Class of 2027

Meet the MacNeal Transitional Year Residency Class of 2027

Saira Alvi, MD

Medical School: University of Missouri- Kansas City School of Medicine
Specialty: Dermatology
Career Goals: My career goal is to become a dermatologist who builds meaningful relationships with my patients while providing compassionate, individualized care, with particular interests in skin of color, medical dermatology, and dermatologic surgery, and a commitment to using research, education, and advocacy to improve access and outcomes for underserved communities.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I love my co-residents. Everyone I interact with here is incredibly kind. The culture here is amazing and I could not have asked for a better program.
Interests outside of medicine: Barre, hot yoga, pickleball, traveling abroad, trying new dessert spots

Nathan Dhablania, MD

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Career Goals: I aim to build a career as a compassionate physician-scientist dedicated to advancing equitable access to ophthalmic care locally and globally. Drawing on my public health background, I plan to investigate barriers to care and engage in international mission work, translating the insights gained from these experiences into practical, system-wide solutions for my patients.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I chose MacNeal because it provides an invaluable opportunity to train within a vibrant community and offers a supportive teaching environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork. I look forward to how this robust clinical exposure will sharpen my diagnostic and problem-solving skills, ultimately preparing me to deliver comprehensive, equitable care to my future patients.
Interests outside of medicine: I enjoy strength training with Russian kettlebells, hiking, watching Formula 1 and football (Go Mercedes and 49ers!), attending EDM concerts and festivals, and exploring Chicago’s incredible food scene. I also love spending my downtime hanging out with my friends, family, and fluffy Samoyed, Aya!

El Hendy Gunnarson, MD

Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University (Chicago Medical School)
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career Goals: To pursue an MSK fellowship and practice in a hybrid academic/private practice setting, with opportunity for MSK procedures.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I love the incredibly welcoming staff and attending physicians, and the opportunity to make a difference in a medically underserved community.
Interests outside of medicine: Weightlifting, watching track & field meets, thrifting & antiquing, cooking creative new foods

Kartik Gannamaneni, MD

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Career Goals: To be a knowledgeable and trustworthy partner in patient's care and treatment.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: The culture of teaching and community between residents
Interests outside of medicine: Costco, running, finding the best wings in Chicago, trivia with my co-residents

Insup Hong, MD

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Specialty: PM&R
Career Goals: To become a compassionate and competent physiatrist. Interested in both inpatient and outpatient subspecialties.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I rotated at MacNeal as a medical student and even as a medical student, I felt included and a part of the MacNeal family, working together to serve our community.
Interests outside of medicine: Spending time with my family and friends, Chicago sports, and golf!

Ikeri, MD

Medical School: Rush Medical College
Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Career Goals: General physiatrist at acute rehab center, neurorehab focus; hopefully one day part-time baking business
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I love how supportive the residents are of one another. Even after tough shifts, there's always a sense of camaraderie and senior residents are quick to lend a helping hand.
Interests outside of medicine: Baking, weightlifting at the gym, seeing family & friends, hanging out with my cat Opal, telenovelas

Canaan Kerr, MD

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 
Career Goals: I hope to become a well-rounded physician who builds longitudinal relationships with patients and offers them support in achieving the highest quality of life possible. I plan to specifically involve myself in LGBTQ+ health initiatives, serve as a medical educator, and uplift communities by becoming involved in healthcare policy. I will likely pursue a fellowship after residency and am considering Sports Medicine, Pain Medicine, or Spinal Cord Injury.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I chose MacNeal because of the academic rigor paired with the community-centered values in its approach to diverse patient care. The program offers robust training in the foundations of clinical medicine while providing ample opportunities to explore our advanced specialty and other areas of medicine for a more individualized curriculum.
Interests outside of medicine: I love seeing the latest film (proud AMC A-Lister), exploring the coffee shops and restaurants throughout the city, jigsaw puzzles, murder mysteries, brewing mead, reading, baking, and traveling as much as time allows!

Alysia Martin Garcia, DO

Medical School: Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine
Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Career Goals: Working in inpatient rehab and interested in TBI, SCI, and Stroke.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I like that it feels like a family! It is very easy to get to know everyone and feel connected/comfortable.
Interests outside of medicine: Yoga, Latin dancing, trying new restaurants and cuisines, traveling, snowboarding, exploring Chicago

Ashwin Narayanan, MD

Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Career Goals: Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: Amazing teaching and diverse electives
Interests outside of medicine: Watching sports, exercising at the gym, and playing video games

C. David Pfaehler

Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology 
Career Goals: MSK or Breast Radiology
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: Allows me to make a difference in the Chicagoland community and interact personally with all specialties and care teams
Interests outside of medicine: College and professional sports, cinema and film, art and design, good eats

Sara Prischak, MD

Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Career Goals: undecided
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: Community hospital feel with academic ties is a perfect combination, residents are also great!
Interests outside of medicine: cooking, running, swimming, crafting

Sarah Tajran, MD

Medical School: Loyola Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Career Goals: My career goal is to become an ophthalmologist who restores sight, protects vision, and brings compassion into every patient encounter.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: Family Oriented Community
Interests outside of medicine: Yoga, traveling, cooking, trying different restaurants, adventuring, and trying different workout studios!

Tatiana Yeung, DO

Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career Goals: MSK radiology
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: The people, the sense of community, the smoothies and ramen
Interests outside of medicine: Art, drawing mostly

Joseph Zywiciel, MD

Medical School: Loyola Stritch School of Medicine
Specialty: Radiology
Career Goals: My long term goal is to become an diagnostic radiologist with specialized training in interventional radiology. I hope to combine excellent clinical care with medical education, research, and innovation while serving as a mentor to future physicians. During my Transitional Year, I want to strengthen my clinical foundation, improve my procedural skills, and continue developing into a compassionate and well rounded physician.
What I like about MacNeal Hospital: I appreciate MacNeal Hospital's reputation for providing strong hands on clinical training in a supportive learning environment. The diverse patient population, emphasis on teamwork, and commitment to resident education make it an excellent place to continue developing my clinical skills before beginning my Diagnostic Radiology residency. I also value its location near my family and support system, which will help me remain focused on providing the best care for my patients.
Interests outside of medicine: Outside of medicine, I enjoy fitness, baseball, traveling, personal finance, and mentoring students interested in healthcare careers.