Benjamin Aiken, MD
He/him/his
Hometown, State
Springfield, MO
Medical School
Meharry Medical College
Academic Area of Interest
Social EM, Disaster Medicine
Why LSU?
My interview with the team made coming to LSU a no brainer. Thankfully they accepted me even after showing off my mediocre guitar skills during the social. I can’t think of a better place to grow as an EM physician and am so excited to join a diverse crew of individuals that are passionate about the community they serve.
Favorite thing about NOLA
New Orleans is the only city in the world where you can walk down a street around decorated potholes and see someone playing a trumpet in their front yard on a random Tuesday. This place is incredible. From world class food to an unparalleled music scene, its easy to understand why people never leave. I am thrilled to join the New Orleans community and support it in such a unique way.
Hobbies
Anything outdoors: Canoeing, horseback riding, running, biking ect. Though I am not very good, I also play the guitar every now and then.
Jessica Aird, DO, MS
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
San Antonio, TX
Medical School
UNTHSC Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Area of Interest
Peds EM, EMS, Social EM, SIM, and Medical Education
Why LSU?
LSU checked all the boxes - world class facilities, amazing faculty, the ability to work with NOLA EMS, a focus on social EM, and most importantly residents who really enjoyed each other's company. From the first social, I could see that the LSU residents were like a family and were having fun! Plus, the food and music scene in New Orleans - unmatched.
Favorite thing about NOLA
Before matching at LSU I had only been to New Orleans once, but I knew that it was a city where my fiancé and I could be happy. We can't wait to be apart of this community, attend some of the amazing festivals, and eat our way through the city! We also knew that New Orleans was a destination that our friends and family would not hesitate to come visit!
Hobbies
Anything that involves great food, wine, or cocktails; reading (fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy for the most part); listening to music (live or solo raves at home with my fiancé); travel; baking
Baylee Bruton, MD
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
Dublin, GA
Medical School
Mercer University School of Medicine - Macon, GA
Academic Area of Interest
Peds EM, Global Health, Social EM, Disaster Medicine, Critical Care
Why LSU?
So many things, but most important for me: this is a program that deeply cares about and connects with the community and patient populations it serves. Coupled with the opportunity for combined EM/Peds training, a diversity of ED settings, trauma experiences, the compassionate and fun-loving residents and faculty, LSU was an easy choice!
Favorite thing about NOLA
From the month I spent on an away, I quickly grew to love the kind people, strong sense of community, beautiful homes and unique history, good music, GREAT food!!
Hobbies
Watching sports, especially the Georgia Bulldogs and ATL Braves, spending every spare minute with my family + friends, trying new restaurants, traveling to any body of water, playing piano
Benjamin Castin, MD
He/him/his
Hometown, State
Melbourne, FL
Medical School
Howard University College of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest
Social EM, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Sports Medicine, Wilderness and International EM
Why LSU?
From the jump, I really felt like I meshed well here during my AI. The residents were academically and clinically strong and the faculty was extremely committed to training excellent clinicians. Most importantly, the patient demographic at LSU aligns with my personal goals. I got into this game knowing that I wanted to serve historically underserved and vulnerable populations throughout my career, and I’d argue that LSU New Orleans is one of the best places to do it.
Favorite thing about NOLA
There’s something about the southern comfort here that really makes NO feel like home. The kind and welcoming atmosphere is refreshing. As a Florida native, I find the heat and humidity of Louisiana to be invigorating. My favorite thing, and this is a double-edged sword, is the amount of quality places to eat great food. I can’t get enough!
Hobbies
I enjoy most outdoor activities, especially gardening and walking nature trails. I stay physically active with weightlifting, basketball, and flag football. Sometimes, I enjoy debating sports more than I enjoy partaking in them. God’s greatest gift to man is Florida Gator Football and I look forward to pushing this agenda during my four years here.
Daniel Castro, MD
He/him/his
Hometown, State
Hamilton, MA
Medical School
University of Vermont - Larner College of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest
Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine, Event Medicine, Global Health in Latin America
Why LSU?
4 year academic program, brand spankin' new facility, stellar experience in a level 1 trauma center, all while living down on the Bayou? What else could you ask for out of a program?
Favorite thing about NOLA
I had never been to New Orleans before I went to Jazz Fest, There, I immediately fell in love with the city. New Orleans is alive. The tunes, the community, the food. The second I realized what New Orleans had to offer, I knew I was in the right place. So this is my round-about way of saying, the music. The music in New Orleans is some of the best on the planet and hands down my favorite thing about the city.
Hobbies
Crushing taco feasts, walks with my pup Maddie, going rock climbing, teaching acro yoga, spinning fire poi, playing guitar or the cajon, and singing karoke.
Erica Diesfeld, MD
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
St. Louis, MO
Medical School
University of Missouri School of Medicine- Columbia
Academic Area of Interest
International EM, Social EM, Palliative and Geriatric Medicine
Why LSU?
I had the opportunity to come to New Orleans for my away rotation, and I knew immediately this would be where I call home for the next four years. Even on my first ED shift, I felt embraced and welcomed by staff, residents, attendings, and my fellow AIs. Working alongside individuals that share the same level of passion for their patients and their patients’ stories was something I had been searching for in a residency program, and I’d finally found it. One of the most impressive things about LSU-NOLA is that in the most unpredictable, chaotic environment that is the New Orleans ER, there is an unbelievable level of organization and composure during traumas… a rare thing! Fun fact: 6 years (to the day) prior to match, I was in New Orleans visiting with friends! Now, I get to train in this incredible place, and I could not be happier.
Favorite thing about NOLA
New Orleans is the one city where everyone can feel at home, even if you've never visited before! The people here go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and cared for. I also love the food (of course) and the plentiful live music that fills the streets. Life is never boring here... whether there's a festival to check out or a new neighborhood to explore, there's always something going on.
Hobbies
Traveling, going to R&B concerts, cooking (especially italian food), baking, playing my piano, watching Broad City, working out at home (pilates and boxing are my favorite!)
Michael Kling, DO
He/him/his
Hometown, State
Highland Mills, NY
Medical School
Nova Southeastern University
Academic Area of Interest
Social EM, Disaster Medicine, Global Health, Critical Care, LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Why LSU?
Besides the great vibes I felt speaking with faculty and residents, LSU was the perfect mix of what I was looking for: an academic, safety-net hospital, based in a diverse, exciting city. Their commitment to marginalized and underserved communities resonated with my own interests in improving health disparities and outcomes. I was sure LSU would grow me into a fantastic physician and leader. There wasn’t a box that it didn’t check off.
Favorite thing about NOLA
The amazing food, culture, and things to discover. It’s a diverse urban center with plenty to offer for all.
Hobbies
Hanging with my dogs Dexter and Skylar, discovering new places for a good bite or a drink, bicycling, gym, music, and traveling.
Josh Lara, MD
He/him/his
Hometown, State
Lubbock, TX
Medical School
Texas Tech HSC El Paso - Paul L Foster School of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest
Social EM/Disparities, EMS, International Medicine, Global Health
Why LSU?
It was all about the vibe and fit. The program has an unbelievable sense of commmunity that I knew I wanted to be a part of because everyone cares for one other. It's amazing to see how that translates to patient care and helping the people of NOLA. I knew instantly that I wanted to be here. That compassionate, empathetic nature is infectious.
Favorite thing about NOLA
The community, the culture, the laid back vibe of the city. Every moment here feels like "a little piece of eternity dropped into your hands."
Hobbies
Cooking/eating, traveling, live music, adventures, hanging with friends, motorcycles and the sun shining on my face.
Alyssa Meyer, MD, MPH
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
Chatfield, MN
Medical School
Unniversity of Minnesota
Academic Area of Interest
EMS, Sports Medicine, Event Medicine, Wilderness, Critical Care
Why LSU?
On my interview day I felt like I had really great conversations with the faculty members and residents I interacted with. At the resident social hour everyone just felt like they were a family/really great friends. I felt like all of the people seemed like a very close knit community which is something that was extremely important to me given I will have no familly when I move to New Orleans. I was also interested in fellowship and I wanted a program that would be able to help support that and give me time to explore where my intrests are.
Favorite thing about NOLA
I have never been to the area yet, but I will say I am most excited to explore the food and culture/history of the city when I move.
Hobbies
I love baking any type of dessert, reading fiction books, and hiking/being outdoors.
Cheron Perkins, DO
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
New Orleans, LA
Medical School
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Area of Interest
Event Medicine, Social EM, Street Medicine, Diversity and Inclusion
Why LSU?
As a New Orleans native, I have always wanted to attend LSU New Orleans for my medial education and training. LSU was where I was first exposed to Emergency Medicine. I love the mission of the "Spirit of Charity" and the service LSU does for the New Orleans community. I felt it was only right to come back home and serve at the hospital which has poured so much into me but also my family members. Also, LSU EM was the best away rotation I completed; I truly felt back at home. We worked hard but played even harder!
Favorite thing about NOLA
What isn't there to love about New Orleans... the food, the culture, the music, the people, the festivals, the Saints! (obviously, I love it ALL)
Hobbies
Social Media content creator, actress, candle collector, retail threapy, traveling
Kara Plasko, MD
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
Abita Springs, LA
Medical School
LSU School of Medicine New Orleans
Academic Area of Interest
Social EM, Palliative EM, Critical Care, Medical Education
Why LSU?
I knew on my first shift that LSU New Orleans was the right fit for me. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful, I could really see myself as part of the team! In addition to the sense of community and support, there is an emphasis on not just training great emergency medicine physicians, but also in cultivating great people who are passionate about social justice and serving the community of New Orleans.
Favorite thing about NOLA
The culture and people! Growing up just outside of New Orleans I have always loved the city and am beyond grateful to have the privilege of completing medical school here and now residency. There is ALWAYS something to do whether it is a festival, concert, etc. Plus the food is unreal!
Hobbies
Reading Fantasy and Sci-Fi, long bubble baths, baking, attempting to keep my plants alive, traveling to new places
Sasha Reed, MD
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
Seattle, WA
Medical School
Chicago Medical School at RFUMS
Academic Area of Interest
Social EM, Wilderness, Med Ed, Tox
Why LSU?
During my AI, I immediately saw that this program prioritizes the development of good people to become good ER doctors. I really felt like I'd found my people and like I'd experience growth professionally, academically, and personally. LSU has the acuity and variety I was looking for, as well as a real and palpable commitment to the community it serves.
Favorite thing about NOLA
Being in NOLA feels like a warm hug. Everyone here believes in the city and is invested in seeing it be great. Also the live music, chargrilled parmesan oysters, and sourdough beignets.
Hobbies
Reading (currently racing through trashy novels of any genre), traveling with my husband, hiking in places with animals that will kill me, seeing my favorite musical acts live, and buying toys for our cats to lose.
Maria Rodriguez, DO
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
Colombia & Miami, FL
Medical School
Nova Southeastern KPCOM - Davie, FL
Academic Area of Interest
Too many - Disaster/EMS, Social EM/Health Disparities, Street Medicine, Critical Care
Why LSU?
They felt like a future home! During my AI, the residents and faculty were so welcoming. You could tell that they all enjoyed each others' company inside and outside the hospital. LSU provides great exposure. They value diversity and have a strong desire to help the underserved. I knew that I would get the best training surrounded by amazing people.
Favorite thing about NOLA
The people!! Everyone around me was always so kind and made it feel like home. The food is delicious, music is everywhere, the city has something for everyone!
Hobbies
Traveling, reading, dancing, running (very slowly) watching/playing sports (especially soccer). Being my nephew's favorite aunt (not an easy job).
Doug Smith, MBBS
He/him/his
Hometown, State
San Antonio, TX
Medical School
University College Dublin, Ireland
Academic Area of Interest
Medical Education, Health Informatics, Simulation Medicine, Biotechnology
Why LSU?
The biggest reason was that the residents seemed to get along with each other. There were only 2 programs where residents were present at each others houses during the interview, and LSU was one of them. That made a big difference. Also, the weather (unpopular opinion), I love thunderstorms, the south and the coast. Lastly, I wanted an academic hospital, where I would be exposed to a wide range of pathology, as well as be supported in persuing Medical Education, and Bioengineering.
Favorite thing about NOLA
Thunderstorms, swamps and the culture of the city. One of the reasons I went to Dublin for training was the history. There's not many American cities that have an incredibly strong sense of culture, music and history, but New Orleans has these deeply engraned in the community. The fact that you can go down the street and see historical buildings really makes you feel like you're part of the human experience.
Hobbies
Trail Running, Drumming, Scuba Diving, Exploring, Tinkering (robotics/programming/game development in my free time) and Video Games! I guess traveling too since I lived in Europe...
Jordan Smith, MD
SHE/HER/HERS
Hometown, State
Morgan Hill, CA
Medical School
University of California, Davis
Academic Area of Interest
Social EM, Street Medicine, Med Ed
Why LSU?
The patient population and the program’s commitment to the community and social EM. Also, I get to live in New Orleans which I have loved visiting and am excited to explore more!
Favorite thing about NOLA
I am new to the area but so far what stands out are the incredible food and the friendliness of the people here. There also seems to be live music everywhere, all the time.
Hobbies
Snowboarding, reading romance fiction novels, traveling, concerts/festivals, clothes shopping/thrifting, animals
Jason Sreedhar, DO, MS, MPH
He/him/his
Hometown, State
Richmond, VA
Medical School
Nova Southeastern University
Academic Area of Interest
Social EM, Disaster/Humanitarian Medicine, Migrant/Refugee Health, Differentiated Models of Care, Health Systems Strengthening, Operations/Logistics
Why LSU?
From top to bottom, I felt that everyone I met at LSU was genuinely invested in realizing healthcare equity and justice for marginalized/excluded communities. Combining that with the inherent disaster experience, the migrant worker population, the super supportive faculty, and the training at a high-acuity and mission-driven county hospital, LSU offered me everything I need to become an excellent physician, advocate, and humanitarian.
Favorite thing about NOLA
The history, the diversity, the parks, the grittiness, and the sense of community.
Hobbies
Triathlon, Road Cycling, inhaling peanut butter, and being a real life glaucomflecken character