Class of 2021
Meet the MacNeal Transitional Year Residency Class of 2021
Mustafa Broachwala
Medical school: Midwestern University
Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins
Career goals: Many a times, patients who go through major setbacks in their health (stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, etc.) tend to believe their dreams and aspirations are no longer attainable. As a future physiatrist, I hope to put these patients that no dream is unattainable.
What I like about MacNeal: Being born and raised in the west suburbs of Chicago, working at MacNeal is an honor in that I get to serve my community. Along those lines, the diverse patient population and pathologies are unmatched. I have only heard exceptional things about the learning environment and resident-first approach to transitioning us into our appropriate specialties.
Interests outside of medicine: I am a huge Chicago sports fan, love exercising (spin!), attempting Tik Tok dances (unsuccessfully), and trying different restaurants throughout Chicago.
Tucker Brush
Medical school: Indiana University
Specialty: Anesthesiology at Indiana University
Career goals: I hope to provide exceptional, patient-centered care and bring new regional pain practices to underserved areas in the Midwest. I also have a passion for intervening and helping with the chronic pain population and hope to do my part to combat the opioid crisis in our country.
What I like about MacNeal: From the first day, I could tell that MacNeal Hospital was more than a place to work. The people here are truly invested in making your time here an outstanding experience whether you are a patient yourself or are assisting in their care. MacNeal provides its residents incredible support and is constantly attempting to incorporate new ways to make the Transitional Year experience as valuable as possible.
Interests outside of medicine: Walking my dog, exercising, boating, snow skiing, hiking, and traveling with my lovely wife.
Casey DeHoedt
Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology at Medical College of Wisconsin
Career goals: To become a well-rounded radiologist with ability to practice in both community and academic settings.
What I like about MacNeal: What I enjoyed most about my interview day were the residents. I felt that they were supportive of one another, got along extremely well, and I could see myself training here. That proved to be most important factor to me. MacNeal has a great community and family atmosphere that fosters a supportive environment for its residents. You’ll never feel like you are alone here. We are also able to seek out a vast array of clinical experiences through various electives. I am excited to attain invaluable experiences here through exposure to fields outside of inpatient medicine.
Elizabeth Fierro
Medical school: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at NYU
Career goals: To become a well-rounded physiatrist who can help patients recover from injuries and stay physically active for as long as possible.
What I like about MacNeal: MacNeal fosters a supportive learning atmosphere that will best help me develop my skills as a transitional year intern. MacNeal also offers a wide range of elective options to make for a well-rounded experience. Lastly, Chicago is an amazing city!
Interests outside of medicine: Running, skiing, learning how to play golf, checking out local breweries, spending time with family and friends.
Meredith Furst
Medical school: University of Texas Health San Antonio
Specialty: Ophthalmology at Loyola University
Career goals: To become a competent and compassionate physician in an academic center with opportunities to provide high-quality and patient-centered care. I plan on pursuing a fellowship and providing specialized care to those with eye disease.
What I like about MacNeal: The faculty, staff and residents at MacNeal Hospital are genuine and clearly invested in the wellbeing and the education of young physicians. The elective opportunities provide early exposure to unique pathology, diverse patient populations and our unique medical interests. From my early interactions, I feel I am already part of this cohesive team, and know that the foundation for my medical education developed at MacNeal will make me a more well-rounded physician.
Interests outside of medicine: As a nutrition major in college at UT Austin, I am fascinated by cooking, food science and different cuisines. I am excited to explore all that Chicago has to offer a self-proclaimed foodie like me! In addition, I love playing sand volleyball, watching Texas Longhorn football, reading and exploring Chicago with my husband and friends.
Andy Guo
Medical school: University of Illinois
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology at University of Washington
Career goals: I am undecided on my subspecialty within radiology and private practice vs. academics.
What I like about MacNeal: I wanted to spend a year near my family and friends in Chicago before moving to Seattle for residency. MacNeal’s TY year offers a broad curriculum that includes a variety of elective opportunities along with strong inpatient experiences. There is a friendly atmosphere amongst the residents and staff, and this fosters a supportive working environment that feels like family.
Interests outside of medicine: Ice hockey, playing piano, traveling, baking, exercising, being outdoors and exploring Chicago
Molly Hales
Medical school: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Specialty: Dermatology
Career goals: To understand and address health disparities in dermatologic diseases and their treatment.
What I like about MacNeal: I love being part of a community hospital that serves a diverse patient population while benefiting from the tremendous educational resources that Loyola offers.
Interests outside of medicine: Spending time with my two young children, playing violin, running
Kevin Hendzel
Medical school: University of Illinois at Chicago
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Career goals: I am pursuing a career in diagnostic radiology. Undecided about subspecialty but hope to be involved in education
What I like about MacNeal: The positive atmosphere at MacNeal was obvious on interview day between residents and faculty. Everyone seemed very happy and supportive! Combined with the great scheduling options including a variety of electives, MacNeal seemed like a great fit.
Interests outside of medicine: Huge Chicago sports fan (Go White Sox), cooking, PC Gaming, and sitting on the couch binging TV shows with my fiancée.
Derek Hesse
Medical school: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology at Northwestern
Career goals: I hope to make radiology more patient centered by conducting research that ties imaging findings to clinical outcomes thus giving patients more benefit per scan.
What I like about MacNeal: MacNeal gave me the impression of a transitional year program that offered strong clinical training at a hospital that offers a variety of pathology and a diverse patient population. This combined with Dr. Arredondo’s commitment to educational conferences offers the type of training that is uncommon at transitional year programs. I will also be able to continue my research and take advantage of some unique electives such as medical Spanish. This unique combination provides value that makes MacNeal a good fit for my goals.
Interests outside of medicine: Playing soccer, watching soccer, playing guitar, and reading.
Briggs Hoyt
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology at Loyola University Medical Center
Career goals: I look forward to becoming an ophthalmologist able to serve others with tangible skills, and to one day have a strong impact on my community and the underserved.
What I like about MacNeal: MacNeal provides a well-rounded medical experience in a supportive environment, where we will be learning alongside residents from many different backgrounds as we treat a diverse patient population. It will also be great getting to know the city of Chicago before spending another 3 years at nearby Loyola.
Interests outside of medicine: When I have the time, I love camping, fly-fishing, hiking, biking, and just all-around exploring the natural world with my fiancé and our dog. I likewise enjoy trying new food and restaurants, and rooting for Arizona sports teams.
Rasheed Nawaz
Medical school: Howard University College of Medicine
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Career goals: My overall career goal is to be a compassionate, well-rounded physician with an expertise in Diagnostic Radiology. Through my training and research endeavors, I hope to become an innovator and leader in my specialty.
What I like about MacNeal: What I think makes the Macneal Transitional Year Program special is that it is a resident-focused, community program backed by a large academic center, allowing the residents to experience the best of both worlds. My goal for internship was to have a well-rounded clinical experience before I started my Radiology training, and with the mix of inpatient medicine and diverse elective opportunities, MacNeal exceeds expectations in that regard. Also, being born and raised in the Chicagoland area, I am thrilled to be returning home to my family and friends for a year.
Interests outside of medicine: I enjoy cooking (mainly because I love eating), reading and anything Chicago sports related.
Niketa Parikh
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences
Specialty: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Career goals: I will be pursuing a career in PM&R and am interested in specializing in Pain Medicine. Overall, my goal is to be a knowledgeable, compassionate and curious physician and to serve as an advocate for my patients.
What I like about MacNeal: MacNeal perfectly represents the well-rounded education and culture that I was looking for in my first year of training. During my interview day, I was impressed by how welcoming, happy and accomplished the residents here were. The schedule allows for a great balance between strong inpatient experience and a large amount of elective time to pursue your specific interests.
Interests outside of medicine: In my free time, I love running (and Orange Theory Fitness!), traveling, exploring new coffee shops and spending time with my family & friends.
Nileema Patel
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology at Loyola University Medical Center
Career goals: I hope to become a well-rounded ophthalmologist, provide exceptional and compassionate care to my patients, and give back to the world through service.
What I like about MacNeal: The residents, faculty, and staff are very approachable and foster a supportive yet stimulating learning environment. Additionally, the transitional year curriculum allows for a solid clinical foundation in medicine while offering electives in a variety of subspecialties including ophthalmology.
Interests outside of medicine: I love traveling, drawing, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and exploring all that Chicago has to offer!
Ken Peyser
Medical school: Midwestern University
Specialty: PM&R at Kessler-Rutgers University
Career goals: I hope to advance the field of regenerative medicine as a clinician, researcher and educator.
What I like about MacNeal: I love the institution’s holistic commitment to health. I wanted a residency where I felt like part of a team, and MacNeal fosters a community atmosphere which welcomes students and residents alike. The wide variety of electives and learning curriculum were important to me as well.
Interest outside MacNeal: Interests outside medicine: yoga, modern dance, dance fitness, creative writing and painting.
Elisabeth Sledz
Medical school: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Career goals: As an ophthalmologist, I am interested in the reconstructive aspect of the orbit, especially in children. I hope to attend a fellowship in oculoplastics after residency.
What I like about MacNeal: I enjoy the learning environment at MacNeal Hospital. I am able to challenge my knowledge base and feel supported by my peers. The staff and faculty are well organized and take wellness very seriously. I am also happy to be so close to my family and enjoy the incredible city of Chicago.
Interests outside of medicine: Outside of the hospital I enjoy practicing yoga, shopping at the farmers market, and spending time with my two younger sisters.
Jared Weingart
Medical school: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Specialty: Anesthesiology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Career goals: To become a well-rounded physician providing compassionate, patient-centered care to those who are at their most vulnerable. I want to be a support to those who need it and get them through their most difficult time. I enjoy teaching and hope to become an anesthesiologist at an academic institution where I can mentor and support other medical students and residents.
What I like about MacNeal: From the moment I walked through the doors it was evident how tight-knit everyone at MacNeal was. They push you to be the very best version of yourself and support you all the way through. MacNeal offers a diverse set of electives coupled with faculty who strive to teach you and allow you feel like confident in your abilities. They provide top-quality care to their patients and always demonstrate warmth, compassion and respect. It truly feels like family.
Interests outside of medicine: I enjoy being out on the water, whether its water-skiing, fishing or boating. I also love to ski whenever I get the opportunity. Cooking and food has always been a passion of mine and there is no better place to experience that then in the city of Chicago.