Welcome our NEWEST NEUROSURGERY RESIDENTS!
The University of Utah Department of Neurosurgery proudly welcomes the incoming Class of 2030! This exceptional group of future residents possess the talent, ambition, and dedication to patient care, to serve Utah, the Intermountain West region, and beyond. We are thrilled to see what this class will accomplish. Get ready to meet the newest members of our team and witness their dedication to excellence in the field of neurosurgery.
Jason Kim, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jason Kim completed a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, from which he expects to graduate with an MD in May 2023. His research experience includes neuroendovascular surgery, stroke, and neuroimaging. He has conducted additional research in the epigenetic regulation of brain functions and has presented at several neurosurgery conferences. Jason has demonstrated leadership skills through his involvement in organizations such as the Medical Student Association - Health Equity Action Team, the Neuroscience Interest Group (as Vice President), and the Bioinformatics Interest Group (as Student Leader).
Natasha Hongsermeier-Graves, University of Nebraska
Natasha Hongsermeier-Graves graduated summa cum laude from Morningside College with a BS in biology and BAs in chemistry and music. She received her MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and is currently enrolled in the MD program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with an expected graduation date of May 2023 in the top 25% of her class. She is deeply committed to public service, with an interest in health policy and patient advocacy. She served as a regional delegate on behalf of the Medical Student Section to the American Medical Association House of Delegates and was recently named the Nebraska Medical Association’s Student Advocate of the Year. Natasha also founded Musicians for Healing, a volunteer organization that brings live instrumental music to patients’ bedsides.
Justin Zhang, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Justin Zhang received a BS in Human Biology, with a minor in Chemistry and Global Health, from the University of California, San Diego. He has also completed an MS in Clinical Investigation at Washington University School of Medicine and expects to receive his MD from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in May 2023. He has received numerous awards and grants for his research, including the NIH TL1 Predoctoral Clinical Research Grant and the Burroughs Welcome Fund Trainee Travel Award. His research involves the application of machine learning approaches to DTI/DBSI metrics and clinical data to prognosticate outcomes in patients with spinal cord injuries. He hopes to combine his clinical and research interests to pursue a career in academic medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys getting Chinese food with his friends.
“Match Day is the most highly anticipated day in the life of a fourth-year medical student,” said Residency Program Director, Douglas Brockmeyer, MD, FAAP. “But it’s equally exciting for the faculty members who eagerly anticipate welcoming highly qualified and dedicated young doctors to join our department as part of the next generation of neurosurgeons in training.”
The University of Utah Neurosurgery Residency Program is a 7-year program that provides training to the best and brightest physicians to achieve confidence and success in all neurosurgical domains. Residents in our program benefit from early operating room experience, a year of protected academic time, and a unique mentorship model. Nearly all recent graduates have gone on to take highly competitive fellowships or academic positions.
“Together, we are poised to take on the challenges of this ever-evolving field, striving to make a difference in the lives of our patients,” said Dr. Brockmeyer. “We welcome our new residents to the team and look forward to witnessing the tremendous impact they will undoubtedly have in the field of neurosurgery.”