Meet Our Residents

Message from the Chief Residents

Chief Residents 2025-2026​Welcome to the University of Vermont Anesthesiology Residency Program! We are happy you are interested in learning more about our training program.

Our categorical residency is located in Burlington, Vermont and is relatively small with only six residents per year. Combined with the fact that we have no anesthesia fellows, our size means that each resident’s training experience is a priority and residents have access to the most complex cases performed at UVMMC. We are fortunate to work closely with a group of attendings who are approachable, caring teachers that provide residents with not only personal and individualized training, but also mentorship and support for professional and personal goals alike. Our residents graduate as well rounded clinicians that are ready to take the next step whether that be advanced training in a fellowship or independent practice.

CRNAs and AAs are valued members of the UVM anesthesia team and work in a care team model. Our evening and weekend call is structured in conjunction with our attending and CRNA/AA colleagues to distribute working time. As the only Level 1 Trauma center in Vermont with a catchment area that includes much of upstate NY, we stay busy serving a patient population encompassing a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

In addition to our excellent clinical experience, our residents enjoy all that living in Vermont has to offer. Within the City of Burlington you will find numerous breweries and restaurants, free access to waterfront parks and bike trails, retail stores, and a growing art scene. Access to the Green Mountains including several ski resorts is just a short drive from downtown, and metropolitan areas such as Boston and Montreal are within a 2-3 hour drive.

We truly consider our program to be a “hidden gem” and encourage applicants to reach out with questions. Please feel free to contact us at our email below. Thank you once again for your interest in the University of Vermont Anesthesiology Residency Program!

Sincerely,

Alisha Booms & Anna Quinlan
2025-2026 UVM Anesthesia Chief Residents

Class of 2026: CA-3

Group photo of the UVMMC GME Anesthesia Residency class of 2026.

Alisha Booms, DO posing in front of a waterfall.

Alisha Booms, DO

CA-3, Anesthesiology Resident

Jenison, Michigan

Medical School

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine - MD

College

Grand Valley State University - BS

Hobbies: Reading, hiking with my dog, kayaking, camping, and spending time with friends and family

Why I chose Vermont: I saw firsthand the welcoming and supportive environment the University of Vermont offers when I participated in research at UVM during the summer between my first and second year of medical school. The collaborative environment, excellent training, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities outside the hospital makes UVM a great fit for me.

Portrait headshot of Sally Clark, MD.

Sally Clark, MD

CA-3, Anesthesiology Resident

South Burlington, Vermont

Medical School

Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont - MD

College

University of Maryland, College Park - BS

Hobbies/Interests: I love being outside and on any kind of adventure with my amazing husband and our adorable corgi Penny! I accidentally got really into bird-watching during the pandemic, and also love trail running, mountain biking, gardening, reading, and paddle boarding (with Penny, of course)

Why I chose Vermont: First and foremost, I was blown away with how amazing the program/department is- they are so welcoming and their enthusiasm for teaching is apparent. The residents I met truly seemed happy, and the culture in the department emphasized teamwork, clinical excellence, and camaraderie. I also knew this was a location I would thrive- I love that I can live 10 minutes from the hospital, but be so close to beautiful outdoor areas where I can recharge on the trails.

Ryan Dwosh, DO eating ice cream on the waterfront.

Ryan Dwosh, DO

CA-3, Anesthesiology Resident

Moorestown, New Jersey

Medical School

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine - MD

College

The University of Vermont - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Biking, skiing, whitewater kayaking, banjo/drums, cribbage

Why I chose Vermont: I picked UVM for the kindness and curiosity among the anesthesia faculty and residents that I met. I chose to live in Vermont for its access to mountains, rivers, and maple creemees.

Christopher Frederick, MD hiking with wife.

Christopher Frederick, MD

CA-3, Anesthesiology Resident

Underhill, Vermont

Medical School

University of Colorado School of Medicine - MD

College

University of San Diego - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, Soccer, Baseball, Sailing, diving, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kiteboarding - really anything outdoors, on the mountain, in the water, or just with good friends.

Why I chose Vermont: Vermont is special. I grew up here, but I’ve traveled and lived all across the country and there’s no place that compares to VT. The proximity to Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains provides an unprecedented outdoor playground for every season and every activity. Many places have mountains or water, but few have both that are so easily accessible. The people are equally amazing; Vermonters are genuine, friendly, and consistently great people. UVMMC is an excellent reflection of that. It’s a strong academic medical center that punches above its weight for the size of population it serves, and the people are fantastic, from the leadership down to the support staff - they are the type of individuals you want to spend time with both in and out of the workplace. There is truly no parallel. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that VT boasts the world’s best cheese, ice cream, and beer too!

Jefferson Last, MD poses for a family photo on a lake in the summer.

Jefferson Last, MD

CA-3, Anesthesiology Resident

Hurricane, Utah

Medical School

University of Utah - MD

College

Utah Tech University - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Wakeboarding, guitars, outdoors!

Why I chose Vermont: The people in the program, the smaller size of the program, and the location!

Portrait of Anna Quinlan, MD.

Anna Quinlan, MD

CA-3, Anesthesiology Resident

Richmond, Vermont

Medical School

Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont - MD

College

Carleton College - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, skiing, soccer, rock climbing, any kind of game, and hanging with my cattle dog

Why I chose Vermont: As a medical student, I was first exposed to the department's welcoming culture by an enthusiastic resident on my labor and delivery rotation. She spent her limited free time answering my every question, and her passion for anesthesiology was infectious. As my clinical years progressed, I discovered that the department as a whole was passionate, supportive, and dedicated to providing excellent patient care. When the time came to choose a residency program, I was drawn to UVM's close-knit culture in combination with its exceptional training opportunities and access to the outdoors.

Class of 2027: CA-2

Class of 2027

Loften Fansler, DO hiking with his dog in the summer.

Loften Fansler, DO

CA-2, Anesthesiology Resident

Billings, Montana

Medical School

Rocky Vista University, College of Osteopathic Medicine - MD

College

University of Montana - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, golfing, hiking, playing guitar, gardening, carpentry, playing with my dog Hamilton, and most of all, making lists of my interests.

Why I chose Vermont: Throughout my fourth year of medical school, the residents and attendings at UVM were some of the happiest people I encountered. Between the wonderful people within the program and the accessibility of outdoor activities around Burlington, I felt this would be the most enjoyable place for residency, both inside and outside of the hospital.

Kyle Kellett, MD scuba diving.

Kyle Kellett, MD

CA-2, Anesthesiology Resident

Sherman, Connecticut

Medical School

Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont - MD

College

University of Vermont - BS

Hobbies/Interests: SCUBA diving, rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and hanging out with my dog

Why I chose Vermont: While I’m not originally from Vermont, I have been here for a significant portion of my life and that certainly was not by accident! Vermont, and Burlington specifically, is such a welcoming community with so many opportunities to do the things I love all year round, from hiking and climbing in the warmer months, skiing in the winters, and SCUBA diving in Lake Champlain year round (yes, I’ve even jumped in in January!). The best part is all those things are right in my own backyard! The Anesthesia department here echo’s the culture of the state, with all the attendings being friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic every day. It would be a significant challenge to find a better fit for where I would want to do my training.

Daniel Moroney, MD poses at mountain summit.

Daniel Moroney, MD

CA-2, Anesthesiology Resident

Suffield, Connecticut

Medical School

Medical School: Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont - MD

College

University of Vermont - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Anything outside but especially hiking, skiing, climbing, rooting for the Vermont Lake Monsters, reading novels, doing crossword puzzles, and watching Jeopardy.

Why I chose Vermont: As the largest hospital and the only Level I Trauma Center in the state, UVMMC handles many complex surgical cases. As a medical student at UVM, I was impressed with the cool confidence the residents approached these cases with and knew I could get great training here. The faculty I worked with were professional, down-to-earth, and excited to teach- not just in anesthesiology, but in other specialties as well.

Bridget Oei, MD hiking with her husband.

Bridget Oei, MD

CA-2, Anesthesiology Resident

Hebron, Connecticut

Medical School

University of Connecticut School of Medicine - MD

College

University of Connecticut - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Baking, Pickleball, Hiking with my Fiancé Mike and puppy Maverick, Watching Football on Sundays, Formula 1 racing, taking a Ballet or Irish Dance class.

Why I chose Vermont: Vermont captivated me because I value being in a place where I love living and working. I chose Vermont due to its small program size and positive learning environment: allowing me ample learning opportunities, close mentorship with attendings, and strong sense of community. I also chose Burlington because it is a place where I can enjoy my hobbies and there is something magical about this place.

Petersen

Christopher Petersen, MD

CA-2, Anesthesiology Resident

Medical School

Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine - MD

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and family, outdoors (skiing – uphill/downhill, hiking), sampling every ice cream venue with our son, travelling.

Why I chose Vermont: With early exposure to the Anesthesia staff in the ICU during residency it was apparent to me the residents were very well trained, had great relationships with their attendings, and received plenty of one on one training and mentorship. The training at Vermont provided an opportunity with early exposure to subspecialties, and everybody was genuinely happy and supportive of each other throughout their training! To our family, it was an easy decision to choose Vermont!

Austin Snyder, MD, in his graduation regalia in front of Fenway Park

Austin Snyder, MD

CA-2, Anesthesiology Resident

North Easton, Massachusetts

Medical School

Boston University School of Medicine - MD

College

University of Massachusetts Amherst - BS

Hobbies/Interest: Snowboarding, reading, perpetual mediocrity at the game of golf, meeting up with the friends on any Burlington patio on a beautiful summer night.

Why I chose Vermont: Close-knit community, no fellows and the early exposure to subspecialty anesthetic management, overall hospital culture that I felt tries to focus on what's most important. 

Class of 2028: CA-1

Class of 2028

Cyr

Brendan Cyr, MD

CA-1, Anesthesiology Resident

Caribou, Maine

Medical School

Tufts University School of Medicine - MD

College

St. Lawrence University - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, golf.

Why I chose Vermont: I grew up ski racing throughout Vermont and absolutely loved the people and the outdoor scene every time I visited. After meeting the residents and faculty at UVM, I could tell this department is a very close-knit group with a great culture for learning. I am excited to spend the upcoming years in such a beautiful and welcoming environment!

Niketu Patel

Niketu Patel, MD

CA-1, Anesthesiology Resident

Tampa, Florida

Medical School

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

College

Emory University

Hobbies/Interests: Hiking and camping, running, F1 sports, traveling to new cities.

Why I chose Vermont: Hands-down the department! As a medical student at UVM, I witnessed how everyone in the department treated each other like family and took care of their own. I loved experiencing the seasons and abundance of outdoor activities here as well. After completing my military service in the Navy, I knew I wanted to return to UVM for my training.

Serratelli

William Serratelli, MD

CA-1, Anesthesiology Resident

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Medical School

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry - MD

College

Brown University - BS

Hobbies: Mountain biking, snowboarding, cross country skiing, hiking and camping with my dog Mabel, eating the best of Vermont’s many cheeses, cooking for my friends, and all things involving fermentation

Why I chose Vermont: The people! I was so impressed by how incredibly kind, thoughtful, and genuinely happy the faculty and residents were. This has been true both of the anesthesia department and the other departments I have worked with in the hospital. Everyone has been friendly and supportive. Outside of work, there is unparalleled access to really incredibly nature. In 30 minutes or less you can be mountain biking, hiking, paddling or swimming on a river or lake, climbing, or skiing. I feel very lucky to train and live in such a beautiful place.

Taylor

Sean Taylor, MD

CA-1, Anesthesiology Resident

Meriden, New Hampshire

Medical School

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine - MD

College

McGill University - BS

Hobbies/Interest: Hiking, cycling (road and mountain), off-roading (helped run a Jeep club during medical school), camping, reading, and cooking are some of my hobbies. Most of these are done with my wife and Skadi and Sven, our Norwegian Elkhounds, who make every outing an adventure.

Why I Chose Vermont: The community in Vermont, both in Chittenden county around UVMMC and all the other amazing towns and villages across the rest of the state, is a supportive and fun place to be. The hospital network is large enough to bring people from far and wide, while small enough to still feel like your presence makes a difference to those you’re working with, as well as leave an impact on your patients who you may run into around town. The staff at the hospital are also incredibly hard working and compassionate team members. Beyond the hospital, there are so many great mountains, lakes, restaurants, and events in Vermont and the Northeast to enjoy while away from work.

Tsafnat

Tal Tsafnat, DO

CA-1, Anesthesiology Resident

El Sobrante, California

Medical School

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine - DO

College

Reichman University

Hobbies/Interests: Surfing, skiing, biking, hiking and eating PB&Js at the top of mountains, New England IPAs, hanging out with my cat Bianca.

Why I chose Vermont: I knew UVM would be an incredibly supportive environment to train and work in. I wanted to be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do both inside and outside the hospital. Huge bonus: close proximity to mountains, lake, waterfalls, and endless outdoor exploration. 

Class of 2029: CA-0

Class of 2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avalos

Cody Avalos, MD

CA-0, Anesthesiology Resident

Monroe, Washington

Medical School

Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine - MD

College

University of Washington - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, hiking, football, baseball, snowmobiling, rock hounding, home improvement projects, and spending as much quality time with my wonderful wife, Ashley, and our two little ones, Tay and Eli. 

Why I chose Vermont: Having been born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I was naturally drawn to the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities that Vermont has to offer. During the interview trail for residency, I was blown away by the program's close-knit feel, excellence in clinical training, and outstanding faculty and residents.

Balonfentse

Oni Balonfentse, DO

CA-0, Anesthesiology Resident

Staten Island, New York

Medical School

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - DO

College

Rutgers University - BA

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, learning languages, going to concerts, exploring new places, travelling, thrifting, writing lists, calisthenics.

Why I chose Vermont: When selecting a residency program, my top priority was finding a place that would train me to become a highly competent and confident physician—someone fully prepared to practice independently by the end of residency. UVM clearly embodies that commitment to clinical excellence. Equally important to me was joining a program with a strong sense of community, where I would feel supported both personally and professionally. During my interview, the warmth and camaraderie among the faculty and residents were immediately apparent, and I truly felt that UVM could be a second family for me throughout this transformative journey.

Discenza

Marie Discenza, DO

CA-0, Anesthesiology Resident

Westfield, Massachusetts

Medical School

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine - DO

College

University of Vermont - BA

Hobbies/Interests: Metal detecting, a cold sandwich on a sunny beach day, lap swim, watching Bravo, crossword puzzles, and hanging out with my corgi, Marty.

Why I chose Vermont: During my interview and visiting student rotation I was impressed by the enthusiastic teaching from faculty and the genuine friendships among residents. Anesthesia is a team sport and I knew that I would thrive inside UVM's close-knit and collaborative department. All of this, coupled with the lovely outdoor adventure options in Burlington and across Vermont, made UVM a no-brainer choice for my residency training. 

Gates

Aaron Gates, MD

CA-0, Anesthesiology Resident

Wayne, New Jersey

Medical School

West Virginia University School of Medicine - MD

College

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - BA

Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, hiking, watching movies, cooking, gardening, and playing video games.

Why I chose Vermont: The University of Vermont's Anesthesia program offers unmatched training opportunities. As the only level 1 trauma center in the state, I felt that the high acuity of our patient's would provide me the experience and confidence I was looking for in a residency program. Beyond the training offered here, the interpersonal relationships between not only coresidents, but also between specialties, highlights the supportive and collaborative environment that has been built here over the years. I would describe UVM as the intersection of fun, compassion, and education, which is why I chose to come here!

Martin

Natalie Martin, DO

CA-0, Anesthesiology Resident

Branchville, New Jersey

Medical School

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - DO

College

Lehigh University - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, hiking with my husband and dog, cooking, and traveling.

Why I chose Vermont: I grew up skiing and spending time in Vermont with my family, and I’ve always been struck by the kind and genuine nature of the people and culture. During my interview, and ever since, I have found that the department embodies that Vermont spirit, and I can’t imagine a better environment in which to train to become an anesthesiologist. As an added bonus, the hospital’s location offers the perfect blend of urban life—with great restaurants—and access to both the lake and mountains.

Otto

Kyle Otto, MD

CA-0, Anesthesiology Resident

New Fairfield, Connecticut

Medical School

State University of New York Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine - MD

College

Cornell University - BS

Hobbies/Interests: Trail running, hiking, kayaking, grilling, home automation.

Why I chose Vermont: I was impressed by the culture of the program, the positive relationships among residents and faculty, and the exposure to complex cases. Overall, I wanted to train in a supportive and close-knit program with access to plenty of opportunities inside and outside the hospital, and I was thrilled to have found that at Vermont!

Recent Graduates

Class of 2025

Javier Blanco, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Robert Carpenter, DO
Cardiothoracic Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

Jonathan Gougelet, MD
Critical Care and Cardiothoracic Fellowships, Tufts University - Boston, MA

Marc Hammond, MD
Maine Medical Center - Portland, ME

Nicole Kosmider, DO
Bend Anesthesia Group - Bend, OR

Marc Kostrubiak, MD
Cardiothoracic Fellowship, Tufts University - Boston, MA

Michael Shelton, MD
Robins Anesthesia Services - Warner Robins, GA

Class of 2024

Jack Chan, MD
Chronic Pain Fellowship, University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Jason Dixon, MD
Private Practice - Spokane, WA

Taylor Haring, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Brett Heber, DO
Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

Britta Kilgus, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT 

Matt Nowland, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Class of 2023

Taylor Abegg-Lawrence, MD
Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic - Cleveland, OH

Thomas Daniel Crowder, MD
East Carolina Anesthesia Associates - Greenville, NC

Andrew Gallagher, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Conrad Koerper, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Joseph Migliazzo, MD
Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship - Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 

Tobias Robinson, MD
Salem Health - Salem, OR

Class of 2022

Rachel Carlson, MD
Dual Cardiothoracic & Critical Care Fellowship, Brigham and Women’s Hospital - Boston, MA

Vivek Chittineni, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Liana Dagdavaryan, DO
Regional Anesthesiology Fellowship, University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT

Justin Jones, MD
Regional Anesthesiology Fellowship, Ohio State University - Columbus, OH

Christina Litsakos, MD
Regional Anesthesiology Fellowship, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center - Hanover, NH

Angeli Thawani, DO
Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, Montefiore Medical Center - Bronx, NY

Class of 2021

Richard Dobson, DO
Neuroanesthesiology Fellowship, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

Benjamin Jorgensen, MD
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center - Baltimore, MD

Danielle Leahy, MD
Dual Cardiothoracic & Critical Care Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD 

Christopher Mayhew, MD
Universitäts-Herzzentrum Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Germany

Caroline Reynolds, DO
Centra Medical Group -  Lynchburg, VA

Benjamin Sanofsky, MD
Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, Stanford University - Stanford, CA

Class of 2020

Katherine Dillon, MD
Commonwealth Anesthesia Associates - Newton, MA

K. Jared Hinrichs, MD
Chronic Pain Fellowship, University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Michael Kem, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Brandon King, MD
Dual Cardiothoracic & Critical Care Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

Russell Shults, MD
University of Vermont Medical Center - Burlington, VT

Virginia Weiss, MD
Spectrum Healthcare Partners – Portland, ME