CA-2 Claudia Melissa Mort, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati

Undergrad School: Bellarmine University

Hometown: Guanajuato, Mexico

Hobbies: 7 pets, gel nail polish, DIY garden and house projects

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose anesthesiology because I loved that it was life-saving, and at the same time, focused on comfort. This was particularly attractive to me because one of my guiding principles is to decrease suffering as I can, whether it is for others or animals.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Cincinnati had been my home for four years before residency. Since my second year of medical school, I admired UC’s family-like culture that emphasized teamwork and well-rounded support. It was also a great choice for living, since housing is more affordable, and we could continue to grow our pet-family with way more space than we could in other cities. Overall, I knew  the UC Anesthesiology department would be a place where I could thrive and be supported in my endeavors.

CA-3 Joseph Sandolo, DO

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergrad School: University of Connecticut

Hometown: Weston, CT

Hobbies: Eating pizza, Wikipedia rabbit holes, traveling, exercise, and video games

Why did you choose anesthesia?

While I was in medical school, I initially had a hard time deciding what specialty to go into as I kind of liked everything. When I found anesthesia, I knew it was right for me, anesthesia integrates physiology with pathology seen in every specialty of medicine. I like that I can be part of the care team for any type of patient, across all specialties, no matter how sick. Patients rely on and trust you to guide them through very challenging, and at times, life changing events. Best of all, anesthesiology is both diagnostic and procedural in nature, it requires efficiency and technical skill in many areas other doctors are simply not trained in. No one is ever disappointed when an anesthesiologist is in the room!

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

I can honestly say that on my interview day, it sincerely seemed that the Cincinnati residents were the closest and happiest group of residents of any program I interviewed with. The leadership at our program truly has an open-door policy, and the faculty have the best interest of the residency in mind. They are extremely supportive and want to help you achieve your dreams. We have an incredible clinical experience, in an awesome location, with amazing co-residents, what more could I ask for? I feel blessed to be able to train at such a wonderful institution

PGY-1 Mark Montgomery, DO

Medical School: Campbell University

Undergrad School: North Carolina State University

Hometown: Edenton, NC

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Anesthesia drew me in because it sits at the intersection of physiology, critical thinking, and procedural skill. A mentor once told me that if an anesthesiologist isn’t actively using their hands in the OR, it doesn’t mean they aren’t working. They’re constantly assessing vital signs, monitoring the surgical course, and adjusting their plan in real time. That insight stuck with me and reflects what I love about the field: anesthesia demands a deep, broad understanding of medicine—especially physiology—to guide critical decisions before, during, and after surgery. Combine that with the hands-on procedures and the unique challenge of quickly building trust with patients during some of their most vulnerable moments, and I truly can’t imagine myself in any other specialty!

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

My significant other, whom I met in medical school, is originally from Cincinnati, so I had visited the city several times and already knew I liked it. That made UC an early favorite on our list. Both my partner and I were impressed by the breadth of opportunities and the strong training offered in our respective specialties. For me, a major bonus was the anesthesia program’s global health opportunities—something I became passionate about in medical school and hope to remain involved in.

By interview day, what stood out even more were the personal elements like the culture and the connections I made during conversations with faculty and residents. It felt like a place I could thrive both professionally and personally.

Coming from a small town, having space and a yard was also important to me. Cincinnati offers the combination of affordable housing and proximity to the hospital, making it easy to live just 15 minutes away without sacrificing quality of life. That balance was another reason Cincinnati felt like the right choice.

CA-2 Anna Edwards, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Undergrad School: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

Hometown: Union, KY

Hobbies: Baking, golfing

Why did you choose anesthesia?

Anesthesia is the perfect mixture of direct patient care and procedures. I like to stay busy so I really enjoy the fast paced nature of the specialty.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Choosing to train in Cincinnati was an easy decision for me. It is one that I have never second guessed. After speaking with the residents and some attendings at an interest group meeting, I knew this program was unique. It is filled with people who want to work hard and have each other’s backs. It truly feels like a family.

Choosing to live Cincinnati was also a no brainer. I grew up in Northern Kentucky and have always loved living here. Cincinnati can be whatever you want it to be. You could easily have lunch downtown at a boutique restaurant and dinner at a winery surrounded by beautiful farmland. Between professional sports, Broadway shows, concerts, and festivals, there is always something going on. We have the food, we have the fun, we have the people. We have it all here.

CA-2 Garrett Dunn, MD

Medical School: Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA

Undergrad School: Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA

Hometown: Lancaster, OH

Hobbies: Soccer, brewing beer

Why did you choose anesthesia?

I chose anesthesia because of the mentors I met during my medical school rotations. Their personalities, and enthusiasm to teach, matched my own. I also appreciate the blend of pharmacology and procedures that are unique to the profession.

Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Why did you choose Cincinnati: I was interested in Cincinnati because it was close to home, and I would have the opportunity to be near my family and support networks. However, I ultimately chose Cincinnati because of the interactions I had with the residents, as well as the attendings. The comradery I felt, and welcoming environment that was created by both the residents and faculty was unique to the program, and heavily weighed into my decision. Additionally hearing firsthand from everyone why they chose Cincinnati, and what they appreciated about the program and the city felt genuine and encouraged me to rank the program highly.