Residents

Hufriya Aderienwalla, MD

Dr. Hufriya Aderianwalla received her MD degree from the University of Seychelles American Institute of Medicine, Victoria, Seychelles. She also obtained her Surgical First Assisting Certification from the School for Allied Health Professionals in Arlington, Texas. Hufriya has worked as a surgical first assistant for Kaiser Permanente in Denver, assisting across a broad spectrum of specialties, with an emphasis in robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology and urogynecology. Born in Redwood City, California and raised in India, Hufriya speaks basic Hindi and Gujarati. She enjoys tennis, soccer, cricket and is an avid fan of Formula 1 racing. She also loves long walks with her Maltipoo, Chico.

Abigail Barnes, MD

Hometown: Columbia, MO

Undergraduate: Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine

Why did you choose Saint Joe's? I chose Saint Joe's first and foremost for the people. I felt so welcomed to the community upon my first meeting and could see myself working well with the team. I was excited by the opportunities to bring my interests to the program and my co-residents to help shape my education and hopefully play a role in adding to the residency program. Finally, I wanted to stay in Colorado as it is such an amazing place to live.

What would you do if you weren’t a doctor? I would likely still be dancing professionally and teaching dance. I did that for many years before medical school and loved it!

What are your career goals and interests? I hope to work as a generalist in an urban setting.

Iris Burgard, DO

Hometown: Littleton, CO

Undergraduate: Montana State University, Go Bobcats!

Medical School: Rocky Vista University

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? Hands down the people. It was a learning environment that I felt like I could thrive in and grow from and my co-residents and faculty would help me become the best physician I could be.

What would you do if you weren’t a doctor? Something in the policy/advocacy realm!

What are your career goals and interests? I am interested in being a general community OB-Gyn somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. I am particularly interested in policy and advocacy, working to give underserved populations a voice in their care and continuing to shape healthcare policy to be better and more equitable for all patients.

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Undergraduate: Florida State University (Exercise Science)

Medical School: Florida State University

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? I chose Saint Joe's for many reasons, mostly for the wonderful residents and attendings, supportive learning environment, and geographic location. My mentor at Florida State, Dr. Bagwell, graduated from the program a few years ago and had such incredible things to say about her experience. Even though I'm a FL girl, I've always loved the mountains and dreamed of living in Colorado. After completing a sub-internship here, I saw for myself just how special this program and its residents are, and I wanted to be a part of it too!

What would you do if you weren’t a doctor? I think if I weren't in medicine I'd be a teacher - I'd still get to work with people and make a positive impact.

What are your career goals and interests? I see myself practicing the full spectrum of general ob/gyn. But anything is possible, and I haven't completely shut the door to fellowships. I'm interested in global health equity and advocating for women's health in underserved populations.

Annette Van Swaay, DO

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Undergraduate: University of Missouri-Columbia

Medical School: Kansas City University

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? I did a sub-internship at Saint Joseph and was impressed with everything about the program. I picked Saint Joseph for so many reasons but especially because I knew the residents/attendings would serve as great role models.

What would you do if you weren’t a doctor? If I wasn't an Ob-Gyn, I would be an elementary or middle school teacher.

What are your career goals and interests? One of my career goals is to work with vulnerable populations and help address healthcare disparities.

Paulina Altshuler, DO

Hometown: Danville, CA

Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley

Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM); Sigma Sigma Phi Honor’s Society, Brandon Trussell Service Award

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? When I did my sub-internship, I loved the sense of community amongst the residents and faculty. Everyone was so supportive of each other and the faculty were very invested in teaching and advocating for their residents. I also really enjoyed the teaching curriculum. Lastly, I saw how confident the chief residents were in complicated surgical situations and knew this would be a great program to develop my surgical skills.

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? I would be a National Park Ranger so I could advocate for our environment and share my love of the outdoors in some of the world's most beautiful places.

What are your career goals and interests? As of now I'm keeping my options open, but I am considering either practicing as a rural OBGYN or applying for an MFM Fellowship.

Anna Davids, MD

Hometown: Boulder, CO

Undergraduate: University of Southern California, Letterman in Track and Field

Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School

Why did you pick Saint Joe’s? I did a Sub-I during my 4th year of medical school at Saint Joe’s and instantly fell in love. St Joes is committed to the Denver community and has served as a safe haven for patients for decades. Our clinic community is full of wonderful, hard working women who provide us with endless learning opportunities. I also love the faculty at St Joes. Our attendings are incredible surgeons and obstetricians and somehow find the perfect balance of overseeing us and teaching while also letting us struggle through procedures and difficult patient encounters so that we have the opportunity to improve our knowledge and skills in each and every surgery/delivery/clinic visit. And lastly, I love my co-residents. They are a bunch of badass, smart, adventurous, and big-hearted ladies and I couldn't have found a more supportive group. My class has had my back over, and over again and with them by my side residency feels more like a team sport than an individual undertaking.

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? Anthropologist

What are your career goals and interests? I hope to work with Denver's transgender population after residency. In my free time I love backcountry skiing, trail running, and walking to coffee shops/happy hour with my Goldendoodle Lucy and husband Eric.

Anna Newman, MD

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Undergraduate: Wofford College, 2013; Phi Beta Kappa Honors society; Fulbright Scholar, English Teaching Assistant in Vietnam (2014-2015)

Medical School: Tulane University, 2019; Gold Humanism Award

Why did you pick Saint Joe’s? I picked Saint Joe’s because of the close-knit resident and attending support, the high volume of deliveries, experience with high risk complications, and the opportunities to work closely with sub-specialists including in minimally invasive surgeries. The additional bonus was being located in Denver, where my husband's work industry exists and the proximity to the mountains.

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? Either a chef or crime scene investigator What are your career goals and interests? General OB, interested in hospitalist model.

Things I like to do outside of work: running, cooking/baking, listening to true crime podcasts, and tending to her new herb garden!

Jania Arcia Ramos, MD

 Hometown: Habana, Cuba & Fort Lauderdale, FL

Undergraduate: Duke University

Medical School: Duke University; Paul Farmer Program in Global Surgery and Social Change Fellowship

Why did you pick Saint Joe’s? I chose Saint Joe’s because of the people. My co-residents are people who I enjoy spending time with both in and out of the hospital. My program directors and supervising attendings are people who respect me as a person and who I love learning from. The patients we have the privilege of caring for are diverse and very grateful for the care they receive.

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? I would be a professional back-up dancer (Latin/ Hip-hop)

What are your career goals and interests? Generalist OB-Gyn with a Global Health Focus

Brandi Smith, MD

Hometown: Fountainville, PA

Undergraduate: Penn State University

Medical School: Penn State University College of Medicine; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

Why I picked Saint Joe's: I chose Saint Joe's as my top residency choice for many reasons, but the shining stars of this program are the people and the environment they foster. This residency program is a family, and from the moment you start intern year you have 19 new friends and advocates always there for you. Residency is difficult, and St. Joe's has a high patient volume in both OB and Gyn, so having a culture where we help one another is essential. Sometimes things get busy and overwhelming, but others are always willing to pick up the slack when they are needed. I honestly could not imagine being anywhere else.

What job would you do if you weren’t an OB-Gyn resident? Travel Blogger

What are your career goals and interests? Generalist, considering hospitalist model

Meghan Mahoney, MD

Hometown: Colleyville, Texas

Undergrad: The University of Texas at Austin

Medical School: Texas Tech University at Amarillo

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? I felt like I instantly got along with the residents here. Everyone was so welcoming on my interview day, from the faculty to the residents to the nurses. I like that there is a perfect mix of surgical and OB experience -- the highest number of deliveries in the state, and very strong surgical training. Plus, living in Colorado is a nice bonus!

What job would you do if you weren’t an OB-Gyn resident? I briefly contemplated working as a microbiologist at a brewery!

What are your career goals and interests? I am planning on being a generalist. I like the ability to go from working in the office to delivering a baby to operating in the same week. Probably the most important thing to me in my future practice would be having close relationships with my patients, since I find that to be the most rewarding part of my job.

Lo Palmere, MD

Hometown: Denver, CO

Undergraduate: Weber State University in Ogden, UT; Captain of Division 1 Basketball team, 2012-2013

Medical School: Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago; 2015 President of Physicians of Human Rights; 2015 President of Integrative Medicine Club

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? The excellent surgical training, supportive culture, and the camaraderie among residents, faculty, nurses and staff

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? Sail around the world being a travel photographer or be a professional basketball player

What are your career goals and interests? Global health

Corrie Poelman, MD

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI

Undergraduate: Calvin College

Medical School: University of Rochester

Why did you pick Saint Joe’s? I interviewed at Joe's somewhat on a whim... then was blown away by the sense of community and wellness here. In a world where medicine can seem exceedingly competitive, ego-driven, and exhausting, I wanted the opportunity to learn medical and surgical excellence, without losing my humanity or compromising career opportunities in the process. My vision of obstetrics and gynecology is a specialty that is service-oriented -- advocating for patients, supporting colleagues, and working towards a greater notion of health and reproductive justice. Joe's has not failed to deliver. I'm proud to be a part of this program that continues to teach me the importance of commitment, teamwork, advocacy, and fun!

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? Park ranger or NPR podcast host

What are your career goals and interests? After receiving a dual undergrad degree in sociology and philosophy, I turned to medicine -- and specifically women's health -- after learning about particular social and medical injustices around the globe. I have experience volunteering and learning in American inner cities (Detroit, Baltimore, Rochester), the Indian Health Service (Navajo Nation), and various diverse communities around the world (Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, Malaysia). I could see myself finding a rewarding career in any of these settings, but I'm still learning and exploring. I do know that I want to practice both obstetrics AND gynecology, so I hope to keep up my skills as a generalist wherever I end up.

Sarah Rabice, MD

Sarah grew up in Clinton, New York where her family still lives. Growing up, she trained in classical ballet, and enjoyed playing the piano and singing in her temple's choir. She completed her Associate's Degree through the Royal Academy of Dance before attending Ithaca College with a Biochemistry major and concentrations in Writing and English. There she was nominated for Sigma Xi Research Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. Ask her about her basic science research on slug glue as the newest surgical adhesive. She attended SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, and then decided it was time for a change of scenery for residency.

Sarah chose Saint Joe's for its impressive surgical training, the ability to participate in full Family Planning training through the Ryan Grant, its location in Denver, and family feel among the residents. She enjoys working out, hiking, baking, exploring new restaurants (when not in the midst of a pandemic), and spending time with friends (read: cat) in her spare time. After residency, she aspires to become a urogynecologist.

Hayley Thompson, MD

Hometown: Conway, Arkansas

Undergraduate: University of Central Arkansas

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? I chose Saint Joe’s because the residents seemed genuinely happy, supportive of one another and valued by the program. Now as a resident myself I’m so happy with the decision I made to rank Joe’s #1! Our program truly is a family. OB/GYN is a demanding field but I always know I can count on my co-residents and our dedicated attendings and faculty.

What job would you do if you weren’t an OB-Gyn resident? Real estate agent

What are your career goals and interests? Generalist, either private practice or hospitalist model. I’m interested in improving health literacy and working to increase access to care and inclusion of the transgender community.

Brianna Dix, MD

Hometown: Denver, CO

Undergraduate: Trinity College (Hartford, CT)

Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? I couples matched and we are both from Denver and love it here! I chose Saint Joe's for the people and the fun/supportive atmosphere. We get a great mix of high-risk OB and tons of surgical training. It’s a great place for anyone who wants to be very well trained as a generalist or is planning on pursuing a fellowship. Saint Joe’s is a great place to work!

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? NYPD Detective for SVU

What are your career goals and interests? OB-Gyn hospitalist, I am interested in high-risk OB and teaching medical students/residents!

Arlene Go, MD

Hometown: Okemos, MI

Undergraduate: University of Michigan

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? It is pretty hard to beat an amazing work family with great surgical training in a vibrant city with endless access to the Rocky Mountains!

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? Full time hand model/ bakery owner

Career goals/interests: REI fellowship and ultimately a career seeing patients in an academic hybrid model where I can continue working with learners. My research interests include fibroids, PCOS and other REI related processes that disproportionately affect women of color.

Alexandria Kragie, MD

Hometown: Wheaton, IL

Undergrad: Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN

Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? The family atmosphere. This was the only program I applied to that was not on the east coast. I came to the interview dinner and there were children running around, residents and significant others all interacting harmoniously, everyone seemed relaxed and happy to see each other. It was a refreshing atmosphere to be in. Now that I am here I am extremely happy with my choice and the training I have/will receive. Every class that has graduated before me has grown into such confident physicians that I would be happy to have any of them taking care of me, and I hope to achieve a similar goal. :)

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? I would hope to be a stunt double or a member of Cirque du Soleil.

What are your career goals and interests? I plan to be a generalist. I hope to be able to continue caring for an underserved population like the one we are lucky to work with here at Joe's, but I am unsure of which state I will be calling home next. In addition to generalist work, I hope to be able to travel internationally to do global health work as my career goes on.

Claire Spellman, MD, M.Sc

Hometown: Parker, CO

Undergraduate: Creighton University; Omaha, NE

Medical School: Creighton University; Omaha, NE

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? OB-Gyn is notorious for being a physically and emotionally demanding residency. With this in mind as a medical student applying, my two biggest criteria in a program were excellent training through high volume ob and gyn exposure, and a familial atmosphere where I would feel cared for and supported. I did a Sub-I at Joe’s and loved it! The residents appeared both exceptionally well trained, confident, and happy. I loved the ability to provide high quality medical care to the underserved women of Colorado, many of whom cannot access care elsewhere. Three years later and as I step into my chief year I am so happy with my decision to rank Joe’s #1. My classmates are my best friends and we have been through all the highs and lows of the last four years together. Watching the growth and development of my colleagues in the classes below me is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. I admire our faculty greatly- they are confident to give me autonomy to make my own management decisions, but are skilled enough to fix anything. I am proud to be a soon-to-be St Joe’s Graduate

What job would you do if you weren’t an OB-Gyn resident? Archaeologist a la Indiana Jones

What are your career goals and interests? I look forward to being an OB-Gyn in the Denver area. I am passionate about social justice and combating health disparities. I am interested in advocacy, to continuously strive for more progressive women’s health legislation. I also love teaching medical students and residents- I enjoy sharing how diverse and hardcore our specialty is!

Cathlyn (Katie) Sullivan, DO

Hometown: Wheaton, IL

Undergraduate: Marquette University; Milwaukee, WI

Medical School: University of New England

Why did you pick Saint Joe's? I chose Saint Joe's because the faculty and residents clearly valued each other's personal and professional lives. It was one of the most supportive learning environments I encountered.

What job would you do if you weren't an OB-Gyn resident? Professional fisherwoman

Career goals/interests: I would like to work in high risk obstetrics ideally in a diverse and underserved population. I am interested in improving postpartum care, women's mental health and resident education.