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ABOUT THE BOARD
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Co-President
Adit Desai
Hello! My name is Adit Desai - I am a fourth year medical student and co-president of Surgery SIG. This SIG has been very impactful in guiding my journey through medical school and helping me identify my career interests. By offering valuable opportunities in research, professional development, surgical skills development, and workshops, we hope our organization will encourage and support medical students to pursue a career in surgery.
Specialty of Interest: Surgery
Contact: adidesai@iu.edu
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Co-President
Noah Burket
My name is Noah and I was on the Indy campus for my first two years. I’m currently completing a research gap year through MedSTAR. I am passionate about neurosurgery, research, and helping others with their medical school journey!
Specialty of Interest: Neurosurgery
Contact: nburket@iu.edu
Vice President
Keith Makhecha
My name is Keith and I was on the Indy campus for my first two years. I’m a third year medical student and I like playing basketball, video games, and exploring Indy. I am passionate about general surgery, research, and creating opportunities for every student interested in pursuing surgery or just looking to brush up on some skills!
Specialty of Interest: General Surgery
Contact: kmakhech@iu.edu
Junior Vice President
Hannah Wang
Hello :) I’m Hannah, a second year medical student. I’m excited to be serving as junior VP this year, and look forward to creating engaging opportunities to help fellow students explore a career in surgery!
Specialty of Interest: Surgery
Contact: hw16@iu.edu
Skills Workshop Coordinator
Nicole Jansen
Hello! My name is Nicole Jansen, and I am a 3rd year medical student serving as the Skill Workshop Coordinator for the IUSM Surgery SIG this year. The Surgery SIG has been a great opportunity to explore several surgical subspecialties and make meaningful connections. I’m excited to provide my peers with opportunities to explore surgical specialties and develop their surgical skills this year!
Specialty of Interest: Surgery (undecided subspecialty)
Contact: nejansen@iupui.edu
Trauma Shadowing & Subspecialty Highlight Coordinator
Osama Saadoon
Hello! My name is Osama Saadoon, and I am a 2nd year medical student serving as the Trauma Shadowing Coordinator for the IUSM Surgery SIG this year. During my first year of medical school, I had the opportunity to shadow multiple trauma surgeons through the trauma shadowing program that the surgery SIG offers. Additionally, the Surgery SIG opened the door for me to exporle other surgical subspecialties and develp my surgical knowelge. I am excited to learn and serve my peer as the Trauma Shadowing Coordinator this year.
Specialty of Interest: Trauma and Surgical Critical Care
Contact: osaadoon@iu.edu
Research Liasion
Aish Thamba
My name is Aish and I am a MS4 on the Indianapolis campus, originally from the Bloomington campus (Btown = Best Town!). I am passionate about collaborating with students and IUSM faculty to create research opportunities for professional development. I enjoy traveling, landscape photography, and baking!
Specialty of interest: Surgery
Contact: athamba@iu.edu
Research Liasion
Joseph Lazzara
Hi everyone! My name is JT Lazzara and I’m a 3rd-year medical studnet serving as one of the 2023-2024 research liasons. I have a strong interest in surgery and am currently involved in orthopedic and urology related research. My goal is to connect students at IUSM with faculty and staff seeking aid with current research projects, thereby heping students to discover what surgical subspecialty interests them most!
Specialty of Interest: Surgery (undecided subspeciality)
Contact: jtlazz@iu.edu
Treasurer
Chelsea Fathauer
Hey there! My name is Chelsea Fathauer, MS2, and I have the pleasure of serving y’all as the Treasurer. I am interested in the hands-on aspect of surgery, and also enjoy integrating the business side of medicine into practice. I am excited to collaborate with the rest of the board for a great year in the SSIG!
Specialty of Interest: Urology, Plastics
Contact: franklcb@ius.edu
Secretary
Brooke Starr
Greetings! My name is Brooke Starr and I am a third-year medical student on the Indianapolis campus. Surgical specialties interest me because I enjoy learning about human anatomy, hands-on procedures, and being in an active work environment. I am excited to learn and serve as your Surgery SIG Secretary this year!
Specialties of Interest: Surgery and Interventional Radiology
Contact: starrb@iu.edu
Events Coordinator
Courtney Casbon
Hi everyone! My name is Courtney Casbon, and I am an MS4 on the Indianapolis campus. I’m really excited to serve as the SSIG Events Coordinator for the 2023-24 year! My goal is to help provide medical students of all levels with a wide range of opportunities that will make them fall in love with surgery as I have. Looking forward to a great year!
Specialty of Interest: Surgery
Contact: casbonc@iu.edu
Educational Opportunities Coordinator
Melissa Hartman
Hello! I’m Melissa Hartman and I am a MS3 serving as the Surgery SIG Educational Opportunities Coordinator this year. The unique surgery environment and its hands-on application is what drew me to the field and I think SSIG provides great opportunities to explore different surgical specialties. I look forward to providing educational opportunities to students interested in the field of surgery and learning alongside you all.
Specialty of Interest: Orthopedics, Trauma, and General Surgery
Contact: hartmaml@iu.edu
Mentorship Coordinator
Rachel Gross
Hi there! My name is Rachel and I’m a 3rd-year medical student. I’m so excited to be serving as the 2023-2024 mentorship coordinator for the IUSM Surgery SIG this year. I believe that one of the most important catalysts of career growth as a medical student is mentorship. The decision to explore a career in surgery cannot be made alone, so my goal is to foster connections between students, residents, and faculty.
Specialty of Interest: Urology, General Surgery
Contact: rachgros@iu.edu
Statewide Coordinator
Grant Sawyers
My name is Grant Sawyers, and I am honored to be serving as your Statewide Coordinator. I am an avid golfer and enjoy playing ball with my two Boykin Spaniels. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have pertaining to this SIG. I will be happy to assist in any way I can.
Specialty of Interest: Surgery
Contact: gsawyers@iu.edu
GENERAL QUESTIONS?
Contact: ssig@iupui.edu
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