Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Program

About Us

Ob/Gyn 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 so that upon completion, the 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 senior 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 four subspecialists in Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Complex Family Planning and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.

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

Cleveland Clinic Akron General residents have the unique opportunity to manage pregnant women 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 women of all gestational ages 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 400-500OB ED visits monthly, our residents are well trained in the evaluation and management of acute obstetric emergencies, 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

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.

Each resident participates in a self-selected research project under the mentorship of our Research Scientist, Dr. Estee George. All residents must complete at least one project for graduation. There are many research opportunities available depending on your level of interest and we regularly have residents presenting at local and national meetings, and publishing in journals.

Our residency program has daily protected 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!

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 Training Program. We are located at Akron General Hospital, and offer a diverse and comprehensive training program.

The residency is organized to introduce residents to subspecialty areas during the first two years to allow those residents who are interested in planning for fellowships to have early and adequate exposure as they proceed through training.

Cleveland Clinic Akron General is home to the first Obstetric Emergency Department in Northeastern Ohio, providing our residents the unique opportunity to manage pregnant women in the acute setting at all gestational ages and up to six weeks postpartum. This uniquely positions them to feel comfortable in an acute setting at any gestational age. This exposure begins during the PGY-1 year and continues throughout all four years with graduated responsibility and a team-based approach to care.

Our program accepts applications through ERAS, and all positions are filled through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). You must complete all components of the ERAS application (see Application section for details) in order 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!

Natalie A. Bowersox, MD, FACOG
Program Director, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Northeast Ohio Medical University
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine

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

Tiffany Finch
Program Coordinator, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General
330.344.1422
FinchT@ccf.org

Resident Life

Akron offers superb educational systems and beautiful recreational areas, and is within close proximity to major shopping and professional sporting events. The greater Akron area is truly one of the best places in the country to live and raise a family.

The Department of OBGYN offers monthly wellness sessions during weekday didactics and actively participates in Resident Wellness Week which is held the week following the CREOG In-Training exam, as well as four hours of individual resident wellness time twice a year on the 5th Friday of the month. The addition of an elected Resident Wellness Officer has provided both a voice and conduit for programs within our residency. We strive to allow residents time and opportunity to engage in activities that provide the skills to become resilient physicians, caregivers and citizens. We recognize that wellness and self-care look differently for every resident. For this reason we instituted Individual Wellness time twice per year for each resident. Our department works closely with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by tapping into their resources whenever possible. We routinely organize Rapid Response debrief meetings with the EAP counselors whenever our providers have worked on particularly difficult cases in an effort to maximize mental health and well-being and provide resources for coping with trauma.

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.”

Resident Life

1 of 6

• Resident Life 1: “Graduation 2019"

• Resident Life 2: “Wellness Week 2019 – Escape Room”

• Resident Life 2: “Wellness Week 2019 – Escape Room”

• Resident Life 4: “Resident Baby Shower 2018”

• Resident Life 5: “Graduation 2019”

• Resident Life 6: “Holiday Party 2018”

Clinical Rotations

Clinical Rotations

The curriculum ensures that residents progress toward the exit learning outcomes in a coherent and seamless fashion.

Residents experience a variety of subspecialties early in their training to expose them to future career options. Increased difficulty and responsibility throughout residency involves more in-depth and advanced consideration of Ob/Gyn topics. Performance becomes more efficient and more like second nature as residents progress towards honing their skills.

Residents also participate in workshops and conferences and are actively involved in the teaching of M3 and M4 medical students. Senior medical student electives are provided in Gynecologic Oncology, Urogynecology, General Obstetrics & Gynecology, and High Risk Obstetrics.

PGY – 1
(10) 5-Week Rotations

• 1 rotation in OB
• 2 rotations in GYN
• 1 rotation in OB/GYN Float
• 1 rotation in Maternal Fetal Medicine
• 1 rotation in Ultrasound
• 1 rotation in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility / Research
• 2 rotations in Night Float
• 1 rotation in GYN ONC

PGY – 2
(10) 5-Week Rotations

• 1 rotation in OB
• 1 rotation in GYN
• 1 rotation in OB/GYN Float
• 1 rotation in Maternal Fetal Medicine
• 1 rotation in Urogynecology
• 2 rotations in Night Float
• 1 rotation in Family Planning/Gynecology
• 2 rotations in GYN Oncology

PGY – 3
(10) 5-Week Rotations

• 2 rotations in OB
• 2 rotations in GYN
• 1 rotation in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility/GYN
• 2 rotations in Night Float
• 1 rotation in Urogynecology
• 1 rotation in Elective

PGY – 4

• 3 months in OB
• 3 months in GYN
• 2 rotations in CLINIC
• 1 month Night Float
• 3 months in GYN Oncology
• 1 month Clinic

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 women. 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 in Abortion and Family Planning. This prestigious program is part of a national initiative to enhance comprehensive resident training in uterine evacuation techniques, complex contraception, LARC, advocacy and grieving/bereavement counseling. Our innovative 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 OBGYN

• Jennifer L. Savitski, MD, Department Chair
• Natalie A. Bowersox, MD, Program Director & Vice Chair
• Trina Pagano, MD, Associate Program Director & Director OB.ED
• Connie Dorsey, Department Manager
• Tiffany Finch, Program Coordinator
• Kathleen Ruppert, Medical Student Coordinator

Family Planning

• Emily Freeman, DO
• Mitch Reider, MD

 Gynecologic Oncology

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

Maternal Fetal Medicine

• Stephen Bacak, DO, Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Edward Chien, MD
• Stacey Ehrenberg, MD
• Maeve Hopkins, MD
• Justin Lappen, MD
• Amol Malshe , MD
• Katherine Singh, MD

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

• Megan Billow, DO

Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

• Stephen Mooney, MD, Director of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
• David Nash, M.D.

Urogynecology

• Shannon Wallace, MD

General Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Jennifer L. Savitski, MD, Department Chair
• Natalie A. Bowersox, MD, Program Director & Vice Chair
• Joseph Assaley, MD, Director of Women’s Health Center
• Trina Pagano, MD, Associate Program Director & Director of OB/ED
• Philip Smelcer, MD, Director of Gynecology
• Amy Burkett, MD
• Lynne Cola, MD
• Cecilia Ellis, DO
• Barry Fish, MD
• Steven Gorsuch, MD
• Jennifer Grabenstetter, MD
• James Graham, MD
• Ahmad Jadallah, MD
• Marissa Levine, DO
• D. Renee Lewis, MD
• Kevin McComsey, MD
• Nancy McGrievy, MD
• Erin McKelvey, MD
• Eric McKnight, MD
• Heather Mihalik, DO
• Nora Miles, MD
• Maura O'Shea, MD
• Ibrahim Sozen, MD
• Brittany Van Beek, DO
• Jacqueline Zuponcic, MD

Application

All positions are filled through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). The Ob/Gyn Residency Program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) for all positions. International applicants are invited to apply through the ERAS and participate in the NRMP. You must complete all components of the ERAS application 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 PASS is suggested with one (1) attempt
• USMLE Step 2 Transcript & Score > 220 is suggested with one (1) attempt
• Must have USMLE Step 2 Score Report uploaded into ERAS 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 PASS is suggested with one (1) attempt
• USMLE Step 2 Transcript & Score > 220 is suggested with one (1) attempt
• Must have USMLE Step 2 Score Report uploaded into ERAS 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 24, 2023. 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

Kirsten Bokinskie, MD

• Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
• Undergraduate: Concordia College – Moorhead, Minnesota
• Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Interests/Hobbies: Crafting, Reading, Watching & Playing Sports, Outdoor Activities, Spending Time with Family and Friends

Melanie Kasaris, DO

• Hometown: North Royalton, Ohio
• Undergraduate: The Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Traveling, Trying new foods, Hiking, Strength Training, Yoga, Team Sports, Reading, Spending Time with Loved Ones

Sherilyn Rogers, DO

• Hometown: Olmstead Falls, Ohio
• Undergraduate: University of Dayton – Dayton, Ohio
• Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Traveling, Reading, Music/Singing, Golfing, Baking and Cheering on Cleveland Sports Teams

Zenab Saeed, MD

• Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Xavier University – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Spending Time with Family, Traveling, Yoga, Puzzles, Chocolate Desserts, Embroidery, Advocacy

PGY – 2

Brittany Fickau, MD

• Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
• Graduate: George Washington University, Washington, DC
• Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
• Interests/Hobbies: Cooking, baking, spin cycling and crocheting.

Annemarie Newark, MD

• Hometown: Evergreen Park, Illinois
• Undergraduate: Illinois State University , Normal, Illinois
• Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Yoga, DIY home project designer, spending time with her two cats, and aspiring home chef.

Sara Peterson, MD
Wellness Officer

• Hometown: Derry, Pennsylvania
• Undergraduate: University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
• Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
• Interests/Hobbies: Reading, Hiking/Kayaking, Creating art with dried flowers, and watching the NFL (Go, Steelers!)

Emily Steele, MD
Quality and Equity Junior Chief

• Hometown: Zionsville, Indiana
• Undergraduate: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
• Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Interests/Hobbies: Fostering kittens, spending time with her “foster-fail” adopted cat, Piper. Reading, painting, and house plant enthusiast.

Savannah Waldrop, DO

• Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
• Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Medical School: Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, North Carolina
• Interests/Hobbies: Ultramarathons, fly fishing, true crime podcasts, and plant-based cooking.

PGY – 3

Carrie Cummiskey, MD

• Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Undergraduate: Indiana University
• Graduate: Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health (MPH – Public Health)
• Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Gardening, crochet, traveling, and spending time at home with her fiancée and their two cats; Detective Jake Purr-alta and Cat “Mickey” McKinnon.

Cassandra Gray, MD

• Hometown: Springfield, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Wright State University
• Medical School: Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Knitting, sewing, hiking playing with my shih-tzu, and Spartan racing.

Rebecca Lee, DO
Clinic Chief (Junior)

• Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina
• Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Medical School: Edward Via College of Medicine - Carolinas
• Interests/Hobbies: Running, tennis, hiking, exploring National Parks, playing the violin, and taking pictures.

Savannah Maddox, DO

• Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
• Undergraduate: The University of Tennessee
• Graduate: Lipscomb University (MS – Biomedical Science)
• Medical School: Edward Via College of Medicine - Carolinas
• Interests/Hobbies: Spending time with her husband and son. Traveling, kayaking, walking, reading, and playing board games with family and friends.

Kelly Van, DO

• Hometown: El Monte, California
• Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles 
• Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Crocheting, knitting, painting, baking, cooking, hiking and backpacking

PGY – 4

Corey Barker, DO
Clinical Chief Resident

• Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
• Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
• Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Furniture carpentry, cooking/baking, camping/hiking and sports such as softball, kickball, golf and racquetball.

Sarah Kleven, MD
Clinic Chief (Senior)

• Hometown: Chardon, Ohio
• Undergraduate: Baldwin Wallace University
• Medical School: University of Cincinnati
• Interests/Hobbies: Listening to podcasts, embarking on cooking adventures with her husband (everything from British dinner pastries to baked tofu), choral singing and reading in a comfy chair with her cat.

Deanna Lines, DO
Departmental Chief Resident

• Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Undergraduate: University of Utah
• Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Brewing beer, yoga, kayaking, biking, cooking, and spending time with her fiancé and hiking with her toy poodle and mini Goldendoodle, Fozzie Bear and Beaker.

Alexandra Nutaitis, DO
Academic Chief Resident

• Hometown: Surf City, New Jersey
• Undergraduate: Emory University
• Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Interests/Hobbies: Hiking the local trails, running and biking on the Towpath, sailing, swimming, spending time with her family at the Jersey Shore, nutrition cooking, baking and traveling.

Alumni

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

Research & Innovations

Obstetrics and gynecology research at Cleveland Clinic Akron General focuses on improving women’s health and quality of life. From 2020-2023, our residents have authored 8 publications, 12 presentations at national meetings, 17 presentations at regional meetings and 18 presentations at local meetings.

Each resident is required to complete research prior to graduation. Our Department of Health Sciences is located on Opportunity Parkway—just minutes away from Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s campus. It provides research personnel, work spaces and educational and statistical support to the residents. Additionally, our program has a dedicated Health Scientist who provides expertise and guidance on all departmental and resident studies.

Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery

Our residents complete their Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Certification prior to the end of their PGY2 year. All exam fees for the first attempt are covered by the department. Each resident has 24/7 access to a simulation lab equipped for practicing their FLS skills. Time is regularly allocated during didactics for residents preparing for FLS testing to practice. All residents are given the opportunity to practice at our testing location in Cleveland. We have found that this experience helps ease test anxiety. We have had much success with this approach, resulting in a 100% pass rate for first time test takers.

Simulation

We reserve simulation time in our didactic schedule every month. During our monthly OB simulations, our Education Chief Resident works with faculty to develop surprise simulations based on real cases to help residents learn to react and make decisions in real-time. Additional recent simulations have covered Manual Vacuum Aspiration, Amniocentesis, Operative Vaginal Deliveries (Forceps & Vacuum), Ultrasound, Post-Partum Hemorrhage, OASIS and Laparoscopy.

Contact

Estee George, PhD
Health Scientist, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General
330.344.7681
GeorgeE4@ccf.org

• View selected Obstetrics & Gynecology Research Publications

Research & Innovations

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Diversity and Inclusion

Cleveland Clinic values a culture where caregivers integrate diversity and inclusion throughout the enterprise, as well as in our training programs. We respect and appreciate our similarities and differences; they enable us to better serve our patients, one another, and our global communities.

In 2021 we added an evening Media Club hosted by our Program Director, Dr. Bowersox. Topics focus on issues related to Justice, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Faculty, recent Alumni, & current Residents are invited to join.

In 2022 the Quality and Equity Junior Chief Resident role was developed in an effort to increase the recruitment and retention of minority residents and faculty. This role will serve to develop innovative ways to revamp the interview and selection process, to introduce changes to our curriculum including formal teaching on health disparities, and to continue to create a diverse teaching and learning environment.

To learn more about Cleveland Clinic’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

• Cleveland Clinic's Diversity and Inclusion Statement