Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

I wanted a transitional year program where I would be well supported by leadership and faculty. After meeting everyone on interview day and from speaking with former residents, I knew St. Joe's was the right program for me. Also, Dr. Kiefer promised to take me climbing in Yosemite. 

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

French toast and Eric Kim's Gochujang Cookies. I have perfected the former and I have no self control with the later. 

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

I spent all of dedicated surfing in Indonesi

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

This program stood out to me for its happy residents, the supportive culture, and the chance to serve a diverse community. 

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

Walnut cardamom meringues—they're a Rusta family Christmas tradition and are surprisingly easy to make!

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

Slid down a giant storm drain pipe into the dark unknown... 

Hometown: Vancouver, Washington

Medical School: University of Cinninati

Advanced Match:

ProfessionalInterests: diagnostic radiology, minimally-invasive diagnostic/therapeutic procedures

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

It's a place where I would feel fulfilled both professionally and personally. 

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

Creamy seafood pasta because it's easy to meal prep and tastes great! 

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

I ate snake with my cousin once (tasted like bitter chicken). 

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

I chose to come to St. Joe’s for my TY because I liked the curriculum and the location!

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

My favorite dish to bake is croquembouche because I like to use it as decoration.

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

The most adventurous thing I have done is sailing a boat!

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

I got the sense during interview day that the faculty and program were super supportive of the residents, and my decision was solidified by the residents' love for the program during the re-visit social. 

What is your food to cook/bake and why?

Mille-feuille nabe - I like cabbage

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

Ran around town onsen-hopping in a yukata while it was snowing

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

My decision to come to St. Joes was solidified after attending a social dinner with the 2024-2025 cohort of TY residents. Their camaraderie, friendship, and lightheartedness is exactly what I am looking for in a residency and I am confident that St. Joes will also cultivate those values in our cohort as well. 

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

I love to make a Shanghainese soup called "Yan Du Xian" which is a rich and umami bamboo, tofu, and pork soup. It brings me so much comfort and nostalgia and is hands down my favorite soup to drink and cook. Recently, I've also been on a madeleine baking streak after buying madeleine trays from Kappabashi Kitchen Street in Japan.

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

My high school friends and I explored the old storm drain system on Oahu that led into a beautiful stream. We also discovered an abandoned mattress and used it to raft down the stream. Thankfully, we never got leptospirosis! 

Hometown: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC

Advanced Match:

Professional Interests: Radiation oncology, informatics

Why did you choose St. Joes?

A large reason for why I chose St Joe's was because a previous resident in the program spoke very highly about their experience here. I am also grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve a diverse and underserved patient population. 

What is your favorite food to cook/bake?

Cheesecake - I like eating it. 

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

Ate street food abroad and contracted cholera.

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

The TY has lots of elective options that I think will be incredibly useful during my anesthesia training.

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

Chocolate chip cookies, the recipe is quick and easy.

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

Road tripped from San Francisco to Fairbanks, Alaska.

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

I had heard a lot of great things about the program from prior TY residents and the vibes on interview day/resident social had me sold. I guess more specifically, the supportive culture/faculty, plenty of elective time to tailor my intern year to my advanced specialty, and procedural opportunities! Also, I wanted to move back to CA- close to my family, girlfriend, and childhood friends. 

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

Hong shao rou, it's a soy-braised, sweet and savory pork belly. Besides being delicious, the flavors only intensify over time making it a great meal prep option... if you're willing to eat pork belly multiple days in a row.

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

Bungee jumped over the Zambezi River at the base of Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya.

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

I chose St. Joe's because the prior TY's I met all had great things to say about the program and its supportive culture. I was also excited about the flexible schedule and the variety of unique electives. 

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

Gingerbread men! My grandmother taught me to make them, and it's a family tradition to bake dozens and dozens of gingerbread cookies every Christmas. 

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

I went cliff diving in the Dominican Republic. 

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

I love the climate and culture (and birds) here!

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

I bake legendary black bean brownies that actually taste good.

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

I once spent a birthday taking a solo backpacking trip by horse.

Why did you choose St. Joe’s?

What is your favorite food to cook/bake and why?

Hickory smoked Ribeye steak! It’s to die for! 

What is the most adventurous thing you've done?

I flew to Vegas as a 14 year old for an international video game tournament (Super Smash Brothers Melee!).