Class of 2025
Chief Residents
Annie Nyffeler, DO
Hometown: Columbus, Nebraska
College/Major: Nebraska Wesleyan University; biology and Spanish
Medical school: Kansas City University
Why UNMC: I remember after the interview at Nebraska I called my family with such genuine excitement and happiness that some people refer to as "the feelings". I am so happy that I followed my gut and that feeling because this program truly is a family. UNMC is such a great place to learn and offers incredible opportunities to allow you to be whatever type of emergency room doctor you want to be! The support and kindness you get while on shift make work fun and exciting. Not to mention, Omaha is such a fun city to explore and live in!
John Perez, III, MD
Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas
College/major: University of Nebraska-Lincoln; biological sciences
Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Why UNMC: Enjoyed the Nebraska atmosphere during undergrad and vibed well with the residents during my away rotation. Thought it was the place to be for my training. Go Big Red (even though we aren't doing so hot).
Tristen Zimmerman, MD
Hometown: Little Falls, Minnesota
College/major: College of Saint Benedict/St. John's University; biology
Medical school: Oregon Health and Science University
Why UNMC: I had a great interview with UNMC (even virtually!); I felt like my interview was personalized and really allowed me to get to know the people and how the program would help me achieve my goals. There is a strong emphasis in training emergency medicine physicians who are prepared to practice in any environment, and we get experience at academic, community, and rural emergency department sites. I was impressed with the diversity of fellowship-trained faculty and the sports and event medicine opportunities for residents (Husker football games!). I was looking for a program that would support its residents in all the little ways that really add up (parking, meal money, scheduled shifts for education and teaching). On shift, there is a true team atmosphere between the physicians, 24/7 emergency department pharmacists, social workers, nurses, psychiatric emergency services crew, and all the other hardworking staff. At the end of the day, I was looking for a program full of kind people that would support me and have my back while helping me grow into a confident and capable emergency medicine physician.
Third-year Residents
Brian Bristol, DO
Medical school: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Caleb Heder, MD
Hometown: Kaysville, Utah
College/Major: Weber State University; athletic training
Medical school: West Virginia University School of Medicine Charleston Division
Why UNMC: Loved the look and feel of the program. Good vibes from the residents.
Keegan McCabe, MD
Hometown: St. Peter, Minnesota
College/Major: Truman State University; biology
Medical school: University of Minnesota
Why UNMC: I wanted a program that offered a variety of clinical exposure, procedural skill development, sick patient population and ultrasound training. UNMC fits all of this! I was especially impressed with the variability in clinical sites: a large academic trauma center at the main campus, a community emergency room experience at Bellevue and our rural rotation. Besides the phenomenal training, our program is also filled with competent, caring attendings who are enthusiastic about teaching and truly care about our education and personal lives!
Ryan Mikus, MD
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
College/Major: University of Nebraska-Lincoln; finance
Medical school: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Why UNMC: UNMC has an excellent mix of county, academic, and community patient populations, which gives you a wide range of exposures to different pathologies. Omaha is also a fantastic city whether you are looking to raise a family, or want to experience the night life, or anything in between.
Ryan Pavelka, DO
Medical school: AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Sydney Powers, MD
Medical school: University of Nebraska College of Medicine
Thomas Szamocki, DO
Medical school: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, New Mexico State
Obiaara Ukah, MD, PhD
Hometown: Holts Summit, Missouri
College: Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
Medical school: University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
Why UNMC: I remember reading the program's welcome page and reflecting on how much the message resonated with me. The great amount of pride the program director had in the program and its residents emanated through each person I met during my interview. Each interaction fueled the next and left me with an overwhelming sense of belonging by the end of my interview, which was unlike any experience I had with any other program I had interviewed with. When finding your residency home, especially in times where in-person interviews and tours are no longer the norm, it is of the utmost importance to find a cohort of individuals that are fully invested in your success and well-being. I found that when I interviewed at UNMC and I could not be happier that I was fortunate enough to match into my extended family!
Joseph Werner, MD
Hometown: Billings, Montana
College/major: Gonzaga University; biology and music
Medical school: University of Washington School of Medicine
Why UNMC: I was lucky enough to do an away rotation here and really enjoyed it. Not only did I learn much during my rotation, but I developed a palpable sense that this residency in particular was a place I could see myself fitting in and enjoying for three years. The friendly, cordial interactions I had with residents, nurses, attendings, and essentially every employee I interacted with in that month was quite noticeable. I had a great time interviewing and overall was left with a very strong impression of UNMC. In addition, UNMC has a great mix of academic, community, and rural aspects that I found appealing!