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Issue 10 | August 2025
People
Welcome to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Samuel Joswiak, AT-C
Title: Athletic Trainer with Dr. Dopirak
Start Date: July 7, 2025
I have been a certified athletic trainer for 9 years, with work that spans outpatient clinics, NCAA DII Collegiate athletics, high school athletic coverage, and chiropractic rehabilitation settings. I have been married to my lovely wife for almost 7 years, and we have two amazing girls, Ruby, 4, and Lorelei, 2. We also have a goldendoodle named Dennis and a cat named Lottie. Activities I like to do in my free time - reading, exercising, spending time with my family outside, camping and canoeing. I will be traveling with Dr. Dopirak to his clinic sites.
Skylar Race, CNA
Location: Sports Medicine Center
Start Date: July 7, 2025
Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be joining the team and getting to know all of you. I'm coming from the Postpartum Unit at Froedtert Hospital, where I spent the last three years. Outside of work, I love to unwind by camping and spending time with friends. I also have a pretty unique family that includes my parents, three dogs, and a goat. Yes, you read that right…. A goat! His name is Ron, and he's quite the character. I'm really looking forward to working with you all and contributing to the team! I am an Overall Clinic Roomer who will be helping room for Dr. Vetter, Dr. Gottschlich, Dr. Douros, Dr. Campbell, and Dr. Zach clinics as well as wherever in the clinic there may be needs.
Katie Strachan, APNP
Specialty: Bone Health
Start Date: August 1, 2025
I have been a nurse since 2009, and I completed my Master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner in 2022. I completed the MCW orthopaedic APP fellowship program in 2024, so perhaps I will be a familiar face to some of you. I am excited to be back!
My husband Jake and I live in New Berlin with our 3 children – Nora, Ginny, and Clark. We have a cat named Albert and a 4.5-month-old black lab, Lennard. My life is filled with practices/activities, so most weekend days or weeknights you can find me (with one or more of my kids) in a hockey rink, at a soccer field, or in the dance studio. I love it all and wouldn’t have it any other way. In my free time I love heading to our cabin up north, spending time outdoors, going to concerts, and baking.
Charlie Shanaver, LP, HSP
Location: Greenfield Clinic
Start Date: August 1, 2025
Hello everyone! I am so excited to be here as the new Sport Psychologist within MCW/Children’s. I earned my PhD at UWM in 2023 and completed my APPIC accredited internship, with a clinical emphasis in Sport Psychology at the University of Iowa. Prior to this, I earned my master’s degrees in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling at the University of Pennsylvania. Most recently, I was working for the University of Oklahoma’s athletics department as the Assistant Director of Psychological Resources for OU Student Athletes where I provided both individual and team-based mental health and performance services. I am eager to continue my career journey back home in Milwaukee and work alongside you all!
Brittany Croyle, PA-C
Specialty: Hand & Upper Extremity with Dr. Grindel
Start Date: August 1, 2025
I completed my Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Marquette University in 2019. I have previous experience in cardiothoracic surgery and orthopaedic hand and upper extremity surgery. I am excited for the opportunity to continue providing orthopaedic care at Froedtert & MCW!
I grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and still reside in the area. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as traveling. I also enjoy reading and walks by the lake with my husband and dog, Bovie.
Abbey Ferree, PA-C
Specialty: Total Joint with Dr. Mullin
Start Date: September 1, 2025
I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with my master’s degree as a Physician Assistant. I also completed my bachelor’s degree in biology/neurobiology at UW-Madison in 2018. My passion for orthopedics began with a sports injury I sustained in high school, and that interest has only continued to grow through my shadowing experiences and rotations during PA school. I'm thrilled to be joining the ortho group in West Bend and look forward to working with Dr. Mullin and his team. In my free time, I love spending time with my fiancé (Sam), family, and friends. We enjoy staying active with outdoor hobbies like hiking, camping, and rock climbing. We also love spending time on the lake, golfing, and traveling.
Departures: Tyler Rehlinger APNP (5/1/25), Mercedes Sanchez MA (6/10/25)
Graduation 2025
This summer we said goodbye to our beloved PGY5s Mark, Clark, Jake, Austin, and Andrew.
We wish them the best of luck as they all enter the next chapter of their careers.
Congratulations to our graduating fellows!
HUE - Mohammad Zalzaleh DO, Plastics - Meagan Womack MD, Jordan Blough MD, Katelyn Kopacko APNP,
PM&R Sports Medicine - Joshua Raven DO.
Announcements during this year’s graduation ceremony held on June 20, 2025
·Incoming PGY-1 Class Advisor – Jessica Hanley MD
·25-26 Administrative Chief Resident - Andy Kleven MD
·2024 OITE Achievement Award Winner – Andrew Valiquette MD
·2025 Most Accomplished Research Award Winner – Austin Middleton MD
·2025 Outstanding Research Award Winner – Andrew Valiquette MD
·2025 Donald A. Hackbarth MD Humanism in Medicine Faculty Award Winner – Adam Thiessen MD
·2025 Donald A. Hackbarth MD Humanism in Medicine Resident Award Winner – Andrew Kleven MD
·2025 Michael C. Collopy MD Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award Winner – Elizabeth Nolte MD
·2025 Jeffrey P. Schwab MD Excellence in Academic Teaching Award Winner – Michael Decker MD
·2025 APP Excellence Award Winner – Alyssa Farnam APNP
Congratulations!
Incoming Residents
We also recently welcomed our new Intern class. Can’t wait to see what the next 5 years will bring them!
Camp Schwab – Evening with Dr. King on Thursday, July 10th
Interns: left to right (R. Mychael Dopirak II, Sean Hernandez, Hannah Kenneally, Milan Patel, James MacLeod)
Other Resident Events
Other notable life events for some of our residents: Logan (PGY3) and his wife Elizabeth welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Lily, in September. Brianna (PGY2) got married to her husband, Kelley. Paulina (PGY4) got engaged to her fiancé Ben. Taylor (PGY5) and his fiancé Emily are getting married in just a few short months. Troy (PGY4) and his wife Kylie are expecting twins this fall!
Research
Congratulations to Dr. Rachel Lenhart!
Rachel Lenhart, MD, PhD, has been awarded the Spring 2025 Research Affairs Committee New Faculty Pilot Grant. She received $35,000 for her project titled:
"Pilot study of plantarflexor structure-function relationships in toe-walkers."
This grant is part of MCW’s initiative to help new faculty members gather preliminary data that can strengthen future applications for external funding.
The next application opportunity for this mechanism will open in Fall 2025, and more information about the requirements can be found on the Research Affairs Committee Funding Opportunities page.
For additional information on other funding opportunities, visit the MCW Funding Opportunities page. It offers resources for internal programs, federal and nonprofit grants, and tools to help match researchers with funding sources.
Inclusion & Outreach Committee
August is National Black Business Month: Consider supporting a black owned business.
MKE Black celebrates and promotes black business, events, culture, and advancement in the greater Milwaukee area. They are a non-profit dedicated to providing a one-stop shop for locals and tourists, with information on dining, shopping, culture, resources, and more through their website and app.
2025-2026 School Year Dates:
Sept 30th
Oct 28th
Dec 16th - Holiday Party
Jan 27th
Feb 24th
March 24th
April 28th
May 26th
June 9th - Field Trip to MCW
Topics:
Sports Medicine, Finances, PT/OT, Careers, Research, Athletic Training and Fractures/Casting. Dates for specific topics TBD. If you are interested in participating in any of the scheduled dates, please contact Cindy Dusel cdusel@childrenswi.org.
September 15th - October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month:
Consider reading a book written by a Latinx author.
Solito is a memoir by Javier Zamora. The memoir tells a story of a nine-year-old boy on his 3,000-mile journey from a small town in El Salvador to the United States to reunite with his parents. As gripping as it is moving, Solito provides an immediate and intimate account not only of a treacherous and near-impossible journey, but also of the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments.
View this Goodreads list for more popular books by Latinx Authors.
Disclaimer: The book recommendations shared in this newsletter are provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in the recommended books are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of MCW or its employees. MCW does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the content, accuracy, or suitability of the material referenced. Readers are encouraged to use their own judgement and discretion when engaging with any of the recommended content.
August Diversity Calendar 2025 Highlights
Purple Heart Day – August 7
Today, remember Americans who have been wounded in battle, have done courageous acts while at war or who gave their life for our freedoms. Purple represents bravery and courage, and it is the oldest military decoration presented to service members in the United States. It was first created by George Washington in 1782.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – August 9
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples hopes to raise awareness about the rights and contributions of indigenous populations worldwide. Today, start a dialogue about the indigenous communities and society by understanding the challenges they face such as marginalization.
Women’s Equality Day – August 26
This day remembers the passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which gave women the right to vote. Celebrate the achievements of women in history this month. Remember the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights every day.
International Day of People of African Descent – August 31
This day was established by the United Nations to celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of people of African descent worldwide, and to promote the full inclusion of people of African descent in all aspects of society. It also aims to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance that people of African descent face globally.
September Major Religious Holidays
September 5 – Islamic: Mawlid al-Nabi
Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
September 11 – Coptic Orthodox Christian: Nayrouz
Marks the start of the Coptic New Year.
September 22 – Pagan and Wiccan: Mabon
Celebrates the autumn equinox and the second harvest.
September 23-24 – Jewish: Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and renewal.
September 28-October 2 – Hindu: Durga Puja
Celebrates the goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
October Interfaith Holy Days
October 2 – Jewish: Yom Kippur
The holiest day in Judaism, dedicated to atonement & repentance. This is one of the most important Jewish high holy days.
October 7-13 – Jewish: Sukkot
A week-long festival celebrating the fall harvest.
October 20 – Hindu: Diwali
The festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
October 22 – Baha’i: Birthday of the Bab
Celebrates the birth of the Baha’i co-founder.
October 31 – Pagan and Wiccan: Samhain
Celebrates the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.
Finance/Billing
Workday Transformation Initiative
Check InfoScope for more information on the Workday Transformation Initiative.
Save the Date!
WOS Annual Meeting
Madison, WI
9/25 - 9/26
*Click the link above to register or see the schedule.
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