Current/Past Residents

Anusha Akhai, M.D.

Medical School: Ziauddin Medical College

Advanced Specialty: Neurology

I'm looking forward to exploring the lakes and nature around Fargo. Also excited to explore Fargo's food and café scene, and street fairs.

I chose this program because of my Interview Day! You could tell how involved the faculty is in training and helping the residents achieve their educational goals. The residents seemed like a close-knit community and a team that I would love to be a part of.

Medical and Professional Interests: Pursue a fellowship in vascular neurology

Malak Alzidaneen, M.D.

Medical School: University of Jordan

Advanced Specialty: Family Medicine

I enjoy baking, practicing yoga, and taking road trips, especially to national parks with my family.

I chose the UND transitional Year Residency Program because of its supportive learning environment, diverse clinical experiences, strong sense of community and flexibility to tailor my education to my career goals.

Medical and Professional Interests: Practicing primary care medicine

April Belzer, M.D.

Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Advanced Specialty: Radiology

In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, running, pickle ball, skiing, mountain biking, and any other outdoor activities my adventurous husband convinces me to try.

I chose UND's TY program due to the welcoming and supportive learning environment I experiences as a medical student, the numerous elective opportunities, and the ability to stay closer to home for one more year. In medicine, I find it most fulfilling to contribute to solving complex challenges, help guide patient care, and collaborate with a team to improve outcomes.

Medical and Professional Interests: Diagnostic radiology residency at Creighton NE

Jack Dirnberger, M.D.

Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Advanced Specialty: Radiology

My hobbies include weightlifting, sports, games (video and board games) and going on hikes (or rather, very flat walks here in ND) with my partner and our two golden retrievers.

I chose the UND TY program because of the great experiences I had working with UND residents and staff as a medical student.

Medical and Professional Interests: My goals after residency completion are to settle down in the Midwest and improve healthcare for rural Midwest populations.

Sarah Doherty, M.D.

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Advanced Specialty: Neurology

My partner and I are passionate about the outdoors and winter sports! We love that Fargo provides so many opportunities to be a part of nature!

I always found that smaller cities had a greater appeal to me because of how strong of a relationship one could build with their community. The interview process with both the faculty  and residents made me genuinely excited to be a part of such a passionate and kind learning community. The fact that it’s located in such a gorgeous area, supported my interests in research, and that it provided one of the best options for my personal and professional development made it an incredibly appealing option.

Medical and Professional Interests: My career goals would include being involved in some degree of outpatient longitudinal care, continuing to be involved in research (either academic, community, or both), and to help educate others. I always planned to be in an underserved area, and to be an advocate in the medical field to whatever extent I am capable. I would love to find a way to blend my medical aspirations with philanthropic activities, and to be able to help contribute to improved community health opportunities and goals regardless of where I go. I am excited about working in the field of neurology, and I could see myself pursuing a fellowship, though I am not decided on which fellowship I would pursue. I have found myself very interested in neuro-palliative care, and would be very interested in developing a more robust knowledge of palliative care/ resources  regardless of what I end up sub-specializing into.

Abrahim Rimawi, M.D.

Medical School: University of Sharjah College of Medicine

Advanced Specialty: Neurology

I am looking forward to participating in winter activities as I have never experienced heavy winter before as an adult! I would like to try ice skating and would love to attend hockey games.  

I had a great time during my interview with UND and really appreciated how the faculty were enthusiastic about teaching and advancing the development of this program. I saw how the residents were happy and had great relationships with their faculty, showing a sense of a supportive environment within the program. 

Medical and Professional Interests: Work as a vascular neurologist

Cole Rokke, M.D.

Medical School: University of North Dakota

Advanced Specialty: Radiology

In my free time, I enjoy playing intramural volleyball and basketball, swimming, pickle ball, and reading.

I chose the UND Transitional Year (TY) Program because it allows me to stay close to my family. I know the attendings here are exceptional teachers. Additionally, the program’s strong focus on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) aligns with my background as a sonographer and my passion for improving ultrasound education.

I am  excited about radiology because it incorporates both a role in diagnostics as well as image-guided procedures. My experience in sonography has given me a strong background and appreciation for radiology.

Medical and Professional Interests: I plan to pursue a career as a Radiologist with opportunities to teach residents and medical students and continue to do procedures.

Harrison Zhu, M.D.

Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

Advanced Specialty: Dermatology

I am a very active person and enjoy weightlifting, playing pick-up basketball. I also love music, and have been a piano player for nearly my entire life.

I picked the UND TY for diversity of experience that I do not believe I could find elsewhere. My advanced specialty is dermatology and I am very interested in skin cancer prevention and treatment as well as complex medical dermatology.

Medical and Professional Interests: Establish long lasting skin cancer prevention program at a large scale with possible fellowship in advanced skin cancer treatment. Research treatment options for high acuity, dermatologic conditions seen in the hospital