Second-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 MΓ©dicas 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 programβs supportive environment, strong mentorship, and emphasis on resident growth. The opportunity to train in a high-volume setting with Loyolaβs academic affiliation ensures Iβll 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 MΓ©dicas
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. Iβve 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. Itβs 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 β 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 MacNealβs 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 TecnΓ³logica 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 programβs 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 medicineβit challenges me to think critically and manage diverse conditions. I also love hearing patientsβ 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 programβs strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience, combined with a diverse patient population, ensures that I will develop broad, well-rounded clinical skills. Iβm 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 hospitalβs 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 appealβoffering access to a world-class city with rich cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The approachable faculty, commitment to mentorship, and the programβs 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. Itβs also exciting to solve medical problems like a puzzle, and itβs 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 thatβs 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. Thatβs why it felt like the right place for me.
Jose Villarreal, MD
Universidad AutΓ³noma 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.
