Hannah R. Vester, MD
PGY: 1

Education:

• 2020 – 2024
  University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, OH
  Doctor of Medicine
• 2012 – 2016
  College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA
  Bachelor of Science in Biology

Personal Statement:

Dr. Vester was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, but enjoyed a 4-year hiatus from the Queen City during her undergraduate studies. Outside the hospital she loves to hang out with her 2-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Olive (who sadly only enjoys taking long walks outside during the middle of winter). Like some of her co-residents, she also cares for a large collection of house plants. Her clinical interests include a mix of both adult cardiac and thoracic surgery.

Nicole Kaley, MD
PGY: 2

Education:

• 2019 – 2023
  Creighton University School of Medicine Omaha, NE
  Doctor of Medicine
• 2014 – 2017
  Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO
  Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Personal Statement:

Nicole was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She moved away from Colorado for so the first time for medical school. She spent two years in Omaha, Nebraska at Creighton’s main campus and her final two years at the Phoenix, AZ campus. Outside of the hospital she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and skiing.  She also loves to cook and bake; her specialty is making bread. Professionally, Nicole is interested in both adult cardiac and thoracic surgery.

Valeria Farias, MD
PGY: 3

Education:

• 2018 – 2022
  SUNY Downstate Brooklyn, NY
  Doctor of Medicine
• 2012 – 2014
  University of California, Davis Davis, CA
  Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Personal Statement:

Valeria was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She was the first person in her family to graduate from a brick-and-mortar university, and was a freelance high school and college tutor prior to pursing medicine. Her professional interests include adult cardiac and thoracic surgery. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys dining, traveling, and classic literature.

Keaton Cooley, MD
PGY: 4

Education:

• 2017 – 2021
  University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA
  Doctor of Medicine
• 2010 – 2013
  University of Nevada, Reno, NV
  Bachelor of Science, Nursing 
• 2007 – 2010 
  Sierra College Truckee, CA
  Associates of Arts, Liberal Arts

Personal Statement:

Born in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Keaton Cooley is originally from Truckee, California. He is quite good at keeping plants alive, but also has a number of hobbies including: drinking coffee, cycling very quickly, skiing and swimming. Unfortunately, he is not a very good runner, otherwise he would be a killer triathlete. Professionally, with his background in healthcare as a RN prior to residency, he is interested in improving care delivery, specifically for adult cardiac surgical patients. 

John Kennedy, MD
PGY: 5

Education:

• 2016 – 2020
  University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
  Doctor of Medicine
• 2014 – 2016
  University of South Florida Tampa, FL
  Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
• 2012 – 2013
  St. Petersburg Community College St. Petersburg, FL
  Associate of Arts

Personal Statement:

John was born and raised in St. Louis but spent 15 years in Florida before moving back to the Midwest for residency. After residency, he plans to complete a fellowship in congenital cardiac surgery and has a special interest in pediatric mechanical support and transplantation. While not at the hospital, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, restoring his ‘79 Jeep, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Emily R. Wright, MD
PGY: 6

Education:

• 2015 – 2019
  University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, OH
  Doctor of Medicine
• 2011 – 2014
  Wake Forest University Winston Salem, NC
  Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Personal Statement:

Emily was born in Salt Lake City, Utah but has been in Ohio most of her life. She is interested in adult Cardiothoracic surgery and hopes to one day specialize in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.  When not in the operating room she enjoys hiking with her husband and two very large Newfoundland Dogs.   She was also a competitive golfer from a young age and still enjoys getting out on the course as much as she can.