Match Day 2022: Department welcomes new interns to cardiothoracic surgery residency program

Kelly Higa

Undergraduate School: University of Hawaii

Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine 

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career? Cardiothoracic surgery demands excellence in technical skill and clinical reasoning and brings together multidisciplinary teams to care for some of the most critically ill patients. It is a privilege to care for patients and their loved ones through life-altering moments.

What do you enjoy most about training at Stanford? Stanford has a rich history of innovation to evolve patient care and dedication to education and research. It is an honor to learn from leading experts and train with colleagues who are so passionate about what they do.

Hannah McMullen

Undergraduate School: University of Colorado at Boulder

Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career? Cardiothoracic surgery represents the ultimate synergy of my passions: highly demanding and precise technical skill, constant innovation within a collaborative team to solve complex structural and clinical problems in real time, and the opportunity to live in full dedication of caring for patients of the highest acuity. It is a joy and honor to pursue a career in cardiac surgery to provide such fundamental and functional outcomes for patients. 

Alexander Reed 

Undergraduate School: Harvard College

Medical School: Harvard Medical School

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career? Cardiothoracic surgery is a dynamic field that synthesizes critical care, cardiovascular physiology, and technically challenging surgeries. The field is rapidly evolving with new technologies being incorporated into clinical care, and it is exciting to practice at the forefront of that innovation. Most importantly, cardiothoracic surgeons build trusting relationships with patients and their families in a time of fear and uncertainty. Grounded in that trust, it is a privilege to care for those patients and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

What do you enjoy most about training at Stanford? A pioneering institution in innovation and research, Stanford continues a long legacy of excellence in cardiothoracic surgery. The entire department is committed to the pursuit of excellence in surgical care, novel research, and resident education. I am honored to learn from such renowned faculty that are so invested in our development as surgeons, scientists, and leaders