This week, we say goodbye to the UW Ob-Gyn Residency Class of 2023! Read more about where these brilliant physicians are headed after residency, what they’ll miss about Madison, and how their time here set them up for success in the future. Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Kathryn Dryer, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

I am headed to Charlottesville, VA for gyn oncology fellowship at the University of Virginia.

What was your proudest accomplishment during residency?

Serving the patients of Madison and the surrounding areas.

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

This residency prepared me very well for the next step. I think we are all nervous either starting fellowship or general practice, but having the training experience we have had here has made us competent physicians and compassionate providers. I would trust any of my co-graduates with my obstetrical or gynecologic care.

What will you miss most about UW Ob-Gyn and/or Madison?

My coresidents, the lakes, and rooftop charcuterie. 

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here?

The L&D nurses, without whom I would have not gotten through residency. Also incredibly thankful for (and sad to be leaving) my residency class. And a special shoutout to Dr. Janelle Sobecki, who is an incredible mentor and friend. She is one of the reasons (along with the rest of the gyn onc division) I have chosen a career in gynecologic cancer. I cannot thank her enough!

Maya Gross, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at the University of Washington

Rachel Mojdehbakhsh, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

Gynecologic Oncology fellowship here at the UW 

Talya Spivak, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

I will be working as a generalist at St. Mary's in Madison! I'm very excited to be sticking around town. This also means I get to continue to work with our excellent residents 🙂

What was your proudest accomplishment during residency?

I was honored with the Outstanding Resident Teacher Award, voted on by the medical students. It is wonderful to know our students found their time on their OBGYN rotation meaningful and that I could play a part in that experience for them.

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

Aside from great clinical and surgical skills, this residency focuses on compassion, resilience (and an appreciation for a good Wisconsin cheese curd). I hope to bring all of this into the next phase of my career.

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here?

Thank you to all of the faculty, OR staff, RNs, APPs, fellows, and co-residents. It has been such a privilege to get to work with you all for the past 4 years. And big hugs to my graduating class Jessie, Maddy, Maya, Rachel, Kathryn, and Connor.

Jessica Walker, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

I'm very excited to be staying in Madison and joining Physicians for Women.

What was your proudest accomplishment during residency?

I am most proud of the beautiful family that my husband and I have raised during the past four years. Our daughter, Charlotte, was 4 months old when I started intern year, and now she's a spunky, smart, amazing 4-year-old. Our second daughter, Fiona, was born during my third year and at 17 months is growing to be just as fun and loving as her sister.

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

I am very proud of our surgical training, as well as our ability to manage complicated OB and Gyn patients both in the hospital as well as in the clinic. The autonomy we are given in fourth year has instilled the confidence I need to be an attending in a few short months!

What will you miss most about UW Ob-Gyn and/or Madison?

I love the people I work with. I'm so excited to be joining a practice that will allow me to continue to work with the UW residents as an attending.

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here?

Special thanks to my personal and professional mentors - Drs. Williams, Peebles, Sharp, Grzebielski, Kushner, Spencer. Also huge thank you to my class!

Connor Wang, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

I will be starting my fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Northwestern University!

What was your proudest accomplishment during residency?

One of my proudest accomplishments during residency has been actively contributing to the growth and development of junior residents’ surgical skills. I have found immense fulfillment in the opportunities to double scrub on cases with junior residents. Particular highlights have been chances I have had to work alongside them, pass on valuable skills that my surgical mentors have taught me, record and review their surgeries with them, and see them improve and incorporate new techniques into their own repertoire.

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

My training here has been pivotal in preparing me for success after residency. The training is comprehensive and exceptional. First and foremost, it provided me a very robust foundation in OB and GYN care. The curriculum and rotations are robust and ensures that I learn evidence-based practices. The clinical environment is also one that fosters collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork. It allowed me the privilege to work closely with faculty members across disciplines and subspecialities. Additionally, the program provided excellent opportunities for research and scholarly activities. I had the chance to engage in projects, present at conferences, and publish. It has been extremely important for my professional development and for honing my critical thinking and analytical skills. 

What will you miss most about UW Ob-Gyn and/or Madison?

I will miss the remarkable community of colleagues and faculty at UW. There is a special sense of camaraderie and support here. The opportunity to work alongside such talented and dedicated people helped me form amazing friendships and bonds that I will never forget. Moreover, Madison holds a unique charm. I will miss the city’s picturesque surrounding. I loved living next to the lake!

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here?

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to several groups and individuals:

To the UW ASOG division faculty members – thank you for all your support, insight, and commitment to my professional development. 

To the UW Gyn Onc division faculty members – thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and belief in my potential. I would like to especially express my gratitude to Drs. Spencer and Al-Niaimi for their unwavering support and kindness. 

To Drs. Rice, Spencer, Kelly, Hartenbach, and Barroilhet – thank you for being a model for me in clinical care, education, advocacy, and leadership. 

To my fellow residents – I am so grateful for your camaraderie, teamwork, and inspiration. Special shoutout to my class for our shared experiences, laughter, and encouragement. 

Lastly, I want to extend my appreciation to the patients who have entrusted me with their care. Their resilience, trust, and gratitude have been very humbling and serve as a constant reminder of the impact we can make in people’s lives. 

Madeline Wetterhahn, MD:

Where will you be going and what will you be doing after UW Ob-Gyn?

I’ll be moving to Flagstaff, Arizona to complete my obligation to National Health Service Corps.  

How do you feel UW Ob-Gyn prepared you for success after residency?

I feel really grateful for the surgical education I got here.  

Any special shout-outs or thanks to faculty, staff, other residents who really shaped your time here?

A big thank you to my class for their support and the generalist group for helping me get ready to work in an underserved area.