We are pleased to announce and introduce our 2026-27 chief residents: Drs. Reding, Saak, and Schaffer. Selected by a vote of their resident peers and faculty, these outstanding physicians have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our program. We extend our sincere congratulations to them and recognize the many highly qualified candidates who made this year’s selection process so strong.
Meet the Incoming Chief Residents
Reid Reding, MD
Dr. Reding was born and raised in Oklahoma, where he remained for both his undergraduate and medical training. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Oklahoma Christian University before completing his medical degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 2023.
His interest in anesthesiology was shaped in part by his experience as a junior Olympic gymnast, an environment that fostered both individual discipline and a strong appreciation for teamwork — qualities he now brings to patient care. Dr. Reding is passionate about mentorship and medical education and plans to pursue a career in pediatric anesthesiology following the completion of his training.
Julia Saak, MD
Originally from St. Louis, Dr. Saak completed her undergraduate degrees in Health Science and Spanish, as well as her medical degree, at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Between her studies, she took a semester to teach English at an elementary school in southern Spain, an experience that further deepened her commitment to education.
She is passionate about medical education and currently serves on the Resident Education Committee. Following residency, she plans to pursue fellowship training in pediatric anesthesiology.
Andrew Schaffer, MD
Dr. Schaffer moved frequently while growing up, relocating nine times before spending most of high school in San Antonio, TX. In 2014, he moved to St. Louis, where he played soccer for the WashU Bears and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry. He later went on to earn his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing soccer, reading, history, and spending time with his wife and dog. He plans to pursue a critical care fellowship after residency and hopes to remain in St. Louis for training before fulfilling his service commitment with the U.S. Navy through the Health Professions Scholarship Program.
These physicians have consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, clinical excellence, and a strong commitment to education and mentorship throughout their training. We look forward to the many contributions they will make in this important role in the year ahead.
Please join us in congratulating Drs. Reding, Saak, and Schaffer!
This announcement was sent on behalf of Drs. Nykiel-Bailey, Mitchell, and Avidan.