Class 2026
Samantha Benigni, MD
Hometown
Algonquin, Illinois
Undergraduate
Loyola University Chicago
Medical School
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Why MacNeal?
I was raised in the Chicago suburbs and attended undergrad and medical school in the Chicago area. I love the diverse populations here and hope to continue to work with underserved communities throughout residency and as an attending physician. MacNeal is a great place to train to have the experience of a community hospital that serves the people of Berwyn, while also have connections with Loyola University Medical Center. Everyone at MacNeal is so friendly, welcoming, and truly wants to help. I'm so thrilled to be a part of this community, and I am confident that my experiences at MacNeal will lead me to a very fulfilling career in Family Medicine.
Interests in Medicine
Preventative care, public health, women's health, procedures
Interests Outside of Medicine
Yoga, hiking in national parks, reality TV, trying new restaurants
Kirk Chiu, MD
Hometown
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Undergraduate
University of California, Berkeley
Medical School
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Why MacNeal?
I wanted the well-established, structured support system that is readily available at MacNeal. The atmosphere that I felt during the interviews had me reassured that the faculty has a unique passion for teaching and training residents. I knew that my community service background would be strongly supported here. Lastly, over the past two years I grew attached to Chicago as I explored the city more in medical school. MacNeal has a very reasonable commute time from the city and a great mix of suburban and urban healthcare.
Interests in Medicine
Preventative medicine, street & event medicine, mental & behavioral health, addiction medicine, medical education
Interests Outside of Medicine
League of Legends, bouldering, badminton, drums, lifting
Jake Debosschere, DO
Hometown
Elmhurst, Illinois
Undergraduate
Hawaii Pacific University
Medical School
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine- Bradenton, FL
Why MacNeal?
I chose MacNeal for many reasons but some of which included a close proximity to family and friends, fantastic reputation for decades, larger class size, urban patient population and its affiliation with a well-known hospital system.
Interests in Medicine
My main interests in medicine are preventative care and chronic disease management. I have personal loves of the heart and kidney- specifically their link in the settings of diabetes and hypertension.
Interests Outside of Medicine
My interests outside of medicine include video games (Top 5000 TFT player in North America), Hockey, Football, Fantasy Football, Baseball, Travel and spending time with family and friends
Rachel Eckelkamp, DO
Hometown
Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Undergraduate
Creighton University
Medical School
Kansas City University, Kansas City
Why MacNeal?
The conversations I had during my interview were natural and it was easy to sense the companionship amongst residents and faculty. I was looking for a place with preceptors who were supportive, devoted to teaching, and practiced evidence-based medicine. I knew I wanted to work in a community hospital serving a vulnerable population, plus MacNeal provides access to other resources through its affiliation with Loyola University Medical Center.
Interests in Medicine
Women's Health, Global Health, Addiction Medicine
Interests Outside of Medicine
Long distance running, tennis, hiking, podcasts, travel, and exploring local wineries and craft breweries with my husband
Joy Joaquin, MD
Hometown
Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate
California State University, Los Angeles
Medical School
St. George’s University
Why MacNeal?
I can’t imagine a better place to begin my residency, as Loyola MacNeal has given me a solid foundation where I can be my best. Everyone here is very supportive and genuinely caring, and that grace is extended to all patients and staff. As a resident at MacNeal , we receive one-on-one teaching experience in clinic, while learning from one of the most well established programs in the country. Every faculty and staff member works hard to provide our residents with the best possible experience so that our patients receive the best possible experience. Also, I love the snow.
Interests in Medicine
Geriatric Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Academic Family Medicine
Interests Outside of Medicine
Going for a walk along the lake and river with my dog, visiting gardens, playing basketball, reading, and listening to Audiobooks in traffic
Jisoo Kim, DO
Hometown
Dekalb, Illinois
Undergraduate
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Medical School
Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why MacNeal?
I was looking for a residency program where I would receive rigorous training in all aspects of family medicine from faculty who are passionate about teaching. At the same time, I was looking for a program where I would feel at home and be in a comfortable environment for learning. During my rotation at Macneal during medical school, I saw that it met all of these expectations. I immediately felt the strong camaraderie and was drawn to the supportive community as well. I am thrilled to start training at Macneal!
Interests in Medicine
Women's health, preventative health, inpatient medicine, outpatient procedures
Interests Outside of Medicine
Running, piano, guitar, art
Jennifer Munoz, MD
Hometown
Chicago, Illinois
Undergraduate
Case Western Reserve University
Medical School
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Why MacNeal?
I chose MacNeal because I wanted to be close to home and everyone on interview day made me feel welcome. I also knew I would be able to reach my full potential as a Latina physician by being able to serve a large Spanish speaking community. I knew MacNeal was the perfect place to train because of the people I met and the immediate sense of community I felt.
Interests in Medicine
Healthcare disparities and sport medicine
Interests Outside of Medicine
Running, dancing and cooking/baking
Jeevana Pakanati, MD
Hometown
Northbrook, Illinois
Undergraduate
Nova Southeastern University
Medical School
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Why MacNeal?
I had a gut feeling about MacNeal after my interview with Dr. Yang and the faculty. Talking to the residents and seeing how down-to-earth, kind and supportive they are only solidified my choice. Being at a community hospital was important to me. MacNeal allows me to stay in the city I love and call home while also letting me serve a smaller, underserved population. MacNeal's commitment to curating individualized plans and mentorship to help their residents achieve their goals sold me on the program. I knew I was going to be in a safe learning environment to complete my training and become the family physician I want to be.
Interests in Medicine
Women's health, OB, geriatrics, procedures
Interests Outside of Medicine
Traveling, dancing, skiing, eating, spending time with my family
Gabriella Shirazi, DO
Hometown
Portland, Oregon
Undergraduate
University of Oregon
Medical School
Western University of Health Sciences
Why MacNeal?
MacNeal had everything I wanted in a residency program. First, being a first-generation immigrant with limited healthcare access growing up, I sought out a program with shared values and commitment to service for others. Second, MacNeal has osteopathic accreditation. It was important to me as a D.O. to have comprehensive training supportive of osteopathic principles and treatments to further my skill set. Third and most importantly, it was that “gut feeling.” After my interviews with faculty and residents, I was confident I would be working alongside like-minded people who were genuine, supportive, and dare I say happy. My gut feeling was right, and I feel very grateful to have matched at MacNeal!
Interests in Medicine
Outpatient medicine, LGBTQ+ care, osteopathic manipulation medicine, teaching, procedures
Intersts Outside of Medicine
Supporting the Portland Trail Blazers, L.A. Chargers, and Oregon Ducks, attending live sporting events, popular culture/current events, watching everything and anything on HBO, spending quality time with friends, family, and two cats, exploring new restaurants
Kieja Veldman, DO
Hometown
Spirit Lake, Iowa
Undergraduate
Brown University
Medical School
Des Moines University
Why MacNeal?
I love living in Chicago! The program’s location allows for an easy commute to/from the city. I was drawn to the strong academic environment Loyola provides along with the autonomy to care for our own patients and the community feel at MacNeal Hospital. I also can explore my specific interests within family medicine. Lastly, a larger residency program means more co-residents and more fun!
Interests in Medicine
Sports Medicine, Preventive/Integrative Medicine, Global Health
Intersts Outside of Medicine
Hanging by the lake and riverwalk, trying new bars and restaurants (searching for the best burger and chocolate chip pancakes), working out, basketball, tennis, live music, traveling
Justin Waran, MD
Hometown
Crown Point, Indiana
Undergraduate
Indiana University Bloomington
Medical School
Indiana University School of Medicine
Why MacNeal?
What appealed to me about MacNeal on the interview trail was how easy going and inviting yet purpose-driven and determined the people were. Having good-natured, supportive coworkers and mentors goes a long way during challenging and often stressful times. When I got here, I quickly learned that my intuition was correct! They made the transition into residency as smooth as it could be. Additionally, I grew up right across the border in Indiana, so Chicago has always been a second home to me. The city is a melting pot of diverse cultures and people, and there are endless varieties of things to do/see/eat. Berwyn has a unique small town feel in a large metropolitan area, so you get the best of both worlds.
Interests in Medicine
Palliative Care, preventive medicine, behavioral health
Intersts Outside of Medicine
Spending time with my partner Cara, walking my cat, board and video games, road biking, skateboarding, indoor climbing, loud music, learning history, watercolor painting