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Our Residents

Class of 2025

 

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

NameAcademic 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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!).

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Class of 2026

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

NameAcademic 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.

Class of 2027

 

Class of 2027

NameAcademic Profile
David Fierro

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Undergrad: University of South Florida

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia   

Hi everybody, I was born in Colombia but I grew up in Tampa, Florida. If I'm not working or studying, I'm probably playing with my cats Nando and Coco, or watching/playing soccer. I'm also learning how to be a proper foodie and trying out as many restaurants as possible, but I always make sure I have some time for video games at the night's end! I fell in love with EM before medical school when I worked in the ED for 3 years and I am specifically passionate about health/language equity and EMS but I also believe you can pop an ultrasound probe on anything!

David Fierro
Alexis LaBauex

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Undergrad: Howard University 

Hometown: Chicago, IL 

Éy laba! I was born in Chicago and raised throughout the Chicagoland area! I grew up going to work with my mom in the med district, so it brings back so many memories walking those same paths now at Rush! I chose EM because it's one of the only fields where you can help EVERYONE and see anything! My EM interest are social Medicine, global medicine, and EMS! In my free time, I love to bake, eat, and travel. My goal is to try some of the spiciest hot sauce each country has to offer! I've lived in many cities and countries, and nothing will ever beat home! I love the food scene ( especially my fat back snacks) and people. There's always something to do. Doesn't matter if you're a meemaw like me or like to hit the party scene. Summertime chi is like no other! 

 

Alexis LaBauex
Alexis Love

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Undergrad: Loyola Marymount University

Hometown: Los Angeles, California   

Hey everyone! I grew up in Los Angeles, California. I attended Loyola Marymount University for undergrad where I played D1 Basketball. After graduation, I played professionally in Spain and Albania. During my free time, I enjoy taking my dogs to the lake, playing basketball, finding new places to eat, or watching a concert at Grant Park. I chose EM because of our impact on everyone who comes to the ED. We see patients when they are most vulnerable, as an ED doc you get to be the best part of their worst day. Some of my EM interests are Sports Medicine and Social EM. 

Alexis Love
Mona Munshi

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine        

Undergrad: Hofstra University

Hometown: Skokie, IL

Hi, I'm Mona! I grew up in Skokie, and I'm thrilled to move back to Chicago for residency. Before medical school, I worked in fertility as an embryologist. I have a masters in reproduction as well as a background in public health. I love women's health, and strive to be an advocate for underserved populations. Outside of medicine, I love to cook and host, do yoga, go for walks along the lake, read, and explore new foodie places in the city. I'm so excited to be part of Rush's EM program and look forward to my time here!

Mona Munshi
James Nguyen

Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University   

Undergrad: University of California San Diego

Hometown: San Jose, California

I love trying new places to eat, working out, going to music festivals, and bothering my cat. What I love about EM is the variety of things you can see in one shift and having many opportunities to learn from other consults and services. As for future interests, I'm interested in peds-EM or med-ed.

James Nguyen
Neel Patel

Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Undergrad: University of Wisconsin - Madison

Hometown: Chicago, IL    

I was born and raised in Chicago and couldn’t be more excited to be back in my hometown for residency. Currently interested in critical care, EMS, and the administrative/educational aspects of the field. When I’m not working, you’ll find me playing sports, going to a workout class, playing Settlers of Catan, or any card games. After a long day, I love to unwind with some Call of Duty or Netflix, and nothing beats coming home to my roommate’s dog for a little stress relief!  

Neel Patel
Lucas Rappert

Medical School: Kansas City University

Undergrad: University of Wisconsin - Madison

Hometown: Menasha, WI

Hi. I am originally from Northeast Wisconsin and spent 6 years before residency living and going to school in a hidden gem of the Midwest, Kansas City. I was a non-traditional and first-generation student. Prior to medical school, I worked as a 911 dispatcher, advanced EMT/ER tech, medicolegal death investigator, and later performed tissue procurement with an organ procurement organization. EM has always been my passion because each day comes with the excitement of not knowing who you will see next. Within EM, I am interested in critical care, EMS/disaster medicine, festival medicine, and bioethics. Outside of EM, I enjoy training and racing in triathlons and most recently completed IRONMAN Wisconsin. You can also find me enjoying the sounds of the symphony in the park. 

Lucas Rappert
Abdul-Rahman Saleh

Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine      

Undergrad: University of North Carolina

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Hi! I'm Abdul. I was born in Chicago but grew up mostly in Charlotte, North Carolina. I'm fortunate to come back to where it all began for residency. I love playing all kinds of sports (currently working on my pickleball game), weightlifting, and running. I'm also enjoying discovering all the great food spots in Chicago. Within Emergency Medicine, my interests include critical care, sports medicine, and disaster medicine.

Abdul-Rahman Saleh
Zeba Shaik

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergrad: University of Texas at Dallas

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Howdy! I'm Zeba, originally born and raised in India but lived in Florida, Texas and Arkansas since. Dallas is my home! I love spending time with my friends and family, strolling the city and finding fun things to do. I'm a huge foodie, love kbbq, hot pot, sushi, and my mom's home made biryani, of course. In my free time, I do mixed-media art, photography, and enjoy traveling. Maui and Malta have been my favorite destinations so far! 
I am interested in global medicine, ultrasound and simulation. I want to work closely with the community and be involved in improving access to healthcare and health literacy. I was drawn to emergency medicine because I wanted to work with underserved populations and provide healthcare anywhere, anytime. I love the fast paced lifestyle of emergency medicine and the opportunities to do hands on procedures. I take pride in the fact that we are the healthcare safety net and I'm excited to be part of the RUSH Emergency Medicine family!

Zeba Shaik
Jonathan E. Velez

Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago - Rockford

Undergrad: University of Illinois at Chicago

Hometown: Chicago, IL

I love the outdoors, exercising, and exploring natural parks all around the world. My EMS background allowed me to work with fire departments, police, and government agencies in some of the coolest areas and training opportunities available. I want to continue this pathway and be able to help those communities at need, or those who experience a disaster/national emergency of any sort. Rush Provides all of this, and the people here will guide you on the right path. 

Jonathan E. Velez
Joseph Wendt 

Medical School: Saint Louis University

Undergrad: Saint Louis University     

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

I was born in upstate New York, raised in Cincinnati, and attended college and medical school in St. Louis. I took a break from the Midwest in 2019 as a middle school teacher in Sacramento California, but I am happy to call Chicago my new home! I love running, cycling, hiking, and any intramural sport I can find. You can also catch me on the tabletop hosting a thrilling Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Emergency Medicine drew me in with its mix of diverse pathologies, acute patients, procedures, and its interplay with socio-economic forces. My current EM interests are toxicology, addiction medicine, and critical care. 

Joseph Wednt
Jack Whitaker

Medical School: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Undergrad: University at Buffalo

Hometown: Myersville, MD / Ithaca, NY

Hi, I'm Jack! I worked in an ER during undergrad, and that's what sparked my interest in EM. I love how it's dynamic, we get to see a ton of different kinds of patients, and do procedures. I'm really interested in disaster, pre-hospital medicine, social EM, and rural/wilderness medicine. Outside of work, I do a lot of creative writing, reading, and play video games. I really love archery and traveling - I want to go to every National Park one day! 

Jack Whitaker

 

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