Class of 2027
Tyler Bittner
Hometown: Essex Junction, Vermont
Undergraduate: The University of Vermont, (Microbiology, 2016)
Medical School: The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, 2024
Areas of Interest in EM: EMS, wilderness medicine, medical education
Hobbies: Spending time with his family and pets, any outdoor activity, board games, fossil collecting
Why I chose UNC: I chose UNC for residency because I desired a training experience that would allow me to care for ill patients from day one. I valued the opportunity to train at a variety of clinical sites and the ability to pursue my specific EMS interests in the discipline tracks. Plus, everyone felt welcoming and happy.
Email: tyler.bittner@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: The University of Vermont, (Microbiology, 2016)
Medical School: The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, 2024
Areas of Interest in EM: EMS, wilderness medicine, medical education
Hobbies: Spending time with his family and pets, any outdoor activity, board games, fossil collecting
Why I chose UNC: I chose UNC for residency because I desired a training experience that would allow me to care for ill patients from day one. I valued the opportunity to train at a variety of clinical sites and the ability to pursue my specific EMS interests in the discipline tracks. Plus, everyone felt welcoming and happy.
Email: tyler.bittner@unchealth.unc.edu
Breanna Blaschke
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Undergraduate: Bethel University, St. Paul
Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine
Areas of Interest in EM: EMS, Critical Care, POCUS
Hobbies: Making music, pulling elaborate pranks, traveling with my husband, Tyler, and our rescue dog, Reese; anything outdoors (tennis/hiking/biking/camping/climbing/swimming), true crime podcasts
Why I chose UNC: I chose UNC above all for the fit. I could tell that the culture in the department was friendly and fun, and I saw a community where I would be supported in both personal and professional growth throughout my residency. I also knew UNC would provide unparalleled longitudinal training at both community and academic sites, which was a priority for me. And, of course, the location – a great food and arts scene centered between the mountains and the beach – that’s pretty hard to beat!
Email: breanna.blaschke@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: Bethel University, St. Paul
Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine
Areas of Interest in EM: EMS, Critical Care, POCUS
Hobbies: Making music, pulling elaborate pranks, traveling with my husband, Tyler, and our rescue dog, Reese; anything outdoors (tennis/hiking/biking/camping/climbing/swimming), true crime podcasts
Why I chose UNC: I chose UNC above all for the fit. I could tell that the culture in the department was friendly and fun, and I saw a community where I would be supported in both personal and professional growth throughout my residency. I also knew UNC would provide unparalleled longitudinal training at both community and academic sites, which was a priority for me. And, of course, the location – a great food and arts scene centered between the mountains and the beach – that’s pretty hard to beat!
Email: breanna.blaschke@unchealth.unc.edu
Courtney Botkin
Hometown: Staunton, VA
Undergraduate: Christopher Newport University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Virginia
Areas of Interest in EM: EMS, Wilderness Medicine, Ultrasound
Hobbies: Hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, pickleball, reading
Why I chose UNC: From the moment I met the residents, I knew I wanted to be at UNC. It was clear during interview day that this program placed equal emphasis on academics and resident well-being. The program embodies academic and community medicine through the diverse clinical sites. After talking with the residents during the second look, it was obvious that they felt well supported by the staff but also knowledgeable and confident in their skills. It did not take me long to realize this was where I wanted to learn emergency medicine!
Email: courtney.botkin@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: Christopher Newport University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Virginia
Areas of Interest in EM: EMS, Wilderness Medicine, Ultrasound
Hobbies: Hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, pickleball, reading
Why I chose UNC: From the moment I met the residents, I knew I wanted to be at UNC. It was clear during interview day that this program placed equal emphasis on academics and resident well-being. The program embodies academic and community medicine through the diverse clinical sites. After talking with the residents during the second look, it was obvious that they felt well supported by the staff but also knowledgeable and confident in their skills. It did not take me long to realize this was where I wanted to learn emergency medicine!
Email: courtney.botkin@unchealth.unc.edu
Jenn Davidson
Hometown: Media, PA
Undergraduate: University of Vermont
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Areas of Interest in EM: Addiction Medicine, Medical Education, Ultrasound
Hobbies: Running, Hiking, Skiing, Traveling, Spending time with my dog, Reading, Baking
Why I chose UNC: When it came to a residency program, I was looking for a program that would offer me a broad spectrum of experience. UNC offered what I was looking for in terms of a mix of academic and community training sites, a variety of subspecialty trained physicians who I could learn from, and a diverse patient population. On top of everything that UNC had to offer, when I came to visit for a second look day, I was overwhelmed by how welcoming all the residents were and how beautiful the Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh area was.
Email: jennifer.davidson@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: University of Vermont
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Areas of Interest in EM: Addiction Medicine, Medical Education, Ultrasound
Hobbies: Running, Hiking, Skiing, Traveling, Spending time with my dog, Reading, Baking
Why I chose UNC: When it came to a residency program, I was looking for a program that would offer me a broad spectrum of experience. UNC offered what I was looking for in terms of a mix of academic and community training sites, a variety of subspecialty trained physicians who I could learn from, and a diverse patient population. On top of everything that UNC had to offer, when I came to visit for a second look day, I was overwhelmed by how welcoming all the residents were and how beautiful the Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh area was.
Email: jennifer.davidson@unchealth.unc.edu
Ben Duncan
Hometown: Spruce Pine, NC
Undergraduate: Wake Forest University
Medical School: UNC School of Medicine
Areas of Interest in EM: Rural Emergency Medicine, Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Hobbies: Sports, Reading, Video games, Dallas Mavericks, Spending time with my nephews
Why I chose UNC: Growing up in the small, rural town of Spruce Pine, NC, I was always a diehard UNC Basketball fan who dreamed of being at UNC for higher education in the future. While I briefly rebelled and attended Wake for undergrad, I followed that up by attending UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health for my MPH before attending UNC School of Medicine. While doing an Acting Internship in Emergency Medicine at UNC, I felt like I immediately hit it off with the attendings and residents. Hanging out with the residents outside of the hospital made it clear this is a place that I could be myself while receiving excellent training. I tried to be as open-minded as possible while applying to and interviewing with residency programs, but UNC was my top choice from day one. Now I’m incredibly excited to become a Triple-Heel by completing Emergency Medicine residency at UNC.
Email: benjamin.duncan@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: Wake Forest University
Medical School: UNC School of Medicine
Areas of Interest in EM: Rural Emergency Medicine, Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Hobbies: Sports, Reading, Video games, Dallas Mavericks, Spending time with my nephews
Why I chose UNC: Growing up in the small, rural town of Spruce Pine, NC, I was always a diehard UNC Basketball fan who dreamed of being at UNC for higher education in the future. While I briefly rebelled and attended Wake for undergrad, I followed that up by attending UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health for my MPH before attending UNC School of Medicine. While doing an Acting Internship in Emergency Medicine at UNC, I felt like I immediately hit it off with the attendings and residents. Hanging out with the residents outside of the hospital made it clear this is a place that I could be myself while receiving excellent training. I tried to be as open-minded as possible while applying to and interviewing with residency programs, but UNC was my top choice from day one. Now I’m incredibly excited to become a Triple-Heel by completing Emergency Medicine residency at UNC.
Email: benjamin.duncan@unchealth.unc.edu
Jonny Hecktman
Hometown: Northbrook, IL
Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: University of Illinois – Chicago
Areas of Interest in EM: Ultrasound, MedEd, Critical Care
Hobbies: Golf, Tennis, Hiking, Flying Trapeze
Why I chose UNC: I chose UNC because It was the first interview where I truly felt comfortable. The faculty and residents all were friendly, supportive, and genuine. I could tell that along with excellent education and patient care, resident wellness was at the top of the program’s priorities. Further, UNC offers an awesome mix of community and academic training, which helps to produce well-rounded EM physicians. As an added bonus, I get to trade in the cold Chicago winters for North Carolina!
Email: jonathan.hecktman@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: University of Illinois – Chicago
Areas of Interest in EM: Ultrasound, MedEd, Critical Care
Hobbies: Golf, Tennis, Hiking, Flying Trapeze
Why I chose UNC: I chose UNC because It was the first interview where I truly felt comfortable. The faculty and residents all were friendly, supportive, and genuine. I could tell that along with excellent education and patient care, resident wellness was at the top of the program’s priorities. Further, UNC offers an awesome mix of community and academic training, which helps to produce well-rounded EM physicians. As an added bonus, I get to trade in the cold Chicago winters for North Carolina!
Email: jonathan.hecktman@unchealth.unc.edu
Kiefer Kious
Hometown: Dwight, IL
Undergraduate: Augustana College
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Areas of Interest in EM: Cardiovascular emergencies, EMS, Critical Care, Administration
Hobbies: Weightlifting, golf/sports, traveling, finding new restaurants and breweries, time with family/friends
Why I chose UNC: I chose UNC because when I met the residents and faculty during my interview it immediately felt like I was talking with friends. The family feel and genuine support for one another definitely stood out. During my second look day I got to experience the UNC family first-hand and I remember feeling at home. The diverse clinical experience in both academic and community medicine, mentorship from world-class educators, and the beautiful state of North Carolina made this decision a no-brainer. I know the first-rate education and training at UNC will mold me into an excellent physician in any clinical setting!
Email: kiefer.kious@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: Augustana College
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Areas of Interest in EM: Cardiovascular emergencies, EMS, Critical Care, Administration
Hobbies: Weightlifting, golf/sports, traveling, finding new restaurants and breweries, time with family/friends
Why I chose UNC: I chose UNC because when I met the residents and faculty during my interview it immediately felt like I was talking with friends. The family feel and genuine support for one another definitely stood out. During my second look day I got to experience the UNC family first-hand and I remember feeling at home. The diverse clinical experience in both academic and community medicine, mentorship from world-class educators, and the beautiful state of North Carolina made this decision a no-brainer. I know the first-rate education and training at UNC will mold me into an excellent physician in any clinical setting!
Email: kiefer.kious@unchealth.unc.edu
Kyle Langston
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Undergraduate: Baylor University
Medical School: UT Southwestern
Areas of Interest in EM: Ultrasound, Global Health, Medical Education
Hobbies: Backpacking, traveling, reading, listening to podcasts
Why I chose UNC: Growing up two of my close relatives were tar heel grads, so I was raised as a Longhorn/Tarheel hybrid fan. My wife and I fell in love with North Carolina after a backpacking trip to the Smoky Mountains, and I knew I had to come back for residency. UNC stood out to me because we get to train at so many different hospitals and see tons of patients. I was also impressed by the distinguished faculty present in my fields of interest (namely global health and ultrasound). Not to mention all the stellar collegiate athletics to cheer on. Go heels!
Email: kyle.langston@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: Baylor University
Medical School: UT Southwestern
Areas of Interest in EM: Ultrasound, Global Health, Medical Education
Hobbies: Backpacking, traveling, reading, listening to podcasts
Why I chose UNC: Growing up two of my close relatives were tar heel grads, so I was raised as a Longhorn/Tarheel hybrid fan. My wife and I fell in love with North Carolina after a backpacking trip to the Smoky Mountains, and I knew I had to come back for residency. UNC stood out to me because we get to train at so many different hospitals and see tons of patients. I was also impressed by the distinguished faculty present in my fields of interest (namely global health and ultrasound). Not to mention all the stellar collegiate athletics to cheer on. Go heels!
Email: kyle.langston@unchealth.unc.edu
Tavien Mapp
Hometown: Denver, CO
Undergraduate: UNC Chapel Hill
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Areas of Interest in EM: Pediatric EM, Ultrasound
Hobbies: basketball, music production, hiking, fishing
Why I chose UNC: Since undergrad, UNC has always felt like home to me. I have met so many wonderful individuals throughout my time at UNC and look forward to growing that number. As always, GO HEELS!
Email: tavien.mapp@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: UNC Chapel Hill
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Areas of Interest in EM: Pediatric EM, Ultrasound
Hobbies: basketball, music production, hiking, fishing
Why I chose UNC: Since undergrad, UNC has always felt like home to me. I have met so many wonderful individuals throughout my time at UNC and look forward to growing that number. As always, GO HEELS!
Email: tavien.mapp@unchealth.unc.edu
Lyndsay Oakeson
Hometown: Durham, NC
Undergraduate: Duke University
Medical School: Drexel University
Areas of Interest in EM: Ultrasound, medical education
Hobbies: cooking, baking, traveling, horseback riding, skiing
Why I chose UNC: UNC combines so many things I was looking for in a residency program. The clinical training is top notch, with UNC and WakeMed allowing for diverse training experience in academic and community medicine. The location is perfect – I grew up in Durham so I might be biased but I think the Triangle is such an amazing place to live with beautiful weather, great restaurants and breweries, and the best college basketball in the country. Lastly- it’s the people! I worked as a scribe at UNC for a few years prior to medical school, so I was able to witness firsthand the culture of the residency program. Everyone is so friendly, supportive, and passionate about teaching. I’m very excited to be continuing my journey back at UNC!
Email: lyndsay.oakeson@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: Duke University
Medical School: Drexel University
Areas of Interest in EM: Ultrasound, medical education
Hobbies: cooking, baking, traveling, horseback riding, skiing
Why I chose UNC: UNC combines so many things I was looking for in a residency program. The clinical training is top notch, with UNC and WakeMed allowing for diverse training experience in academic and community medicine. The location is perfect – I grew up in Durham so I might be biased but I think the Triangle is such an amazing place to live with beautiful weather, great restaurants and breweries, and the best college basketball in the country. Lastly- it’s the people! I worked as a scribe at UNC for a few years prior to medical school, so I was able to witness firsthand the culture of the residency program. Everyone is so friendly, supportive, and passionate about teaching. I’m very excited to be continuing my journey back at UNC!
Email: lyndsay.oakeson@unchealth.unc.edu
Carolyn Rapp
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Undergraduate: UNC Chapel Hill
Medical School: UCF College of Medicine
Areas of Interest in EM: Wilderness Medicine, Global Health, Rural Health, Preventive Medicine
Hobbies: Piano, hiking, soccer, running, cycling, swimming, being a dog mom
Why I chose UNC: Interviewing here felt like coming home. Every single faculty member and resident was kind, authentic, and down to earth. I knew I wanted to train at a strong academic center with a high-volume community hospital, and UNC has the best of all worlds. I wrote all over my notes from interview day that it felt like where I was supposed to be. I also wanted to be closer to my family in Raleigh and love living in the Triangle, so it was an easy decision on my part. I’m grateful to be a part of the UNC Emergency Medicine family. Go Heels!
Email: carolyn.rapp@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: UNC Chapel Hill
Medical School: UCF College of Medicine
Areas of Interest in EM: Wilderness Medicine, Global Health, Rural Health, Preventive Medicine
Hobbies: Piano, hiking, soccer, running, cycling, swimming, being a dog mom
Why I chose UNC: Interviewing here felt like coming home. Every single faculty member and resident was kind, authentic, and down to earth. I knew I wanted to train at a strong academic center with a high-volume community hospital, and UNC has the best of all worlds. I wrote all over my notes from interview day that it felt like where I was supposed to be. I also wanted to be closer to my family in Raleigh and love living in the Triangle, so it was an easy decision on my part. I’m grateful to be a part of the UNC Emergency Medicine family. Go Heels!
Email: carolyn.rapp@unchealth.unc.edu
Sam Stedman
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate: United States Military Academy
Medical School: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Areas of Interest in EM: Rural medicine, wilderness medicine, resuscitation, ultrasound
Hobbies: Offroading, camping, wildlife, lifting, music, sketch art, serial houseplant murder, run-on sentences (see below)
Why I chose UNC: The Research Triangle is nestled within driving distance of Uwharrie National Forest (i.e. Jeep heaven), swamp coastlines where you can see alligators and sea turtles in the wild on the same day, and countless adventure havens between. The powerhouse technical work for which the area gets its name attracts an incredibly diverse and impressive group of people to join in trips to aforementioned destinations. The Triangle also happens to be home to one of the best EM training programs in the South, with excellent exposure to pediatrics, non-academic settings, robust skills training, and notable involvement in the space of rural medicine. The combination of these factors initially drew me to UNC; what struck me in my interactions with the program was how consistently thoughtful the residents and faculty were. By the end of the interview season it was clear the leadership at UNC was in the business of teambuilding. I was thus unsurprised that within weeks of Match Day the group chat of the incoming interns had already gotten rowdy in the best way possible; I knew I had found my people.
Email: samual.stedman@unchealth.unc.edu
Undergraduate: United States Military Academy
Medical School: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Areas of Interest in EM: Rural medicine, wilderness medicine, resuscitation, ultrasound
Hobbies: Offroading, camping, wildlife, lifting, music, sketch art, serial houseplant murder, run-on sentences (see below)
Why I chose UNC: The Research Triangle is nestled within driving distance of Uwharrie National Forest (i.e. Jeep heaven), swamp coastlines where you can see alligators and sea turtles in the wild on the same day, and countless adventure havens between. The powerhouse technical work for which the area gets its name attracts an incredibly diverse and impressive group of people to join in trips to aforementioned destinations. The Triangle also happens to be home to one of the best EM training programs in the South, with excellent exposure to pediatrics, non-academic settings, robust skills training, and notable involvement in the space of rural medicine. The combination of these factors initially drew me to UNC; what struck me in my interactions with the program was how consistently thoughtful the residents and faculty were. By the end of the interview season it was clear the leadership at UNC was in the business of teambuilding. I was thus unsurprised that within weeks of Match Day the group chat of the incoming interns had already gotten rowdy in the best way possible; I knew I had found my people.
Email: samual.stedman@unchealth.unc.edu
