Education

Meet the Residents: Connor Callahan, MD and Ema Zubovic, MD

By William •
Meet the Residents Image: Connor Callahan, MD, and Emma Zubrovic, MD

Residents in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are part of an academic program with diverse surgical training, strong research opportunities and mentors who are national leaders in their fields.

With residency programs in General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery, residents in every specialty have access to world-class training. What makes each of these programs truly special is the community and camaraderie.

Get to know the residents in the Department of Surgery’s residency programs, why they chose Washington University School of Medicine for their surgical training and what it’s like to be a resident in St. Louis.

Connor Callahan, MD

Callahan is a General Surgery lab resident and St. Louis native. Callahan studied physiological sciences at Marquette University and earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin before coming home to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Among his fellow residents, Callahan is known for being a reliable team player.

The Washington University General Surgery Residency is a five-year program, providing residents an amazing depth and breadth of clinical experience, the flexibility and personalization to create customized training, and a welcoming family of faculty and trainees.

Image of Connor Callahan, MD, Washington University General Surgery lab resident. When asked why did you choose Washington University School of Medicine, Callahan said: " It was the ideal combination of volume of cases, diversity of cases, diversity of case complexity, and in an easy to live in city. On every service, there is at least one expert in their respective field as well that we have the privilege of learning from. The flexibility in the training programs to prepare you for your chosen subspecialty was also a major factor.” When asked What is your favorite memory from residency?, Callahan said: "When Dr. Awad took Brad Kushner and me to Chick-fil-A for lunch immediately after he learned Brad had never had it before.” When asked what is your goal for this year, Callahan said: "Keep an open mind, don't let preconceived notions or rumors about certain programs prevent you from liking a program otherwise. Always look at the residents and how they feel about their program.”

Ema Zubovic, MD

Zubovic is a PGY-4 Plastic Surgery resident originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zubovic studied architectural studies and Italian at Middlebury College, then earned her medical degree at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Her fellow residents know that Zubovic is always available to go get coffee or ice cream at one of the many great shops around St. Louis.

The Washington University Plastic Surgery Residency is a six-year integrated program, including 4 ½ years of training in breast, craniofacial, pediatrics, head/neck trauma, hand, microsurgery, cosmetic and peripheral nerve surgery. The program provides cutting-edge head-to-toe surgical training that prepares residents and fellows to be leaders in the specialties of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Image of Ema Zubovic, MD, Washington University Plastic and Reconstructive PGY-4 resident. When asked why did you choose Washington University School of Medicine, Zubovic, said: " Medicine? I chose WashU for the strong, supportive community and the opportunity to train at a busy, world-class academic medical center. The surgical training here is second to none, and I feel simultaneously challenged and valued by my patients, co-residents and faculty every day." When asked what's your favorite thing about St. Louis, Zubovic said: "St. Louis has big city perks with the ease of living in a small town. Incredible public spaces like Forest Park are steps away from home and work, and the city is full of world-class arts and culture.” When asked what is your goal for this year, Zubovic said: "As I start the second half of myresidency, my goals are to refine my surgical skills, become a successful mentor to students and younger residents, and plan for the next steps in my training.”