Kadijah Dansby, MD
She/her/hers
Hometown, State
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
She/her/hers
Hometown, State
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.
Jasmine Jones
She/her/hers
Hometown, State
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
He/him/his
Hometown, State
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
She/her/hers
Hometown, State
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
Hometown, State
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
He/him/his
Hometown, State
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
She/her/hers
Hometown, State
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
He/him/his
Hometown, State
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
He/him/his
Hometown, State
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
She/her/hers
Hometown, State
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
He/him/his
Hometown, State
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
She/her/hers
Hometown, State
New Orleans, Louisiana
Medical School
LSUHSC Nola
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
She/her/hers
Hometown, State
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.