August 4, 2026 - TCO
Meet the 2026-27 TCO Fellows and Residents
As TCO’s nationally recognized fellowship and residency programs continue to grow, we’re excited to welcome the 2026–27 class of fellows and residents. Through advanced clinical training, mentorship, research, and hands-on experience, these programs help develop the next generation of orthopedic and rehabilitation leaders.
TCO’s physician fellowship programs provide advanced subspecialty training in orthopedic surgery through hands-on experience and mentorship from leading physicians in a collaborative independent practice environment. Our ACGME-accredited Sports Medicine Fellowship—one of just over 90 programs in the country—has graduated 62 fellows since its launch in 1987, with five alumni continuing to practice at TCO today (Dr. Christopher Larson, Dr. Christie Heikes, Dr. Corey Wulf, Dr. Matthew Rasmussen, Dr. Taylor Freetly). Our AOFAS-accredited Foot & Ankle Fellowship, established in 2019, has graduated eight fellows with three alumni practicing at TCO (Dr. William Engasser, Dr. Christopher Traynor, Dr. Caroline Chen).
Building on that foundation, TCO’s ABPTS-accredited Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Residency programs offer a challenging curriculum, dedicated mentorship, and institutional support to advance expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation. New this year, TCO and the Minnesota Vikings are launching a first-of-its-kind Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship focused on optimizing the health, performance, and return-to-sport outcomes of elite and professional athletes. The fellowship includes experience working with the Vikings and treating patients at Training HAUS.
Rounding out TCO’s educational programs, is our Hand Therapy Fellowship, an AOTA Accredited Fellowship, that provides occupational therapists opportunities to advance their knowledge of rehabilitation of the upper extremity. Our next cohort of Hand Therapy fellows will start in January 2027.
The Twin Cities Orthopedics Foundation supports these highly successful programs by funding research opportunities and enhancing the educational experience for fellows and residents, helping ensure TCO remains at the forefront of orthopedic innovation and patient care.
Together, these programs provide a unique training environment where fellows and residents gain hands-on experience, contribute to research, and learn alongside nationally recognized experts, all while helping advance patient care across the region.
We’re proud to welcome this year’s class of fellows and residents:
Foot & Ankle Fellows
Brandon Cushman, MD
Dr. Cushman was born and raised in Maine. He attended Middlebury College in Vermont on a track and field scholarship. Dr. Cushman then went on to the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Cushman and his wife Emilie are very excited about their big move to Minneapolis and the Midwest. In his free time, Dr. Cushman loves to play disc golf. He and his wife are avid runners and, in the winter, you can find them on the ski slopes.
Morgan Hasegawa, MD
Dr. Hasegawa was born in Kent, Washington and in his early 20s Hawaii became home. He attended medical school at Creighton University and completed his orthopedic surgical residency at the University of Hawai’i. Dr. Hasegawa enjoys hunting, fishing, surfing, mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu jitsu, working out, and hanging out with his wife, two daughters, and family.
Sports Medicine Fellows
Alec McCann, MD
Dr. McCann is a native of Janesville, Wisconsin. He attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin before completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Marshall University. In his free time, Dr. McCann enjoys running, fishing, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Warren Nielsen, MD
Dr. Nielsen grew up outside of Portland, Oregon. He earned his medical degree from Oregon Health and Science University and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Vermont. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking and ice hockey and looks forward to exploring Minnesota with his wife and daughter.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residents
Makenna Carpenter, DPT, PT
Makenna Carpenter grew up in Chaska, Minnesota. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where she completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Makenna is passionate about treating various orthopedic conditions through developing individualized treatment plans that include patient education, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy techniques. She strives to empower patients to meet their goals, move confidently, and return to the activities they love. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys hiking, lake days, finding new ways to be active, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Cal.
Miguel Gonzalez, DPT, PT
Miguel Gonzalez grew up in Salem, Oregon prior to attending the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomechanics and his Doctor of Physical Therapy. Miguel is passionate about providing evidence-based care that is centered on patient-specific activities and goals. He enjoys treating individuals of all ages and abilities with specific interest in orthopedic rehabilitation, concussion management, and chronic pain. Outside of the clinic he enjoys staying active with running, biking, swimming, as well as drinking coffee and spending time with friends and family.
Sports Physical Therapy Residents
Kimari Lewis, DPT, PT
Kimari Lewis grew up on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. Before this, she was a member of the Georgia State University dance team. Kimari also served as a sprint and hurdling coach at her former high school in Chicago while she completed her DPT. Kimari values providing her patients with quality care through individualization of plans and evidence-based practice. Her mission is to promote the intersection of sports performance principles and rehabilitation protocols to help her athletes maximize their potential. Outside of the clinic, Kimari enjoys playing the guitar, reading a good book, cheering on her Chicago sports teams, and spending time with family and friends.
Allie Spaulding, DPT, PT
Allie Spaulding grew up in central Minnesota. She played college basketball at the University of St. Thomas and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St. Catherine University. Allie is passionate about helping patients recover from injury, improve movement, and return to the activities they love. She uses an individualized, evidence-based approach to empower patients to achieve their goals, stay active, and maintain long-term health and wellness. Outside the clinic, Allie enjoys staying active through volleyball, yoga, and Pilates, as well as spending quality time with friends and family.
Sports Physical Therapy Fellow
Alex Shaw, DPT, PT, SCS, CSCS
Alex Shaw grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin. Alex then gained advanced training through a sports PT residency at M Health Fairview and a sports PT fellowship at West Virginia University. Alex coached high school football during his time in Madison, finding his passion to work with athletes and help them return to the sport they love. Alex has a special interest in lower extremity injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and return to sport training. He uses an individualized approach with each athlete to help them maximize their performance and support them throughout every stage of their recovery. In his free time, Alex enjoys getting outside, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.