Letter from the Chief Residents

Chief Residents 2026 – 2027

Welcome, and thank you for considering the Emergency Medicine Residency at Regions Hospital. As current Chief Residents, we have had the privilege of training in, and helping shape a program that we believe offers an exceptional balance of early autonomy, broad critical care training, and emphasis on resident well-being. 

Regions Hospital is a Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, Stroke, Heart, and Burn Center serving a broad and diverse patient population across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. As a safety-net hospital, we care for both underserved and privately insured patients—offering exposure to a wide range of pathologies from day one. 

We prioritize early exposure to high acuity patients. Interns lead medical airways, manage critically ill patients, and perform advanced procedures with the support of senior residents and dedicated faculty. Our structured orientation and strong off-service rotations—including PICU, NICU, pediatric anesthesia, EMS, toxicology, medical and surgical ICUs—prepare our residents for the challenges of emergency medicine, including rural and critical access care.

What sets our program apart is our people. We are a tight-knit, collaborative group of residents, faculty, nurses, and staff who are deeply invested in each other’s growth and well-being. Our faculty are not only outstanding clinicians but also passionate educators and mentors who take the time to know you personally and help you thrive. As residents, we support each other fiercely—whether it’s managing a challenging shift, studying for boards, or just enjoying a night off together.

We’re also proud of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with active efforts to foster a residency culture that is inclusive and representative of the communities we serve. Our curriculum includes dedicated time for health equity education, and our residents are actively engaged in advocacy and community health initiatives.

In addition to the rigorous training, we strongly value resident wellness and work-life balance. Living in the Twin Cities offers an incredible quality of life—affordable living, vibrant neighborhoods, outdoor recreation in all seasons, and a dynamic food and arts scene. Whether you’re into biking trails, breweries, lakes, or live music, there’s something here for everyone.

Choosing a residency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your career. At Regions, we believe you’ll find a program that not only challenges you but also supports and empowers you to become the best physician you can be. We are proud to be part of this community and would love the opportunity to share it with you.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about our program, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to meeting you during the application season!

Katrina Greenwalt, MD, Max Elsenheimer, DO and Katie Nielson, MD