2015 Residents
These residents will complete the program in June of 2015.
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Jennifer Roehrs
Why Via Christi? There are many amazing things about Via Christi Family Medicine. It was not one thing that attracted me here- it was everything. We receive outstanding unopposed training at a level 1 trauma center in both the outpatient and inpatient settings, which also includes great procedure training. The camaraderie here and the support of the attendings exceeds my greatest expectations. There is ample opportunity for international work. Via Christi prepares family physicians to function at the highest level so they can best serve patients with the most comprehensive care whether in rural or urban environments.
Passions: I love the outdoors. If I could have my clinic outside I would:) I love art and turning antiques into art. I love cooking and gardening. Family and friends make up the best things about me.
After residency plan: To practice in an underserved rural community with both outpatient and inpatient privileges with annual medical international trips to underserved areas.
Home town: Sedalia, MO
Scott Akers
I grew up on a farm in Western Kansas close to the Colorado border. Contrary to popular belief, western Kansas extends beyond Salina. I went to Hutch CC and ran track for 2 years and then onto Baker University to get my B.S. degree in Molecular Bioscience. I attended medical school at KCUMB in Kansas City.
Why Via Christi? Via Christi stood above the rest because of the opportunities that the residents have to perform procedures and gain knowledge that will allow one to practice broad spectrum family medicine in any setting. The people also were a major factor in choosing Via Christi for residency, the faculty seemed not only knowledgeable about family medicine, but were also great mentors that extend beyond the realm of medicine. The residents also stood out from other programs I looked at, I felt like I could learn a great deal from the upper level residents and that overall Via Christi would push me to become a remarkable physician.
Passions: Scuba Diving, anything to do with the ocean, Reading, Travel, Word War II History
Favorite Books: The Jesus I Never Knew, The Shack, anything by the authors James Rollins or Steve Berry
Favorite Quotes: " To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" - Steve Prefontaine
After residency plan: To practice broad spectrum FM in a rural community in Kansas
Home town: Syracuse, Ks
Desirae Nasrallah
Talk about your ordinary person who just really lucked out. As soon as I realized that I wasn't going to be allowed to be an astronaut (I say allowed because I still secretly hope this comes to fruition one day) I changed gears. Ever heard of the star fish story? If you haven't come find me and I'll tell you. But this parable kind of says it all and how I find myself learning the art of medicine. It really is one person at a time. I found out, through my travels in Latin America, there was much work to be done for humanity. I got my self an MPH (and not just to collect letters behind my name...wink, wink) but because I believe in the philosophy of getting to the source of problems. Put the fire out at the base, right? Anyhow, I thought it would be useful to know how to wield medicine. It completed the circle for me so here I am!
Why Via Christi? Via Christi was the total package! They believe in Family Medicine and its full potential. They work hard to make us the best physicians we can be. The best part- all the residents and preceptors do it with a smile on their face. You can tell they love what they do. I vow to be just like them when I grow up...So comfortable with what they do they make it look easy.
Passions: I absolutely, 1000% like balancing out the odds for a good and healthy life. Loaded statement right? I like working to make peoples lives better here and abroad. Sometimes that means medicine. Sometimes it means clean water, food, and education. It would be great to get to the end of my life and feel like I left this world a little better than I found it. I actually like running. I'm not especially good at it but I\'ve got a few marathons under my belt. What a great way to blow off some steam (translation: I like eating a lot and running 26.2 miles is the only way I can balance out my caloric intake.) I\'m trying to learn more Spanish. It\'s amazing how comfortable you can make someone by just trying to communicate with them in their own language. I love a good conversation. Especially one with a lot of laughing and coffee. Laughing really does heal all wounds. The regulars: movies, reading, sleeping, and many other shenanigans.
Favorite Books: The Alchemist. Lord of the Rings. And all those big blockbuster ones like Harry Potter, Hunger Games. Also, some of the Star Wars books were pretty fun (don't judge).
Favorite Quotes: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you."- a wise, wise man "If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."-African Proverb "Not all those who wander are lost..." Tolkein "You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." — Dr. Seuss
After residency plan: I am an NHSC scholar. It would be great to head back to FL to be closer to my family but who knows where the road shall lead.
Home town: Orlando, Florida
Residency stats: Stay tuned...I'm only 3 weeks into this.
Advice: Choose the program where you fit well. Let that be your tie breaker.
Heather Myers
Why Via Christi? I went into my third year of medical school thinking I would become an ob/gyn. I feel that there are not many times in medicine that are considered “happy”, but babies being brought into the world is one of those times that is considered happy (at least a majority of the time). I wanted to be a part of this experience. However, that being said, once those babies are brought into the world and the mom has been tended to, I really wanted to go see that new little person. Therefore, I decided that Ob/gyn would not meet these two aspects of medicine that I really enjoy. Via Christi, like many other programs, offers great pediatric rotations and many pediatric interactions in the setting of family medicine. The other thing that is offered at this program is a great obstetrics rotation, which is rarer when compared to other programs. Another thing that I really appreciate about this program is the interactions which specialists. In many places, family medicine is considered on a lower tier when compared to specialties, however in Wichita, family medicine physicians are very well respected and this holds true all the way through to the residents. We have many specialists available, who want to work with us and teach us. It is truly a blessing. Although those two things are true, the thing that most led me to pick this program was the people. I really feel that I fit in well at this program. I am a very motivated and hard working person who likes to stay busy. I really feel comfortable being myself. Many people get worried about the program being too large, however I really feel like it is an asset. There are many different niches and personalities for everyone to find close friends, and yet there is a commonality shared by everyone which allows us all to get along. It is amazing being a part of this special and unique program.
Passions: Watching movies, trying new foods/restaurants, running, reading gossip magazines (US weekly),
Favorite Books: The Harry Potter Series....ALL OF THEM!!!
Home town: Wahoo, NE
Advice: Pick a program where you feel like you easily fit in and can become a part of the program. It is important to find the academic things that are important to you but perhaps even more important to find a place where you belong. Make sure you pick a program where you are comfortable asking questions, and know you will get the support you need if you make a mistake. “The match” can be a very stressful event, but remember that things happen for a reason and although there may be many times along the way that you are filled with doubt, things will work out the way they are supposed to. things you are looking for, but perhaps even mo
Christine Taormina
I'm from upstate NY (think apple orchards, not the Big Apple), went to college and lived in the Boston area, and my med school brought me to Long Island and NYC. I have a journal entry from when I was a kid where I say "I will never be a doctor! Why would anyone want to spend all their time around sick people?" I also wrote a paper in college where I talk about why I didn't want to be a doctor. Clearly God changed my heart.
Why Via Christi? Coming from NY, I get asked this question a LOT! And anybody who knows me knows it was no small sacrifice to leave the coast and go just about as far from the ocean as possible. My easy answer is that I wanted the kind of quality, broad scope family medicine training I knew I could only get at a place like Via Christi, to prepare me for wherever I find myself practicing in the future. There are about a million other reasons though, too: Essentially, I realized how crucial it is at this final stage of formal training to learn from faculty that I not only respect for their medical knowledge and skills, but whom I could see mentoring me. People who's lives I'd want to emulate. I also fell in love with the idea of being a part of a team (residency) of like-minded yet totally unique people. I confess I was a little intimidated by the size of the program, but I've been blown away to see how much everyone so clearly loves to be around each other and build each other up. This place is full of people who will--and already have--challenged me. It's an amazing environment in which to learn and grow and live.
Passions: traveling--especially overseas, social justice, exploring cities, the ocean, swimming, boating, backpacking, cooking, crocheting, reading, trying new things, and getting to know people--like really great conversations that leave me with a better understanding of the other person and the world
Favorite Books: 5 Books that changed my life (other than The Word): My Name Is Asher Lev (Chaim Potok); Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) Mere Christianity (CS Lewis); Don't Let The Goats Eat The Loquat Trees (Thomas Hale); Generous Justice (Timothy Keller)
After residency plan: I want to served the marginalized of society through health care. Through my life I've come to love working with the urban poor here in the US, as well as medical missions overseas. I'm not sure where I'll wind up in the future.
Home town: Clifton Park, NY
Residency stats: As of 1/13: 50 vaginal deliveries, 6 c-sections (3 primary), , and 8 circs
Advice: Don't freak out! Put yourself out there, work hard, show everyone your naturally awesome self and you'll wind up at the right place (even if it's not where you thought it'd be at the beginning of this journey.)
Michael Campbell
Why Via Christi? I chose Via Christi because of the people in the program and the preparation that it will give me to be the physician I want to be. All of the residents I met before coming here seemed like truly dynamic people who were passionate about being a great family physician; they were not only smart and hard working but quality people who obviously cared for one another. The general attitude and camaraderie of the residents was easy to see at social events outside of the hospital. I knew that for the next 3 years I wanted to be around people who were genuine and helped encourage and support each other through residency. The scope of the residency was the other main reason I chose Via Christi. I always thought that if I wanted to be a family physician because I liked doing a little bit of everything, why would I go to a program that would limit my experience. The number and quality of procedures interested me. Via Christi residents get to do a ton of procedures and don’t have to refer the difficult cases. For me, I learn best by doing things and then looking back on that experience. I knew that I wanted to go to a program that would deliver a thorough and comprehensive experience so I would be confident I was competent in any situation in which a family physician might find themselves.
Passions: I am really interested in sports medicine and keeping people active and healthy. I like almost all sports and love going to watch events. I run and have recently started biking. I like to ready spy books and watch all types of movies ( the good ones at the IMAX theater). As far as talents, I used to be good at baseball. Now I hit the golf ball around some and am pretty decent.
Favorite Books: The Language of God by Frances Collins - a great book that explores how faith and science don't have to be antagonists (Frances Collins headed the Human Genome Project). Any Robert Ludlum book, especially the Jason Bourne series. To Kill A Mockingbird, early John Grisham. David McCullough biographies
Favorite Quotes: "I should have a 3rd ear coming out of my forehead." - Roger Clemens, explaining why he couldn't possibly have used steroids
After residency plan: I'm unsure of all of my after residency plans. I am very interested in doing sports medicine and am planning on doing a fellowship. I'm not too sure after that.
Home town: Valley Center, KS
Sarah Moore
I grew up in Memphis, TN, went to college in Texas for a change of pace, and came back to Memphis for med school. I met my husband, Nick, at Abilene Christian University and we got married after my first year of med school. He is finishing up PT school at UTHSC. I have one sister who is in her 4th year of med school at UTHSC. Aside from missing Nick, I probably miss getting to hang out with her the most!
Why Via Christi? I knew I wanted my family medicine training to be challenging. We are responsible for so much! So, I looked at programs with great OB experience, lots of procedures, and strong medicine training. I chose Via Christi because of the residents and faculty. The people here are so encouraging and will try to push you to be a better doctor. I hope to do underserved medicine after I graduate, so I was also drawn to the strong missions focus here. At callback weekend, Nick and I had so much fun and felt at home with everyone; we knew I had to rank this program first even though it meant a few months apart.
Passions: We have a Great Dane named Pete. He takes me for walks and bike rides, and introduces me to my neighbors. He's pretty great. I love playing games and spending time with dear friends. I also enjoy the occasional camping/rock climbing trip. I am always trying to improve my Spanish.
Favorite Quotes: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's just not." Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
Home town: Memphis, TN
Advice: Stay with a resident during your interviews if you can. This is a great opportunity to really get a feel for a program.
Cassandra Gerlach
I am a Kansas native. I grew up in Goddard, KS which is a small town just outside of Wichita. I went to Newman University for undergrad and then headed off to KU for med school in KC. I opted to do my 3rd and 4th years of medical school at KU-Wichita which was great (for both experience and being closer to family). My husband (Nick) and I just celebrated our 1 year anniversary on the first day of residency (woo hoo!).
Why Via Christi? I wanted more than just an education from a residency. I wanted somewhere that I could grow in my faith and be around others who could support me through that. I also want to incorporate the Creighton Model of Natural Family Planning into my future practice. It was so encouraging to meet attendings and upper level residents who were supportive of this goal and are even trained in it themselves. I also wanted to be in a program that gave me plenty of experience in procedures. I love being up doing procedures and working with my hands.
Passions: I'm very passionate about my Catholic faith and growing to know and serve Christ in my every day life. From this stems my love for Natural Family Planning and the wonderful things it has to offer. I also enjoy being with my husband and our "daughter" Rion (my HUGE English Mastiff). I also like being on the lake wake boarding, knee boarding, surfing, and skiing. I guess as far as talents go, I was the top of a ski pyramid back in the day.
Favorite Books: The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin. Hilarious.
After residency plan: Broad spectrum with NFP...location TBD.
Home town: Goddard, KS
Advice: If you're interested in a program, don't be afraid to let them know. Stay in contact with them.
Samantha Algrim
I grew up on farm in southwest KS, about 30 miles east of Garden City. Growing up on a farm I learned sweet skills like; changing bearings, herding cattle, welding, etc. None of the tangible skills I learned have been especially useful yet (except jumping cars for friends) but the intangible things I learned like perseverance, tenacity & patience (which I am still working on) have proved to be invaluable. I met my husband in high school, thank you GCHS. For undergrad I went to KU (rock chalk!) and initially I was a fine arts, art history & secondary education major. After study anatomical drawings (Netters) and a family member becoming very ill and I became interested in medicine and haven't looked back! For med school I attended KU med & finished my last two years in Wichita. Now I am here at Via Christi Family Medicine Residency!
Why Via Christi? I chose Via Christi for the people & the training. The people here (co-residents, attending, other faculty or staff) are excellent; everyone is willing to help & provide support. The training is amazing broad spectrum care, it allows me to decide what I want to provide in my future practice vs. being limited to what I can do based on training & exposure. Also I know even when I leave this program the faculty will still be willing to answer questions and provide a fund of knowledge, no matter where I end up.
Passions: I love art; going to art museums, drawing, reading art history books. I enjoy cooking with my husband and experimenting with new recipes & ingredients. My husband and I enjoy riding his Harley to small cities around Wichita and trying local restaurants or checking out local events (drag races, street dances, farmers markets). My family is a top priority and I enjoy going back to Dodge City whenever I can to spend time with them. And I have an on & off relationship with yoga, currently we are on.
Favorite Books: Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenence Seeking the Cure
Favorite Quotes: "But you gotta keep on going, what are you gonna do quit? That's not an option. You gotta keep on keeping on. Life's a garden, dig it. You make it work for you. You never give up, thats my philosophy."
After residency plan: I hope to practice in a rural area of KS (preferably southwest KS) and provide broad spectrum care with OB.
Home town: Dodge City, KS
Heidi Woxland
I grew up in the great state of Minnesota, although sadly in a county with no natural lakes in the land of 10,000 lakes. For my undergraduate, I headed to Missoula, Montana and quickly fell in love with the mountains. After many adventures, I returned to the midwest for medical school at Des Moines University.
Why Via Christi? As I was looking at programs, I wanted a program that offered a strong foundation in medicine, OB, and pediatrics. Via Christi offers that as well as great staff, faculty, and fellow residents to work with.
Passions: I have multiple hobbies and passions, and find there is usually not enough time in the day. However, my two favorites are 1. Sitting on the deck with my family, enjoying a cup (or many cups) of coffee, and chatting all morning long. 2. Backpacking trips with good friends - few things are more wonderful, in my opinion, then the combination of great fellowship,physical exhaustion of carrying a 40-60 lb pack or canoe surrounded by gorgeous nature where cell phones and e-mail are non-existent.
Favorite Books: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin
After residency plan: I would love to work in a smaller town, practicing broad-spectrum medicine....hopefully in the Rocky Mountain west or northern Minnesota.
Home town: Rochester, MN
Wally Walstrom
Why Via Christi? Via Christi is the best place around to get full spectrum family practice training. They also have a great sports med program that allows you to get involved with a wide spectrum of teams right from the beginning. The training here will allow me to go anywhere and do anything I want.
Passions: When I’m not working in the hospital, or clinic I enjoy doing one of my many hobbies. My hobbies include: Pole vaulting, rafting, kayaking, camping, hiking, climbing, triathlons, traveling, coaching, and going to sporting events… just to name a few.
Favorite Quotes: I want to feel the eager anticipation of not knowing what is around the river bend, but trust that I am prepared to face anything that comes my way.
After residency plan: After residency I plan to go on to do a sports medicine fellowship. After fellowship… I will see where the wind blows me… maybe back home to Marysville, maybe back to one of my college towns, or maybe to the mountains in Colorado. The training here at Via Christi will allow me to go about anywhere and do anything I want.
Home town: Marysville, KS
Kyle Schwindt
I'm a confused Canadian/American dual citizen that has been blessed by God! I have a beautiful God fearing wife and one son that is so much fun. I enjoy all kinds of fun activities from skiing to mountain biking. I moved here from Colorado where I studied Biomedical Science at the University of Northern Colorado, and med school at Rocky Vista University in South Denver. Over the past 12 years God has been working on my heart through many great men and women. He has given me a heart for the local church and I'm excited to see where He places me following my training at Via Christi.
Why Via Christi? All of my top 5 programs offered wonderful full spectrum family med training....but in the end it came down to the people! The residents and the faculty were awesome. I had an opportunity to visit for a rotation here and stayed with several solid brothers and look forward to a life long fellowship with them.
Passions: I like people! I really enjoy that very first interaction with a new person. Finding out where they are from, what they enjoy, what we have in common. All of my hobbies seem to stem from socializing....sports, biking, board games, Bible study, Church fellowship.
Favorite Books: Date Your Wife (Buzzard) The Princess Bride (Hilarious) Steve Jobs (who knew he did all that stuff!) Gates of Fire (Pressfield...a bit intense but a good manly read)
After residency plan: I'm open to anything and exciting about seeing how God moves in my heart and also in the heart of my family members. Right now I'm excited about moving back to a small town and serving entire families! Providing both physical and spiritual needs in my office visits.
Home town: Oak Lake, Manitoba, Canada
Brooke Dunlavy
Why Via Christi? When I set out on the interview trail I made a list of all the things I wanted in a residency. It was a lengthy list and included surgical obstetrics and endoscopy in an unopposed setting. I wanted a strong background in hospital medicine including ICU care as well. My goal is to practice full scope medicine in a rural setting, and I knew I would only have three precious years to get the majority of my life\'s training. There were only a handful of programs that could meet my expectations, and Via Christi of course was one of them. This program stood out from all of the others however because of the people. I did a month long sub-I in my fourth year and during that time every single resident, attending, and nurse treated me with kindness. I was allowed to do more procedures in that month as a medical student than I had in two clinical years at my own institution. After that experience, Via Christi became my measuring stick to which I compared all other programs. In the end, I felt like this program offered me the most for my three years, and that includes lifelong friendships.
Favorite Books: Pride and Prejudice, Gone with the Wind, and any of the Harry Potter books
After residency plan: After residency I plan to practice full scope medicine including surgical obstetrics in rural Kansas. My husband still works at the same pharmaceutical company in McPherson, so I am hoping to join a practice in the surrounding area.
Home town: Garden City, KS
Residency stats: Total Vaginal Deliveries (4 weeks): 32, Vacuum Assisted Vaginal Deliveries: 2, Foreceps Assisted Vaginal Deliveries: 2, C-Sections: 6
Casey Hicks
Why Via Christi? I started medical school wanting to go into Family Medicine. When it came time to look at programs I knew I wanted a program that was going to train me to provide broad spectrum care. I met some of the faculty and residents of Via Christi at a conference and I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the faculty to teach and mentor the residents. The residents also were excited about their program and what they were getting to do. After interviewing at several programs I knew that Via Christi was where I wanted to be because it would not only provide excellent training but also great community.
Favorite Books: Radical by David Platt Desiring God by John Piper
After residency plan: After residency I hope to do the international fellowship here. Then I plan to move back to Alabama before spending some time overseas.
Home town: Haleyville, Alabama
Advice: My advice is to spend more time than just your interview day at a program. Taking at least one extra day will really help you get a feel for the program.
Amanda Baxa
Why Via Christi? During my 3rd and 4th year I had many opportunities to work with the residents and faculty at VCFM. They were excellent teachers and had a solid knowledge base. On top of that they were happy, not burnt out, and talked about not only medicine but their other passions that they were able to still enjoy. I felt the faculty and residents truly cared about one another and that it would be a place where my family also felt included. Another area that impressed me about the program was the amount of procedures the residents were doing. My future career goal is to practice full spectrum family medicine in a rural Kansas town and I knew that I would be well prepared after training at this program.
Passions: My family who has always been there for me during this long journey. My Catholic faith. My husband and I enjoy working in our huge garden and small orchard (1 peach tree and 1 plum tree ?). We also enjoy riding bikes, waterskiing, and cooking. In my spare time I dabble in sewing and crochet.
Favorite Books: Anne of Green Gables is my latest obsession
Favorite Quotes: God has not called me to be successful; he has called me to be faithful. -Mother Teresa
After residency plan: My family and I plan to end up in a rural Kansas town where I can practice full spectrum family medicine, including OB, scopes and surgical procedures.
Home town: Tampa, KS
Hoa Nguyen
Lived in Wichita, KS since I was 10. Before that, I was living in a small town in Vietnam. I went to Newman University for undergrad then Kansas University of Medicine of Biosciences for medical school. I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
Why Via Christi? I decided on Via Christi because of its strong curriculum in inpatient medicine and OB. I rotated at Via Christi in my 3rd and 4th year of medical school and was amazed at how competent the residents were. I knew that coming to Via Christi, I would be challenged. The atmosphere of the residency is very supportive. Faculty, consultants and residents love to teach. I know that I can always ask my upper levels for help, when needed.
Passions: tennis, fishing, volunteering in the community, karaoke (yes, I really did put down karaoke.)
Favorite Books: All books by Jane Austen, Les Miserables, Age of Innocence, A Prayer for Owen Meany
Favorite Quotes: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace..."
After residency plan: I'll be paying back to the NHSC with my service to underserved communities. Serving the underserved was the reason I went into medicine.
Home town: Wichita, KS
Residency stats: 2 weeks ENT: 3 nasal endoscopy,1 laryngoscopy, 3 tonsillectomies, 1 endotracheal intubations, 3 LMA 4weeks OB: 20 vaginal deliveries (1 forceps), 3 C-sections (2 primary), 4 circumcisions
Advice: Know what you want, and let the programs you like know that you are interested. If you like a program on paper, do a sub-I or just spend a couple of days there to see if you like the atmosphere.
Gabby Guhl
Why Via Christi? Via Christi was an easy choice for me. I first met some of the faculty and residents as a medical student at the Global Missions Health Conference in Louisville, KY and knew that it would be a great fit for me. My passion is international missions and Via Christi offered the scope of practice that I wanted, strong obstetrical training, and great mission-minded mentors. The fact that it was in my hometown was an added bonus!
Passions: I enjoy reading, crocheting (especially hats for my sweet niece), spending time with my husband and dogs, fantasy football (Go Pack!), K-State sports, international missions, and Ethiopia.
Favorite Books: So many! There is no me without you - Melissa Fay Greene, Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers, and any Charles Dickens or Jane Austen.
After residency plan: After residency plan involves staying around the Wichita area to pay off med school loans and then hopefully finding a place to do long term medical missions, likely in Africa, but we're open to wherever the Lord leads.
Home town: El Dorado, KS
Residency stats: 2 weeks of residency - 5+ ICU patients, 1 Central Line (1st day!), 1 paracentesis.
Paul Cleland
Why Via Christi? I was able to spend a month during my 4th year seeing first-hand how Via Christi was the right choice. I knew that I wanted the ability to practice full-spectrum family medicine and Via Christi offered the best training that I had seen. As I went on the interview trail, I found that I was always comparing programs to VC and they kept falling short. Soon thereafter, I saw that VC was unmatched in the training that I sought, but it was the faculty and residents that really made the decision easy. They are a laid-back, genuine, fun-loving group of people who are focused on training the best physicians they can.
Passions: God, spending time with family and friends, playing golf, exercising. And playing pool on my new basement pool table.
Favorite Books: The Bible, Quiet Strength
After residency plan: I would like to practice somewhere in the midwest (likely close to or in Wichita) with involvement in Natural Family Planning and sports medicine. I am very interested in doing the sports medicine fellowship here at Via Christi as well.
Home town: Wichita, KS
Residency stats: Through 3 weeks: Thoracentesis: 2, Paracentesis: 1, LP: 1, Endotracheal Intubuations/LMA placements: 24.
Carolyn Glendinning
I've been a Pennsylvanian my whole life and call Hershey home (where they make chocolate!) I went to Eastern University for my B.S. in Biochemistry and Anthropology, followed by med school at Penn State. Just before residency I got married to my best friend from college, Eric, and we moved to Wichita for residency (he's a surgery resident). I've always been a country girl at heart and love the Midwestern relaxation and friendliness here!
Why Via Christi? The most exciting thing about being at Via Christi is the amazing people I'm surrounded with every day. I enjoy the energy, enthusiasm and shared passions of the faculty and my fellow residents. Specifically, my husband and I are dedicated to pursuing a career in medical missions after finishing our training, and there was no where we could feel more supported in that goal than here.
Passions: I love to run and bake and draw and laugh with friends. I love my amazing family who have supported me every step of the way. I love long bike rides and hikes with my husband. I love to visit and play with my nephews and niece in FL. I love hugs. :-D More than anything, I love my Savior, who alone gives joy and peace and deep meaning to all that I do.
Favorite Books: Blue Like Jazz, When Invisible Children Sing, Three Cups of Tea
Favorite Quotes: Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. - Helen Keller We can do no great things, only small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
After residency plan: My husband and I are hoping to service overseas in an underserved setting, most likely at a mission hospital. Although we don't know specifically what part of the world we'll end up in yet, we've both traveled in Latin America and in Africa, and are discerning where our skills would be best suited.