Meet the residents

Hometown: Long Grove, Illinois.
Medical School: The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University

The radiology residency at Masonic offers a very close-knit program that creates a very collaborative learning environment where you can feel genuinely supported. In the future, I plan to pursue a fellowship in Neuroradiology. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, playing golf, working out, watching TV, eating new foods, and spending time with family and friends.

Hometown: Addison, IL
Medical school: The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University

My name is Sasha, I was raised in the suburbs of Illinois. I continued my education here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as an undergraduate, studying molecular and cellular biology. I then completed medical school at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. I was fortunate to match at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for radiology, and have enjoyed working with my fantastic co-residents and attendings. I enjoy working out, travelling and reading in my spare time.

Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Medical school: The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University

I received my undergraduate degree in microbiology at the University of Georgia before heading to Chicago for medical school. I pursued residency training at Masonic for the supportive environment amongst faculty who are dedicated to teaching and the close-knit community amongst co-residents. Outside of work, I enjoy weightlifting, basketball, traveling, and Rocket League.

Hometown: Derby, Kansas
Medical school: University of Oklahoma, Tulsa

I was raised in Wichita KS. After high school, I went to Oklahoma Christian University where I got a degree in biology and met my wife Barrie. After undergrad, we both went to OU-Tulsa School of Community Medicine and then couples matched in Child Neurology/Radiology. I chose Masonic for radiology because of my interview experience. I could tell this was a friendly, close-knit group of people which was exactly what I was looking for. In our spare time, we love playing board games, trying new restaurants, and spending time with our beloved pups, Bailey and Boomer.

Hometown: Lincolnwood, Illinois
Medical school: Emory University

I enjoy the collaborative environment that radiology at Illinois Masonic fosters. Attendings and co-residents are kind and supportive, which I think are important factors in deciding where to spend 4+ years. The program is also located in a vibrant neighborhood with lots to explore! I am still exploring different areas of radiology before deciding on a fellowship route. Outside of academic interests, my hobbies include playing video games, movies, hiking, working out, technology, and dancing.

Hometown: Lake Bluff, Illinois
Medical school: The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University

What I like about this program is its smaller size and the well-rounded training it offers. I enjoy trying to explore the many restaurant options in the area. As for sub-specialties, neuroradiology is one area I have found very interesting so far.

David "Dave" Kocoj, MD
Hometown: Vernon Hills, Illinois
Medical school: University of Illinois at Chicago

What I enjoy about radiology at Masonic is the tight-knit feel of the residency program, where everyone is supportive and cares about your success. It also happens to be located in my favorite part of the city! My hobbies include videos games and movies. Regarding my academic interests, I enjoy all fields of radiology, and I am particularly interested in neuroradiology.

Parth Patel, DO
Hometown: Mount Prospect, Illinois
Medical school: Nova Southeastern University COM

I decided to go medical school after my prior work in the molecular diagnostic industry developed a desire to further understand disease, which eventually brought me to radiology. I chose to pursue training here after experiencing the collaborative working/learning environment between faculty and residents during my fourth year rotation. I’ve enjoyed the well-rounded experience at AIMMC so far with procedures mixed into the daily schedule. My current interests include public health and quality improvement and I look forward to further developing my future plans over the next few years. After work you can find me exploring the lively and walkable neighborhoods surrounding the hospital, on the basketball court, and spending time with family and friends.

Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Medical school: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

I chose the field of radiology because of the vast knowledge required to develop a differential and make diagnoses. Here in Chicago, there is an abundance of pathology, and the outstanding faculty and residents truly make Advocate a wonderful place to train. When I'm not studying radiology, you can find me exercising, or spending time with my girlfriend, Katelyn, and vizsla, Maya. I also enjoy bow hunting as well as hiking and skiing out west. At this point, I am interested in many subspecialties within radiology and am anxious to explore them throughout my residency.

Zia Khan, DO
Hometown: Pinellas Park, Florida
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

I decided to pursue medicine a little bit later in life. In my previous life I worked as a software engineer and a high school math teacher. Those life experiences helped to shape my path in medicine and radiology. Some of my hobbies include running, biking, kayaking, and exploring the outdoors in general. I also like to binge watch 90's sitcoms and tinker with programming. Radiology is an exciting and cutting-edge field that employs innovative techniques to deliver patient care. I feel that AIMMC Radiology is a good fit for me because it is a tight-knit program that caters to my learning style. Everyone in this program is kind and supportive, which are important qualities for any medical professional. My current radiology interests include mammography, IR, AI and medical education.

Veronica Lopez, DO
Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Medical school: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

In my short time at Masonic, I have found that our residents and attendings foster a welcoming and supportive environment conducive to navigating a steep learning curve. I feel confident that I'll have my program's support when it comes to choosing a subspecialty/career path later in my training. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting, plant parenting, and attempting ethnic recipes in my extremely unimpressive kitchen.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Medical school: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

The Diagnostic Radiology residency program at Advocate Illinois Masonic offers a close-knit environment with a faculty dedicated to teaching and improving patient health outcomes. I enjoy hiking and travelling. I am open to exploring all fields before deciding on my route for Fellowship and I am excited to do so with such rad co-residents and faculty!