PGY-1
CATEGORICAL INTERNS
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Adam Abushamaa, DO Hometown: Third Lake, Illinois Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Medical School: Midwestern University - CCOM Career Plan: Cardiology or Gastroenterology Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Drawing, Disc Golf Why did you choose ACMC? I had a great experience rotating at ACMC as a medical student. I felt supported by the people I worked with and I could see myself fitting in as a resident. I was also intrigued by the complex pathology and I felt confident that training here would allow me to develop strong clinical skills. |
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Christie Adam, MD Hometown: Naperville, IL Undergraduate Institution: North Central College Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago Career Plan: Cardiology Hobbies/Interests: Outside of medicine, I enjoy lifting, Pilates, traveling to new places, and finding great food wherever I go. Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because it offers the kind of rigorous clinical training I was looking for while allowing me to stay connected to the Chicagoland community that has always felt like home. Training at a high-acuity center with a diverse patient population will challenge me every day, and I knew this was a place where I could grow into the type physician I aspire to be while caring for the community that shaped me. |
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Malik Ata, MD Hometown: Orland Park, IL Undergraduate Institution: Benedictine University Medical School: UIC - Chicago Career Plan: Undecided Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, video games, anime, sneaker collecting Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC for the complex patients, diverse community, supportive faculty and mentors. |
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Funmilola (Katherine) Bamidele, MD Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria Undergraduate Institution: N/A Medical School: All Saints University school of Medicine, Dominica Career Plan: Undecided Hobbies/Interests: Photography, exploring new places Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of how supportive and welcoming the program felt, along with the strong clinical training, diverse patient population, and opportunity to train close to my support system here in the Chicago land area. |
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Margaret Barcinski, DO
Hometown: Island Lake, Illinois Undergraduate Institution: DePaul University (Chicago) Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science Career Plan: Pulmonary/critical care vs. cardiology fellowship alongside advocacy for underserved communities through clinical care, volunteering, and community engagement Hobbies/Interests: Learning languages (and doing Duolingo), listening a diverse range of music from rap music to movie music scores, arts and crafts and hands-on activities of all varieties (Paint-by-Number, knitting, crochet), trying new hobbies, completing crosswords and other word/number puzzles, listening to audiobooks, learning Greek and world mythologies, meditation, yoga, and hiking, and playing with my cats Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC after having multiple exceptional clinical experiences here as a medical student which allowed me to grow my medical knowledge and clinical skills in a supportive learning environment that prioritizes evidence-based medicine and working closely with diverse and underserved communities. I know that ACMC will guide me along the way to develop my skills as a physician, give back to the community, and work in a team to teach the next generation of future physicians! |
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Matthew Barnett, DO
Hometown: Naperville, IL Undergraduate Institution: Loyola University Chicago Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Undecided, open to fellowship Hobbies/Interests: Running, Biking, Ice hockey, Traveling to different countries, and Gaming Why did you choose ACMC? I had consistently heard great things about the program from current and former residents, as well as healthcare professionals outside the institution who spoke highly of the training. I was looking for a program that offered strong clinical education, exposure to a diverse patient population and a wide range of pathologies, and the ability to confidently manage complex cases. Just as importantly, I wanted a supportive environment where I could ask questions, be challenged, and learn from faculty who are genuinely enthusiastic about teaching. My second look reinforced what I had heard. The faculty are clearly invested in resident growth and development. I also came away with a strong sense of camaraderie amongst the residents, who genuinely look out for one another, creating a close-knit and supportive culture that made me confident this was the right fit for me. |
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Tala Beilani, DO Hometown: Damascus, Syria Undergraduate Institution: Benedictine University Medical School: Kansas City University Career Plan: Rheumatology Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, culinary, teaching Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC to care for the community I grew up around while staying close to my family and friends, who have always been my strongest support system. Serving patients in a familiar community is especially meaningful to me, and I appreciate the diversity of the surrounding area. It also doesn’t hurt that the area has some of the best food in Chicago! |
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Lauren Casbon, DO Hometown: Valparaiso, IN Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University Medical School: Marian University WCOM Career Plan: Undecided because I like too many things Hobbies/Interests: Reading, travel, hiking Why did you choose ACMC?: I chose ACMC because of their emphasis on rigorous, well-rounded training in a supportive environment, and for the opportunity to be close to my family. |
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Iman Elagha, DO Hometown: Orland Park, IL Undergraduate Institution: Loyola University Chicago Medical School: Midwestern University - CCOM Career Plan: TBD :) Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, cafe hopping, pilates, and tennis! Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of the incredible experiences I had rotating here as a medical student. From day one, I felt welcomed by the residents and attendings, who were always eager to teach and support my growth. The diverse patient population and high-acuity environment will continue to challenge me and help shape me into a dedicated and well-rounded physician. |
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Samantha Eskandar, DO Hometown: Willow Springs, IL Undergraduate Institution: Loyola University Chicago Medical School: Midwestern University CCOM Career Plan: Hospitalist or Endocrinologist Hobbies/Interests: traveling, scrapbooking, hiking Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because I had the best experience here during my rotation as a medical student. The residents and attendings were supportive and genuinely excited to teach. I’m so happy to be part of a team that will help me become a confident and well-rounded physician. |
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Daniel Gomez, DO
Hometown: Elmwood Park, IL Undergraduate Institution: Loyola University Chicago Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University Career Plan: Undecided but most likely Hospitalist vs Primary Care Hobbies/Interests: Strength training, pickleball, basketball, binging shows and movies, traveling and trying new food with my fiancée Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC for its strong commitment to serving underserved communities and the broad range of pathologies encountered across its diverse patient population. From the beginning, I was drawn to the program’s collegial, supportive, and welcoming culture. The program consistently prioritizes its residents and is highly receptive to feedback, always looking for ways to improve the training experience. I also value ACMC’s commitment to innovation, including the integration of artificial intelligence and other modern tools into our education. |
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Mira Hassan, DO Hometown: Plainfield, Illinois Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Medical School: A.T Still University- KCOM Career Plan: Hospitalist or Critical Care Hobbies/Interests: Trying out new restaurants, kdramas, anime, working out, power naps Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of my experience during my Infectious Disease rotation. Everyone was so supportive, and it created an environment where learning was genuinely enjoyable while also allowing me to gain great clinical experience. I know that with the mentorship, welcoming culture, and diverse clinical pathology this program offers, I’ll continue to grow into the kind of physician I aspire to be. |
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Mihika Iyer, DO Hometown: Naperville, Illinois Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Medical School: Midwestern University - CCOM Career Plan: Hospitalist or Critical Care Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, singing, dancing, exercising, literally any recreational sport Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because I had an excellent experience there during my rotation in cardiology. The residents, faculty, and staff were incredibly supportive and inclusive. I was also drawn to the wide patient population we served, which provides an outstanding learning environment. I believe training at ACMC will challenge me to become a confident, well-rounded physician while having fun along the way! |
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Svetha Kant, DO Hometown: Burnsville, MN Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota Medical School: Kansas City University Career Plan: Cardiology, but still exploring Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, cooking, coffee watching basketball, comedy drama shows, traveling Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC for its supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes resident well-being. I wanted a place where I could learn from diverse pathologies, care for underserved patients, and challenge myself while growing into a compassionate and well-rounded physician. |
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Areeha Khalid, MD Hometown: Orland Park, IL Undergraduate Institution: The University of Chicago Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Primary care or endocrinology Hobbies/Interests: Reading fiction, plant photography, trying out new coffee shops, embroidery Why did you choose ACMC? During my rotations at ACMC as a medical student, I found the program’s culture to be supportive, energetic, and engaging. I knew the program was the place I would grow and thrive in as a physician. In addition, having grown up nearby, I am excited for the opportunity to give back to my community hospital throughout residency. |
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Nicole Kim, DO Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI Undergraduate Institution: University of Michigan Medical School: Midwestern University - CCOM Career Plan: Hospitalist or Pulm/Crit Hobbies/Interests: Coffee and matcha, reality TV, NYT games, boxing Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because I had a great experience during my rotation as a medical student. Everyone was welcoming and supportive, and it was easy to picture myself as part of the team. I also really enjoyed working with the diverse patient population and seeing a wide range of pathology, which I know will help me become a strong and well-rounded physician. |
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Donna Oh, DO
Hometown: Anchorage, AK Undergraduate Institution: University of Alaska, Anchorage Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences, COMP-NW Career Plan: Gastroenterology or Hospitalist Hobbies/Interests: Cooking/foodie, gaming, hiking Why did you choose ACMC? I serendipitously came across the ACMC virtual coffee mixer during my residency search, and after talking to the residents and learning about the details specific to the program, I was immediately taken with how happy the residents seemed to be here. In addition to the diversity in pathology, commitment to the underserved, and availability to top-notch medical tools aside, having a supportive environment was my top priority in picking where I wanted to train. ACMC checked all these boxes and more, which made it a no-brainer in choosing this program to become a well-rounded and competent physician. |
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Chiedu Okonmah, DO Hometown: South Holland, IL Undergraduate Institution: Northern Illinois University Medical School: Kansas City University Career Plan: GI, but I’m still deciding! Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, Basketball, Anime/Manga, Music, Shows/Movies, Games Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of how welcoming and open Christ feels. From Meet and Greets and interviews, I could feel the camaraderie between everyone, and it felt familiar in a way. I think this creates a constructive teaching and learning environment that will help me grow as a physician. On top of that, ACMC is in an area I’m familiar with. With ACMC's wide patient population and various pathologies, I am excited to serve an area that I consider home. |
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Frank Raymond, DO Hometown: Monee, IL Undergraduate Institution: St. Xavier University Medical School: Midwestern University CCOM Career Plan: Cardiology Hobbies/Interests: Billiards, golf, hockey, baseball, chess, stock market Why did you choose ACMC? Having lived in and become familiar with the area over the past eight years, I already knew it was a great community. During my rotations, the camaraderie among the residents stood out immediately, and the faculty were genuinely enthusiastic about teaching. As one of the largest and busiest hospitals in Illinois, Christ offers an exceptional breadth of pathology and clinical acuity. All of this gave me confidence that I would receive outstanding training and have every opportunity to develop into the physician I aspire to become. |
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Swarna Sakshi, DO Hometown: Collierville, TN Undergraduate Institution: Vanderbilt University Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Cardiology Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, art, exploring Chicago! Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because it felt like a place where I could challenge myself while being supported by amazing faculty and co-residents. The diverse patient population, strong clinical training, and welcoming culture made it an easy place to see myself growing into the kind of physician I hope to become. |
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Sarah Tayazime, DO Hometown: Naperville, IL Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Medical School: University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Possibly cardiology but open to other specialties! Hobbies/Interests: Shopping, interior design, spending time with my friends, family and cats!!, trying new restaurants, yoga Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of the supportive and collaborative learning environment, where we are encouraged to grow personally and professionally. Being close to home and having the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population with a ride range of pathologies also really appealed to me. I believe ACMC will provide me with the tools to become the well-rounded physician that I aspire to be. |
PRELIMINARY INTERNS
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Zynab Adewusi, MD Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin Career Plan: Diagnostic Radiology Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Watching Shows, Kickboxing, Pickleball Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of the welcoming, family feel I got on my interview day. Christ also serves a diverse patient population across the Chicagoland area, including many underserved communities, and I knew that training here would give me a great clinical experience. |
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Drake Carter, MD Hometown: Enfield, IL Undergraduate Institution: Washington University in St. Louis Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science Career Plan: Undecided Hobbies/Interests: Playing sports with my friends (kickball, dodgeball, volleyball), going to concerts, puzzles, and hanging by Lake Michigan Why did you choose ACMC? Ever since I rotated here as a medical student, I knew ACMC possessed the supportive environment to learn medicine effectively. I chose ACMC because I knew this friendly and collaborative atmosphere would help me grow into the competent and kind physician I strive to become. Plus, Chicago is the best city in the world! |
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Olga Atiyeh (Gomeniouk), MD Hometown: Rolling Meadows, IL Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Medical School: Rush Medical College Career Plan: Dermatology 😊 Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, reading, Pilates Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because during my interview process, I immediately felt that it was a place where people were kind, caring, and truly invested in creating a supportive and collaborative environment. I felt like it was a program where I would be encouraged, challenged, and supported, and where I could really thrive and grow as a physician over the next year. |