The 2025 graduating class of UVA Radiology residents along with DR residency program directors.
To celebrate and honor our residents graduating in 2025, we asked each of them to share some reflections on their time at UVA as well as their plans for next year.
We’re excited that all of our graduating residents will be returning to UVA Radiology next year for fellowships, though afterwards some will be off to new places. No matter where our graduating residents will be, we wish them every success and happiness. Congratulations to you all!
Dr. John Barrera (right) with co-residents Drs. Andrew Ray, David Ruohoniemi, Daniel Phadke, Caroline Hubbard, Sam Epstein, and Connor Sleeth.
John Barrera, MD (IR-Integrated Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying to complete an Interventional Radiology Fellowship here at UVA.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
My residency at UVA has been an incredibly rewarding experience and my wife, Abby, and I have loved building a community in Charlottesville. I enjoyed the diverse case-mix and procedures, which provided great training and kept each day interesting. The attendings were approachable, dedicated teachers who truly cared about our development. But the most memorable part of residency are the incredible co-residents which made even the toughest days enjoyable. UVA has been a wonderful place to train for a career in radiology, and I’m excited to stay for my final year!
Dr. George Cheeseman (left) and wife.
George Cheeseman, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be joining my wife in Texas to complete pediatric radiology fellowship at Texas Children’s in Houston.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
Forever grateful for the friendships, mentorship and education I received at UVA. I am especially grateful to my amazing wife and family who have supported me throughout my time in residency. In the future I will always look back on these years at UVA as a time of incredible professional and personal growth. Thank you to all of the amazing faculty and staff who have helped educate me to help patients in the future!
Dr. Wayne Dell, husband Ryan and their beloved dogs, Kaladin and Lucille.
Wayne Dell, MD (DR Nuclear Medicine dual pathway)
Plans for Next Year
I’m moving to Boston in June to complete Body Imaging Fellowship at Mass General Brigham then finding an academic position in Body Imaging and Nuclear Medicine on the East Coast.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
The people at UVA make this an incredible place to train. I am grateful for the great community of both residents and attendings that have helped me learn as much as possible, provided support through the difficult times in residency, and reminded me to live life while working hard. I have loved my time at UVA and my time in Charlottesville – and hope to continue the special relationships that began here.
Dr. Samantha Epstein (right) with fiancé Sayo and dog Luna.
Samantha Epstein, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
Next year, I will be staying at UVA for my Breast Imaging fellowship.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
Between medical school, residency, and soon to be fellowship, my nine years in Charlottesville (so far) have been amazing! UVA was a great place for my radiology training. I am appreciative to the faculty for their dedication to our education, grateful for the support of my fiancé and family, and thankful for the friends I have made along the way. I am looking forward to staying in Charlottesville after residency!
Dr. Caroline Hubbard (left) and husband Peter.
Caroline Hubbard, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I am thrilled to be staying at UVA next year for a fellowship in Breast Imaging.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
It’s hard to put into words just how much UVA Radiology and my time within the diagnostic radiology residency have meant to me. My time at UVA has been filled with some of the most meaningful memories of my life. It has been the greatest honor to have served the program as chief resident and train alongside my incredible co-residents, who quickly became lifelong friends and family. I am deeply grateful to have learned from the most exceptional educators and mentors, who guided and taught me throughout my residency journey. This residency program exceeded every expectation and nurtured my personal and professional growth in every way. UVA is a truly special place, and while it’s bittersweet that my time within the residency is ending, I’m excited to watch future residents experience the same magic that made this program so unforgettable!
Dr. Allen Ko (right) with wife Elizabeth at the Roman Colosseum.
Allen Ko, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying at UVA to complete a fellowship in Neuroradiology.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
My time at UVA has been amazing—I got married, made tons of great friends, and grew alongside co-residents I really admire. I lucked out joining a program that puts its residents first, builds a supportive culture, and invests in our personal and professional growth. These past few years have shaped me in so many ways, and I’m so grateful for the experiences and friendships that will stick with me long after residency.
Dr. Daniel Phadke (right) with fiancée Allie.
Daniel Phadke, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be moving to Boston to complete a Body Imaging fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
UVA and Charlottesville has been a wonderful place to call home for the last nine years as I have had the privilege to be here for both medical school and residency. I am blessed to have had the chance to make great connections with both friends and mentors while here. Looking forward for what’s to come but will look back fondly at my time in Charlottesville.
Dr. Andrew Ray (right) and wife in Douro Valley, Portugal.
Andrew Ray, MD (IR-Integrated Residency)
Plans for Next Year
UVA Interventional Radiology!
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
My residency at UVA has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Each day, I’ve had the opportunity to apply my medical training to make a meaningful impact on patient’s lives. It has been a privilege to learn from exceptional mentors and be part of such a dedicated team. I’m truly excited for what lies ahead.
Dr. Adam Richardson (left) and wife during one of their many adventures together.
Adam Richardson, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying at UVA to pursue a fellowship in Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiology.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
I can’t express enough how grateful I am for the incredible moments my wife and I have shared at UVA! This has been such an exciting chapter in our lives, and it’s about to get even more thrilling as we prepare to welcome our first child this July! Starting our family here is an absolute blessing, and I find myself filled with joy every day as we build this beautiful life and love story together. The best is yet to come!
Dr. Daniel Ruohoniemi (right) and wife Savannah.
David Ruohoniemi, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying at UVA for a Body Imaging Fellowship.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
I am grateful for the opportunity to complete radiology residency at UVA among an amazing group of co-residents. Thank you to the faculty who have encouraged and challenged me throughout training. UVA is a special place because of the people – a place where I have met lifelong friends and mentors. It has been a privilege to start my radiology journey in Charlottesville in a supportive environment. Ready for the future!
Dr. Connor Sleeth (center) and classmates, Drs. David Ruohoniemi, George Cheeseman, Caroline Hubbard, Samantha Epstein, John Barrera, and Andrew Ray. (Classmates not pictured: Drs. Wayne Dell, Allen Ko, Daniel Phadke, and Adam Richardson.)
Connor Sleeth, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I am staying at UVA for the Musculoskeletal Fellowship.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
I remember week 1 of residency, listening to residents teach us about the PACS system and saying how quickly the years will go, and here I am reflecting on some of the best years of my life. The program continuously demonstrated values of growth and education. From technologists to administrators, I appreciated the communal support for residents along their path. At the core of this incredible experience are my colleagues, most notably my classmates. I am so thankful for walking this path alongside you all, as well as your partners, pets, and kids; we made it great!
Dr. Zak Swenson (left) and family.
Zak Swenson, MD (DR Residency)
Plans for Next Year
I will be staying at UVA next year for a body imaging fellowship.
Reflections on Your Time at UVA
I am deeply grateful for the incredible experience of being a UVA radiology resident and for the wonderful friends and mentors who supported me along the way. Thank you all for your encouragement, shared laughter, and unwavering support. Knowing I had such wonderful people by my side made navigating the demands of residency much more manageable and enjoyable.
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