Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Program

About Us

Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency: Training Tomorrow’s Specialists

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic Akron General is designed to provide four years of training in all aspects of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Our goal is that upon completion, any graduating resident is a superbly well-trained OBGYN capable of practicing as a specialist in General Obstetrics and Gynecology or a highly competitive candidate to continue on into fellowship training in any of the subspecialty areas. We recruit bright, enthusiastic students who have demonstrated a history of academic achievement, work ethic, volunteerism and strong moral character.

Our four-year program offers five positions annually and is approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Our 40+ obstetrician/gynecologists, constituting the active teaching staff, include subspecialists in Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Complex Family Planning and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.

Program highlights

Robust gynecologic experience

There were more than 2300 gynecologic procedures performed last year and extensive experience is obtained in all aspects of obstetrical care.

Extensive experience in all aspects of obstetrical care

Our residents deliver at our Labor & Delivery Unit at Akron General, managing patients of both our residency clinic as well as the area’s private practice groups. We are associated with an in-house Level III NICU. We are lucky to have faculty that provide excellent training in both vacuum and forceps-assisted vaginal delivery as well as breech vaginal delivery in appropriate candidates.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General residents have the unique opportunity to manage pregnant patients in the acute setting of Akron General’s Obstetric Emergency Department (ED). Our Obstetric ED is staffed 24/7 by an in-house board-certified OB/GYN. We are the only OB ED in Northeastern Ohio. Pregnant patients of all gestational ages from first positive pregnancy test through 6 weeks postpartum who present with non-life or limb-threatening issues are assessed and managed by our residents under the supervision of the OB Emergency Attending. Ultrasonography is performed on the unit, giving our residents hands-on training at all gestational ages. With 400-500 OB ED visits monthly, our residents are well trained in the evaluation and management of acute obstetric emergencies, non-obstetric etiologies that occur in our pregnant population (examples: cholecystitis, pancreatitis, acute substance withdrawal) as well as conditions often managed by the main ED in other institutions including

• Early pregnancy loss
• Pregnancy of unknown location
• Minor trauma
• Nausea/vomiting during pregnancy

Ryan Program

Cleveland Clinic Akron General is pleased to be part of the growing community of Ryan Residency Training Programs. The Ryan Program is a national initiative to integrate and enhance family planning training for obstetrics and gynecology residents. In the United States, 38% of OB/GYN residency programs have implemented the Ryan Program model of training. There are currently over 100 active Ryan Programs. The benefits of having a Ryan Program include improved competence in clinical skills, attracting top-tier residency applicants, implementing evidence-based practice, and access to a wide network of resources.

Didactics

Our residency program has daily protected educational conference time Monday through Thursday 7-8 a.m., and on Fridays 7 a.m. - noon, which provides for extended workshops, Grand Rounds speakers, simulation and other educational events. We follow a 2-year rotating curriculum based on the CREOG Educational Objectives. This averages about 8 hours of protected education each week!

Continuity Clinic & CenteringPregnancy

The residents each have their own continuity clinic where they see patients, develop treatment plans, perform procedures, participate in grouped prenatal care and learn how to work in an office setting. We are excited to receive a one-million-dollar grant in 2020 which has allowed us to bring Centering Prenatal Care to the patients we serve. This new program allowed us to expand services where they are needed the most.

We believe that the breadth and depth of educational experience our residency provides is the best available anywhere. All of our residents who have desired to proceed with subspecialty training have been accepted into subspecialty programs. Akron General boasts graduates in all subspecialty fields. Many have gone on to full-time academic careers.

A visit with our residents will quickly demonstrate their overall happiness and satisfaction with our training program. We take personal wellness to heart and have created a place where wellness is weighted equally with education. On completion of the program, each resident is well-prepared to sit for the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology Qualifying Exam and to go on to continued success.

Mission statement

Our mission is to provide exceptional training and the highest quality education to resident physicians to prepare them for a lifetime of learning and practicing as specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology so that they may enhance the lives of the patients and communities they serve.

Our educational program incorporates the five fundamental values of Cleveland Clinic: quality, innovation, teamwork, service, integrity and compassion. Based on these values, the program prioritizes academics while delivering safe, quality care and optimizing patient and caregiver experience. In addition, our community-based, clinically relevant research promotes these values for the benefit of our community.

Aims

To provide and ensure an environment that fosters the development of physicians who find their work to be meaningful while they work productively through our specialty-specific milestones with the goal of acquiring success in the areas of professionalism, care for the community they serve, and knowledge, both technical and cognitive, to achieve success in their practice and as consultants. This time will further prepare our residents for certification through the completion of the written and oral examination process.

Welcome

A Letter from the Director of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Program

Thank you for your interest in the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Program.

Our residency provides a comprehensive, progressive educational experience designed to prepare physicians for successful careers in general obstetrics and gynecology or fellowship training. As a community-based program, we provide care to a diverse patient population with a wide range of medical, social, and cultural backgrounds. This environment offers residents the opportunity to develop strong clinical skills while learning to provide compassionate, equitable, and patient-centered care.

Residents gain early exposure to all obstetric and gynecologic subspecialties during their first two years, allowing them to explore career interests and build a strong foundation for future fellowship opportunities.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General is home to the first dedicated Obstetric Emergency Department in Northeast Ohio. This unique clinical experience allows residents to evaluate and manage obstetric emergencies across all gestational ages, through six weeks postpartum. Beginning in the PGY-1 year and continuing throughout residency, trainees develop confidence in the acute care of pregnant and postpartum patients through graduated responsibility, close faculty mentorship, and a collaborative, team-based approach to care.

Our program accepts applications through ResidencyCAS, and all positions are filled through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). You must complete all components (see Application section for details) for your application to be considered complete and to be reviewed by our Selection Committee.

We look forward to meeting you during your interview experience. We know you have many options to consider when choosing a program, and we pride ourselves on our congenial training atmosphere and sense of community among the residents and faculty. Our faculty, staff and residents invite you to train at Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, one of the best residency programs available!

Cassandra Heiselman, DO, MPH, FACOG
Program Director, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General

Trina Pagano, MD, FACOG
Associate Program Director, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Medical Director of the Obstetric Emergency Department, Cleveland Clinic Akron General
OB Hospitalist, Women’s Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Northeast Ohio Medical University
Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Biology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Board of Preventative Medicine

Joseph P. Assaley, MD, FACOG
Associate Program Director, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Medical Director, Women's Health Center, Cleveland Clinic Akron General

Resident Life

Akron offers superb educational systems, but there is so much more! The greater Akron area is truly one of the best places in the country to live and raise a family.

Program Traditions

One of the greatest strengths of our residency is its close-knit, supportive culture. With only 20 residents across four years of training, our program fosters meaningful relationships among residents and faculty, creating a community that many describe as feeling like an extended family. We are also proud to welcome residents' partners, children, and even beloved pets into our residency community.

From the start of residency, each resident is paired with a "Birthday Buddy" and assigned to a residency "family" consisting of 1–2 residents from each class and at least two faculty members. These mentorship groups provide opportunities for connection, support, and guidance throughout training.

Beyond the clinical environment, residents enjoy numerous opportunities to build camaraderie through social events and traditions. Regular gatherings include labor and delivery potlucks, post-night-shift brunches, seasonal lounge decorating, matching residency apparel, and celebrations throughout the year. During didactic sessions, residents also share breakfast together, providing dedicated time to connect, learn, and support one another. These traditions contribute to a collaborative environment where residents develop lasting friendships and a strong sense of community.

Life outside of the hospital

The Akron area offers an excellent quality of life with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Residents enjoy easy access to the extensive Summit Metro Parks system and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, archery, and even tubing along the Cuyahoga River.

Sports enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy, from cheering on the Akron RubberDucks, the city's Minor League Baseball team, to attending professional sporting events in nearby Cleveland, just 30 minutes away. Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians, and Cleveland Browns, providing year-round opportunities to experience major league sports.

The region also features a vibrant dining and shopping scene, with locally owned restaurants offering diverse cuisine, unique boutiques, shopping centers, and outlet malls. Downtown Akron and nearby Cuyahoga Falls host a variety of festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and community events throughout the year. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventure, sports, food, or local culture, the Akron area offers something for everyone.

See our featured Akron 33 for more details on local favorites.

Wellness

Resident wellness is a core priority within our program and is integrated into the residency curriculum. Monthly wellness sessions are held during protected didactic time and cover topics such as mindfulness, sleep, nutrition, financial wellness, mental health, and pet therapy.

Residents participate in an annual Resident Wellness Week following the CREOG In-Training Examination and receive four hours of protected individual wellness time twice each year during designated fifth Fridays, recognizing that wellness looks different for every resident.

An elected Resident Wellness Officer helps develop wellness initiatives and serves as a resident advocate. The department also partners with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide confidential mental health resources and facilitate debriefing sessions after particularly challenging clinical events to support resident well-being and resilience.

Resident testimonies

Emily Freeman, DO – Class of 2020
Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Family Planning Fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

“I cannot say enough about how thankful I am for the training I received while at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Having the opportunity to work with a variety of attending physicians and having early exposure to subspecialists was such an asset to my training. Cleveland Clinic Akron General provides residents the benefit of training in a smaller community hospital but with access to all the benefits of a larger academic setting. This program fosters residents with ambitions for fellowship but also trains well rounded and fully capable generalist OB/GYNs. I truly can’t explain what a supportive and collaborative place this is to work. The comradery between the residents was amazing—they truly became my family. Additionally, the Akron/Cleveland area is a fantastic place to live and play during your time away from the hospital. There are fantastic outdoor recreational experiences, such as Metro Parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as well as all the other activities the city has to offer. I am confident that Cleveland Clinic Akron General has provided me with the knowledge, experience, and skillset to provide exceptional patient care.”

Sarah Clausen, MD – Class of 2019
University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN

“When I was looking for a residency program, I knew I wanted a place where, upon completion, I would feel very confident in my level of skill. I wanted a program that had outstanding surgical numbers and one where I would not have to compete with fellows to become first assist. A program where I would have the exposure needed to apply for fellowship if I choose to do so, but one that would turn me into a well-rounded generalist was also very important. I found all of these and more at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. The surgical skills and clinical knowledge that I obtained were exceptional and something I am thankful for every day. That wasn’t the only thing I gained though, I met so many wonderful people during those four years, many of which I consider lifelong friends that I am now very pleased to call my colleagues. I am very happy and proud to say that I graduated from Cleveland Clinic Akron General.”

Jacqueline Zuponcic, DO – Class of 2018
Ohio Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, OH

“I greatly enjoyed my time in Akron General’s OBGYN residency. At the end of the day, picking a residency program to me was all about the best fit for my personality. The residents and staff at Akron General were very welcoming, kind, supportive, and helpful. I am also originally from Cleveland, and being close to my family was important to me as well. Throughout my 4 years as a resident here I felt as if I received a good breadth of experience in Obstetrics, Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, Urogynecology, Infertility, and minimally invasive and robotic surgery. I felt very comfortable with my transition to attendingship and handle many of these things now. I also find the program to be extremely supportive of my family life - having had 2 children in residency - not that I worked any less hard, mind you, but the support was always appreciated. Akron is also a wonderful place to raise a family as there are many parks, a zoo, good downtown life, and good food too. Cleveland is just a 30 minute drive away. Even beyond residency, as a faculty member, I have a professional interest in sexual health, and have been given resources to pursue this passion as well. I cannot say enough about the program and am very happy to have graduated from CCAG OBGYN.”

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Clinical Rotations

Our curriculum is designed to provide a structured progression toward residency graduation competencies through graduated responsibility and increasing clinical complexity. Early in training, residents rotate through all obstetric and gynecologic subspecialties, providing broad exposure and helping inform future career interests. As residents advance, they assume greater autonomy while developing increasingly sophisticated clinical judgment, surgical skills, and leadership abilities.

In addition to clinical training, residents participate in workshops, conferences, and other educational activities. They also play an active role in teaching third- and fourth-year medical students, including those completing electives in General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, Urogynecology, and Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

PGY – 1
(10) 5-Week Rotations

• 2 rotations in Night Float
• 2 rotations in Gynecology
• 1 rotation in OB
• 1 rotation in OB/ED Float
• 1 rotation in Maternal Fetal Medicine
• 1 rotation in Ultrasound/Specialty
• 1 rotation in Outpatient (includes subspeciality exposure)
• 1 rotation in Gynecology Oncology

PGY – 2
(10) 5-Week Rotations

• 2 rotations in Night Float
• 1 rotation in Gynecology Oncology
• 1 rotation in Gynecology Oncology/Gynecology Float
• 1 rotation in OB
• 1 rotation in Gynecology/Research
• 1 rotation in C-Section
• 1 rotation in Maternal Fetal Medicine
• 1 rotation in Urogynecology/Research
• 1 rotation in Family Planning

PGY – 3
(10) 5-Week Rotations

• 2 rotations in OB
• 2 rotations in Night Float
• 1 rotation in Gynecology
• 1 rotation in Gynecology/Research
• 1 rotation in Maternal Fetal Medicine
• 1 rotation in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility/Ultrasound/Research
• 1 rotation in Urogynecology
• 1 rotation in Elective

PGY – 4
(10) 5-Week Rotations

• 2 rotations in OB
• 2 rotations in Gynecology
• 2 rotations in Gynecology Oncology
• 1 rotation in Clinic/C-Section
• 1 rotation in MIGS
• 1 rotation Night Float
• 1 rotation Clinic/OB/GYN Float

Clinical Training Sites

Our Women’s Health Center provides outpatient experience through their obstetrics and gynecology continuity clinics, Centering OB care and specialty clinics.

• The Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility provides experience with in vitro fertilization as well as extensive video operative laparoscopic experience. This includes micro-surgical techniques and laser surgery. Video hysteroscopic surgeries are performed on a regular basis.
• The Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery provides educational experiences in both non-surgical office evaluations in urodynamics, cystoscopy, etc. as well as extensive surgical experience.
• The Division of Gynecologic Oncology allows residents to gain extensive experience in all aspects of cancer management including chemotherapy, radium insertions and all radical gynecologic surgeries including experience in surgery of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts.
• Our Perinatal Unit serves as a regional referral center and includes full-time Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists. The unit averages nearly 2,500 obstetric ultrasounds per year. Our hospital-based Special Care Nursery Unit includes full-time neonatology staff coverage.
• Our Family Planning experience teaches abortion care and other sexual health services such as birth control options, STD testing and treatment, and wellness care for patients. All staff are open, welcoming and supportive regardless of what level of experience is chosen. We are a training site for the Kenneth J. Ryan Residency Training Program. This program is part of a national initiative to enhance comprehensive resident training in uterine evacuation techniques, complex contraception, LARC, and grieving/bereavement counseling. Our program has been carefully designed to be in full compliance with all ACGME requirements and maintains a partial participation option for our residents.

Teaching Faculty

Academic Appointments:

Northeast Ohio Medical University, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Lisa Rauh-Benoit, MD, MPH, Department Chair
• Cassandra Heiselman, DO, MPH, FACOG, Program Director
• Trina Pagano, MD, Associate Program Director & Director OBED
• Joseph Assaley, MD, Associate Program Director & Director of Women’s Health Center
• Kathleen Ruppert, UME Program Manager

Family Planning

• Emily Freeman, DO, Director of Family Planning
• Mitch Reider, MD
• Ashley Brant, DO

Gynecologic Oncology

• Lisa Rauh-Benoit, MD
• Anthony Rizzo, MD
• Steven Waggoner, MD

Maternal Fetal Medicine

• Melissa March, MD, Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Oluyemi Aderibigbe, MD, MBBS
• Stephen Bacak, DO
• Edward Chien, MD
• Stacey Ehrenberg, MD
• Cassandra Heiselman, DO
• Maeve Hopkins, MD
• Justin Lappen, MD
• Amol Malshe, MD
• Christine Proudfit, MD
• Katherine Singh, MD

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

• Megan Billow, DO

Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

• Mindy Christianson, MD, MBA
• Jenna Rehmer, MD
• Elliott Richards, MD, PhD
• Julierut Tantibhedhyangkul, MD

Urogynecology

• Mary South, MD, Director of Urogynecology
• Amy Gee, MD
• Alexandra Melnyk, MD, MEd

General Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Trina Pagano, MD, Associate Program Director & Director of OB/ED
• Joseph Assaley, MD, Associate Program Director & Director of Women’s Health Center
• Natalie A. Bowersox, MD
• Amy Burkett, MD
• Lynne Cola, MD
• Jennifer Grabenstetter, MD
• Benjamin Kitko, DO
• D. Renee Lewis, MD
• Kevin McComsey, MD
• Deidra McIntosh, MD
• Erin McKelvey, MD
• Eric McKnight, MD
• Heather Mihalik, DO
• Nora Miles, MD
• Sara Nicholas, DO
• Priya Patel, MD
• Sara Peterson, MD
• Rebecca Russell, MD
• Jennifer L. Savitski, MD
• Joseph Shawi, MD
• Katie Turgeon, MD
• Bethany Zook, MD
• Jacqueline Zuponcic, MD

Application

All positions are filled through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). The Ob/Gyn Residency Program participates in the Residency CAS for all positions. International applicants are invited to apply through the ERAS and participate in the NRMP. You must complete all components in order for your application to be considered complete and to be reviewed by our Selection Committee. Akron General is pleased to participate in the Alignment Check Index (ACI) through the AAMC, along with program signaling.

Our application requirements are the same as the standard ERAS application:

• Complete Application
• CV
• Personal Statement
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
• Medical School Transcript
• USMLE Step 1 Transcript & Score (Must Pass on your first attempt)
• USMLE Step 2 Transcript & Score (Must Pass on your first attempt)
• Must have USMLE Step 2 Score Report uploaded prior to the deadline of the Rank List submission. If you do not have a Step 2 Score Report uploaded, you will not be ranked (assuming you were interviewed).
• Three Letters of Recommendation including a Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE)

International Medical Graduates

Here are some frequently asked questions by graduates of international medical schools regarding the application process:

• U.S. clinical experience is strongly preferred
• USMLE Step 1 Transcript & Score (Must Pass on your first attempt)
• USMLE Step 2 Transcript & Score (Must Pass on your first attempt)
• Must have USMLE Step 2 Score Report uploaded prior the deadline of the Rank List submission. If you do not have a Step 2 Score Report uploaded, you will not be ranked (assuming you were interviewed)
• ECFMG certification at the time of application is required. Please review the ECFMG requirements for additional information

Interviews

In compliance with APGO & CREOG program recommendations offers for interviews will be made starting October 27, 2026. Interviews will be held on selected Mondays in November and December. Detailed information regarding the actual interview day will be provided to the applicant once the interview is confirmed.

Interested in Rotating?

Cleveland Clinic Akron General uses VLSO, the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities to process visiting student applications. To apply for an Ob/Gyn rotation, please send a VSLO application with your preferred dates.

For more information, please email CCAGObGynResidency@ccf.org.

Current Residents

PGY – 1

Tricia Aho, MD

• Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
• Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
• Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences

Makoto Ibaraki, MD

• Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
• Undergraduate: The Ohio State University - Columbus, Ohio
• Graduate: Emory University - Atlanta, Georgia
• Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences - Toledo, Ohio

Cassandra Nathan, MD

• Hometown: Cleveland, OH
• Undergraduate: Brandeis University
• Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine

Anishaa Patel, DO

• Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
• Undergraduate: University of Florida
• Graduate: USF Morsani College of Medicine
• Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Svitlana Piczer, DO

• Hometown: Brecksville, OH
• Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

PGY – 2

Shivani Deshpande, DO

• Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
• Undergraduate: The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Shrinithi Kalai, DO

• Hometown: Diamond Bar, California
• Undergraduate: California State University - Fullerton, California
• Medical School: Midwestern Univ Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jillian Keyte, DO

• Hometown: Jamison, Pennsylvania
• Undergraduate: University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
• Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Brianna Wallis, DO

• Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

PGY – 3

Emily Hutcherson, DO

• Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
• Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, Virginia
• Graduate: Bluefield College/Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Blacksburg, Virginia
• Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia – Blacksburg, Virginia

Victor Martinez-Cassmeyer, DO

• Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
• Undergraduate: University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
• Graduate: Washington University in St. Louis – St. Louis, Missouri
• Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine – Jonesboro, Arkansas

Andrea Picciotto, DO

• Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Undergraduate: University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
• Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Kansas City, Missouri

Madelaine Towbin, DO

• Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado
• Undergraduate: Pitzer College – Claremont, California
• Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – Pomona, California

Joshua Vega, DO

• Hometown: Tampa, Florida
• Undergraduate: University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida
• Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton Campus – Bradenton, Florida

PGY – 4

Kirsten Bokinskie, MD

• Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
• Undergraduate: Concordia College – Moorhead, Minnesota
• Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Melanie Bloomfield, DO

• Hometown: North Royalton, Ohio
• Undergraduate: The Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Madeline (Maddie) McKenna, MD

• Hometown: Beavercreek, OH
• Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
• Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Sherilyn Rogers, DO

• Hometown: Olmstead Falls, Ohio
• Undergraduate: University of Dayton – Dayton, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Zenab Saeed, MD

• Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Xavier University – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

Alumni

2026 Graduates

• Brittany Fickau, MD – MFM Fellow, UTMB, Galveston, TX
• Sara Peterson, MD – Generalist, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Obstetrics & Gynecology, Akron, OH
• Annemarie Newark, MD – MIGS Fellow, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
• Emma Steele, MD – Generalist, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
• Savannah Waldrop, DO – Generalist, Enloe Health Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chico, CA

2025 Graduates

• Carrie Cummiskey, MD – Generalist, OB/GYN of Indiana South in Indianapolis, IN
• Cassandra Gray, MD – Generalist, OhioHealth Physician Group in Columbus, OH
• Rebecca Lee, DO – Generalist, Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, WA
• Savannah Maddox, DO – Generalist, Advanced Women’s Care in Murfreesboro, TN
• Kelly Van, DO – Generalist, Cleveland, OH

2024 Graduates

• Corey Barker, DO – Generalist, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Horizon, Hermitage, PA
• Sarah Kleven, MD – Generalist, Women’s Center of Southern New England in Connecticut
• Deanna Lines, DO – Generalist, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Horizon, Hermitage, PA
• Alexandra Nutaitis, DO – Fellow, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, University of California San Diego – Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, CA

2023 Graduates

• Sarah Ellen Davis, DO – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Horizon, Greenville, PA
• Erin Gray, MD – Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Orange County, CA
• Michael Kulmoski, DO – Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest, Cleveland, OH
• Nabiha Morin, MD – Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, NY

2022 Graduates

• Rachelle Abdelnour, MD – Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
• Toni Horton, DO – Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL
• Mackenzie Marley, DO – OB/GYN Associates of Akron, Akron, OH
• Anjali Patel, DO – Good Samaritan Hospital, Chicago, IL

2021 Graduates

• Cassie Henninger, DO – Southeast Hospital, Cape Girardeau, MO
• Heather Mihalik, DO – Cleveland Clinic Akron General OB/GYN, Akron, OH
• Melissa Wise, MD – Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at Prisma Health – University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC

2020 Graduates

• Sean Bergsten, DO – Bringham Memorial Hospital, Blackfoot, ID
• Emily Freeman, DO – Family Planning Fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
• Michaela Heller, MD – Essentia Health, Fargo, ND
• Michelle Lende, DO – Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at Albany Med, Albany, NY

2019 Graduates

• Sarah Clausen, MD –St. Lukes, Duluth, MN
• Ryley Greenbaum, DO –Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
• Nicole MacCleary Price, DO – Pinnacle Women's Health, Phoenix, AZ
• N. Brooke Murphy, MD –Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH

2018 Graduates

• Ritchie Delara, MD – Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
• Cassandra Heiselman, DO – Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY
• Jaclyn Kolosky, DO – St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Boston, MA
• Kelly McGuire, DO – Medical Associates of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA
• Jacqueline Zuponcic, DO – Cleveland Clinic Akron General OB/GYN, Akron, OH

Education, Research & Innovations

All residents are required to participate in scholarly activity throughout their training. Opportunities include case reports, quality improvement initiatives, clinical research, and other scholarly projects. Faculty mentors provide individualized guidance throughout the research process, and a dedicated health scientist supports residents with project development, study design, Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Residents regularly present their scholarly work at local, regional, and national meetings and are encouraged to submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. This structured mentorship and academic support helps residents develop the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field of obstetrics and gynecology while fostering a strong foundation in lifelong scholarly inquiry.

Intern Surgical Curriculum

Our residency developed a structured surgical curriculum to onboard interns to the operating room, aligned with the Ready for Residency APGO program. The curriculum provides dedicated, low-stakes learning time focused on operating room workflow, surgical instruments, fundamental surgical techniques, and procedural steps for common obstetric and gynecologic surgeries. Led by senior residents and informed by the surgical curriculum published by ACOG, the program uses an open-classroom format that fosters an interactive, supportive learning environment where interns can ask questions, build foundational skills, and gain confidence before participating in the operating room.

EMIGS

Residents have 24/7 access to multiple simulation facilities to develop and refine their EMIGS skills. Protected time during didactic sessions is regularly dedicated to EMIGS skills practice, particularly for residents preparing for certification. EMIGS training is overseen by dedicated faculty with the goal of residents completing EMIGS certification by the end of their PGY-2 year. This structured curriculum provides a strong foundation in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and prepares residents for a broad range of surgical procedures.

Robotics

Our robotic surgery curriculum is led by dedicated faculty and provides residents with progressive, hands-on training throughout residency. The program offers access to both the da Vinci Xi Surgical System and the da Vinci Skills Simulator (trainer backpack), allowing residents to develop robotic surgical skills in a structured learning environment.

Robotic training begins during the intern year, with an emphasis on understanding the robotic platform, operating room setup, docking, and bedside assistance. During the PGY-2 year, residents transition to console training using the da Vinci Skills Simulator, where they build proficiency through simulation-based exercises before advancing to console participation in the operating room. As PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents, the primary focus shifts to progressive console experience during a variety of robotic procedures under faculty supervision.

By graduation, residents have developed comprehensive skills in robotic surgery through a graduated curriculum that integrates simulation with operative experience. Residents also earn a certificate recognizing completion of their robotic surgery training.

Simulations

Simulation-based education is an integral component of our residency curriculum, with dedicated simulation time incorporated into the didactic schedule each month. During monthly obstetric simulation sessions, our Education Chief Resident collaborates with faculty to develop case-based scenarios, including surprise simulations modeled after real clinical events. These sessions allow residents to practice real-time decision-making, enhance communication and teamwork, and build confidence in managing both routine and high-acuity clinical situations.

Residents have access to a comprehensive simulation infrastructure to support procedural training and skills development. Within the department, a dedicated simulation lab is equipped with two laparoscopic trainers, while an additional surgical simulation center provides hands-on training in both hysteroscopic and laparoscopic procedures. Residents also have 24/7 access to the institution’s central simulation center, which includes additional laparoscopic trainers, a SonoSim ultrasound simulator: Surgical Science Ultrasound Mentor with gynecology and first trimester modules.

Recent simulation sessions have included Manual Vacuum Aspiration, Resuscitative Hysterotomy, LEEP procedures, Amniocentesis, Operative Vaginal Delivery (Forceps and Vacuum), Ultrasound, Postpartum Hemorrhage, OASIS Repair, and Laparoscopy. Through this structured simulation curriculum, residents gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment while developing the technical skills, clinical judgment, and teamwork necessary for independent practice.

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Benefits

Vacation & Meetings

Three weeks of vacation (15 business days) are provided at each level of training. In addition conference time is allowed as approved by the program director.

2026-2027 Salary

We offer a competitive salary for all residents. The salary increases at every level of residency training.

• Grad Level 1 — Annual Rate: $69,106
• Grad Level 2 — Annual Rate: $71,470
• Grad Level 3 — Annual Rate: $73,994
• Grad Level 4 — Annual Rate: $76,889

Educational Allowance

Residents receive a competitive educational allowance during their residency training. The educational allowance can be used for texts, seminars, PDA's, meetings or other approved educational materials. Additional allowances for mandatory educational experiences is also available.

Insurance

All clinical trainees at Cleveland Clinic receive medical, dental, vision, prescription, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage. Medical insurance is provided with a small premium paid by the resident. Insurance covers residents and their families fully and is effective on the first day of training with no waiting period.