PGY - 5 | University of Maryland Medical Center

Annie Weber

Hometown: Annapolis, MD

Undergraduate: Pennsylvania State University

Medical School: University of Maryland SOM

Fellowship (chief) or Area(s) of clinical/research interest: Hand Fellowship - Wake Forest Medical Center

Why did you chose Maryland? I chose Maryland for the great camaraderie I saw amongst the residents, the strong surgical experience the program had to offer and for the mentors I met while in medical school.

Hobbies/Interests Outside Work: Sailing and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay/Severn River, snowboarding, Jeep-ing

Favorite place you’ve traveled during residency: Italy

Advice to Applicants: Be yourself. Work hard. Enjoy what you do!

Alex Hahn

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Undergraduate: Swarthmore College

Medical School: Temple University

Fellowship (chief) or Area(s) of clinical/research interest: Hand Fellowship - Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center

Why did you chose Maryland? I chose Maryland after seeing the breadth and depth of orthopaedic experience that residents get over 5 years. The opportunity to have one on one time with leaders in various subspecialty fields was a big draw. I also appreciated how hard the residents worked, and I wanted to be a part of their team.

Hobbies/Interests Outside Work: Golf, snowboarding, hiking, cooking, reading

Favorite place you’ve traveled during residency: Mt. Rainier

Advice to Applicants: Be honest with yourself and what you actually want from residency.

Chijindu Emenari

Hometown: Landover Hill, MD

Undergraduate: Howard University

Medical School: Howard University

Fellowship (chief) or Area(s) of clinical/research interest: Adult Reconstruction Fellowship - University of Chicago

Why did you chose Maryland? My experience at Maryland has been pretty unique. I decided to come because of the career opportunities, case variety, and support system. Maryland has a vast medical system that encompasses all aspects of orthopedics. I knew that by completing my training here, it would make me a well rounded orthopedic surgeon with an excellent trauma experience (Shock Trauma).

Hobbies/Interests Outside Work: Hanging out with friends/family, listening to audio books, playing outdoor sports (football, basketball, learning golf), running, weight lifting, and playing instruments (piano and drums)

Favorite place you’ve traveled during residency: Costa Rica

Advice to Applicants: Apply broadly. Keep an open mind about location. Make every effort to attend interviews in person (if that's an option). Rely on your mentors/family to help guide your decisions.

Timothy Costales

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

Undergraduate: Georgetown University

Medical School: University of Maryland

Fellowship (chief) or Area(s) of clinical/research interest: Adult Reconstruction Fellowship - Massachusetts General Hospital

Why did you chose Maryland? Unforgettable camaraderie, the Shock Trauma Center and the early operative experience. The city of Baltimore grew on me, and I love it.

Hobbies/Interests Outside Work: Tennis, travelling, scuba diving

Favorite place you’ve traveled during residency: El Nido, Philippines

Advice to Applicants: Other than professional goals and location, find a program that "fits" your personality. You will be spending the next 5 years in the trenches with your co-residents so make sure you mesh with the program's persona! Arrive early, stay late, don't complain and you will be golden.

Andrew Dubina

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Undergraduate: University of Delaware

Medical School: University of Maryland

Fellowship (chief) or Area(s) of clinical/research interest: Pediatric Orthopaedics Fellowship - University of Utah

Why did you chose Maryland? At Maryland, you have the opportunity for early operating experience (intern year). I also really liked how Maryland has a small, tight knit group of residents that seemed to genuinely enjoy being around each other, both in and outside of work.

Hobbies/Interests Outside Work: Getting outdoors when I can, traveling, exploring the food and craft beer scene of Baltimore

Favorite place you’ve traveled during residency: Iceland

Advice to Applicants: When evaluating any program, make sure to look at not only the surgical volume, educational curriculum, rotation schedules, and fellowship match lists, but also how the residents interact with each other. Try to understand the quality of the surgical experience. I think those two things are often undervalued but have the greatest impact on your 5 years of residency and last long into your time as a practicing surgeon.

Michael Foster

Hometown: Easton, MD

Undergraduate: Mount St. Mary's University

Medical School: University of Maryland

Fellowship (chief) or Area(s) of clinical/research interest: Sports Fellowship - Steadman Philippon Sports Medicine Program

Why did you chose Maryland? I chose Maryland because I felt this program had the best resident and attending personalities to go along with a very team-oriented culture. The program combines excellent autonomy with expert level teaching to provide the most well rounded experience.

Hobbies/Interests Outside Work: Hunting, fishing, golf, hiking

Favorite place you’ve traveled during residency: Maui, HI

Advice to Applicants: I think the most important factor when choosing a residency program is finding the program where your personality fits perfectly with the current residents and attendings. Given the amount of time you spend in the hospital, inevitably your residency will become your second family. Additionally, I think it is critical to find a program where the attendings are leaders in their field, are truly invested in teaching, and allow appropriate autonomy.