Our Residents

Class of 2026

Portrait of Martha Bear, DO resident outdoors in the woods.

Martha Bear, DO

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

After a nomadic childhood, Martha found her home in northern New England, and settled in Maine, where she raised her son. She worked for many years as a psychotherapist, went to Physician Assistant school, and worked briefly as an OB/GYN PA before starting medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Among Martha's many interests in Family Medicine are behavioral health, women's health, bedside medicine, and all things osteopathic. She enjoys reading, eating watermelon, going on long walks, listening to music, watching The Great British Baking Show, drawing on paper towels, and having long phone conversations with faraway loved ones. 

Photo of Hannah Geldermann, DO with mini pig in a backpack.

Hannah Geldermann, DO

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hannah grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago. After high school, she decided to leave the Midwest, and moved to Vermont to attend Middlebury College, where she received a degree in Environmental Chemistry with a minor in Global Health. She then returned to Chicago for medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she also completed her Masters of Public Health degree. Hannah is looking forward to practicing full-spectrum family medicine, and has particular interests in women's health, obstetrics, rural medicine, addiction medicine, and mental health. Outside of medicine, Hannah enjoys backcountry and downhill skiing, running, hiking, cooking, exploring local breweries, and hanging out with her pet mini pig, Bernice. Hannah is thrilled to join the UVM family and to return to her favorite state for residency! 

Portrait of Emma Clausen, MD on a bridge in the fall.

Emma Clausen, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Emma was born and raised in Ithaca, NY. She attended Earlham College, a small liberal arts school in Indiana where she majored in Biochemistry. After college, Emma worked for two years in a cancer research lab in Philadelphia, where she then stayed to complete medical school at Temple University- Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Within Family Medicine, Emma is passionate about nutrition, preventative care, dermatology, and behavioral health. Outside of medicine she enjoys reading, baking, and exploring the outdoors with her partner, Jacob. Emma is very excited to be joining the UVM team and can't wait to experience all Vermont has to offer! 

Portrait of Naomi Koliba, MD on the waterfront at sunset.

Naomi Koliba Lawler, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Naomi grew up near the base of Camel's Hump Mountain in Duxbury, Vermont. After graduating from UVM with a B.S. in Neuroscience, she worked for three years for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study where she enjoyed working with families and getting to talk with them about mental health and their brains. Naomi went to medical school at The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine with her husband Michael, who couples matched with her into Internal Medicine here at UVMMC. Naomi is looking forward to continuing to build connections in the community she has called home for decades and to better deliver patient-centered care to underserved communities. Her interests in family medicine in LGBTQ+/ gender affirming care, pediatrics, addiction medicine, mental health, and women's health. Outside of medicine, you can find Naomi tending plants in one of her in-home greenhouses, curled up with a mug of tea and her nose in some very long sci-fi novel, or making up silly songs with her husband to sing to their son! 

Headshot of Elizabeth Stratton, MD.

Elizabeth Stratton, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Liz grew up in Fairfax, Vermont. She majored in Molecular Biology at Colgate University, where she also volunteered as an EMT-B and waitressed at a local golf club. After college, she worked for a public health organization in Lima, Peru helping out in their development of a training curriculum for caregivers working with children who have experienced trauma. Liz attended medical school at Sidney Kimmel College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. She enjoyed her training in Philly, getting a robust experience working with LatinX patients and with people experiencing homelessness. Her interests within Family Medicine include behavioral health, pediatrics, lifestyle medicine, and community health. She is delighted to be returning to Vermont for residency, and can be found outside hiking, playing soccer, and spending time with her family. 

Stephanie Vistnes, MD smiling holding a copper mug.

Stephanie Vistnes, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

Stephanie grew up in rural Northern California, completed her BA at UC Berkeley, and then spent two years doing basic science research at UCSF before moving to sunny San Diego for medical school. She chose UVM because of its strengths in women's health, obstetrics, outpatient procedures, and rural medicine. Stephanie enjoys hiking, camping, and skiing in her spare time - another huge draw to Vermont! 

Class of 2027

Stephanie Corsetti

Stephanie Corsetti, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Stephanie spent her childhood in Westchester, New York before attending community college. From there she completed her undergraduate degree at Columbia University majoring in Psychology. During this time, she welcomed her two oldest sons into her family. She attended Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson for medical school where she developed an interest in full spectrum family medicine specifically women’s and reproductive health. In medical school, her family grew further with the addition of her youngest two children into her now large and quite loud family. She and her wonderfully supportive partner are excited to get their kids and their two dogs (a chocolate lab and a coonhound) outside in Vermont, hiking, skiing, and enjoying the nature.

Aidan Gorby

Aidan Gorby, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo

Aidan was born in Kennewick, WA, and after moving to California and Montana, ended up in New York where he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and earned a B.S. in Psychological Science. Aidan then completed medical school at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. His interests within family medicine include rural medicine, sports medicine, preventive medicine, and health policy. In his free time, Aidan enjoys playing saxophone, cooking, climbing, and spending time outdoors.

Mackenzie Kuchenbecker

Mackenzie Kuchenbecker, DO

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Mackenzie was born and raised in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. She attended the University of Wyoming, where she met her partner, Seth. She graduated with a B.S. in Physiology and spent the following three summers as a raft guide on the Upper Colorado River. She completed her medical degree at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mackenzie’s interests in family medicine include women’s health, sports medicine, and lifestyle medicine. Outside of medicine, you can find Mackenzie rafting, skiing, playing soccer, or cuddling up with her Australian shepherd, Jules. After spending most of her life in the West, Mackenzie is excited for her new adventure in Vermont

Rhys Niedecker

Rhys Niedecker, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Rhys grew up in picturesque Arlington Vermont, before moving up to Burlington to study Biology at the University of Vermont. After college Rhys worked in the home medical equipment field before returning to UVM for a Masters degree and to conduct research with the Neurosciences department. As a long time member of the greater Burlington community Rhys is excited to be staying for training in Vermont. He has a particular interest in rural primary care, hoping to one day be able to serve in a small Vermont community like the one he grew up in. Outside of medicine, Rhys’ hobbies include making unnecessarily complex meals, reading nerdy sci-fi/fantasy books, missing jump shots on the basketball court, and social gatherings of all kinds.

 
Candace Smith

Candace Smith, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Boston University School of Medicine

Originally from Connecticut, Candace attended Tufts University as an undergraduate, where she majored in biology and child studies and human development before working for a Massachusetts-based managed care organization conducting patient focus groups to improve program services. At Boston University, Candace was a Medical Students for Choice Leader, the medical campus sustainability representative, and a leader of the BUSM Family Medicine Interest Group, where she coordinated a Family Medicine Mentorship Program for students and residents. She is excited to be making UVM the next step in her career of full-spectrum family medicine that combines her commitments to sustainable healthcare, reproductive justice, and dignity for patients at all stages of life. Outside of medicine, Candace enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, and exploring Vermont’s many local breweries with her wife and dog, Sam!

Bri Spano

Bri Spano, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Brianna grew up in the east end of Long Island, in a small coastal town where she developed a love for the ocean and all things outdoors. She moved up to Burlington for college where she studied nutrition and food sciences at UVM, and became certified as a yoga instructor during this time, helping shape her interest in integrative and preventive medicine. She stuck around for the fabulous outdoor activity scene and to work as a medical assistant at the Riverside Community Health Center, where she found an additional passion in underserved and addiction medicine. A UVM’er through and through, Brianna is excited to continue working with the greater Burlington and Vermont community!

Class of 2028

Joanna Bernatowicz, MD

Joanna Bernatowicz, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Joanna is originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania. She went on to attend college at Cornell University, where she studied Global and Public Health Sciences. Her experiences abroad taught her the importance of working with the underserved in one’s own community and made her appreciate preventative and public health. She returned to Scranton for medical school at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Her interests within family medicine include women’s health, behavioral health, working with the underserved, and advocacy. Outside of work, Joanna takes her hobbies very seriously. She loves endurance running (don’t ask how far), scuba diving, triathlon training, bikepacking, winter mountaineering, climbing… you get the idea. Joanna is thrilled to be joining UVM in pursuit of excellent, full-spectrum family medicine training among like-minded individuals.

Caitlin Early

Caitlin Early, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Caitlin grew up in the small town of Williamstown, Vermont. She then moved to Burlington and attended the University of Vermont graduating with a degree in Molecular Genetics. After graduation she spent 3 years working for a biotech company located in Essex Junction and continued her education by pursuing a master’s degree in public health at UVM. Outside of work and school she took courses in Scuba diving, spending many weekends diving in Lake Champlain with her husband Aaron. Caitlin is excited to stay in Vermont for her residency training after attending the University of Larner College of Medicine for medical school. She hopes to continue to build community connections within her home state to be able to deliver strong patient-centered care. Her interests in Family Medicine include reproductive health, gender affirming care, mental health and addiction medicine. Outside of medicine, you can find Caitlin baking for her family, going on walks by the water with her daughter, or diving in the lake with her husband on their continued search for Champ!

Dana Kramer

Dana Kramer, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Dana (she/they) is from Anchorage, Alaska and comes to family medicine following a career in crisis counseling, community advocacy, and violence prevention education. They are passionate about the role of supportive relationships and equitable communities in promoting health. Her interests include harm reduction and decriminalization of support for people who use drugs, wound care, palliative care, health at every size, and finding new interests. Her favorite ways to spend her time are making art with friends, eating pastries, listening to music, writing bad poetry, and dancing.

Callista Love

Callista Love, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Callie grew up in Bolton, CT, where she fell in love with small town life. She majored in Physiology & Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut, during which time she had her first taste of medicine as an emergency department medical scribe. She then worked as a medical assistant at an allergy office for a year before attending medical school at the UConn School of Medicine. Her passions within Family Medicine include rural medicine, point-of-care ultrasound, urgent care, integrative medicine, and mentorship. Outside of medicine, Callie loves to garden, swim, feed her sourdough starter but never actually bake bread, and cook new recipes with her sous-chef and incredible husband, Levi. Callie is thrilled to be coming to Vermont for residency and is excited for her journey of becoming a rural family doctor, member of the UVM family, and a true Vermonter!

 
Joanna Pierce

Joanna Pierce, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Joanna grew up in Massachusetts, where she went on to earn a BA in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. With an interest in further understanding and addressing the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence health, Joanna completed her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Global Health at Boston University School of Public Health. After graduation, she moved to Santa Fe, NM where she worked first as a Community Outreach Worker and then as a Clinical Research Coordinator at a clinic specializing in HIV and Hepatitis C care. It was there that she discovered her passion for working in the community, fulfillment in partnering with patients to meet their health goals, and an interest in medicine. Joanna moved to Vermont, where she continued her work as a Clinical Research Coordinator and eventually completed medical school at The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. Joanna is looking forward to continuing her training in Vermont, a community that she and her family have called home for the past nine years. Her interests in Family Medicine include women’s and reproductive health, management of chronic diseases, lifestyle medicine, addiction medicine, rural health, and global health. When Joanna isn’t working, she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends, especially her husband and young son.

Julia Rossen

Julia Rossen, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Heath Saffer

Heath Saffer, MD

Residency

University of Vermont Medical Center - Family Medicine

Medical School

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Heath grew up in Maryland, where time spent in nature and a strong sense of community laid the groundwork for his path into medicine. Prior to attending medical school at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, he studied and worked in South Carolina, Copenhagen, and Wisconsin—experiences that broadened his perspective and deepened his commitment to community-centered care. During medical school, a mix of clinical experiences and everyday connections—like working as a barista and volunteering with adaptive sports programs—shaped his approach to patient care and reinforced the importance of presence, humility, and meeting people where they are.

Within family medicine, Heath is especially interested in integrative care, palliative medicine, and working with underserved communities. Outside of medicine, he enjoys, snowboarding, mountain biking, kitesurfing, and experimenting in the kitchen.

He chose to pursue residency at UVM for Vermont’s natural beauty and the program’s robust full-spectrum clinical training. He’s excited to be in a place that supports both his professional goals and personal passions—where the landscape and community reflect the kind of physician he strives to become.