2024-25 Stanford EM Chief Residents
Rio Beardsley, MD
Medical School: University of Vermont
Undergraduate: Claremont McKenna College
Why Stanford?
"Stanford is close to home (I grew up in the North Bay in Marin County) and it’s always been a dream to train and work here. It’s such a privilege to work with the speciality’s smartest physicians; it’s a challenging and engaging environment and is truly special."
Favorite thing about Stanford EM:
"It’s a uniquely exciting and rewarding speciality; the action is fast and I get to lead incredible teams through challenging waters, and develop meaningful and immediate connections with my patients."
In my spare time:
"I like to gospend time outdoors with my partner Missy and my dog Charlie, running and lifting, reading, video games, travel to far off places."
Unusual fact:
"I shook Frank Sinatra’s hand!"
Samantha Izuno, MD
Medical School: George Washington University
Undergraduate: UC Santa Barbara
Why Stanford?
"Stanford is wonderfully located with access to all that California has to offer for extracurriculars (mountains, rivers, beach, SF, great food). Academically, it is so well resourced and you can always find someone interested in the work you want to do"
Favorite thing about Stanford EM:
"My co-residents. I could not do this residency thing without them. Because of Stanford's broad range of resources and faculty interests, it attracts a wide variety of applicants that creates a diverse environment of people that want to come here. Additionally, every day is different and you can always expect a challenge."
In my spare time:
"I am raising two children, love to knit, try my hand at gardening and growing house plants, spending time outside."
Advice for others:
"Do not let residency be an excuse for life to pass you by. Take advantage of days off and vacations to fill your cup."
Linnea Nierenberg, MD
Medical School: Oakland University
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Why Stanford?
"The opportunity to train at a world class institution with people who want advance EM through innovation and excellent clinical care."
Favorite thing about Stanford EM:
"My favorite part of EM is that we see a variety of high acuity patients, as well as get to serve as a safety net and provide care to vulnerable populations. Also, being surrounded by kind, intelligent, hard working people who is here to learn and teach."
In my spare time:
"I enjoy spending time with my dog, fiance, and family. I am also trying to learn tennis and going to boxing classes."
Unusual fact:
"I have a black belt in Karate."
Advice for others:
"Find what brings you joy, and make it a priority even when life gets busy!"
Zachary "Zack" Smith, MD
Medical School: University of Washington
Undergraduate: Stanford University
Why Stanford?
"Complex patient population, so many opportunities to explore your interests and build your unique career path."
Favorite thing about Stanford EM:
"In a single shift, I can go from trauma to ICU to Social EM."
In my spare time:
"I spend time with my family, exercise, read."
Unusual fact:
"I was in the army."
