We are proud to introduce our new class of residents to the Washington University Department of Neurosurgery. Our incoming residents tell us a little about themselves and why they’re so excited about launching their neurosurgery training at WashU.
Ashley Dunbar, MD
Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
Why WashU?
I was impressed by the broad clinical exposure, unmatched clinical autonomy and support for numerous academic interests at WashU. I also really enjoyed my interview day and found the collegial environment and emphasis on mentorship and resident education appealing. Despite not being able to visit in person, I could easily imagine myself there and felt it would truly be an honor to train at WashU.
What are you most looking forward to learning?
I’m interested in cultivating my interest in pediatric neurosurgery as well as exploring more about the other neurosurgical subspecialties before choosing one to dedicate my career to!
Why neurosurgery?
My decision came from a combination of mentorship, research experience in the field and clinical exposure. In neurosurgery, more than any other field, you have the ability to do life-saving work daily, and to have that significant of an impact on a patient’s life will be incredibly rewarding. Helping patients during their time of greatest need epitomizes the ultimate responsibility of a surgeon. To do so is both an honor and privilege and serves as the driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in neurosurgery.
What are some of your hobbies?
Ice hockey, hiking, traveling, cooking
Alexander Yahanda, MD
Washington University School of Medicine
Why WashU?
Having gone to medical school at WashU, I already knew the people and the department quite well. I was fortunate enough to establish many strong relationships within the department that positively shaped my medical school experience. Most everyone here is kind, generous, and supportive, which makes for an environment that is hard to find elsewhere. The chance to continue working with these people and to build on the foundation that I had already established made ranking WashU highly an easy decision.
What are you most looking forward to learning?
I am most looking forward to honing my skills in the operating room and learning how to actually perform the types of surgeries that I spent so much time learning about through clinical rotations or research. I am also looking forward to learning how to medically care for neurosurgical patients both before and after surgery.
Why neurosurgery?
Several aspects of neurosurgery were appealing to me. The anatomy is amazing, and neurosurgical residency shows you how to work within that anatomy in myriad ways, from microsurgery to large spine cases and everything in between.
Neurosurgeons are also constantly using skills from several areas of medicine—surgery, neurology, radiology, critical care, etc.—which gives them a unique clinical toolkit for caring for patients.
Moreover, I came to appreciate how many neurosurgical conditions alter how patients interact with the world or compromise key features of what makes them unique individuals. By addressing those conditions, neurosurgeons can impact their patients in particularly profound ways.
What are some of your hobbies?
Tennis, skiing, golf, spending time outdoors, reading, writing, music, learning how to cook.
Corey Gill, MD, MS
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Why WashU?
WashU offers unparalleled access to research resources, infrastructure, and mentorship to help foster careers focused in brain and spine research. Positioned in affordable St. Louis, WashU is perfect for those who seek balance between family and academic pursuits.
What are you most looking forward to learning?
I am most looking forward to learning how to become a technically excellent surgeon through early exposure to the operating theater and exceptional mentorship.
Why neurosurgery?
As a first-generation college graduate, I have been blessed to have mentors shape in me my passion for neurosurgery through experiences in both Boston and New York City. I am excited to continue these pursuits in St. Louis.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy all things outdoors and working with my hands: from fishing and boating, to archery and marksmanship, to operating heavy equipment and do-it-yourself home improvement projects, to traveling the world with my wife.