Optometry Residents & Alumni
Our residents learn in a collaborative and supportive learning environment to enable them to practice in any setting.
Meet our 2026-27 residents
Alyssa Buren, OD
Optometry with Ocular Disease Resident
Optometry school: Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
Emily Gibson, OD
Ocular Disease & Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Resident
Optometry school: Southern College of Optometry
Talk to our former residents
All our former residents are happy to discuss their residency experiences with you. If you would like to speak directly with one of our former residents about their experiences, please email us, and we would be glad to connect you.
Alumni & practice locations
2024-25 alumni
Karena Malluege, OD
Optometrist & Clinical Instructor, Medical College of Wisconsin/ Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI
Rachel McKuras, OD
Optometrist, Great Lakes Eye Care, St. Joseph, MI & Mishawaka, IN
2023-24 alumni
Samuel Soda, OD
Larson Eye Care, Sheboygan, Wis.
Emily Wangen, OD
HealthPartners - St. Louis Park, Twin Cities, Minn.
2022-23 alumni
Abolade Oduyemi, OD
Fromer Eye Centers, Manhattan, NY
Jennie Tomlinson, OD
Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI
2021-22 alumni
Rachel Warner, OD
Bauer & Clausen Eye Clinic, Billings, Mont.
Meagan Tucker, OD
W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Mich.
2020-21 alumni
Megan Hafner, OD
Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wis.
MaKay Neilson, OD
Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas
2019-20 alumni
Brianne Herlitzke, OD
Shopko Vision, La Crosse, Wis.
Aimee Violette, OD
Health Partners, Minneapolis, Minn.
2018-19 alumni
Martin Williamson, OD
Gundersen Health System
Cathy Qin, OD
Millwoods Eye Clinic in Edmonton, AB Canada
Why Gundersen
Call La Crosse Home
We have it all in La Crosse, Wis. Our vibrant city and region support your dream lifestyle with a welcoming community, culture and outdoor adventure.
Housing
Steps from our flagship medical center in La Crosse, our housing options allow you to enjoy the company of your family and the comradery of your colleagues.
Prioritizing Your Wellness
As you learn how to become the clinician you aspire to be, we’ll provide space to prioritize your mind and body wellness, and reach the work-life balance you need.