PGY 2 Residents
Kadijah Dansby, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Boston, MA & Washington, DC
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Event Medicine, Correctional Medicine
Why LSU? I was drawn to LSU because of its strong commitment to social EM and serving underserved
populations. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, it offers high-volume, high-acuity cases
with a broad range of pathology— things that we're a priority for me in a training
program. Additionally, the residents are incredibly supportive, and I’m excited to
be part of such a dedicated and passionate team.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Definitely the food and the culture! New Orleans is such a unique and charming city—
there’s so much to do and explore. I’m looking forward to discovering all that my
new city has to offer.
Hobbies: Traveling, working out (Solidcore, pilates, cycling), spending quality time with my
family and friends, hosting events, and trying new restaurants and foods.
Susan Dedicatoria, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Assawoman, VA
Medical School: Florida State University
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Critical Care
Why LSU? Every time I have visited New Orleans I have absolutely loved the food, the people,
and the overall atmosphere. When I interviewed at LSU, I felt so at home with each
interaction whether it was the front desk staff member, the residents, or the program
directors and faculty. I knew I would not only be supported at LSU but would thrive.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Definitely the food, I am looking forward to scoping out the area and trying all
the food New Orleans has to offer over the next few years.
Hobbies: I like to travel, and like to try new restaurants/breweries, and ride horses.
Katie Eagan, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Medical School: LSU Health Shreveport
Academic Area of Interest: Ultrasound, Critical Care
Why LSU? I’ll be honest—location was a big part of my decision. Having been born and raised
here, I’ve always felt a deep connection to this city. There's a unique energy, a
strong sense of community, and a rich culture that continually draws you back. When
I explored LSU’s program, it quickly became clear that it was the right fit. The training
at UMC was exactly what I was looking for, and the people made it an easy yes.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Food, music, culture, family - all part of daily life in Nola
Hobbies: Wining and dining, spending time with family and friends on the water
Jasmine Jones, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Disaster Medicine, Peds EM, Community Engagement, EMS
Why LSU? Matching at LSU-NOLA has always been a dream of mine. When it comes to training,
patient pathology, and acuity there was no better opportunity for me than at UMC.
I am all too familiar with some of the barriers to healthcare that citizens in Louisiana
have and wanted to be a part of mitigating these barriers. I love my city, and I love
the Spirit of Charity that this program upholds!
Favorite thing about NOLA: The culture (of course!), the people, and its historical impact
Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, spending time with family, shopping (it can be a hobby if done
responsibly!)
Ryan Keane, MD
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Oakland, California
Medical School: University of Queensland - Ochsner
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Ultrasound, Palliative, Pediatrics
Why LSU? I was drawn to LSU EM because of its mission to serve all of greater New Orleans at
UMC, its safety-net hospital. After spending an away rotation here, I saw firsthand
the patient population, faculty, and resident culture—and I knew it was the right
fit. The program’s diversity, camaraderie, and emphasis on mentorship and teaching
align with my goals as a future emergency physician and educator.
Favorite thing about NOLA: I love New Orleans for its community spirit and shared pride, historic charm, live
music with talented musicians around every corner, and the food—nothing beats a neighborhood
crawfish boil.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing and coaching golf, running along the St. Charles streetcar line, and
snowboarding when I get the chance. I also love scuba diving—Palau’s next on my list.
At home, I like to experiment in the kitchen, especially with homemade salsas.
Kennedy Key, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown:Milwaukee, WI
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, EMS, Disaster Medicine
Why LSU? I chose LSU Spirit of Charity EM because I had an incredible experience during my
audition rotation. From day one, the residents made me feel welcomed and supported,
helping me build confidence clinically, and inviting me into their community both
inside and outside the hospital. I was also drawn to the diverse patient population,
high volume, and acuity I encountered throughout the month. And it’s hard to beat
the vibrant culture, amazing food, and hospitality of New Orleans!
Favorite thing about NOLA: The history, the people, sports teams (huge NBA fan here!), and definitely the food!
Hobbies: BRUNCHING!! reading, true crime (podcasts, documentaries), rebinging Real Housewives
of Atlanta, exploring museums, hoarding pictures of my nephew, and spending quality
time with my people.
Dominic Latona, DO
Pronouns: no preference
Hometown: Alabaster, Alabama
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn)
Academic Area of Interest: EMS, Critical Care, Sports Medicine, Social EM
Why LSU? I chose LSU New Orleans because I feel the training here is unparalleled and completely
unique. The city provides a setting with an abundance of pathology and endless opportunities
to learn. From day one, I was welcomed by residents and faculty who are not only skilled,
but also incredibly kind, down-to-earth, and humble. It was clear that this program
values serving others and emphasizes caring for the whole person—not just treating
symptoms or diseases. Social EM is a passion of mine, and I know that NOLA EM will
foster my desire to grow both as a clinician and as someone committed to meeting patients
where they are.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Such a wide variety of foods, culture, and fun!
Hobbies: Reading, writing, spending time with family and friends, cooking, working out, hunting,
fishing
Brandon Ozier, MD, MPH
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: EMS, Global Health/International Medicine, Social EM, Critical Care, Disaster Medicine
Why LSU? I chose LSU New Orleans primarily because of the people in this program. Everyone
I had the chance to speak with on interview day was so welcoming and down to earth;
it made me feel that LSU would be an incredibly supportive environment in which I
could become the physician I always wanted to be. On top of that, New Orleans provides
a unique opportunity to train in an area with an underserved and diverse patient population
with a wide range of both medical and traumatic pathologies. I am confident that after
training here, I will be prepared to practice medicine in any setting. New Orleans
is also one of my favorite places in the country, and I'm excited to be of service
to the people who call it home.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Beautiful and historic city with an amazing culture, especially the music scene and
incredible food
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, hiking, reading, scuba diving, hunting, college
football, and exploring new places
Alyson Palia, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School
Academic Area of Interest: EMS, Social EM
Why LSU? Vibes during interview day sold me! Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and I
really appreciated the program’s focus on health equity
Favorite thing about NOLA: The food.
Hobbies: I love a movie theater! Or a nice library, both good options.
Syed Rizvi, DO
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Toronto, ON, Canada & Detroit, MI
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Advocacy, Social EM, Event Medicine, Health Disparities, Disaster/Global Medicine,
Social Medicine
Why LSU? Definitely the culture of resident education and support. It’s clear that teaching
is prioritized here—not just in name, but in day-to-day practice. There's a recognition
that optimal learning doesn't come from sheer volume of work, but from meaningful
clinical exposure paired with time to reflect, study, and grow. All on top of the
program ready to work towards your specific goals within medicine, like advocacy!
That kind of environment allows residents to thrive, not just survive, and it's something
I deeply value as I look to train in a program where I can develop both competence
and longevity in a combined EM/IM career.
Favorite thing about NOLA: The historical French culture and the seafood hype! I'm brand new to NOLA so am excited
to see what it has to offer!
Hobbies: I am always on a side quest by spending my freetime on projects and efforts that I
have a passion towards. But also love to travel and spend time with friends and family.
Abraham Ruiz, DO, MS
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn)
Academic Area of Interest: EMS, Critical Care, Event Medicine, Health Disparities
Why LSU? After my audition, I knew LSU was the place where I wanted to train. I immediately
felt welcomed by everyone around me. The environment fostered by the residents and
faculty was like no other. The diversity within the residency was also a big draw.
The patient population allows you to see a vast array of pathology while truly helping
the community that depends on us. And who doesn’t want to live in New Orleans?
Favorite thing about NOLA: The culture, art, music, genuine community, and diversity the city offers is truly
special. It’s also a foodie and coffee lover’s paradise.
Hobbies: Watching trashy reality TV, reading, working out, all things coffee, trying out new
foods & restaurants, hanging out with my family, friends, & pups.
Skylar Taylor, DO, MS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Slidell, Louisiana
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus (VCOM-Louisiana)
Academic Area of Interest: PEM, Ultrasound, Social EM, Critical Care, Toxicology, Disaster Medicine
Why LSU? During my audition rotation, I felt a perfect balance of challenge and support from
both the attendings and the residents. They addressed the patient individually and
did not hesitate to utilize additional resources or even print out directions to clinics
of same day appointments they took the initiative to make. They are unafraid to provide
services outside of the hospital and meet patients where they are at. Everyone was
also involved with the community socially, celebrating in festivities and enjoying
the city with each other! LSU New Orleans is unique in being one of the four places
that offers the EM/Peds combined residency but also mutiple fellowship opportunities
and support in pursuing any personal academic interests. As someone who would probably
pursue multiple fellowships (if it were practical), I am looking forward to getting
the oppurtunity to learn from sub-specialists, attendings, fellows, and co-residents
with different areas of interest and study!
Favorite thing about NOLA: The community! New Orleans is full of talented musicians, artists in every form of
media, culinary curators, and a love of sharing these passions with each other.
Hobbies: Drawing and learning how to paint, watching funny tiktoks, gardening, baking sweet
treats, living the farm life vicariously through my in-laws, spending time with my
nieces and nephews, getting the victory royale or cozy gaming, and keeping up with
new anime.
Conner Tipton, MD
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Mandeville, Louisiana
Medical School: LSU New Orleans
Academic Area of Interest: Medical Education, Sports Medicine, Pediatrics
Why LSU? I enjoyed the faculty and residents at LSU throughout my med school years - they challenged
me while building confidence in a fast paced, yet friendly environment. I also wanted
the opportunity to serve my community and stay close to my support network.
Favorite thing about NOLA: Music scene, local and international foods, lush and unique neighborhoods, extra
spooky and fun Halloween
Hobbies: Soccer leagues across the city, walks with my girlfriend and dog, low-brow board games
with friends, watching Tottenham Hotspur
Kelli Weber, MD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Medical School: LSU New Orleans
Academic Area of Interest: Social EM, Ultrasound, Pediatrics
Why LSU? As a New Orleans native, I knew I wanted to stay home for my training and from my
very first shift in the ED I knew this was the perfect program for me. I truly felt
like I found my people. In addition to the vibes, the mission of the program drew
me here; they are dedicated to serving the community which has shaped me into the
person I am.
Favorite thing about NOLA: The people, the culture, and what's better than home?
Hobbies: Decorating treats, DIY projects, space things with my son.
Haley Williams, MD, MS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Smithville, Mississippi
Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Academic Area of Interest: Medical Education, Social EM, Ultrasound
Why LSU? What really drew me to LSU was the people — everyone I met was kind, welcoming, and
genuinely seemed to care about each other and their patients. I love that the program
is so connected to the community and that we get to care for such a diverse group
of patients. I also really appreciate how the training emphasizes not just clinical
skills but service and personal development too. It felt like a place where I could
be challenged, supported, and grow into the kind of physician I want to be.
Favorite thing about NOLA: The food, hands down. I am from Mississippi, where we are not lacking in recipes-
but I feel right at home and more in New Orleans. I also truly appreciate the different
cultures and how this full city always seems to make space for more.
Hobbies: Writing, netflix binge, making music, anything DIY, decor, and love to cook.