Yulia Kostenko, MD

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria

General Surgery Residency Program: Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver, CO

Hobbies & Interests: I enjoy skiing, camping, hiking, traveling the world, and then recovering in a seat at the opera or ballet.

Why I chose MCW: The vascular surgery fellowship program at MCW came highly recommended by my mentors across the country as I researched programs. I was seeking an academic fellowship that provides exposure to the full spectrum of vascular cases, with particular emphasis on open and complex endovascular aortic procedures. MCW’s combination of a collaborative learning environment and comprehensive operative experience made it an ideal fit to achieve my clinical and academic goals.

What do you think MCW has to offer a candidate: MCW provides exposure to a broad spectrum of vascular surgery cases, including both complex and rare pathologies, ensuring a comprehensive operative experience. Candidates benefit from mentorship by a diverse and highly experienced faculty, with opportunities to learn not only from vascular surgery attendings but also from interventional radiology specialists. This collaborative environment fosters a well-rounded understanding of patient care, advanced procedural techniques, and multidisciplinary decision-making. The program’s two clinic sites – Froedtert Hospital and the VA – are conveniently located near each other, offering fellows insight into different practice settings while maintaining an efficient and cohesive clinical experience.

What I like about living in Milwaukee: Excellent cheese curds, plentiful breweries, a strong food scene, close-to-home nature walks, and traffic that doesn’t ruin my day.