
Why UW? Easy! Incredibly warm, down-to-earth and supportive vibes from program leadership, staff and co-residents. I've been here a month now and expectations have already been exceeded time a million in terms of the friendliness, support and passion staff have across UW as a whole, not just within PM&R. Born and raised in the Midwest, this is my first time experiencing real mountains, which has been incredible for my mental and physical health. Seattle is SO queer friendly and bike friendly, perfect for my daily commutes as a nonbinary cyclist. I knew I wanted to be at a program that would feel like family and UW gave me that impression on interview day, everyone's been very easy to get along with and I'm so excited to see all the opportunities this strong program has to offer!
Michael Manguinao, DO
Internship: Virginia Mason Medical Center
PM&R Interests: General Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cancer Rehabilitation
Personal Interests: Hanging out with my senior dog, fueling my foodie dreams with my wife, building gainz, playing video games, snowboarding
Why UW? Everyone (and I really do mean every faculty, staff, and resident I worked with) was so welcoming and knowledgeable when I rotated at UW as a med student and when I interviewed. I knew I would be fully supported in my training while working with the most medically complex rehab patients. Plus, Seattle is a real gem of a city full of amazing food and such close proximity to all the beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Mallika Patel, MD
Medical School: Northwestern University
Internship: Medical College of Wisconsin
PM&R Interests: Everything! (No really)
Personal Interests: Playing flute, literary fiction, snowboarding, hiking, picnicking, yapping, and napping
Why UW? My interview at UW was by far my favorite. I felt immediately that that the program valued each applicant and each resident as a person. Also, I have always wanted to move to the West Coast and was blessed to find the best program with the best people!
Jennifer Pham, DO
PM&R Interests: General Rehabilitation, EMG, MSK, Cancer Rehabilitation, Performing Arts Medicine, Global Health and Advocacy
Personal Interests: Cooking/Baking, Travel, Foodie Adventures, Broadway Musicals, Board Games, and RomComs
Why UW? I wanted a program that would expose me to all areas of PMR and allow me to be a well-rounded physiatrist out of residency. With UW’s diverse curriculum and inclusive and welcoming culture, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. Plus, Seattle is a gorgeous place to be. I can’t wait for all the adventures in and outside the city!!
Jason Silver, MD
Medical School: University of Colorado
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: MSK, Pain, Sports Medicine
Personal Interests: Rock climbing, hiking, espresso, and anything else outdoors!
Why UW? I choose UW because of the supportive environment for establishing a research focused career in physiatry. Washington excels in many aspects of PM&R with international leaders and the resources associated with the University allow endless opportunities to pursue your interests.
Kimia Zarabian, MD
Internship: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
PM&R Interests: Interventional Spine, Pain, Ultrasound, Integrative Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, SCI, Cancer Rehab, Neuro/Stroke Rehab, Research…and the list is still growing!
Personal Interests: Traveling, food, Persian chai, puzzles, museums, amateur photography, spending quality time with my cat.
Why UW? UW PM&R is a leader in the field of physiatry, and offers a well-rounded training experience that shapes residents into skilled physiatrists. My interactions with the incredible faculty and residents on my interview day solidified that UW was the right fit for me. Plus you can’t beat the views in the PNW!
CLASS OF 2028
Ellie Fratt, MD
Medical School: Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: Cancer rehab, spinal cord injury, global health, and adaptive sports
Personal Interests: Hiking, camping, snowboarding…anything that gets me outside and active! Plus traveling, board games, and taking care of all of my plants
Why UW? I knew I wanted a program with a strong emphasis on research and one that would enable me to train in a diversity of settings. During my interview day, I could tell that everyone was genuinely invested in each other and passionate about their work. To top it all off, Seattle is my dream city and I can’t wait to spend the next few years exploring the Pacific Northwest!
Jillian Keegan, MD
Internship: University of Washington
Charis Turner, MD
Medical School: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
Internship: University of Washington
PM&R Interests: Inpatient rehab, sports, MSK, spine, equitable access to rehab services, global health, clinical research, medical education
Personal Interests: Swimming with Master's teams, hiking, dancing, trying to keep up with my husband in pickleball, and hanging out with family and friends
Why UW? The down-to-earth, kind people and the opportunity to train with experts in every PM&R subspecialty and practice setting. The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is well-integrated and respected here at UW which leads to great patient volume and an overall culture of excellence in clinical work and research.