Kartik Iyer, MD
Why Virginia Mason? I was drawn to Virginia Mason's small class size, where it would be easier to get to know all my co-residents more personally. I also appreciated the teaching focus of the program, with often times 1:1 time with attendings who were happy to teach, as well as complex cases on service which could test my knowledge of medicine.
Why Seattle? After doing my education away from home, I wanted to return to the Pacific NW for residency and ultimately my radiology practice. Beyond that, Seattle is genuinely one of the most beautiful cities I've been to, with greenery year round, lots of parks and nature preserves, and many bodies of water.
What are you happiest doing? Trying new restaurants, playing video games, and visiting botanical gardens
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Internship: Virginia Mason Medical Center (Transitional Year)
Gavin Kirby, DO
Why Virginia Mason? I was initially interested in the small class size and the long history of excellent radiology training. But it was the interview that sold it for me. All the faculty and residents that I interacted with were very warm and welcoming. Conversation flowed and I felt right at home!
Why Seattle? Seattle’s proximity to the forest is hard to beat! The mountain biking is world class and I’m really excited to explore some of the delicious food and culture Seattle has to offer.
What are you happiest doing? Spending time in nature with my fiancé on our bikes.
Undergraduate: Northern Arizona University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University, Colorado
Internship: Sky Ridge Medical Center, Lone Tree, Colo.
Andrew Warren, DO
Why Virginia Mason? I chose Virginia Mason because it is a smaller hospital and close-knit community.
Why Seattle? I've lived in Seattle/the Pacific Northwest for 12 years now and the region is my home and where I hope to one day practice.
What are you happiest doing? Spending time with my girlfriend, spending time with friends, hiking, skiing, and traveling.
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Internship: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Jason Agtarap, MD
Why Virginia Mason? Virginia Mason offers a small, tight-knit program while also providing exposure to complex subspecialty cases, which is the best of both worlds as a radiologist. Also, the residents of various programs all know each other, making it much easier to facilitate consultations and exceptional patient care.
Why Seattle? After spending 10 years in Oregon, I wanted to re-establish my roots in Washington and be closer to family. The beauty of Seattle never fails to amaze me. A lively, fun city surrounded by 360 degrees of waterfront, mountains and lush greenery. What's not to love?
What are you happiest doing? Skiing, trying new craft breweries, and playing video games.
Undergraduate: University of Oregon
Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University
Internship: Virginia Mason Transitional Year
David Schroeder, MD
Why Virginia Mason? Smaller program with good 1:1 teaching opportunities
Why Seattle? Close to family/friends, great mix of city and outdoor activities
What are you happiest doing? Sleeping in, playing pickleball
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University
Internship: Virginia Mason Transitional Year
Baoanh Vu, MD
Why Virginia Mason? I really enjoyed the small class size and the variety of practice settings offered by the program. I liked the idea of being the only resident on a certain service which leads to no competition for cases and lots of 1 on 1 teaching. Being able to rotate in both Virginia Mason and UW sites would give invaluable experience in different practice settings.
Why Seattle? Being born and raised in Seattle, I like the variety of outdoor activities, food options and the moderate climate/weather year round (I don't mind the rain). There are lots of options for skiing/snowboarding with Snoqualmie being 1 hour away, to Whistler for something world class. Also doesn't hurt to be in one of the most bike-friendly cities.
What are you happiest doing? Putting a smile in other people's faces.
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: California University of Science and Medicine
Internship: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center - General Surgery
Andy Nguyen, MD
Why Virginia Mason? GME staff, residents, and attendings are all supportive and want the best for you. Lots of opportunities for 1-on-1 teaching sessions and face time with attendings. I was also looking at "hybrid" programs, where learning is prioritized and balanced "clearing the list."
Why Seattle? There ain’t no place like home.
Hobbies: Leatherworking, shoe cobbling/cordwaining, napping with my dog and cat.
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: University of Washington
Internship: Virginia Mason Transitional Year
Kristey Truc Nguyen, MD
Why Virginia Mason? I chose VM for its high-quality education, great location, and kind group of people. We have onsite daily conferences, 1-1 teaching/tutoring from a group of dedicated attentings, and weekly half academic days at University of Washington. We also have independent calls at VMMC starting PGY3. We get exposed to diverse cases through rotations at VMMC, Harborview and Seattle Children’s hospital. It’s a great program.
Why Seattle? Seattle is an ideal location for me as my family is in PNW. Besides the proximity to my family, I love Seattle for its beautiful scenery, ample opportunities to be with nature, countless dining out options, and a big airport that makes traveling very easy.
Hobbies: Traveling
Undergraduate: Portland State University
Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University
Internship: Virginia Mason Transitional Year
Michael Durkin, MD
Why Virginia Mason? Friendly happy people in a smaller class with great IR opportunities.
Why Seattle? Beautiful city in a beautiful state with the trappings of a big city and a great food culture.
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family
Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale
Internship: General Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center
Matt Birmingham, DO
Why Virginia Mason? Small program where everyone knows each other, excellent 1:1 teaching with attendings, focus on resident education.
Why Seattle? Proximity to family and friends.
Hobbies: Contemporary classical music, hiking, following the NFL
Undergraduate: Western Washington University
Medical School: WesternU COMP-Northwest
Internship: Transitional Year, VMMC
Tristan Fielder, MD
Why Virginia Mason? I was looking for a smaller program that offered one-on-one teaching, a robust amount of volume and call to learn from, and a fun and supportive environment.
Why Seattle? There are fun things to do all throughout the city, and with national parks, various bodies of water, and ski slopes in close proximity you’ll never be bored out here.
Hobbies: fishing, skiing, hiking
Undergraduate: Angelo State University (San Angelo, TX)
Medical School: University of Texas at San Antonio
Internship: University of Washington - Surgery
Darren Pouv, MD
Why Virginia Mason? VM is great because of the one-on-one teaching with faculty and emphasis on resident wellness.
Why Seattle? I grew up in the Pacific Northwest so this is home to me! Seattle is uniquely situated in the middle of natural surrounding beauty with three different national parks all within driving distance and Canada to the north, there's plenty of outdoor activities here.
Hobbies: Exercising, scrapbooking, thrift shopping, table top games/poker, cooking, and indoor gardening
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Internship: Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Tyler Kreager, MD
Why Virginia Mason? Great culture, small program that provides individualized learning
Why Seattle? Always something to do, friendly people
Hobbies: Sports (watching hockey, playing golf/tennis), FOREX trading
Undergraduate: University of California, Santa Barbara
Medical School: The Ohio State University
Internship: Virginia Mason (Transitional Year)
Shane Morris, MD
Why Virginia Mason? Virginia Mason has a friendly and intelligent group of attending radiologists who are very interested in teaching. As the resident on service without any fellows, there is no competition for studies or procedures. The hospital itself has a great community feel, while also getting a nice variety of pathology.
Why Seattle? Seattle is a really fun city to live in with tons of great hiking and water activities. I live near Virginia Mason and everything I need is really close and accessible.
Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, baseball and basketball
Undergraduate: Brandeis University
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Internship: Newton-Wellesley Hospital Transitional Year
Ksenia Skorohodova, MD
Why Virginia Mason? I love the small program feel and how much teaching and mentorship we are able to have due to high attending to resident ratio. Everyone has been super kind and amazing to work with.
Why Seattle? I grew up in Washington, went to school at the University of Washington, so Seattle has been home all of my adult life. I love everything about Seattle and wanted to stay here for training.
Hobbies: Cooking, outdoor activities, exploring the city, and travel, when able.
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Medical School: University of Washington
Internship: Virginia Mason (Transitional Year)