Current Pediatric Residents

The pediatric residency housestaff is a collection of intellectually curious and socially diverse individuals. Their broad interests and academic pursuits have enabled them to circle the globe. Beyond their superb academic backgrounds, we believe our housestaff are some of the most engaging and personable individuals you could ever hope to work with.

Learn about our residency levels and curriculum

PL-1

Taylor Choate, MD (she/her/hers)

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Taylor Choate, MD

Undergraduate: Bowdoin College

Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine

Hi! My name is Taylor and I am so excited to begin my career as a physician as a part of the CHaD Pediatrics Team! I grew up in Nashua, NH and attended Bowdoin College for undergrad, where I studied Biology and played for the Bowdoin Women's Basketball Team. I worked as a medical scribe for a couple of years before completing med school at Tufts University School of Medicine in their Maine-Track Program. There are many things that drew me to CHaD, but what stood out to me the most was how welcoming everyone was during my interview and how the current residents and faculty seemed so happy and to genuinely care about one another. I love how the smaller program size fosters tight-knit relationships, which is something that was really important to me. Outside of the hospital I enjoy playing volleyball and basketball and I am a big Boston Celtics fan! I also enjoy reading, puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.

Daniel (Danny) Courter, DO (he/him/his)

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Daniel Courter, DO

Undergraduate: University of New Hampshire 

Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine 

My reasons for choosing CHaD can be summed up in one word: gratitude. There is a unique symbolism for me coming here in that two of my cousins were born with mitochondrial disease. They have received much of their life-changing treatment at CHaD. The dedication to problem-solving and compassion displayed by the physicians, residents, and nursing staff to my cousins left a lasting impact on our family. It inspired me to pursue the opportunity to contribute to that same culture at Dartmouth Hitchcock for other families in need. I also wanted to return to New Hampshire to serve the state community that helped to raise me and to direct me down this path. My wife and I are incredibly excited and thankful to be back in our home state close to family, to friends, and to all of the places of nostalgia that we want our children to experience as well. I can't wait to once again find a ski swap and hit the slopes, hike in the White Mountains, ride the Notch Train, search for parking at North Hampton beach, and make the trek down to Boston for a Celtics game. I'm so grateful to be here!

Trent Edwards, MD, MS (he/him/his)

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Trent Edwards, MD

Undergraduate: Stanford University 

Graduate: University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita 

Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita 

I grew up in Wichita, Kansas with my parents and my two younger brothers. For undergrad, I attended Stanford University where I met my now-wife. After college, I returned home and attended the University of Kansas SOM. While at KU, I developed an interest in research and completed a Masters of Science in Clinical Research. I couples matched with my wife, who is an OBGYN resident, and we couldn’t be more excited to be at Dartmouth! I was drawn to this program for its emphasis on fostering clinical excellence, its strong support of research, its small class sizes, and its exceptionally friendly faculty. My clinical interests include hematology-oncology and medical humanities. Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and finding excuses to be outdoors. I look forward to exploring the natural beauty of the Upper Valley and to joining this community! Dana Herman, MD (she/her/hers)

Dana Herman, MD (she/her/hers)

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Dana Herman, MD

Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University 

Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine 

I am so deeply excited to be joining the CHaD community. I am originally from a small town in Pennsylvania called Telford. Having grown up in a close-knit community and as a lover of winter sports, I was looking to bring those pieces with me into residency. I deeply enjoyed and have been made better by my time living in Nashville and Atlanta, and I'll forever take pieces of those places with me too. Yet, after living further from home for so many years, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to come closer to my family. Moreover, when I researched residency programs, CHaD struck me with its sense of a rich community, personalized mentorship, and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. I still remember visiting CHaD as a medical student and the time everyone took to greet me, ask me about my experiences and make me feel at home. I loved that! Surrounded by farms like the ones I grew up with, it truly is like a slice of gorgeous nature while still engaging in complex medical work and training to become a great future pediatrician. I can't wait to grow here and see what the next three years have to offer!

Cameron (Cam) Miller, MD (she/her/hers)

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Cameron Miller, MD

Undergraduate: University of Chicago 

Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 

I am so excited to join the team at CHaD and work with all the amazing patients & families of the Upper Valley! I grew up in Florida and graduated from the University of Chicago as a double major in Theatre and Biology. During my gap years, I worked with a community health organization in rural Alabama where I discovered a passion for primary care and advocacy. I attended medical school at Brown and found my home in pediatrics. Looking at residency programs, I wanted to learn in an environment that intentionally fostered a positive, collaborative resident culture while building the breadth & depth of skills required as a pediatrician. Outside of work, I love gardening, hiking, and birdwatching; the Upper Valley was a perfect fit for my lifestyle. On weekends, you'll find me hopping around local farm stands with my partner, Zach, and exploring waterfalls

Kali Smolen, MD,PhD (she/her/hers)

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Kali Smolen

Undergraduate: Grand Valley State 

Graduate: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth 

Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth 

Hello there! I'm Kali (pronounced Kay-Lee), and I'm so excited to be joining the pediatrics team at Dartmouth. I'm originally from Allendale, Michigan, but I have spent the past nine years in the Upper Valley completing my MD-PhD training. I absolutely love this place and its people. The combination of a small, close-knit residency community and a rural, academic medical center make Dartmouth the perfect place for me. I love seeing colleagues and even patients at the farmer's market and on the local trails. My PhD was in biochemistry studying protein communication, and I hope to continue research in the planetary health space as a resident. I'm grateful that Dartmouth supports individualized curricular and research goals. Advocacy is also a key part of the pediatrics training at Dartmouth, and I'm excited to grow as a patient advocate during residency. Outside of medicine, I love trail running, biking, whitewater kayaking with my partner, skiing of all varieties, and cooking without recipes. The Upper Valley is a special place, and I'm thrilled to be joining the Dartmouth pediatrics family.

Kayla Zentmaier, DO (she/her/hers)

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Kayla Zentmaier

Undergraduate: Wesleyan University 

Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Hi everyone! After completing two sub-internships at CHaD during my fourth year of medical school, I quickly realized this program was the perfect fit for me—and ultimately my top choice for residency! During my time at DHMC, I experienced a genuine warmth and sense of belonging that made the program feel like home. While rotating here, I felt incredibly supported while also being given the autonomy to grow, striking an ideal balance that fostered both confidence and learning. The residents and faculty were kind, inclusive, and deeply invested in my development, and I was especially struck by how happy the residents are. I also loved the program’s small size, which fosters meaningful relationships, individualized education, and strong mentorship, while still offering exposure to complex cases and a wide range of specialists. Combined with its unique setting—blending academic rigor with rural medicine and a vibrant, close-knit community—CHaD embodies everything I hope for in my pediatric residency training. Additionally, having grown up in Hanover, NH, the opportunity to train as a pediatrician at the same place where I received care as a child feels especially meaningful. I am truly so grateful!

PL-2

Victoria Anderson, MD, MS (She/Her)

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Victoria Anderson, MD, MS

Undergraduate education: Fordham University

Graduate school: New York Medical College

Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Why I chose CHaD: “I am beyond excited to be joining CHaD! I’m originally from Moorestown, New Jersey, but I spent the last four years in Philadelphia for medical school. Before that, I lived in New York City, where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I started visiting New Hampshire during medical school with my partner, who is from here (and also an incoming Dartmouth resident!), and I quickly fell in love with the state. After living in the city for so many years, I was thrilled at the idea of taking advantage of all the outdoor activities New Hampshire has to offer. During my fourth year of medical school, I had the opportunity to rotate at CHaD. Everyone I met during my rotation was friendly, welcoming, and truly passionate about pediatrics, and I knew right away that I wanted to be part of their team! I saw firsthand how the program’s smaller size fostered meaningful relationships between residents and faculty. The supportive environment coupled with the opportunity to contribute to complex medical cases and learn from a range of specialists is what led me to want to pursue my pediatric residency here. I’m excited to further refine my clinical skills and deepen my passion for pediatric medicine as a resident. And of course, doing so at CHaD in the beautiful Upper Valley is an added bonus!”

Colleen Aslami, MD (She/Her)

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Colleen Aslami, MD

Undergraduate education: Boston College

Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Why I chose CHaD: “Hello! I am so excited to be joining the CHaD pediatrics team! I grew up in north Jersey, went to Boston College where I studied Biology and Medical Humanities, then went to med school at Thomas Jefferson University in Philly. In my free time, I like to take care of my many plants, cook, run, do some indoor climbing, and read. I am looking forward to being part of a smaller program where I can really get to know my co-residents and individualize my education. I am particularly passionate about adolescent health care, incorporating mental health care into my practice, and medical education, and I am very excited about the opportunities to pursue this at CHaD!”

Aishwarya Ayyappan, DO, MS (She/Her)

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Aishwarya Ayyappan, DO, MS

Undergraduate education: Clark University

Graduate school: Tufts University

Medical school: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Hi! I’m so happy to be joining CHaD. I grew up in Acton, MA, studied Biology during undergrad at Clark University, and completed medical school at the University of New England. I chose CHaD because it felt like a true community. During my interview, I felt a genuine warmth and camaraderie from the program, and I loved how CHaD balances academic rigor with a nurturing environment. I also appreciated the program’s focus on neonatology, global health and advocacy, procedural care and the opportunity to build strong relationships with patients and my peers in a tight-knit setting. Outside the hospital, I love writing stories, going on adventures, trying creative recipes, and making art. I’m also passionate about health literacy, equity, and creating joyful ways to help people (especially kids!) understand and take charge of their health. I’m so grateful to be here and can’t wait to learn and grow with this amazing team!”

Maggie Krause, DO (She/Her)

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Maggie Krause, DO

Undergraduate education: Ohio Northern University

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Hello! I am very excited to join the CHaD community! I was drawn to the program for a few different reasons. The smaller program size and x+y schedule were certainly benefits, but the camaraderie among the residents was what really interested me. I also had the opportunity to meet a couple of alumni from the program during my fourth year of medical school who spoke very highly of their experiences at CHaD. Throughout my interview season, I never heard anyone talk about their program the way these alumni did. This was a clear sign to me that Dartmouth is a special place. In addition to the program, the lifestyle in the Upper Valley certainly drew my interest as well. My fiancé and I love to spend time outdoors and are looking forward to all the hiking, skiing/snowboarding, and other outdoor activities we will be able to enjoy in the area.”

Caitlin Murphy, MD (She/Her)

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Caitlin Murphy, MD

Undergraduate education: Syracuse University

Medical school: Boston University School of Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Hi everyone! I am super excited to be joining the CHaD community! I felt so welcome and safe during my interview and knew this was a program I would feel happy and supported in. On top of that, I am a huge fan of the White Mountains (and the outdoors in general) so I am thrilled to have such easy access!”

Kainoa Quia-Park, MD (She/Her)

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Kainoa Quia-Park, MD

Undergraduate education: Idaho State University

Medical school: University of Washington School of Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Hi there! My name is Kainoa and I am so excited to be joining the CHaD team! I couples matched with my partner, Zach, and we cannot wait to live in New Hampshire and explore New England! When applying to residency, I wanted a tight-knit academic program with a strong exposure to rural medicine in a community with great outdoor access - all of which made Dartmouth a perfect fit. The X+Y schedule and individualized curriculum were the cherries on top! I visited for a second look and left the Upper Valley knowing it was a place I could be really happy both in and out of the hospital. After meeting the residents and program leadership, I also knew I would be well supported by the program. My career interests include primary care, rural pediatrics, and adolescent medicine. Outside of medicine I love mountain biking, yoga, and snuggling my cats (Beans & Frank) while reading a good book. I cannot wait to meet you all!”

PL-3

Linda CUI, MD (She/Her)

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Linda Cui, MD

Undergraduate education: Vanderbilt University

Medical school: University of Vermont College of Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “I grew up in the Greater Boston area and attended medical school at the University of Vermont. What attracted me to the pediatric residency program at Dartmouth was the small class size, location in the Upper Valley, and supportive mentors! I'm excited to explore different fields within pediatrics given the individualized curriculum. In my spare time, I like to paint, cross stitch, read, and run!”

Mieke DuMont, MBBCh, BAO (She/Her)

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Mieke DuMont, MBBCh, BAO

Undergraduate education: Dalhousie University

Medical school: Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Hello everyone! I am thrilled to be joining the Dartmouth Pediatrics team! After growing up in a small town in British Columbia, Canada, I moved across the country to Nova Scotia, where I completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University. While at Dalhousie, I played for the Women’s Varsity Volleyball Team, which, in itself, was a life-changing experience. Following my time in Nova Scotia, I moved even further from home, to Ireland, to complete my medical degree at Trinity College Dublin. While my journey has been incredible thus far, I'm eager to embark on the next chapter of my life in New Hampshire. Despite the interviews being virtual, the faculty and residents emitted kindness, warmth, and a dedication to pediatrics that made a lasting impression on me. I left the interview feeling excited and dreaming of one day becoming a part of this program. Beyond the program's academic excellence, I was drawn to its smaller size, X & Y format, and the close-knit team. I'm looking forward to indulging in all the outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling around the Valley!”

Arham Khan, DO (She/Her)

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Arham Khan, DO

Undergraduate education: Lewis University

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Hello everyone! I am absolutely thrilled to begin my pediatric residency at CHaD. I'm looking forward to exploring the natural beauty of the Upper Valley and learning how to ski this year. The area is surrounded by local farms, which makes cooking so much more fun and the food so fresh! What captivated me about CHaD was its intimate program, offering personalized mentorship, extensive research opportunities, the X+Y schedule, advocacy work, and supportive faculty. These factors made choosing CHaD an easy decision, making it the perfect place for me. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and cooking!”

Harsha Kumar, M.B.B.S.

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Harsha Kumar

Undergraduate/Medical School: Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences

Why I chose CHaD: I was immediately drawn to CHaD Pediatrics because of its genuine commitment to helping residents grow not only as physicians but also as individuals. During my interview, it was evident that the program looks beyond accomplishments on paper and truly values each applicant as a person. That people-centered culture made a lasting impression and reinforced my belief that this is an environment where I could thrive. The program's smaller size offers the opportunity to develop close relationships with faculty, receive individualized mentorship, and gain greater autonomy, allowing residents to build confidence while learning directly from experienced faculty. I also appreciate the X+Y schedule, which provides protected time for outpatient learning while allowing residents to rest and recharge during clinic weeks, supporting both education and well-being. Growing up and attending medical school in India, I was fortunate to be part of a close-knit community where neighbors felt like family and spending time outdoors was part of everyday life. Visiting the Upper Valley brought back that same feeling of home. I loved the welcoming community, the beautiful scenery, and the endless opportunities to get outside and explore. From the people I met to the overall atmosphere, CHaD simply felt like the right fit—a place where I can continue to grow as a pediatrician while also enjoying life outside the hospital.

Joseph Na, MD (He/Him)

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Joseph Na, MD

Undergraduate education: Cornell University

Medical school: Jacob's School of Medicine at the University of Buffalo

Why I chose CHaD: “I am incredibly excited to start my pediatrics training at Dartmouth! The welcoming community among the residents and faculty, coupled with the extensive academic opportunities, made Dartmouth an irresistible choice. Although I am from Long Island, the vibrant outdoor activities in the Upper Valley are perfect for my downtime. I love snowboarding and hiking and can’t wait to take full advantage of the outdoor opportunities!”

Chelsey Ratzlaff, DO, MS (She/Her)

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Chelsey Ratzlaff, DO, MS

Undergraduate education: Pepperdine University

Graduate school: Arkansas College of Health Education

Medical school: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Hello everyone! I am honored and excited to be joining the CHaD community. As I went through the interview season, I wanted to find a place where colleagues enjoyed each other while going through the challenges of residency. On my interview day, I heard repeatedly that, if given the chance to do it over, residents would pick Dartmouth again for their training. From the small program size to the diverse patient population, Dartmouth checked all the boxes. In addition to joining the CHaD community, I am thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure in New Hampshire. Coming from Kansas, with my two big pups in tow, I look forward to immersing myself in the unique culture and landscapes of the Upper Valley.”

Amanda Siedem, MD (She/Her)

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Amanda Siedem, MD

Undergraduate education: Williams College

Medical school: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Ultimately I chose CHaD for 2 big reasons: the small program size and the Upper Valley! I am from the Front Range of Colorado and my interests are very Colorado-esque! Few things on Earth make me happier than snow and I can't wait for all of the snow sports and winter activities in the Upper Valley! My favorites are snowboarding and ice skating/pond hockey. No matter the season, I love hiking and exploring nature, often followed by a visit to a local brewery. I thoroughly enjoyed living in the Berkshires while attending Williams College and I am excited to return to New England. Moreover, I am looking forward to training in a small, tight-knit program! As a learner and a trainee, I think it is vitally important to find a program where you won't fall through the cracks and I am confident I will be well supported at Dartmouth!”

Kristin Zimmerman, DO (She/Her)

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Kristin Zimmerman, DO

Undergraduate education: Sacred Heart University

Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I chose CHaD: “Hi! I am so excited to be here and join the CHaD family! I am originally from South Florida but moved up north for college and never looked back! I absolutely love it up here and am excited to explore what New Hampshire and the Upper Valley have to offer! When choosing Dartmouth for residency, I absolutely loved how personable and down to earth the program is! It was important for me to be a part of a small, close-knit program. In my spare time, I like to cook and go on “Moose & Kristin, Kristin & Moose Adventures” with my four-year-old golden retriever. Fun fact about me, I was a D1 bowler in college.”