Resident Profiles

John Chappa, MD
2019 – TTUHSC, Lubbock, TX 
2015 - Medical Science, University of North Texas HSC, Ft Worth, TX
2014 – Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX

John Fisher, MD
2020 – TTUHSC, Lubbock, TX 
2018 – Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business, Lubbock, TX 


Kaitlin Rush, DO
2020 - Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI
2015 - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Caleb Gottlich, MD
2020 – Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX
2015 – Texas A&M, College Station, TX

Where are you from/hometown: Coppell, TX
What is it you enjoy about Texas Tech Ortho?
Of all of the places I went I felt that I got along with the residents here better than other places. Everyone seemed genuine, down to earth, and relatable. I also was told from multiple other places that the residents coming out of here were operatively some of the best. I wanted to gain the operative confidence while also working with people who I enjoy being around.
Career Interest: Oncology and pediatrics
Favorite thing to do in Lubbock: Find new restaurants with my wife
OR Playlist of choice: Texas Country, Frank Sinatra, or the Beatles
Favorite post-call snack: Gummy bears

Jacqueline Van Gheem, MD
2020 - Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA
2015 - Mississippi College, Clinton, MS

Where are you from/hometown: Wrightstown, WI
What is it you enjoy about Texas Tech Ortho?
During my visiting rotation I felt comfortable with the residents and faculty. The program is like a large family and everyone looks out for each other. The faculty take the time in the OR to make sure the residents are ready to operate independently. All other staff members are also very helpful and made me feel comfortable and like I was at home during my rotation.
Career Interest: undecided
Favorite thing to do in Lubbock: Check out the local breweries and restaurants. I also enjoy going to the multiple small lakes in and around Lubbock.
OR Playlist of choice: Beast Mode
Favorite post-call snack: String Cheese

Nathan Baruch, MD
2021 - Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX
2017 - Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Taylor Blackwood, DO
2021 – University of North Texas Health Science Center at Forth Worth - TCOM
2015 - Baylor University, Waco, TX

Where are you from/hometown: Friendswood, TX
Career Interest: Upper Extremity, Sports Medicine
Favorite thing to do in Lubbock: Golf, Chimy's
OR Playlist of choice: Summer Hits of the 90's
Favorite post-call snack: Chipotle

Kadi Cooley, MD
2021 – West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston, WV
2017 – University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

Where are you from/hometown: Powell, Wyoming
What is it you enjoy about Texas Tech Ortho?
I feel like I connected and fit in well with the residents at TTUHSC.In addition to the people, I wanted a residency program that would provide me with a strong operative experience. 
Career Interest: Joints, rural practice
Favorite thing to do in Lubbock: Spend time with friends, go to the farmer's market, take my dog Buck for a walk
OR Playlist of choice: The Score, Lizzo, Luke Combs
Favorite post-call snack: Popcorn

Benjamin McIntosh, MD
2020 - University of Arizona COM, Phoenix, AZ
2015 - University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Alexander Abraham, MD
2022 - University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
2017 - Ball State University


Ruthvik Allala, MD
2023 - Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU
2018 - University of Texas at Austin

Camas Curran, MD
2023 - University of Washington School of Medicine
2017 - The College of Idaho Caldwell, ID

Where are you from/hometown: Boise, ID 
What is it you enjoy about Texas Tech Ortho?: Blue collar program with lots of operative time and progressive autonomy. Strong trauma experience. Awesome culture and comradery. Smaller town with reasonable living expenses.  
Favorite thing to do in Lubbock: Pick up heavy weights and put them back down, play with my dogs, spend time with my husband Harley 
OR Playlist of choice: Shinedown, Papa roach, AC/DC, One Last Night, Electric Call Boy 
Favorite post-call snack: Indian food, donuts 

Kyle Messer, DO
2021 - Marion College of Osteopathic Medicine
2017 - Indiana University Bloomington, IN

Austin Anfinson, DO
2024 - Kansas City University
2018 - D'Youville University, NY


Evan Bradshaw, MD
2024 - TTUHSC, Amarillo, TX
2020 - University of Texas at Austin

Where are you from/hometown: Frisco, TX
Why TTU: My favorite things about the program are the camaraderie amongst the residents, the operative experience, and the open dialogue between residents and faculty on how to advance the program. These things combined make TTU Ortho a fantastic place to train.
Career interest: Undecided
Favorite thing to do in Lubbock: Golf
OR Playlist of choice: There are only two types of music… Country and Western. I listen to both.
Favorite post-call snack: Breakfast tacos

 
Emmanuella Oduguwa, MD, MPH
2024 - University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas
2024 - UT Health Science Center at Houston
2019 - Trinity University

Where are you from/hometown: Houston, TX
Why TTU: This residency program is a great fit because of its emphasis on early hands-on surgical experience with graduated autonomy, the strong sense of community among residents and faculty, and its proximity to my family.
Career interest: I have a strong interest in pediatric orthopaedics, but I am open to exploring other specialties as I am just beginning my training.
Favorite thing to do in Lubbock: Yoga, long walks in the park, and finding the best almond croissants around town.
OR Playlist of choice: 90’s R&B!
Favorite post-call snack: Chocolate 

Brianna Wolkober, MD
2024 - TTUHSC, Amarillo, TX
2020 - Texas Christian University

Where are you from/hometown: Brighton, WI
Why TTU: I love the culture here, and I feel like everyone really looks out for one another. The early operative experience was another huge plus for me as well as seeing how confident the graduating residents are in their diagnostic and surgical skills. I also like that interns can take buddy call with the junior resident to get more experience before being on primary call. Lastly, I appreciate that we have daily morning conference which allows for dedicated time for education.
Career interest: Sports – I’d like to volunteer with Justin Sports Medicine Team eventually!
Favorite thing to do in Lubbock: Ride horses, farmer’s market on Saturdays, or anything outdoors
OR Playlist of choice: I can’t pick just one and it really depends on the vibe, but anywhere from AC/DC, country western, Taylor Swift, 2000s rap/hip hop
Favorite post-call snack: Breakfast sandwich from Sugar Browns

• Christopher Gerzina, MD - Trauma, University of Florida

• Alexis Rounds, MD - Sports, University of Utah