Meet the Program's Residents & Recent Graduates

Meet Our Chief Residents

Ayaz Gen, DO

Medical School: University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: MercyHealth GME in Rockford, IL
Career Plan: Critical Care Medicine

Greetings, everyone. I grew up in Chicago, IL in the Rogers Park/Jefferson Park area. I completed my undergraduate degree at Loyola University Chicago. Over there I developed my passion for medicine while doing research with zebrafish. I attended medical school at KYCOM in Pikeville, Kentucky. I moved back to the area where I did my internal medicine residency at MercyHealth GME in Rockford, IL. I chose to continue my passion as one of the Chief Residents at Loyola University MacNeal as I was moved by their dedication to serving the surrounding community, supportive faculty and opportunities in leadership and scholarly activity. My future entails a career in Critical Care Medicine. My focus is on resident/medical education, resident didactics and helping our medical students continue to develop their passion for medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and exploring the world.   
 

Almurtada Razok, MD

Medical School: Latakia University
Residency: Cook County Health and Hospitals System
Career Plan: Rheumatology

Dr. Almurtada Razok was born in Syria where he went to medical school and graduated among the top ten medical students of his class. He completed an ACGME-I accredited internal medicine residency at a state-of-the art facility in Qatar where he was awarded the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom diploma. He later joined Cook County hospital in Chicago for further training in internal medicine. He was recognized with multiple clinical and research awards and has more than 40 publications to his record. 
He aims to contribute to the improvement of the MacNeal internal medicine residency program through his experience in didactics, clinical exams, research and quality improvement. 
He plans a future career in rheumatology.

NST Chief Resident Role at MacNeal Hospital

MacNeal Hospital is proud to be an ACGME-accredited site for the NST (Non-Standard Training) Chief Resident role, offering a structured leadership pathway for foreign national physicians on a J1 Visa.

This role is designed to foster clinical leadership, educational innovation, and professional development within NST programs that support J-1 visa trainees under the sponsorship of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the NST Chief Resident role, candidates must:

• Be on track to complete an ACGME accredited internal medicine residency program.

• Demonstrate Level 4 or higher milestone performance in leadership, communication, clinical reasoning, and professionalism in their internal medicine residency training. 

• Show a strong commitment to resident education, team collaboration, and patient-centered care.

• Receive formal endorsements from the Program Director and Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) of their internal medicine residency program..

🎓Roles & Responsibilities

The NST Chief Resident will:

• Lead educational activities such as morning reports, noon conferences, and simulation sessions.

• Mentor residents, promoting inquiry and clinical reasoning.

• Serve as a liaison between residents and faculty, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.

• Model professionalism and evidence-based care in complex clinical scenarios.

• Participate in scholarly work, including QI projects, research, and presentations.

Program Oversight & Accreditation

NST Chief Residents operate within formally recognized GME residency programs that are ACGME-accredited and meet the standards for structured training under the NST framework. For more details, please contact our GME manager Lisa Beck at libeck@lumc.edu.

First-Year Internal Medicine Residents

Beamlak Adamu, MD

Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

What I enjoy most about general medicine is the opportunity to develop longitudinal relationships with patients while dealing with a wide range of clinical problems. It's a field that would sharpen my clinical reasoning skills. Beyond that, the chance to be in someone's health journey is something I find deeply meaningful and motivating.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

One of the reasons I decided to join MacNeal was the incredibly warm, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere I experienced during the interview process. I felt a genuine sense of strong commitment to teaching and mentorship in the program. From the orientation day onward, it was clear that this was the program where I can be supported both professionally and personally. That impression stayed with me and it felt right like a place where I could learn, grow, and feel at home.

Ekaterina Bazunova, MD

St. Petersburg State Pediatric-Medical University

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

Using my medical knowledge to help people is a blessing and inspiring. I do think of my patients as my grandparents when I approach them, trying to act in a respectful and kind manner, but with a strong desire to make a difference in their quality of living. The process and results of my work basically make me happy.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

The place where education is immediately reinforced by practical training was what I was looking for in a residency program, because my goal is to become a well-rounded physician. From the first interaction, I felt that MacNeal is a friendly space that supports professional and personal growth. Therefore, I am happy to be a part of the MacNeal family!

Meron Berhane, MD

Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine
What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy the variety of patients and cases I get to see, as well as the opportunity to build continuity of care.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

Hearing positive experiences from residents in the program, reading about the program on the website, and my interview all showed me that MacNeal would be a great place to train.

Richmond Buckner, MD

Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de la Habana

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine? 

I enjoy the breadth and depth of general medicine, it allows me to think critically, solve complex problems, and care for the whole patient. I value the continuity of care and the trust built over time. It keeps me intellectually challenged and emotionally connected. Every patient encounter is a chance to make a meaningful impact.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I chose MacNeal Hospital for my training because it offers the ideal balance of rigorous academic medicine and community-based care. As someone who values close patient relationships, hands-on learning, and serving diverse populations, I was drawn to the program’s supportive environment, strong mentorship, and emphasis on resident growth. The opportunity to train in a high-volume setting with Loyola’s academic affiliation ensures I’ll be well-prepared for both hospital-based and outpatient internal medicine, while staying true to my goal of becoming a compassionate, well-rounded physician.

Esteban Cabezas Rubio, MD

Universidad Central del Ecuador Facultad de Ciencias Médicas

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

What I truly enjoy about general medicine is the constant intellectual challenge presented by the vast array of diverse clinical scenarios encountered daily. It's incredibly rewarding to synthesize the broad, often disparate, knowledge gained in medical school and apply it holistically to real-world patient cases. Every day brings a new puzzle, requiring me to draw upon understanding from various specialties, which keeps the practice fresh, engaging, and continuously stimulating.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

My decision to pursue training at MacNeal Hospital was significantly influenced by several key factors. First and foremost, the opportunity to serve a large and vibrant Spanish-speaking population in Berwyn was incredibly appealing, allowing me to provide culturally sensitive care and further develop my medical Spanish skills. Secondly, the hospital offers diverse rotation opportunities, which is crucial for comprehensive training in general medicine, ensuring exposure to a wide spectrum of clinical cases across various specialties. This breadth of experience is further enriched by the chance to learn from high-quality physicians who are dedicated to teaching and mentorship. Finally, the hospital's location within the dynamic and diverse city of Chicago provides an excellent backdrop for professional and personal growth.

Tsegaye Gebreamlak, MD

Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

What I enjoy most about practicing general medicine is the breadth of the specialty and the opportunity to care for patients with a wide variety of medical conditions. I’ve always enjoyed working through complex problems, identifying patterns, and forming connections. At the same time, I love interacting with patients, taking the time to understand their concerns, and building meaningful relationships. I also enjoy the collaborative nature of internal medicine and the opportunity to learn from working alongside a diverse team of specialists. For me, internal medicine is the perfect fit because it combines critical thinking, teamwork, and meaningful patient interaction which are things I value most.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I chose MacNeal for my training because of my interview experience. I witnessed how supportive the attendings, residents, and staff were. That strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork is exactly the kind of environment I value in a learning setting. I was also drawn to the diversity of patient population Macneal serves. I saw this as an opportunity to care for a wide range of patients, grow clinically, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare disparities that impact diverse communities.

Amanuel Genebo, MD

Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine

What you enjoy about practicing general medicine?

What I love about practicing general medicine is how it combines the challenge of figuring out complex medical problems with the chance to truly care for people. I enjoy not only solving tough clinical questions but also building long-lasting relationships with my patients and supporting them through some of their hardest moments. It’s this mix of thoughtful problem-solving and heartfelt compassion that makes general medicine so meaningful to me.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I chose MacNeal because it felt like more than just a residency program — it felt like a community. Even during my interview, I could sense how genuinely supportive and invested the team was in helping residents grow, not just as physicians but as people. I was also drawn to MacNeal’s strong focus on education, wellness, and its deep roots in community medicine. That combination of academic challenge, mentorship, and meaningful service really resonated with me and made me confident that MacNeal was the right place to grow and give back.

Albert Gyato, MD

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology School of Medical Sciences

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy the intellectual stimulation associated with general medicine and the wide array of presentations one is exposed to. I also love the sense of growth that comes with consistent practice.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

The atmosphere during my interview was superb. I had the sense that MacNeal Hospital would provide the collegial and supportive environment that would propel me to become the best internist I could ever be.

Alexis Mena, MD

Universidad Tecnólogica Equinoccial Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

I appreciate the opportunity to serve my diverse patient population and being involved in every part of their care

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I chose MacNeal Hospital for its strong sense of community, diversity, and supportive environment. I am impressed by the camaraderie and the program’s broad clinical exposure. The 4+2 schedule and trio system enhance teamwork and continuity of care, making MacNeal the ideal place for my training.

Aashish Neupane, MD

Manipal College of Medical Sciences

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy the breadth and complexity of general medicine—it challenges me to think critically and manage diverse conditions. I also love hearing patients’ stories and understanding their backgrounds, which helps me provide more personalized and compassionate care. Building long-term relationships and making a meaningful impact on their lives is deeply rewarding.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I chose MacNeal Hospital for my Internal Medicine residency because it offers the ideal balance of rigorous academic training and a supportive, community-focused environment. The program’s strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience, combined with a diverse patient population, ensures that I will develop broad, well-rounded clinical skills. I’m especially drawn to the 4+2 schedule, which promotes a healthier work-life balance and allows for deeper focus during ambulatory rotations.
In addition, the hospital’s location in a safe neighborhood with affordable housing options makes it practical and comfortable for day-to-day living. Its proximity to vibrant Chicago adds to the appeal—offering access to a world-class city with rich cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The approachable faculty, commitment to mentorship, and the program’s clear support for resident wellness made it clear to me that MacNeal is the right place to grow both professionally and personally.

Navneet Saini, MD

St. George's University School of Medicine
What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

What excites me the most about general medicine is the breadth and depth of practice. This field encompasses so many disease processes and patient presentations and we must be well versed in the foundations of the major or most common diseases as well as be able to understand the pathophysiology. The investigative and problem-solving aspect of piecing together a cause for a particular patient presentation, being able to follow through with treatment plans and witness the effects in real time and providing care in the outpatient setting is what makes general medicine dynamic and enjoyable.  

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

During my fourth year rotation at MacNeal, I got to see first hand how welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable the residents and faculty are. I enjoyed learning in the supportive and nonjudgement environment that the staff work hard to create. The program's willingness to receive feedback and implement change demonstrated to me that this program values excellent training opportunities and resident wellness. The diversity of the Internal Medicine team as well as the larger MacNeal staff and patient population made me feel welcome and provide a well rounded clinical experience.

Yadvinder Singh, MD

Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

What I enjoy most about general medicine is getting to know patients as individuals and helping them through their health journey. I like listening to their stories, understanding their concerns, and working together to find the best care. It’s also exciting to solve medical problems like a puzzle, and it’s fulfilling to build trust and make a real difference in their lives.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

What helped me decide to join a community program like MacNeal Hospital was its family-like environment, strong resident support, and cultural diversity. Coming from a diverse background myself, I value being in a place where people from different cultures are respected and included. I look forward to connecting with the people in the community, building strong working relationships, and providing care that’s both personal and meaningful. A diverse program like MacNeal helps me grow by learning from different perspectives and understanding the needs of patients from all walks of life. That’s why it felt like the right place for me.

Jose Villarreal, MD

Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina

What do you enjoy about the practice of general medicine?

What I mostly enjoy out of practicing general medicine is having such a wide array of patients and complex pathologies to learn from. This is not only from the medical standpoint but from a social perspective too. We often forget we are treating people, not their diseases.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

What helped me choose MacNeal was seeing such hard working, dedicated and compassionate physicians in the program when I was being interviewed. It is hard to come across attendings and specialists that are as kind as they are highly qualified for their jobs. Having such balance has made this a wonderful experience.

First-year Internal Medicine Residents

Soulaf Abou Khachfe

Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

In general medicine, I most enjoy building long-term relationships with patients, understanding their unique needs, and providing personalized care. The diversity of medical issues keeps me constantly engaged and learning, while the holistic approach allows me to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives through preventive and curative care.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 

I chose MacNeal Hospital for its strong sense of community, supportive environment, and commitment to patient-centered care. The hospital's proximity to Chicago provides access to diverse patient populations and medical resources. The 4+2 curriculum and post-match support foster a balanced lifestyle and smooth transition into residency. My interview experience further solidified my decision, as I was impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the genuine interest the faculty and residents showed in getting to know me. MacNeal's emphasis on academic excellence and collaborative learning made it the perfect choice for my residency training.

Prachi Chug

Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

What I love most about general medicine is the variety—it’s like solving a new puzzle every day! You never know what kind of case will walk through the door, and I enjoy figuring out how to help each patient. It’s rewarding to see the impact we can make, whether it’s managing a complex condition or just helping someone feel better. Plus, working with a great team and learning something new every day keeps things exciting!

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 

During my interview at MacNeal Hospital, I immediately felt the warmth and friendliness of the people here. They were genuinely interested in getting to know me, and once I started working here, I knew I had made the right choice. The faculty truly cares about the well-being of the residents, and the program provides the perfect environment to learn, be challenged, and give back to the community 

Rekik Degef

St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

The variety of cases and continuous learning along with the long-term relationship we build with our patients makes general medicine always interesting. 

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

During my interview, I was able to notice the faculty support for the residents and the excellent work environment. I felt the welcoming and positive atmosphere during the meet and greet session with the residents as well as the post-match curriculum. 

Sanam Gavankar

Kasturba Medical College Manipal

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

An enjoyable aspect of general medicine is applying clinical reasoning and creating diagnostic frameworks to methodically tackle complex patient presentations. 

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

At MacNeal, I experienced a genuine sense of community, both among the residents and the faculty. During the interview day, residents highlighted the program's strong support system, which is a core strength. Being part of a community program provides the invaluable lesson of treating patients holistically, taking into account socioeconomic, cultural and familial factors.

Nandhini Iyer

Grant Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

• I enjoy the process of coming up with a differential diagnosis and narrowing down to a single diagnosis from the large list of possibilities!
• I love to be the primary care of contact to speak with patients and their families and be there for them during their time of need 😊

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 

• The supportive and encouraging faculty, seniors and family like program all bring me to MacNeal!
• The collaborative environment and chance to serve the local community in Berwyn make it an ideal scenario to build patient relationships over the years of our training and truly grow to be empathetic physicians! 

Sidharth Mahajan 

Government Medical College Amritsar 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

The best part about practicing medicine is being able to connect with our patients during the times of their lives when they need someone the most. Being there for them and being a listening ear is what I love the most. It also makes me realize every day how important humanity, kindness, and generosity are and how they can change lives. Every day I get to learn something new from my patients and I feel grateful for that.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

Program's commitment to constant resident driven changes, incredible support system amongst peers, smoother transition to residency along with great feedback from current residents helped me choose MacNeal Hospital as my choice for the residency training. During the interviews too, I felt so comfortable with Dr. Dudani, Dr. Puri, Dr. Sardone, and Kelly which made me sure that it would be an ideal program for my growth and career building. After joining residency since day one, I felt like I knew everyone and that's the beauty of MacNeal. 

Carlos Murillo

Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

The wide scope of practice definitely brings most of the joy in general medicine. In fact, general medicine might be the closest a physician can get to a comprehensive healthcare approach, that is, internists address conditions of almost all body systems. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide care to the majority of a community population. This makes them a cornerstone of healthcare systems.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 

I am an advocate of interventions dealing with barriers to the provision of quality care. One of the remarkable healthcare determinants at MacNeal hospital is language, since more than two thirds of patients are Spanish speakers. Therefore, this program represents an opportunity to make a difference at a local level by sharing a similar cultural and linguistic background. 

Anum Nawaz

King Edward Medical University 

What do you enjoy most about the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy the vast scope of learning in general medicine—the chance to see different types of patients and conditions every day. I like the challenge of solving complex cases and using my knowledge to help people feel better. Being able to care for patients long-term and build trust with them is what makes it meaningful for me.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I chose MacNeal because I wanted to train in a place where I could truly connect with the community. The diverse patient population and the emphasis on serving those with unique social and cultural needs deeply resonated with me. I felt that MacNeal would help me grow not just as a physician, but as a more compassionate, understanding, and effective advocate for my patients.

Desmond Seshie

University of Ghana Medical School

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy the clinical reasoning associated with working through a variety of medical conditions and the holistic approach to treating most conditions.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

The welcoming atmosphere, didactics, ambulatory, and in-patient experiences that MacNeal offers will be essential to my development as a physician. Being part of a community program enables me to develop healthy relationships by sharing and understanding the experiences of my patients, colleagues, and other individuals I encounter daily.

Genet Weldemichael

Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

The aspects of general medicine that I enjoy the most are the breadth of knowledge required and gained, the opportunity to care for a diverse range of patients and address their unique health care needs. Learning to navigate the challenging aspects of diagnosis and treatment and solving enigmatic cases using knowledge and experience to ultimately help our patients in a timely fashion is quite exciting. 

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

The opportunity for a hands-on experience in understanding the unique challenges and social determinants of health that influence the well-being of the individuals and families I serve, combined with MacNeal's reputation made my decision to come here an easy one. I look forward to building a long-term relationship with my patients and be a part of a team that ensures continuity of care.

Mahader Wossene

Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy seeing patients come in with challenging health issues and witnessing their recovery and improvement as a result of our medical decisions. It's fulfilling to interpret not just the obvious, but also the subtle signs and clues to diagnose and treat them effectively. While many cases are straightforward, the occasional complex cases that require deep analysis and problem-solving, those that bring about "eureka" moments, are incredibly gratifying and drive my passion for general medicine.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

My top priority was finding a place that emphasizes resident education. As an IMG coming to the US, it was also crucial to find a program that balanced support and education. I chose MacNeal Hospital because of the fine balance of the two with its small family-like resident cohort, supportive community, and excellent curriculum. After arriving, I was pleased to discover additional attractions as: being in a safe neighborhood, multiple affordable housing options within a five-minute walk from the hospital, and a friendly atmosphere both within and outside the hospital. The proximity to vibrant downtown Chicago was an added bonus. 

Muhammad Faizan Zafar

King Edward Medical University

What do you enjoy most about the practice of general medicine?

I really enjoy the variety and complexity of cases that medicine offers. Every day brings something exciting, and I love being able to build relationships with patients and support them through different stages of their care. It’s rewarding to see how continuity and attention to detail can make a real difference in people’s lives.

What helped you make the decision to join MacNeal Hospital for your training?

The warm, supportive environment and strong sense of teamwork among the residents and faculty truly drew me to this program. I was equally excited by the chance to live and train in Chicago—a city I deeply admire for its energy, culture, and diversity. This program feels like the ideal place to challenge myself, grow as a physician, and deliver excellent care to patients.

 Urvi Zala

Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

My passion for internal medicine stems from its unique blend of curiosity and compassionate care. As an internal medicine resident, being the first point of contact for patients in distress enables me to cultivate a strong problem-solving mindset. Moreover, the meaningful interactions with patients are integral to my fulfilment in the field. In essence, there is never a dull moment in internal medicine, and this constant engagement is what motivates me every day in my residency.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I wanted to surround myself with an environment that encourages professional as well as personal growth, which drove my decision towards the MacNeal Hospital Program. Training at a community level allows me to form deeper connections with the patients and foster continuity care for them. I also appreciate the 4+2 weeks schedule at MacNeal Hospital which provides me a good work-life balance. 

Second-year Internal Medicine Residents

Santosh Adhikari, MD

BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

In the practice of general medicine, what I enjoy most is being a dedicated advocate for rural health care and health equity. Building long-term relationships with patients and providing continuity of care allows me to understand their unique needs and deliver personalized treatment plans. Witnessing the positive change I bring to the lives of people in rural communities through grassroots initiatives, technology-enabled solutions, and evidence-based care fills me with immense joy and purpose. Together, with like-minded individuals, organizations, and policymakers, I look forward working towards a future where no one is left behind in terms of their health and well-being.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

1. Proximity to Chicago: Being close to the vibrant city of Chicago offers numerous opportunities for exposure to a diverse patient population and access to a wide range of medical facilities and resources.
2. Strong Interpersonal Relationships: The strong bond between residents, seniors, chiefs, and faculties fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment. This sense of camaraderie can greatly enhance our learning experience and professional growth.
3. Supportive Environment: MacNeal Hospital's commitment to providing a supportive environment for individual growth ensures that we have access to resources, mentorship, and guidance to thrive in our residency and beyond.
4. "Ad Majorem Dei Glorium" (For the Greater Glory of God): The motto reflects the institution's dedication to service and compassion in patient care, emphasizing the importance of providing excellent medical care while maintaining a humanistic approach.
5. 4+2 Curriculum: The program's adoption of the 4+2 Curriculum is a true blessing for residents, as it allows for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This well-structured curriculum ensures efficient learning and skill development while giving residents time to rest and rejuvenate.
6. Post-Match Curriculum: MacNeal Hospital's post-match curriculum is an invaluable opportunity for residents to get to know their co-interns and faculties even before officially starting the residency. This smooth transition to the residency after the match ensures that residents feel supported and prepared from the very beginning, fostering a positive and enriching learning experience.
7. Multidimensional Growth Opportunities: MacNeal Hospital offers a plethora of opportunities for multidimensional growth and leadership among its residents. From engaging in Quality Improvement (QI) projects and participating in community outreach clinics and wellness events to being involved in research events and poster presentations, residents can further develop their skills and expertise in various areas of medicine. Additionally, access to university electives provides a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience, empowering residents to become future leaders in healthcare.

With these qualities, MacNeal Hospital offers a remarkable setting for our residency program, enabling us to develop both as a skilled medical professional and as a compassionate caregiver.  I look forward to incredible three years of growth in my residency.

Angela Alcarraz Bedrillana, MD

Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I think I would have to say the opportunity of using the knowledge gained so far to empower other humans in their health and improvement of their quality of life.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I look forward to establishing long term relationships with recurring patients, specially in the outpatient setting, and being able to personalize their treatment by understanding their community and their day-to-day life.

María Ayau Turcios, MD

Universidad Francisco Marroquín

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine:  My favorite part of practicing general medicine is the patient-doctor interactions.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I love the sense of community because it feels personal. Getting to know all the staff from the hospital well and for them to get to know me. MacNeal Hospital focuses on academic excellence, and that paired with a strong sense of community is what helped me choose MacNeal Hospital.

Shristi Bhattarai, MD

Nepalgunj medical college, Nepalgunj 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
General medicine incorporates every-disease and each organ in a way that it makes us understand efficiency of our body. It gives me immense joy and pleasure to solve the complex puzzle and trying to fit each aspect according to their presentation and complaints. Understanding the problem, framing the picture and be Mr. Holmes to solve it. Medicine in general has a preventive and curative aspects and I find joy in finding the care gaps and addressing them. Complexity of human anatomy, physiology combined with superior science of pharmacology enable us to do better for our patients.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
MacNeal personally for me was home way before residency application started. I have had best set of friends here and I got opportunity to explore the bird’s eye view of program, their focus on academics, and evidence-based learning encourages us to excel not only as a resident but even as a human. Core faculty who treats you like a family and help you to excel in any way possible is what immigrant like me seek and thrive best on. When you come 12000 miles away from home, you seek home in people you encounter and MacNeal feels home. Heavy patient flow, learning while practicing and learning in a cozy environment in the windy city is best attraction of MacNeal.

Avi Harisingani, MD

Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
The diagnostic dilemma and managing complex patients

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
Getting the most out of your training since all the cases in the hospital are handled by residents, as well as the tight-knit community that comes along with having a small-medium sized program

Hazel Khosa, MD

Government Medical College, Jammu 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
The aspect I love about General Medicine is that it provides the best platform to synergise our knowledge of physiology, pathology, pharmacology and medical intervention. Treating each patient as a new mystery has always excited me! It also provides varied settings in which we interact with patients- on the floors, in critical areas and in the clinics- giving us an opportunity to build lasting doctor-patient relationships and establishing continuity of care.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I was extremely anxious before my interview at MacNeal since it was my very first! But the ease and warmth I felt at the end of the interview and the resident interaction was unparalleled. The residents and faculty appeared approachable and supportive. The program offered exposure to a varied patient profile and provided a diverse clinical environment to learn and grow! Also, being in the close vicinity of Chicago added to my interest in this program.

Karan Kumar, MD

Jinnah Sindh Medical University 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I enjoy Building long-term relationships with patients and families. Making a difference in people's lives and improving their health outcomes, Diagnosing and treating a wide variety of medical conditions.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
The hospital's commitment to providing a supportive and collaborative learning environment is crucial for successful medical training. As a resident physician, the hospital's culture and commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment can influence the quality of training and overall learning experience. Supportive and collaborative environments promote open communication and the exchange of ideas among peers and mentors, which can improve patient care outcomes and enhance the resident physician's overall professional development.

Sergio Llanes Somellera, MD

Universidad del Valle de México 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
Primary prevention through patient education to slowly but surely achieve a community’s practice of a healthy lifestyle.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I found myself enjoying the structure of MacNeal's program, the 4+2 curriculum is an excellent way to learn medicine through organised hands on experience, and MacNeal, being a community hospital provides the opportunity to be an actual part of my patients’ lives and their healthcare journey, therefore not just becoming their physician but also an important member to their support system providing me an opportunity to positively impact their lives.

Vaishnavi Modi, MD

Medical Baroda College  

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

Establishing various differentials f or a given case and coming to a probable diagnosis. Patient interaction and learning more about their condition and helping them in the best way possible.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I believe that I will be able to interact with variety of patients and learn about wide range of pathologies. This helped me to choose Loyola MacNeal. Also, I have stayed in Chicago for more than a month, which increased my inclination in choosing MacNeal for my upcoming 3 years as I loved the Windy city.

Angelina Molkina, MD

First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov  

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine: I enjoy caring for the entire patient and going through the diagnostic process. I also appreciate the variability of pathologies that are dealt with daily in general medicine.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I was looking for two things. Firstly, I wanted to undergo my training in a program with a well-balanced curriculum and a diverse patient population, which would allow me to become prepared for independent practice and excel in my future career. And secondly, I hoped to become a part of a great team and work side by side with kind and supportive people. All of that I found here – at MacNeal Hospital.

Jaykumar Oza, MD

Government Medical College, Surat, India 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

Solving complex cases with integration of history and physical examination is like playing Chess, and Chess is my passion outside medicine.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

Family like atmosphere is the thing that I was able to feel while I gave my interview. Above that, I had never seen Post Match Curriculum in any residency program. I can say that MacNeal Hospital always provide one on one training. These reasons made me to choose MacNeal as my first choice.

Aesha Patel, MD

G.M.E.R.S. Medical College, Gotri  

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

In the practice of General Medicine, I find interacting with my patients particularly stimulating. It allows me to gain a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs and address their health concerns holistically; while also enabling me to establish long-term longitudinal relationships with them. Furthermore, I am fascinated by the diverse cases and presentations encountered in Internal Medicine. Additionally, as an advocative of preventive healthcare, I enjoy incorporating it into my medical practice.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
During my interview day, what resonated with me was the warm, welcoming, and approachable nature of the people at MacNeal. I was impressed by their genuine interest in getting to know me better. The Residents' Meet and Greet was a fun and lighthearted affair, but what stood out was the camaraderie among them. This gave me a glimpse into a positive and thriving work environment. As someone who is passionate about giving back to the community and connecting with people, I believe that joining MacNeal Hospital would provide me with the opportunity to serve a diverse community while pursuing my goals. The hospital's proximity to Chicago is an added benefit.

Carla Valencia Ochoa, MD

Medical School: Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy spending time with the patients and getting to know them as well as their family because I am aware of the stress and frustration that come with being ill. An important component of my work involves attempting to manage those emotions by providing patients with comfort as well as accurate information about their illness.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I gained most of my clinical experience at a community clinic in the USA, where I learned the joy of building strong doctor-patient bonds, spending a lot of time with them and their illnesses. Working in a community hospital is a grateful job where you can return some of your knowledge to the community and contribute to the Spanish-speaking community. I chose Macneal Hospital because it has a comfortable atmosphere and friendly residents and attendings. The program also provides us with the opportunity to get knowledge from others and feedback in order to become better doctors.

David Zamora, MD

Universidad de Guadalajara CUCS 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
The holistic approach it demands. By integrating knowledge of basic and clinical sciences, we can better understand and manage complex medical issues while providing comprehensive care that takes into account the patient's physical, emotional, and social well-being. The intellectual challenge of constantly learning and staying up-to-date on the latest research and techniques keeps me engaged and motivated. And finally, being able to alleviate patients' suffering and improve their quality of life is a tremendously fulfilling aspect of the field, as it allows me to not only treat their symptoms but also nurture their soul. 

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I chose MacNeal because I felt right away that it was the perfect place for me to thrive. The opportunity to work in a community setting and help bring quality healthcare to the local population was a driving factor in my decision. Additionally, Loyola’s academic resources and emphasis on continued learning and professional development convinced me that it was the ideal place for my training. I am confident that my time at MacNeal will not only allow me to grow as a physician but also give me the skills and experience necessary to make a positive impact on the community I serve. 

2025 Graduates

• Mounika Allam, MD – Endocrinology Fellowship – Rush University Medical Center & John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL
• Chloe Arima, MD – Endocrinology Fellowship – Rosalind Franklin University School of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL
• Maurvi Bhavsar, MD – Hospital Medicine – Reid Hospital, Richmond, IN
• Claudia Guillen Lopez, MD – Endocrinology Fellowship – Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
• Jemina Narvaez Intriago, MD – Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship – University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
• Andrea Paredes Henriquez, MD – Hospital Medicine – Apogee Physicians, Covington, LA
• Shefaly Ann Jacob, MD – Hospital Medicine – Avera McKennan, Sioux Falls, SD
• Sarah Lahud Cuadra, MD – Geriatric Medicine – Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
• Shweta Mahesh, MD – Endocrinology Fellowship – Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
• Sowmya Bhashini Popuri, MD – Rheumatology Fellowship – Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
• Jose Luis Prieto Jordan, MD – Primary Care – 219 Health, East Chicago, IN
• Luis Sanchez-Ato, MD – Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship – Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
• Ashok Sapkota, MD – Hospital Medicine – OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL
• Asmita Shrestha, MD – Hospital Medicine – Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT

2024 Graduates 

• Tooba Ayub, MBBS – Endocrinology Fellowship – University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH
• Coralia Castillo, MD – Pulmonology-Critical Care Fellowship – Tulane University School of Medicine – New Orleans, LA
• Suresh Duvvada, MBBS – Hospitalist – Kankakee, IL  
• Roberto Guerrero, MD – Primary Care CMO  – Sun Valley, CA
• Saroja Guntupalli, MBBS – Endocrinology Fellowship – Metro Health System – Cleveland, OH
• FNU Riya, MBBS – Vascular Medicine Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic – Cleveland, OH
• Francisco Lozano Arvizu, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – Mayo Clinic – Phoenix, AZ
• Zubin Mahajan, MBBS – Hospitalist – Carbondale, IL
• Jessey Mathew, MBBS –  Primary Care – Rockford, IL
• Alejandro Rana Custodio, MBBS –Primary Care – Los Angeles, CA
• Asad UR Rehman, MBBS – Hematology-Oncology Fellowship – St. Louis University – St. Louis, MO
• Akhya Sharma, MBBS – Pulmonology-Critical Care Fellowship – University of Missouri – Columbia, MO
• Aviskar Sharma, MBBS – Hospitalist – Bemidji, MN
• Nishant Tiwari, MBBS – Hematology-Oncology Fellowship – Oklahoma University – Oklahoma City, OK

2023 Graduates

• Lisseth Beltran, MD –Fellowship – Tulane School of Medicine – New Orleans, LA
• Amala Chacko, MD – General Internal Medicine – Hendrick Medical Center – Abilene, TX
• Aneurin Fernandez, MD – Infectious Disease Fellowship – Loyola Medicine – Maywood, IL
• Diana Franco, MD – Hematology & Oncology Fellowship – Baylor College of Medicine – Houston, TX
• Shawn George, DO – Primary Care Physician, Yorktown Health, Lombard, Illinois
• Daniela Goyes Vaca, MD – Gastroenterology Fellowship – Yale New Haven Hospital – New Haven, CT
• Ayesha Ikram, MD – General Internal Medicine – Baptist South Medical Center – Montgomery, AL
• Hassan Khan, DO – Critical Care Medicine Fellowship – Palmetto General Hospital – Hialeah, FL
• Genessis Maldonado, MD – Rheumatology Fellowship – Vanderbilt University Medical Center – Nashville, TN
• Lydia Robles, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Fellowship – University of Arizona Phoenix – Phoenix, AZ
• Carlos Mazariegos Letran, MD – General Internal Medicine – Adventist Health Bakesfield – Bakesfield, CA
• Ammu Susheela, MD – Geriatrics, Trinity Health, CIMPAR Illinois
• Rigoberto Tejeda Acevedo, MD – General Internal Medicine – Clinica Medica Familiar – Riverside, CA
• Alejandro Villafranca, MD – General Internal Medicine – Sierra Medical Group – Sun Valley, CA

2022 Graduates

• Akshata Satish Chaugule, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship – SUNY-Upstate Medical University – Syracuse, NY
• Umer Farooq, MD – Chief Resident, Internal Medicine – Rochester General Hospital – Rochester, NY
• Manasa Jasti, MD – Chief Resident, Internal Medicine – Northeast Georgia Medical Center – Gainesville, GA
• Amulya Reddy Kasireddy, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship – University of Arkansas – Little Rock, AR
• Raymond Chungcure Lee, MD – Hospitalist – Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital – Palos Heights, IL
• Umme Haani Malwi, MD – Primary Care Physician – Adventist Health – Fresno, CA
• Brian McCully, MD – Hospitalist – OHSU Adventist Health – Portland, OR
• Quraish Rababah, MD – Traditional General Internist – Edward-Elmhurst Hospital – Elmhurst, IL
• Naveen Sundar Rameshkumar, MD – Hospitalist – Goshen Health – Goshen, IN
• Shelden Selas Rodrigues, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – Barnes Jewish Hospital-Washington University – St. Louis, MO
• Jogeet Singh Sekhon, MD – Hospitalist – St. Mary's Hospital – Waterbury, CT
• Krupa Vithal Shingada, MD – Chief Resident, Internal Medicine – Rochester General Hospital – Rochester, NY
• Hasrat Sidhu, MD – Sleep Medicine Fellowship – University of Miami – Miami, FL
• Carlos Alberto Vaquero, MD – Traditional General Internal Medicine – Serra Medical Group – Los Angeles, CA

2021 Graduates

• Diana Estefania Espinoza Barrera, MD – Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship – Tulane University – New Orleans, LA
• Fanny Vanessa Giron Galeano, MD - Primary Care – Community Health Center – Cape Cod, Ma
• Buddhi Praharshanee Kumari Hatharaliyadda, MD – Infectious Disease Fellowship – University of Wisconsin, Madison – Madison, WI
• Zain Ahmad Javed, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – University of Wisconsin, Madison – Madison, WI
• Diana Alexandra Kreppel, MD – Hematology & Oncology Fellowship – University Hospital Tübingen – Tübingen, Germany
• Manuel Daniel Manrique Chavez, MD – Traditional Internal Medicine – Pacifica Hospital – Los Angeles, CA
• Gabino Manuel Mariano Maza Rodas, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – University of Wisconsin, Madison – Madison, WI
• Deyger Jesus Navarrete, MD – IM Chief Resident – MacNeal Hospital – Berwyn, IL
• Swathi S Rao, MD – Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship – University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH
• Harish Ravipati, MD – Geriatric Medicine Fellowship – The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL
• Daniele Sebastiano Restifo, MD – Primary Care Physician – Boston, MA
• Raul Ignacio Rodriguez, MD – Infectious Diseases Fellowship – Rush University Medical Center and Cook County Health – Chicago, IL
• Maria Jose Zabala Ramirez, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – Duke University – Durham, NC
• Rommel Gerardo Zerpa Alamo, MD – Hospital Medicine – New Bedford, MA

2020 Graduates

• Daniel Alcantar, MD – Chief Resident – University of Arizona – Tuscon, AZ
• Raisa Alvarez, MD – Infectious Disease, Loyola University Medical Center – Maywood, IL
• Mukarram Amine, DO – Chief Resident – MacNeal Hospital – Berwyn, IL
• Richard Fernandes Almeida, MD – Nephrology – University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
• Prachi Jain, MD – Hematology-Oncology – Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
• Sri Mahathi Kalipatnapu, MD – Nephrology – University of Chicago – Chicago, IL
• Adeline Manohar, DO – Primary Care – Kaiser Permanente – Oakland, CA
• Juan Pablo Portocarrero, MD – Nephrology – Northwestern University – Chicago, IL
• Nirali Ramani, MD – Nephrology – Rush University Medical Center – Chicago, IL
• Claudia Rodriguez, MD – Nephrology – University of Illinois, Chicago – Chicago, IL
• Jorge Sanchez, MD – Nephrology – University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA
• Paola Sanchez, MD – Geriatrics – Emory University – Atlanta, GA
• James Tobin, MD – Hospital Medicine – Javon Bea Hospital – Rockford, IL
• Jose Luis Zabala, MD – Endocrinology – Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN