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R1 Residents

Gerges (George) Abdelsayed, MB BCh BAO

Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Undergraduate school: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Medical school: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Internship: Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC
Why did you choose radiology? I chose radiology because it beautifully integrates anatomy, pathology, and sitting into one perfect field of medicine. I love the thought of studying hard, perfecting my craft, and being able to meticulously analyze images and make impactful diagnoses. I've also found that all the radiologists I've met are incredibly kind and helpful, creating a supportive environment I always wanted to be a part of. This specialty perfectly combines my passions and the wonderful people I've met along the way.
Why Loyola? I chose Loyola because of the incredible people who create a supportive and inspiring work and learning environment. During my interviews, Loyola's program structure stood out as exceptional in teaching its residents to read quickly and precisely. Loyola offers great opportunities to learn, grow, and subspecialize in various areas of radiology. Additionally, its location is perfect, providing a great environment for both professional and personal development. I couldn't think of a better place to grow into the best radiologist I can be.
Hobbies and interests: Power lifting, cycling, mountain biking, reading, traveling
Interesting fact: I lost 120 lbs during my first year of medical school abroad
Favorite movie: Up!
Favorite TV show: Community
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Portillo's
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour, frolic through the city, spend time with family

Usman Beg, DO

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan Usman Beg, DO
Undergraduate school: Northern Illinois University
Medical school: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internship: Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
Why did you choose radiology? All-encompassing field with cases across all specialties. You are the one to make the diagnosis. Opportunity to choose a procedural subspecialty down the line.
Why Loyola? Large quaternary university-based medical center with a vast variety of cases. Proximity to family. Big city with lots to do.
Hobbies and interests: Audiobooks, cooking, hiking, traveling
Interesting fact: Used to DJ in my past life
Favorite movie: Logan
Favorite TV show: Family Guy
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Bundoo Khan
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Biking along Lakefront Trail

William Chen, MD

Hometown: Irvine, CA William Chen, MD
Undergraduate school: Duke University
Medical school: Saint Louis University
Internship: MacNeal Hospital
Why did you choose radiology? I'm drawn to its collaborative role in directing medical/surgical management and enjoy learning about the wide range of pathologies.
Why Loyola? During my interview, I had a great time getting to know the faculty and was impressed by their support in continuing my passions outside medicine during residency. I was also thrilled to see that residents were happy living in Chicago. Finally, Loyola offers a balance of academic and community practice which prepares me for my future career.
Hobbies and interests: Hiking, tennis, pickleball, board games, mixology, film photography, AI in healthcare
Interesting fact: I've performed with the Steve Miller Band
Favorite movie: The Dark Knight Trilogy
Favorite TV show: Westworld, Better Call Saul, The Boys, Samurai Champloo
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Lao Peng You, Mango Mango for dessert!
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Running along Lakefront Trail

Stanley Chu, MD

Hometown: Seattle, WA Stanley Chu, MD
Undergraduate school: Vanderbilt University
Medical school: Northwestern University
Internship: Kaweah Health Medical Center
Why did you choose radiology? I chose radiology for the visual aspect of the field, the constantly evolving technology, and the daily impact you can make in diagnostics!
Hobbies and interests: Playing music, drawing, rock climbing, snowboarding, backpacking
Interesting fact: I studied piano performance in college
Favorite movie: Dune 2
Favorite TV show: Curb Your Enthusiasm
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Any all you can eat sushi restaurant I can find
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Hanging out by the lake with my friends

Daniel Heller, MD

Heller Daniel
Hometown: Lincolnwood, IL
Undergraduate school: Northwestern University
Medical school: University of Illinois Chicago
Internship: Loyola University Medical Center – Surgery
Why did you choose radiology? The most innovate, cognitive, and collaborative field of medicine
Why Loyola? Fantastic faculty leadership, collegial residents, case diversity/complexity, and of course Chicago
Hobbies and interests: Fitness, nutrition, travel, golf, Chicago sports, medical startups, cooking with protein powder
Interesting fact: Lived with 11 roommates in San Fransisco
Favorite movie: Taken
Favorite TV show: Ted Lasso
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Joe's
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Wrigley Field, riverwalk, lake, rooftops, and patios

Anand Patel, MD, MBA, MS

Hometown: Geneva, IL Anand Patel, MD, MBA, MS
Undergraduate school: Loyola University Chicago
Medical school: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Internship: Loyola Macneal Hospital
Why did you choose radiology? I chose radiology because it is one of the most artistic of medical specialities, I think it gives you an opportunity to refine your visual recognition skills and overlay them with your medical knowledge to help serve patients.
Why Loyola? The community, by far the amazing group of residents, faculty, and staff we get to work with!
Hobbies and interests: Fruit Carving, Travel, Cooking, Golf
Interesting fact: I have driven through the Amalfi coast (don’t recommend now though looking back it at lol)!
Favorite movie: Baghban
Favorite TV show: Revenge
Favorite Chicago restaurant: A2B in Warrenville
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Visit the Japanese Gardens in the Chicago Botanical Gardens

Faaiza Siddique, MD

Hometown: Multiple Faaiza Siddique, MD
Undergraduate school: Amherst College
Medical school: Wake Forest School of Medicine
Internship: Harnett Health Transitional Year
Why did you choose radiology? The material is fascinating and intellectually stimulating, the field is on the cusp on exciting change, and the lifestyle offered is unbeatable.
Why Loyola? Proximity to my brother and the wonderful faculty at Loyola!
Hobbies and interests: Travel, knitting, hiking, parenting two adorable toddlers
Interesting fact: I used to teach STEM
Favorite movie: Seven Samurai
Favorite TV show: Changes constantly. Most recently, Shogun.
Favorite Chicago restaurant: To be determined
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Museums and parks with the kids

R2 Residents

Ryan Martin, MD

Ryan Martin, MD
Hometown: Niles, Illinois
Undergraduate school: Emory University
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Internship: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Why did you choose radiology? I chose radiology because it constantly challenges me to learn more about anatomy, pathology, and physiology. I was also drawn to radiology because it offers a diverse range of professional pathways to specialize in the areas that you find most fascinating.
Why Loyola? I chose Loyola because I wanted to be part of a large academic center where I knew there would be a strong emphasis on resident education and development. I also knew Loyola was a comprehensive facility that served a large and diverse patient population which would allow me to develop my skill set to the best of my abilities.
Hobbies and interests: In my spare time I enjoy strength training and jogging
Interesting fact: I’m a certified scuba diver
Favorite movie: Zoolander
Favorite TV show: Arrested Development
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Pequod's Pizza
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Exploring the city and finding new restaurants

Sidney Mirgati, MD

Medical school: Saint Louis University Sidney Mirgati, MD
Internship: MacNeal Hospital
Why did you choose radiology? Collaborative field, amazing colleagues and staff, various ways to contribute to patient care
Why Loyola? I really enjoyed talking to the attendings and the residents! They were kind and overall seemed happy!
Hobbies and interests: Quality time with friends and loved ones, cooking, podcasts, movies and shows
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Going to local family-run restaurants

Sheila Mullen, MD

Hometown: Elmhurst, Illinois Sheila Mullen, MD
Undergraduate school: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Medical school: Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine
Internship: Ascension-Resurrection Transitional Year Program
Why did you choose radiology? As a visual learner, I was drawn to medical imaging. I find radiology to be intellectually stimulating, allowing me to see a vast amount of pathology.
Why Loyola? I had a positive experience rotating through the department as a student. The faculty are dedicated to resident education, and there is a strong sense of community at Loyola.
Hobbies and interests: Biking, gardening, farmers markets, exploring the Chicago restaurant scene
Interesting fact: I was born at Loyola
Favorite TV show: Seinfeld
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Girl and the Goat, Pequod’s (for Chicago deep dish!), Lula Café, and Big Star to name a few
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Enjoying the lakefront and 606 trails

Aleksandr Raskind, DO

Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Illinois Aleksandr Raskind, DO
Undergraduate school: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical school: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internship: Ascension St. Joseph Chicago Transitional Year
Why did you choose radiology? A challenging and intellectually stimulating field with day to day variety that will never bore me
Why Loyola? Living in Chicago and training at an institution with attendings devoted to resident education
Hobbies and interests: Weightlifting, cooking/baking, drinking Guinness
Interesting fact: I was born in Kyrgyzstan
Favorite movie: National Treasure
Favorite TV show: Sopranos
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Galit
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Trying all the different types of restaurants Chicago has to offer

Nida Shaikh, DO

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois Nida Shaikh, DO
Undergraduate school: Benedictine University
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internship: OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
Why did you choose radiology?Enjoy imaging due to my background in art
Why Loyola?Chicago!
Hobbies and interests: Travelling, biking, water sports, spending time with family
Interesting fact: Played lacrosse in high school and college
Favorite movie: Black Panther
Favorite TV show: The Mindy Project
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Roka Akor
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Biking on Lakeshore

Nihal Thapa, MD

Hometown: Kirkland, Washington Nihal Thapa, MD
Undergraduate school: University of Washington
Medical school: Washington State University
Internship: University of Washington- Surgery
Why did you choose radiology? It has the perfect combination of science and medicine for me. You get to be involved with a huge number of patients' care and make a broad impact while seeing an enormous range of pathologies.
Hobbies and interests: Liverpool Football Club, pub trivia/Jeopardy, my chocolate labrador Kenai, playing soccer, jazz music, playing piano, chess, and hiking Interesting fact: Despite being from the Pacific Northwest, I absolutely despise IPA's
Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Favorite TV show: I Think You Should Leave
Favorite Chicago restaurant: I haven't had a chance to explore too many yet so tbd! Probably whatever place doesn't serve IPA's.
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Exploring the multitude of museums and eating delicious food

Yulia Zayats, DO

Hometown: Kolomyya, Ukraine Yulia Zayats, DO
Undergraduate school: Lake Forest College
Medical school: Midwestern University
Internship: Lutheran General Hospital
Why did you choose radiology?
Radiology is a rewarding field as you get to help guide clinicians with difficult diagnostic dilemmas and occasionally make a completely unexpected finding that changes the management dramatically as well as work with many different modalities.
Hobbies and interests: Biking, traveling, painting, various DIY projects
Interesting fact: I speak 3 languages, and I am learning Spanish.
Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Sushi Taku
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Exploring new restaurants

R3 Residents

Emily Bennis, DO

Radiology fellowship: Body Imaging at University of Miami
Hometown: Vero Beach, Florida Bennis, DO
Undergraduate school: University of Florida
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internship: Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach
Why did you choose radiology? Radiology answers so many clinical questions for all the specialties. And it’s fun!
Why Loyola? The people
Hobbies and interests: Family and friends, my Goldendoodle Riley, gym, reading
Interesting fact: I am weirdly good at memorizing song lyrics
Favorite movie: Literally whatever movie I have seen most recently becomes my favorite until I see another
Favorite TV show: Parks and rec
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Trivoli
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Cubs game

Denton Connor, MD

Radiology fellowship: Body Imaging at University of California San Francisco
Hometown: Vacaville, California Denton Connor, MD
Undergraduate school: Loyola Marymount University
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine
Internship: Abrazo Health Network - Transitional Year
Why did you choose radiology? The most interesting pathology in the hospital comes through the Radiology department
Why Loyola? The camaraderie, the teaching and the proximity to the big city
Hobbies and interests: Trying new restaurants, cooking, video games, reading, sports
Interesting fact: I recently became a plant dad
Favorite movie: I Love You, Man
Favorite TV show: Seinfeld
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Rose Mary
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Admire the architecture

Hamidou Drammeh, MD

Radiology fellowship: Neuroradiology at Cedars Sinai
Hometown: San Mateo, California Hamidou Drammeh, MD
Undergraduate school: Sonoma State University
Medical school: University of Illinois at Chicago
Internship: Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois
Why did you choose radiology? Interested in anatomy and seeing the pathology on imaging. Curious about different modalities, and using them to guide clinical decision making
Why Loyola? Enjoyed conversation with the faculty and wanted a new institution in Chicago area
Hobbies and interests: Cycling, video game, movies, sport/documentary and fun conversation
Interesting fact: Was born in Senegal
Favorite movie: The Matrix and all of Christopher Nolan movies.
Favorite TV show: White lotus, Barry, succession and the patient
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Sky
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Enjoy walking in the early morning at the lakefront

Rami El-Baba, DO

Radiology fellowship: Neuroradiology at Stanford
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Rami El-Baba, DO
Undergraduate school: Michigan State University
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internship: St. Mary Mercy Livonia
Why did you choose radiology? I chose radiology because of it applies anatomy, pathophysiology and technology in a way that no other specialty can.
Why Loyola? I chose Loyola because it's a tertiary care center where I know I will have exposure to everything I will need to succeed.
Hobbies and interests: Traveling, hiking, cooking, martial arts
Interesting fact: I solo traveled around Asia
Favorite movie: Django Unchained
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Noble Thai
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Eat

Melissa Fang, MD

Radiology fellowship: Neuroradiology at Emory University
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico Melissa Fang, MD
Undergraduate school: University of Pennsylvania
Medical school: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Internship: University of New Mexico
Why did you choose radiology? I was lucky to have great radiological experiences while working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at UCSF in my gap years. Everything I encountered in medical school was interesting, but I knew from the start I loved radiology the most.
Hobbies and interests: Wild food foraging in the 26th Street Woods, plant hammering, raising houseplants, board games (Viticulture, Isle of Cats, Splendor), video games, cooking, listening to D&D podcasts, making videos, and research.
Interesting fact: My happy place is IKEA. I like to imagine what kinds of people might live in the different IKEA display rooms based on the decor.
Favorite movie: Hail, Caesar!
Favorite TV show: I don't have :(
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Lao Jiu Men for shared hotpot.
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Being weird in the woods and trying new food.

June Lee, DO

Radiology fellowship: Body Imaging at Rush University
Hometown: Nomad June Lee, DO
Undergraduate school: Emory University
Medical school: Rocky Vista University
Internship: MacNeal Hospital
Why did you choose radiology? Because radiology is cool
Why Loyola? Love Chicago
Hobbies and interests: Hanging out with animal and human friends, travel
Interesting fact: I'm surviving bird and cat parenthood
Favorite movie: Changes all the time. True Romance is a favorite.
Favorite TV show: The IT Crowd
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Too broke to eat out. Jk, anywhere in Chinatown.
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Random adventures with friends

Aaron Oraham, MD

Radiology fellowship: Body Imaging at Northwestern
Hometown: Glencoe, Illinois Aaron Oraham
Undergraduate school: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Internship: Advocate Illinois Masonic
Why did you choose radiology? Being in the consultant role and seeing a wide variety of pathology
Why Loyola? Close proximity to Chicago and great people
Hobbies and interests: Weight training, traveling, exploring new restaurants
Interesting fact: I’m 75% Assyrian
Favorite movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite TV show: Avatar: The Last Air Bender, Kath and Kim, Kroll Show
Favorite Chicago restaurant: North Pond
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Visit the Art Institute (winter); enjoy my rooftop and the lakefront (summer)

R4 Residents

Rohit Anand, MD

Radiology fellowship: Interventional Radiology at Stanford Rohit Anand, MD
Hometown: Battle Creek, Michigan
Undergraduate school: Wayne State University
Medical school: University of Michigan Medical School
Internship: Resurrection Medical Center
Why did you choose radiology? Technology, minimally invasive procedures, diversity of pathology
Why Loyola? Academic center with strong clinical exposure across all subspecialties. Located just outside Chicago, with all the amenities of a world class city as well as the privilege of helping care for a diverse patient population.
Hobbies and interests: Sports (cricket, tennis, NBA basketball), exercise, travel, Bollywood movies and music.
Interesting fact: Spent parts of my childhood in England and Australia.
Favorite movie: Inception
Favorite TV show: Succession, The Office
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Quartinos
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Exploring new neighborhoods, trying new restaurants, going on jogs along the lakefront

Petra Lovrec, MD

Radiology fellowship: Body imaging Petra Lovrec, MD
Hometown: Zagreb, Croatia
Medical school: University of Zagreb School of Medicine
Hobbies and interests: Parenting, popular physics, visual arts, photography, baking, hiking

Patrick Gidley, MD

Radiology fellowship: Body imaging at Northwestern Patrick Gidley, MD
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana
Undergraduate school: University of Southern Indiana
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Internship: Transitional Year - Mercy Health St. Mary's, Grand Rapids MI
Why did you choose radiology? Working with technology/computers, case variety and volume, using anatomical knowledge
Why Loyola? Good location, positive interview experience, great teaching faculty, close to home
Hobbies and interests: Traveling, Chicago sports events, PC gaming
Interesting fact: Played the double bass in middle school
Favorite movie: Indiana Jones
Favorite TV show: Sportscenter
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Billy Bricks Pizza
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Blackhawks games

Love Shah, MD

Radiology fellowship: Breast imaging at Case Western Love Shah, MD
Hometown: Danville, Illinois
Undergraduate school: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Internship: University of Illinois Hospital - Preliminary Medicine
Why did you choose radiology? I really enjoyed the basic sciences in medical school and for radiology you have to understand the pathology, pathophysiology, and anatomy of disease processes and their imaging manifestations to come up with a diagnosis. I also felt that imaging is such a critical part of diagnosis and management and many clinicians rely on us to help them. I also enjoyed the breadth of radiology with its many subspecialities and knowing about many different organ systems. Ultimately I found it fascinating that we could use physics and imaging to diagnose diseases noninvasively.
Hobbies and interests: Watching movies (have worked my way through much of the IMDb Top 250). Listening to music (recently started building my own sound system). Traveling. Hiking. Watching and playing tennis. Reading.
Interesting fact: Glass Animals was my most listened to artist on Spotify last year.
Favorite movie: The Dark Knight
Favorite TV show: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Handlebar
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Biking along the Lakefront Trail in the summer

Laith Yasin, MD

Radiology fellowship: MSK at NorthShore Laith Yasin, MD
Hometown: Carpentersville, Illinois
Undergraduate school: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Internship: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Why did you choose radiology? Felt the best fit for my personality and I enjoyed the work flow and constant new challenges.
Why Loyola? Found people were very pleasant to work with and be around and I was confident I would get great opportunities for training.
Hobbies and interests: Sports/fitness, video games, foodie
Interesting fact: I make a pretty decent crème brûlée
Favorite movie: The Prestige
Favorite TV show: Sherlock
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Taqueria El Asadero
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Try new restaurants

Benjamin Rincy, MD

Radiology fellowship: MSK at University of Texas Southwestern Benjamin Rincy, MD
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Undergraduate school: University of Chicago
Medical school: Chicago Medical School
Internship: St. Joseph Hospital
Why did you choose radiology? Dynamic field with new and innovative technology
Why Loyola? It is one of the largest hospitals in the Chicago land area and is a level one trauma center.
Hobbies and interests: Chess, weightlifting, and traveling
Interesting fact: I lived in India for 8 years.
Favorite movie: Rocky IV
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Giordanos
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Visit Lake Michigan

Chiew-Jen Ong, MD

Chiew-Jen Ong, MD
Hometown: West Lafayette, IN
Undergraduate school: Stanford University
Medical school: Indiana University
Internship: Indiana University
Radiology fellowship: Neuroradiology at Indiana University
Why did you choose radiology? Seeing is believing. Great range of pathology and ability to help other physicians as well as patients.
Why Loyola? Great teaching and training opportunities in an academic and trauma center in the Chicago area.
Hobbies and interests: Film and digital photography
Interesting fact: Been driving three different gens of Honda Accords
Favorite movie: Dark Knight
Favorite TV show: Singles Inferno
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Ken Kee
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Biking at the lakefront

Fellows

George Boychev, DO

Radiology fellowship: Body imaging George
Hometown: Lake Orion, Michigan
Undergraduate school: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Medical school: Midwestern University
Internship: MacNeal Hospital
Radiology residency: Loyola University Medical Center
Why did you choose radiology? Radiology is challenging; it is techy, and it really soothes everyone who loves being in a calm and ambiently lit environment. It plays a pivotal role in almost all patient encounters. By being in radiology, you will become competent in everything from trauma, to oncology, to infectious diseases, to vascular diseases and everything in-between. You learn about pathologies affecting the fetus, pediatrics, adults, and the elderly. Radiology's potential for novelty and growth in the future of medicine is vast, thanks to the speed of technological advances. You also have so much freedom in how you choose to practice radiology. I don't think you can ever be bored or stagnant as a radiologist. I see no downside here... do you?
Why Loyola? It is a combination of the people who work here, the quantity and quality radiologic pathology encountered during training and the location of the hospital. The people here make this place feel like home; They are the greatest mentors I could ask for and fun to work with. The diversity of pathology is paralleled only by other big academic centers. The location is unbeatable. I am too claustrophobic to live in the city but enjoy having access to it when the mood strikes. I can live in the suburbs, work at an academic center, go to downtown Chicago when I want to and still enjoy the open space of the suburban life.
Hobbies and interests: Cars, exercising, cooking, gaming and tinkering around my house & garage.
Interesting fact: I make sick crêpes, Bulgarian style.
Favorite movie: Iron Man
Favorite TV show: Black Mirror
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Shikara Indian Restaurant... Yes, I consider the suburbs part of Chicago, you elitists.
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Go to the beach

Hongmin (Esther) Xu, MD

Radiology fellowship: Neuroradiology Hongmin (Esther) Xu, MD
Hometown: Shandong, China
Undergraduate school: I went to medical school directly after high school
Medical school: Medical College of Qingdao University
Radiology residency: The affiliated hospital of Qingdao University
Why did you choose radiology? Reading different modalities from radiographs to MRI, a wide range of different pathologies, will never feel boring.
Why Loyola? I met an amazing supervisor and mentor here, and all the colleagues I interact with are nice and friendly.
Hobbies and interests: I love nature, trees, flowers, lakes, biking trails. I like to explore nature preserve parks, visiting zoos.
Interesting fact: I'm 49.5% extrovert, 50.5% introvert
Favorite movie: Zootopia
Favorite TV show: Steve Harvey talk show
Favorite Chicago restaurant: I'm better at cooking than most restaurants
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Walking by the Lake and relaxing

Amirmasoud (Amir) Negarestani, MD

Radiology fellowship: Research Amirmasoud Negarestani, MD
Hometown: Kerman, Iran
Undergraduate school: Allameh Helli
Medical school: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Radiology residency: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Why did you choose radiology? Radiology has always intrigued me with its unique blend of cutting-edge technology and direct impact on patient care. The ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions non-invasively through imaging techniques is both fascinating and rewarding.
Why Loyola? Loyola offers a robust environment for research, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The center fosters an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing you to work alongside experts in various fields. This can enhance my research quality and provide diverse perspectives that can be critical in innovative medical studies
Hobbies and interests: Playing electronic guitar, attending concerts, and hiking
Interesting fact: After completing my medical degree and radiology residency in Iran, I not only worked as a radiologist at prominent imaging centers in Tehran but also pursued advanced research opportunities in the United States. Currently, as a research fellow at Loyola Medical Center, I am involved in innovative projects aimed at improving diagnostic imaging techniques and patient outcomes. Additionally, I balance my professional life with hobbies such as playing the electronic guitar, and hiking, which provide a well-rounded perspective and a creative outlet outside of my medical career.
Favorite movie: Matrix trilogy, Cinema Paradiso
Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Tzuco
Favorite thing to do in Chicago: Attending concerts, walking in parks and nature

Alumni

Radiology Residency Alumni

We are proud of the continued success of our residents as they continue on in the following endeavors.

Resident Class of 2020-2024

George Boychev, DO, Body, Loyola
Rishabh Choudhari, MD, Body, Stanford
Owais Ansari, MD, MSK, NorthShore
Hamza Chaudhry, MD, MSK, NorthShore
Albert Gjeluci, MD, Neuroradiology, Northwestern
Joseph Kus, MD, IR, U Penn
John Olivieri, MD, IR, Univ of IL, Peoria

Resident Class of 2019-2023

Joseph Ness, DO, IR, Northwestern
Lythe Albakri, MD, Body, Cleveland Clinics
McKenzie Brown, MD, IR, Loyola
Garrett Carpenter, DO, Neuroradiology, Wash U
Alaa Elmaoued, MD, MSK, Univ of Washington, Seattle
Emma Sechrist, MD, Neuroradiology, Univ of Colorado, Denver
Gianna DiGrazia, DO, Neuroradiology, Northwestern

Resident Class of 2018-2022

Funmilayo Tade, MD, Body, Rush
Deanna Thorson, MD, Body, Northwestern
Serra Aktan, MD, Neuroradiology, Univ of Wisconsin
Tucker Burr, MD, Body, UCLA
Hans Bindner, MD, IR, Iowa
Saem Haque, MD, IR, Univ of IL, Peoria
David Serrano, MD, Neuroradiology, Univ of Texas, Houston

Resident Class of 2017-2021

Suleimaan Waheed, DO, MSK, Northshore
Sudeep Soni, MD, Body, Hopkins
Zaneta Dymon, DO, Neuroradiology, MCW
Andrzej Belzowski, DO, Breast, MCW
Amany Aziz, MD, Body, MRI, Northwestern
Deep Aggarwal, MD, Neuroradiology, Loyola

Resident Class of 2016-2020

Justin McCool MD IR Brown University, RI
Wasfia Alikhan MD Breast Northwestern
Ifeoma Aguanunu MD Breast Univ of Cincinnati
Dayana Bermudez Hernandez, MD, Breast Moffit Cancer Ctr - Univ of So Florida
Dil Patel, MD, Neuroradiology, Univ of South Carolina
Ryan Scott, MD, Breast, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ

Resident Class of 2015-2019

Lisansha Zahirsha, MD, MRI, Body & MSK, Northwestern
Bijal Shah, MD, IR, U of Nebraska
Ross Ogilvie, MD, IR, Rush
Anugayathri Jawahar, MD, Body, MRI, Stanford University
Mitchell Farag, MD, IR, Univ of IL, Peoria
Alyssa Cubbison, DO, Breast, Northwestern

Resident Class of 2014-2018

Syed Azhar Mohiuddin, MD, IR, Univ of Chicago
Kristen Bird, MD, Body, Stanford
Suraj Chandrasekar, MD, MSK, Cleveland Clincs
Mariam Malik, MD, MSK, AIRP
Marko Marbella, MD, MSK, Univ of AZ
Bryan Glaenzer, MD, IR, Wash U
Scott Mahon, DO, IR, Loyola

Resident Class of 2013-2017

Thomas Sullivan, MD, IR, Jackson Memorial, Miami FL
Mara Bozza Stephenson, DO, IR, Rush
James Dombrowski, MD, IR, Rush
Luke Freiburg, MD, Breast, Northwestern
Mihir Patel, MD, IR, Loyola
Albert Sohn, MD, Neuroradiology, Wash U

Resident Class of 2012-2016

Talentshia Vethanayagamony, MD, Body/MR, Northwestern
Richard Burke, MD, MSK, Cedars-Sinai
Tejas Patel, MD, Breast, UCSF
Kathryn Niemeyer, MD, Breast, Indiana University
Trevor Holland, MD, IR, Rush
Janushi Dalal, MD, Breast, Northwestern

View our Loyola Graduation Night Star Wars video:

Resident Life

Resident Life Outside Work

Radiology residents at Second City Location, location, location! Most residents choose to live in the city and commute to campus daily. Your commute to Maywood will not be much different than if you were commuting across the city. However, if you would prefer a slightly closer commute or possibly a little more space, there are multiple suburbs located nearby the campus that will give you even more options. Either way, Chicago or the surrounding area will give you the opportunity to find a neighborhood that will fit your personality and needs.

No matter what season, Chicago is a great place to live and play. There is always something to enjoy with the world class museums, concerts, theatre, sporting events, festivals, lakefront access, plus you’ll find a foodie paradise to explore and more!

Residents are encouraged to spend some time outside of work getting to know each other. One way the department fosters this idea is to designate Radiology Families. This family is headed/mentored by one of our faculty and consists of a member from each resident class. Individual families get together to socialize during the course of the year.

And of course, the Radiology Residents as a collective gather after work to engage in some friendly fun as well. Past activities have included paintball, go karts, bowling and holiday parties.

Expanding this idea even further to include the faculty, there are several after work department sponsored events each year. The annual Graduation Dinner in June celebrates the success of residents and fellows departing Loyola to continue their training or start their career.

See prior graduates, faculty and staff join in the fun in the following videos:

Another great way residents and faculty interact outside of work is during the annual RSNA reception. This is a great networking opportunity as it brings together alumni and the current members of the department.

You will find that your four years at Loyola will go by very quickly, but the places you go and the people you meet and experiences you share while you are here will stay with you a lifetime!