Skip to main content

Our Residents

Class of 2024

The class of 2024 poses on the RUSH rooftop garden with the Chicago skyline in the background.

Name Academic Profile
Ololade "Lola" Akinfemiwa
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Undergrad: McMaster University
Hometown: Toronto, CA
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but spent most of my life in Toronto, Canada. I love to dance, play sports and spend time with my amazing family. Community service is important to me, and I love to mentor medical students. I am looking forward to joining the RUSH family and exploring my emergency medicine interests!
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: The diversity of the city and the amazing food. There is always something to do!
Image
Savannah Benko
Medical School: RUSH Medical College 
Undergrad: Providence College
Hometown: Oak Park, IL
I was born in Chicago and grew up just outside the city in Oak Park. I went to Providence College in Rhode Island for undergrad before returning to Chicago for medical school here at RUSH. I love tennis, puzzles of all varieties, traveling, and trying new foods (still working on the cooking part). Professionally, I'm interested in Emergency Psychiatry.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: Food, friends, family, the lake, and food (again).
Image
Miranda Bradley
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Montana
Hometown: Laurel, MT
I was born and raised in Montana but spent most weekends in Wyoming. I attended the University of Montana (yay Missoula!) for undergrad and University of Washington for medical school. I love traveling and watching comedies with my boyfriend, Alex.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: Prior to moving to Chicago, everyone I spoke with about the move had only wonderful things to say about the city. I’m looking forward to experiencing the festivals, concerts, and comedy scene, and overall I’m just so excited to get to learn, work, play, and EAT in Chicago!
Image
Dustin Brown
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Arkansas at Little Rock  
Hometown: Hermitage, AR
Hey everyone! I was born and raised in Arkansas and completed my undergraduate and medical studies in Little Rock. I am super excited to transition to Chicago for a fantastic EM training experience! The people at RUSH have truly made the experience great and have created a welcoming and supportive environment. My professional interests include: medical education, social determinants of health, and LGBTQ+ health education/outreach. In my free time, I love to paddle board, go to the gym, video games, spending obsessive amounts of time with my dogs, and exploring the unique neighborhoods and sights of Chicago.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: I love the complexity of the city, all of the cool activities available during free time, how friendly the people are, and the easy commuting options.
Image
Devon Buddan
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Undergrad: California State University of East Bay
Hometown: Inglewood, CA
I was raised in Inglewood, CA by my wonderful mother and the rest of my big, beautiful, Belizean family. In college I chose to major in Ethnic Studies which laid the foundation for understanding the social aspects as well as structural inequalities in medicine. I'm excited to bring my perspective to the RUSH family and ready to serve the Chicago community. Besides medicine, I worked as a waitress, event planner and tutor prior to starting medical school. My interests include: weightlifting, anything outside and also free, exposing youth to new things, books, playing scrabble/Jenga/card games with friends and also being overly competitive, dancing while I still have good knees, NPR Tiny desk concerts. My goals include: collaborative projects with the Chicago community, making my mommy (more) proud and, of course, maintaining humility and compassion while becoming an excellent EM physician.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: Well, Chicago is “home” to the Obamas and my favorite rapper, Common... need I say more?
Image
Christian Casteel
Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Missouri State University
Hometown: High Ridge, MO
I grew up in a small Missouri town, and after attempting careers in skateboarding and being in a heavy metal band I somehow found myself in medicine. After 4 years at Applebee’s and 3 years of being an ED scribe/phlebotomist I knew EM was for me. Being in Chicago and at RUSH is a total dream come true for me. In my free time I enjoy playing guitar, skateboarding, working out, going to concerts, rec sports, exploring new places to eat/drink. Lifetime St. Louis Cardinals, Blues, and KC Chiefs fan. My professional/academic interests are social EM, diversity and inclusion, global health, and medical education. The fact that all of these areas were so strongly represented and supported at RUSH made me want to train here.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: Chicago is amazing because it offers some of the best opportunities for all of my hobbies and interests. Awesome music/concert scene, tons of skateparks, huge sports city, winter fashion, beaches, and endless food and drink options!
Image
Hannah Meissner
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Hometown: South Bend, IN
I am foodie and can definitively rank every Ben and Jerry’s flavor (S’mores is an underrated classic). In my free time I love to travel, read, and play board games. I am interested in social emergency medicine and hope to someday play an active role in shaping health policy.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: Elvis Juice on tap, Lake Michigan, and Chicago sports
Image
Eric Moyer
Medical School: RUSH Medical College
Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis
Hometown: Brookline, MA
Originally from New England, but I've been in the midwest now for almost 10 years. I studied biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis before medical school at RUSH. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, playing basketball or chess, and exploring Chicago's restaurants/bars with friends. My professional interests include medical education and teaching.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: I've been living in Wicker Park for the past few years and absolutely love the area for the restaurants/bars.  
Image
C. Woodworth Parker
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad:  St. Lawrence University
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
I was born on the East Coast, but grew up in Kansas City (Go Royals!). As an avid fan of hockey and sailing, I’m thrilled to be back in Chicago. Leading up to medical school, I was an AEMT-CC and Firefighter and earned a Masters in Biomedical Sciences. After medical school, I served as a Naval Flight Surgeon. My fiancé, who is a clinical pharmacist, and I can’t wait to tell you about our beloved dog who went over the Rainbow Bridge, a Purebred Philadelphia Mutt. He was the bestest boy.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago:  The Hawks, The Lake, The Food!
Image
Ashley Penington
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: University of Oregon
Hometown: Bend, OR
Hey there! As a PNW native, I love hiking, trail running, backpacking, skiing, cycling, paddle boarding, and camping with my husband and our two dogs in our tiny trailer. Both of us moved out here a few years ago and since then, we have really enjoyed finding areas that remind us of Oregon out here in the Midwest. We have been busy doing renovations on our home (aka DIY projects for days) and exploring all the things that Chicago has to offer. I am excited to continue working on my garden, improving my cooking skills, exploring more areas in and around Chicago, and most of all, being a part of this incredible EM family here at RUSH.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: Being able to sit on our back porch out in the suburbs on a warm summer evening with a hazy IPA in hand.
Image
Daniel Reyes
Medical School: Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Undergrad: University of California, Berkeley
Hometown: Calabasas, CA
I was born and raised in LA and then went to college at the University of California, Berkeley. Teaching a medical ethics class in college got me really into the field of education, so I taught high school science in the Bay Area for about a decade before medical school. During this time, I also coached high school swimming and water polo. Sensing that I had achieved much of what I set out to in the classroom, I decided to pursue a career in medicine with the goal of bringing down barriers to access to equitable healthcare for all in mind. Working as an EMT in my town got me into the pace and scope of emergency medicine. I am an avid water polo player, swimmer, cyclist, and urbanist. One of my favorite activities, however, is simply going for walks at night while listening to one of several favorite podcasts. I also thoroughly enjoy cooking- recipe recommendations are always welcome!
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago: The fact that it is a HUGE and exciting city with so many things to immerse yourself in that are all accessible by walking, cycling, or public transit.
Image
Robert Wilson
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Undergrad: University of Colorado
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
 I grew up in Alabama before moving to Colorado, where I studied ecology and evolutionary biology. After a few years of eclectic work experiences (ecology field work in Australia, organic vegetable farming, etc.), I found my way to medicine and moved to Philly, where I completed my MD/MPH. I'm excited to now be in Chicago and see what the Midwest has to offer! In my free time, I love being outside: backpacking, skiing, riding my bicycles, (most recently) canyoneering, fishing, or just relaxing at the beach.
Favorite Thing About Living in Chicago:  Friendly people, good food, seasons.
Image

Class of 2025

The class of 2025 poses on the RUSH rooftop garden with the Chicago skyline in the background.

Name Academic Profile
Manas Deolankar

Medical School:  Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Undergrad:  Tufts University

Hometown:  Morganville, NJ

Hello, friends! I spent my whole childhood in New Jersey as an only child of two loving Indian, immigrant parents. I lived in Boston for college and for brief stints as a scribe and medical assistant. Then I went back to Jersey for medical school. Most people describe be as calm and serious, which I think is true but I certainly have my animated moments. It’s no secret that the emergency department is busy and at times seemingly chaotic. My favorite part of emergency medicine is making a first impression on ED patients. ED docs get to use their knowledge, confidence, and humanism to allow vulnerable patients, who find themselves in that busy and chaotic environment, to quickly feel secure and cared for. Outside of medicine, I enjoy writing original music, playing guitar and bass, listening to all kinds of podcasts, exploring Chicago, exercising, Netflix, and quality time with friends/family.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  Its sheer vastness, beauty, and unlimited opportunities for fun. But more personally - my girlfriend since college and I were long-distance throughout my medical school. She moved to Chicago for business school/work. Now we both live in Chicago, and we're now engaged!

Image
Mitchell Fagan

Medical School:  Kansas City University

Undergrad:  University of Wisconsin-Madison

Hometown:  Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

I grew up in Wisconsin and spent the last four years in Kansas City. I am a guitar player, cooking fanatic, and wine enthusiast. My favorite thing to do is hang out with my pup, Oliver. I am stoked to join the RUSH family and spend a few years exploring Chicago. My EM interests include ultrasound, teaching, and critical care.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  The best part about living in Chicago is obviously the food!

Image
Karolina Hawn

Medical School:  RUSH Medical College

Undergrad:  University of Notre Dame

Hometown:  Lockport, IL

I grew up in Chicagoland area, went to undergrad nearby, and was thrilled to return home for medical school. Outside of medicine, I love to spend time with my husband, our red lab, and our son. I also enjoy hiking, backpacking, running, cooking, and baking (I have seen every episode of the Great British Baking Show multiple times). My professional interests include medical education and peds EM.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  Chicago is my home (no joke like 90% of my extended family even lives here), so I love having a support system nearby. My second favorite thing is the summer in Chicago though! I love hanging out in the public parks, going to the farmers markets, and trying all of the interesting cuisine.

Image
Crystal Lafleur

Medical School:  A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergrad:  St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX

Hometown:  Ovilla, Texas

Hey y'all! I am from a small town in Texas just south of Dallas. I spent 10 years in the Air Force in as a mechanic before I discovered my passion in medicine. I am a wife of 15 years, a mother to 2 boys, and am currently in the Navy. I love the outdoors, scuba diving, swimming, and gardening, but also enjoy playing PC video games from time to time. I am an avid reader of science fiction novels and enjoy new adventures. I also really like participating in volunteer work. I am interested in all things EM but I am also interested in critical care, palliative care, disaster medicine and wilderness medicine. I am excited to be joining the RUSH community and the ability to continue to make an impact in my new community of Chicago.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago: 

To be determined.... this is a new adventure for me and my family and we are excited about all the things to do and see!

Image
Ram Patel

Medical School:  Ross University School of Medicine

Undergrad:  Rutgers University

Hometown:  Edison, New Jersey

I was born and raised in New Jersey and I'm thrilled to be doing residency in Chicago as part of the RUSH EM family. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing basketball, trying new restaurants, biking, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. As someone who loves to stay active and be outdoors, this city has so much to offer. My professional interests are in medical education, ultrasound, global heath, and social EM. The people at RUSH have truly created a supportive and welcoming environment and I am looking forward to an excellent training experience!

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  It's a big sports city with a great food scene. The riverwalk and lake are incredible.

Image
Dmitriy Pikovskiy

Medical School:  University of Illinois at Chicago

Undergrad:  University of Illinois

Hometown:  Chicago, IL

I was born in Moscow and grew up in Chicago. I attended the University of Illinois for undergrad and medical school. I enjoy playing tennis, reading biographies, traveling, and watching all the TV. My claim to fame is appearing on Jeopardy for Alex Trebek’s final season. What drew me to EM was the variety, hands on work, and the opportunity to build trust with my patients in a dynamic environment. My interests include administration, medical education, and critical care.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  It's my home! It’s also home to great food, the Cubs, the Lake, and lots of fun bars.

Image
Haley Plattner

Medical School:  Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Undergrad:  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Hometown:  Champaign, IL

Hey everyone! I'm a born and raised Central Illinois-an and have lived in and have family all over the state. I'm an amateur musician and I enjoy writing and playing music whenever I get the chance. My preferred instruments include violin, piano and vocals. I also love cooking and especially enjoy the challenge of trying a new recipe or inventing something with the ingredients that I have available to me. I also enjoy most any outdoor activity including running, hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, biking, and playing soccer. Professionally, my interests within EM include social EM, Latino/a/e health and language equity, and education/SIM.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  The food and music scene is amazing! I also love the bike trails and the many rock climbing gyms to choose from.

Image
Sabrina Rabin

Medical School:  University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Undergrad: Northwestern University

Hometown:  St. Charles, Illinois

I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I attended Northwestern for undergrad where I played Division I Softball. I played outfield and was leadoff batter. I even had the opportunity to play in the European Championship in the Czech Republic in 2019. I still enjoy coaching and giving lessons whenever I have some spare time. Within EM I’m interested in ultrasound but hope to explore other parts as well. Outside of medicine I enjoy playing sports (beach volleyball, spike ball, golf, racquetball), getting outside, and board/card games (blank slate, sushigo, chess, etc.) I’m excited to be back in Illinois at RUSH for residency!

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  I love trying different restaurants, which you can find in abundance in Chicago! I also enjoy walking along the lakefront, going to plays, and all of the different museums (my favorite is the Museum of Science and Industry!).

Image
Danielle Raslan

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergrad:    Louisiana State University

Hometown:  New Orleans, LA

Hi! I grew up in New Orleans so I’m excited to start this new chapter in the Midwest! I had an unparalleled experience when I rotated at RUSH as a medical student. Attendings and residents were supportive and knowledgeable. I loved being a part of a program that valued diversity and excelled in teamwork. With my background in international medical outreach, I have a continued interest in global health, social EM, and medical education. During my free time you can catch me stress relieving at the gym or hot yoga studio. As the unappointed foodie within my friend group, I welcome any restaurant recommendations.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:    Endless restaurant reservations, street festivals, bike rides around the lake, and of course catching my first Cubs game at Wrigley Field! With all that Chicago has to offer, I couldn’t imagine continuing my medical career in any other city.

Image
Vinoota Sompalli

Medical School:  Creighton University School of Medicine

Undergrad:  Saint Louis University

Hometown:  St. Louis, MO

Hi I'm Vinny! I grew up in the outskirts of St. Louis, MO with a strong tie to Indian classical dance. After training for 13 years, I took this passion and was a choreographer for many undergrad cultural events. I am a midwestern gal at heart and after visiting the coast cities, decided Chicago is the best blend of midwestern nice, city energy, and being close to home. I am interested in medical education and social EM. In my free time, I enjoy watching the MCU, attempting to cook, and exploring new coffee shops.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  I enjoy the different neighborhoods and how you can always find a new restaurant to try or a new activity to do for the weekend! It is a city that never gets dull!

Image
Amy Stasik

Medical School:  Medical College of Wisconsin

Undergrad:  University of Wisconsin - Madison

Hometown:  Milwaukee, WI

I am a prior RUSH grad student/lab tech who is thrilled to return to RUSH and begin my training in EM! Toxicology, Wilderness Medicine, and Neuro Critical Care are interests I look forward to exploring more in residency and beyond. Born and raised in Wisconsin, I am an avid Packers and Brewers fan! You can find me at Will's Northwoods on game days chowing down on some fried cheese curds. Family is a central support system for me and one of my proudest titles is "Auntie" to two adorable nephews aged 11 months and 3 years. If I'm not in the ED, you can find me at a local coffee shop trying a new espresso drink, painting my nails to match my mood with one of the 1000+ colors I own, or searching for corgis to befriend at the dog park!

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  It's been 4 years since I last lived in Chicago and I can tell you I have dreamed about the day I get to revisit my favorite restaurants! Chicago has an amazing restaurant/foodie scene and there's always more to explore.

Image
Cody Williams

Medical School:  Indiana University School of Medicine

Undergrad:  Indiana University

Hometown:  Crown Point, IN

I’m from Northwest Indiana and am so excited to be in Chicago for residency. Professionally, I enjoy mentorship and medical education with an affinity for a good tox case too. Outside of medicine, I’m a hockey fan and soccer player. I like both local and national hiking trips, reading biographies, fishing, and trying new recipes. For me, variety is important - in medicine and in life.

Favorite Thing about living in Chicago:  The food and drink variety (and quality) is outstanding! And you can get a different “smaller city” feel in each neighborhood you explore.

Image

Class of 2026

The class of 2026 poses on the RUSH rooftop garden with the Chicago skyline in the background.

Name Academic Profile
Robert Alexander

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine      

Undergrad: Michigan State University

Hometown: Commerce, MI

I grew up outside of Detroit surrounded by the many lakes of southeast MI. My favorite days are spent cruising the water with my incredibly fun friends and family. I’m a diehard Detroit and MSU sports fan and can’t wait to see my teams win in Chicago! I also enjoy movies, reading, finding new restaurants, and dabbling at guitar. My interests in EM include critical care, ultrasound, and medical education.

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: I can’t wait to explore Chicago! It’s so huge with never ending activities to try! But I’m probably most excited for the music and sports scenes, as well as summers on Lake Michigan!

A portrait of Robert Alexander.
Jodi Allison

Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School

Undergrad: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Hometown: Greenfield, WI

I grew up in Wisconsin but have also lived in various parts of the Midwest (Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Ann Arbor). Now, I’m excited to be able to call Chicago home! In my free time, I enjoy listening to live music, reading and watching sports. I’m probably in the running for the biggest fan of the Wisconsin Women’s Volleyball team. I’m looking forward to joining the RUSH family and pursuing my interests in social EM and medical education!        

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: Walks by the lake, exploring the various neighborhoods, and trying different bars/restaurants! I’m also hoping to check out a Packers/Bears game at Soldier Field (Go Pack Go!)

A portrait of Jodi Allison.
Tamara Amponsah

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Undergrad: University of British Columbia

Hometown: Surrey, BC      

I was born in Accra, Ghana, where I grew up until my family made the move to the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. I believe in trying everything at least once and this has led to many fun and memorable adventures and hobbies which I plan to continue in Chicago. I enjoy adventuring outside, reading, strolling aimlessly around cities, attending (free) shows and discovering new eating spots. Academically, I have a wide range of interests including global and social EM, critical care and sports medicine, and I am looking forward to exploring these as a resident!         

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: Although I have never visited Chicago, I am excited to live in a city with some of everything and to explore all that Chicago has to offer, including the sports and what I’ve heard is a fantastic food scene.

A portrait of Tamara Amponsah.
Jasmine Beasley

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine        

Undergrad: University of South Carolina

Hometown: Columbus, GA

I was originally born in Columbus, GA but had the opportunity to travel as a military child. I’ve lived in Georgia, Germany, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Alabama. Hence, I love traveling and meeting new people. I became particularly interested in Emergency Medicine after participating in a trauma and triage day event during my first year of medical school. I won the intubation challenge and there was no looking back! I am beyond excited to join the RUSH family. My EM interests include ultrasound and tactical medicine. I enjoy spending time with family & friends, mentorship, cooking, music, and exploring new places.  

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: The food, the people, and the city life! I’m looking forward to all that Chicago has to offer!

A portrait of Jasmine Beasley.
Grace Bunemann

Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine   

Undergrad: North Carolina State University

Hometown: High Point, NC

Hey y’all! I am a born and raised North Carolinian excited to make the move to the midwest! I’ve wanted to be a doctor since elementary school — deciding EM as my specialty came a few years later in middle school. Although I always planned a career in medicine, my undergrad degree is actually from the College of Textiles at NC State. I am interested in pursuing a career in international & austere emergency medicine — Rush’s Social EM & Global Health resident track was a huge draw for me. Outside of medicine, I am very passionate about travel, food, books, and the outdoors. I have visited 49 states and 21 countries so far and hope to reach all 7 continents in the next 10 years. Excited to experience the Windy City!    

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: Living in a walkable neighborhood has been a game changer so far!! It’s so nice not to use my car for everything. The amount (and variety) of restaurants, bars, & breweries is a huge change for me too!

A portrait of Grace Buneman.
Charis Crofton

Medical School: RUSH Medical College

Undergrad: University of Chicago

Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA         

I grew up in the LA area, attended UChicago for undergrad, and then worked in healthcare research in Boston for a few years before returning to Chicago to attend medical school at Rush. I am thrilled to be staying in the Rush fam! I love all things outdoors, ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, tennis, biking, games of all kinds, dog sitting, traveling, and exploring the city. My professional interests include social EM, global health, med ed, and LGBTQ+ health and wellness.         

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: Trying all the amazing restaurants/bars/cafes in each neighborhood, street festivals, drag shows, biking along Lake Michigan, beach days in the summer, and getting to know the wonderful people who live here!

A portrait of Charis Crofton.
Scott Eberly

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine 

Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign      

Hometown: Hampshire, IL

I was born and raised in the cornfields outside Chicago. Originally trained in architecture and engineering, I worked in real estate development for ten years before making my way to medicine. I have loved both experiences and look forward to applying what both have taught me in the years ahead. Specific interests in Emergency Medicine include operational efficiency, quality, administration, and sports medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy travelling the world, architecture, food, fitness, skiing, and being a proud Dog Dad to my spoiled Bernedoodle, Oliver.

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: Great food scene, good people, the lake, four seasons with plenty to do during each, and it’s home!

A portrait of Scott Eberly.
Ben Harsin

Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Undergrad: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Hometown: Belleville, Illinois

Hi, I’m Ben - I grew up in the Illinois suburbs across the river from St. Louis, Missouri. I remained local for both undergrad and medical school, but I am thrilled to be starting residency in Chicago at Rush University! Within emergency medicine, my interests include ultrasound and global health, but I am eager to explore other areas as well. Outside the hospital, you can find me exploring nature, trying new foods with my fiancée, woodworking (when both the time and funds are available, admittedly a rare occurrence in this phase of life), or engrossed in a strategic board game that I have conned by friends into playing. Although a lifelong and loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, training and working at Rush University will be worth the sacrifice of living in Chicago Cubs territory.   

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: I am excited to experience life in the big city! Whether that takes the form of exploring the different neighborhoods, visiting various restaurants, strolling/kayaking the lakefront, or watching the Cardinals beat the Cubs at Wrigley, I know these new adventures will endure as fond, lifelong memories. The most highly anticipated change, however, is that I will finally join my fiancé in Chicago after being long distance for a year!

A portrait of Ben Harsin.
Bobby Hlavin

Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago

Undergrad: University of Notre Dame

Hometown: Elk Grove Village, IL

I grew up in the Chicagoland area, went to Notre Dame for college, and moved to the city for med school. Within EM, my interests are critical care and ultrasound. Outside of work, my hobbies include sports like baseball, basketball, golf, and soccer, playing video games, and reading. I’m really excited to continue living, working, and exploring my favorite city.     

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: White Sox and Bulls games, rec basketball leagues, Chicago Summers, the lake, and proximity to my family and niece in the suburbs.  

A portrait of Rober Hlavin.
Olivia Kamensky

Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine 

Undergrad: University of Georgia

Hometown: Columbus, GA

I grew up in Georgia and attended the University of Georgia for undergrad and Mercer University for medical school. I completed my Pediatrics residency at the University of South Carolina Columbia/Prisma Health - Midlands, and I am very excited to now join the team at Rush for my Emergency Medicine training. My interests in EM include pediatrics and medical education. Outside of work, I enjoy baking, travel, reading, and working out.           

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: It’s a beautiful city with friendly people, amazing food, and tons of fun things to do!  

A portrait of Olivia Kamensky.
Katherine Kravchuk

Medical School: Des Moines University

Undergrad: University of Northern Iowa     

Hometown: Osage, IA

I grew up in northern Iowa and have lived in most of the state and Ecuador since. I enjoy playing golf/tennis with my husband, knitting or crocheting, and practicing martial arts in my spare time. My interests within EM are EMS, pediatrics, and ultrasound.        

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: Ukrainian food, all the different restaurants, and new breweries to try.

A portrait of Katherine Kravchuk.
Emily Wusterbarth

Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

Undergrad: University of Arizona

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ    

I am a native Arizonan leaving the desert for the first time to explore the great city of Chicago! I studied biology at the University of Arizona and worked as a quadriplegic caregiver prior to medical school. I love running/race training, trying my hand at intramural sports, puzzles, binging new Netflix shows and all things food and wine. My interests in EM include street medicine, social determinants of health and critical care. During residency and beyond, I hope to take part in initiatives that increase access to medical care in our community.

Favorite thing about Chicago/What you are looking forward to about the city: I love trying new restaurants and different types of food and Chicago has no shortage of that! I’m looking forward to enjoying the nice summer weather, taking in the skyline views on the river, exploring all of the street fairs and playing some beach volleyball on Lake Michigan. 

A portrait of Emily Wuserbarth.

 

Connect with the RUSH Emergency Medicine Residency on social media