PGY-1
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Carma Azhar, DO Hometown: Orland Park, IL Undergraduate School: Loyola University Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship Hobbies/Interests: Biking, nature walks, reading, and traveling Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC for the diverse patient population and the wide array of pathologies you encounter here. Even more so, the people you encounter here, from the residents to attendings, demonstrate real investment in teaching and forming a nurturing environment for their residents. |
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Daniel Babiar, MD Hometown: Oak Lawn, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine Career Plan: Hospitalist vs Critical Care Hobbies/Interests: Exercise, plants, dogs, finance Why did you choose ACMC? Growing up in Oak Lawn, I received my medical care from Advocate Christ. I returned from downtown Chicago during medical school for three different rotations here. I enjoyed the wide variety of medical pathology along with the emphasis on critical care. In particular, I appreciated the close community feel created by the people here at Christ. |
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Vishal Bobba, MD Hometown: Clive, IA Undergraduate School: Case Western Reserve University Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Career Plan: Cardiology, but still deciding! Hobbies/Interests: Going to the gym, watching movies, trying new restaurants, pickleball Why did you choose ACMC? During my rotation as a medical student, I was struck by the strong camaraderie among the residents and the supportive atmosphere of the program. The attendings were approachable and invested in teaching, and the clinical cases offered exceptional learning opportunities. |
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Thalita Borges, MD Hometown: Framingham, MA Undergraduate School: Framingham State University Medical School: Ross University Medical School Career Plan: Primary care / Hospitalist Hobbies/Interests: Exploring new places in Chicago, traveling, exercising, spending time with family and friends, crochet Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because it embodies everything I was looking for in a residency program. The commitment to serving a diverse and underserved patient population, along with strong community involvement. The day of my interview confirmed that this was the place I wanted to be; everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and the camaraderie between the residents was clear. I knew this was where I’d receive the training and support to become the physician I aspire to be. |
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Eric Davis, DO Hometown: Indianapolis, IN Undergraduate School: Purdue University Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Cardiology versus Pulmonology/Critical Care Hobbies/Interests: Bodybuilding, nutrition, and music Why did you choose ACMC? I initially looked at ACMC for residency after a friend from medical school matched to the program. She spoke of how kind and helpful her co-residents and the faculty were, along with the strength of teaching received and the medical complexity of patient cases. After getting a sense of the program's collegiality during my interview, I realized ACMC would be an ideal place to become a well-trained physician while simultaneously becoming close friends with my colleagues. |
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Nikil Chari, DO Hometown: Downers Grove, IL Undergraduate School: Loyola University Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Undecided and open-minded Hobbies/Interests: Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, Reading Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Playing and Listening to Jazz Music, Playing Drums in my Band Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of its distinctive culture of humble excellence. During my medical school rotations, I consistently experienced a welcoming environment that balanced collegiality with a deep commitment to clinical rigor and medical education. The hospital’s location offers exposure to a broad spectrum of pathology, paired with an impressive standard of care—factors that made my decision clear. I’m confident that this program will not only support my professional growth and help me discover my passions within medicine, but also provide enduring relationships with mentors and colleagues. |
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Anndrea Distor, DO Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL Undergraduate School: Lewis University Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Undecided, likely going for a fellowship Hobbies/Interests: Watching musicals, hanging out with my dog, cozy gaming, doodling Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because I wanted to be a part of a program that will give me an opportunity to take care of diverse populations with a great variety of interesting pathology. I also wanted a program that fosters a positive learning environment with an emphasis in the wellbeing of their residents. |
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Samreen Hassan, MD Hometown: Chicago, IL Undergraduate School: Loyola University Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine Career Plan: Hospitalist, Cardiology, Critical Care, or Nephrology... we'll see! Hobbies/Interests: Hosting game nights, escape rooms, volleyball/basketball/tennis, k-dramas, and traveling Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because I was looking for a program that had the perfect balance between community-focused care and strong academic training, all within a supportive and collegial environment. I wanted the privilege of caring for a diverse and underserved patient population while also encountering rare and complex pathologies. Even before officially starting, I was also impressed by how genuinely welcoming everyone was. The residents were already making karaoke plans with us, and the faculty and administration showed a clear commitment to our growth and well-being. It felt like a place where I could truly thrive and grow as a physician! |
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Cynhia Hsu, MD Hometown: Northbrook, IL Undergraduate School: University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Career Plan: Allergy/Immunology Hobbies/Interests: Going on walks, cooking for friends, swimming with my niece, watching Survivor Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because the program offers a high-volume, high-acuity training environment with diverse pathology, providing residents with exceptional hands-on clinical experience. The program fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and mentorship, while emphasizing academic excellence and compassionate patient care. |
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Hadiah Kedwaii, MD Hometown: Omaha, NE Undergraduate School: Creighton, University Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Hospitalist vs Ambulatory vs Rheumatology vs Endocrinology (casting a wide net at the moment) Hobbies/Interests: Planting/gardening, spending afternoons at coffee shops, travel when possible Why did you choose ACMC? I had heard amazing things about the breadth of pathology and patient diversity that comes through Advocate Christ. Then at my interview and the residency second look I felt an overwhelming vibe of support and passion for learning, with concern for wellness for all. These things combined built an ideal program in my perspective! |
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Sameer Khan, MD Hometown: Plainfield, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School: University of Missouri - Kansas City Career Plan: Hospitalist, possibly Cardiology Hobbies/Interests: Photography, gaming, and music Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC for many reasons. I used to be a medical scribe here years ago and I remember how open the attendings, nurses, and faculty were to teaching. I knew this facility emphasized education and patient care which ultimately brought me back. The camaraderie amongst the residents and faculty has made even the hardest rotations easier which makes me grateful for this program. Finally, the diverse patient population is great from an educational perspective and will undoubtedly prepare me for complex patients in the future. |
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Megan Leitner, DO Hometown: St. Augustine, FL Undergraduate School: University of Florida Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Interested in cardiology but excited to learn all the specialties! Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, hiking, reading, pottery, and paddle boarding Why did you choose ACMC? I rotated at ACMC in pediatrics initially. During that time, I loved the hospital and everyone I interacted with. I was lucky enough to also rotate in cardiology during my clinical years and the residents, faculty, and staff were all so friendly. I felt so welcomed and learned a great amount during my time here. Furthermore, since the attendings were interested in teaching, I felt comfortable asking questions to further my learning. I loved that I had the opportunity to get involved in research and work towards my aspirations of fellowship. Ultimately, I wanted to be a part of a community that offered great patient diversity and pathology, while supporting me as a growing physician. ACMC was that community. |
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Amr Mannaa, MD Hometown: Wheaton, IL Undergraduate School: Bradley University Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine Career Plan: Good question; undecided. Hobbies/Interests: Yu-Gi-Oh!, philosophy, guitar Why did you choose ACMC? What ultimately drew me to ACMC was how tight-knit the residents were, both across classes and with faculty. Seeing the amicable, collaborative environment firsthand alongside all the makings of a great program let me know I would thrive as a resident here. |
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Griffin Moore, DO Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Dominican University Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Heme/Onc Hobbies/Interests: Sports, video games, movies, comedy Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because I wanted to be at a location where I could learn from varied case pathology and had the hospital resources to handle these cases. I also appreciated the culture of supporting resident wellness and the assistance in finding ways to pursue career goals. |
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Saakshi Pothina, DO Hometown: Aurora, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Interested in GI but excited to experience various specialities! Hobbies/Interests: Love watching movies, walks on the lake, baking, and interior design Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of the supportive, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating environment of the internal medicine team. During my rotations in Cardiology and Gastroenterology as a medical student, I was exposed to a diverse range of complex pathologies that taught me immensely on clinical knowledge and reasoning. What stood out most was the exceptional dedication of the residents and attendings who consistently went above and beyond to teach, guide, and encourage me throughout my experience. ACMC offers an outstanding training environment that is is the ideal place for me to grow as a physician and achieve my future career goals! |
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Asfia Qureshi, DO Hometown: Algonquin, IL Undergraduate School: Benedictine University Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Undecided, likely going for a fellowship Hobbies/Interests: Baking, evening walks, trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of its well-established reputation for clinical excellence and its supportive, team-oriented culture. The program’s exposure to a diverse patient population and wide range of complex pathologies creates a safe environment for both learning and delivering high-quality, compassionate care. During my interview day, my decision was reaffirmed, and the warmth and enthusiasm of everyone I met left a lasting impression. The camaraderie among the residents and the faculty was unmatched. It was clear that ACMC is not only a place where I could grow clinically, but also a place where I’d be truly supported. I knew then that this was a community where I could thrive and develop into the kind of physician I aspire to be! |
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Haley Scott, DO Hometown: Waterford, MI Undergraduate School: Michigan State University Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Fellowship, possibly gastroenterology or endocrinology Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, lakefront walks, reading my Kindle, trying new restaurants/bars, going to the movies Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because, throughout multiple rotations as a medical student, I was consistently impressed by the program’s diverse pathology, attendings who had a genuine passion for teaching, and the supportive community of residents. Those qualities, combined with the opportunity to serve the Chicagoland population created an ideal environment for me to thrive, learn, and grow to become the best physician I can be. |
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Anand Sheth, DO Hometown: Schaumburg, IL Undergraduate School: Loyola University Chicago Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Most likely want to pursue a GI fellowship Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, table tennis, photography/videography, playing tablas, working out, dancing Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of the amazing experience I had during my rotations. The attendings were always so approachable and genuinely loved to teach. I also loved the diverse pathology and patient population. Every case felt meaningful. But what really stood out was the culture: everyone was kind, supportive, and went the extra mile. I really felt like I fit in during my rotations. |
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Maen Talib, DO
Hometown: Bridgeview, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Cardiology Hobbies/Interests: Trying different cuisines, cooking, gardening to grow ingredients for my dishes, spending time with loved ones Why did you choose ACMC? I chose Advocate Christ for my residency because in many ways it already feels like home. I was born at Christ and have lived in the area my whole life, so I’ve always been aware of the hospital’s reputation for serving a diverse and complex patient population. From volunteering as a ER tech, to helping in the Ronald McDonald house and during my cardiology rotation here, I was amazed not only by the depth of knowledge the attendings and residents had, but also by how welcoming and supportive they were. It was the first and only hospital where I truly felt like I belonged. Christ is also a unique place where you get university level training with community level relationships and care. I knew this was the kind of environment that would challenge me, support me, and ultimately help shape me into the best doctor and person I can be. |
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Divya Thomas, DO Hometown: Rockford, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Career Plan: Unsure, maybe heme/onc fellowship Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, running, reality TV, travelling Why did you choose ACMC? Growing up in the Midwest, I always wanted to stay in the Chicagoland area for residency. During my third year of medical school, I had the opportunity to complete my OB/GYN and pediatric rotations at Advocate Christ. I had a wonderful experience at the hospital and could clearly see how passionate the faculty and residents were about teaching and delivering the best possible care to their patients. This, combined with the diverse patient population and the interesting pathology encountered, made Advocate Christ stand out to me when deciding where I wanted to pursue my residency. |
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Michael Yu, MD Hometown: Indian Head Park, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Career Plan: Endocrinology or Hospitalist Hobbies/Interests: Drawing, Graphic design, Cooking, Piano, Video games (PC, Nintendo), Chicago Sports (Bulls, Bears, White Sox) Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because Christ feels like home. I worked at Christ before medical school, and I loved rotating here as a student. Christ is also a short drive away from my parents’ house. The IM program here is truly one of a kind. The residency is such a warm, collaborative, and supportive environment. We serve a wonderful patient population, and due to the complex pathology at Christ, the training we receive is second to none. With the utmost certainty, there is no other place I'd rather complete my IM training than ACMC. |
PRELIMINARY RESIDENTS
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Malik Ata, MD Hometown: Orland Park, IL Undergraduate School: Benedictine University Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago Career Plan: Undecided Hobbies/Interests: Competitive video games, collecting sneakers, Sci-Fi movies and Anime Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because it allowed me to work in an environment I enjoyed with the amazing teaching faculty, complex cases and a very diverse patient population. I rotated at ACMC for a month during medical school and in that short time I knew this would be the place I would want to train at most. |
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Adrianna Carter, MD Hometown: Evanston, IL Undergraduate School: University of Southern California (USC) Medical School: University of California, Davis School of Medicine Career Plan: Breast Imaging or Pediatric Radiology Hobbies/Interests: Content creation, College football, Murder mystery podcasts, Nature walks with my dog Nugget, Interstate travel Why did you choose ACMC? I chose ACMC because of the strong emphasis they put on patients and community—which is exactly the kind of entity I wanted to work for. I also enjoyed my interview with Dr. Gordon and was sold by her passion and authenticity. These things, along with getting to move closer to family, made coming to ACMC a no brainer. Since meeting my co-residents and various faculty I'm confident I made the right decision! |
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Omar Nabulsi, MD Hometown: Willowbrook, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School: Rush Medical College Career Plan: Radiation Oncology Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, Hip-Hop, Traveling, and Languages Why did you choose ACMC? Having grown up very involved in the Oak Lawn and Bridgeview community, I knew ACMC was exactly where I wanted to do my preliminary year. In addition to being able to give back to the people and neighborhoods that helped raise me, ACMC’s high acuity setting and wide range of pathology offer an ideal environment to strengthen my clinical foundation in preparation for my residency in radiation oncology. |