2011 Residents
The 2011 residents started their intern year in July of 2008. This is our largest class - 20 residents!
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Dianna Kubacz
I was born and raised in South Carolina, where my parents and older brother still live. I attended Erskine College, a small school in Due West, SC. During college I spent my summers on medical mission trips to Honduras and Egypt. And it was on the medical mission field in South Africa that I met my husband (and future classmate) Dean. We both attended the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. I am excited about our recent move to Kansas and the new adventure that residency will be.
Why Via Christi? Great obstetrical (surgical emphasis) and pediatric training with dedicated ObGyn and Ped faculty --- all this in a family friendly environment with people we really enjoy! Plus, the new international fellowship is in line with where we feel God is leading us long-term.
Passions: spending time with Dean, international medicine, running, cooking ethnic food, crafts, and travel
Favorite Books: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Favorite Quotes: God gives GOOD gifts!
After residency plan: Practice medicine with Dean overseas or in small town USA -- AND raise a family!
Home town: Aiken, SC
Residency stats: In my first week of residency as a newbie intern . . . 1 c/section, 1 circumcision, 5 vaginal deliveries, and 3 gyn surgeries.
Meggan Grant
Grew up in a small town in Colorado, went to college at The Colorado College in Colorado Springs. I spent time traveling to Italy and Taiwan. I also worked in Breckenridge, CO for a year before heading to KCUMB in Kansas City for medical school. While at KCUMB I also attended Rockhurst University to get an MBA in Health Care Leadership. And now....I'm a frightened intern.
Why Via Christi? One of the many reasons I chose VC is that I was impressed by the professionalism, maturity and compassion I saw in the residents and interns. I wanted to be surrounded by good role models and I know I will be at VC.
Passions: volleyball (playing) hockey (watching), Denver Broncos, napping, Big Head Todd and the Monsters (favorite band), family/friends/loved ones
Favorite Quotes: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us, it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Marianne Williamson from "A Return To Love"
After residency plan: I would like to practice somewhere in rural Colorado.
Home town: Flagler, CO
Aron Fast
I am a life-long Kansan - and proud of it. My wife is also a family medicine resident. Last weekend I made a hillbilly golf set and I play it every chance I get, however, I have yet to win.
Passions: I have a variety of interests: running, building furniture, driving my '52 Ford, and enjoying my family. This probably explains why I chose family medicine - I just want to do it all.
Favorite Books: Winning Table Tennis, PrairyEarth, The Hauerwas Reader, the Lore of running
After residency plan: Welcome to tiny town Kansas - population 4 doctors
Home town: Hesston, Kansas
Jennifer Cheng
I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. I went to the University of Kansas for undergrad and majored in Psychology. Following graduation from undergrad, I began medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. I met my husband in high school and we recently got married (May '08) after dating for 8 years. Lucky me, I had the same last name as him (no relation!) and I didn't have to change my name. Hoorah! He is also an intern and is doing his prelim in Wichita and will be starting Radiology next year in Wichita as well.
Why Via Christi? I did my last two years of medical school in Wichita. Most of my core rotations (such as peds, OB, and medicine) were with Via Christi Family Medicine. I really enjoyed how the program was set up and I liked how involved the faculty was with the program. I liked how there were tons of opportunities for procedures that were always available to anyone. Most importantly, the residents were awesome, very knowledgeable, and were very confident in their skills. I'm not exactly sure what type of practice I wanted to have, but I wanted a program that would provide me the opportunity to learn everything and be confident once I began practice on my own.
Passions: In my spare time, I love to play with my pekingese, Gizmo, cook, go fishing, travel, spend time with the hubby, and spend time with my family.
After residency plan: I am really not sure where I'll end up after residency. Wherever that may be, I'd like to practice full spectrum Family medicine and try to squeeze in couple kids in between!
Home town: Wichita, Kansas
Marc Carrigan
I am originally from Normal, IL, and attended undergrad at Illinois Wesleyan University and medical school at Southern Illinois University. I am married to the beautiful Stephanie June who graciously supported me through medical school. I chose family medicine because I loved every rotation during my 3rd year and wanted to do it all. Still do! I enjoy any type of outdoor/sporting activity: football, basketball, hockey, running, biking, fishing…. I also enjoy reading, but have had a tough time fitting it in as an intern.
Why Via Christi? The Experience: Not many programs in the country will allow you to do 50-70 C-sections, 150-200 vaginal deliveries, manage pediatric and medicine patients in the ICU, work side by side with sports medicine fellows, and participate in a one of a kind international medicine fellowship. The Residents: I have not met a single person out of 54 residents that I wouldn’t want to hang out with on a Friday night. Everyone is a pleasure to be around… even at 6 AM. There is also such a team attitude here with people willing to help me out during rounds if I get behind, trade call nights, and pitch in a hand whenever needed. The Faculty: Second to none. Great to work with and learn from. Family medicine faculty that are up to date on medicine, peds, and OB. A pediatrician, nephrologist, and ENT on staff. OB/GYN’s, surgeons, and peds intensivists that truly want to teach us how to do what they do. The City: Surprise! Wichita is pretty cool. I was skeptical myself, but came to find that there are tons of restaurants, hang outs, semi-pro sports, outdoor activities, and shopping for my wife. And housing is very affordable.
Favorite Books: "Soul Survivor" by Philip Yancey
Favorite Quotes: "It's strange - those of us who involve ourselves in places where there is the most suffering, look back in surprise to find that it was there that we discovered the reality of joy." - Paul Brand
After residency plan: I love the poor and medically underserved. My wife is a family nurse practitioner and we want to work in a developing country when I finish residency. Our plan is to do a 4-year term and then re-evaluate our future. We are open to career overseas service or moving back to the states to work with the urban poor
Residency stats: 35 vaginal deliveries, 15 C-sections, 4 circumcisions, 25 intubations (as of 11-12-2008)
Steve Sittnick
Steve received a BA in Political Science from The Citadel, Charleston, SC and a Masters degree from US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS. Steve retired from the Army after twenty-six years of service in Parachute and Ranger Infantry units. Steve graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in May 2008. Steve is married to Cava Sittnick. They have a son Mack who attends the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and a daughter Sally who attends Leavenworth High School, Leavenworth, KS. Steve and Cava are active members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Leavenworth and Steve also worships at St. James Episcopal Church in Wichita. Steve aspires to practice Family Medicine in a rural setting.
Why Via Christi? First of all the mission statement of Via Christi: to provide quality health care, especially to the poor and underserved in the way of Christ. The patients who utilize the Medical Center and the warm comradeship of the residents and attending physicians. Finally, the cohesive nature of the entire health care team.
Passions: Supporting the men and women of our Armed Forces, Volunteering in Boy and Girl Scouting, Hiking in the mountains with my family, Learning to play Golf
Favorite Books: The Bible, Killer Angels, Undaunted Courage
Favorite Quotes: There is no limit to the greatness one can achieve if you care not who gets the credit.
After residency plan: Rural Medicine and enjoying \"empty nest life\" with Cava.
Home town: Charleston, SC
Trini Garza
Soy hispano! I am originally from a small rural town in the Great State of Texas. I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world, Lindsey, originally from San Antonio, Texas. We have been married for 3 years. I received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas Pan American (Edinburg, TX), and attended the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (Dallas, TX) for med-school. My wife is a registered nurse and works at St. Francis Hospital. We have a terrier-mix dog named Missy and we love Wichita!
Why Via Christi? 1. I felt I could get excellent full-spectrum family medicine training. 2. Awesome OB numbers- #1 in the country for family medicine residency programs 3. The sincerity of the faculty and awesome upper level residents. 4. My interest in international medicine
Passions: Hobbies: 1. Baseball 2. Golf - very recent hobby 3. PS2 Passions: 1. God 2. Family 3. Service of others 4. International Work Talents: 1. Play Drums 2. Preacher
Favorite Books: 1. La Biblia
Favorite Quotes: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matt 6:21 "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - John Maxwell
After residency plan: I am unsure as to whether my wife and I will be practicing in a rural town in South Texas (i.e. near my hometown) or in another country...I am leaving this in the Lord's hands. My plan is to be involved in international work, if not full-time, part time (at least 3 months out of the year). Unrelated note: I want to coach my kid's little league baseball team.
Home town: San Isidro, Texas
Brent Owen
I am from the great state of Iowa. Residency in Kansas is the first time that either my wife or I have lived out of Iowa. I graduated from engineering school at the University of Iowa before attending medical school at the University of Iowa. My wife and I have one son and a German Shepard named Chloe.
Why Via Christi? I want to practice in a small town doing full spectrum family medicine and Via Christi was the best place for me to get that training. I seemed to fit well with the vision of Via Christi and got along well with the other residents.
Passions: Road biking, lifting weights and building weight equipment, hunting, fishing, kayaking, church, reading the Bible, welding.
Favorite Books: the Bible, bruchko, This Present Darkness
Favorite Quotes: Roads? Where we are going we don't need roads.
After residency plan: I don't know yet what I will be doing after residency. I think we will be in a small Midwestern town practicing full spectrum medicine, but my wife and I may be interested in overseas missions if that is where we are led.
Home town: Solon, IA
Bonnie Charles Smothers
I'm from Clearwater, KS, which is a small town southwest of Wichita. I did my undergrad at the University of Kansas and, as such, I am a die hard Jayhawk fan. I love to spend my spare time with my awesome husband, Ryan, and my adorable cat, Diddle. We love to cook, go to movies, travel, and play music together. My greatest desire in life is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and let him guide and direct all my activities.
Why Via Christi? I picked Via Christi because I truly believe it is the best place in the country to get broad spectrum training in family medicine. The flexibility of the program, as well as the knowledgeable faculty and welcoming environment made my choice for residency an easy one.
Passions: Christian ministry, music, exercise, Mexican food, gray cats
Favorite Books: The Bible, A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Pride and the Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights
Favorite Quotes: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8
After residency plan: After residency, I'd love to be a family physician in a small town in Kansas. My particular interests are women's health, pediatrics, and endoscopy, but I love taking care of all kinds of patients of all ages.
Home town: Clearwater, KS
Dean Kubacz
I was born and raised in South Carolina and am the 2nd oldest of five children (4 boys and 1 girl). I studied forestry at Clemson University and spent several years working with the US Forest Service in Colorado. While getting my masters in Forestry/Fire Management, God bega to redirect my path toward medicine. I attended medical school in Charleston, SC with my wife, Dianna, before heading to Kansas for residency training in family medicine.
Why Via Christi? Brilliant combination of full-spectrum training with solid procedural numbers and dedicated faculty/residents who are a joy to work with.
Passions: I enjoy being outdoors, I love my wonderful wife, and I am learning more and more about how much God loves me.
Favorite Books: Anything regarding Native American history
After residency plan: Practice medicine in a rural setting -- either small town USA or international medicine -- where God leads us.
Home town: Greenville, SC
Residency stats: As a newbie intern finishing week one of Medicine, I am getting plenty of experience admitting and managing patients in the ICU as well as on the regular medicine floor.
Josiah Brinkley
I am married, and my wife and I are expecting our first child soon. I am originally from Colorado, but I call Kansas home now.
Why Via Christi? I felt that Via Christi would give me the best training available. I felt Via Christi would best prepare me to do whatever I want to do in Family Medicine when I get done with residency.
Passions: Spending time with my wife, hunting with my dogs and buddies, road tripping, golfing, fishing, and camping.
Favorite Books: Ruthless Trust; Searching for God knows What; Black Elk Speaks
After residency plan: I plan to practice in Rural Kansas doing full spectrum family medicine, including scopes and OB with C-sections.
Home town: Grand Junction, CO
Chinenyenwa Ezedike
I am Princess Chinenyenwa from a very small village in Nigeria. I have two brothers and two sisters. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. I moved to the states when I was 14 years old and five years later, met my Nigerian Prince. At the age of 15, I had it with high school and at 19, I completed my B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Florida. I went on to complete my MD in University of Florida. My husband (aka. my partner in crime) has a B.A in Electronic engineering from F.A.M.U and a M.S. in Aeronautical Science and Space Operations Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I plan to visit more places on medical missions and in the end, move back to Nigeria when I am finished with my training. I love spending time with family and friends and, Oh, I love African dance.
Why Via Christi? It had everything I looked for in a program and more but I will share a few. 1) Via Christi has a complete well rounded Family Medicine program similar to the training in Nigeria. You've got to get a feel for everything otherwise you are no use. 2) Great Obstetrics training - I don't have to compete with Ob residents for numbers. In fact, I don't have to compete with anyone period. 3) Great Great Great family support 4) My conversations with Dr. Stringfield via email and my visit here. I met all the other faculty members and the people of Wichita. Wonderful people by the way and everyone in the faculty loves to teach. 5) I also found people like me who can practice medicine and embrace the presence of a supreme being. ... do you really want me to go on:)
Passions: African Dance, cooking, talking and praying with my husband, running, weight lifting, drawing, soccer ...
Favorite Books: My Book Of Bible Stories, All of the African Folk tales, Chinua Achebe, Ola Rotimi and some Igbo Nigerian books ...well those are my favorites but I do read other books
Favorite Quotes: "If you make God's work your concern, he will make your needs his concern." If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream. The Trumpet of Conscience.----- Martin Luther King, Jr.
After residency plan: I see myself in a rural setting, in various medical missions and ultimately in Nigeria
Home town: Surulere, Nigeria
Residency stats: Vaginal deliveries (5); C-sections (2); EGD (1) STRESS TREADMILL (10) THIS IS IN JUST FOUR WEEKS OF CARDIOLOGY - (as of August 1, 2008)
Melissa Cardwell
I grew up in a small Kansas town, went to undergrad in a small Iowa town, and returned to Kansas for medical school. I love the Midwest and have received a fabulous medical education in Wichita thus far. I was recently married, and we are so excited about our new life together!
Passions: It's such an honor to take care of people every day...When I'm not working, I like to be outdoors running or walking, and I always enjoy a game of hoops. My husband and I also enjoy a good movie together when we have time and we're not exhausted.
Favorite Books: Captivating by Staci Eldredge; Vision for God by Margaret Brand
Favorite Quotes: "You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving." Amy Carmichael, missionary to India
After residency plan: My husband and I plan to practice full scope family medicine in an underserved area, hopefully with several of our good friends in the residency.
Home town: Ellinwood, Kansas
Tobi Dawodu
Tobi is from Nigeria, although you would never know it from his cosmopolitan accent. He loves extreme skiing as he spent some years in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Annie Fast
I grew up in the Kansas City area but have lived here in Wichita for two years now. I went to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. My husband is also a new resident this year in our program. We met in medical school and have been married for two years. In my free time I like to bake (mostly because I like to eat) and read. I admit that I am addicted to Grey's Anatomy and CSI (the original one). Mostly I just like to hang out with friends and family.
Why Via Christi? My husband and I chose Via Christi because we knew we would get great training. I really enjoy OB so I was impressed with the OB service. We also chose Via Christi for the experience they have with dealing with couples in medicine. The larger program allows my husband and I more flexibility in correlating our schedules.
After residency plan: My husband and I would like to practice in a small town in Kansas someday but we have no idea where yet.
Home town: Olathe, KS