Our Current Residents

Chelsea A. Bayer, MD

Washington University School of Medicine

I was born and raised just outside Minneapolis, MN and stayed close for undergrad. I went to a small liberal arts school that, unless you’re from MN, you’ve never heard of called Gustavus Adolphus College and then made my way to St. Louis for medical school. I was very impressed with the strength of the residency program and after getting to know people in the department, I knew that there was no where else that I wanted to train. I chose Wash U because I wanted to be surrounded by amazing people and I knew I would come out of my four years fully prepared for anything I would see as a generalist. In my free time, I love to cook, bike and find new places to eat and drink around St. Louis!

Katherine H. Bligard, MD

Washington University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA and got my undergraduate degree in mathematics from Louisiana State University. I moved to Saint Louis for medical school at Washington University where I met my wonderful husband and I am thrilled to have stayed in Saint Louis for residency. In my free time, I love musical theater and, as all go Louisiana girls do, LSU football. Geaux Tigers!

Ann Bruno, MD

University of Illinois College of Medicine

I was born and raised in Columbia, MO and stayed in Missouri to attend undergraduate at Truman State University. I attended University of Illinois – Chicago for medical school and loved the big city, but residency brought me back to my home state. I enjoy the excellent training and mentoring at Barnes Jewish Hospital and the camaraderie of my excellent co-residents. In my free time, I enjoy exploring St. Louis and the outdoors, traveling with my husband, and baking.

Kelli Kreher, MD

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Originally from a small town in southern IL, I knew that I wanted to stay in the Midwest for residency to be near family. I was already familiar with the St. Louis area and Washington University, so I immediately felt that this was the program for me. I enjoy coming to work every day to train in an academic setting among faculty and co-residents who take the time to get to know me. Outside of work, I enjoy being active, spending time with family/friends, and exploring St. Louis parks, delis, and Cardinals games.

Jessica A. Norton, MD

Boston University Medical Center

Originally from Naperville, IL, coming to Barnes was my return to the Midwest after 8 years of school on the East Coast in Connecticut and Boston. I plan to be an academic generalist and knew it was important for my training to prepare me for anything and everything! Being at Barnes means I work closely with generalists and sub-specialists in a variety of settings; gaining exposure to all aspects of OB/GYN. But what makes being at work truly worth it are my co-residents and the overwhelming kindness and support they all give to each other. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy traveling, running in Forest Park, or eating food that I didn’t have to cook!

Kelsey W. Olerich. MD, PhD

University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

I was born and raised in Seattle and completed my undergraduate degree at Santa Clara University in California. I then spent a couple years in Portland, OR as a ski instructor at Mt. Hood and performing research at OHSU. I made the jump to the Midwest when I joined the MSTP at University of Iowa. I was thrilled to match at Washington University for OBGYN. I am interested in possibly pursuing a career in MFM. I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog, Max, as well as all outdoor activities especially hiking and running, wine tasting, cooking and spending time with my lovely co-residents.

Lauren L. Reschke, MD

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

I was born and raised outside of Chicago. I completed undergrad at University of Illinois-Champaign before attending Johns Hopkins for medical school. I was excited to move back to the Midwest for residency at Wash U- a program I was drawn to by its impressive academic accomplishments, positive learning environment, and supportive residents and faculty. Outside of residency, I enjoy spending time with my husband and miniature dachshund, exploring St. Louis restaurants, running and group fitness classes, and traveling.

Rebecca J. Rogers, MD

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

I am a proud Texan (Hook ’em!) who decided it was time to venture out of the state for residency after finishing medical school at UT Southwestern in Dallas. I have loved the amazing clinical and educational experiences I have had at Wash U so far-and most importantly-getting to work with the best co-residents ever. In my free time, you will find me eating Blackthorn pizza (go try it!) or dragging my adorably lazy bulldog Charlie around Tower Grove.

 Jennifer Travieso, MD

Washington University School of Medicine

I was born in Houston, TX and moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas for undergrad. There I developed a love for running, hiking, and the outdoors. I then moved to St. Louis for medical school and have been here ever since. I am fed by my husband, who is both a dermatology resident and an excellent chef.

Kelsey Anderson, MD

St. Louis University School of Medicine

I grew up in St. Louis but moved to Nashville to complete my undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University.  I returned to my hometown to attend St. Louis University School of Medicine.   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”.  Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and experiencing the many activities and restaurants St. Louis offers.  “The best aspect of this program are the people –  they help me to learn and grow while being great friends and co-workers”.

Stephanie Blankenship, MD

University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

I originally hail from Washington, DC. I attended undergrad at UCLA but received my MS at Georgetown University and MD, MPH from University of Miami.  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. I already feel at home with my intern class. The instant support available here has made it a seamless transition to Barnes – can’t wait to see what the rest of intern year has in store! I am considering fellowship in family planning and reproductive infectious disease, and I am excited about the mentorship and research opportunities available at Wash U. 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.

Allison Brubaker, MD

University of Illinois College of Medicine – Urbana

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.  The camaraderie amongst the residents, applicability of the staff, and commitment to resident education made it easy choice.”  I am from a small town near Champaign, IL, which is where I went to undergraduate as well as medical school.  In my free time, I enjoy taking walks with my dog Blu, hiking, reading, and traveling.

 Jessica Gambill, MD

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

A native of Arkansas, I love being outdoors and exploring new places in my free time. My fiance John (a resident in the Pediatric Department at St. Louis Children’s Hospital) and I enjoy spending time together with our 2 dogs and trying new restaurants around St. Louis. 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. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Central Arkansas and my medical school degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Sarah Huepenbecker, MD

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

I grew up in Edina, Minnesota and completed my undergraduate and medical school training at the University of Pennsylvania. “I always knew that Wash U’s program had everything I was looking for – 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. “But 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.” Outside of the hospital, I love exploring St. Louis, running and biking in Forest Park, attending weekly class happy hours, reading, and cooking.

Heather Lopez, MD

Florida State University College of Medicine – Sarasota

Washington University’s Obstetrics & Gynecology residency program had the “Family Feel” and academic reputation I was searching for in a residency program. I felt right at home with all of the residents and attendings.” I am from West Palm Beach, Fl. I received both my undergrad and M.D. degree from Florida State University.  In my spare time, I enjoy baking, running, hot yoga, and spending time with my husband. I am currently interested in Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology and Breast Surgery.

Matthew-Shanahan, MD

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

I am originally from Carpentersville, Illinois. 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, and graduated for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health. 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. Since moving to St. Louis, I have spent my free time exploring the great food scene in St. Louis.

Stephanie Smith, MD

University of Minnesota Medical School

I was born and raised an Okie from Muskogee, attended the University of Oklahoma before obtaining my medical degree from the University of Minnesota. I enjoy exploring state parks with my dog and watching the Cardinals chase another pennant. I am interested in American Indian health and gynecological oncology.  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 the residents grow as physicians.

Rachel Weinblatt, MD

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Having grown up on the East Coast, moving to the midwest for residency was a big adventure. Since arriving in St. Louis, I have been impressed with the warm, family-like feel of the residency program. I am originally from Philadelphia, PA and received my BA as well as MD from the University of Pennsylvania. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new restaurants, hiking, and crafting.

Erin Bailey, MD

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

I was born in Washington DC, but have lived all over the US – Montana, South Dakota, Iowa, New York, Maryland and Washington. Most recently I completed my masters in epidemiology and medical school at University of Wisconsin in Madison. I chose Wash U because of the people. The training is spectacular, but it’s really the people who make the program. I have been made to feel part of the family literally since my first day as an intern. My class is already really close, and I’m excited to see where the next four years takes us. In my spare time, I love running and skiing and spending time with husband, puppy and baby girl.

Kristine Brown, MD

Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

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. I grew up in North Carolina and have spent most of my time there until residency. I went to Duke for undergrad and then Wake Forest for medical school, and my family is still in NC. Despite that, I knew Wash U was the perfect fit for me, and I’m very excited to train here for the next four years with such great faculty and co-residents

Angelina Carey-Love, MD

Florida State University College of Medicine-Daytona Beach

I was born and raised in the sunny state of Florida, and received my Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Florida. I then completed medical school at Florida State University. I am honored to have the opportunity to train at Washington University in St. Louis for 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. Some of my professional interests include serving underserved populations, and focusing on preventative medicine for improving health. 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.

Justine McGauley, MD

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

As a St. Louis native, I was absolutely thrilled to match at Wash U. I attended SLU for both undergrad and med school, and initially 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. 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!

Mario Pardo-Friedman, MD

University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Born and raised in the high desert plains of New Mexico, I spent several years after college exploring the world and my many varied interests. After nearly 10 years as an accountant I decided to return to medicine (my original interest in college). 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. I am excited for the next 4 years of learning and training! Outside of work I love watching my daughter grow up, spending time with my wife, and cooking/baking.

Brock Polnaszek, MD

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

I grew up in rural central Wisconsin and moved to Madison where I did my undergraduate degree. I took 2 years off before continuing medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. 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. I am passionate about looking at how to support women who struggle with obesity through exercise, motivation and diet. Outside of work my wife and I enjoy 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 Starwars/superhero nerd!

Allison Schelble, MD

Washington University School of Medicine

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and then moved to St. Louis where I attended undergrad and medical school at Wash U. I am so excited to have stayed on for 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. Outside the hospital I enjoy exploring new restaurants, spending time with friends, and traveling.

Hannah Ware, MD

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

I am originally from Alabama, went to college in Philadelphia, and moved from medical school in New York to St. Louis, ready for a new Midwest adventure with my partner Ben. Outside of work, we love cooking, biking in Forrest Park, and gardening in our CWE apartment. 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. 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. I love my co-residents and cannot wait for all of the adventures to come over the next four years!

Jéan-Claire (Mandi) Dillon, MD, MPH

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Southwestern Medical School

I grew up in a suburb of Dallas,TX. I went to Hampton University in Virginia for undergrad then decided to go back home for medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. 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. Then my husband and I moved to St. Louis and we could not be happier.

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. 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.

Bridget Huysman, MD

George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Originally from the northeast corner of the US, I grew up in Connecticut and completed my undergraduate degree in Spanish at the University of New Hampshire, where I studied abroad in Mexico. 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. I completed my medical degree at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC, where 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. 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. 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.

Elizabeth Johns, MD

University of California, San Franciso, School of Medicine

I am originally from Columbus, OH. I graduated from Hampshire College in Massachusetts, lived/worked in Namibia and Rwanda, then worked for many years in health care in San Francisco. After completing a post-bac, I attended medical school at the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program and was also in the Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved. 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. 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. 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.

Susannah (Susie) Koch, MD

University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

I am originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago and I moved south to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for undergrad. After spending a year as a barista and pharmacy technician, I made the long journey (…not) to Iowa City for medical school at the University of Iowa. I am passionate about global health and providing quality care to the marginalized and underrepresented within communities, so 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. 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!

Tyler McKinnish, MD

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills School of Medicine

I am originally from a tiny mountain town in North Carolina, where I spent more time in the woods or on the water than anywhere else! Med school was at UNC, where I learned what kind of doctor I want 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. 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. 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!

Manuela Mejia, MD

Washington University School of Medicine

I was born in Colombia and grew up mostly in South Florida. I went to Duke for undergrad (Go Devils!) and then attended medical school at WashU. I’m so excited to spend four more years here! I love the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the residents, faculty and staff that I got to experience as a student. This program also 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. 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.

Xiao-Yu Wang, MD

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

I grew up in Massachusetts, and came to Washington University in St. Louis for undergrad and stayed in the midwest for medical school at Case Western Reserve University. 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 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. 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.

Virginia Watkins, MD

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Conveniently named, I’m Virginia and I’m from Richmond, Virginia and I went to Virginia Commonwealth University for my medical school training. I came to Wash U in St. Louis for the unbelievable training and limitless opportunities for personal growth, but after starting residency I am most excited about my co-residents! Truly, I wouldn’t want to spend these 4 years with anyone else. 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.

Lulu Yu, MD

Washington University School of Medicine

I grew up in Nevada, near Lake Tahoe, and came to WashU for undergrad, not knowing I would find such a welcoming, supportive environment that has kept me here ever since. In college, I majored in psychology and had a special interest in intergroup bias. Over the years, that has translated into a passion for health disparities and caring for the underserved. WashU has been the perfect place to channel that passion into research and action, with resources like the Institute for Public Health. The faculty, staff, and residents are dedicated to providing the best care for every patient, every time, and I am always impressed by how everyone works as a team to reach that goal. Outside of work, I love to bake, try new restaurants, and enjoy Forest Park.