PGY 4 Residents
Benjamin Aiken, MD
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: 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: Canooing, horseback riding, running, biking ect. Though I am not
very good, I also play the guitar every now and then.
Jessica Aird, DO, MS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: 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 abliity
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
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Dublin, Georgia
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
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: 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
Pronouns: he/him/his/el
Hometown: 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