Meet the Program's Residents & Recent Graduates

Internal Medicine Chief Residents

Krishna Doshi, MD

Medical School

Medical College of Wisconsin

Residency

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Career Plan

Hematology and Oncology

Krishna Doshi is an internal medicine chief resident at MacNeal for 2024-2025 academic year. She was born and raised in Muscat, Oman and completed her undergraduate degree in Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics at Loyola University Chicago and Doctorate degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She plans for a future career in Hematology and Oncology. Krishna loves to read non-fiction books and painting. She loves spending time with her family and trying new recipes. Krishna aims to develop the evidence-based medicine curriculum through didactics and journal club at MacNeal and prepare residents for rapid response/code alerts.

Muaz Assaf, MD

Medical School

Ross University School of Medicine

Residency

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Career Plan

Cardiology

Muaz Assaf is an Internal Medicine Chief Resident at Loyola MacNeal Hospital for the 2024-2025 term. He was born and raised in Palos Park, Illinois, and is a graduate of Benedictine University. He completed medical school Ross University School of Medicine and Internal Medicine residency at University of Tennessee Knoxville. He plans a future career in Cardiology.   When not at the hospital, you can find Muaz exploring Chicago, spending time with friends.

Second-year Internal Medicine Residents

Santosh Adhikari, MD

BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

In the practice of general medicine, what I enjoy most is being a dedicated advocate for rural health care and health equity. Building long-term relationships with patients and providing continuity of care allows me to understand their unique needs and deliver personalized treatment plans. Witnessing the positive change I bring to the lives of people in rural communities through grassroots initiatives, technology-enabled solutions, and evidence-based care fills me with immense joy and purpose. Together, with like-minded individuals, organizations, and policymakers, I look forward working towards a future where no one is left behind in terms of their health and well-being.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

1. Proximity to Chicago: Being close to the vibrant city of Chicago offers numerous opportunities for exposure to a diverse patient population and access to a wide range of medical facilities and resources.
2. Strong Interpersonal Relationships: The strong bond between residents, seniors, chiefs, and faculties fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment. This sense of camaraderie can greatly enhance our learning experience and professional growth.
3. Supportive Environment: MacNeal Hospital's commitment to providing a supportive environment for individual growth ensures that we have access to resources, mentorship, and guidance to thrive in our residency and beyond.
4. "Ad Majorem Dei Glorium" (For the Greater Glory of God): The motto reflects the institution's dedication to service and compassion in patient care, emphasizing the importance of providing excellent medical care while maintaining a humanistic approach.
5. 4+2 Curriculum: The program's adoption of the 4+2 Curriculum is a true blessing for residents, as it allows for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This well-structured curriculum ensures efficient learning and skill development while giving residents time to rest and rejuvenate.
6. Post-Match Curriculum: MacNeal Hospital's post-match curriculum is an invaluable opportunity for residents to get to know their co-interns and faculties even before officially starting the residency. This smooth transition to the residency after the match ensures that residents feel supported and prepared from the very beginning, fostering a positive and enriching learning experience.
7. Multidimensional Growth Opportunities: MacNeal Hospital offers a plethora of opportunities for multidimensional growth and leadership among its residents. From engaging in Quality Improvement (QI) projects and participating in community outreach clinics and wellness events to being involved in research events and poster presentations, residents can further develop their skills and expertise in various areas of medicine. Additionally, access to university electives provides a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience, empowering residents to become future leaders in healthcare.

With these qualities, MacNeal Hospital offers a remarkable setting for our residency program, enabling us to develop both as a skilled medical professional and as a compassionate caregiver.  I look forward to incredible three years of growth in my residency.

Angela Alcarraz Bedrillana, MD

Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I think I would have to say the opportunity of using the knowledge gained so far to empower other humans in their health and improvement of their quality of life.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I look forward to establishing long term relationships with recurring patients, specially in the outpatient setting, and being able to personalize their treatment by understanding their community and their day-to-day life.

María Ayau Turcios, MD

Universidad Francisco Marroquín

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine:  My favorite part of practicing general medicine is the patient-doctor interactions.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I love the sense of community because it feels personal. Getting to know all the staff from the hospital well and for them to get to know me. MacNeal Hospital focuses on academic excellence, and that paired with a strong sense of community is what helped me choose MacNeal Hospital.

Shristi Bhattarai, MD

Nepalgunj medical college, Nepalgunj 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
General medicine incorporates every-disease and each organ in a way that it makes us understand efficiency of our body. It gives me immense joy and pleasure to solve the complex puzzle and trying to fit each aspect according to their presentation and complaints. Understanding the problem, framing the picture and be Mr. Holmes to solve it. Medicine in general has a preventive and curative aspects and I find joy in finding the care gaps and addressing them. Complexity of human anatomy, physiology combined with superior science of pharmacology enable us to do better for our patients.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
MacNeal personally for me was home way before residency application started. I have had best set of friends here and I got opportunity to explore the bird’s eye view of program, their focus on academics, and evidence-based learning encourages us to excel not only as a resident but even as a human. Core faculty who treats you like a family and help you to excel in any way possible is what immigrant like me seek and thrive best on. When you come 12000 miles away from home, you seek home in people you encounter and MacNeal feels home. Heavy patient flow, learning while practicing and learning in a cozy environment in the windy city is best attraction of MacNeal.

Avi Harisingani, MD

Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
The diagnostic dilemma and managing complex patients

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
Getting the most out of your training since all the cases in the hospital are handled by residents, as well as the tight-knit community that comes along with having a small-medium sized program

Hazel Khosa, MD

Government Medical College, Jammu 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
The aspect I love about General Medicine is that it provides the best platform to synergise our knowledge of physiology, pathology, pharmacology and medical intervention. Treating each patient as a new mystery has always excited me! It also provides varied settings in which we interact with patients- on the floors, in critical areas and in the clinics- giving us an opportunity to build lasting doctor-patient relationships and establishing continuity of care.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I was extremely anxious before my interview at MacNeal since it was my very first! But the ease and warmth I felt at the end of the interview and the resident interaction was unparalleled. The residents and faculty appeared approachable and supportive. The program offered exposure to a varied patient profile and provided a diverse clinical environment to learn and grow! Also, being in the close vicinity of Chicago added to my interest in this program.

Karan Kumar, MD

Jinnah Sindh Medical University 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I enjoy Building long-term relationships with patients and families. Making a difference in people's lives and improving their health outcomes, Diagnosing and treating a wide variety of medical conditions.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
The hospital's commitment to providing a supportive and collaborative learning environment is crucial for successful medical training. As a resident physician, the hospital's culture and commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment can influence the quality of training and overall learning experience. Supportive and collaborative environments promote open communication and the exchange of ideas among peers and mentors, which can improve patient care outcomes and enhance the resident physician's overall professional development.

Sergio Llanes Somellera, MD

Universidad del Valle de México 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
Primary prevention through patient education to slowly but surely achieve a community’s practice of a healthy lifestyle.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I found myself enjoying the structure of MacNeal's program, the 4+2 curriculum is an excellent way to learn medicine through organised hands on experience, and MacNeal, being a community hospital provides the opportunity to be an actual part of my patients’ lives and their healthcare journey, therefore not just becoming their physician but also an important member to their support system providing me an opportunity to positively impact their lives.

Vaishnavi Modi, MD

Medical Baroda College  

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

Establishing various differentials f or a given case and coming to a probable diagnosis. Patient interaction and learning more about their condition and helping them in the best way possible.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I believe that I will be able to interact with variety of patients and learn about wide range of pathologies. This helped me to choose Loyola MacNeal. Also, I have stayed in Chicago for more than a month, which increased my inclination in choosing MacNeal for my upcoming 3 years as I loved the Windy city.

Angelina Molkina, MD

First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov  

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine: I enjoy caring for the entire patient and going through the diagnostic process. I also appreciate the variability of pathologies that are dealt with daily in general medicine.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I was looking for two things. Firstly, I wanted to undergo my training in a program with a well-balanced curriculum and a diverse patient population, which would allow me to become prepared for independent practice and excel in my future career. And secondly, I hoped to become a part of a great team and work side by side with kind and supportive people. All of that I found here – at MacNeal Hospital.

Jaykumar Oza, MD

Government Medical College, Surat, India 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

Solving complex cases with integration of history and physical examination is like playing Chess, and Chess is my passion outside medicine.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

Family like atmosphere is the thing that I was able to feel while I gave my interview. Above that, I had never seen Post Match Curriculum in any residency program. I can say that MacNeal Hospital always provide one on one training. These reasons made me to choose MacNeal as my first choice.

Aesha Patel, MD

G.M.E.R.S. Medical College, Gotri  

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

In the practice of General Medicine, I find interacting with my patients particularly stimulating. It allows me to gain a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs and address their health concerns holistically; while also enabling me to establish long-term longitudinal relationships with them. Furthermore, I am fascinated by the diverse cases and presentations encountered in Internal Medicine. Additionally, as an advocative of preventive healthcare, I enjoy incorporating it into my medical practice.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
During my interview day, what resonated with me was the warm, welcoming, and approachable nature of the people at MacNeal. I was impressed by their genuine interest in getting to know me better. The Residents' Meet and Greet was a fun and lighthearted affair, but what stood out was the camaraderie among them. This gave me a glimpse into a positive and thriving work environment. As someone who is passionate about giving back to the community and connecting with people, I believe that joining MacNeal Hospital would provide me with the opportunity to serve a diverse community while pursuing my goals. The hospital's proximity to Chicago is an added benefit.

Carla Valencia Ochoa, MD

Medical School: Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy spending time with the patients and getting to know them as well as their family because I am aware of the stress and frustration that come with being ill. An important component of my work involves attempting to manage those emotions by providing patients with comfort as well as accurate information about their illness.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I gained most of my clinical experience at a community clinic in the USA, where I learned the joy of building strong doctor-patient bonds, spending a lot of time with them and their illnesses. Working in a community hospital is a grateful job where you can return some of your knowledge to the community and contribute to the Spanish-speaking community. I chose Macneal Hospital because it has a comfortable atmosphere and friendly residents and attendings. The program also provides us with the opportunity to get knowledge from others and feedback in order to become better doctors.

David Zamora, MD

Universidad de Guadalajara CUCS 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
The holistic approach it demands. By integrating knowledge of basic and clinical sciences, we can better understand and manage complex medical issues while providing comprehensive care that takes into account the patient's physical, emotional, and social well-being. The intellectual challenge of constantly learning and staying up-to-date on the latest research and techniques keeps me engaged and motivated. And finally, being able to alleviate patients' suffering and improve their quality of life is a tremendously fulfilling aspect of the field, as it allows me to not only treat their symptoms but also nurture their soul. 

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I chose MacNeal because I felt right away that it was the perfect place for me to thrive. The opportunity to work in a community setting and help bring quality healthcare to the local population was a driving factor in my decision. Additionally, Loyola’s academic resources and emphasis on continued learning and professional development convinced me that it was the ideal place for my training. I am confident that my time at MacNeal will not only allow me to grow as a physician but also give me the skills and experience necessary to make a positive impact on the community I serve. 

Third-year Internal Medicine Residents

Mounika Lakshmi Allam, MD

Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I enjoy the interlacing of clinical application and diagnostics, in addition to coordinating the patient’s care with different consultants, and to have an opportunity to establish longstanding continuity care with patients.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
MacNeal Hospital's amazing work environment, approachable attending’s, and closely-knit residents are key factors in choosing this program. Also, the overall organization of the residency program with the 4+2 schedule, access to Loyola Medicine's academic resources and its underserved patient population gives me a worthwhile clinical experience.

Chloe Arima, MD

St. George’s University

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I love the balance of seeing diverse pathologies while being able to connect and communicate with my patients.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
The people! Everyone at MacNeal is so supportive and genuinely wants you to succeed. I am so lucky to be a part of such a quality program that pushes you to be your best every day!

Maurvi Bhavsar, MD

Smt N.H.L Municipal Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
Each patient is a different person with a unique story and as we, physicians, enlighten them about their health, the patients teach us a lot about life. I am fond of interacting with patients, especially listening to them and understanding their take on their medical and psychosocial issues, which helps in making the right management choice for them as well as build lasting relationships. Also, practicing medicine is solving complex medical mysteries. Trying to piece all the information together to reach a diagnosis and choosing the right management is an exciting process.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I had the best interview experience with MacNeal Hospital. The faculty made sure that it was comfortable, easy and spent ample time conversing with me. The meet and greet session with the residents was refreshing and even though it was virtual, I could feel the welcoming and positive atmosphere of the program. Also, being located very near to Chicago added to my interest for MacNeal Hospital.

Claudia E. Guillén López, MD

Universidad Autónoma de Baja California - Facultad de Medicina Mexicali

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
The patient interaction. The patients and community are our greatest teachers. We learn the medical and non-medical aspects of being a physician so that we can provide a humanizing effect in our medical practice. They guide us in how to treat people, not just diseases.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
It was a combination of several factors. First, I noticed during my interview the faculty support of the residents and the excellent work environment. The faculty provide a post-match curriculum that help you through the post-match process to be more familiar and involved with the program. MacNeal's program is align with the community. Therefore, we have the opportunity of giving back to Berwyn’s community and provide them different services. I enjoy providing health education and implementing preventive medicine to the community. In addition, Berwyn is close to one of the great cities in the USA.

Jemina Narvaez Intriago, MD

Universidad de Especialidades Espiritu Santo

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
Getting to know the patients, building a trusting relationship with them, and being a positive influence on their well-being, are the things that fulfill me the most.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
During my interview with MacNeal, I felt really heard. The environment was so welcoming that even though it was my first interview, I forgot for a second I was being interviewed, it felt more like a conversation. The faculty stood out by their kindness and their genuine interest in getting to know the applicants. It showed me that it is an institution that practices what they preach, that they care about their staff like a big family, and I can only imagine how much they care about the community they serve.

Andrea Paredes Henriquez, MD

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras - Valle de Sula

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
Practicing general medicine has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life; guiding a patient through their health journey. Approaching patients in a holistic fashion, guiding them from the recovery of an acute setting to encouraging them to take ownership of their own health. Every patient is different and has their own strengths and limitations; treating them as unique individuals and tailoring treatment and interventions that are both scientific and culturally appropriate for the patient is what makes me feel rewarded as a person and physician.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
The idea of practicing medicine and doing my Internal Medicine training in a culturally and diverse setting that allows me to treat a wide spectrum of patients from different backgrounds, especially underrepresented minorities is what made me feel that MacNeal Hospital was the right place for me.

Shefaly Ann Jacob, MD

Government Medical College, Thrissur

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
The wide variety of cases and pathologies in medicine, which are intellectually stimulating, interest me. As internists we are also the ones who are most in contact with the patients and their families, coordinating with sub-specialties, and managing their overall care, thus making us an integral part of care delivery.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
In a community hospital I look forward to connecting with the people, building a working relationship with them based on trust and compassion. I have been a part of this Berwyn community for the past two and a half years and I feel like I can make a difference in the healthcare of this community.

Sarah Lahud Cuadra, MD

Universidad Dr. José Matias Delgado

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I love to be part of people's lives, and as a general medicine practitioner, I will be able to establish long-term relationships with my patients. I enjoy the variety of cases I will learn of during my career. To me, the coordination of care is a critical component in the success of any treatment, and being part of the primary care team will allow me to achieve the major goals with my patients.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
Being part of a community hospital gives you the opportunity to work with communities in need, and that has been one of my passions since medical school. During my clinical rotations in the US, I had the opportunity to work with patients from MacNeal Hospital. Through them, I was able to have an inside look at the hospital and its team. I always loved how the patients requested to be referred back to MacNeal because they felt comfortable there. Being part of a program that tries to incorporate residents from different backgrounds gives to me a sense of familiarity and the opportunity to learn not only from my staff but also from my colleagues.

Shweta Mahesh, MD

Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
General medicine requires a holistic approach and provides the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with patients and the community, allowing us to treat the patient as a whole, instead of just the disease. The fulfillment that comes from watching a sick patient recover is unmatched. Additionally, every case is like a puzzle that needs all the pieces to be put together to make a diagnosis and as a puzzle lover, I can't help but love the challenge.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
After my interview, I knew I had to choose MacNeal Hospital for my training. At the interview, I could see that MacNeal is home to a healthy work environment, with friendly and approachable residents and staff. There is a supportive learning environment and a camaraderie between the residents and the faculty. Moreover, a community program, like the one at MacNeal Hospital, offers not only a rich and diverse clinical environment to learn from, but also allows me to interact with people of various cultures and ethnicities - a combination that I'm sure will help me grow as a clinician and as a person.

Sowmya Bhashini Popuri, MD

Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I like the diagnostic work up and management of diverse medical conditions often associated with complexity. I enjoy identifying the root cause of the patient’s condition and having the patients take ownership of their own health by educating them. General medicine satisfies my love to teach and learn on a daily basis.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
Community programs closely align with the communities they serve and therefore is the great opportunity to create strong and trusting relationships with the patients. I found the interview day discussion very interesting and engaging. I am amazed by passionate attendings, the program's focus on academic excellence, multiple educational and training opportunities, wellness programs for residents and scholarly affiliations with Loyola University Medical Center. During the meet and greet sessions, I am extremely impressed by camaraderie shared among the residents - very knowledgeable, fun, and friendly people whom I got connected to immediately and chosen esteemed MacNeal's program as my top choice.

Jose Luis Prieto, MD

Universidad del Azuay, Facultad de Medicina

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
Having the privilege of helping people with their needs and feeling their gratitude when we are able to. Also, being able to establish a close patient-physician relationship to understand better the patient's needs. Something that motivates me every day is to have the opportunity to keep increasing my knowledge in general and help in the best way possible with it.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
I believe that as physicians we should know our patients not just in the medical field, but in their environment. Being part of a community program enhances this opportunity to get close to the patients and offer them the best possible care. Moreover, during my interview at MacNeal, I could feel the sense of camaraderie between residents and the staff in general, which demonstrates the relationship that the program has with its residents and with their community.

Luis Andres Sanchez-Ato, MD

Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC)

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I am blessed to be drawn to this specialty for all the science and humanity that it involves. Being able to use the science in favor of patients, improving not only their current state of health but identifying and avoiding the appearance of diseases through prevention is essential in the practice of medicine. Alongside keeping high moral standards in the care of patients, treating them holistically and with empathy to accelerate the recovery process.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
Being part of a community program gives you the opportunity to interact with diverse populations, including vulnerable ones; working with these populations directly impacts our society, which I find inspiring. During the interview, I was able to see how working at MacNeal Hospital generates a unique sense of well-being and camaraderie in the team. The friendly work environment and ongoing support throughout medical training made me ultimately choose MacNeal's program as my residency training center.

Ashok Sapkota, MD

Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I regard internal medicine as the art of putting together the patient’s story with a physical exam and investigations to formulate a plan to treat the illness. I enjoy learning and practicing this infinite art of healing. In addition, the interactions with patients, their family members, and my colleagues, drives my motivation to perform my duties, as well as provides me with a deep sense of satisfaction.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
Serving a community is something I hold in the highest regard. I believe providing service to the community cultivates empathy and compassion, and makes us more human. At MacNeal Hospital, I have this great opportunity to receive the highest standard of professional training while serving a diverse community. I received extremely positive reviews from current residents. Going through the interview process and residents meet and greet, I was fascinated by the program’s efforts to promote the well-being of residents, promote teamwork, and sharing and caring for each other so that all can learn from one another and thrive together in all aspects of patient care.

Asmita Shrestha, MD

Nepal Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 
I enjoy the combination of listening to patient's stories, intellectual reasoning, clinical evaluations and the unique diagnostic opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 
Interviewing at MacNeal gave me this positive vibe, a sense of home where I can grow personally and professionally. Everyone was so friendly and approachable. In addition, it is minutes away from one of the best city, Chicago.

First-year Internal Medicine Residents

Soulaf Abou Khachfe

Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

In general medicine, I most enjoy building long-term relationships with patients, understanding their unique needs, and providing personalized care. The diversity of medical issues keeps me constantly engaged and learning, while the holistic approach allows me to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives through preventive and curative care.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 

I chose MacNeal Hospital for its strong sense of community, supportive environment, and commitment to patient-centered care. The hospital's proximity to Chicago provides access to diverse patient populations and medical resources. The 4+2 curriculum and post-match support foster a balanced lifestyle and smooth transition into residency. My interview experience further solidified my decision, as I was impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the genuine interest the faculty and residents showed in getting to know me. MacNeal's emphasis on academic excellence and collaborative learning made it the perfect choice for my residency training.

Prachi Chug

Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

What I love most about general medicine is the variety—it’s like solving a new puzzle every day! You never know what kind of case will walk through the door, and I enjoy figuring out how to help each patient. It’s rewarding to see the impact we can make, whether it’s managing a complex condition or just helping someone feel better. Plus, working with a great team and learning something new every day keeps things exciting!

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 

During my interview at MacNeal Hospital, I immediately felt the warmth and friendliness of the people here. They were genuinely interested in getting to know me, and once I started working here, I knew I had made the right choice. The faculty truly cares about the well-being of the residents, and the program provides the perfect environment to learn, be challenged, and give back to the community 

Rekik Degef

St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

The variety of cases and continuous learning along with the long-term relationship we build with our patients makes general medicine always interesting. 

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

During my interview, I was able to notice the faculty support for the residents and the excellent work environment. I felt the welcoming and positive atmosphere during the meet and greet session with the residents as well as the post-match curriculum. 

Sanam Gavankar

Kasturba Medical College Manipal

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

An enjoyable aspect of general medicine is applying clinical reasoning and creating diagnostic frameworks to methodically tackle complex patient presentations. 

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

At MacNeal, I experienced a genuine sense of community, both among the residents and the faculty. During the interview day, residents highlighted the program's strong support system, which is a core strength. Being part of a community program provides the invaluable lesson of treating patients holistically, taking into account socioeconomic, cultural and familial factors.

Nandhini Iyer

Grant Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

• I enjoy the process of coming up with a differential diagnosis and narrowing down to a single diagnosis from the large list of possibilities! 
• I love to be the primary care of contact to speak with patients and their families and be there for them during their time of need 😊

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 

• The supportive and encouraging faculty, seniors and family like program all bring me to MacNeal! 
• The collaborative environment and chance to serve the local community in Berwyn make it an ideal scenario to build patient relationships over the years of our training and truly grow to be empathetic physicians! 

Sidharth Mahajan 

Government Medical College Amritsar 

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

The best part about practicing medicine is being able to connect with our patients during the times of their lives when they need someone the most. Being there for them and being a listening ear is what I love the most. It also makes me realize every day how important humanity, kindness, and generosity are and how they can change lives. Every day I get to learn something new from my patients and I feel grateful for that.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

Program's commitment to constant resident driven changes, incredible support system amongst peers, smoother transition to residency along with great feedback from current residents helped me choose MacNeal Hospital as my choice for the residency training. During the interviews too, I felt so comfortable with Dr. Dudani, Dr. Puri, Dr. Sardone, and Kelly which made me sure that it would be an ideal program for my growth and career building. After joining residency since day one, I felt like I knew everyone and that's the beauty of MacNeal. 

Carlos Murillo

Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine? 

The wide scope of practice definitely brings most of the joy in general medicine. In fact, general medicine might be the closest a physician can get to a comprehensive healthcare approach, that is, internists address conditions of almost all body systems. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide care to the majority of a community population. This makes them a cornerstone of healthcare systems.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training? 

I am an advocate of interventions dealing with barriers to the provision of quality care. One of the remarkable healthcare determinants at MacNeal hospital is language, since more than two thirds of patients are Spanish speakers. Therefore, this program represents an opportunity to make a difference at a local level by sharing a similar cultural and linguistic background. 

Anum Nawaz

King Edward Medical University 

Aashutosh Sah

Kathmandu Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

I love the diversity of cases and patient interactions that general medicine offers. Every day is different, from diagnosing acute conditions to managing chronic diseases. The holistic approach -caring for the patient as a whole—makes it incredibly rewarding, and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients adds a deeply personal dimension to the work.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

Choosing a community program like MacNeal Hospital was important to me because of the focus on hands-on training and direct patient care. I wanted an environment where I could make a tangible impact on the local community while also growing as a physician. MacNeal offers a supportive, tight-knit team atmosphere with strong academic resources, which made it the perfect place to develop my skills and serve a diverse patient population.

Desmond Seshie

University of Ghana Medical School

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy the clinical reasoning associated with working through a variety of medical conditions and the holistic approach to treating most conditions.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

The welcoming atmosphere, didactics, ambulatory, and in-patient experiences that MacNeal offers will be essential to my development as a physician. Being part of a community program enables me to develop healthy relationships by sharing and understanding the experiences of my patients, colleagues, and other individuals I encounter daily.

Genet Weldemichael

Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

The aspects of general medicine that I enjoy the most are the breadth of knowledge required and gained, the opportunity to care for a diverse range of patients and address their unique health care needs. Learning to navigate the challenging aspects of diagnosis and treatment and solving enigmatic cases using knowledge and experience to ultimately help our patients in a timely fashion is quite exciting. 

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

The opportunity for a hands-on experience in understanding the unique challenges and social determinants of health that influence the well-being of the individuals and families I serve, combined with MacNeal's reputation made my decision to come here an easy one. I look forward to building a long-term relationship with my patients and be a part of a team that ensures continuity of care.

MMahader Wossene

Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

I enjoy seeing patients come in with challenging health issues and witnessing their recovery and improvement as a result of our medical decisions. It's fulfilling to interpret not just the obvious, but also the subtle signs and clues to diagnose and treat them effectively. While many cases are straightforward, the occasional complex cases that require deep analysis and problem-solving, those that bring about "eureka" moments, are incredibly gratifying and drive my passion for general medicine.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

My top priority was finding a place that emphasizes resident education. As an IMG coming to the US, it was also crucial to find a program that balanced support and education. I chose MacNeal Hospital because of the fine balance of the two with its small family-like resident cohort, supportive community, and excellent curriculum. After arriving, I was pleased to discover additional attractions as: being in a safe neighborhood, multiple affordable housing options within a five-minute walk from the hospital, and a friendly atmosphere both within and outside the hospital. The proximity to vibrant downtown Chicago was an added bonus. 

MuMuhammad Faizan Zafar

King Edward Medical University

 Urvi Zala

Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College

What do you enjoy most in the practice of general medicine?

My passion for internal medicine stems from its unique blend of curiosity and compassionate care. As an internal medicine resident, being the first point of contact for patients in distress enables me to cultivate a strong problem-solving mindset. Moreover, the meaningful interactions with patients are integral to my fulfilment in the field. In essence, there is never a dull moment in internal medicine, and this constant engagement is what motivates me every day in my residency.

What helped make your decision in joining a community program and MacNeal Hospital for your training?

I wanted to surround myself with an environment that encourages professional as well as personal growth, which drove my decision towards the MacNeal Hospital Program. Training at a community level allows me to form deeper connections with the patients and foster continuity care for them. I also appreciate the 4+2 weeks schedule at MacNeal Hospital which provides me a good work-life balance. 

Recent Graduates

2024 Graduates 

• Tooba Ayub, MBBS – Endocrinology Fellowship – University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH
• Coralia Castillo, MD – Pulmonology-Critical Care Fellowship – Tulane University School of Medicine – New Orleans, LA   
• Suresh Duvvada, MBBS – Hospitalist – Kankakee, IL         
• Roberto Guerrero, MD – Primary Care CMO  – Sun Valley, CA    
• Saroja Guntupalli, MBBS – Endocrinology Fellowship – Metro Health System – Cleveland, OH
• FNU Riya, MBBS – Vascular Medicine Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic – Cleveland, OH
• Francisco Lozano Arvizu, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – Mayo Clinic – Phoenix, AZ
• Zubin Mahajan, MBBS – Hospitalist – Carbondale, IL
• Jessey Mathew, MBBS –  Primary Care – Rockford, IL
• Alejandro Rana Custodio, MBBS –Primary Care – Los Angeles, CA
• Asad UR Rehman, MBBS – Hematology-Oncology Fellowship – St. Louis University – St. Louis, MO
• Akhya Sharma, MBBS – Pulmonology-Critical Care Fellowship – University of Missouri – Columbia, MO
• Aviskar Sharma, MBBS – Hospitalist – Bemidji, MN
• Nishant Tiwari, MBBS – Hematology-Oncology Fellowship – Oklahoma University – Oklahoma City, OK

2023 Graduates

• Lisseth Beltran, MD –Fellowship – Tulane School of Medicine – New Orleans, LA
• Amala Chacko, MD – General Internal Medicine – Hendrick Medical Center – Abilene, TX
• Aneurin Fernandez, MD – Infectious Disease Fellowship – Loyola Medicine – Maywood, IL
• Diana Franco, MD – Hematology & Oncology Fellowship – Baylor College of Medicine – Houston, TX
• Shawn George, DO – Primary Care Physician, Yorktown Health, Lombard, Illinois 
• Daniela Goyes Vaca, MD – Gastroenterology Fellowship – Yale New Haven Hospital – New Haven, CT
• Ayesha Ikram, MD – General Internal Medicine – Baptist South Medical Center – Montgomery, AL
• Hassan Khan, DO – Critical Care Medicine Fellowship – Palmetto General Hospital – Hialeah, FL
• Genessis Maldonado, MD – Rheumatology Fellowship – Vanderbilt University Medical Center – Nashville, TN
• Lydia Robles, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Fellowship – University of Arizona Phoenix – Phoenix, AZ
• Carlos Mazariegos Letran, MD – General Internal Medicine – Adventist Health Bakesfield – Bakesfield, CA
• Ammu Susheela, MD – Geriatrics, Trinity Health, CIMPAR Illinois
• Rigoberto Tejeda Acevedo, MD – General Internal Medicine – Clinica Medica Familiar – Riverside, CA
• Alejandro Villafranca, MD – General Internal Medicine – Sierra Medical Group – Sun Valley, CA

2022 Graduates

• Akshata Satish Chaugule, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship – SUNY-Upstate Medical University – Syracuse, NY
• Umer Farooq, MD – Chief Resident, Internal Medicine – Rochester General Hospital – Rochester, NY
• Manasa Jasti, MD – Chief Resident, Internal Medicine – Northeast Georgia Medical Center – Gainesville, GA
• Amulya Reddy Kasireddy, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship – University of Arkansas – Little Rock, AR
• Raymond Chungcure Lee, MD – Hospitalist – Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital – Palos Heights, IL
• Umme Haani Malwi, MD – Primary Care Physician – Adventist Health – Fresno, CA
• Brian McCully, MD – Hospitalist – OHSU Adventist Health – Portland, OR
• Quraish Rababah, MD – Traditional General Internist – Edward-Elmhurst Hospital – Elmhurst, IL
• Naveen Sundar Rameshkumar, MD – Hospitalist – Goshen Health – Goshen, IN
• Shelden Selas Rodrigues, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – Barnes Jewish Hospital-Washington University – St. Louis, MO
• Jogeet Singh Sekhon, MD – Hospitalist – St. Mary's Hospital – Waterbury, CT
• Krupa Vithal Shingada, MD – Chief Resident, Internal Medicine – Rochester General Hospital – Rochester, NY
• Hasrat Sidhu, MD – Sleep Medicine Fellowship – University of Miami – Miami, FL
• Carlos Alberto Vaquero, MD – Traditional General Internal Medicine – Serra Medical Group – Los Angeles, CA

2021 Graduates

• Diana Estefania Espinoza Barrera, MD – Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship – Tulane University – New Orleans, LA
• Fanny Vanessa Giron Galeano, MD - Primary Care – Community Health Center – Cape Cod, Ma
• Buddhi Praharshanee Kumari Hatharaliyadda, MD – Infectious Disease Fellowship – University of Wisconsin, Madison – Madison, WI
• Zain Ahmad Javed, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – University of Wisconsin, Madison – Madison, WI
• Diana Alexandra Kreppel, MD – Hematology & Oncology Fellowship – University Hospital Tübingen – Tübingen, Germany
• Manuel Daniel Manrique Chavez, MD – Traditional Internal Medicine – Pacifica Hospital – Los Angeles, CA
• Gabino Manuel Mariano Maza Rodas, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – University of Wisconsin, Madison – Madison, WI
• Deyger Jesus Navarrete, MD – IM Chief Resident – MacNeal Hospital – Berwyn, IL
• Swathi S Rao, MD – Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship – University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH
• Harish Ravipati, MD – Geriatric Medicine Fellowship – The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL
• Daniele Sebastiano Restifo, MD – Primary Care Physician – Boston, MA
• Raul Ignacio Rodriguez, MD – Infectious Diseases Fellowship – Rush University Medical Center and Cook County Health – Chicago, IL
• Maria Jose Zabala Ramirez, MD – Nephrology Fellowship – Duke University – Durham, NC
• Rommel Gerardo Zerpa Alamo, MD – Hospital Medicine – New Bedford, MA

2020 Graduates

• Daniel Alcantar, MD – Chief Resident – University of Arizona – Tuscon, AZ
• Raisa Alvarez, MD – Infectious Disease, Loyola University Medical Center – Maywood, IL
• Mukarram Amine, DO – Chief Resident – MacNeal Hospital – Berwyn, IL
• Richard Fernandes Almeida, MD – Nephrology – University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
• Prachi Jain, MD – Hematology-Oncology – Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
• Sri Mahathi Kalipatnapu, MD – Nephrology – University of Chicago – Chicago, IL
• Adeline Manohar, DO – Primary Care – Kaiser Permanente – Oakland, CA
• Juan Pablo Portocarrero, MD – Nephrology – Northwestern University – Chicago, IL
• Nirali Ramani, MD – Nephrology – Rush University Medical Center – Chicago, IL
• Claudia Rodriguez, MD – Nephrology – University of Illinois, Chicago – Chicago, IL
• Jorge Sanchez, MD – Nephrology – University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA
• Paola Sanchez, MD – Geriatrics – Emory University – Atlanta, GA
• James Tobin, MD – Hospital Medicine – Javon Bea Hospital – Rockford, IL
• Jose Luis Zabala, MD – Endocrinology – Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN