Meet the pediatric residents

Lauren Amendola, DO 
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Orland Park, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: After rotating at ACH-OL as a medical student and watching the residents confidently manage a wide variety of complex cases, I knew that this residency program would give me an amazing foundation for my future career in pediatrics. Above all I am impressed by the people and the incredibly supportive environment.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Nutrition and preventative health
• Career Goals: Hospitalist 

Naveen Kanji, MD 
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: Stritch School of Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: During my interview day, I experienced organic connections with every single one of my interviewers-something I hadn't felt anywhere else. I wanted to find a home in a residency program and ultimately, ACH-OL fit the bill with its commitment to residents, teaching, and the surrounding diverse community. I have no doubt that this program will shower me with the tools I need to be a good doctor.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Interested in a variety of medical education initiatives such as creating a parenting curriculum for non-parent residents and lumbar puncture simulations for residents.
• Career Goals: PICU

Kathy Balnius, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Woodridge, IL
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I was struck by how confident and capable all of the residents were (especially the new interns) when I rotated as a student. I felt that the diversity of patients and pathology coupled with attendings who are passionate about teaching would help me learn so much quickly!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Trauma informed care in outpatient pediatrics, hyperbilirubinemia, early literacy.
• Career Goals: Outpatient Pediatrics

Zachary Belnavis, MD
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: Spanish Town, Jamaica
Undergrad: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn:I was interested in learning in an urban environment with a good mix of complex and common cases. I wanted to be in a place where I could become the best pediatrician that I could be, and hopefully be an advocate for equitable healthcare both in Chicagoland and on the Global stage, and Advocate was the best place for me to do that!
• Academic Interests and Projects:Healthcare disparities
• Career Goals: Neonatology, PICU, pediatric emergency medicine

Dara Burris, MD
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Medical School: University of Cincinnati

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The people; being close to both the city and outdoor activities.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Public Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Informatics
• Career Goals: Making a difference in the lives of children.

Carli Edwards, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Ogden, Utah
Undergrad: University of Utah
Medical School: Kansas City University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I was drawn to the program initially because of how tight knit and supportive all the residents were of each other. I could tell it was one big family. And now that I'm here, everyone has been so welcoming and supportive! Additionally, I love the diversity of the population and variety of pediatric pathologies we see at ACH- OL.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Global health
• Career Goals: Neonatology

Brontie Herrera, DO
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: University of Florida
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: There are so many things to love about this place. The diverse patient population brings in a diverse pathology to learn from! All of the staff is welcoming and really enjoys teaching, which makes for a great environment for residents to grow and spread their wings in the world of pediatrics. There is always someone around to help when you need it but a lot of the attendings give us the autonomy to make decisions about our patients. There is also so much protected teaching time to learn all things pediatrics!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Resident Wellness, DEI
• Career Goals: Outpatient General Pediatrics

Bridget Hyland, DO
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Darien, IL
Undergrad: Saint Mary's College
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The people! Starting with my first rotation as an MS3 and in every block since, the attendings, other residents, nurses, advanced practitioners, staff, and patients have consistently shown me how to be a better pediatrician and person. It is virtually impossible to walk away from an interaction without learning something new. I cannot imagine a better group of individuals!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Medical Education, Advocacy, OMM in Pediatrics
• Career Goals: Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Kristen Kelly, MD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Medical School: Stritch School of Medicine Loyola University Chicago

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: All of the people who work here are friendly and love to teach. I am also honored to serve the pediatric population in the southwestern side of Chicago.
• Academic Interest and Projects: Infection Prevention, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Public Health
• Career Goals: Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Alekya Kothamasu, MD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Aurora, IL
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The residents form such a close-knit and supportive community! This warmth extends to the faculty too; they enjoy teaching and truly advocate for residents. Because ACH-OL is located just outside of Chicago, we see large volumes, very diverse patient populations, and a wide range of pathology.
• Academic Interests and Projects: None yet
• Career Goals: Currently interested in Outpatient General Pediatrics

Keisha Odunze, MD
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD
Undergrad: Penn State University
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: This program is literally a replica of what they show you during interview season! Even though intern year has been fast-paced, I feel very supported by all of my co-residents, senior residents and attendings. I love practicing in an area with such a diverse patient population in addition to diverse pathology. I can only imagine how well versed I will be towards the end of my journey. From day one, my co-residents and I have been inseparable and trust me a program that chooses likeminded individuals to embark on this journey is a program where YOU want to be!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Advocacy, Global Health, DEI Initiatives
• Career Goals: Outpatient Pediatrics or Pediatric Emergency Medicine or wherever the peds wind blows me!

Sarah Spiewak, DO
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Rolling Meadows, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Medical School: Midwestern CCOM

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The amount of teaching the attendings give you is incredible, lots of one-on-one experience which helps you to learn better. Most importantly, the pathology and the volume of patients we care for is exactly what I wanted out of a residency.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Critical Care, Cardiac Critical Care
• Career Goals: PICU or PCICU

Renee Wakulski, DO
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: Georgetown University
Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I was initially drawn to ACH-OL because of the amazing residents, attendings, nurses, and staff. The environment is very supportive and welcoming! Everyone is very passionate about medicine and their specific interests. Importantly, ACH-OL serves a diverse patient population and sees a wide range of pathologies, so educational opportunities are abundant.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Community Outreach and Public Health
• Career Goals: Fellowship

Emma Williams, DO
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Undergrad: University of Florida
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I fell in love with ACH-OL when I rotated here as a medical student. I couldn't believe the breadth of pathology and diversity of patients. I knew I wanted to come here for residency to get the best training - and I was right! My co-residents are like part of my family, and our attendings are so supportive and encouraging. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Immunology, Preventative Medicine
• Career Goals: General Pediatrics

Melissa Zapata, MD
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Parkland, FL, Dallas, TX
Undergrad: University of Central Florida (Go Knights!)
Medical School: Des Moines University COM, IA

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: Everything about the program! The diverse patient population and complexity of cases seen here is truly unremarkable. What I love the most about the program is the care teams and my co-residents! Everyone is really supportive of one another, and it is such a positive work environment to be around, I could not imagine myself fitting in so well elsewhere. Everyone is eager to teach, and the attending physicians really want help you build the confidence and competence that you'll need when you become a practicing physician. I wouldn't trade my time here for anywhere else!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Global Health, Inequalities in medicine and systemic injustice, gun violence reform, policy and advocacy!
• Career Goals: Over the years in training, I have really enjoyed my different rotations, but NICU really stood out. The complexity of the patients and the resilience in infants is what drew me to seeking a NICU fellowship.

Amany Abunimeh, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I love that I have the opportunity to treat a diverse patient population. Working with patients from many different backgrounds allows me to experience a wide range of pathologies while also gaining an appreciation for new perspectives. The children are always the best part, and everyone from the attendings to the nurses to the residents are very open and willing to help.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Global health, community outreach, and advocacy within underserved communities
• Career Goals: Pediatric Emergency Medicine or Hospitalist

Rachel Alexander, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Holland, MI
Undergrad: Calvin University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I like feeling supported as I step into my new role and receiving encouragement to grow and gain confidence!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Genetics
• Career Goals: Neonatology

Yetunde Badmus, MD
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Holland, OH
Undergrad: University of Toledo
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The community, the people and the atmosphere of constant support and good humor. I also appreciate that the impression that I got during the interviews translated to what I see daily at work.
• Academic Interests and Projects: None at the moment but looking forward to getting involved soon.
• Career Goals: Primary Care mainly, but still open to other subspecialties.

Aishwarya Bhaskar-Shah, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The sense of community and positivity where everyone goes above and beyond to help each other out. Our patients rock! We see such a diverse group of kids with unique backgrounds and pathologies! I also love how ACH-OL is close in proximity to the best city in the world (Chicago)!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Diabetes, Access to Healthcare, Community Outreach
• Career Goals: Become a capable general pediatrician who makes a positive impact on our patients everyday! After residency, possibly specialize in endocrinology or cardiology.

Ally Bochenek, MD
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Burbank, IL
Undergrad: Saint Xavier University
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago - Rockford

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The community. I feel supported on every level in all my experiences. Whether it be my senior resident, the attending, a consultant, I feel supported by everyone who has my best interest at heart and trying to make me a better doctor. We are able to form such strong personal and professional relationships and really maximize the residency experience because of it.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Community Health
• Career Goals: Still undecided at this time, but I would like it to be well balanced whatever that may be.

Diamond Brown, MD
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Calumet City, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I love ACH-OL's diverse patient population because it provides ample opportunity for learning, in addition to outreach and advocacy! The residents, attendings, and staff are very supportive, which helps create a safe learning environment. Excellent patient care is top priority at ACH-OL, and I'm lucky to be a part of such a great program!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Advocacy, Underserved Populations, Health Disparities
• Career Goals: Outpatient General Pediatrics, Child Abuse

Jessica Budiselic, MD
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Abbotsford, BC
Undergrad: Simon Fraser University
Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I have felt nothing but support from my colleagues, chiefs, and attendings since day one. At the end of my first week, I had already seen a vast array of pathologies, some of which I had never heard of. I also appreciate the level of diversity in the patients and staff I get to interact with on a daily basis. ACHOL has really built a culture of collaboration and I truly feel like a valuable member of the team.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Undecided
• Career Goals: Adolescent Medicine, General Pediatrics

Seth Johnson, DO
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergrad: Azusa Pacific University
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: Everything! There is brilliantly knowledgeable and wise staff who are consistently kind. Attendings are always ready to teach. The residency culture here at ACH-OL is so supportive; the residents really care for each other! Also, the size and location of the children’s hospital finds a high level of diversity and large patient volumes while maintaining a close-knit relationship between residents, attendings, and staff.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Undecided
• Career Goals: General Pediatrics, Hospitalist Medicine, Global Health

Madiha Muqeet, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Lombard, IL
Undergrad: Illinois Institute of Technology
Medical School: Midwestern University CCOM

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I had the opportunity to rotate a few times at ACH-OL as a student and what stuck out to me the most is how open to teaching and patient the entire medical staff was-- attending physicians, subspecialists, nurses, therapists. I knew I would be well supported during my training. In addition, Advocate Children's serves such a diverse population and has a busy service, which provides a wide breadth of patient presentations and plenty of interesting cases to learn from!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Undecided
• Career Goals: Neonatology, Hospitalist, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, or Outpatient General Pediatrics

Daniella Owusuwaah, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Undergrad: Miami University-Oxford, Ohio
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The people. The people. The people. Even through Zoom it was evident how much support they provide to their residents and how supportive residents were of each other. Moreover, the faculties dedication to teaching, the diverse patient population, the wide array of pathologies, and the opportunity to be at a program that will help mold me into a good doctor are some of the many reasons why I wanted to train at ACH-OL.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Preventive health, global health, health literacy
• Career Goals: General Pediatrics

Lexi Tsang, MD
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Park Forest, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: As a medical student, I had some rotations here at ACHOL and I absolutely loved how supportive everyone was. You can tell that everyone really loves what they do and it makes residency feel a lot more doable when you're surrounded by such wonderful people. Not to mention how they like to keep things fun, I'm a sucker for sweets and a good theme day!
• Academic Interests and Projects: community outreach, advocacy
• Career Goals: Outpatient Pediatrics

Najla Zayed, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Homer Glen, IL
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I was really impressed by the diversity of patients at ACH-OL, and how the residents/attendings were sensitive to and valued people's backgrounds in their decision making. I knew that seeing patients from all different backgrounds would help me become more well-rounded, and ultimately the best pediatrician I can be.
• Academic Interests and Projects: I am very interested in global health. I hope to create volunteer opportunities with my co-residents to help refugee children and their families both locally and abroad.
• Career Goals: Hematology-Oncology or Hospitalist Medicine

Sylwia Zubek, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I was drawn to the program ever since I rotated in the NICU and GI during my fourth year because all the attendings were extremely passionate and approachable, embraced teaching, and all residents handled themselves with grace and supported each other like family. Intern year everyone was so welcoming, supportive, and passionate about teaching. I couldn’t have made a better decision! Not only is ACH-OL one of the best children's hospitals due to its complex cases and large number of pathologies, but it is the perfect sized program to allow me to grow.
• Academic Interests and Projects: QI, NICU/EM, rare JMML-like-AML in Heme/Onc patient.
• Career Goals: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, NICU, or General Pediatrics

Emma Flosi, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Orland Park, Illinois
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I had the opportunity to rotate through this program as a medical student. From day one, it was clear that the environment was warm and welcoming, the close relationships between co-workers were authentic, and the program itself was one that made me feel safe to learn and grow!
• Academic Interests and Projects: None yet
• Career Goals: Hospitalist

Alexandra Gary, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Orland Park, Illinois
Undergrad: University of Alabama
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: There is so much to like! The large patient volumes and the population's diversity allow for some great learning opportunities.
  Residents, attendings, and program leadership have our best interests in mind and strive to help us succeed. Also, the proximity to Chicago is a huge plus!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Undecided
• Career Goals: General Pediatrics or Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics

Said Jusic, DO
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: Mostar, Bosnia and Hercegovina; Chicago, Illinois
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I was lucky enough to rotate twice at ACH-OL as a fourth-year medical student. I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse patient population and the emphasis placed on serving the community. The residents, faculty and staff I worked with were very welcoming and supportive.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Intensive care
• Career Goals: NICU, Cardiology, or Outpatient

Zoya Khan, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Skokie, Illinois
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: The supportive, close-knit community here was one of the major reasons why I chose ACH-OL. From the leadership team to co-residents, it's apparent that everyone wants each other to succeed. I also felt that the wide range of pathology and diverse patient population here would equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a strong physician in the future.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Undecided
• Career Goals: NICU, Pediatric EM, or GI

Clifford Klimas, DO
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: Palos Hills, Illinois
Undergrad: Illinois Wesleyan University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: From day one, everyone I met has been so nice and inviting, making me immediately feel like I was part of the family.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Undecided
• Career Goals: Unsure but leaning towards Outpatient Pediatrics

Mariam Mansour, MD
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Orland Hills, Illinois
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: University of Iowa

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: Everything! The people are so down to earth, genuine, and humble. My co-residents and senior residents are all so kind and supportive. There's a very strong focus on community service and advocacy. The spirit of teaching is pervasive throughout the program. The patient population is incredibly diverse, medically and otherwise. It's the perfect program for me!
• Academic Interests and Projects: None yet
• Career Goals: I want to be a Pediatric Hospitalist when I grow up!

Dominic Marcus, DO
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: Rochester Hills, Michigan
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I love the supportive and welcoming learning environment fostered by the amazing attendings, residents, and staff. I also value the patient population that ACH-OL serves.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Medical Education and Preventative Health
• Career Goals: Hospitalist or General Pediatrics

Matt Mussman, MD
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: Schaumburg, Illinois
Undergrad: University of Kentucky
Medical School: New York Medical College

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: Coming back to Chicago from New York, the support I’ve received from my co-residents and attendings has been incredible, and each day I go to work knowing that I’m practicing medicine in a safe and patient-centered environment! Additionally, thanks to the hospital's location, we have a diverse patient population with a wide variety of both rare diagnoses and common illnesses.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Undecided
• Career Goals: Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, or Outpatient Pediatrics

Arinzechukwu Michael Obegolu, MD
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Undergrad: University of Dallas
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: A very warm and welcoming environment! From the meet & greet and interview, this program stood out to me as the program that will train me to become a well-rounded physician. I am impressed with the
  diverse staff and patient population, the support from attendings and co-residents, high standard of education, and the emphasis on wellness and support to residents.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Global Health, fostering and promoting health initiatives among underserved and minority populations, family-centered approach to care and engagement with fathers.
• Career Goals: Neonatology

Rebekah O’Connor, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Houlton, ME
Undergrad: Wheaton College
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: There are many things, but across the board, the people are one of the consistent pieces that make it the place it is. Between the attendings, residents, other staff, and patients, it is a wonderful place to work and train. They foster an incredibly collaborative environment, and I appreciate the support that it provides in helping develop residents into competent and compassionate physicians.
• Academic Interests and Projects: Generally interested in QI and looking forward to getting involved in some projects.
• Career Goals: To be determined- maybe Heme/Onc, Hospitalist, PICU, ID…we will see!

Ben Peters, DO
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: Crystal Lake, Illinois
Undergrad: Truman State University
Medical School: Des Moines University

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: When I was rotating here in the PICU during my 4th year of medical school, the people at Oak Lawn were welcoming and genuinely interested in my success. From residents to attendings to program leadership, everyone also seemed like they wanted to be here. The passion and goodhearted approach that members of the program have for creating pediatricians is the kind of excellence which makes me want to be a better doctor, a better friend, and a better human. We lean into each other, and the surrounding area's rich diversity, to give our patients a voice and a chance to heal in the hope they will go back and make their communities better. ACH-OL has a big heart; I wanted to be a part of that!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Medical humanities, narrative medicine, medical history, cultural humility, health education and promotion
• Career Goals: General Pediatrics

Samrita Sawhney, DO
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Oak Brook, Illinois
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: What I love most about ACH-OL is without a doubt the people. Rotating here as both a third year and fourth year student, I was able to see the kinship among residents. I also saw that the attendings are genuinely invested in their resident’s education and constantly rooting for their residents to succeed which really made me fall in love with this program. Furthermore, something that resonated with me about this program is the variety of patient pathologies seen on a daily basis and the diverse population I get the opportunity to work with day to day.
• Career Goals: GI, Neurology, or Cardiology

John Wieser
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hometown: Lima, Ohio
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago

• What I like about Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn: I chose ACH-OL because of the wonderful, supportive community and diverse medical training opportunities!
• Academic Interests and Projects: Development and Behavior, Mental Health
• Career Goals: General Pediatrics