September 02, 2025
At a top academic medical center like WashU Medicine, residency is more than training—it’s a rigorous journey that blends long hours in the operating room, collaborative learning and the pursuit of groundbreaking research.
Our orthopedic surgery residents are not only mastering complex surgical skills but also shaping the future of musculoskeletal medicine. They bring passion, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to patients, while balancing the demands of a program that challenges them to grow every day.
Each resident’s journey is unique—shaped by their personal experiences and goals. Together, they are a dynamic group, united by a shared commitment to be the next generation of leaders in orthopedic surgery.
Meet Juan Colazo, MD, PhD 
Where are you from?
I was born in Argentina and grew up in the Canadian cities of Saskatoon and Edmonton. I then moved to Nashville, TN, to attend the Vanderbilt MD/PhD program.
Why WashU Medicine?
I rotated here and had a great experience. From the very first day, I felt fully included on the team as a medical student. The residents were very knowledgeable and the attendings were excellent teachers and mentors. I wanted to be at a program that had strong exposure to all subspecialties of orthopedics and WashU checked all of the boxes.
If you could give your med-school self one piece of advice, what would it be?
To enjoy the process and continue making time for the things, hobbies, and people you love.
Meet Moneer Abouljoud, MD 
Where are you from?
I was born and raised just east of Detroit, Michigan. After high school, I went to the University of Dayton, then Ohio State University for med school. I did one research year at OSU between undergrad and med school.
Why WashU Medicine?
I picked WashU because it felt (and feels) like the most well-rounded program in the country. The depth and breadth of things that we see and learn here in ALL of the orthopedic specialties, the strong operative experience, and importantly for me, the people and the culture made it feel like the perfect fit. I am also fortunate enough to have matched with an incredible class. Residency is hard work, but at a place like this, the fruits of your labor are bountiful.
What's your favorite thing to do outside of work?
So many things! I love exploring St. Louis restaurants and breweries with my fiancé, Michelle, and my co-residents, traveling, playing tennis and golf, and weightlifting.
Meet Lindsey Kahan, MD 
Where are you from?
I'm from Chappaqua, New York. I came to WashU for undergrad where I studied biomedical engineering, then headed back east for medical school at Brown. I missed WashU (and St. Louis) so much that I made my way back for residency! St. Louis has really changed over the past 13 years I have been around. It's been fun to see new restaurants, breweries, and overall development around the city.
Why WashU Medicine?
WashU has everything you could ask for in a program–great mentorship, surgical breadth and depth, fantastic co-residents, and unparalleled academic excellence. You get early exposure to responsibility and decision-making here, with our interns taking primary call, which is a challenging and rewarding experience. You really get out what you put in, and there are opportunities around every corner. I've also met many incredible lifelong friends and mentors here.
What were highlights of fourth year?
Fourth year was a fun and challenging transition. Building on my surgical skills and diving into my intended field (shoulder & elbow) has been very rewarding. Interviewing for fellowship and meeting colleagues form across the country was exciting – I matched at Rothman for shoulder and elbow fellowship!
Meet Jack O'Malley, MD 
Where are you from?
St. Louis, MO. My favorite places to spend time on the weekends in STL is Forest Park with two different golf courses and great trails that allow you to see the city. Forest Park is actually 500 acres larger than Central Park in NYC!
Why WashU Medicine?
I chose WashU because the residents made me feel like I was a part of their team during my away rotation. I want to push myself during residency to become an extremely knowledgeable surgeon that can handle anything that I come in contact with. I feel that WashU Medicine Orthopedics provided me with the opportunities to meet all of my goals for residency.
What do you think makes this program unique?
Our program offers a unique combination of academic rigor and a robust trauma/operative experience. The faculty and residents work together to provide the best learning experience. The residents at WashU also make time to get to know each other personally and we love to hang out outside of the hospital.
Meet Ndeye Guisse, MD 
Where are you from?
I’m from Senegal, West Africa, but grew up in Cincinnati, OH. Fun fact about Senegal is that it is known as the “country of hospitality” hence why I love hosting people.
Why WashU Medicine?
WashU was described to me as a “surgeons’ school” and I see why. Before anything, clinical excellence and surgical skill are the top priority here and that is what I sought out in a residency program.
Is there a patient who had a lasting impact on you?
All the resilient and bright kids I met while on my mission trip to Barbados. Their sole objective was to get back on their feet which makes caring for them all the more rewarding.
Learn more about Ndeye.
Meet Ravi Agrawal, MD 
Where are you from?
I grew up in Edison, NJ. The town was the home of Thomas Edison's main laboratory a couple miles from my house.
Why WashU Medicine?
My wife and I wanted to come to WashU for our surgical residencies because of the unlimited clinical and research opportunities. We feel blessed that we have spent the last four years training here in St. Louis amongst the best nurses, co-residents, and faculty we could have wanted.
Are you pursing a subspecialty area of focus?
I chose a career orthopedic surgery because I find fulfillment in solving problems to help patients get back to their lives. Also, the surgeries are fun. I plan on specializing in spine surgery. I will be staying at WashU Medicine Orthopedics for my fellowship. My interests are in pediatric and adult spinal- deformities, trauma, and tumors.
Learn more about Ravi.
Advice from Caroline Granger, MD 
What's something you wish you knew when you were searching for a residency program that you know now?
My advice: make sure your prospective residency program can honestly offer you the tight-knit feel. It will make all the difference.
Something so understated during the application process is the importance of loving where you are and the people you work with every day. Most residency programs are going to train you to be a great orthopedic surgeon, but not all programs are going to keep you happy and motivated throughout the process.
At WashU Medicine, I can honestly say I’m constantly inspired by the people around me. I’m so motivated to get better every day because I see how excellent my co-residents are, not just as orthopedic surgeons (which they absolutely are), but also as well-rounded human beings. There is so much support here within and between resident classes and that’s something that has really helped me excel.
Learn more from Caroline's experience.
Residency at WashU Medicine Orthopedics
As one of the top orthopaedic residency training programs in the country, we invest heavily in the success of our residents. Listen in to hear current and past residents share what makes our program unique.
Learn more about resident life at WashU Medicine Orthopedics.