Resident Testimonials

Karam Asmaro, MD
Wayne State University  - PGY-7
I chose Henry Ford for Neurosurgery residency because of the independence, competency, academia, and resident wellness. I wanted to become a neurosurgeon to provide a service to patients at the worst time of their life and to ameliorate their suffering while also enjoying the neurosciences, complex and intricate anatomy, and attention to detail. My favorite part of being a Neurosurgery resident is being the first person in the hospital to see a myriad of minor to major neurosurgical pathology and formulating a diagnosis and plan, but having the reassurance that someone is there as a backstop if necessary.

Mohamed Macki, MD
Wayne State University - PGY-6
I chose Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) for Neurosurgery residency because it offers tertiary academic care for diverse populations with diverse pathologies. HFH upholds the highest standards of care for our consultations from high-acuity injuries in a Level 1 Trauma Center within an urban setting to rare diseases in patients seeking cutting-edge surgical technologies and enrollment in clinical trials. HFH has such a wide catchment of patients throughout the entire Midwest that I am confident of my surgical training upon graduating from residency. Between my third and fourth year of medical school, I completed a spine research fellowship, in which I met a renowned spine tumor surgeon. His complex en bloc resections drew my interests into Neurosurgery; and, to this day, I am still committed to a career in spine oncology! My favorite part of being a Neurosurgery resident: the attendings' technically-skilled operations, the eagerness of my co-residents to excel in patient care and academics, and the gratitude of my patients satisfied with their care at Henry Ford Hospital. These all motivate me to dedicate 110% to my job each and every day!

Thomas Zervos, MD
Wayne State University - PGY-6
I chose Henry Ford for Neurosurgery residency because of the patients, the Neurosurgery family and the Henry Ford Health Neurosurgery department reputation. Detroit has become my home. Training at Henry Ford includes the management of extremely complex cases. I felt that training in a place like this would prepare me to work anywhere. I wanted to be a surgeon and clinician. As a neurosurgeon, I saw myself as becoming someone who could manage complex pathology in and outside of the OR. The operations, the need for discovery through research and making significant impacts in patients’ lives keep me inspired by this growing field. My favorite part of being a Neurosurgery resident is operating and giving patients hope.

Seokchun Lim, MD
Chicago Medical School - PGY-5
I chose Henry Ford for Neurosurgery residency because it offers tremendous support and opportunities for a resident to progress into an adept neurosurgeon. I wanted to become a neurosurgeon to be able to address complicated pathologies and to be able to make a true difference to patients in need. My favorite part of being a Neurosurgery resident is I love being part of HFH Neurosurgery team with its supportive leadership and strong camaraderie.

Edvin Telemi, MD
University of Arizona - PGY-3
I chose Henry Ford for Neurosurgery residency because of the well-rounded program and the amazing quality of the residents and staff. I wanted to become a neurosurgeon because of the ability to work on the cutting edge of medicine while making a difference in the lives of patients faced with some of the greatest challenges of their lives. My favorite part about being a Neurosurgery resident is learning and advancing my surgical skills in the OR, working with my colleagues and co-residents, and ultimately taking care of our patients.

Jared Reese, MD
University of Utah - PGY-1
I chose Henry Ford for Neurosurgery residency because of the premier group of residents and faculty who provide exceptional, evidence-based neurosurgical care right here in the heart of Detroit. I wanted to become a neurosurgeon because, in working with a patient's pain and identity, there is a certain reverence for the field that I was drawn to. The neurosurgical patient population is truly unique, and I love diagnosing and treating such niche pathology. My favorite part of being a Neurosurgery resident is the mutual trust and friendship among co-residents in taking care of large volume, complex neurosurgical patients. We spend a lot of time working together, and the camaraderie here is incredible!

Heegook Yeo, MD
University of Louisville - PGY-1
I chose Henry Ford for Neurosurgery residency because it was the best sub-I experience. I was treated as part of the team, not as a visiting student. I also felt that the senior residents were all great role models. I wanted to become a neurosurgeon because when I considered all surgical specialties, I found Neurosurgery to be the most fascinating. The implementation of cutting-edge technology in Neurosurgery is also something that stood out to me when I was exploring as a medical student. My favorite part of being a Neurosurgery resident is as an intern, I'm really looking forward to joining the service and operating soon!