Current General Surgery Residents
Current General Surgery Residents
Our 2026-27 General Surgery residents.
Chief Residents in Surgery
Diego Villagomez – Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, M.D., 2017; Yale New Haven Health, PGY-1, PGY2, 2021-2023.
- Where are you from?
- Quito, Ecuador.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Toscana, 1909
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- The broad scope of surgical pathology we get to experience.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Videogames, kickboxing, soccer, spending time with family.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- To have a “sponge” mentality during their first year. Learn something out of any interaction / experience / task.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- We care about each other, and we all want to see our co-residents thrive and succeed.
Rahima Khatun – New York University, B.A., 2016; Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, M.D., 2021.
- Where are you from?
- Born in Bangladesh, immigrated when I was about two and was raised in the Bronx, NY.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Local Bird, Fairy Springs, Cooper's Barn, Origin's.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- The rural setting and size of the hospital allows for a collegial atmosphere among all those involved in providing patient care. The setting also allows for perspective into how poor access to care and healthcare disparities among the rural patient population contributes to disease severity. Unfortunately, this means we get insight into late stages of certain disease processes that you would not see elsewhere. Also, the lack of fellows means you get autonomy in the operating room.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Traveling and trying new foods, finding cool coffee shops, paddleboarding, being by the water.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Try to remain flexible, open-minded, and give yourself grace.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- We value relationships, humility, reliability, and willingness to help one another. Our culture is highly collaborative.
Sean Morton – Seattle Pacific University, B.S., 2016; Washington State University, M.D., 2022.
- Where are you from?
- Bonney Lake, Washington.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- The farmers market on a Saturday morning with no line for breakfast sandwiches, 3 Mile Point for a swim, Otsego Golf Club.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- The camaraderie among the residents; we live and work together. The fact that we do not have service-based teams is also very special, you get to follow patients for the whole hospitalization.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Mostly time with my two little ones and wife, Sam, Audrey, and Annemarie. Golf, trying to get back into running, board games, reading.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Soak up every moment. Sometimes intern year feels overwhelming because there is so much that you are learning. My advice is to lean into that and ask as many questions as you can to build a strong foundation.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- Cooperstown is very quaint, which is another way to say small. There are pros and cons to this, you can walk to almost any location in town. It would be challenging to leave here without a strong community of fellow residents and faculty you can call on for help in the future!
Fourth Year Residents in Surgery
Alexander Clem – South Dakota State University, B.S., 2017; University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, M.D., 2023.
- Where are you from?
- Sioux Falls, SD.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Origins Carefree Garden, 3 Mile Point beach, and Ommegang Brewery.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- Wide variety of cases, early operative experience, faculty support in career development.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Spending time with my wife and kids, working out, fishing, golfing, gaming.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Everyone is here to help you, you only need to ask.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- It is a small program in a small community, so we all pitch in to help each other.
Hilary Giles – Hamilton College, B.A., 2017; Tufts University School of Medicine, M.D., 2023.
- Where are you from?
- The Boston area.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- The farm roads right around the corner from my apartment, the quads outside our resident apartment complex, the Glimmerglass Opera, the ice cream freezer at our local Stewart’s.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- The breadth and depth of our operative experience and similarly the fact that we don’t have fellows who require us to share cases, the faculty who genuinely love to teach, and my co-residents, who are fun, collaborative, and hard-working good people.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Being outside, spending time with friends and family.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Find a work style that works for you and ask for feedback early and often.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- Our culture is very collaborative. There is always someone willing to help you!
Lauren McKay – University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.S., 2017; University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, M.D., 2023.
- Where are you from?
- Columbus, WI.
Lauren McKay
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Blue Mingo for a lake-view dinner and Council Rock Brewery for the best burger in town.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- Early operative autonomy and responsibility with strong connection to our community.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Running, baking, treasure hunting (thrifting / antiquing).
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Work hard and don't be too hard on yourself.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- Bassett and Cooperstown have a knack for bringing together some of the best people and unique experiences I've encountered in my lifetime. I'm lucky to have that be part of my residency.
Prince Morkeh – University of Iowa, B.A., 2018; Morehouse School of Medicine, M.D., 2022.
- Where are you from?
- Originally from Accra, Ghana, but grew up in the north suburbs of Chicago.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Toscana’s and Otsego Lake.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- The people, collegiate environment, and early operative exposure.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Tech, music, cooking, and travel.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Immerse yourself from day one and allow the process to mold you.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- It’s a unique culture where you are exposed to several surgical subspecialties simultaneously and residents have longitudinal care of patients they have operated on.
Third Year Residents in Surgery
Lexi Kohlbeck – University of Wisconsin River Falls, B.S., 2019; Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, D.O., 2023.
- Where are you from?
- Marshfield, WI.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Blue Mingo, the lake, Norbu.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- Early operative experience with a wide variety of pathologies, small community that feels like family.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Cycling, running, hiking, camping, watching sports, playing with my dog, traveling.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Be ready to learn and operate early!
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- We are a rural community and very close-knit.
Matea Mezic – Vassar College, B.A., 2019; New York Medical College, M.D., 2024
- Where are you from?
- Long Island, NY.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Council Rock Park.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- The fact that we are located in a place like Cooperstown.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Running, hiking.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Do your best and ask for help when you need it.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- It’s a supportive environment with so many opportunities for learning.
Nuttha Siriwatanakul – State University of New York Binghamton, B.S., 2018; State University of New York Upstate Medical University, M.D., 2024
- Where are you from?
- New York City.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- 3 Mile Point, The Local Bird, Ostego Lake, anywhere that serves ice cream.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- Early surgical training, teams that are not service-based.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Reading, running, exercising, trying new food, traveling.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Be open and flexible!
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- Small, close-knit program, work closely with co-residents.
Kristin Wagers – University of Idaho, B.S., 2020; Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, M.D., 2024
- Where are you from?
- Eagle, Idaho.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Blue mingo, Lake Otsego, and Bocca.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- High operative case volumes, no fellows, wide subspecialty exposure since we are the only surgical residency for this hospital network, and supportive resident community.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Paddle boarding, running, skiing, and pickleball.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Cooperstown is really beautiful in the summertime, so take time to enjoy the lake when you have time off.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- Our residents spend a lot of time in a communal workspace even when off service which promotes close knit friendships and teamwork. It is a very supportive environment.
Second Year Residents in Surgery
Mohamud Abdi – George Mason University, B.S., 2018; SUNY Downstate, M.S. 2021; SUNY Downstate, M.D., 2025
- Where are you from?
- I was born in Canada but grew up in Virginia. Before residency, I spent about five years in New York City for my master’s degree and medical school.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- I really like the lake and just being outside around Cooperstown. It’s a small town, but there are a lot of nice places to walk around and the area is really beautiful, especially when the weather is good.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- I think one of the biggest things is how much operative experience and responsibility you get early on. You get a lot of direct experience with the attendings and you’re able to be very involved in your patients’ care. You also get pretty broad exposure to general surgery and the different surgical specialties.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- I like reading, getting outside when I can, and spending time with family.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Ask questions and take advantage of the opportunities you get. You get a decent amount of responsibility early on, so being involved and really knowing your patients helps a lot. Also, don’t feel like you have to know everything coming in. You learn a lot just by showing up, being interested, and being willing to help.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- It’s a small program, so everyone knows each other pretty well. You work closely with your co-residents and attendings, and because the teams are small, you really feel like you’re part of the team and that what you do matters.
Sharon Liu – Rutgers, B.A., 2019; Tulane, M.S., 2020; Tulane M.D., M.P.H., 2025
- Where are you from?
- I grew up in Bergen County, NJ.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Local Bird is my favorite place in Cooperstown, but I also like going to Origins and Tin Bin Alley!
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- Our program offers exposure to a wide range of surgical services simultaneously, instead of service-specific rotations. A team may have patients from Plastic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, and other specialties. This allows for continuity of care and diverse learning opportunities throughout the year.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- I like crafting, hanging out with my cats, and reading.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Embrace the learning curve! And remember you will always have a team supporting you.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- Our program has a very supportive and collaborative culture. A smaller program may initially feel intimidating, but everyone here is invested in our growth. Faculty genuinely want to help us learn, develop our skills, and become confident and capable surgeons.
Stephanie Waldman – Lafayette College, B.S., 2019; Drexel, M.D., 2025
- Where are you from?
- Collegeville, PA – a little ways away from Philadelphia.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- The farmer’s market (year round!) for flowers and bread, and our beautiful lake for paddleboarding.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- Because we are small and rural, we run the trauma service. Although we are a level 3 trauma center, we still get a significant experience in trauma response and ATLS skills.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Spending time with my partner, David, and my dog, Clover. Sewing, hiking, camping, and video games.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Always know how and when to ask for help when you need it.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- There’s a real sense of community. Not only due to the size of the program, but being in a small town, you really get to know your patients, colleagues, and neighbors.
Justin York – University of Minnesota, B.S., 2018; Medical College of Wisconsin, M.D., 2025
- Where are you from?
- Muscatine, IA.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Mel's, Council Rock Park, Glimmerglass Festival.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- For a small rural program, we are exposed to a lot of different pathologies and surgeries for a well-rounded experience.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Running (I am running my 5th marathon this year), baking, and downhill skiing.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Ask questions and take opportunities to go to the OR and do procedures.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- We spend a lot of time together, both at work and outside of the hospital, making for a fun, unique work experience.
First Year Residents in Surgery
Madhulika "Madhu" Badri – Boston University, B.S. 2020; MS 2022; Drexel University College of Medicine, M.D. 2026
- Where are you from?
- Sharon, MA.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Blue Mingo and Cooper's Barn.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- The mixed surgical services — you get a variety of surgical patients in a single day, which really gives you a broad exposure to the different surgical subspecialties. And the family feel.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Painting, music, running, and pickleball.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- You will have a lot of fun, and come ready to learn!
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- We really are one big family — everyone cares for one another and you will always find support.
Raquel Lara – University of California San Diego, B.S. 2021; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine M.D. 2026
- Where are you from?
- Mexico.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Council Rock Park, Price Chopper Bakery section, and ACE Hardware.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- The tight-knit nature of the program allows for ample interaction with attendings and co-residents.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Dressing up / fashion, sewing, photography, foodie, and going on long walks.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Come in with a sponge-like mindset.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- It is continuously looking to grow and evolve.
Angelina Lionetta – Dartmouth College, B.A. 2018; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, M.D. 2026
- Where are you from?
- I'm originally from Andover, MA.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- I really like the Local Bird for a cup of tea or coffee. Ommegang is also very nice.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- People are incredibly supportive here at every level of training. I feel very fortunate for that.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Outside of medicine I love to crochet and play with my cat, Diomedes.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- I am not yet qualified to give advice, I am the active recipient of advice :)
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- That it's really okay to ask questions. And to look forward to weekend bonfires and s'mores.
Kaitlyn Ngo – University of California-Riverside, B.S. 2022; University of Massachusetts Medical School, M.D. 2026
- Where are you from?
- Irvine, CA.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- The Clark Sports Center. The Fairy Springs Park on Otsego Lake. Glimmerglass Park. The Wood Bat Factory Store batting cages.
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- Bassett Medical Center is located in rural upstate New York but covers a large catchment area through the main campus as well as several satellite campuses. As a result, there is a great variety of complex cases with an emphasis on cost-effective care delivery, health equity, and addressing rural health disparities. The patient coverage on the General Surgery services is often a mix of patients including those of colorectal surgery, plastics, and vascular in one team which is a challenge but also great for building confidence in caring for patients seen primarily by each of these specialties throughout training. In addition, the class size is perfect to harbor a strong sense of community and have fair share of experiences in the operating room starting very early in intern year.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Gym / Lifting, Snowboarding, Cooking, Baking, Online Shopping, Hiking, and Live music.
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- Do not be afraid to ask questions or for to ask for help! Be kind to everyone. Find people you can debrief the days with.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- All the residents work together in the team room, and you really get to know everyone! There is a strong culture of collaboration and genuinely caring for each other's wellbeing.
Alisha Nguyen – University of Washington, B.S. 2019; Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, M.D. 2026
- Where are you from?
- Tri-Cities, Washington.
- What are some of your favorite places in Cooperstown?
- Otsego lake, Stagecoach, Local Bird (coffee / studying), and Clark Sports Center (tennis and pickleball).
- What makes this residency program unique for surgical training?
- Early operative experience even as an intern, close-knit residency, strong relationships, and mentorship with faculty.
- What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of medicine?
- Soccer, tennis, pickleball, and exploring upstate NY with friends and family!
- What advice would you give an incoming intern to Bassett?
- In the wise words of current Chief Diego Villagomez, "be a sponge" but also try your best, be open to feedback, and don't be so hard on yourself while you're learning / adjusting.
- What’s one thing applicants should know about our culture?
- There is a lot of tough-love in the culture here at Bassett and I strongly believe that this environment pushes everybody (not just the residents) to excel to their highest potential. Since this is expected of every employee in the hospital, interdisciplinary care and camaraderie surpasses any other medical institution that I have rotated at. It truly is an honor to train at Bassett where patients are cared for like family and where I have mentors of all training levels who are invested in my success.
