Meet the Current Residents

Anna Blackshare, M.D.

Undergraduate education: University of Arkansas, Bachelor of Science in Biology
Medical school: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
Hometown: Rector, Arkansas

Hobbies/interests:
"In my free time, I enjoy exploring the restaurant and bar scene, scoping out local record stores, and spending time with my boyfriend and dog."

Interesting tidbit:
"I collect vinyl record albums and I was at Game 7 of the 2011 World Series game when the St. Louis Cardinals won!"

Career interests:
"I am deciding between practicing as a generalist vs. pursuing a fellowship."

Favorite part of residency:
"My favorite part about our program is the people I get to work with. Since starting my intern year, I have felt supported and encouraged each step of the way! Additionally, the program has such a welcoming learning environment, and I am confident that I will receive exceptional training that will prepare me for my future practice."

Anna Hwang, M.D.

Education: Combined six-year B.A./M.D. program from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri

Hobbies/interests: 
"I love practicing yoga, jamming out at live music concerts, collecting vinyl records, keeping my house plants alive, exploring coffee shops for the best mocha, weekend farmer’s markets, and crocheting."

Interesting tidbit: 
"In my 23 years of life, I have been to 23 countries/states!"

Bio and career interests: 
"I was born in Davis, California, but grew up in the Midwest after my family moved to Springfield, Missouri. After high school, I attended a six-year combined B.A./M.D. program in Kansas City, Missouri.  I am passionate about the breadth this field incorporates with a mixture of surgery, medicine and primary care all while uniquely intersecting with public health education, culture and policy. I am excited to explore the different avenues of this field and plan on becoming a generalist after graduation!"

Favorite part of residency:
"Ever since Match Day, the SLU OBGYN community has been extremely welcoming.  The people and camaraderie are easily the best part about coming to work every day!"

Resident awards:

• Resident of the Month: August 2023
• 2024 Teaching/Mentor Award

Ayooluwa Kerrigan, D.O. 

Undergraduate education: University of Missouri; Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology
Medical school: AT Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri
Hometown: Aurora, Illinois

Hobbies/Interests: 
"Reading, cooking, going to Bar-K (dog bar, nothing better than being surrounded by a bunch of cute pups!!)"

Interesting tidbits: 
"I was born in Nigeria"

Career interests: 
"I moved to St. Louis with my husband and two dogs.  He works remotely but loves living in St. Louis.  Its really up in the air for me if I want to do a fellowship.  I love both OB and GYN so I don’t know if I could give them up, but I’m very interested in some of the subspecialties."

Favorite part of residency:
"Everyone is so incredibly supportive and willing to help each other out. I think I could be having a very different intern experience if I was at a different Program so I am very happy I’m here!"

Resident awards:

• Resident of the Month: March 2023

Jessica Lawton, M.D. 

Undergraduate education: University of South Carolina; Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Medical school: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina

Hobbies/interests:
"I love cooking, outdoors activities and trying new restaurants."

Interesting tidbits:
"I went on a 3-week trip to Europe with 10 of my closest medical school friends before residency.  Highly recommend!"

Bio and career interests:
"My boyfriend is a general surgery resident at the University of Louisville.  If I decide to pursue fellowship, I would be interested in minimally invasive surgery or urogynecology."

Favorite part of residency:
"My favorite part of the Program is the people!  The residents are all so kind and supportive and we have so much fun at work!"

Resident awards:

• Resident of the Month: January 2023, March 2024

Karly Meyer, M.D.

Undergraduate education: Marquette University; Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Graduate education: University of Nebraska Medical Center; Master’s in Science in Medical Anatomy
Medical school: University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Hobbies/interests:
"My boyfriend and I are new to St. Louis and are enjoying exploring the City.  Outside of residency, I like to do yoga, cycle, ski, hike and knit."

Interesting tidbits:
"I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland for six months during college.  While there, I took a class called “Healers and Healing”.  It was a class all about Irish Folklore medicine."

Bio and career interests:
"I am interested in being  a generalist when I finish residency.  I moved to St. louis with my partner, Max, who just graduated from law school.  We don’t currently have any animals, but will be in the market for a dog soon!"

Favorite part of residency:
"The people I work with!"

Resident awards:

• Resident of the Month: March 2024

Olivia Wilson, M.D. 

Undergraduate education: Saint Louis University; Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Hobbies/interests:
"Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and our dog.  I enjoy fitness, cooking, and exploring new wines.  I try to sneak in a couple podcasts a week and a fun book here and there when I am not on a busy rotation."

Interesting tidbits:
"Fun fact: I was born at St. Mary’s Hospital (where we primarily do our rotations!)"

Bio and career interests:
"Career: Still deciding!  Spouse: My husband, Dean, and I have been married since 2019.  We met in college through mutual friends. Dean’s definitely the source of my most interesting hobbies/random knowledge. He works in business and is 100% cooler than me. Pets:  Cookie, our dog, who we recently found out is a chihuahua, toy fox terrier, American hairless terrier (plus an assortment of other breeds) mix."

Favorite part of residency:
"You’ll hear it a million times, but the best part of being a resident at SLU is the people.  Medical training is hard, but I’ve never trusted anyone more than the group of people who have had my back from day one."

Resident awards: 

• Resident of the Month: September 2023, July 2024 
• 2024 Teaching/Mentor Award
• 2024 Winner for best case presentation at the 27th annual SSM Health/SLU OBGYN Resident Research Symposium for her case presentation on "Moyamoya Disease Diagnosed in Pregnancy" on Sept. 6, 2024

Sarah Birkholz, M.D. 

Undergrad: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
Med School: Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
Hometown: Wayzata, Minnesota

Interesting tidbit:
"I was a Flight Surgeon in the Navy for four years with an F/A-18 squadron and have over 100 flight hours. My husband and I scuba dive and dove the 2nd largest artificial reef, the Vandenberg Wreck in Key West, Florida."

Hobbies:
"I love running and my son and I can frequently be found running around Forest Park. We try to go for family walks every evening around the neighborhood. I love baking, skiing, drinking good wine, brewery hopping, camping and hiking."

Bio:
"I am interested in being a generalist or hospitalist once graduating residency. I moved here with my husband Ryan who works in agriculture banking, and our adorable son Casen. We have two goldendoodles, Ollie and Piper."

Favorite part of residency:
"This program is incredibly supportive! The environment is one in which you feel comfortable learning and making mistakes. Everyone works well as a team and the comradery improves patient care. I enjoy spending time with my co-residents both at work but also at frequent get togethers outside of the hospital."

Miranda Corona, M.D.

Undergraduate education: Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri; Bachelor of Science in Biology
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Birthplace:  O’Fallon, Missouri

Hobbies/interests:  
"Camping, hiking, going to watch live music and reading"

Interesting tidbits:  
"My husband and I are both from St. Louis and were incredibly excited that I would be able to continue my training at SLU. I currently hope to practice as a generalist in my career but have not ruled out the option of fellowship yet! SLU was the perfect fit to get excellent generalist training as well as exposure to robust sub-specialty departments." 

Favorite part of residency:
"I love the community of co-residents and faculty that I get to learn from daily.  Each and every individual is compassionate and patient in teaching and in caring for patients." 

Raneem Issawi, M.D.

Undergraduate education: University of Missouri-Kansas City; Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Birthplace: Overland Park, Kansas

Hobbies/interests:
"I enjoy yoga. Throughout medical school, I worked at PowerLife yoga with another one of my now co-residents. Recently, I have been exploring the City of St. Louis – I’ve gone to a Cardinals game, the MUNY, kayaking at Forest Park, and the International Festival at Tower Grove Park. I enjoy traveling outside of work. I’ve gone to Western Europe a couple of times, so my next goal is to travel to Latin America or Asia." 

Research interests:
"I’m interested in studying the effects of socioeconomic status on post-operative pain."

Interesting tidbits:
"Prior to the start of residency, I went backpacking in Portugal and Italy. It was a one-of-a-kind experience, and I met so many people from around the world who I still talk to today. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to graduate high school. They were able to work hard to push my siblings and I to pursue professional degrees. I’m forever grateful for them!  

I pursued OB-GYN for its balance of medicine and surgery in women’s health. As of now, I believe I would like to be a generalist. I enjoy the aspects of each subspecialty, so it’s hard to make up my mind!  At home, I have two cats, Prince and Whiskers.  My incredible partner is in an ophthalmology residency here in St. Louis as well." 

Favorite part of residency:
"When searching for the 'best fit' program, I was drawn to SLU for its camaraderie. You will graduate a competent OB-GYN from just about any program, but not all programs will have the positive culture that SLU upholds. When working the hours OB-GYNs work in addition to the stress that comes with the job, it's important to find co-residents who will step up when needed and support each other.  That’s exactly what I’ve found here."

Resident awards:

• Resident of the Month: March 2024

Kirby Mateja, M.D. 

Undergraduate education:  University of St. Andrews in Scotland, United Kingdom; Bachelor of Science in Biology
Medical school: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas

Hobbies/interests:  
"I love skiing and hiking in Colorado with my family." 

Interesting tidbits:
"I spent four years in Scotland for my undergraduate degree and was able to travel all around the UK, Europe, and Asia!  Best decision of my life! I’m interested in pursuing a fellowship in Urogynecology." 

Favorite part of residency:
"I love the people I work with at SLU and our call schedule is amazing!"

Yelena Mishkov, M.D. 

Undergraduate education: University of Washington Bothell; Bachelor of Sciences in Biology
Medical school: University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington
Birthplace: Des Moines, Washington

Hobbies/interests:  
"I like hiking in national parks – It’s my goal to visit all of them! Closer to home – I enjoy knitting and finding new audiobooks and podcasts." 

Interesting tidbits:
"I know the first 40 numbers of pi. Memorized them to earn a pie in grade school and now they have real estate in my brain. Originally from Washington State, I drove east with my cat, Zelda for residency. Only in my first year of residency, I’m not sure where my career will go, but sure enough my cat, my lovely spouse, and our two dogs will come along." 

Favorite part of residency:
"I love working at SLU for the trauma bonding!" 

James Redmond, M.D. 

Undergraduate education: University of California Santa Barbara; Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Developmental Biology
Medical school: Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. 
Birthplace:  Torrance, California

Hobbies/interests:  
"I love backpacking, playing soccer and going to breweries with friends." 

Research interests:  
"I am interested in fertility awareness – based methods of family planning." 

Interesting tidbits:
"I have run a marathon and climbed the tallest mountain in the continental United States. I am interested in being a generalist OB-GYN and plan on being a part of research or education in my career.  My wife and I have a toddler and one on the way!"

Favorite part of residency:
"My favorite part about the program is that our resident culture fosters an enjoyable learning environment. Older residents and faculty are happy to teach and residents genuinely have a fun time working together." 

Residents awards:

• Resident of the Month: February 2024

Lynn Bui, D.O.

Undergraduate education: University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma; Bachelor of Science in Biology Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Medical school: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Interesting tidbit:
"I love to travel and have been to 28 countries so far. Prior to significant chapters in my life, I plan big backpacking trips such as taking a year long gap year before medical school. Prior to starting residency, I took a trip to Asia climbing mountains in Nepal, biking in Switzerland, and surfing in the Philippines. I plan to take another big trip after the conclusion of residency!"

Hobbies:
"When I'm not working, you'll catch me outside. I absolutely love being active and outside, whether it involves snowboarding, scuba diving, backpacking, playing tennis, or lounging by the pool. My wellness is sipping a glass of wine while I paint and taking care of my plant babies."

Bio:
"Women’s empowerment has always been a passion of mine, which led me to pursue a career in OB/GYN. This specialty appeals to me because it encompasses a diverse range of activities, including clinic work, L&D, and surgery. I see myself being a generalist at heart but am open to exploring subspecialties such as family planning or MIGS in the future. Currently my only children are my plant babies."

Favorite part of residency:
"When searching for my best fit, SLU seemed to have supportive faculty to learn from, quality residents to trauma bond with, and a diverse city to explore food."

Alyssa Hobson, M.D. 

Undergradate education: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
Hometown: Shawnee, Kansas

Interesting tidbit:
"I was a cheerleader throughout most of my life including at Sanford and really enjoyed many of the amazing places cheer was able to take me from California to China!"

Hobbies and interests:
"Traveling, hiking and pilates"

Bio:
"I am very passionate about improving medicine for diverse patients and hope to do this not only by being a minority provider myself, but also through focused efforts/research, medical education and by practicing in a rural area after residency.  Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling."

Favorite part of residency:
"I greatly appreciate the amount of experience we get and the collaborative and supportive culture, my coresidents are fantastic and I am so happy to get to work with them!" 

Caroline Lamoutte, M.D. 

Undergraduate education: University of Florida, Gainesville; Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science, Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone Studies
Medical school: University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
Hometown: Plant City, Florida

Interesting tidbit:
"I got the chance to walk the last 100km of the Camino in northern Spain with my best friend last year. We managed to experience almost every form of weather those 5 days and hobbled our way into Santiago on Day 5. It was one of the most incredible adventures. My sister managed to drag my brother and I into training for a half-marathon last year as well. We love her a lot so we did it. Also barely survived that one."

Hobbies:
"Playing beach volleyball, (very) slow leisurely runs, hosting dinner parties, baking, reading, road-tripping, visiting friends across the US and in Italy, playing board games, going to breweries"

Bio:
"I'm currently unsure about whether I want to subspecialize. I'm considering urogynecology or MIGS, but the thought of not delivering babies anymore is a little sad."

Favorite part of residency:
"My co-residents are the best. I love our pre-call Trader Joes Snack Runs and our impromptu sand volleyball tournaments. Everyone is incredibly supportive and the blend of academic and community medicine provides a unique training opportunity."

Onyinyechukwu (Onyee) Ibekwe, M.D. 

Undergraduate education: University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky; Bachelor of Science in Biology
Medical school: University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Hobbies:
"In my free time I like to crochet and create fun outfits."

Bio:
"I was drawn to ObGyn because of the balance between surgery and medicine. As of this moment I believe I will love to be a generalist. I enjoy caring for my several plants at home and currently debating adding a cat to my home."

Favorite part of residency:
"I love the camaraderie and support amongst the residents." 

Abigail Knuckles, M.D.

Undergraduate education: University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri; Bachelor of Science in Biology
Medical school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois
Hometown: Waterloo, Illinois

Interesting tidbit:
"When I was younger, I raced go karts as a part of my family's racing team!"

Hobbies:
"Outside of work, I enjoy watching Blues hockey games, traveling to explore National Parks, Jeeping, and trying local goods from the variety of Farmer's Markets in STL."

Bio:
"I am originally from the St. Louis area and am so happy to be back to complete my residency training here at SLU, in the city that I love! My life at home revolves around making good food, peloton workouts, and taking cute pictures of my Bernedoodle, Doc. After graduation, I see myself working as a generalist, though REI and MFM have always peaked my interest."

Favorite part of residency:
"My favorite part of is our program's promotion of work/life balance! Since day No. 1, I felt lucky to gain a family of co-residents who are supportive and love to have fun in and outside of work! I am confident that the camaraderie and patient-forward training I have observed in my time here will give me the building blocks I need to be a skilled and knowledgeable OBGYN."

Rena Wang, M.D. 

Undergraduate education: University of California Davis in Davis, California
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri
Hometown: Cupertino, California

Interesting tidbit:
"I love to travel and have been to 34 countries and 22 national parks so far!"

Hobbies and interests:
"Sand volleyball, hiking, travel, trying new restaurants around St. Louis"

Bio:
"I am undecided what my career interests are, but am open to exploring as many avenues as I can as a resident, including generalist medicine and fellowship options." 

Favorite part of residency:
"I was a medical student at SLU and wanted to pursue OB/GYN largely because of this program and its residents.  The best part so far has been working with such great people!" 

Katherine DeHoog, M.D.

Undergraduate education: Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama; Bachelor of Science in Biology
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

Interesting fact:
"I adopted a cat my first year of medical school. I decided to name her Peperacillin (Pip for short) after the antibiotic I was learning about in pharmacology class. I plan to get a dog during residency training and am open to other drug-related name suggestions." 

Hobbies:
"My hobbies include tring to make my way through the St. Louis food and drink scene, playing on a co-ed soccer league, crocheting/needlepointing and walking through every park St. Louis has to offer!"

Bio:
"As of now, my plan is to be a generalist because I appreciate that you get to enjoy all aspects of the speciality! If I were to specialize, I would consider urogyecology or minimally invasive gynecologic surgery." 

Favorite part of residency:
"Being a medical student, I was able to see firsthand just how much the residents cared for each other and the relationships they had with faculty within a few short weeks. I have already felt so supported by everyone around me! The days are long, but the people on your team are who help you get through them." 

Lauren Evelti, D.O.

Undergraduate education: Saint Louis University; Bachelor of Sciences in Health Sciences
Medical school: Kansas City University's College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Interesting tidbit:
"Growing up in an Italian family, I was lucky to spend my summers in Italy just outside of Rome. I'd spend my days at the beach, eat endless gelato, explore the surrounding area and enjoy time with loved ones. Those summers are some of my favorite memories and keep me grounded in my roots. I feel fortunate to return at least once a year and hope to continue the tradition for many years to come." 

Hobbies:
"Some of my favorite things to do include travelling, running outdoors, exploring coffee shops, baking, cooking homemade meals and trying new restaurants!"

Bio:
"I'm drawn to the full spectrum of OB/GYN and currently see myself as a future generalist. I really value continuity of care, building strong patient relationships and working with diverse communities. I'm also passionate about global health and hope to continue doing international work throughout my career. While I'm leaning toward generalist practice, I'm keeping an open mind about subspeciality training as I go through residency." 

Favorite part of residency:
"Having gone to Saint Louis University for undergrad, I was excited to return and continue my training at an institution that values both academic excellence and a strong commitment to the community. My favorite part of being a resident here is the support I've felt since day one. The co-residents I've worked with have been welcoming and encouraging, which has made the transition into residency much smoother. I also really appreciate the breadth of clinical experience. We get to see and do so much, making it a great place to learn and grow." 

Nadia Kenfack Kembou, M.D.

Undergraduate education: Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey; Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Medical school: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Hometown: Washington, New Jersey

Interesting tidbit:
"I am a native of Douala, Cameroon and am fluent in both French and English."

Hobbies:
"I enjoy dancing, trying new cuisine and learning new languages. I am currently learing Spanish and a bit of Korean. I hope to travel the world, discover beautiful sights, help as many people as I can as a clinician, and try even more delicious dishes." 

Bio:
"I am passionate about women's health and am driven by the opportunity to support, educate and advocate for women through every phase of their health journey. I am still exploring my career interests, and I'm open to the possibility of practicing as a generalist or subspecializing." 

Favorite part of residency:
"My favorite part is the camaraderie among the residents and staff. I work alongside amazing colleagues who are not only brilliant and hardworking, but are also genuinely supportive friends. I also appreciate the commitment to providing quality care to a our diverse patient population."

Michelle Krach, M.D.

Undergraduate and graduate education: Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Masters in Biomedical Engineering
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Hometown: Kingsville, Maryland

Interesting tidbit:
"I traveled to Thailand before residency and got to feed elephants! At home I have a sweet but rambunctious cat named Bambi." 

Hobbies:
"Baking, sewing, reading, puzzles, board games and hiking."

Bio:
"At this point, I think I will be a generalist, but I'm open to fellowship if that's where residency takes me." 

Favorite part of residency:
"My favorite part about being a resident here is the friendship and support among the residents." 

Hannah Manion, M.D.

Undergraduate education: Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota; Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska
Hometown: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Interesting tidbit:
"Before medical school, I lived in Segovia, Spain. I first went for a semester abroad while pursuing my undergraduate degree, but I returned after graduation to become a TA for the program. In traveled around Spain and Europe, and my wonderful host parents taught me how to cook traditional Spanish food. We spent many evenings watching professional football and golfing."

Hobbies:
"I enjoy travling and have spent most of my time in Europe and South/Central America, but I would love to visit Asia. In my free time, I like kayaking or hiking in the summertime. But, as a Minnesotan, I don't mind winter and enjoy skating and downhill skiing. I also enjoy baking for my co-residents and hosting dinners." 

Bio:
"I am undecided about specializing. I am drawn to gynecologic oncology and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, but I don't know that I want to give up deliveries." 

Favorite part of residency:
"I think we are all saying we love our co-residents, but it is true. I was drawn to this program because I could tell people supported each other and enjoyed spending time together otuside of work; I was not disappointed. I also think the medical complexity of our maternal-fetal medicine population will prepare me to leave residency feeling confident managing medical co-morbidities in pregnancy." 

Priya Suvarna, M.D.

Undergraduate education: University of Missouri-Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri
Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri
Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas

Interesting tidbit:
"All four of my grandparents were teachers of some kind, and my family has inspired my deep pasion for academic medicine."

Hobbies:
"I love to cook, read, play word games and explore coffee shops."

Favorite part of residency:
"From day one, I have felt welcomed, encouraged and supported by everyone in this program. I feel very luck to be surrounded by so many people who want to help me grow every day."