Class of 2025
Matthew Amundson
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Medical Interests: Broad Spectrum Family Medicine, OB, Preventative Medicine, and Chronic Disease Management.
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Traveling, Golfing, Fishing, Baking, and Watches.
Why Grand Forks/Altru: I was lucky enough to rotate with the Family Medicine program during medical school. I loved the fostering and educational environment that the faculty and team provided. It is apparent that all members of the team are there to help you excel. I know, at Altru, I will receive the best training for serving the greater Grand Forks area and hope to use this knowledge to give back to the community.
Brynn Charlesworth
Medical School: University College Cork, Ireland
Medical Interests: I am interested in full-spectrum family medicine as my ultimate goal as a physician is to provide patient-centered care. There is also a special place in my heart for palliative care, geriatrics, & women’s health.
Personal Interests/Hobbies: My absolute favorite thing to do is travel! I love to explore different countries, immerse myself in their unique cultures, & see all the beautiful hidden gems the world has to offer. I’m also an artist, a movie buff, & a big hockey fan (go Jets go!)!
Why Grand Forks/Altru: I am originally from Winnipeg, just a few hours north of North Dakota, and have spent many weekends in Grand Forks over the years. After being in Ireland for four years, it was important for me to be close to my loved ones back home. Altru Family Medicine was my number one program choice as I am incredibly impressed with their dedication to community outreach programs and commitment to continuity of care, especially throughout the pandemic. More importantly, I want to be part of a program that emphasizes collaboration, focuses on communication, and provides a supportive environment for residents to flourish. Altru Family Medicine checked all of the boxes and I cannot be more excited to be joining their team!
Victoria Geska
Medical School: Poznań University of Medical Sciences
Medical Interests: Full spectrum family medicine with Obstetrical care
Personal Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy exploring national parks, hiking, and playing tennis. I love travelling, discovering architecture and trying local cuisines.
Why Grand Forks/Altru: I chose Altru Family Medicine Residency Program because of the family-like atmosphere and support that I witnessed first-hand when I interviewed with the program. The faculty and staff at Altru FMR are nurturing, welcoming, approachable, and dedicated to training their residents. The abundant opportunities offered by the busy obstetrical service and focus on maternal health make this the ideal program for my training.
Donald Hamm
Medical School: University of North Dakota School Medical and Health Sciences
Medical Interests: Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Biomechanics, Point of Care Ultrasound, Medical Education
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Weightlifting, golfing, watching Montana State Bobcat athletics. I enjoy teaching anatomy and preclinical sciences and oversee a tutoring program. I love spending my free time with my two girls, Mari (cat) and Daisy (pug).
Why Grand Forks/Altru: I chose Altru FMR because of the faculty, staff, and residents. During 3rd and 4th rotations I saw a working/learning environment that fit with me and the coincided with the person I want to be inside and outside of medicine. I grew up in Montana and have a deep-rooted love for my home state but Grand Forks has always been a solid second home for me. The sports medicine opportunities offered in Grand Forks are extensive compared to other Midwestern programs. Their point of care ultrasound education and opportunities were the most established of all the places I interviewed.
Yousef Khozmi
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Medical Interests: Full-spectrum Family Medicine, Procedures, Sports Medicine
Personal Interests/Hobbies: In my spare time I enjoy watching and playing soccer. I use video-gaming as a tool to connect with my friends that aren’t nearby. Listening to podcasts, especially while working out.
Why Grand Forks/Altru: The past interview season was very challenging, given the fact that the majority of the interviews were virtual. Altru offered the opportunity to enjoy the city of Grand Forks in person and be able to get a better understanding of the residency program, residents and the faculty. The city had a similar feel to my hometown, Windsor, ON. I was able to feel great warmth and welcome from everyone I encountered. I was excited to see that Altru has a strong curriculum that encompasses great aspects of family medicine with a very supportive and encouraging learning environment. I felt an incredible sense of community between the residents and the faculty during the interview and it didn’t take much for me to realize that this is the place I will call home over the next three years.
Meng-Lin Lee
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Medical Interests: Full spectrum family medicine, rural medicine, caring for the underserved. Most importantly, building strong and meaningful relationships with our patients.
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Sports (NFL, NBA). I am a huge fan of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Heat. Playing basketball and golfing. Exploring the outdoors, hiking, and stargazing. Sneakers.
Why Grand Forks/Altru: The faculty and staff at Altru FMR are supportive, friendly, and extremely approachable. Everyone in the program (faculty, staff, and residents) strives to create a family-like working atmosphere. Furthermore, the unopposed nature of the program and the emphasis on resident education make Altru FMR the perfect place for learning and residency. Grand Forks is a great city with a friendly community, and the people are so nice!
Nirchet Sidhu
Medical School: All Saints University School of Medicine
Medical Interests: I hope to serve as a resource for the community in addressing the full spectrum of healthcare needs. I strive to provide sustainable, individualized recommendations and explore important conversations through every stage of life.
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Basketball has been a part of my life for many years as a player, coach, and avid fan. I also enjoy cycling, photography, and exploring cultures through food and photography.
Why Grand Forks/Altru: The faculty members are attentive, approachable, and the pillars of what makes Altru FMR such a great place to learn. Grand Forks is a gem with the familiar warmth of a small town coupled with top-tier resources.
Rachel Silkey
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Medical Interests: My interests include preventative health, rural medicine, and women’s health.
Personal Interests/Hobbies: In my free time, I love hanging out with my family and friends. I enjoy being outdoors doing things like hiking, hunting, and fishing. I also enjoy reading, cooking/baking, and gardening.
Why Grand Forks/Altru: I chose Altru FMR in part because everyone I’ve met in this program is genuine and welcoming which enabled me to feel at ease from my very first encounter and on. The exceptional training will allow me to become the kind of competent family medicine physician I strive to be. Additionally, Grand Forks is a wonderful community, and I am thrilled to be a part of this outstanding residency program in my home state of North Dakota.
