Fellows

Second Year

Ashley Vanasse, MD

Hem/Onc Fellow

Where did you go for undergraduate and medical school?

I went to Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma for undergrad and St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies for Medical School

What was your first job?

My first job was at a movie theater.

What is the furthest you’ve traveled from Omaha?

The furthest I’ve traveled from Omaha is Sorrento, Italy—where I got married.

If you couldn't work in medicine, what would you do?

I would probably own an antique store. The problem would be not keeping everything for myself.

Best thing to do in Nebraska if you only had one day?

That’s a tough one—I’m not from Omaha, so I’d probably start at the zoo (Google seems pretty confident about that), and then just treat the rest of the day as an adventure and see where it leads.

What is your most fond moment in medicine up to this point?

It’s hard to choose just one memory—I’ve been fortunate to have many meaningful experiences already. What stands out most are the connections I’ve formed with families. There’s something incredibly rewarding about not only caring for a patient, but also earning the trust of those who love them. Those relationships have been a powerful reminder of why I chose this path.

Why did you choose pediatric heme/onc?

I chose pediatric hematology/oncology because of a deeply personal experience—my son was diagnosed with leukemia. Walking that journey with him gave me a firsthand look at the strength, resilience, and courage children show in the face of something so overwhelming. It completely shifted my perspective and inspired me to be part of the team that walks alongside these incredible kids and their families. Witnessing that kind of bravery every day is both humbling and motivating—it’s exactly where I feel called to be.

Third Year

Austin Turner, MD

Hem/Onc Fellow

Where did you go for Undergraduate and Medical School?

Tarleton State University, Texas Tech University Health Science Center

What was your first job?

Martial Arts Instructor

What is the furthest you've traveled from Omaha?

Nagoya, Japan

If you couldn't work in medicine, what would you do?

Racecar engine mechanic

Best thing to do in Nebraska if you only had one day?

Go to the zoo

What is your most fond moment in medicine up to this point?

Convincing a spinal tumor patient to attempt to poop for the first time in two weeks

Why did you choose pediatric hematology/oncology?

It was a perfect way to synthesize my interest in the molecular, biological and biochemical foundations of disease and my love for service to my fellow human.

Graduates

Allison Guild, DO
Current position- Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Claire Jackson, MD
Current position- Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Grace Murray, MD
Current position- Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Jenna Allison, MD
Current position – Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Jordan Fritch, MD
Current position – Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, University of South Dakota and Sanford Children’s Hospital

Taylor Losole, MD
Current position – Boys Town National Research Hospital Omaha, Nebraska