Class of 2026

| 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! | ![]() |
| 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!) | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
Class of 2027

| Name | Academic 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! | ![]() |
| 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!
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| 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. | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
| 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. | ![]() |
| 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! | ![]() |
Class of 2027
| Name | Academic Profile | |
|---|---|---|
| Huda Abughannam | Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University Undergrad: Rutgers University Hometown: Guttenberg, NJ Born and raised in New Jersey, I traded city skylines for New Mexico’s desert views, chasing sunsets on hiking trails and discovering a new love for the outdoors. Whether I’m running or learning to ski, I’m happiest outdoors and moving. I also enjoy live music, art, and getting lost in a good book. My EM interests include global and border health and medical education. | ![]() |
| Colin Behl | Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences of Osteopathic Medicine Undergrad: University of Puget Sound Hometown: Seattle, WA/Albuquerque, NM I was trained in opera before pursuing a career in medicine. My favorite thing about Chicago is going on runs along the lake!
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| Dena Dianati | Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine Undergrad: St. Louis University Hometown: St. Louis, MO Hey y'all! I was born in France, but have lived in St. Louis, MO for most of my life. I went to Saint Louis University for my undergraduate and studied Public Health and French, and then moved to Arkansas for medical school. My EM interests include wilderness medicine, social medicine, global health, pain, medical education, and disaster/event medicine. In my free time, I love to bake for my friends, spend time outdoors walking on the lake front or at the beach, hiking, rock climbing, painting, playing piano, and reading. Favorite thing about living in Chicago: I love the endless opportunities to try new activities, the variety in restaurants and coffee shops, and the Lake! | ![]() |
| Yurissa Flores-Sanchez | Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Undergrad: Oregon State University Hometown: Salem, OR | ![]() |
| Timothy Huang | Medical School: Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine Undergrad: University of California, Irvine Hometown: Irvine, CA Hey everyone, I'm Tim. I was born and raised in Taiwan and also spent time growing up in Shanghai, China and Southern California. My experiences moving to new places have taught me to explore and appreciate new cultures, and I look forward to doing the same in this next chapter in Chicago. In my free time, I love playing video games, weightlifting, trying new restaurants, traveling, and attending EDM music festivals. I'll never miss out on a social meal activity like Korean BBQ or Hotpot with friends. As a foodie, my favorite thing about Chicago is all the great restaurants the city has to offer. I got my undergraduate degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and grew to love learning about medications and their mechanisms. I'm interested in expanding my knowledge through the fields of toxicology and medical education within Emergency Medicine. | ![]() |
| Odiseo Jimenez | Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine Undergrad: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Hometown: Union City, CA Hi, I’m Odiseo! I was born and raised in the California Bay Area and studied Wine and Viticulture at Cal Poly SLO. Before starting medical school, I interned at an orthopedic device sales company here in Chicagoland and later worked as an EMT back in California. I was stoked to match at Rush and return to Chicago, where I’m excited to explore more of the unique neighborhoods, appreciate all the cool architecture and of course enjoy the lake. Outside of work I love to ski, travel, cook, keep up with the stock market, and stay active through weightlifting, cycling, and running. My interests in EM include event medicine and gloabl health. Favorite things about living in Chicago: | ![]() |
| Shavit Keren | Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine Undergrad: University of California, Berkeley Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
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| Camille Papelera | Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine Undergrad: University of St. Francis Hometown: Park Ridge, IL Hey, I'm Camille! I'm a proud Midwest girl who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, went to medical school in Kansas City, and now I’ve returned home for residency. EM is so rewarding because I get to hear the stories of the people who make up our community and serve them in their times of need. I am grateful for all the things I learn from my patients and colleagues every day. Currently, my interests within this specialty are emergency psychiatry, medical education, and social EM. When I’m not in the hospital, I love spending time with my partner and friends at the climbing gym or exploring new restaurants and breweries. I also often venture outside of the city to be with family, which includes our sweet pup, Darcy. Chicago has an incredible, diverse food scene, and the summers are unbeatable. I’m excited to be part of the Rush family! | ![]() |
| Ted Peacock | Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Undergrad: Boston College Hometown: Durham, PA Hey everyone! I am coming to Chicago after being a lifetime east coaster. Originally born and raised about an hour north of Philadelphia, I also spent almost 8 years living in Boston between college and working for several years afterwards at the regional OPO. I ended up returning home to PA to go back to school at both PCOM and Temple for my medical education. While training, I came to love working in EM due to its team-based attitude and the hands-on medicine and interventions that we practice. When I'm not working or studying, I can usually be found catching a game somewhere, at the movies, or planning a trip somewhere new or to scuba dive. | ![]() |
| Jazmine Daniels | Medical School: Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine Undergrad: Cameron University Hometown: Lawton, OK Hello friends! I am originally from Chicago, but lived in Oklahoma for the past ten years. In my free time I love going out for coffee and matcha, crocheting wearables and blankets, and exploring new spots in Chicago. Bonus points if any of the activities are related to autumn! My favorite thing about chicago is the food atmosphere and the free beach pilates. I am a first generation latina college/ medical graduate. My interests in emergency medicine include social, disaster, and community EM. I love to volunteer at free clinics and with youth medicine seminars.
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| Khalil Taylor | Medical School: Drexel College of Medicine Undergrad: Villanova University Hometown: Philadelphia, PA What's up! I grew up in Philly, and I’m excited to bring my East Coast energy and community-driven mindset to Chicago. I had an incredible experience rotating at Rush, where I felt seen, supported, and constantly inspired by the dedication to both residents and attendings. As a first-generation college and medical student from an under-resourced background, I’m passionate about health equity, mentorship, and humanism in medicine. I’m especially drawn to urban emergency medicine, social EM, and medical education, and patient. Outside the hospital, you can find me journaling at a coffee shop, exercising in a number of ways, taking long walks through new neighborhoods, or debating the best shows and movies. I’m also almost always down for a game night or deep conversation. | ![]() |
| Emma Weiland | Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science Undergrad: DePaul University Hometown: Oak Lawn, IL Hi everyone! I was born and raised in Oak Lawn and did undergrad and med school in Chicago. I am thrilled to stay in Chicago at Rush for residency! In my free time, I love building Legos with my siblings! I also enjoy hiking on trips with my friends and family, card games, intramural sports (volleyball champs in med school!), and horror movies. Recently, I've gotten into cosmic horror, a fascinating subgenre of horror! Within EM, I'm interested in global health, social EM, and wilderness medicine. I also have a strong passion for mental health. Favorite thing about living in Chicago: The Field Museum! It's my favorite museum I've been to, mainly because of nostalgia and the prehistoric exhibit (I wanted to be a paleontologist when I was younger). Also, the city skyline is unbeatable. | ![]() |



































