There are 16 candidates for the ten representative-at-large positions. Voting members of the House Officers Association will receive ballots via email on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10 am. The election will remain open until Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10 am.

Please read the vision for next year from HOA President-elect Sam Schuiteman and statements from each of this year's candidates. Good luck to all those who are running.

President

Sam Schuiteman

Internal Medicine
HO3 » HO4

As incoming HOA president, I am excited to share my vision for the upcoming year with all of you. For over fifty years, the HOA has been a national leader in improving resident pay and working conditions. This year, the HOA has the opportunity to further cement this legacy by joining AFT Michigan – and I am excited to usher the HOA into this new era of improving the lives of residents. 

This past year, the HOA Board unanimously endorsed affiliating with AFT Michigan. This is a remarkable opportunity for our members. During our last contract negotiation, it became abundantly clear that the employer has grown too large to care about the demands of an independent union, and that increased political power will be necessary to make any forward progress at the bargaining table. AFT is a powerhouse throughout the state and already has a storied history of winning bargaining battles with the employer; our partnership will allow us to improve resident pay, working conditions, and wellness during each of our future contract negotiations. 

Rest assured – even after partnership, the HOA will remain a small, agile, and local union. We will not have any changes to our staff, and our focus will always be on you. Our primary goal will always be to create an environment where residents and fellows thrive, both personally and professionally. We will continue to offer all of the same benefits you rely upon. 

This is a monumental year for our union. I am always available to listen to your concerns. We have the best union staff in the country, and they are also available to you anytime. If you ever are facing issues in the workplace, the HOA is here for you. 

Hail to the victors. 
Sam Schuiteman
2024-2025 HOA President

President-Elect

Rachael Tesorero

Emergency Medicine
HO2 » HO3

Hello, my name is Rachael Tesoerero, and I am currently a representative for the House Officer Association (HOA). I am running to be the President-Elect of the HOA for the 2024-2025 AY because I am passionate about advocating for the rights and well-being of house officers during training. I am committed to ensuring that every member's voice is heard and respected. My goal is to create positive change within the union, GME, Michigan Medicine, and the broader medical community. Recognizing the challenges and pressures House Officers face, I am determined to implement policies and initiatives that promote better working conditions/compensation, support professional development, and prioritize the health and safety of all members. I aim to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where every member has a voice that is valued. I have enjoyed my time with the union this past year and would be honored to be President-Elect so I can continue to advocate for the needs of my fellow house officers.

Vice President

Jaclyn Mauch

Plastic Surgery
HO3 » HO4

With my prior experience in corporate strategy at a Fortune 500 company, as an HOA negotiations team member, and as HOA treasurer this past year, I plan to continue to fight for residents as Vice President. I will advocate for resident rights and help guide the union through the waterfall of decisions that national affiliation requires. Even with a union supporting us, there’s not a day that goes by that we don’t deserve more. It will be my job to continue to fight for more.

Secretary

Jamarie Geller

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
HO4 » HO5

I have been on the HOA board for the past year. The year before that, I worked alongside the board on the contract bargaining team. I love and am so grateful for our union, and I want to stay involved in the work we do advocating for residents at Michigan Medicine, taking on a more active role as secretary. I am passionate about using our collective power to ensure residents are compensated, protected, and treated fairly. I also feel strongly about resident and fellow wellness, and intend to continue to champion efforts to change institutional norms and policies to protect our mental and physical health while we work as the backbone of patient care for the hospital system.

Treasurer

Nadine Ibrahim

Otolaryngology
HO4 » HO5

As a rising chief surgical resident, a current member of the HOA Board, a parent, and a member of the bargaining team that negotiated our current HOA contract, I am passionate about continuing to represent my peers and colleagues by serving on the HOA Executive Board as Treasurer. My deep understanding of the nuances of residency training, the inner mechanics of our union, along with my thorough experience in hospital and program logistics, equips me to advocate effectively for our community and oversee the financial soundness of our HOA. In my previous roles, I have been an effective communicator with a commitment to ethical integrity. Our negotiations and continued advocacy have been crucial in advancing our interests, ensuring fair compensation, and improving working, educational, and training conditions. As a dedicated advocate for physician well-being, high-quality training, and professional development, I am well-positioned to continue serving my co-resident peers and colleagues and would be honored to have your vote.

Representative-at-large

Mario Belfiglio

Anesthesiology
HO1 » HO2

Hello, my name is Mario Belfiglio, and I am a rising PGY2 in Anesthesiology. I am running for the HOA board because I am passionate about the power and benefits of organized labor. I was raised with an appreciation for unions from a young age. My mother spent her career as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency dedicated to protecting the rights of employees to organize and engage in union activities. My father was also a proud union member. They taught me the importance of workers being able to advocate for themselves collectively without fear of reprisal. Being able to join a union was one of the reasons I came here for residency, and I have been very impressed with the hard work and dedication of our HOA staff and board members. I have previous experience with leadership and advocacy as an undergrad, where I served as a student representative on the university senate and a variety of university committees. I successfully negotiated with faculty and the administration on several issues, such as course fee transparency, meal plan pricing, textbook affordability, tuition surcharges, and revising the general education curriculum. If elected to the HOA board, I pledge to work hard advocating for and supporting my fellow House Officers.

Megan Bricely

Family Medicine
HO1 » HO2

I am running for consideration for a board position because I have seen the efforts the HOA board will undertake for each and every union member individually and on a large scale. I want to continue this work by not just being a voice for union members but by amplifying voices as well. Continued advocation for the betterment of current and future House Officers is a responsibility. Each and every class of HOA representatives has taken part in that never-ending forward progress, and I want to honor that by continuing to push boundaries and advocating for the ideas (and ideals) that our union members express.

Ian Brodka

Emergency Medicine
HO1 » HO2

Hey everyone, I am one of the PGY-1s in Emergency Medicine and would love to represent all of us as residents on the HOA Board to the institution and all other parties. We devote a lot of time towards this hospital and the care of the patients within these walls. When we aren't here, we are taking care of our family and friends, and likely leave taking care of ourselves to the very end of the list. As dedicated as we are as residents to the care of our patients, the HOA is dedicated to improving our work life, and I want to be part of that voice to advocate for us all. Whatever form that advocacy comes in, especially if we successfully vote to join the larger AFT Union, being your voice and representing you accurately and faithfully is my priority. Though I may only be at the end of my first year, I have been involved within the Emergency Department on initiatives for residents, and I also bring with me experience at the national level through organizations such as EMRA (Emergency Medicine Residents' Association) and the AMA. With these experiences already under my belt, and continuing to grow alongside each of you here in Michigan, I hope you will trust me with this opportunity to represent all of us on the HOA Board.

Elise Corden

Current HOA Board Member
Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship
HO3 » HO4

My name is Elise Corden, and I am a third-year pediatrics resident and a current HOA representative. I am fortunate to be staying at U of M for my Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship and look forward to continuing my work with the HOA Board over the next two years. Through this position thus far, I have enjoyed advocating for the wellness of residents, knowing that resident well-being directly correlates with the support and care that we can provide to our patients. Over this past year our team has worked to ensure that a wide range of resident needs including lactation room availability, parking access, and fair compensation have been secured. Following our success in the most recent negotiation cycle, we are now actively preparing for the next negotiation to ensure that future residents will also have access to fair and equitable working conditions. 

During my upcoming fellowship training I look forward to spending additional time with hospital administrators to gain a more in-depth understanding of the current operations of our institution. Given the demands and high expectations of trainees, I am particularly passionate about reviewing staffing models among both residents and APPs to ensure that clinical exposure and education are appropriately balanced with safe and sustainable work hours. I aim to leverage my skills honed in business school to work towards optimizing hospital efficiency and collaborating with administrators to ensure safe staffing requirements are upheld.

Aseel Haidar

Family Medicine
HO1 » HO2

Hi! My name is Aseel, and I’m a family medicine intern originally from Dearborn, MI. I would love the opportunity to represent you and serve as an HOA Board representative. As an HOA member, I have witnessed the impactful advocacy of our board in securing essential benefits for residents, such as competitive pay, a safe work environment, and abundant PTO. Being a part of this community with you all has brought me immense joy, and my goal is to ensure that every member experiences this same fulfillment. Recognizing the challenges—both emotional and physical—that residency poses, I am dedicated to advocating for changes that will ease your workload. Some specific goals I hope to address include improving access to mental health support, offering resources to cultivate work-life balance, and pushing more opportunities for research and CME. I firmly believe that as residents, you deserve unwavering support in all areas, and I am committed to advocating for your well-being and professional growth in any way I can. Thank you!

Alexis Holman

Current HOA Board Member
Internal Medicine
HO2 » HO3

It has been an honor to serve as a member of the HOA board this year. As an MD/JD resident, I would like to continue contributing to bridging the gap between the administration and its clinical providers. After witnessing the important advocacy measures taken by the HOA with respect to compensation last year and being a part of decision-making on impactful issues this year, such as national union affiliation, it would be my privilege to maintain my position as part of this important organization and to continue finding ways to best support our resident/fellow team. Continuity will be important as we resolve current issues and address new ones over the next year. 

Danielle Jean

OB/Gyn
HO1 » HO2

As physicians, we often work for the benefit of our families, our patients, and our residency programs while neglecting ourselves. To provide excellent care and be effective and well-adjusted leaders, it is important to know that our basic needs are met, including the need for fair pay, reasonable work-hours, fair treatment in clinical and professional spaces, and prioritization of our physical and mental well-being. I have been a life-long advocate for justice and equity in these spaces, from advocating for underprivileged community members to effecting structural change in the medical school to ensure equity and psychological safety for the most vulnerable. As your HOA representative, I will bring my clinical experience in a field that is equal parts medical and surgical and my personal experiences with advocacy to ensure that residents across the clinical care continuum are healthy, comfortable, and safe. Thank you for your vote of confidence in me - I look forward to working on your behalf!

Kristie Khatibi

Family Medicine
HO2 » HO3

I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve on the HOA Board because of my strong belief in the power of collective action. I believe in the importance of advocating for not just our patients, but ourselves and each other. As a resident, I have reached out to the HOA multiple times for help and support over the last two years; I am extremely grateful to be part of a community that not only believes, but also invests in protecting each other. During my time in residency, I have unfortunately witnessed the vulnerability of medical residents and have personally experienced and been a witness to bias and discrimination. I would love the opportunity to create a better experience for my fellow and future residents. As a board member, I would bring my perspective from years of working with individuals who are the most vulnerable and underrepresented in our country. I have worked in numerous areas of advocacy and research including mental health, addiction, food insecurity, gender equity, racial discrimination, and LGBTQ+ health. I would be grateful for the opportunity to utilize my skills to advocate for positive change and increased equity in the field of medicine. Thank you for your consideration!

Connor Knowles

Current HOA Board Member
Psychiatry
HO2 » HO3

Hello House Officers, my name is Connor. I am a resident in the Department of Psychiatry and have had the privilege of serving on the HOA board for the last year. I got involved after a career transition allowed me to appreciate the unique vulnerability we face as resident physicians. I believe we must represent and stand up for our own interests as health systems around the country continue to show us they will undervalue and overwork us to the benefit of the administration and shareholders. My philosophy for us all is that no matter our department or primary job duties, from the operating room to our outpatient clinics, we as House Officers deserve to have a fair and just contract, work-life balance, and be able to access mental health care and support while in training. I idealize a world where residents are given what we deserve for the work we perform and the value we add to our institution, and one where House Officers feel not only supported but empowered to find their happiest and healthiest path forward in medical training. I hope to continue building on the progress of the bargaining unit to continue as an HOA board member, if elected to serve another term, thank you.

Emily Lawrence

Ophthalmology
HO1 » HO2

I am running for HOA representative because I am committed to supporting my fellow House Officers and ensuring Michigan is an excellent place for trainees. While our training must be rigorous because of the complex work we do, we also deserve workplace protections that allow us to live full lives. As a mom of 2 young kids, I strive to live this balance every day and seek to support others in doing the same. As a former elementary school assistant principal, I am experienced in engaging in difficult conversations and mediating to find common goals among conflicting interests. Thank you for your consideration; I would be honored to represent you on the HOA board.

Joseph Linzey

Current HOA Board Member
Neurosurgery
HO5 » HO6

I am currently serving my second year as a member of the HOA Board because I am passionate about fighting for equality and optimal working conditions for residents. As a neurosurgery resident, I’m blessed (and cursed) with a longitudinal relationship with the hospital, given the length of my training. Because of this, I have the longevity to see improvement projects and initiatives through to completion. I’m working as a member of the current board as we begin preparations to affiliate with national organizations, and I want to see these initiatives through. I am accessible and open to feedback to allow me to understand the needs of residents across the institution. I’m committed to working to continue to improve conditions for residents as we voice concerns and initiatives to the administration.

Haley Marber

Current HOA Board Member
Child Neurology
HO2 » HO3

While for many of us, practicing medicine may feel like a calling, it is also a job; we deserve decency and respect in the workplace. Having served as a member of the board this past year, I have been astonished by the pervasive and widespread mistreatment of residents across all programs. Through its actions, our hospital system continually shows us that it views residents as an inexpensive and easily exploitable labor force. I have also been so deeply encouraged by the strength of our residents in coming forward and working with the union to fight for our rights when they have been infringed upon; it has been an immense privilege to bear witness to and participate in. Our strength is in our numbers, our openness to hearing each others’ stories, and our willingness to stand together. 

I hope as a returning representative that I can continue to work with each of you to continue fighting for our humanity to be recognized, for our contract to be upheld, and for safe, secure, and appropriate working conditions.

Patrick Moran

Pediatric Critical Care
HO4 » HO5

The HOA here at Michigan Medicine is a fundamental part of what makes our institution stand out as an academic medical center and allows us to remain competitive in recruiting future physicians. Having done my residency training at Michigan as well, I have greatly appreciated all the work and progress the HOA and its board have accomplished over the past few years. If elected to the board, my hope is to continue advocating for all House Officers in regard to wellness, compensation, equity, etc., ensuring that our union continues to achieve fair bargaining with the larger institution in the years to come. As part of a notoriously busy fellowship program, I hope to provide a unique perspective amongst the board members that perhaps has not been as present historically.

Tricia Pendergrast

Anesthesiology
HO1 » HO2

Hi everyone. I am running for HOA Board because I believe that unions are foundational to labor rights in this country. Strong unions are absolutely critical at a time in this country where the people in power continue to get richer while consistently exploiting their workforces. As a rising PGY2, I was fortunate to have benefitted from the strength of our union when our contract was re-negotiated before even beginning to work at Michigan Medicine andwant to pay this forward to my current and future colleagues. As an Anesthesiology resident, I've been fortunate to work with residents from almost every specialty. Through this experience, I know that we have a lot of shared challenges and also want a lot of the same things from our residency experience. Not only do we want to learn, grow, and become great physicians, we want to be treated like human beings while doing so. We should be able to take time off when we are sick or grieving a loved one without fear of retribution from our programs or fear of losing our vacation time. We shouldn't have to stress every morning of an 80-hour work week about whether or not we'll be able to find parking. We deserve mental health services that are actually accessible and an educational environment free from discrimination and bias. I am so grateful for everything the union has done for the House Officers at MM, and I look forward to what we can do together in the future. Thank you so much for your consideration!

Alexa Pinsky

Internal Medicine-Pediatrics
HO1 » HO2

Hello, my name is Alexa Pinsky, and I am running for a spot on the HOA board as an Internal Medicine-Pediatrics PGY-2 at Michigan Medicine. My decision to choose Michigan for my residency was strongly influenced by its vibrant community and active union, which I am eager to get involved with and support. As a Med-Peds intern involved with two major programs, I bring a unique perspective on issues affecting our community. However, I am dedicated to advocating for the needs of residents from all specialties, with a particular focus on improving equitable scheduling, mental health programs, parking, and ensuring sufficient workspaces. I am committed to implementing meaningful changes and raising the voices of my co-residents. If elected, I promise to tirelessly advocate for our collective needs and to help foster a supportive environment for all.

Sudhu Srinivasan

Anesthesiology
HO2 » HO3

Joining the union as a member PGY-1 year was pretty much a no-brainer for me! I have seen first-hand how, over time, residents both within my department and the greater union at large have been able to make actionable change in areas such as improving financial compensation, limiting exploitation with meaningful mediation, and fostering a connected resident community. I am running to be a part of our HOA Board with goals to contribute to resident financial health, negotiate feasible quality of life improvements for residents, and strive for better conditions for (physical and psychological) resident wellness. In the next few years as inflation continues to rise the cost of living in Ann Arbor, the university finishes the Pavilion, and Michigan Medicine hires more faculty and staff, I want to help make sure there is consistent focus on all of us as residents. I am grateful to have benefited these last few years within our union and am excited to have an opportunity to pay it forward to our current and future colleagues!