2025 Residency graduation

The Department of Surgery at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of our 2025 graduating class of general surgery residents! This exceptional group of individuals has dedicated the past 5-7 years to rigorous training, unwavering commitment, and the pursuit of surgical excellence. They have honed their skills, expanded their knowledge, and demonstrated the resilience necessary to excel in the demanding field of general surgery.

As they embark on the next chapter of their careers, we recognize the diverse paths they have chosen, reflecting their individual passions and expertise. We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to each of them:

Briana DiGiore will be pursuing a fellowship in Surgical Critical Care / Acute Care at UC San Diego. Her dedication to the most critically ill and injured patients will undoubtedly make a significant impact.

Holly Johnson will remain at the University at Buffalo to complete a fellowship in Flexible Endoscopy. Her commitment to advancing minimally invasive techniques will benefit countless patients.

Caitlin McGee will also be staying at the University at Buffalo to specialize in Bariatric Surgery through a fellowship. Her focus on helping patients improve their health and quality of life is commendable.

Fernanda Maria Nunez De La Vega will be joining UBMD Surgery as a Surgery Attending in private practice. We are thrilled to have her join our faculty and serve the Western New York community.

Joe Pollichemi will continue his training with a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University at Buffalo. His dedication to this critical subspecialty will ensure exceptional care for our region's most vulnerable patients.

Carrie Ryan will be advancing her expertise through a Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Ohio State University Medical Center. Her commitment to the fight against cancer is truly inspiring.

Rebecca Scott will be pursuing a fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Michigan State University. Her focus on the intricate world of blood vessels will be invaluable to her future patients.

Kevin Todd will be heading to Baylor College of Medicine for a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship. His pursuit of excellence in this demanding field is a testament to his dedication.

Kathryn Zelenova will be specializing in Hand Surgery through a fellowship at the University of Miami. Her focus on restoring function and improving the lives of patients with hand and upper extremity conditions is admirable.

We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of each of these graduates. They represent the future of surgery, and we are confident they will make significant contributions to their respective fields and the lives of their patients. The faculty and staff of the Department of Surgery at the University at Buffalo wish them all the best in their future endeavors!