College of Medicine
UNMC_Acronym_Vert_sm_4c
University of Nebraska Medical Center

House Officers I

Aaron Cohen, MDAaron Cohen, MD

Hometown:  Phoenix, Arizona

Medical School:  University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine

What inspired your interest in orthopaedic surgery?

I am drawn to orthopedic surgery because it lets me make a real difference in people’s quality of life—helping them move better, feel better, and get back to doing what they love. I enjoy the constant problem-solving that comes with each unique case, and I’m especially interested in how we can use new technology and cutting-edge medical devices to improve outcomes. It’s a hands-on, ever-evolving field that keeps me challenged and inspired.

What are three things people don't know about you?

  • I love fly fishing and started a fly fishing company with my brother.

  • Before medical school I worked as an endoscopy technician. 
  • I have a tuxedo cat named Kevin who is 15 years old.

Drake Giese, MDDrake Geise, MD

Hometown:  DeBeque, Colorado

Medical School:  Medical College of Wisconsin – Central Wisconsin

What inspired your interest in orthopaedic surgery?

Orthopaedics offers the ability to make significant and tangible changes in a patient’s life. Many of the treatments can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life. The opportunity to provide that care for others is a privilege and has motivated me to pursue a career in the field.

What are three things people don't know about you?

  • My dad is a mediocre fly fisherman.
  • Favorite movie is O’brother Where Art Thou?
  • Favorite book is The River Why.

Christian Hecht, MDChristian Hecht, MD

Hometown:  Tinley Park, Illinois

Medical School:  Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

What inspired your interest in orthopaedic surgery?

Simply put, I want to be who I needed most when growing up. As an 8-year-old, I was diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which in essence means that my right hip died and regrew over the course of four years. Later on, I needed complex hip preservation surgeries to alleviate excruciating pain when walking or sitting. I'm inspired by the orthopedic surgeons who guided me along my journey with both their physical treatments as well as their compassion.

What are three things people don't know about you?

  • I was once bitten by a zebra.
  • I am unfortunately a Chicago White Sox fan, and I love all things baseball.
  • I play the bass guitar, mostly rock'n'roll songs for fun.

Vignesh KrishnanVignesh Krishnan, MD, MD

Hometown:  Little Rock, Arkansas

Medical School:  University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

What inspired your interest in orthopaedic surgery?

What inspired your interest in Orthopedics- During a rotation in my MS3 year, I quickly fell in love with orthopaedic surgery because of the heavy utilization of procedures, the variety of technology that you are able to work with, and the great outcomes and quality of life improvements associated with many of the surgeries. 

What are three things people don't know about you?

  • I'm an avid Arkansas Razorbacks, Seattle Seahawks, and Memphis Grizzlies fan.
  • I learned how to ride a bicycle 2 years ago, and it's now one of my favorite hobbies.
  • I got interested in cooking during medical school, and I really enjoy trying out new recipes.

Cole Tessendorf, MDCole Tessendorf, MD

Hometown:  Columbus, Nebraska

Medical School:  University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine 

What inspired your interest in orthopaedic surgery?

My interest began in 7th grade when my best friend was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. I went with him to several of his appointments and surgeries at UNMC, where I first met his surgeon Dr. Sean McGarry. Both him and my friend are a huge part of why I went into medicine in the first place. Years later when I started seriously exploring orthopaedics, I realized that Dr. McGarry (who I always thought of as a “cancer surgeon”) was an orthopaedic oncology surgeon. From sports to spine to oncology, I’ve loved every aspect of orthopaedics I’ve experienced so far and can’t wait for more. After spending the last eight years in South Dakota for undergrad and medical school, it's pretty awesome to be home in Nebraska and training at the same hospital where my journey in medicine began.

What are three things people don't know about you?

  • I broke my arm in a car accident during Match week and showed up to my Match Day ceremony just one day after a humerus ORIF surgery. Apparently, fate decided I needed to break my first bone before I could start fixing them. 
  • In undergrad, I studied biology and journalism and wrote regularly for my undergrad's campus newspaper. In medical school, I served as the editor-in-chief of the student news group and weekly newsletter. 
  • I come from a family of diehard Husker fans. We’ve had season football and volleyball tickets for decades, and my uncle played defensive tackle on Nebraska’s three national championship teams in the 1990s. Through all the highs and (many) lows over the years, Go Big Red always.

Currey Zalman, MDCurrey Zalman, MD

Hometown:  Lincoln, Nebraska

Medical School:  University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine

What inspired your interest in orthopaedic surgery?

Growing up, I worked as a PT tech in my dad’s clinic and saw firsthand how orthopaedic care can lead to real, tangible improvements in people’s quality of life. Seeing patients quickly regain mobility and independence made a lasting impression and drew me to the field.

What are three things people don't know about you?

  • I love to travel and have been out of the country 9 times. My favorite type of vacation has a lot of sun, large body of water, and cold beverages. 
  • I once completed "Through the Fire and Flames" on Expert mode on Guitar Hero III.
  • I am above average at rock paper scissors.