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Meet Our Residents

PGY-5

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Omar Azem, MD
Chief Resident
PGY-5

Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Undergrad: Kent State University
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Why RUSH:  "I considered RUSH because the faculty sets precedents and disseminates standard of care across institutions. I decided RUSH because the department's leadership attracts staff who are hyper-focused on patient care. I committed to RUSH because this community permeates gratitude and extends resources to the patients of the future."
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Omar Azem

Adrianna Cueto-Marquez, MD
Chief Resident
PGY-5

Medical School: Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
Undergrad: Universidad de Puerto Rico
Hometown: San Juan, PR
Why RUSH: "I chose RUSH because I wanted to train at a program that was at the forefront of academic excellence while providing patient-centered cancer care for a diverse population. The program itself has a very supportive faculty who are genuinely committed to residents education and development. The group of residents is caring, welcoming and friendly. In addition, Chicago offers a fantastic quality of life. There is great access to outdoor activities, lots of culture, arts and a wide variety of good food options." 
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Adrianna Cueto-Marquez

PGY-4

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Katie Scharf, MD
PGY-4
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Undergrad: Wake Forest University
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Why RUSH: "RUSH is focused on exceptional patient care and on developing well-rounded, clever, compassionate physicians. The multidisciplinary tumor boards particularly drew my interest, as well as the new state-of-the-art cancer center. At RUSH, the educational opportunities, diversity of patients, and environment of respect and congeniality combine to provide the residents a safe, comfortable, and challenging space to learn and grow as physicians and people; and to be well prepared for board exam. And all of this in the best city in the world!"
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Katie Scharf, MD

PGY-2

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Jake Dieter, DO
PGY-2
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: University Tennessee, Knoxville
Hometown: Knoxville, TN 
Why RUSH:  "I chose Rush because of the faculty's strong commitment to creating a supportive learning environment and their dedication to providing cutting-edge patient care. The faculty not only fosters innovation, compassion, and mentorship, but also actively supports and encourages residents in achieving their individual goals. This alignment with my values and career aspirations makes Rush an ideal place for my growth."
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William Dieter, MD
Dayana           Dobrikov, DO
PGY-2
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Barrington, IL
Why RUSH: "I chose the residency program at RUSH because it offers exceptional training at a nationally recognized academic center in the heart of Chicago, a vibrant and dynamic Midwest metropolis. The institution fosters a genuinely friendly and collaborative environment, encouraging strong interdisciplinary teamwork. The Department of Radiation Oncology provides education and mentorship from outstanding faculty, ensuring comprehensive professional growth. What truly amazed me was their nurturing culture, where residents are wholeheartedly supported throughout the journey to becoming skilled and compassionate Radiation Oncologists. " 
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Dayana Dobrikov, DO

PGY-1

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Lucia Boccuzzi, MD
PGY-1

 

Medical School: RUSH Medical College of RUSH University Medical Center
Undergrad: Florida International University 
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Why RUSH:  "My experience at Rush during medical school was truly formative, and it solidified my desire to continue my medical training here as a resident physician. The support and mentorship I received from the Radiation Oncology department during my rotation left a lasting impression and affirmed my aspiration to complete my residency in such a welcoming and collaborative environment."
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Luciarita Boccuzzi, MD

Guhan Shanmugasundaram, MBBS
PGY-1

 

Medical School: Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research
Hometown: Chennai, India
Why RUSH: "I chose RUSH because from the very beginning, I felt like I was stepping into a family. The environment was warm, respectful, and genuinely supportive. What stood out to me the most was the strong culture of teaching; every single interaction felt like an opportunity to learn. The faculty and residents took time to explain, engage, and ensure that learning was meaningful. I also saw how much patients valued the compassionate, high-quality cancer care they received, which was incredibly inspiring. The people, the values, and the spirit of the program made it the best choice for me. And of course, living in a beautiful, vibrant city like Chicago is a huge bonus.
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Guhan Shanmugasundaram, MBBS