What is your favorite thing about the University of Florida?
“In my opinion, UF is the best combination of academic learning while still maintaining a sense of community and togetherness. I’ve been surprised by how welcomed I’ve felt since day one and how many great connections I’ve already made!”
Cameron Mellow, MD, PGY 4
“My favorite thing about UF is the Gator pride. Some of my colleagues are triple, even quadruple Gators. Though I’m only a singular Gator, the Gator pride still runs strong and unites us all.”
Lane Drury, MD, PGY 3
“The University of Florida is filled with people who want to see you become successful. From your Coresidents to Attendings, so many people go out of their way to help you learn and become a better version of yourself.”
Ryan Lauzardo, MD, PGY 1
What is your favorite thing to do in Gainesville?
“My favorite thing to do in Gainesville is to enjoy year-round outdoor seating at local bars and restaurants. I am a restaurant repeater and there are some incredible restaurants that I frequent and take any and all friends/family that visit. Aside from eating, there is expansive greenery that makes the perfect backdrop for sunrise or sunset views from the car, hospital, or home! Both of these activities are made even better with friends, especially my co-residents.”
Alexandra Minnihan, MD, PGY 4
“Nothing better than Florida Gator sporting events!”
Ryan Lauzardo, MD, PGY 1
What attracted you most to the University of Florida?
“Growing up my entire family were Gator fans so I have always been interested in coming to University of Florida, but as a grew up and continued my education I further realized the weight behind university of Florida’s name. It’s an institution that is well respected and connected anywhere you go. What makes the institution so special are the people, becoming a member of the University of Florida family means you will always have someone in your corner and the OBGYN department is no different. From interview to match to my first day I have felt so supported by everyone I’ve met. Gainesville is also a great place to live with the charm of a small town but has everything you need!”
Lindsey Fragale, MD, PGY 4
“The people!”
Ruan Lauzardo, MD, PGY 1
What has been your favorite rotation and why?
“My favorite rotation has been our Nights rotation as a PGY-2, as it teaches you to start to stand on your own two feet as a generalist OBGYN. You are shielded from the busyness of daytime schedules and are able to focus on honing in on your surgical skills and synthesizing acute clinical pictures. Nights on Labor & Delivery are special, mainly because there is a real sense of family among the staff, nurses, and physicians – as if we are all going to get through this together. I was able to have significantly more one-on-one time with faculty members in the operating room, which challenged me to not lean on my upper levels to develop my own surgical intuition. This also gave me daily opportunity to improve my techniques in a variety of procedures, even knowing how to manage getting things done without necessarily having all of the luxuries of a scheduled clinic setting. I got significantly more comfortable with OBGYN care as it relates to the Emergency Department, and was able to make a lot of friends among other specialties such as Emergency Medicine and Anesthesia. I really felt myself gaining confidence as a physician during this rotation.”
Erika Wert, MD, P 3
“MIGS! The hours are long, but the training we receive from our two world renowned MIGS experts make me confident in my ability to perform laparoscopic and robotic surgery safely and well.”
Lane Drury, MD, PGY 3
“OB days. I had a great team and learned a lot.”
Ryan Lauzardo, MD, PGY 1
What do you love to do during a weekend off?
“There is no shortage of activities in and around Gainesville. My family and I enjoy “herping” on one of the many trails (so much wildlife in general!), going to Depot Park for a picnic, free outdoor concerts during the Spring-Fall downtown, trying out the new beer on tap at First Magnitude, Swamp Head, or Black Adder; biking (Hawthorne trail is great!); day trips to St. Augustine or Amelia Island (1.5hours away!); or of course attending one of the many Gator Sports events. There is no shortage of new food options, we have yet to visit all of the fan favorites even after four years! Some of our favorites are: Public and General, Superette Wine & Provisions, and Satchels. We can’t wait to show our new friends around Gainesville!”
Nathan Burke, MD, PGY 4
“Walk my golden retriever on one of the many nature trails in Gainesville or head to the beach in St. Augustine.”
Lane Drury, MD, PGY 3
“A little tennis in the morning and a beach trip after with my girlfriend. Nothing like it.”
Ryan Lauzardo, MD, PGY 1
