Our Residents
Chief Residents (PGY5)
Ananya Anand, MD
2025/26 Education Chief
Carlie Arbaugh, MD
Why Stanford?
Stanford General Surgery Residency offers a diverse clinical training through four different settings and the varied patient populations they serve. The opportunities to pursue unique paths during professional development or research years are more extensive than the typical residency program. We definitely work long hard hours in the hospital, but when we have time off, being based in the California Bay Area means a high chance of sun and relatively easy and quick access to internationally sought after natural beauty and outdoor activities. I am fortunate to have met my partner and some wonderful friends during my time living here :)
One interesting fact about me:
I love cooking, learning about food, and sharing with others. During my professional development time I’m focusing on perioperative nutrition research, attending culinary school, and working on interventions to improve nutrition and education with a focus on underserved populations.
Garrison Carlos, MD
Why Stanford?
If you have a passion, it will flourish here.
One interesting fact about me:
I was born with only one kidney. Something all my local trauma surgeons now know!
John Farag, MD
Why Stanford?Stanford is the perfect intersection of world class clinical care, groundbreaking scientific research, storied training history, and a perfect California environment. We are privileged to take care of a wide variety of patients from an underserved population at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, the military veterans at the Palo Alto VA, and the sickest of the sick at Stanford and Stanford Children's. The Department of Surgery faculty, program administrators, and other healthcare workers throughout the hospital foster a collaborative, patient-centered work environment, while promoting resident autonomy. We also have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of professional development options. We are spoiled by the incredible Stanford University infrastructure with world-leading researchers; we are in the heart of Silicon Valley with ample opportunity to explore the private sector; and, of course, we can delve further into academia with advanced degrees. On top of all the career advantages Stanford offers, we are in one of the most beautiful places in the country with perfect weather, natural beauty, and large cultural hubs in San Jose and San Francisco. Weekends off can be spent by going to the beaches in Santa Cruz or Pacifica, exploring city life in San Francisco or San Jose, taking in the beautiful scenery in Muir Woods or many other hiking locales, or just enjoying a local park by campus. I couldn't imagine going through residency without the amazing group of people at our program.
One interesting fact about me:
I am a singer-songwriter and I've been playing guitar since I was 9 years old. I've recorded my own music and played many live shows. I also love to golf, cook, and I am a huge baseball fan. Go Dodgers!
Bona Ko, MD
Why Stanford?
The General Surgery program offers the unique opportunity for residents to experience training across many types of facilities, which can only make me clinically stronger! Also, Stanford as an institution and the Surgery Department seems to be a place that embraces diversity. I think you really see this when you take a look at where faculty, residents, and students are from and when you get to know a bit about their life experiences.
An interesting fact about me:
I love the outdoors! One of my all time favorite things is to go hiking with my Australian Cattle dog, Fiona.
Leon Naar, MD
2025/26 Admin Chief
Why Stanford?
I chose Stanford for the excellent clinical training, supportive culture, and camaraderie.
An interesting fact about me:
I can speak 4 different languages.
Beatrice Sun, MD
2025/26 Admin Chief
Kathryn Taylor, MD
Why Stanford?
I wanted to train in a program where I would have exposure to multiple different training environments - I really like that we train at an academic center, the VA, Kaiser, and a county hospital. I am planning to work in global surgery in the future and I was interested to learn how to adapt to different environments and resources.
One interesting fact about me:
I met my husband salsa dancing! We dance salsa, bachata, kizomba, and semba and have been all over the Bay Area checking out different dancing venues.
PGY4
Booyeon Han, MD PhD
SAAS Program
Why Stanford?
I was first interested in Stanford for the breadth of research opportunities. With my research background in tumor immunology and immunotherapy, specifically the draining lymph node, I was eager to meet and collaborate with faculty who were actively investigating this domain. I was ultimately drawn to the culture and people who I knew would help me grow as a surgeon scientist and individual.
One interesting fact about me:
Violin has been an important part of my life for more than two decades. I am looking forward to attending musical events at Stanford and San Francisco during residency. My most recent hobby is baking. I started with fruit cobblers and expanded into choux pastries, swiss roll cakes, and now ricciarelli. I am looking for my next baking project, and thinking about pavlovas.
Kay Hung, MD
Stanford University
Dr. Anish Jain
Why Stanford?
Stanford provides its trainees with extensive operative volume, a robust research/academic infrastructure, state of the art simulation/educational facilities, and the opportunity to learn from leaders in academic surgery. Plus everyone involved with the program is so kind and helpful!
One interesting fact about me:
When I was a medical student in DC, I would volunteer at Children's National Medical Center where I would often be asked to dress up as Dr. Bear (the hospital's official mascot).
Norah Liang, MD
Why Stanford? Stanford is an incredible environment for fostering both clinical and academic excellence. The resources, mentorship and sponsorship at Stanford for fostering the professional development of surgeon-scientists are second to none. Most importantly, all of the people here, at all levels, are incredibly supportive and welcoming.
One interesting fact about me: I play classical piano, violin, and viola, and studied at The Juilliard School Pre-College Program in New York City.
Jung Min, MD
Stanford University
Alexa Pohl, MD, PhD
Washington University
Why Stanford?
One of many reasons I chose Stanford was for the residents. On my interview day, one of the residents stopped me in the hallway, greeted me by name, and wished me luck as I headed into a round of faculty interviews. I had no connection to Stanford and I had only met this resident the prior night, but the simple act of remembering my name left a huge impression. I wanted to be at a program where I felt valued, accepted, and supported by my co-residents, and the residents at Stanford proved it was here on interview day. Now, as I resident, I am so grateful for my co-residents. I am grateful for the seniors who have shown remarkable patience while teaching me procedures and taking me through cases, the chiefs who have come in without question when I was worried about a patient, and my peers, who have provided a safe space to process this difficult and often frightening journey.
One interesting fact about me:
In undergrad, I did research on evolution and conservation, studying flatworm speciation in the desert springs of Texas and New Mexico.
Dr. Jennifer Shearer
2025/26 Education Chief
Why Stanford?
Stanford is the perfect package - an amazing academic institution offering broad exposure to a multitude of surgical specialties with experts in the field all wrapped in supportive, considerate, fun co-residents.
One interesting fact about me:
I like writing poetry and listening to music for a mellow night in.
Joshua Villarreal, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
Why Stanford? I chose Stanford General Surgery because I wanted to forge my surgical training in a busy academic referral center and be in close proximity to outstanding world class research and technological facilities. Stanford is synonymous with innovation and producing future leaders in diverse fields. Our surgery program has a reputation for excellence and producing world class surgeons. Our educational curriculum and education fellows are great resources who assist in our surgical growth and the clinical breadth we encounter throughout our training in second to none. I am very happy with my choice and living in California has been quite a pleasant surprise.
One interesting fact about me: I'm a first-generation physician.
Watch his 2025 Holman presentation
Professional Development
Madeline Adams, MD
Why Stanford?
Stanford Surgery offers unparalleled research and clinical opportunities in a collegial, friendly, and down-right fun environment.
My away rotation on the HPB service with Dr. Dua and Dr. Visser convinced me that Stanford Surgery would push me to become the best possible surgeon and human. Over the past year, my co-residents have swiftly become some of my closest friends, and I would not trade my time here for anything else.
Interesting fact: I dabble in competitive poker (Texas hold 'em) and have won a tournament. But I promise my only debts are to the U.S. Department of Education.
James Agolia, MD
Harvard University
Why Stanford?
If you want to do residency in a supportive environment, come to Stanford! When the going gets tough, everyone will help you out. I know from personal experience. Training here is like having a second family.
An interesting fact about me:
I love singing a cappella!
Daniel Ahn, MD
Why Stanford?
I chose Stanford for the opportunity to be trained by world-class surgery faculty and for the program's emphasis on multi-disciplinary research and cultivating diverse profiles of gifted surgeons. All of the faculty and residents I met during my interview day were incredibly dynamic and ambitious, and I knew that Stanford was a place where I could belong and feel supported.
One interesting fact about me:
I have perfect pitch, and I have been playing the violin for nearly 20 years.
Taylor Anderson, MD
Oregon Health & Science University
Why Stanford?
Surgical training at Stanford combines complex and diverse clinical experience with a robust reputation for fostering early surgeon-scientist careers. The professional development program provides immense resources for innovation, multidisciplinary mentorship from leaders in academic medicine, and advanced degree opportunities. In addition, the atmosphere of collegiality and support for resident well being has been palpable since interview day and reinforced by my experiences here.
One interesting fact about me: I can walk on my hands (sometimes better than I can walk on my feet!)
Luke Caddell, MD
University of Miami
Justine Chinn, MD
UC Irvine
2022-23 Class Rep
Why Stanford?
I wanted to train with a program where I knew I would be inspired by my colleagues, positively challenged by my teachers, and always growing and learning. Stanford felt like a community where I could be myself and be surrounded by supportive colleagues with the same values and goals.
One interesting fact about me:
My dad volunteers for Search and Rescue for the county and has taught me how to rock climb, snow camp, and have a true love for the outdoors!
Lia Delaney, MD
Why Stanford?
Stanford offers an incredible opportunity to train in an academic environment while being part of a community that prioritizes a culture of support, continuous growth and well-being, both in and out of the hospital.
One interesting fact about me:
This is my first time living in California, and as an avid runner and biker, I am so thrilled to be living in an area with unlimited trails, paths and hikes to explore- year round!
Chuner Guo, MD, PhD
Washington University
SASS Resident
Why Stanford?
A strong culture to cultivate surgical excellence and personal growth. Research powerhouse with unique SASS pathway for surgeon scientist training.
One interesting fact about me:
I was born and raised in China, lover of cats and spicy food, former bass player, long distance runner.
Jacob Guorgui, MD
Why Stanford?
I was lucky enough to do a sub-internship on the transplant service at Stanford. During my time here, I not only met some of the kindest and brightest individuals, but also truly inspiring residents and attendings - individuals who shared a passion of advancing academic surgery each in their own, unique way. This felt like a perfect fit given my interests in pursuing interdisciplinary surgical research, particularly with regards to surgical innovation in transplant. I knew coming to Stanford meant I would have the mentorship, departmental support and opportunities to successfully become the academic surgeon I hope to be, in whatever typical or atypical shape that may take. It’s also pretty hard to beat the Bay!
One interesting fact about me:
I have triple citizenship – US, Canada, and Egypt (and can finally say I have played a round of golf in each).
Maria Korah, MD
Yale University
Chloe Nobuhara, MD
Why Stanford?
I wanted a residency program that would provide strong training as a surgeon, researcher, and leader—but also focus on the longevity of these goals. Stanford truly emphasizes all of the above, and fosters a collaborative and innovative environment to do so.
One interesting fact about me:
I took up blacksmithing while living in North Carolina. The forge ran on charcoal, which is both more traditional and more environmentally friendly than a gas forge, but not amenable to the California fire risk. You can ask me to show you some of the pieces I’ve made!
Rosyli Reverson-Thornton, MD
Stanford University
Why Stanford?
As a Stanford medical student, I was able to see "behind the curtain" of the Stanford General Surgery program. The residents were not only great surgeons (felt very well prepared for private practice or fellowship), and clinicians but were humble, incredibly hard-working, and genuinely nice people. They challenged the stereotype of a surgeon and did it so gracefully. Additionally, they were mirrors of the general surgery attendings. You see, it is a core of the program. I looked at them and wanted to be just like them; that is why I chose Stanford for my general surgery training.
One interesting fact about me: I was born in Mexico and was an undocumented/DACA student.
Amy Tsai, MD
UC Davis
Why Stanford?
Stanford provides strong clinical training, excellent mentorship, and endless research opportunities. The residency program is warm and supportive, and everyone is very approachable.
One interesting fact about me: I'm a huge environmentalist! I was a watercolor artist for the SCV Audubon Society and my undergraduate thesis on the population genetics of the Hydromantes shastae salamander was used to improve their conservation efforts.
PGY3
Dr. Aderinsola Aderonmu
Why Stanford?
Outside of Stanford providing access to high quality surgical education at a state-of-the-art art hospital, my encounters with residents and attendings alike have been thoughftul and caring. From my interview, I saw how much of a family they were and how much they supported each other.
An interesting fact about me:
I speak 3 languages. Yoruba, Spanish, English. And I'm learning Portuguese.
Dr. Deeksha Bidare
Why Stanford?
I was looking for a residency program that not only provides residents with rigorous and comprehensive general surgery training, but also emphasizes innovation and leadership within the field. Stanford does exactly that while maintaining a culture of support and respect for trainees. The program offers an incredibly collaborative environment with effective mentorship and sponsorship from faculty. With multiple high-volume training sites, structured professional development programs, and a wealth of academic resources within the university and in the surrounding corporate Silicon Valley area, Stanford Surgery has everything trainees need to build prolific careers in academic surgery and go on to become leaders in their respective fields.
An interesting fact about me:
I'm fluent in 4 languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, and Kannada
Dr. Rheyana Branch
Why Stanford?
Though I had already heard great things about the Stanford Surgery program, I first gained detailed insight into the program as a third-year medical student after meeting Stanford Surgery residents at the SNMA AMEC Conference. The residents took the time to speak to me about their clinical experiences, professional development, and the supportive environment that Stanford cultivates for trainees. I appreciated hearing their perspectives. Subsequently, throughout the interview season, I interacted with Stanford faculty and residents who were passionate, kind, and intentional. I quickly realized that my goals were in alignment with the mission of the program. I wanted to be a part of a community that would train me to become an academic surgeon, patient advocate, and leader.
An interesting fact about me:
I worked for Google and later a pharmaceutical company prior to starting medical school.
Dr. Camille Hironaka
Why Stanford?
There are so many reasons! Two of the biggest are the PD years and the people. I wanted to train somewhere that emphasized clinical excellence, while also providing support for trainees to pursue broad academic interests. I was also lucky enough to do a Sub-I at Stanford and loved how easy it was for me to learn and grow in such a friendly, welcoming environment.
An interesting fact about me:
If I weren’t in medicine, I would be a zookeeper or marine biologist.
Dr. Cintia Kimura
Why Stanford?
Having worked in many places in Brazil and in the U.S., I can say that Stanford is where I met the most brilliant and inspiring people. The collaborative and supportive environment at Stanford is exactly what I sought for my personal and professional growth.
An interesting fact about me:
I love roadtrips and will take my dog everywhere I can!
Anoosha Moturu, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
Why Stanford?
I was drawn to the flexibility and support that our residents have to pursue our interests during Professional Development time.
PD Time: For my Professional Development time, I spent two years at the American College of Surgeons. One key interest I had the opportunity to explore was the design of multi-institutional quality improvement collaboratives.
One interesting fact about me: I enjoy singing and was in an acapella group in medical school called Docapella!
Dr. Hannah Priddy
Why Stanford?
I was immediately drawn to the supportive community at Stanford. I wanted the opportunity to train with and learn from such bright, compassionate, and highly motivated individuals. Stanford felt like a place where I would be accepted, encouraged, and challenged, allowing me to grow and develop into an excellent surgeon.
An interesting fact about me:
My middle name means "girl born on a Wednesday" in Fante
Dr. Victoria Sanchez
Why Stanford?
When it came to fit, Stanford far exceeded my expectations and set a high bar for the rest of the interview season. I found myself comparing other places to Stanford after each interview I completed. To me, that was the major sign that I had found my match. With all that said, something that stood out to me about Stanford was how inspired I felt when I left my interview day. Each person I spoke to had their niche passions and ambitions, but a common theme was how uniquely charged the residents and faculty were to advance the field. That’s the kind of energy I want to be surrounded by during my training.
An interesting fact about me:
I spent a few months in Kenya during my fourth year of medical school. Habari!
Dr. Benjamin Wang
Why Stanford?
The opportunity to collaborate with engineers, computer scientists, and other experts in technology from Stanford's various graduate divisions. All of the residents I spoke to were pursuing interesting ways to advance the field of surgery--from policy, to culinary medicine, to biodesign. I hope to drive innovation in surgery with technology and engineering, and Stanford offered no shortage of opportunities.
An interesting fact about me:
I love to weightlift. Maybe one day I will hit 315 on front squats.
PGY2
Dr. Baylee Bakkila
Why Stanford?
Stanford has it all! A kind and encouraging community of expert surgeons and trainees, endless interdisciplinary resources for collaborative research, cutting edge clinical care, and a top-notch location in my home state.
An interesting fact about me:
I was on the surf team in high school.
Dr. Serena Bidwell
Why Stanford?
Stanford has always felt like home to me - my parents even got married in the church on campus when my mom was a medical student here. The combination of a warm, welcoming culture with brilliant faculty who are leading cutting-edge research and innovative projects provides the perfect balance for growth. The opportunities are endless here with supportive faculty and colleagues to help each of us reach our individual goals. The perfect weather and abundance of outdoor activities are definitely an added bonus, especially coming from the Midwest.
An interesting fact about me:
I worked as the baker for a summer camp one year during undergrad.
Dr. Paulina Gutkin
Why Stanford?
My first exposure to Stanford was when I took a two-year research position with the Department of Radiation Oncology after college. Coming from the east coast, I fell in love with the warm microclimate of Palo Alto and the proximity to beaches, Tahoe, and Napa. More importantly, the strong mentorship and friends I gained made Stanford truly feel like home. On my visiting Sub-I rotation, it was clear that Stanford Surgery held the same values in providing strong mentorship and resources to foster clinically excellent and technically sound leaders in the field. The amount of support available, from APPs and peers to faculty and leadership, is palpable. I chose Stanford because the people here become family, and I know I will be supported in my research, fellowship, and career pursuits.
An interesting fact about me:
I try to travel as much as I can and have been to most US states, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Portugal, France, Amsterdam, Israel, Italy, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam (so far).
Dr. Grace Klaris
Why Stanford?
I wanted a program that was pushing the boundaries of what a surgical residency could be— somewhere that cared about training technically excellent surgeons and compassionate physicians, but also implored its residents to be innovative leaders in whatever they pursued. Stanford is a program that is reimagining what residency is at every level, from supporting (and actually encouraging) resident wellness to offering limitless possibilities during professional development time. And more than anything, I just really loved the people.
An interesting fact about me:
I have worked on farms in South Africa, Italy, and on San Juan Island in Washington State. I was also the personal assistant to a chef in New York before starting medical school!
Dr. David Krist
Why Stanford?
I came here for world-class surgical training. Also, Stanford and the Bay Area offer an ideal ecosystem in which to investigate impactful biomolecular questions to advance patient care. I am thankful to train as a surgeon-scientist at Stanford.
An interesting fact about me:
We have two kids!
Dr. Reine-Marcelle Ibala
Why Stanford?
For me, Stanford’s program stood out because of its “surgery AND” philosophy. I was excited to hear how diverse projects could be during Professional Development time. With renown leaders in advocacy, policy, and other disciplines across the varying schools on campus, I wanted the opportunity to explore my passions at the highest level. The “surgery AND” mentality was also a key aspect of the community. I could tell connections among residents and faculty extended outside the hospital. I felt that residents were seen not just for their clinical and research contributions, but for who they were as people. Their warmth, quirks and unique interests outside of medicine were celebrated and supported. At Stanford, I felt like I could be completely myself AND the best surgeon I could be. I couldn’t be more thankful to get to grow here!
An interesting fact about me:
In a past life, I competed and toured internationally with my college a cappella group. I once got to sing for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg!
Dr. James Mcdermott
SASS Program
Why Stanford?
As a visiting medical student, I was attracted to the culture that demands respect, teamwork, grit, compassion, and humility. Bring a relentless pursuit of your passion and big goals, because Stanford's General Surgery Program is the place to make it all happen.
An interesting fact about me:
I have never tasted a hamburger!
Dr. Kevin Nee
Why Stanford?
Stanford is my dream program in so many ways. From being the birthplace of my nascent physician dreams, to my research passions leading to collaborations with Dr. Delitto and Dr. Longaker. During my away rotation, I discovered that Stanford was a perfect place for my research and surgical goals. But most of all, I found a family that I wanted to join, with an ethos that I aspire to everyday. This is my hometown, I love the Bay Area and its people, it is my honor to serve them.
An interesting fact about me:
I was a UCLA Cheerleader and Archery All-American. I am a Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt.
Interns (PGY1)
Dr. Eric Bressler
Why Stanford?
Stanford offered the perfect blend of world class surgical training and translational research excellence. I was impressed by the balance of unique and complex cases at Stanford's flagship hospital and community-based practice at sites like SVCMC and Kaiser.
An interesting fact about me:
When I moved here from Boston, I drove and visited six national parks along the way!
Dr. Alexander Doan
Why Stanford?
When I started medical school at Stanford, I had no clue I would end up pursuing general surgery but fell in love with the field because of the outstanding faculty here. Through my core rotations and eventually my Sub-Is, I had the chance to work with mentors who are not only leaders in their field and excellent surgeons but also truly incredible teachers who are invested in both my professional and personal growth. The resources here are next to none but it's truly the people who make this place so special.
An interesting fact about me:
I can (or at least could at one point) bench press 405 pounds
Dr. Dong Hur
Why Stanford?
I chose Stanford for its outstanding clinical training, cutting-edge research across all domains of surgery, and the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population through rotations at multiple hospital sites. Equally important, Stanford offers a supportive resident community and exceptional faculty mentorship that empower us to pursue our unique passions and thrive both personally and professionally.
An interesting fact about me:
My pseudonym is Austin but most people call me Dong Gi, which means “Rise of Copper”
Dr. Chae Won "Kristy" Kim
Why Stanford?
Stanford is a place where I knew my myriad of clinical and research interests would be celebrated and supported.
An interesting fact about me:
I'm a first-generation physician.
Dr. Ayesha Ng
Why Stanford?
I wanted to train at a program where I could become a clinically inquisitive, technically competent, and above all, a compassionate surgeon. After doing an away rotation at Stanford, I was drawn to the collaborative culture and supportive environment where diversity of background and experiences are celebrated. Furthermore, Stanford provides unparalleled mentorship from leaders in the surgical field and robust research opportunities to ultimately thrive in academic surgery.
An interesting fact about me:
I dance hip hop and choreographed performances in my medical school’s student-run dance team MDivas!
Dr. Rachael Stottlemyre
Why Stanford?
What initially drew me to Stanford was its reputation for developing not only exceptional surgeons but also passionate surgeon-scientists committed to advancing the field. During my visiting rotation on the Pediatric Surgery service, I witnessed what I believe truly sets Stanford apart: the genuine sense of community among individuals at all levels. The way residents and faculty interacted, supporting one another like family while also challenging each other to achieve their best, made me realize that this is a community where I could become the best version of myself personally and professionally.
An interesting fact about me:
I love to read and hope to open my own bookstore one day.
Dr. Tiffany Yue
Why Stanford?
I chose Stanford for its top-tier surgical training, diversity of clinical sites, and emphasis on developing surgeon-scientists. Program culture was also a top priority for me, and my experiences as a medical student here showed me that there is a genuine culture of support and camaraderie among residents and faculty here. I know Stanford is a program that will help me become the best academic surgeon I can be, while also ensuring that I have a sense of belonging and home.
An interesting fact about me:
I ran cross country and track in college (go dawgs!)
Dr. Zeyi Zhou
Why Stanford?
The people! My decision to become a surgeon was profoundly influenced by the amazing individuals I met during my surgery rotations here. I can't imagine a better place to train other than Stanford, where I am surrounded by role models I look up to and aspire to be like every day.
An interesting fact about me:
I love gardening! From tomatoes to kale, I enjoy growing a variety of veggies and fruits. If you have any recommendations for new things to grow or tips to fend off squirrels, I’m all ears!