Our Current Residents

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I completed an away rotation at WUSM and felt completely at home with the residents – they were friendly, driven in both research and clinical aspects of OBGYN, and had a visible passion for women’s health.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
The best aspect of this program are the people –  they help me to learn and grow while being great friends and co-workers.

What do you do outside of work?
I enjoy hiking, cooking, and experiencing the many activities and restaurants St. Louis offers.

Fellowship plans: Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at Washington University School of Medicine

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I was impressed by the academic and surgical training at Wash U, as well as the down-to-earth nature and supportive camaraderie among the residents.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
The instant support available here has made it a seamless transition and I am excited about the mentorship and research opportunities available at Wash U. 

What do you do outside of work?
I enjoy brunching, spinning, dancing and attending musical theater performances (especially at the MUNY in Forest Park!) in my spare time and exploring all that St. Louis has to offer.

Fellowship plans: Northwestern University – Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I had a wonderful experience during my sub-internship at Washington University, which really sealed my desire to end up here for residency prior to any of my interviews.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
The camaraderie amongst the residents, applicability of the staff, and commitment to resident education made it easy choice.” 

What do you do outside of work?
In my free time, I enjoy taking walks with my dog Blu, hiking, reading, and traveling.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I chose Washington University because of the close-knit family of residents, incredible support system made up of faculty and staff, and the high volume of both routine and complex cases that allow for excellent training.

What are your career goals/interests/Fellowship plans?
I am currently applying for fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Awards & Honors:
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

What do you do outside of work?
A native of Arkansas, I love being outdoors and exploring new places in my free time. My absolute favorite activity outside of work is spending time with my husband and adorable son.

Fellowship Plans: Minimally Invasive Surgery at University of TN

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
Wash U had all the things I was looking for in a residency program – a focus on resident education, strong surgical skills, numerous research opportunities, exposure to all the subspecialty services alongside topnotch generalist instruction, and an incredible academic reputation. However, it was when I felt immediately connected to the residents and faculty I met during my interview day that I knew this was the place for me, and I have been incredibly happy with the choice I made!

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
The camaraderie between the residents, fellows, and attending physicians. I feel that we are all working together to help our patients, and it makes it easy to come to work every day.

What are your career goals/interests/Fellowship plans?
I am currently applying to gynecologic oncology fellowship programs with a plan to continue a clinical and research career in academic gynecologic oncology.

Awards & Honors:
2018: Society of Gynecologic Oncology 2018 Outstanding Resident
2018: 2nd place oral presentation at St. Louis OBGYN Society
2018 Spring Research Symposium
2016: Women’s Health Research Scholar Certificate
2016: Michelle M. Battistini, MD Award for Excellence in OB/GYN
2016: Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
2015: Bertha Dagan Berman FOCUS Medical Student Fellowship in Women’s Health Grant
2013: Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Scholarship from the American Federation of Aging Research
2012: Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
2010-2011: Pincus-Magaziner Family Undergraduate Research and Travel Grant

What do you do outside of work?
I love being outdoors, whether that is hiking, running, cycling, or swimming, and I participate in running and triathlon races whenever possible. I also love to hang out with my co-residents exploring all the amazing St Louis restaurants and bars at weekly happy hours.

Fun fact: My last name, Huepenbecker, is German and translates to “Pretzel Baker”

Fellowship Plans: Gyn Oncology at University of TX—MD Anderson

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
Washington University’s Obstetrics & Gynecology residency program had the “Family Feel” and academic reputation I was searching for in a residency program. I feel right at home with all of the residents and attendings.

What are your career goals/interests?
I am currently interested in Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology and Breast Surgery.

What do you do outside of work?
In my spare time, I enjoy baking, running, hot yoga, and spending time with my husband.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
Washington University in St. Louis was a perfect fit for me because of the world-class academics and leadership, the diverse urban population, and the fantastic residents, faculty, and staff of the department.

What do you do outside of work?
Since moving to St. Louis, I have spent my free time exploring the great food scene

Fun fact: I spent 15 years pursuing my Olympic dream as a long track speed skater and found myself in the state of Wisconsin for nearly a decade. I hung up my skates to put on the white coat!

Fellowship plans: MFM/Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
Wash U has the perfect blend of strong academics and sense of family. The staff are not separated from the residents, and everyone wants to teach and help us grow as physicians.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
The best thing about this program is, hands down, PATTI SASSE!!!.. let’s be honest 🙂

What are your career goals/interests?
American Indian and Alaskan Native health

What do you do outside of work?
I enjoy exploring state parks with my dog and watching the Cardinals chase another pennant.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I was really impressed with the warm, family-like feel of the residency program.

What do you do outside of work?
In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new restaurants, hiking, and crafting.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I loved the people. Plus the training is amazing. I couples matched and it was a great fit for both of us.

What are your career goals/interests? Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Awards & Honors:
Rothman Research award 2019
Ryan Award 2019

What do you do outside of work?
Ski, run, bake, hang out with my husband and daughter

Fun fact: I have a blackbelt in Taekwondo.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I chose to come to Wash U for many reasons, including the outstanding training, high risk/high volume patient population, and excellent academics. However, the ultimate deciding factor for me was how well supported the residents were, whether that was in their research interests, surgical training, or personal lives.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
Wash U was the perfect fit for me, and I’m very excited to train here with such great faculty and co-residents.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I was instantly drawn to this program for its high volume and patient acuity, its renowned faculty and mentors, the commitment to developing teachers and leaders in the field of medicine, and for the outstanding group of friendly and hard-working residents.

What are your career goals/interests?
Some of my professional interests include serving underserved populations, and focusing on preventative medicine for improving health.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of the hospital, you will find my husband and I exploring the variety of ethnic restaurants around town, enjoying a day exercising in Forest Park, or cheering on Florida Gator athletics.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
Initially I thought it was finally time to leave St. Louis for residency. But when I rotated at Wash U during my 4th year of med school, I found that this program was the perfect fit. The resident camaraderie, stellar academics, strong faculty mentorship, and diverse patient population are just a few of the many reasons I choose Wash U.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking at local state parks, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, and exploring all the great restaurants this city has to offer!

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
In medical school I loved everything but after ob/gyn chose me, I realized that I wanted to find a residency that offered world-class training, high surgical volume, fantastic mentors, and a tightly knit group of residents. I chose Wash U after finding all of these things (and more!) during my interview.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work I love watching my daughter grow up, spending time with my wife, and cooking/baking.

Fun Fact:
After nearly 10 years as an accountant I decided to return to medicine (my original interest in college).

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
Wash U was the easy choice for me after doing an away rotation here on gyn/onc and seeing firsthand the tight nit group of great residents, diverse and high acuity patient population and endless avenues for research/academic opportunities.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
High acuity patients with seeing the zebras and my co-residents!

What are your career goals/interests? Interested in bringing evidence-based medicine to the field of high-risk pregnancies and doing health services research.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work my wife and I enjoy our French bulldog Olive, running (8x marathoner including Boston), triathlons (Ironman 140.6 and 70.3 finisher), checking out the best food in Saint Louis, and Netflix binges. I am a huge Star Wars/superhero nerd!

Fun fact: I am one of seven kids and my grandparents are my heros.

Fellowship plans? MFM

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I chose WashU because it offers excellent clinical training caring for a high-risk and diverse patient population as well as research opportunities with leaders in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. 

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
My favorite parts of this residency are my amazing co-residents!

What are your career goals/interests?
I would like to remain in academic medicine to teach future physicians and continue to participate in research to inform evidence-based obstetric care.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and our two dogs, hiking, reading and traveling!

Fellowship plans? MFM

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I chose the program for its incredible balance of clinical exposures, research opportunities and a strong commitment to education. The faculty members and residents are a wonderful group with both a great sense of camaraderie and outstanding accomplishments.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside the hospital I enjoy exploring new restaurants, spending time with friends, and traveling.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I wanted to train at a program that would prepare me to care for any patient who might walk through my door, regardless of their background and comorbidities. I am so happy to be in a department with incredible faculty educators across Ob/Gyn who will support me as I discern my area of focus in the field.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
I love how warm and welcoming the staff and residents at WashU are. WashU felt like a place where I could become a technically competent and compassionate surgeon and teacher, surrounded by a hilarious, fun and well-rounded group of colleagues.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work, we love cooking, biking in Forrest Park, and gardening in our CWE apartment.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
WashU has been an amazing fit for me because of the strong gynecology sub-specialty departments, the wealth of research opportunities, and the diverse patient population that I have the opportunity to learn from and care for.

What do you do outside of work?
During our free time, my husband and I love traveling, finding fun restaurants, and being outside whether that is relaxing in a garden or going to the zoo. We are excited for this journey and we are ecstatic to be in beautiful Saint Louis.

Fun Fact: 
While in medical school, I completed a dual MD/MPH degree, receiving my MPH through the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
In med school, I was actively involved in the student run free clinic and sexual health education for DC teens. Ready for a change in a new part of the country, I took the opportunity to do an away elective at WashU during my fourth year of medical school. The energetic, team oriented residents, supportive faculty, high acuity surgical training, and opportunity to be front line in health disparities brought me back to St. Louis for my residency training.

What are your career goals/interests?
I want to use my skills as an OBGYN to work with underserved populations domestically and globally to advocate for women, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of the hospital, you will find me riding my bike, doing yoga, catching a sunset on the beach (or the Mississippi River), and traveling the world with my partner and family.

Fun fact:
Prior to medical school, I worked in the OR, traveled to Central and South America, and completed my masters degree in public health, concentrating in global health and epidemiology.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I chose Barnes-Jewish/Wash U because of the kindness of everyone I met here, the research opportunities, and, most importantly, because it felt like a place I could receive excellent clinical training within a well-resourced system with a high surgical volume.

What are your career goals/interests?
My research thus far has focused on better understanding the social determinants of health that affect various high-risk patient populations and I plan to continue this work at Wash U.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work, I can be found riding as much and as fast as I can on my bike, exploring St. Louis and all of its restaurants, spending time with my wife, and catching up with friends near and far.

Fun fact:
I have lived/worked in Namibia and Rwanda. I was also in a Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
It was important to find a residency program with a diverse patient population, robust pathology and high acuity. I was honored to match at WashU and excited because it checked all the boxes for my ideal training experience.

What are your career goals/interests?
I am passionate about global health and providing quality care to the marginalized and underrepresented within communities

What do you do outside of work?
When I’m not at work you can find me going on long walks with my boyfriend and our greyhound. I also love trying new restaurants, baking, practicing yoga and spending time with my fellow interns!

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
In medical school, I found out what kind of doctor I wanted to be: one who listens to patients, creates new alliances with colleagues, and builds up fellow learners. I came to Wash U because I felt like this was a great place to practice those skills. Incredible patients shoulder complex pathologies and there is world-class research and teaching happening every day. The surgical volume and complexity is unbelievable, and I can’t wait to apply what I learn here in a surgical fellowship.

What are your career goals/interests?
My academic interests lie in improving the care of sexual and gender minority patients, using quality improvement methodologies to reduce waste and improve cost effectiveness, and innovations in medical education.

What do you do outside of work?
If you can’t find me jogging in forest park, I might be somewhere eating pizza, or could be meeting people out in the Grove; call me, maybe you can join us!

Fun fact: In my childhood, I spent more time in the woods or on the water than anywhere else!

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I went to medical school at WashU and I’m so excited to spend my residency here as well! I love the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the residents, faculty and staff that I got to experience as a student.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
This program has phenomenal surgical training, exposure to diverse patient populations and pathology, and I know it will prepare me to be a well-rounded and confident OB/GYN.

What do you do outside of work?
When I’m not at Barnes, you will find me in Forest Park 90% of the time when the weather is nice, exploring STL’s fabulous food scene with my friends, or planning my next vacation.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I am so happy to be back at Washington University, Barnes Jewish Hospital, and St. Louis and to have the opportunity to help the community that helped me grow so much during undergrad. I chose WashU for many reasons, including the high volume and high acuity training, amazing academic research, and opportunity to help underserved patient population.             

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
What really seals the deal is the people. The amazing faculty, co-residents, support staff, and patients overall create a supportive work environment to thrive in.

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of the hospital, I am a die-hard New England sports fan (although sometimes my fandom carries inside as well). I also love baking and cooking and more importantly sharing my culinary creations with everyone. In my free time, you can find me exploring the vibrant food scene of St. Louis or enjoying the amazing attractions in Forest Park.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I came to Wash U in St. Louis for the unbelievable training and limitless opportunities for personal growth.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
After starting residency, I am most excited about my co-residents!

What do you do outside of work?  
I got married on New Year’s Eve 2017 to my husband, Tommy, and we have 2 perfect fur babies, a golden retriever named Beau and a Bernese Mountain dog named Nala. We love going to the park, 90s music, macaroni and cheese, and spending time with our family and friends.

Fun fact: Conveniently named, I’m Virginia from Richmond, Virginia!

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I chose WU for the wealth of opportunities it provides residents to learn, develop their skills, and pursue their own career paths. As a medical student, I was impressed by everyone’s commitment to patient care, but also all the genuine camaraderie between residents, support from faculty, and dedication to teaching.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
Working with my co-residents: everyone is incredibly talented and hard-working, but also grounded so that it’s fun to work them, even on a busy shift.

What are your career goals/interests?
I’m interested in academic medicine so I can work with students and conduct research on social determinants of health and how to improve access to healthcare for under-served populations.

What do you do outside of work?
Run in Forest Park, cook/bake, try new restaurants, hike nearby

Fun fact: I trained in classical ballet for 16 years.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
As a medical student here, I got to witness first-hand how talented and motivated the residents at WU are. In picking a residency program, I wanted to be at a program that would expose me to a wide range of pathologies and prepare me to practice independently at a high level. It was also important for me to be at an academic institution that provided equitable care to a diverse patient population.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU? 
I love being part of such an amazingly supportive group of residents and faculty. I can truly say that the residents here are some of the most motivated, hard-working, generous people and that they all inspire me! I also love being able to take care of and make an impact on the health of our communities.

What do you do outside of work?
I enjoy spinning, trying new restaurants in St. Louis, and traveling with my significant other. I also love watching any and all Bravo reality shows!

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
When choosing a residency, I knew I wanted to train in an academic setting that provided a robust clinical training environment as well as opportunity to engage in basic science research. There was no place I felt more supported in finding a way to strike that balance than at WashU.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?      
What I really appreciate about being a resident at WashU is that the incredibly accomplished faculty members are also invested in mentorship and teaching.  Along with that my co-residents are an amazing group of hard working and motivated individuals that I am fortunate to train with and learn from, and have such varied interests and life experiences that it keeps thing fun!

What are your career goals/interests?
My goal is to have a career as a physician scientist, and split my time between clinical practice and basic science research.  I’m very interested in the development of targeted therapies, and hope to apply that to gynecologic oncology research in the future.

Awards & Honors:
Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Medical Science Fellow, Washington University, 2019

What do you do outside of work?
In my spare time, I enjoy running, biking, eating, traveling, and hanging out with my husband and our dogs.

Fun fact:
I recently raced my first Ironman, and try to run at least one marathon a year!

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I wanted to train at a residency program that was well known for providing their residents with a top-notch, comprehensive training. A program that also prepared its residents well for potential fellowship opportunities was also important to me. Additionally, I spent a month at WashU during an away rotation and absolutely loved the people I worked with. For all of those reasons, and the fact that my family was ready to return back home to St. Louis, I chose to attend WashU for residency!

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
The people – everyone is so invested in teaching the residents. From attendings to nurses to sonographers, it has been a wonderful place to come to work and learn something new.

What are your career goals/interests?
I am interested in pursuing a fellowship after my residency training, with MFM as the leading option currently. I would also like to practice medicine in an academic setting where I can teach residents/medical students.

Awards & Honors:
Summa Cum Laude, University of Missouri SOM, Class of 2019

What do you do outside of work?    When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family – my wife, Jessie and 7-month-old, Max. You can also find me rooting on the Cardinals and Blues, playing one of my 20 board games, or walking around South City with Jessie and Max.

Fun fact: I married my wife, Jessie, at the beginning of medical school. One of my favorite ways to relax and wind down is cook or watch the food network! I was born in raised in St. Louis. For all you St. Louisans, I attended Oakville High School before moving to Columbia, Missouri.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
Wash U combined all the things I was looking for in a residency program: excellent clinical and surgical training, tons of fellowship and research opportunities, and amazing people! The residents I met during my interview day were so supportive of each other and it felt like they were all members of the same team which left a lasting impression on me.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
My co-residents! They make even the busiest days fun!

What are your career goals/interests?
I’m interested in ultimately utilizing both my MD and MBA with a career combining clinical medicine with hospital administration to help improve care for patients. Too often we all want to achieve the same goal but have different ways of communicating what changes need to be made within the system to make these goals a reality.

What do you do outside of work?
My fiance and I love to try new restaurants and St. Louis is full of delicious food! We’re currently in the process of working through a list of places we want to try but it keeps getting longer! I also take dance classes (contemporary and tap) to recharge after a long day at the hospital and enjoy spending time outside, usually in Forest Park, when the weather is nice.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
Regardless of your future career goals, WU will prepare you to become a competent and independent OBGYN. Barnes Jewish Hospital draws from a huge geographic area and provides care to a range of pathology. What I love about WU is because of the volume, residents here become experts in managing bread-and-butter obstetric and gyn cases but also become adept at caring for very sick patients with diseases that are rarely seen at smaller institutions.  I was looking for a place that would allow me to learn by doing and challenge me to take on a level of autonomy that pushed my comfort zone. WU is definitely that place.

What do you like best about being a resident at WU?
My co-residents make even the longest days at work 100x better. We support each other – whether it’s by helping finish up labor progress notes when the other person is busy with deliveries, or bringing in snacks to share, or sending someone a quick text to check-in after a rough day. The chiefs look out for the junior residents and there’s a strong culture of paying it forward to your co-residents.  I truly couldn’t pick better people to work with! The Friday morning brunches when you’re on nights are also a highlight of the program ????

What are your career goals/interests?
I’m interested in education, so am hoping to become involved in medical student education and contributing to the clerkship curriculum, as well as peer-led teaching sessions for the residents.

What do you do outside of work?
I’m enjoying exploring St. Louis’s food and beer scene whenever possible. The best meal I’ve had so far was at Pastaria in Clayton.  Favorite brewery is Side Project but I have many more still to check-out.  There’s also great live music in St. Louis. And, of course, I’ve become a band wagon fan of the Cardinals and the Blues. Play Gloria!

Fun fact:
Still haven’t tried Provel cheese. Not entirely sure what it is but I think it’s too late to ask.

Fellowship plans:
Still evolving! I came into residency leaning towards pursuing a gyn-centric fellowship but have loved labor so TBD!

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I was drawn to this program for the incredible training, particularly surgically, as well as the unmatched research opportunities. But what sealed the deal for me was the culture. I feel supported, challenged, and inspired by the people I get to work with every day.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
My co-residents are kind, supportive, enthusiastic, and FUN! I already love my class, especially since I think we were the good luck charm for the Blues winning the Stanley Cup during our intern orientation week.

Awards & Honors:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Roy N. Rheinhardt Memorial Award, Indiana University School of Medicine
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

What do you do outside of work?
When I’m not at work, you can find me decompressing at hot yoga or exploring the food & drink scene in St. Louis. As someone without any prior connection to the city, I’ve been so impressed and excited by St. Louis. I’m glad I get to spend 4 years here surrounded by the amazing people in this program.

Fun fact: I’ve summited Mount Kilimanjaro!

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
The people! Of course it helps that I am a huge Cardinals and Blues fan.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
The people again! Everyone is so great to work with.

What are your career goals/interests?
I hope to run a research lab focused on applying artificial intelligence algorithms to improve how we deliver care to our GYN oncology, REI, and OB patients.

What do you do outside of work?
Watch sports, golf, play video games.

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I chose Wash U for residency because I love the patients, the faculty, the residents and everyone else in the program.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
I am thrilled to spend four years training here and working with the same people who showed me what a great field ObGyn truly is.

What are your career goals/interests/fellowship plans?
Currently I am planning to do a fellowship in gynecologic oncology so that I can treat these cancers and hopefully continue my research in cancer genetics.

What do you do outside of work?
When I am not in the lab or the hospital, I enjoy time with my partner and our son, traveling, eating, drinking, spending time outside, oxford commas, and enjoying great music.

Fun fact:
I worked here for a few years before I joined the combined MD PhD program at Wash U. During my PhD, I studied the genetic factors that predispose some babies to develop leukemia at a very early age, often before birth. I also worked on a pluripotent stem cell model of hematopoiesis to test out the genetic factors that I found. 

Why did you choose WashU for your residency?
I chose WashU for the phenomenal training, the passion for comprehensive women’s healthcare, and the warmth of the program. The outstanding surgical education, complex pathologies, high-acuity care, and diverse patient population coupled with the supportive, collaborative, and welcoming nature of the people here provided everything I was looking for.

What do you like best about being a resident here at WashU?
The people! WashU is an incredibly warm and supportive program. Everyone here is so talented and committed to caring for our patient population. It is amazing environment to grow with and learn from.

What are your career goals/interests?
I look forward to pursuing a fellowship after residency in a gynecologic subspecialty and practicing in an academic medical setting.

Awards & Honors:
2019: Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
2015-2019: Perelman 21st Century Scholar

What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work you can find me exploring STL’s incredible food and drink scene, wandering through Forest Park with my boyfriend, spending time with my co-residents, and practicing yoga.

Fun fact:
I have been an alpine skier since age 3.