Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residents

Our podiatry residents take an active role in the interview process and selection of incoming residency class. They advocate for patients and access to quality care.  The residents experience a multicultural environment and diverse backgrounds while supporting each other's wellness.

PGY-3

Gabriel Hamawi

Gabriel Hamawi, DPM

Medical School: Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine
Professional Career Interests: To have a small clinic and practice in a rural or suburban environment. Another goal would be to go and give back my services to my parents' home countries of Lebanon and Armenia for those in need of a podiatrist
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Piano, darbuka (Arabic drum), tennis, basketball, football, archery, cars, and collecting watches
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I just picked kayaking, and I love. My favorite place to go so far in MI is Lake Superior Pictured Rocks

Zachary Pierson

Zachary Pierson, DPM

Medical School: Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Midwestern University
Professional Career Interests: Be a part of a successful multidisciplinary team
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Snowboarding, mountain biking, board games with my wife, hiking with our dog, exercising
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Hanging out at the lake, visiting the cider mills in the fall, Cedar Point, University of Michigan football

PGY-2

Kyleigh Pierson

Kyleigh Pierson, DPM

Medical School: Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Midwestern University
Professional Career Interests: Looking into pediatric podiatry, specifically club foot casting and such
Why did you choose CMU: The teaching style aligned well with my learning style and I felt I really got along well with the residents here
Personal Hobbies/Interests: My dogs, games and dancing
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Not sure yet, I'm not from Michigan so I'm learning as I go

Jacob Stricker

Jacob Stricker, DPM

Medical School: William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Professional Career Interests: Diesel tech/large engine repair. Might just have to stick with being in a podiatric group practice
Why did you choose CMU: I really liked the experience and mentorship I saw when rotating as a student. Residents were nice and very welcoming. Great attendings with a ton of experience 
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with friends, trying out new restaurants, bars, or breweries. Getting out on the water. Watching movies, golfing
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Getting out on the boat when I’m back home in Traverse City. Going on hikes or scenic drives, and doing winery/brewery tours. There’s also a lot of good golf courses in Michigan.

PGY-1

Headshot of Michael Navarro wearing a white dress shirt and tie.

Michael Navarro, DPM

Medical School: Kent State University
Professional Career Interests: Joining an Orthopedic group upon completion of a fellowship 
Why did you choose CMU: For the variety of cases
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Hiking or any outdoor activity, playing basketball and football, traveling 
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: Trying local restaurants and weekend adventures with my girlfriend. Spending time at Lake Michigan and wineries at Traverse City.

Headshot of Ryan Woldahl wearing a black suit.

Ryan Woldahl, DPM

Medical School: Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Midwestern University
Professional Career Interests: My goal is to return back to Arizona and open up a private practice with my wife and possibly teach part time.
Why did you choose CMU: I felt like I had an immediate connection and rapport with the residents and attendings and it immediately felt like home. I also found that my learning style was aligned with this program. I believed it provided the best opportunity for me to learn and reach my career goals.
Personal Hobbies/Interests: Playing guitar, listening to music, watching Boston sports, reading books, watching movies, playing video games and board games
Favorite Things to do around Michigan: I love going to the cider mills in the fall and enjoying kayaking in the rivers. I am curious to learn more about hunting, golfing and other various boating activities. I also really love finding that one hidden gem of a restaurant or coffee shop!