Meet the Residents
PGY-4
Ralph Desir, DO
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Undergrad: THE Florida State University
Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: I picked Rush PM&R because of the family atmosphere and camaraderie between the residents, attendings, and staff. I feel like my education and training is the main priority of the program and I will be well-suited to practice anywhere in the world once I complete my residency here.
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago: The energy of this city is infectious and my favorite thing about Chicago… From all the major sports represented, the diversity of the food and culture, the scenic views of the skyline, beach, and Lake Michigan, the city has something special to offer to anybody searching for it.
Program Development Chief Resident, PM&R representative for AMSSM Sports Medicine Resident Council
Carol Chang, DO
Hometown: Cupertino, California
Undergraduate Studies: University of California, Berkeley
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine - Midwestern University
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago: I love that there are endless amounts of activities to do and new places to explore. In the summer especially, I like to bike down Lakeshore, find new rooftops, and check out weekly food & music fests.
What inspired you to pick PM&R: I connect with the holistic approach to patient care with the emphasis on patient specific goals for quality of life. I enjoy working with a multidisciplinary team to have different perspectives and collaboration in patient care. I am also inspired every day by the hardworking and resilient patient population that we have.
Education Chief Resident
Joseph “Joey” Brutzkus, MD
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Undergradraduate Studies: University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: The residents, both in PM&R as well as other specialties in the hospital, are genuinely great people both at work and outside the hospital. You get to work in one of the premier academic medical centers in the USA while being in an amazing city.
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago: Summer time Chi! Concerts, patios, rooftops, BBQ, Baseball games, beach volleyball, boats on Lake Michigan, street festivals, the list goes on and on. The food scene is pretty hard to top honestly
Education Chief Resident
Ishita Jain, MD
Hometown: New Albany, IN
Undergrad: University of Louisville
Medical School: University of Louisville
Favorite thing about PM&R: I love the team based approach to patient care that is at the core of our specialty. Also, I am excited to work with such motivated and resilient patients.
Favorite thing about Chicago: between the skyscrapers, parks, river, and lake - it’s such a beautiful city! I really enjoy going on evening walks along the water.
Ongoing Education: Currently pursing a Masters in Health Systems Management
PGY3
Wellness Chair
Reza Tanveer, DO
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Undergraduate Studies: Loyola University of Chicago
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine - Midwestern University
Favorite thing about Chicago: The dysfunctional seasonality from the cold with its unbeatable holiday season, the short colorful autumn, all the way to the humid-free lakefront summer.
Favorite Place to eat in Chicago: Not a fair question to ask a foodie, but at a glance, Lou Malnati’s pizza, and Green Street Smoked Meats for the carnivorous feeling days
Housestaff Association President 2021-2022
Jason McAloon, DO
Hometown: Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Undergradraduate Studies: Lake Forest College
Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: Rush University was my top choice because it gave me the feeling that I was right at home. I felt welcomed by everyone working at Rush, and could tell there is a strong sense of community. The PM&R residency program offers high quality training at a nationally known academic center.
Favorite Activity in Chicago: Going to the United Center to watch Chicago Blackhawks games (I always make sure to get there early for the National Anthem especially when it is sung by Wayne Messmer).
Favorite Place to eat in Chicago: Lou Malnati’s because pizza should be eaten with a fork and knife.
PSQI Chair
Elizabeth “Elsa” George, MD
Hometown: Barrington, IL
Undergradraduate Studies: University of Missouri - Kansas City
Medical School: University of Missouri- Kansas City
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: I love the culture between residents and faculty, the emphasis on teaching/ education, opportunities for community outreach, as well as being in the great city of Chicago!
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago: The food! Chicago has everything you could ever want to eat and more. I’m a Yelper so I’m always searching for the best food spots in the city!
Health Equity and Community Outreach Chair, Co-Chair of Hospital Diversity Equality Inclusion (DEI) Committee
Boss Povieng, MD
Hometown: Tulare, California
Undergraduate Studies: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: I choose Rush PM&R for several key reasons. First, Rush PM&R champions a well rounded training curriculum including but not limited to hands on experience in the prosthetics and orthotics lab. Second, I was impressed by how involved program director Dr. Kasi was with medical student enrichment through my experience as part of Dr. Kasi’s Chicago Medical Student Fellowship. I am also interested in health equity work and take pride in the fact that Rush’s PM&R program is dedicated to furthering diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Most inspirational person in your life: I have two people I take inspiration from: my mom and my dad. They continue to teach me the importance of doing what is right and the meaning of perseverance each and everyday.
Ongoing Education: Currently enrolled in Rush University’s Health Equity Program
Leadership: Member of Rush’s Immigrant Health Working Group
PGY-2
Tiffany Dyer, MD
Hometown: Queens, NY
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Hobbies: Music, the vinyl kind; Movies, the scarier the better; DIY Projects, with a dramatic “before & after.” But first…Brunch!
Fun Fact: I played for the NC Collegiate Women’s Rugby All-Star team and only broke 2 bones in the process.
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: I chose Rush PM&R for the people. I knew I wanted to join a residency program where I would get well-rounded PM&R education and experiences (*ehem* Rush). But I also wanted to make sure I was in a program where I felt supported academically and personally, where my co-residents felt more like family than colleagues, and where I felt I could be at home away from home. Rush stood out in that aspect more than any other program and that’s a huge part of why I’m here.
Favorite Activity in Chicago: Eating! The food scene out here is amazing and it’s a great way to explore the city. During patio and rooftop season, you get to enjoy a view with your meal. You could taste test every food truck in sight in between games and good music at one of the many street festivals in the city. Even in the chilly months, there are always new restaurants and new neighborhoods to explore on your hunt for the perfect slice of pizza, bulgogi taco, or whatever your heart so desires.
Evan Arbit, DO
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: working out, running, skiing, biking, pickle ball/tennis, scary movies, cooking and petting any dog!
Fun Fact: I am a twin (fraternal)
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: Rush was my dream program because of the awesome comradery between residents and faculty. I wanted an environment where I could feel supported in, and this is it! I also wanted to be in Chicago to be close to my fiancé.
Favorite restaurant in Chicago: The Smith
Briana Santiago, DO
Hometown: Gulf Breeze, Florida
Undergraduate: Tulane University
Medical School: A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: Outdoor activities, hiking, working out, golfing. Going to the beach.
Fun Fact: I competed in the triple jump at Tulane.
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: I chose Rush PM&R because of the kind residents, supportive faculty, and overall inclusivity of the hospital.
Favorite Activity in Chicago: I am new to Chicago and enjoy exploring the city. There is always a new restaurant to try, event going on, or tour to take.
Favorite Place to eat in Chicago: Ema
Hanna Mielke-Maday, MD
Hometown: Hinsdale, Illinois
Undergrad: Cornell University
Medical School: Florida Atlantic University
Hobbies: Running, biking, hiking, exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, baking (which counteracts the physical activity), and audiobooks to prevent road rage
Fun fact: I studied Food Science in college and use that to brew my own kombucha