Our Residents

Mary K. Van Wert, MD

Independent program, 2023-2026

Hometown: Peachtree, Georgia

Why UNMC?: UNMC offered a unique opportunity to experience high-volume microsurgery, complex reconstruction, while still providing regular cosmetic/aesthetic training. Upon graduation, I hope to have a practice that balances complex breast recon (DIEP, etc.) with bread-and-butter plastic surgery. The surgeons at UNMC were the mentors and teachers I needed to get me to this goal! I was lured by the cases, but I came for the staff. The attendings exemplify the technical skill, clinical judgement and overall patient care that I hope to one day provide in my own practice.

Undergrad: Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, South Carolina

Residency: General surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana

Clinical/Research Interests: Microsurgery, breast reconstruction

Hobbies: Watching dog reels on Instagram, hot yoga, art, margaritas

Jordan Spring, MD

Independent program, 2024-2027

Hometown: Parker, Colorado

Why UNMC?: I love UNMC for a few reasons. Having done medical school in Omaha, I know the area well and absolutely love it. More importantly, during my 4th year of residency I was lucky enough to spend a month with the Plastic Surgery team and absolutely loved it. The culture, cases, and people in the program were all amazing. I couldn’t be more excited be a UNMC resident.

Undergrad: Regis University, Denver, Colorado

Medical School: Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska

Residency: General Surgery, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California

Clinical/Research Interests: Lymphedema treatment and prevention, pediatric craniofacial reconstruction outcomes and etiologies

Hobbies: Big fan of CrossFit, skiing, amateur golfing, hiking, and the rest of the standard Colorado things.

Mark D. Ringle, MD

Independent program, 2025-2028

Hometown: San Ramon, California

Why UNMC?: I chose to continue my training at UNMC for several reasons.  The collegial atmosphere and genuine respect shown by the faculty foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration.  The program's balance of high volume common cases and rare challenging reconstructions ensures a comprehensive training experience that makes you think, "well you don't see that everyday" that will serve me well in my future practice.

Undergrad: University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska

Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Residency: General Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Clinical/Research Interests: The use of robotics in plastic surgery, trauma reconstruction and limb salvage pediatrics 

Hobbies: Before medicine, I was a Division I gymnast.  I now enjoy watching gymnastics competitions, camping, tackling home projects, and spending time with my wife, Jeryln and our 2 corgis, Odin and Archimedes.

Reilly Frauchiger-Ankers, MD

Integrated program, 2024-2030

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Why UNMC?: During the interview I immediately connected with the faculty who shared similar backgrounds and interests. I could tell they genuinely cared about the program and were invested in its success. Undertaking the inaugural plastic surgery resident position, I saw an opportunity to help build something special. The facilities are state of the art and the volume of cases is strong in every area of the field. Not to mention Omaha being a great area to train with no shortage of things to do, good food, and lots of natural beauty to explore. 

Undergrad: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Medical School: Rush University Medical College, Chicago, Illinois

Clinical/Research Interests: Craniofacial, Breast Reconstruction

Hobbies: Boxing, cooking, quality food and drink with friends, and any outdoor activity.

Elizabeth D. Dominguez, MD

Integrated program, 2025-2031

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Why UNMC?: UNMC has an extremely high surgical volume and breadth, including large complex reconstructions/microsurgery, craniofacial, hand, and extensive aesthetic training. On top of that,  the staff and residents are all extremely welcoming and eager to teach.  I have no doubt that I will get incredible training while at UNMC.

Undergrad: University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Clinical/Research Interests: Hand/peripheral nerve and microsurgery, medical education and patient outcomes. 

Hobbies: Hiking, skiing, spending time with my dog, exploring new restaurants and bars