Class of 2025

Meet the MacNeal Transitional Year Residency Class of 2025

Arsalan Ali

Medical School: Burnett School of Medicine at TCU
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Career Goals: I aspire to become a skilled and empathetic ophthalmologist who prioritizes his patients, is dedicated to advancing patient care through innovative clinical research, and is committed to aiding marginalized communities locally, nationally, and globally.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I chose MacNeal Hospital for its supportive learning environment, welcoming faculty, diverse patient population, and exposure to unique pathology, all of which are ideal for developing my skills.
Interests outside of medicine:  When I have the time, I enjoy playing pickleball, traveling, exercising, and watching football. I also am a huge foodie and enjoy trying new restaurants and coffee shops.

Alexandra Aronowitz

Medical School: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career Goals: To become a competent and compassionate radiologist with ability to advocate for patients and to practice in both community and academic settings.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: MacNeal Hospital's faculty, staff, and residents are committed to the development and well-being of young physicians. I also enjoy the elective programs as they offer early exposure to a wide range of medical specialties. I already feel part of the team and believe my experience at MacNeal will shape me into a well-rounded physician.
Interests outside of medicine: Fostering animals, playing tennis, exploring the city, and building miniatures!

Jay Chopra

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology 
Career Goals: To provide excellent ophthalmologic care and be a welcoming, affirming provider to patients regardless of their identity.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: The diverse patient population as well as the collegiality of those that work there.
Interests outside of medicine: Coffee, board games, running, exploring new restaurants/coffee shops. 

Caroline Desler

Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Career Goals: I hope to build strong relationships with my patients and their families, and to prioritize staying up-to-date on advancements in ophthalmic care. I also plan to incorporate global and community health initiatives into my career, working alongside underserved communities to improve health outcomes. 
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I value the diverse patient population and the community
atmosphere here. The faculty and residents are friendly and supportive, fostering a great learning environment for my intern year!
Interests outside of medicine: Hiking, volleyball, traveling, earring-making, hopping in Lake Michigan on a hot day, and spending time with friends and family.

Djoni Elkady

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Specialty: Dermatology
Career Goals: My future goal is to become a knowledgeable dermatologist who can help patients understand their skin conditions and provide successful treatment options. I also intend to contribute to this field through research, particularly focusing on underserved communities.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I chose MacNeal because of its emphasis on community service and inclusive culture. Additionally, the program offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes both core and elective courses.
Interests outside of medicine: Travel, photography, spending time with loved ones, working out, and eating lots of Lebanese food. 

Joshua Gira

Medical School: Michigan State College of Human Medicine
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career Goals: To improve efficiencies in patient care and be a leader in implementation of innovative technology that will ultimately improve quality of life.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: MacNeal provides a broad comprehensive exposure of foundational medicine with a diverse patient population that will allow me to become a well-rounded physician.
Interests outside of medicine: Sports, Green Bay Packers, exploring new coffee shops.

Eyad Hamad

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine - Chicago
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career Goals: I want to be a clinically strong radiologist in an academic setting engaging in research and helping residents/students. I also want to participate in global health initiatives throughout my career and help improve on overall healthcare delivery and healthcare systems both locally and abroad.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I wanted to be in a setting that had great clinical experiences with a variety of elective choices and with a diverse patient population and pathology. I also love that I will be caring for my fellow Chicagoland natives.
Interests outside of medicine: I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, reading, watching movies, playing/watching soccer, and keeping my plants alive.

Noah Heilenbach

Medical School: NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Career Goals: I hope to develop longitudinal patient relationships and use cutting-edge technology to provide the best possible eye care.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I value the diverse patient population and the opportunity to care for a broad cross-section of Chicagoland.
Interests outside of medicine: Running, music, restaurants, and travel!

Mensur Koso

Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career Goals: Radiology is such an enormous field with every bit of it appealing to at least some of my professional interests. Currently, I am most interested in abdominal imaging and interventions as well as nuclear medicine. I also have a passion for health advocacy and community outreach, especially relating to local communities in St. Louis, MO.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: It provides an important and comprehensive array of clinical services to a diverse range of patient populations. I am able to gain valuable experience service to service and patient to patient, ultimately setting the foundations for becoming a well-rounded and informed radiologist.
Interests outside of medicine: I enjoy exploring new food cuisines with friends and family. When the weather is good, I also enjoy walks in the park and playing tennis. I'm a huge history nerd too so museums are a favorite! 

Michaela O'Connor

Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Specialty: Dermatology
Career Goals: I plan to work with students and continue to lead DEI initiatives. I am interested in both Dermatopathology and Mohs Surgery fellowships.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: MacNeal Hospital serves a diverse and underserved community in Chicago, which aligns with my career goals. Additionally, I knew other residents who went through this program and they loved their co-residents and the supportive work environment.
Interests outside of medicine: I enjoy watching football (go Chiefs!), traveling, exploring new restaurants, being a plant mom, and I recently picked up needlepoint.

Nathan Schoenrade

Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Specialty: Radiology
Career Goals: Developing longstanding connections with patients and colleagues, furthering research in the field, and becoming a proficient radiologist.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: Being from Chicago, I loved the idea of staying local and taking care of my community. On interview day, the hospital felt like a perfect fit with great electives, a diverse patient population, and a friendly learning environment.
Interests outside of medicine: Cooking pizza on Fridays, trying new restaurants, playing videogames, working out/running, and spending time with family.

Stephen Tran

Medical School: McGovern Medical School - UT Houston
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career Goals: I plan to pursue a fellowship and afterwards would like to eventually practice radiology in an academic setting where I am able to teach residents and medical students.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I appreciate that as residents we are given autonomy to care for our patients, while still having an appropriate level of support from faculty and staff when needed. Furthermore, MacNeal plays a key role in maintaining the health of the people of Berwyn and its surrounding areas. I leave work every day feeling I made a difference in the well-being of the community!
Interests outside of medicine: Smoking meat, film photography, travel, baseball (go Astros!)

Claire Weinstein

Medical School: University of Cincinnati
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career Goals: I am undecided on which subspecialty, but plan on pursuing radiology fellowship. My interests include medical education and diversity in radiology, so I hope to find a future career that involves those!
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: On interview day, I could tell that MacNeal provides quality education while maintaining a collegial and friendly work environment. The 4+2 schedule appealed to me as well as having the opportunity to provide for a diverse patient population.
Interests outside of medicine: Running, hiking, ballet, playing with dogs, trying new restaurants.

Ethan Wilson

Medical School: California Northstate University College of Medicine
Specialty: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Career Goals: As a physiatrist, I aspire to improve quality of life of patients who have suffered debilitating strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and various other pathologies requiring rehabilitation. Throughout my career, I also hope to be involved with medical education to teach and inspire future physicians.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: On my interview day, MacNeal seemed to offer the tight-knit community of a small hospital while offering a wide diversity of pathologies and elective opportunities for residents to learn from. Meanwhile, MacNeal's proximity to downtown allows us to enjoy the food, entertainment, and culture of Chicago in our free time.
Interests outside of medicine: Tennis, pickleball, basketball, avid sports fan (Steelers, Lakers, and Dodgers)