Class of 2029:
Sarra Hanna, M.D.
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Undergrad & Major: University of Virginia, Religious Studies & Biology
Academic Interests: Pain management, ultrasound, medical education
Personal Interests: Traveling, hiking, trying new restaurants, cooking, weight lifting, volleyball, pickleball, watching reality TV, spending time with my husband, family, and cat
Favorite thing about Loyola: The people! Everyone is so supportive and welcoming. I love how the faculty and residents genuinely care about helping one another grow.
Favorite thing about EM: The variety and unpredictability. I enjoy being able to take care of anyone who walks through the door, work through undifferentiated patients, and make a meaningful difference during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Favorite thing about Chicago: The food, different neighborhoods, the lake, and always having something new to do or explore.
Future Plans: Still exploring! I’m interested in potentially pursuing a pain management fellowship, but definitely hope to be at an academic institution in Chicago.
Email: Sarra.Hanna@luhs.org
Cambria Kasten, D.O.
Hometown: De Pere, WI
Medical School: Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest
Undergrad & Major: University of Puget Sound, Molecular & Cellular Biology
Academic Interests: DEI, Pediatrics, Ultrasound, Medical Education
Personal Interests: Spending time with my partner & dog, crafting, reading, baking, coffee, binge watching the latest murder mystery series
Favorite thing about Loyola: The people! This is an incredible team of individuals who are down to earth and willing to be real with you. They will support you in both your academic endeavors and personal life. There is an abundance of laughter and genuine conversations.
Favorite thing about EM: I love to support people through vulnerable experiences. When a patient comes into the ER, they are likely having one of the most challenging days of their life. Whether you are providing a life-altering diagnosis or basic treatment, patients remember the care that they received. It is a privilege to hold the power to give someone a positive experience.
Favorite thing about Chicago: The food! There are endless options of restaurants and cuisine to explore!
Future Plans: I love teaching and see myself practicing in an academic setting. The west coast is home, and the ambitious go-getter in me would love to help establish more EM residency programs in the PNW.
Email: cambria.kasten@luhs.org
Asha Kurian, D.O.
Hometown: Boston, MA
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad & Major: University of Massachusetts Amherst; Biology
Academic Interests: Ultrasound, Medical education, Pain medicine
Personal Interests: anything on the water or outdoors in general, traveling, spontaneous plans, long walks, arts and crafts, strolling random cities, baking, hosting, hanging out with my family!
Favorite thing about Loyola: Everyone truly understands what a big transition it is from being a medical student to becoming a resident, and they go out of their way to make sure you never feel like you're navigating it alone. One of the things that has meant the most to me is how often people genuinely check in to ask if we're taking care of ourselves or feeling overwhelmed. That level of kindness and support has made such a difference and really speaks to the culture here.
Favorite thing about EM: Every day is different! I love that you get to see a little bit of everything and become a true jack of all trades.
Favorite thing about Chicago: The diversity, architecture, and food scene. There are so many areas to explore that you’ll never get tired of it
Future Plans: Hoping to stay in Chicago and would love to eventually work in an academic hospital
Email: asha.kurian@luhs.org
McKenna de Graaf, M.D.
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
Undergrad & Major: Campbell University, Biology
Academic Interests: Pain Medicine, Ultrasound, Sports Medicine
Personal Interests: Watching true-crime documentaries and reality TV, taking workout classes, going to brunch, and spending time with my cat.
Favorite thing about Loyola: Its welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere and the genuine sense of community.
Favorite thing about EM: The people and the team-oriented environment.
Favorite thing about Chicago: Still discovering the city. I’m already obsessed with the skyline and love that there is always something to do.
Future Plans: Currently keeping an open mind while exploring the different career opportunities within EM.
Email: mckenna.degraaf@luhs.org
Karina Smolyar, M.D.
Hometown: Lake Zurich, IL
Medical School: California University of Science and Medicine
Undergrad & Major: Loyola University, Molecular Biology
Academic Interests: Event Medicine, Ultrasound, Social EM
Personal Interests: Making art with friends, concerts whenever I get the chance, yoga for relaxation, finding new coffee shops, and sleep (when I can)
Favorite thing about Loyola: The culture here prioritizes supporting us in both our educational and personal lives. Everyone here has been so kind and welcoming, and I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing group of people!
Favorite thing about EM: There are so many things that drew me to EM as a specialty, but what sticks out the most is the ability to help vulnerable populations in any way that I can.
Favorite thing about Chicago: Having spent 7 years in California, I missed Chicago a lot. It is such a vibrant place with incredible food and a nearly unbeatable music scene, not to mention one of the most iconic skylines in the world.
Future Plans: Seeing where life takes me!
Email: karina.smolyar@luhs.org
Brian Tabata, M.D.
Hometown: Kailua, Hawaii
Medical School: Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine
Undergrad & Major: Carnegie Mellon University, BS Physics
Academic Interests: Quality improvement, teaching, austere medicine
Personal Interests: Cooking, triathlon, finding ways to laugh
Favorite thing about Loyola: You encounter an ocean of people that are invested in your growth and development. So many people from all levels are willing to share their knowledge and experience which helps everyone to be better
Favorite thing about EM: We do not turn anyone away. EM visits run the full range from educating patients and reassuring them to performing life saving procedures. You never know what you will encounter in EM and the team supporting each patient is committed to figuring out the best way to help that person in the moment. Being able to care for someone in their most desperate times is a true privilege and an honor
Favorite thing about Chicago: There is always something to learn about or experience with the huge cultural diversity in Chicago. I grew up in Hawaii and this is the first place outside of that that truly felt like home. Theres a lot of city pride, you will find the city flag almost everywhere, and it’s fun to be a part of that
Future Plans: I am a converted midwesterner and would love to continue to practice in the Chicagoland area
Email: brian.tabata@luhs.org
