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!
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 (*ahem *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.
Fun Fact: I played for the NC Collegiate Women’s Rugby All-Star team and only broke 2 bones in the process.
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!
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
Fun Fact: I am a twin (fraternal)
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.
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
Fun Fact: I competed in the triple jump at Tulane.
Hometown: Hinsdale, Illinois
Undergraduate: Cornell University
Medical School: Florida Atlantic University
Why did you pick Rush PM&R: Growing up, everyone seemed to always rave about Rush Hospital and I eventually got to find out why. When I interviewed, the people were incredibly friendly and supportive, it was strong academic hospital, and I could be close to my dog again… oh and my parents too.
Favorite restaurant in Chicago: I’m a big fan of good food & ambiance (aka plants) so Cabra or Aba are my two favorites right now. I will also put a plug that Lou Malnati’s is the best deep dish in Chicago and that the Loyalist burger is better than Au Cheval!
Hobbies: Complaining about the cold, hitting as many national parks as possible, Biking the lake front path, running, mini-golf league, slowly checking off my ever-growing Chicago restaurant list, free museum days, and baking (I make Levain replica cookies probably every other day).
Fun Fact: I studied Food Science in college and use that to brew my own kombucha, my apartment is basically a jungle at this point.
Ongoing Education: Currently enrolled in Rush University’s Health Equity Program
Hometown: Laredo, Texas & San Juan, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate Studies: Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
Medical School: Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Reason I picked Rush: I enjoyed the culture that this hospital endorsed, specifically teamwork, openness, and respect. These qualities not only help me grow as a physician, but more importantly as a human being.
Favorite thing in Chicago: BULLS BULLS & BULLS! Also enjoy the other sports scene such as Cubs, White Sox’s, Bears, Blackhawks, and Fire. Enjoying the food scene comes as a close second!
Hobbies / Activities: Basketball, Tennis, Working out, Walking my dog (Siberian Husky named Sydney), building Legos (Star Wars preferred), and watching any good series on TV!
Fun Fact: I played Division I basketball in college
Hometown: Orland Park, IL
Undergrad: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine - Midwestern University
Why I picked Rush PM&R: I met Rush PM&R residents and faculty early on in my medical school rotations and I immediately felt a strong sense of community and camaraderie. There’s also a strong emphasis on education, diversity, and community outreach. Plus, we get to be in the best city!
Hobbies/Activities: Trying new restaurants, kayaking, watching the latest DC/Marvel movie, and dancing hip-hop routines. I also enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife and adorable cat.
Favorite thing about Chicago: The restaurant scene is unmatched! My favorites include Lou Malnati’s, Nepal House, Jarabe, and Jeni’s for dessert. But I’m always looking for new recommendations!
Fun Fact: The next travel destination on my bucket list is Thailand. I was in a South Asian hip-hop dance group in college
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Undergrad: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Medical School: University of South Carolina Columbia – School of Medicine
Reason you picked Rush: Rush to me felt like a supportive atmosphere where I would be encourage to push for growth in my abilities.
Favorite thing in Chicago: Walking on the beach and around the city.
Hobbies / Activities: Tons lol. Soccer, Guitar, Video Games, Cooking, and much more!
Fun Fact: I used to competitively breakdance in college, and was formerly a writer for an English journalistic site for S.S. Lazio (a soccer club in Italy’s top competition)
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)
Reason you want to be a Physiatrist: PM&R offers a different scope when it comes to patient treatment, and it’s a specialty that, with a holistic allows generating hope where there’s not. This specialty allows growing with your patients along the process—taking care not only of the patient but the family. Coming from a place like the Dominican Republic, where disabilities come in different flavors, it’s the perfect setting to grasp the impact Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation can have on patients with disabilities. In addition, it’s a specialty that is exponentially growing and diversifying
Reason you picked Rush: I picked Rush for multiple reasons. Firstly, I wanted to grow in an academic and family-like environment that could furnish my training with aspects that would help me grow as a person and well-rounded physician. Second, I wanted a program that supported presence at annual conferences. Lastly, Rush it’s an institution with a heart for underserved communities, constantly creating opportunities to close the gap in health disparities, including the Dominican Republic powered by the Global Health Track.
Favorite thing in Chicago: Chicago is a city where you can find a cultural blend and numerous activities. It’s easy to walk around for hours and keep entertained by its distinctive architecture, unique gastronomical experience, diverse sports activities, astonishing scenes, or meeting people from different backgrounds.
Fun Fact: I was the Head Team Physician for the Dominican Republic National Soccer Team where I provided National and International Sports Coverage. Also, I have always like chemistry - I created/commercialized my own chemical products, including hand sanitizer and a tire shiner!
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Undergraduate: University of Oregon
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton
Hobbies: Golfing, running/anything that gets me moving outdoors in the sun, traveling, trying different cuisines, podcasts, cracking jokes, good Netflix documentaries
Favorite Activity in Chicago: The food scene! The city has something to offer for all of the different types of cuisines out there. I really enjoy checking out new bars and restaurants and the scene here in Chicago is outstanding!
Fun Fact: I play the Ukulele
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Undergrad: Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine – Midwestern University
Favorite thing about Chicago: I love driving/biking/running/walking down Lakeshore Drive. Beautiful views of the city and Lake Michigan. Just brings about happiness!
Favorite Restaurant in Chicago: Trivoli Tavern because of the atmosphere
Hobbies: Go Kart Racing/performance driving, basketball (playing and watching; Lakers fan), working out, board games, scary movies late at night, and playing the Ukulele (currently learning).
Fun Fact: I am a Level 1 Wine Sommelier and used to be a competitive Bhangra dancer
Hometown: Edison, NJ
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Medical School: University of Queensland - Ochsner Clinical School
Hobbies / Activities: Working out, hiking, snowboarding, backpacking, live music events and festivals, cooking, and spending time with my new dog!
Why did I picked Rush PM&R: The people! I loved the camaraderie between the residents/faculty and really wanted to be a part of this family environment. I also valued Rush’s mentorship directed towards both personal & professional development and the emphasis on resident well-being.
Favorite Activity in Chicago: Exploring all the different neighborhoods to find amazing restaurants, shops, and events! I love live music so I can’t wait to experience Chicago’s diverse music scene.
Fun fact: My life goal is to make it to all 7 continents and I only have Antarctica left!
Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI
Undergrad: Oakland University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Reason I picked Rush: Rush PM&R is an incredibly well-rounded training program with an emphasis on both academics and community involvement. I love that there is a supportive, family atmosphere between residents and faculty. Also, I had a wonderful experience as a medical student in the Chicago PM&R Fellowship - Dr. Kasi is an amazing teacher!
Favorite thing in Chicago: There’s so much to love about this city! The summer has endless concerts, festivals, and fun activities. It’s very peaceful to walk or bike near the lakefront. There are tons of cool neighborhoods to explore and, of course, the food scene is top notch!
Hobbies: Yoga, cooking, fitness, anything outdoors :)
Fun Fact: I was a radio DJ in college