2014 Residents
These residents will complete the program in June of 2014 – Welcome interns!
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Christa Morgan
Grew up in Iowa and Kansas, have one awesome brother and parents I love a ton. Went to undergrad in Oklahoma and medical school at OSU. Met my husband in med school and got married two years later; he’s the best and I love him like crazy.
Why Via Christi? The program has the unique ability to provide excellent full spectrum care and training, but yet still genuinely has its priorities in line. I feel supported not only as a resident, but also as a wife and a friend. I have a great community with other residents. Our attending physicans treat patients with integrity and respect; many are trusted mentors. I have a special heart for taking care of mom’s and kiddos, and continue to be impressed by the women’s heath, clinic, and OB training provided. Did I mention we have the best cafeteria ever?
Passions: Loving Jesus because He first loved me, hanging out with my hubby, friends, and family, being creative, sending notes via snail mail, weekends on the lake, getting to be a part of my new church family, fall leaves, road trips, slushies
Favorite Quotes: “Every heart has so much history, it’s my favorite place to start. Sit down awhile and share your narrative with me, I’m not afraid of who you are.” –Sara Groves “If I find in myself a desire in which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” –CS Lewis
After residency plan: I suppose I could say “scroll to find Justin Morgan,” though I’m afraid I’m his less structured half. I have a tremendous heart and passion to not just treat patients medically, but to come along side them as people. As above, I really enjoy working with mothers, babies, and children. I love OB; when you get to be a part of bringing new life into the world, “it’s like a party in every room!” (Quote from Justin Morgan). We both do have a passion to meet the needs of those whose needs often are overlooked. Who knows if this will be in a rural setting, inner city setting, or otherwise? We’ll keep praying. Good thing we still have three years.
Residency stats: After 3 months residency: 28 vaginal deliveries (2 vacuum assisted), 5 c-sections (4 primary, 1 assist), 1 chest tube, 15+ ICU patients, 5 circumcisions
Jonathan Peters
I am not a Kansas native- I actually grew up in Birmingham, AL and then attended Auburn University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. After graduating from Auburn, I attended Univeristy of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. I am very close to my family, especially my brother. For a break from work I enjoy playing guitar with my 2 roomates, who are also interns, and exercising. I love playing ultimate frisbee as well. I have really enjoyed meeting and getting to know all my fellow interns. I am very fortunate to be in a group of such excellent, hard working, fun people.
Why Via Christi? So Birmingham is about 822 miles from Wichita- not that I'm counting or anything. Seriously, though, it is a long distance and it was a long decision making process to do residency so far from home. I hope the distance I travelled speaks for the quality of this program. The quality of the residents here, as well as the breadth of clinical experience available were two important factors for my decision. In my search for a residency that provided the education I wanted, I was looking for a inpatient medicine service with good patient diversity, with a wide spectrum of medical problems. Additionally, I wanted the outpatient medical training to be comprehensive as well. I wanted a program where I would be well educated and very competent to care for patients' obstetrical needs which, in my opinion, includes learning cesarean sections. And then concerning pediatrics, the outpatient pediatric experience clinic is beyond what I could've expected. I love this program because I think its going to make me into the physician I want to become: a family doctor who is truely capable of providing primary care to children and adults including pregnant females and geriatric patients. The sense of camaraderie, support and encouragement amongst residents is contagious. And I am confident that students who have taken a clear evaluation of what sort of physician they want to become and what sort of Family Medicine training is available will find this program to be a rare opportunity to become a family physician capable of competently practicing family medicine in a vast array of settings.
Passions: I love my family and we communicate often to stay involved in each others' lives. I love my Christ centered faith and I feel certain that my God has enabled me to be successful in my training thus far and to learn well how to deliver competent, compassionate medical care.
Favorite Books: C.S. Lewis Till We Have Faces was my most recent read- very interesting.
After residency plan: At this point, I'm not certain what the future will hold. I am interested in pursuing a primary care fellowship in HIV and I am open to practicing family medicine in the United States or abroad.
Home town: Birmingham, AL
Advice: My best advice for medical students would be to really consider what scope of practice they would like to be capable of in the future. Broad-spectrum family medicine, or in my opinion, the true spectrum of family medicine, is an excellent academic and life goal to pursure. If that, along with serving patients are your desires, we would love to have you.
Zita Magloire
Why Via Christi? I chose Via Christi because I felt I could really be trained in full-spectrum family medicine here. I really liked that the program had "cross-coverage" during your outpatient months where you do two to three calls on either medicine, peds or OB to help increase your numbers and expereience. Also, when I came on my visit it was clear that most people who came here chose family medicine as their top specialty pick, rather than a back-up if they didn't match in another specialty.
Passions: I love music! I used to play the violin (for a long time) and now I'm trying other muscial pursuits. I also am a runner and am trying to follow a semi-regular schedule to do train for some road races. I love writing and reading too. I guess I like a lot of things.
Favorite Books: Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austin Frankenstein, Mary Shelly The Jungle, Upton Sinclair Through Gates of Splendor, Elisabeth Elliot
After residency plan: I want to do everything!! Want to go back to Florida and do it all. Also plan to work internationally, with my main focus in Haiti. These are big goals so we will see how things go!
Home town: Tallahassee, Florida
Residency stats: Vag deliveries: 3, haven't had OB yet-just cross coverage:) Peds LP: 2 Adult codes: 1 (on peds no less) Circumcision: 1
Michael Scheve
Why Via Christi? Because I spent my third and fourth year rotations with Via Christi, I was already familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the program. When interviewing and rotating at other programs I constantly found myself comparing these programs to Via Christi. What I found through the course of each away rotation and interview was that each program had one or more areas that were noticeably weaker. Some were weak in OB, while others Medicine, and others Pediatrics. At Via Christi, I felt that I did not sacrifice quality in ANY of these areas - Via Christi is solid across the board. Combine that with some of the best residents and faculty that I have worked with, and my choice was clear.
Passions: Gardening, reading the daily paper, going to museums, and browsing flea markets and antique malls. I am also trained as a Medical Consultant for the Creighton Model Fertility Care System of Natural Family Planning!
Favorite Books: Too many to list! If I had to list a favorite genre, it would be historical non-fiction.
Favorite Quotes: "I do not know how long God will let me live, and while I do live he may let me do very little. But the little he will let me do...I intend to do it all." -Pope John XXIII
After residency plan: No real clue at this point but I do know I will be in Kansas, most likely in a smaller community!
Home town: Topeka, KS
Residency stats: Through 3 months of residency: Vaginal Delivery: 16 C-Section: 1 Colonoscopy: 5 EGD: 7
Kelly Lambright
I'm originally from Indiana, but grew up in Charleston SC. I studied medicine at the Medical University of SC, and then made the big move to Kansas! I have two awesome younger siblings (brother and sister) and amazing parents!
Why Via Christi? I love family medicine and was looking for a program that practiced full-spectrum family medicine including a lot of OB. I'm also interested in International medicine, so Via Christi was a great fit! Additionally, the residents and faculty are great! I have been so impressed with the integrity of the physicians here, and we have a great support system! I have really been challenged to treat the whole patient, including their spiritual needs.
Passions: I love being active - hiking, biking, running, walking, trying to get into rock climbing...music, family, friends, latin dance (specifically salsa dancing), photography 'walks', travelling, speaking Spanish, good fellowship and lots more!
Favorite Quotes: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Elliot
After residency plan: Haven't figured it all out yet, but that's ok! I'm considering a fellowship in International Medicine or Advanced OB. After that, maybe 2 years with Samaritans purse internationally, then settle in to an international practice? I would love to end up in Latin America but would be happy anywhere!
Home town: Goshen, IN
Residency stats: As of 11/25/2011: Central venous catheter 1, Circumcisions 2, CT guided lumbar puncture 1, ICU pts 27+, LMA intubation 1, SVDs 22+, Vacuum assisted vaginal deliveries 3, 1st degree laceration repair 5, 2nd degree laceration repair 4, U/S guided paracentesis 1
Lane Olson
Hey, I'm a first year resident from Oklahoma. I went to OU for undergrad and med school. Boomer Sooner!! I just got married to my beautiful bride, Audra, on Sept 24th!!
Why Via Christi? Excellent broad spectrum training, great residents, and exceptional faculty!
Passions: Living a Christ centered life, being outdoors, ultimate frisbee, Sooner football, international travel, and coffee
After residency plan: I hope to either move overseas and start a residency training program or find a small Oklahoma town that needs a doctor.
Home town: Oklahoma City, OK
Jody Elson
I was born and raised in Nebraska. For my undergraduate education I studied at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I went to medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. I have two sisters. My older sister is a speech pathologist in Nebraska and my younger sister works as a coordinator for the Paralympics in Colorado Springs. My mother works for the extension service in Nebraska in a grant-funded nutrition education program for low-income populations.
Why Via Christi? Via Christi was my top choice for residency because it is an unopposed, community-based program that is heavy in surgical obstetrics and endoscopic procedures. I am also interested in international medical missionary work so the opportunity to work abroad during residency was a huge plus. And of course, the residents are awesome!
Passions: I am very passionate about my faith and learning, sharing and growing in it. Traveling is another big interest. I have been to Germany, France, England, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and 29 of the 50 states. I am also trained as a Medical Consultant for the Creighton Model Fertility Care System of Natural Family Planning!
Favorite Books: The Brothers Karamazov Cancer Ward The Great Divorce Fire Within The Sanctifier Anne of Green Gables series Holy Bible (especially gospels of Luke & John, Psalms, Sirach, Hebrews, and 1 & 2 Peter)
Favorite Quotes: “In one way or another, everyone in society works in the service of humanity. Physicians have opportunities that a priest does not have, for our mission does not end when medicine is no longer of help. There still remains the soul that must be brought to God. Jesus says, ‘Whoever visits the sick is helping me.’ This is a priestly mission. Just as the priests can touch Jesus, so we doctors touch Jesus in the bodies of our patients: in the poor, the young, the old, and children. Jesus makes himself seen in our midst. Many doctors offer themselves to him. When you have finished your earthly profession, if you have done this well, you will enjoy divine life because 'I was sick and you healed me.” --St. Gianna Beretta Molla wife, mother, physician
After residency plan: I plan to practice in a rural faith-based clinic, an inner city community health center, or abroad likely in Central America.
Home town: Nebraska
Residency stats: As of 12-09-11 rotations completed include Medicine, Women's Health, Peds, ER, OB: 14+ ICU patients, 1 LEEP, 1 Endometrial Biopsy, 8 colposcopies, 6 PICU patients, 1 chest tube, 2 ET intubations, 13 c-sections (5 as primary surgeon including one with twins vertex/breech & another primary LTCS for breech presentation), 22 vaginal deliveries
Advice: If you are interested in family medicine, I would strongly suggest going to an unopposed, broad-spectrum residency program. You can always tailor your practice to what you want to do after residency but it is hard to add things you were not trained on as a resident.
Drew Posey
I grew up in Houston, studied Nutrition at Texas A&M University, moved up to Fort Worth for osteopathic medical school and am now a new resident of Wichita.
Why Via Christi? At the beginning of the residency search I looked far and wide for a full scope FM program nestled in the nook of some towering mountain, hoping to train in a place very different from my native state, Texas. My search followed a beautiful path through the Colorado Rockies, Southern Appalachians and Northern Cascades but left me wanting of a program that fit my needs. An alumnus of Via Christi practicing in Texas recommended a strong program and I was able to interview here. The Faculty stood out to me, impressed me with their down to earth nature and excitement to mentor me in the procedures, life stuff, medicine and obstetrical care I am interested in. The residents at the time (my upper levels now) seemed like solid folk, some of them with passions similar to my own and I knew Via Christi would be an encouraging environment in which to grow.
Passions: On my "off" hours I like to tenderly care for my garden which is made up of an assortment of plants once destined for a dumpster. I love to make beautiful folk tunes, especially with others, and will occasionally write a song when the inspiration comes down. When I really get time off I try to get into the wilderness…
Favorite Books: The Brother's Karamozov: Fyodor Dostoyesvky The Hobbit: J.R. Tolkien The Tale of Two Cities: Charles Dickens Irresistible Revolution: Shane Claiborne My First Summer in the Sierra: John Muir When Helping Hurts: Brian Fikkert
After residency plan: I want to be part of God bridging the gap between the Haves and the Have-nots of this world. Medicine involves helping people physically- spiritually- emotionally- and I hope to practice this in some environment, whether urban/rural/developing world, where the folk are hard-pressed to find medical attention. The plan is to work in underserved America, pay off school loans and then jump into a long term foreign position.
Home town: Tomball, Texas
Residency stats: As of 9-29-2011: 30 ICU patients, 2 endotrachial intubations, 1 lumbar puncture, 1 chest tube, 1 joint injection, 2 colonoscopies, 1 EGD, 4 OB ultrasound, 3 circumcisions
Patrick Allen
From Houston. Texas A&M undergrad. UT-Houston for med school.
Why Via Christi? Via Christi has the hands on, high responsibility, high volume Family Medicine training that I was looking for... coupled with invested and intensive teaching from both excellent family physicians and specialists of most fields. It's a unique set up. The residents were sharp and had great stories from moonlighting in rural Kansas and international rotations. I was also impressed with the feel of the place: the physician humility, the compassionate patient care, and the incredibly supportive work environment that were evident during my interview. No regrets! ...and our nurses are cool too.
Passions: Ultimate frisbee, Tex-Mex foods and beverages, beating teenagers at DanceDanceRevolution, reading, philosophical conversations, good music, languages.
Favorite Books: Bruchko, Harry Potter
After residency plan: My hope is to end up doing primary care longterm in a developing country. Other possibilities are teaching at a residency program, specializing in Geriatrics, and/or working with the poor in the US.
Home town: Houston, TX
Residency stats: After 6 months: 50+ ICU patients, about 30 Deliveries (1 vaginal set of twins, 9 OB lac repairs), 2 D&C's, 1 TAH as first assist, 3 C-sections as primary surgeon, 5 intubations, ~5 Adult codes, 3 PICU admits including 1 Pedi code, 2 LPs, 2 Art lines, 1 PICC line, 1 Knee injection, 1 Elbow reduction, 1 Colpo My favorite number is my rent... cheap!
Nick Cahoj
I was born and raised in Atwood, KS. After high school I attended Kansas State University and majored in biology. I went to medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine for both pre-clinical and clinical years. My goal from the beginning was to practice full spectrum family medicine in a rural Kansas community. I married my wife, Alyssa, between 1st and 2nd years of medical school. Our daughter, Kate, was born this past March (on Match Day!). Alyssa is able to spend the majority of her time raising Kate, but also works part-time as an RN in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Why Via Christi? I felt Via Christi offered excellent training to allow me to practice full scope family medicine in a rural Kansas community. Our program provides well balanced training between inpatient and outpatient medicine, obstetrics/gyn, pediatrics, sports medicine, etc. It also allows me to become competent with procedural training for private practice. In addition, the faculty and fellow residents made a great impression and I knew I could work well with all of these individuals.
Passions: I enjoy attending K-State games, hunting, golfing, and of course, spending time with my wife and daughter.
After residency plan: I plan to practice full spectrum family medicine in a rural Kansas community after residency.
Home town: Atwood, Kansas
Residency stats: As of 10/4/11. Vaginal deliveries: 22, C-sections: 9, Circumcisions: 6, Joint injections: 1, Endotracheal intubations: 1.
Nicholas Tomsen
I grew up in Central Nebraska in a town called Minden. My family are farmers and teachers and our farm was homesteaded in 1887. I went to college at University of Nebraska at Lincoln where I met my wife Michaela and graduated with a degree in Biological Systems Engineering. We are diehard Cornhusker fans! I then attended the University of Iowa for Medical School. Michaela and I have been married since December of 2008 and now have a daughter Moriah born on 9/15/11.
Why Via Christi? I chose to come to Via Christi, like many others, for the excellent procedural/full spectrum training we get in Family Medicine and for the Christian community that is formed by many of the residents and faculty. I did a Sub-I here and couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. My first year, thus far, has lived up to and exceeded my expectations.
Passions: My wife says that doctors need intense hobbies to counter the intense work we do all day long. I'm not sure if that is true of everyone, but it probably is true of me. I get very passionate about learning and figuring things out. I recently got my private pilot license and I did semi-major renovations on the 100 year old home we bought in Wichita with help from library books and Youtube. I toured the US for a month on my motorcycle and love outdoor rock climbing with Michaela and other friends when we can. I lived and worked in Cartagena, Colombia with my best friend on breaks in undergrad and medical school. I'm an telemark skiier and I enjoy having a jailbroken iPhone. Michaela and I love having family and friends in our home and cooking dinner together. Moriah, our daughter, is the focus of much of our time and energy. We chose to move into a predominately Hispanic and lower socioeconomic class neighborhood in Wichita (16th & Park Pl) to be surrounded by people that take us out of our comfort zone and remind us of our calling from Christ to love our neighbors, especially those who are hard to love.
Favorite Quotes: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” - Frederick Buechner
After residency plan: Our long term plan is to work in an underserved international setting through Christian missions for 5, 10, or more years depending on where we are called. Where that will be, we are unsure. Most of my international experience has been in South America, and Michaela lived and worked in Thailand before we got married. We are debating options for loan repayment and the possibility of working in the rural Midwest for 3-5 years prior to starting international service. We plan to do full spectrum family medicine including surgical OB wherever we end up. We are excited about being able to meet people's physical needs and the avenue that creates to helping meet their spiritual needs as well.
Home town: Minden, NE
Residency stats: Stats in 3.5 months of residency: 9 primary/4 assisted c-sections, 20 vaginal deliveries (1 forceps, 1 vacuum), 86 endotracheal intubations, 7 LMAs, 4 circumcisions, 2 OB ultrasounds, 12 PICU admits, 2 LPs In spare time :) Had a child, added a bath and tiled kitchen in our house
Justin Morgan
Grew up here in Wichita. Have 1 crazy brother (two years younger). The Lord changed my life at age 20 when I became a Christian. I’m married to my beautiful wife Christa (also fellow intern at Via Christi) who I met in med school @ Oklahoma State.
Why Via Christi? Why Family medicine?: I spent a lot of time praying and talking with mentors about the decision; patient continuity is how I think my skills and passions will be most effectively used. I also enjoy that I get to start this continuity in clinic with patients now and not have to wait until after residency. Why Via Christi? 1. My interest in inpatient internal medicine, endoscopy, ER, and possible need to help my wife with OB call. 2. Faculty and fellow residents value marriage. Christa and my schedule is set up so our time intensive months and week of night float is coordinated so we see each other. This is made possible by the programs larger size, flexibility, and priorities. 3. The residents get experience moonlighting rural ER’s even with the new work hour rules. 4. I knew spiritually encouraging faculty and peers were going to be very powerful for Christa. I underestimated this for me. Residency is reminding me of a summer camp job I had in college (we worked so hard for those kids, but had so much fun, and learned so much from our bosses). 5. I get to see Dad and Mom once a week. 6. 3rd year students are fun 7. Noon basketball had a 1% influence too :)
Passions: Investing in my wife/family/friends/church/others, medicine, basketball, backpacking, recently a cousin got me into bow-fishing, anything outdoors. I also think mullets are awesome.
Favorite Quotes: “Living the dream” “Fool, is you outa yo mind” – Jonathan Peters PGY1
After residency plan: The current dream involves the following three things: 1- Faith based practice and name: I’m excited about an entire team investing in my patients socially, medically, and spiritually. I want all resources that go into the care of our patients to be to the glory of the Lord’s name. 2- Federally qualified health center: Because of the need, I enjoy the population, and the patient continuity it allows. I also see purpose in using our resources as medical providers (like government funds) to give to a cause I believe in. 3- Rural or inner-city: See #2. We also are interested in full scope family practice.
Residency stats: (After 1 month medicine, 2 weeks psych, and 2 weeks radiology): 4 paracentesis, 3 lumbar puncture, 1 eye fluorescein exam, 1 C-section, 1 circumcision, 1 vaginal delivery, 1 thoracentesis, 18 different ICU patients, 6 colonoscopy, 7 EGD, 6 OB ultrasound.
Zach Schaftel
I consider Colorado home, but have moved around quite a bit growing up. My favorite place, though, was Sao Paulo, Brazil, where I graduated high school. I went to college at the University of Florida, and medical school in Washington, DC. Before med school, I worked for 4-5 years out in Colorado, during which time I learned for certain that being a physician was what the profession for me.
Why Via Christi? Yes, the training here is incredible. But what what finally clinched it for me was the absolutely amazing faculty and residents. I felt comfortable here from the very beginning of my Sub-I month, and every time I have visted since was like coming home to family. And these are some of the smartest, most talented physicians I have ever met. I looked at the third-years, and said to myself, "If I can come out of this program on the other end and be that type and caliber of doctor, then Via Christi is the place for me." If I had to go through The Match again, I would make the exact same choice.
Passions: The local church, reading, banjo, cycling, hiking, food
Favorite Books: Titan, by Ron Chernow The House of Morgan, by Ron Chernow Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card Charity and Its Fruits, by Jonathan Edwards The Science of Missions, by J. Bavinck The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett
After residency plan: Move to Colorado (or the Pacific Northwest) and pay off my loans, then abroad somewhere...
Home town: Loveland, CO
Residency stats: Vaginal Deliveries - 20 C-Sections (as Primary) - 5 Vacuum Deliveries - 1 EGD - 1
Amanda Andrade
I am from the very lovely state of Arizona. I moved to MO/KS for med school and have been enjoying the (slightly different but no less beautiful) land of Kansas since. I have a sister who is married and has the cuttest lil' baby named Scarlett. My parents continue to inspire me and are currently in the process of adopting two kiddos, making me a soon to be big sis.
Why Via Christi? Solid training. Collegues who are excited about what they're doing and faculty who enjoy giving their time and talents to making future physicians. Lots of opportunity and even more encouragment.
Passions: I love being around people who are passionate about seeing God move. I love to laugh and am a sucker for babies and furry animals. I like hot yoga :)
Favorite Books: Renovation of the Heart, The Giving Tree, You are Special
Favorite Quotes: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
After residency plan: I want to go somewhere underserved: International, small town, or inner city
Home town: Kingman, AZ
Residency stats: 1 Month Medicine: 1 Central Line, 16 ICU patients, 4 codes. Geriatrics: 2 joint aspirations OB cross cover: 6 vaginal deliveries, 1 first degree vaginal repair, 1 C/S, 2 circumcisions
Mike Breunig
I grew up as one of six children on a dairy farm in Sauk City, WI. I graduated from Sauk Prairie High School and then attended University of Wisconsin-Platteville where I received my degree in Accounting. I worked in the private and public accounting field for seven years. I returned to school and worked as a concrete laborer while attending Madison Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2011.
Why Via Christi? I chose Via Christi because of the training and the people. The variety and volume seen throughout residency provides exposure to many situations and prepares you for your future as a physician. The many fellowships also influenced my decision as I am interested in a possible sports medicine fellowship. The thing that separated Via Christi from other residency programs was the people. The faculty, residents, and support staff made me feel at home from the very beginning. Everyone is committed to making your residency a successful and fulfilling experience. It is very much a team approach with teaching available from many resources.
Passions: I enjoy playing sports, working out, movies, music and trying new microbrews. Oh yeah, and cheese and the Green Bay Packers.
Favorite Quotes: Never mistake activity for achievement - John Wooden The worst thing you can do for the ones you love is the things they could and should do for themselves - Abraham Lincoln The world is made for those without self-awareness - from Bull Durham
After residency plan: I\'m thinking of possibly doing a sport medicine fellowship and then who knows. I may eventually go back to Wisconsin but I'm keeping my options open.
Home town: Sauk City, Wisconsin
Advice: All programs have positives and negatives. Find a place that offers you the best opportunity and has people you enjoy being around.