Leah Craft, MD

Hi! My name is Leah & as a native of nearby New Carlisle Indiana, my husband and I were happy to return to the area for residency. My undergraduate training was at Franklin College of Indiana. After that I returned to South Bend to complete my first two years of medical school through Indiana University’s campus at Notre Dame. My husband Jason and I got married between first and second year, then moved to Indianapolis for the completion of medical school. I've always known I wanted to do family medicine, but my interests within family medicine are very broad. As those interests narrow during residency, I wanted to be at a hospital that offered high quality training in numerous areas. Of all the residencies I looked at, Memorial Hospital offered the most complete and highest quality training in all areas. The highly qualified & professional faculty and residents as well as the friendly atmosphere also drew me to Memorial. Fortunately for us, it happened to be close to home too. When we’re not working, Jason & I enjoy spending time with our friends and family, traveling, and getting involved with anything musical – my husband is a drummer/guitarist but I’m more the guitar hero type. Feel free to e-mail with any questions about Memorial!

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Janel Daufenbach, MD

Hi, I’m Janel. I am from Kalamazoo, MI but I have many ties to South Bend. My parents grew up here and I still have lots of relatives in the area. I went to Notre Dame for undergrad before attending medical school at Wayne State in Detroit, and I’m really happy to be back in town. I was really attracted to Memorial because everyone I met was so great and because of the special attention our residency gives to OB care. I enjoy playing card games and board games and I love reading…and of course Notre Dame football!

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Ricky Gardner, MD

Hey there! My name is Ricky Gardner. My wife, Carissa, and I came to South Bend from Logan, Utah, where I completed my undergrad at Utah State. Along the way, we took a surprisingly short 4-year rest stop at Ohio State (Go Bucks!) for medical school. We have three beautiful, energetic youngsters: Kambry (4), Daxton (2) and Jace (5 mo). I enjoy chasing my kids everywhere and doing anything outdoors, with cycling and running topping my list. I am also looking forward to trying out my green thumb in our garden these next few years…hopefully I’ll be able to live up to my last name! I plan to have a full-spectrum practice in a small town with mountains nearby. Though I was impressed by Memorial’s challenging, dynamic curriculum and hands-on experience, I loved the friendly, compassionate faculty and residents who have made Memorial their home. They are the reason I chose Memorial.

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Chris Johnson, MD

My name is Chris Johnson, and I grew up in central Illinois. My girlfriend Michelle and our crazy pug puppy Bruce are also traveling to South Bend with me. I went to the University of Illinois for undergrad and love the orange and blue. I continued my education with the University of Illinois, and did my clinical rotations in Peoria, Il. I love sports, martial arts and movies. I satisfy the nerd in me by getting a healthy dose of sci fi as well. If you like the Bears, Bulls, and Cubbies we will be best friends. My medical interests are in sports medicine, emergency medicine and would love to do international work. I chose Memorial because of the outstanding faculty and residents as well as the sports medicine training.

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Jessica Madden, MD

My name is Jessica Madden, and I'm a farmer's daughter from small-town Claremont, IL - at least, in part. Admittedly, I've also called a long list of other places all throughout the country 'home' in my lifetime - including the University of Pittsburgh during my undergraduate education, and the University of Illinois, Rockford campus, for medical school - but I've found time and time again that I'm truly a 'Midwest Girl' at heart. As such, I am excited for my future plans to practice rural medicine, with a focus on women's and children's care, beginning here at Memorial. It was Memorial's strong obstetric and pediatric exposure, as well as the warm welcome I received from everyone during the interview season, that made it clear this was the right place for me to continue my medical training. In my much coveted free time, I enjoy spending time in the sun doing anything from fishing to gardening, reading, traveling, trying my hand in the kitchen, or watching a good movie.

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Katie Michalczyk, MD

Originally hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, I am excited to call Memorial and South Bend my new home. After receiving my B.S. in Biology and playing Division III basketball at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, I returned to my home state to study medicine at the University of Louisville. There I became interested in rural medicine, continuity of care, and obstetrics, which made the decision to come to Memorial’s highly-respected and well-rounded program an easy one. Here I am able to learn more about these aspects of medicine, work with a variety of patients, and learn a multitude of procedures, which will bolster my foundation for a career in rural family medicine. I look forward to contributing to and learning from the amazing residents, faculty and staff at Memorial. Outside of medicine, I enjoy shooting hoops, watching college football, and travelling (my most recent places include New York City, Rome, Barcelona, and Edinburgh).

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Jill Sims, MD

"I was born in Naperville, IL and grew up in Memphis, TN and Indianapolis, IN. I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-professional studies and anthropology. I spent the last four years in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan Medical School, where I met my husband Eric, who recently graduated from Michigan with a Ph.D. in economics. Eric has accepted an appointment as an assistant professor of economics at Notre Dame beginning in the fall of 2009.

My medical interests are in women's health, pediatrics, and geriatrics. I chose Memorial because of the enthusiasm of the faculty, the commitment to excellence and the family atmosphere. My goal is to join a group practice in the community upon graduation from residency.

I enjoy spending time with my extended family, which includes over 60 cousins! I am also a big fan of documenting my life through scrapbooking and enjoy trying new red wines along with perfecting the classic white sheet cake with cream cheese frosting. My husband and I are avid Notre Dame Sports fans."

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Jamin Yoder, MD

Hi! My name is Jamin Yoder and I grew up in nearby Middlebury, Indiana. I completed my undergraduate studies at Goshen College in biology and then went on to medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine. I spent the first 2 years of medical school in South Bend before going to Indianapolis for the clinical years. I did a senior elective at Memorial, which sold me on the program. The people at Memorial are exceptional; they are friendly, entertaining, and have an excellent work ethic. Memorial boasts a good volume and variety of patients. I hope to practice full-spectrum family medicine and have a special interest in both the Hispanic and the Amish populations. When I’m not busy with medicine, I love spending time with my wife, Raquel, and our daughter, Krista. I also enjoy gardening, bird watching, reading fiction, and spending time with church friends and family.

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Jaymie Baker, M.D.

Hi! My name is Jaymie Baker and I was actually born at Memorial Hospital and grew up in the South Bend area (meaning that my parents moved around so I have lived a little bit of everywhere in this area!) I then headed east to Manchester College (still in Indiana!) for my undergraduate experience. I met some amazing friends at Manchester who are spread out across the US and discovered my love of travel when studied abroad. I trained at IU School of Medicine. Now, I am excited to be part of Memorial's residency program, which I chose because of the family-like atmosphere and the pediatrics/OB experience. I am close with my family including my nieces and nephews. I love to sing, am a little bit of a coffee junkie, and love travel! When I graduate from Memorial I hope to have a full scale practice that includes procedures and OB!

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Tucker Balam, D.O.

Both my wife Wendy and I hail from Vancouver in southwest Washington State . We have three children; Emily (12), Sydney (8), and Tyler (6). We come to South Bend by way of Glendale , AZ where I attended Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to medical school I earned my B.S. in Biology from Washington State University , where I also did neuro-anatomical research with mice and bats. When I am not studying or checking in on patients you will find me spending time with my family, reading, working out, or playing outdoors. My medical interests include operative obstetrics, sports medicine, and preventative patient care. Memorial offers an exceptional education in those areas, but it was the outstanding residents, faculty, and staff that made my decision easy. After spending a month on rotation here I felt like part of the "family"

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Pat Hobbins, D.O.

Hi! My name is Pat Hobbins and I am from Minneapolis , MN . I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, and I am a graduate of Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. My wife, Jeannie, and I met while in college here in South Bend , and we are excited to move back after spending the last year in Chicago. I chose Memorial because it was the most complete Family Medicine residency I had encountered, and because the people are fantastic. My medical interests remain quite broad at this point, and this program will allow me the opportunity to explore all avenues within Family Medicine. I do enjoy obstetrics, pain management, sports med, OMT, ER and procedures. I enjoy fishing and cooking, and I hope to make a return trip to Italy some time soon.

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Mandy Schmidt, M.D.

I grew up in suburbs of St. Louis , MO but for college I decided I wanted to go to a smaller town and attended Goshen College about 45 minutes from South Bend . I studied abroad in Costa Rica where I worked on my Spanish and discovered the wonders of traveling and learning about new cultures and landscapes. Following college, I spent a year in San Francisco doing volunteer work with women and children with HIV/AIDS. I attended IU with my first two years of med school at IU's regional Gary campus followed by 2 years in Indianapolis doing my clinical rotations. During my fourth year I did a two month elective in Honduras . I like almost all aspects of medicine and love the seeing the variety of patients that Family Medicine physicians treat. I particularly find pediatrics, HIV/AIDS, and working with the underserved interesting and hope to work internationally at some point in my career. I choose Memorial because it will allow me to explore all these interests and because I enjoyed my interactions with the faculty and residents. Outside of medicine, I like traveling, biking, hiking, amateur photography, and crocheting on a cold night in front the TV.

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EmmaLeigh Smith, M.D.

No stranger to the South Bend area, I grew up just over the state line in Niles , Michigan . After high school, I moved to East Lansing to complete my B.S. in Human Biology at Michigan State University . I then stayed for medical school at MSU's College of Human Medicine and then I moved to Kalamazoo to finish my clinical years. I chose to come back to the Michiana area for the residency program at Memorial because of the comprehensive full-spectrum training, excellent faculty and staff, and the incredible opportunities available. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my cat, Gunther. Some of my other interests include vocal music, dance, theatre, and travel.

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Kathryn Walker, M.D.

I grew up on a farm in Palestine, a small, rural town in south-eastern Illinois . I attended the University of Illinois in Champaign for undergrad, then the University of Illinois – Chicago , Rockford campus for medical school. I decided I wanted to stay in the Midwest for residency, and I chose Memorial because I found it offered the best training in all aspects of family medicine. I am excited about the procedural training, sports medicine opportunities, and great faculty and residents that Memorial offers. I enjoy running, reading, musicals, and Illinois football and basketball - ILL !!

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John Wells, M.D.

I grew up in the very small town of Monticello, Utah, near the beautiful Monument Valley of John Wayne movie fame. My wife and I come to South Bend via Toledo, Ohio, from the University of Toledo -- College of Medicine, with our three little girls. Before that, I attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah (Go, Cougars!). During undergrad and medical school, I have enjoyed being a part of mission trips to Argentina, Bolivia, and rural Honduras. Memorial was my top choice for residency because the program has the combination of a dedicated, friendly faculty, excellent residents who are not only coworkers but friends, and a supportive and stable hospital system that will help me maximize my education. My interests include rural and international full-spectrum family medicine. I love to camp, hike, backpack, and hunt, but most of all I love spending time with my beautiful wife or chasing my kids around the zoo or park.

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Jeff Wheeler, D.O.

I was born and raised in the small town of Taylor , Utah . My wife, Bonnie and I with our two children Ayden, and Chloe came to South Bend after discovering the "secret" of Memorial Hospital . I received a B.S. in Microbiology (fascinated by bugs) at Weber State University in Ogden , Utah . I then did my medical school training at A.T. Still University-Kirksville. My medical interests include: colonoscopy, obstetrics, international medicine, and rural family medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family, hunting, fishing, backpacking, shooting and reloading ammunition. I chose Memorial because of the strong obstetrics/pediatrics, flexible curriculum, supportive hospital and faculty. My family and I plan on settling in a small community after residency. Truly some of the best people are here!

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3rd Years - Class of 2010

Kirk Bodach, M.D.

I grew up in Carmel, Indiana, did my undergraduate work at Purdue University, and went to Indiana University for medical school. My wife Lisa and I looked at residency programs all across the country, but we found the best fit here at Memorial. I am still trying to sort out my medical goals in family medicine and I feel that Memorial is a great place to explore the many options. I have been very impressed with the strength of the OB and pediatric training, the sports medicine opportunities, and the incredible faculty.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife, being involved at a church, and watching or participating in most any sport or outdoor activity. I am excited to spend time exploring the roads, trails, and campgrounds of northern Indiana and Michigan by bike, skis, and foot.

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Travis Casper, M.D.

I grew up on the family farm in Kenton, Ohio. After graduating from high school I earned a B.S. in Biology from Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. I also met my wife, Kristin, at Cedarville during the fall Bible conference just two weeks into our freshman year. After graduating from Cedarville we were married and moved to Toledo, Ohio where Kristin did marketing work and I attended medical school at the University of Toledo. In 2008 our son James was born here at Memorial Hospital. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, woodworking, gardening, and deer hunting. My medical interests include prescription drug costs, screening exams, and rural medicine.

Despite interviewing at a large number of programs, I found Memorial had the most personable and helpful faculty and residents. I was also impressed by the excellent training opportunities in obstetrics, pediatrics, and procedures. In the end I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to get such well-rounded training from very friendly people at an unopposed residency program in an excellent hospital system.

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Megan Johnston, M.D.

My name is Megan Johnston, and I am coming to South Bend from North Dakota with my significant other, Joe. I grew up on a farm outside of Grafton, ND, but Joe is originally from Iowa. We met at the University of North Dakota while I was pursuing my medical degree, and he was pursuing his law degree. Prior to that, I received my undergraduate degree in athletic training from North Dakota State University. This has led to a strong interest in sports medicine, but I am also interested in preventive medicine and like the continuity of care that family medicine provides. I chose Memorial because the program really excited me. It had a strong sports medicine program and the option of getting an MPA, not to mention a great faculty and a fun group of residents. My hobbies include gardening, painting, refinishing furniture, and reading. Being active is also important as I like to run, bike, and play basketball. Sadly, I am going to miss spending the summer at my family’s lake cabin in Minnesota, but I hear there is a big lake nearby. -: ).

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Anne Harris, M.D.

Growing up in the small town of Reedsburg, WI, I learned the value and variety of rural healthcare from my father, a family physician, and my mother, a veterinarian. I had lived in the same house my whole life, so I was a bit nervous when the time came for me to make my first venture to South Bend, IN, to attend the University of Notre Dame. All my fears were eased as I found the community to be welcoming and still have a small town feel despite being much larger than what I was used to. I enjoyed my four years in South Bend, all the more because I met my husband while we were both attending Notre Dame. However, college could not last forever and I chose to continue my training at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. When time came for me to choose a residency, Shaun and I had a hard time figuring out which area of the country would suit us best as he is from Connecticut. We decided Memorial would be the perfect residency and location for us. Not only did we both feel at home in South Bend, but the residents were friendly, outgoing, and active. Memorial also offered the high risk OB and procedural training I desired with a strong curriculum base that will surely prepare me to practice in a rural or semi-rural area someday. When not at work, Shaun and I are probably enjoying a movie, talking about our favorite TV shows, or being active outdoors. We are also going to have our hands full training our golden retriever puppy.

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Tricia Kurtz, M.D.

My name is Tricia Kurtz, and I grew up in Cumberland, Indiana. I spent undergrad very near to South Bend, at Goshen College, before attending Indiana University for medical school. I never anticipated returning to the snow and clouds of Northern Indiana, but my interview day at Memorial Hospital changed my mind. I was impressed by all of the directors and residents I met. In addition, Memorial Hospital’s very high volumes of OB and Pediatric patients, along with their rural medicine track, fit very well with my medical interests. I am also excited about the opportunity to serve Spanish-speaking patients. I have been blessed to be able to spend 3 months in Costa Rica and 2 months in Honduras, and despite this, I still have a long way to go before I'm considered a “native Spanish-speaker” but I love to try! Outside of medical school, I enjoy being involved in church activities, time with my family and friends, running, spoiling my kitty, and watching college football and basketball, where my team of choice will make me very unpopular in Notre Dame country…Go Buckeyes!!

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Emily McDevitt, D.O.

Hey there! My name is Emily McDevitt. I am originally from Hutchison, MN. Eager to move “South”, I attended undergrad at the University of Wisconsin – Lacrosse where I earned a bachelors degree in psychology. From there, I moved to Orlando, FL (a little further SouthJ) while taking some time off from school. In Orlando I met my husband, Michael. We moved to Ft. Lauderdale so that I could attend medical school at Nova Southern University – College of Osteopathic Medicine. Since beginning med school, we have had 3 children, Ashleigh, Caleb & Lacey. When I have free time, I love spending time with my family, exercising, and biking. Memorial was my first choice because of the excellent training offered in all areas of Family Medicine. In addition, I am very interested in Sports Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, both of which I will have ample opportunity to practice at Memorial. Finally, the people at Memorial have treated my family and I like family from our very first visit. I am proud to be a part of a great program.

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Bethany Wait, D.O.

My name is Bethany Wait. I am originally from Goshen, Indiana which is 30 minutes East of South Bend. I went to Indiana University Bloomington and finished my undergraduate degree in Biology at Indiana University South Bend. I went to medical school at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, MI. I love Osteopathic Manipulation and am happy for work on anyone! My husband's name is Andy Wait. He is an engineer in Goshen. Andy and I enjoy playing disc golf together in our free time. I also enjoy cooking and gardening. I chose Memorial because it's a great residency program! I love the family atmosphere and friendly faces. I also can pursue my love for Osteopathic Medicine!

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Mandy Sorlie, M.D.

Hello! My name is Mandy Sorlie and I came to South Bend with my husband Dave and our daughter Olivia. We recently added a son, Owen, to our family on May 17, 2009! As the youngest of six children, I grew up on a farm in southwest North Dakota. After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of North Dakota, I spent 2 years in a research lab at the University of Minnesota before returning to UND for medical school. I chose Memorial because of the wonderful people, abundant OB and pediatrics, and the opportunity to be trained in the full spectrum of family medicine. I have a special interest in women and children?s health and rural medicine and anticipate these being major components of my future practice. Upon completion of my residency, we will be moving back to North Dakota to practice in a community of 15,000. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, running, and watching North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey!
Each year applicants ask if I would come to Memorial if I could do it all over again. Without hesitation, my answer is "YES!". I truly feel that I am getting amazing training that will prepare me for just about anything that walks through my door!

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4th Years - Class of 2010

Andy Shull, MD

I graduated from the University of Memphis in 2001, followed by the University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine in Memphis in 2006. My wife Jolynn is teaching High School Biology. My three children are enjoying South Bend, even with all the snow, and really love playing with all the residents' kids. I personally enjoy reading fiction, historical nonfiction, playing golf (badly), playing piano, learning guitar, and playing Settlers of Catan with fellow residents. The organization of medicine in general fascinates me, and the sheer breadth of family medicine captured me, including Obstetrics and GI Endoscopy. Memorial combines these interests into a single curriculum, the 4-year MPA track. I was recently the Resident district director for the IAFP, and am excited about continuing involvement with the AAFP, and pleased at the support I get in all of my pursuits.

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Keyna Martinez, MD

"I am one of the few South Bend area natives here at Memorial. After eight years away at undergrad (Indiana State University) and med school (Indina University School of Medicine) my husband and I were glad to move closer to family. But coming back home was just icing on the Memorial cake. I really feel we have a great family-friendly program with supportive faculty and excellent opportunities to get great experience in all areas of family medicine. We have a large volume of OB, which suits me perfectly as I love obstetrics. I also benefit from Memorial's unique Health Services Management track which allows me to gain extra experience in the business side of medicine and exercise a different part of my brain. My husband has the hard job as a stay-at-home dad/body guard for our 2 boys Marty Jo (2 ½ years) and Gabriel (9 months). I like to garden, read and spend time with my family when I am not at the hosptal"

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Matthew Brady, M.D., Obstetrics Fellow

I came to South Bend by way of medical school at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. I received my undergrad degree in Exercise Science from Utah State University. Originally I am from Price, a small town in Eastern Utah. I married my beautiful wife Tracy in 2000. We have two daughters, Ryan Michelle and Kacie, who keep us on our toes. I enjoy obstetrics, sports medicine, international medicine and public and preventive health. Memorial's fellowship programs in OB and Sports Medicine and joint Master's of Public Administration degree are all great additions to an already strong community program and helped make my decision to come Eastward. They also provide excellent support for International Medicine trips. I'm confident whatever I decide to do I will have unrivaled opportunities available for me at Memorial.

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Michael Galbraith, D.O.,  Sports Medicine Fellow

Howdy! It seems like I've made a long journey to Memorial with multiple stops on the way. I was born in Alberta, Canada (the token Canuck in the program) but was raised in Seattle, WA . I completed my undergrad at Brigham Young University, in Provo, UT, and then attended medical school at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Phoenix, AZ. I moved with my family across country to Memorial because it offers top-notch education and I loved the motivated faculty and residents and the friendly atmosphere. (I'm also grateful to be back in a land of green grass, four seasons, and non-desert landscaping!) I look forward to the opportunities Memorial offers to pursue my career ambitions, not to mention a little moonlighting in the ER. My medical interests include rural medicine, procedures, sports medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine. I've been married to my lovely wife, Kelly (also from the Great White North), since 1999. She's been an amazing support throughout undergrad, medical school and residency. We're excited to finally have a house with a backyard and basement for our three active children. My interests outside of medicine include swimming with my family, snow skiing, football, playing trombone, and learning to be a handyman.

Click here to contact Michael