PGY 3 residents
Majed Abbas, MD
Hometown: Watertown, MA
Undergrad: Boston University
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at RFUMS
Why Masonic: Masonic made the biggest effort to get to know me as a person, and the passion that jumped out at me for fostering a culture of inclusivity, well-being, and good vibes struck me from the get-go. Connecting with everyone came easier than I ever expected when looking for a place to call home for residency. I could not shake just how comfortable I felt when meeting everyone here and since I've started working here, I've been more and more convinced that I am really lucky to be with such a great group of people.
Professional Interests: Advocacy, social justice, sports medicine, integrative medicine, healthcare administration and leadership.
Personal Interests: Boston sports, coffee shop hunting, travel, musicals and hanging out with my favorite humans.
Katherine Cross, MD
Hometown: Wheaton, IL
Undergrad: Miami University, Oxford OH
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton OH
Why Masonic: I thought Masonic was one of the best located hospitals in the city. Walking distance to lake, beautiful homes, good transportation, great food and drink. And when I interviewed, I fell in love with the people. I felt like I was hanging out with friends, not waiting to enter a stressful interview that could determine my career. They’re kind and warm and funny and have diverse interests and come from diverse backgrounds and are as passionate about a lot of the same things I am.
Professional Interests: I’m really interested in women’s health and procedures. I love pediatrics and also like maternal-child health so I initially considered maternity track as well but unsure. Also really enjoy LGBTQ+ health and addiction medicine.
Personal Interests: I spend a lot of time with friends & family, they’re mostly in the Chicago area. I also love to travel, I’m trying to visit all 50 states in my lifetime. And I’m a huge foodie so I love exploring new places. And honestly just love walking and exploring Chicago and the lake and parks and festivals, I always say it’s the coolest city ever.
Cassandra Gee, MD
Hometown: Syosset, NY
Undergrad: Stony Brook University
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Why Masonic: I was looking for a program that would both challenge and support me throughout the arduous process of becoming a great physician. The Family Medicine Residency at Masonic was an immediate standout in Chicago. I was fortunate enough to complete a Sub-I at this hospital where I felt comfortable and welcomed instantly. The physicians, nurses and current residents had only amazing things to say about this program. I was and am especially impressed with how dedicated the entire program is to its residents medical and personal growth.
Professional Interests: Women's health, LGBTQ+ health, behavioral health.
Personal Interests: I enjoy trying out new Chicago restaurants with friends, both listening to and creating music, snowboarding when I can get to a mountain, and hanging out with my two kittens.
Meera Kuntawala, MD
Hometown: Albany, Georgia
Undergrad: Georgia Tech
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Why Masonic: Being at Masonic feels like being home. I feel challenged to be my best and at the same time, genuinely supported. I can be 100% myself around all my co-residents and can call every one of them my friends. Coming to work every day with your friends doesn't feel like work. I feel really lucky to be in this program.
Professional Interests: Integrative Medicine, mental and emotional wellness, medicine as social justice.
Personal Interests: cooking, reading psychological thrillers, yoga, dancing in the clurb with my co-residents.
Aaron Magana, DO
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Undergrad: Old Dominion University (B.S); Eastern Virginia Medical School (M.S)
Medical School: Des Moines University, School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Masonic: For me, Masonic is truly the whole package. During interviews, I was immediately drawn to the warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, the surrounding neighborhoods are great, there are restaurants galore around the hospital and the clinic, and the diverse patient population makes for never ending learning experiences. On top of all that, my co-residents and attendings are just the best.
Professional Interests: Hospital medicine, urgent care medicine, nutrition and preventative care, ultrasound.
Personal Interests: Horror movies, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Drag shows, Dancing.
Leah Petrucelli, MD
Hometown: Ridgefield, CT
Undergrad: Tufts
Medical School: Rush
Why Masonic: Masonic was the only interview that made me truly excited for Residency! The supportive environment, well rounded residents and faculty, specialty tracks, and patient population were unparalleled for me. Since being an intern, I can say that I come to work always excited to see my co-workers.
Professional Interests: integrative medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine, body work, food as medicine, health equity, learning OMT.
Personal Interests: music, dogs, basketball, jiu jitsu, dance, tennis, running, hiking, ceramics, thrifting, traveling to national parks, making different herbal teas/tinctures, watching new girl.
Chase Salazar, MD
Hometown: Peoria, IL
Undergrad: Illinois Wesleyan University
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why Masonic: I chose Masonic because it was evident from interview day itself that they not only wanted me to succeed as a physician, but also as a person. The ability to feel as welcomed, included, and cared for through a virtual interaction spoke volumes as to how true to its character the people and culture Masonic exemplified. This, along with the diverse patient population, and multiple possible track options were only some of the examples that made me want to be a part of this residency program and one that I knew would help prepare me to be the best physician I can be.
Professional Interests: Currently undecided as to what my future career practice may be. However, some interests of mine are both Adolescent Medicine and/or Sports Medicine. For now, I still am taking things day by day and trying to soak up as much knowledge and skills as I can.
Personal Interests: Sports and exercise are a few of my personal interests, specifically, soccer! I hope to be able to join a league here in Chicago soon. Other interests/hobbies include spending time with family, my significant other, friends, watching movies, and traveling when/if possible.
Samrin Samad, DO
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Masonic: I had the opportunity to do a Sub-I rotation here and it was absolutely wonderful! It was very evident that the program offered a well-rounded curriculum and provided numerous opportunities to explore various interests through all the Track options. All the residents and faculty were also very kind, approachable, and passionate about teaching. On top of that, the location was great for practicing in a city with a diverse patient population. I cannot imagine doing residency anywhere else!
Professional Interests: Women's Health, Adolescent Medicine, Preventative Care, Procedures.
Personal Interests: Spending time with my family and friends, taking long walks by the lake, Bollywood dance, drawing.