Ellen Wiitala

Ellen Wiitala, MD (She/Her)

  • About Me

    I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - I'm a proud Yooper, eh! After attending college at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), I spent a glorious gap year in Colorado as a medical assistant and ski coach, and returned home for medical school as a part of Michigan State University's Rural Physician Program. EM was an immediate draw for me; I love the fast pace, the diversity of work, and the incredible patients and colleagues that I've worked with in the ED. I'm so excited to continue learning, growing, and exploring at the U!

    Medical Areas of Interest

    Rural medicine, wilderness medicine, medical education, ultrasound

    Interests & Hobbies

    Skiing (of all kinds - backcountry/downhill/nordic), climbing, mountain biking, baking, and brunch

    My Cat Boots
    https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/kHEsczqZdf0U1MJtejXAWhFPl-kMIMFHymKC2Y-fy53Vmo-OQTvzgBKf4awBftKeBER9-8s8XGAkqlvGzy4KkCmWZwTMZUivbbG1wdUhlHQ0e4GeIjE4pzgh1ggFRMjtHUpQ-i9PUsu_8ec4jmgmedY

    Why Utah?

    Even after a virtual interview season, I knew that Utah would be a perfect place to train. I was drawn to the blend of an academic center + large community hospital, the huge catchment area, and of course, the slopeside orthopedic rotation! In addition, faculty were very supportive of my interests in rural and wilderness medicine, and the residents seemed genuinely happy, tight-knit, and stoked on EM. And finally - the Wasatch range and all of the fun that comes with it. What more could you ask for?!

    Hometown

    Marquette, Michigan

  • Education history

    Undergraduate University of Michigan B.A.
    Professional Medical Michigan State University M.D.