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Residents

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Residents

Residents

Family Medicine

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First Year

Talia Ditkoff, MD

Talia Ditkoff, MD

Sackler School of Medicine, Israel

Jan Drela, MD

Jan Drela, MD

Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Gloribell Garcia Torres, MD

Gloribell Garcia Torres, MD

University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts

Esther Iyanobor, MD/MPH

Esther Iyanobor, MD/MPH

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Katherine Kroll, MD

Katherine Kroll, MD

University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago

Kaitlyn “Kat” Morris, DO

Kaitlyn “Kat” Morris, DO

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Louisiana

Karla Sintigo Monterroza, MD

Karla Sintigo Monterroza, MD

University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago

Diego Pividal Fernandez, MD

Diego Pividal Fernandez, MD

Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Havana, Cuba

Ellaine “Elle” Magistrado Quiminiano, MD

Ellaine “Elle” Magistrado Quiminiano, MD

University of East

Betty Thomas, MD

Betty Thomas, MD

Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, Curaçao

Nuzair Waliani, MB, BS

Nuzair Waliani, MB, BS

Dow International Medical College, Pakistan

Paola Zambrano, MD

Paola Zambrano, MD

La Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM)

Second Year

Emylea Adams, DO

Emylea Adams, DO

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie

Michelle Armendariz, MD

Michelle Armendariz, MD

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Jasmine Agyei-Poku, MD

Jasmine Agyei-Poku, MD

Wayne State University School of Medicine

Rebecca Camacho, DO

Rebecca Camacho, DO

Kansas City University

Alison Chen, MD

Alison Chen, MD

Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science

Ciara Griffin, MD

Ciara Griffin, MD

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine

Varoon Kumar, MD

Varoon Kumar, MD

University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine

Nawal Majid, MD

Nawal Majid, MD

St. George's University School of Medicine

Attilina Scioneaux, MD

Attilina Scioneaux, MD

University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Ebrahim Jafarzadeh Sheikh, MD

Ebrahim Jafarzadeh Sheikh, MD

O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University

Shiro Trager, MD

Shiro Trager, MD

University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine

Claudia “Mariela” Vasquez Portillo, MD

Claudia “Mariela” Vasquez Portillo, MD

Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador Facultad de Medicina

Third Year

Yanelle Asencio Quiñones, MD

Yanelle Asencio Quiñones, MD

University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Kitts

Tevin Brown, MD

Tevin Brown, MD

University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Kitts

Ravnoor Chandi, MD

Ravnoor Chandi, MD

Government Medical College Amritsar

Nyadow Chol, MD

Nyadow Chol, MD

St. George's University School of Medicine

Gabrielle Lojewski, MD

Gabrielle Lojewski, MD

Poznan University Medical Sciences Center

Anita Luxkaranayagam, MD

Anita Luxkaranayagam, MD

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Patricia Pla Castillo, MD

Patricia Pla Castillo, MD

Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine

Maria Kezia Pormento, MD

Maria Kezia Pormento, MD

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health

Alexander Ruiz, MD

Alexander Ruiz, MD

Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina

Valeriia Skurtol, MD

Valeriia Skurtol, MD

Penza State University Medical Institute

Amandeep Toor, MD

Amandeep Toor, MD

Saint James School of Medicine

Aditya Vij, MD

Aditya Vij, MD

Windsor University School of Medicine

To learn more about our program, get in touch with our Residency Coordinator:

Talia Ditkoff, MD
Sackler School of Medicine, Israel

While originally from New York, I’m excited to be here in Chicago and explore its neighborhoods, local trails, and veggie food scene. Outside of the clinic or hospital, you can find me hiking, working on a new ceramic project, or tending to my plants. My medical interests lie at the intersection of reproductive health and environmental  justice—specifically how climate change affects health outcomes and also how our healthcare system plays a role in that equation.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: I was drawn to Saint Mary for its unopposed training environment and the warmth of its community

Jan Drela, MD
Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Hobbies/Interests: As an amateur handyman, I enjoy relaxing by working on DIY projects. I love hiking, biking, and exploring Chicagoland with my family. I’m also passionate about innovative technologies in healthcare and spend my free time thinking about ways to make a broader impact on global health—especially through prevention, patient education, and lifestyle improvement. I believe in the power of a smile and a positive attitude, and I always strive to lead by example for my patients.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: As an international graduate moving to the U.S., I was looking for a residency where I would feel supported both professionally and personally. During my interview with Saint Mary – Chicago, I felt a genuine sense of warmth, humility, and community among the residents and faculty. The program stood out as a place that values diversity, builds strong team dynamics, and offers hands-on experience with a broad patient population. It felt like the right environment to grow as a physician—and to find a new home away from home.

Gloribell Garcia Torres, MD
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy diving into thriller and fiction books, binge-watching TV shows and movies, and spending quality time with my family over good conversations. I also love exploring new coffee shops and dining out.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: I was drawn to Saint Mary because it’s a program truly dedicated to its patients and community, its supportive and dedicated faculty, and the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population.

Esther Iyanobor, MD/MPH
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: I’m a Southern belle from Jackson, MS, with a love for  adventure, community, and lifelong learning. My professional interests include sexual health education, women’s health, trauma- informed care, and health equity particularly for underserved and LGBTQ+ populations. Outside of medicine, I enjoy dancing, hiking, soccer, wine tastings, reading fantasy and psychology books, and watching more anime than I should.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: I chose Saint Mary because of its kind people and strong commitment to advocacy, community-driven care, and training well-rounded, compassionate physicians

Katherine Kroll, MD
University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago

Hobbies/Interests: Some professional interests in FM I look forward to are providing strong mental and behavioral care for my patients, as well as an interest in women’s health. For personal interests, I adore my fur babies, currently having 2 cats and a golden retriever. I also love video gaming, and reading books, most commonly fantasy and sci-fi.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: I chose this program because I enjoyed the idea of being an unopposed residency, the feelings of family that I’ve gotten within the program, and the fact that Chicagoland area is where I was raised and this program allows me to be close to my family.

Kaitlyn “Kat” Morris, DO
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Louisiana

Hobbies: Running, yoga, crafting, trivia, karaoke, book clubs

Professional interests: Obstetrics and gynecology, access to family-planning, access to women’s reproductive services in underserved areas, global health, LGBTQIA+ care, pain management within office gynecology procedures

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: The faculty at Saint Mary’s was so incredibly supportive of my passion for women’s health advocacy. I truly believe that Saint Mary’s will foster my professional interests and shape me into a well-rounded physician. The fact that the program is an unopposed family medicine program gives us unlimited hands-on experience that you don’t see with other family medicine programs.

Karla Sintigo Monterroza, MD
University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago

Dr. Karla Sintigo is originally from El Salvador, grew up in Arkansas, but has called Chicago home since 2017. She studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas and she completed her medical education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. Being a Chicago local, she is interested in serving her community, which is why coming to . Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital for her training was an easy choice. During training she hopes to learn more about women’s health, integrative medicine and sports medicine. In her free time, she enjoys reading old works of fiction, cooking, learning foreign languages and walking her dog.

Diego Pividal Fernandez, MD
Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Havana, Cuba

I’m originally from Panama City, Panama. Outside of medicine, I’m someone who thrives on movement and connection. I’m passionate about outdoor activities like spearfishing, freediving, rock climbing and tennis. Staying active helps keep me grounded, and I love any opportunity to challenge myself physically and mentally. Professionally, my interests within Family Medicine include obesity medicine, sports medicine, office procedures, and outpatient primary care. I’m especially drawn to building long-term relationships with patients and creating a welcoming, trusted space where people not only feel cared for but actually enjoy coming to their doctor.

Why Saint Mary. of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: I chose Saint Mary’s because of the program’s dedication to serving a diverse and underserved community, including many migrants. The supportive faculty and the genuine sense of belonging I felt during the interview and visit made it clear this is where I want to grow as a physician. I’m truly looking forward to learning and contributing to this amazing team.

Ellaine “Elle” Magistrado Quiminiano, MD
University of East, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine, Philippines

I call the Philippines, Hawaii, and New Jersey home — and Im excited to add Chicago to that list. I love spending time outdoors, whether hiking, strolling by the river, or relaxing at the beach.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: I chose Saint Mary because of its commitment to underserved, diverse communities, its unopposed training environment, and the people I’ve had the chance to meet.

Betty Thomas, MD
Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, Curaçao

As a proud daughter of immigrant parents, I learned early on what it means to balance two cultures at once. That experience shaped a lot of who I am and how I connect with people. I’m especially passionate about addiction and pain medicine because I believe in meeting people where they are and understanding the deeper story. Outside of medicine, you can usually find me at a local coffee shop trying new matcha combos, exploring new food spots, or loudly cheering on the Dallas Cowboys during football season.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: Saint. Mary felt like the perfect place to train for residency! I loved that the program offers unopposed training and puts real emphasis on behavioral health. Training in Chicago means working with an incredibly diverse patient population and being exposed to so many different perspectives and experiences. It challenges you to think deeper, adapt quickly, and connect with people in meaningful ways. That’s the kind of experience I’m looking for as I learn more about addiction medicine and focus on caring for underserved communities.

Nuzair Waliani, MB, BS
Dow International Medical College, Pakistan

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy watching TV shows and movies, playing and watching  ports (cricket, basketball, and football), gardening, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital  Chicago: I chose this program because of its emphasis on serving diverse and underserved communities in an urban setting. The unopposed structure of the program offers comprehensive, hands-on training that truly prepares residents for full spectrum care. The welcoming environment, combined with a shared commitment to patient-centered care, made it clear that Saint Mary- Chicago is the right place for me to grow both personally and professionally.

Paola Zambrano, MD
La Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM)

I was born and raised in Venezuela. I enjoy cooking for my loved ones and friends, running, and playing board games with my family. Professionally, I am passionate about outpatient management, pain management, and procedures. I also have a strong interest in preventive medicine and patient education.

Why Saint Mary-Chicago: I chose this program because of its excellent balance of high-quality training, resident wellness, and strong sense of community. I was especially drawn to the warm, collaborative environment and the program’s meaningful connection with the diverse populations it serves.

Emylea Adams, DO
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie

Hobbies/Interests: I love getting outside whenever I can, whether that be walking my dog, exploring new parts of the city, or going to music festivals. I also enjoy painting, reading, trying new restaurants, and playing board games. As for medical interests, I am passionate about preventative medicine, working with underserved communities, and maternal and women’s health.

Why Saint Mary-Chicago: I chose Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago for several reasons, including its commitment to underserved communities, its urban location, and the opportunity to learn in an unopposed program that provides residents with full spectrum training. Also, from the very beginning, both faculty and residents here have been warm and supportive, which has created an excellent training environment. Overall, I feel confident that this is the right program to help me meet my professional goals while also working alongside people who share similar passions to me.

Michelle Armendariz, MD
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy crafts that I can make with my hands, especially crocheting and embroidery, and getting outside in nature, whether that includes a quick walk outside or a longer hike. I also hope to enjoy many walks by the lake.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? Saint Mary fit perfectly with my own interests and goals, with the hospital’s mission to serve vulnerable populations with excellent compassionate care. At Saint Mary’s, I can continue to learn full spectrum family medicine, with a special interest in addiction medicine.

Jasmine Agyei-Poku, MD
Wayne State University School of Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: I love traveling, watching new shows on TV, cooking, and finding new food places to try with my husband.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? I picked Saint Mary for the diversity in faculty, staff, and patients. I  really wanted to train somewhere that felt like home where underserved and vulnerable populations got the care, they needed from people who felt proud to provide that care. I love the depth of OB care that we provide here and how patients love to come back and see us for their follow ups.

Rebecca Camacho, DO
Kansas City University

Hobbies/Interests: eating good and new food, trying every coffee shop in existence, spending time with my dog son, exploring Chicagoland, running. Medical Interests- Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health, Global Health, Serving underserved populations

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital? – I wanted to continue my training in a diverse city where I could also utilize my Spanish speaking abilities. Chicago has a huge population of Spanish speakers and immigrants through Saint Mary, I found a program that shared the same vision to give back to the community and fill the gaps that exist in healthcare. Additionally, the program’s commitment to resident wellness and genuine concern for our health as people not just doctors is unopposed by any other program.

Alison Chen, MD
Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science

Hobbies/Interests: DIY crafts (sewing, quilting, embroidery, crocheting, weaving, etc.), puzzles, board games, thrift/antique shopping, tennis, indoor rock climbing, hiking, exploring the city via walking, going to concerts, and eating at new restaurants. Medical interests: geriatrics, preventive care, underserved populations.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? Having spent about 10 years living in the Chicago area, I feel most at home here. I luckily discovered Saint Mary through a third-year rotation. When I learned that the Family Medicine program is unopposed, emphasizes care to medically underserved patients, embraces diversity in the care team, has supportive attendings who like to teach, and has happy residents, I was completely sold.

Ciara Griffin, MD
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends, cooking and baking, anything outdoors (hiking, biking, skiing), drinking tea and going to live music events

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago: I was drawn to the program because of the hospital’s commitment to underserved care. On my interview day, I knew this would be a warm and supportive environment to train. I felt really excited at the prospect of working at the hospital alongside all the incredible staff and joining the community.

Varoon Kumar, MD
University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: I love old school films, binge watching “The Boys” and re-watching episodes of “Atlanta.” I love traveling, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends whenever I can, and enjoy spending time in the gym practicing MMA and weightlifting.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? Being born and raised in the Chicagoland Area I knew I always wanted to come back home. I chose Saint Mary because of the program’s dedication towards providing holistic care to the underserved population of the city. I have a strong interest in providing comprehensive behavioral health and was enamored by the program’s commitment towards community medicine.

Nawal Majid, MD
St. George's University School of Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy traveling, trying new cuisines, visiting amusement parks, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? Besides being in an amazing city, I chose Saint Mary because we get constant feedback and guidance on ways to improve as a person and as a physician. We are also an unopposed residency program that helps the underserved community and has a wide range of opportunities in various fields.

Attilina Scioneaux MD
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: As someone who comes from a rural state, I enjoy being around green spaces where I can hear and see nature. In my free time I enjoy quiet indoor activities like crafts (crochet, knit, and sew things like clothing) and video games. Some of my professional interests include LBGT+ medicine, addiction medicine, and mental health. Someday I’d like to have a cat!

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? I chose Saint Mary because they were so enthusiastic about me as a person, rather than just me as a potential intern. They have such a resident-centered culture of support and belonging. Additionally, my professional interests were readily accessible; even as a Catholic organization all are welcomed, and we have an LGBT+ clinic.

Ebrahim Jafarzadeh Sheikh, MD
O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my wife, working out at the gym, and playing board games or video games. I’m also a big foodie and I love watching good  movies or TV shows. Recently, I started bouldering, and I hope it will become a long term hobby.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? I chose Saint Mary because I wanted to train in an unopposed, community-based program and work with a diverse patient population. The program’s dedication to serving an underserved community closely aligns with my own values. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and supportive all of the residents and faculty were when I met everyone. And of course the opportunity to train in one of my favorite cities is just incredible.

Shiro Trager, MD
University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: Outside of medicine cooking is one of my biggest passions. I love experimenting with new recipes and techniques. I’m looking forward to exploring all the food Chicago has to offer! My medical interests include geriatrics and sports medicine.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? I chose Saint Mary for its supportive environment for residents and its commitment to serving an underserved population. After my visit, I knew right away that this program was the right fit for me.

Claudia “Mariela” Vasquez Portillo, MD
Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador Facultad de Medicina

Hobbies/Interests: I’m a coffee lover. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, and watching my fiancé cook. Growing up in a developing country, I am drawn to serving underserved communities. I also have an interest in women’s health and obstetrics.

Why Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital – Chicago? I chose Saint Mary’s program because it is dedicated to providing care for a diverse and underserved population in the Chicago area. This program offers valuable learning experiences and strongly focuses on obstetrics, which aligns with my interests. The passionate and very supportive faculty and staff, along with the easygoing residents, create an excellent learning environment.

Yanelle Asencio Quiñones, MD
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Kitts

Hobbies / Interests: I enjoy decorative DIY, watching Netflix and Hulu drama shows, reading, and spending time with my husband.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I chose Saint Mary because of the positive and supportive culture and environment that I was able to feel in the interview and other interactions. Also because of the multicultural patient population as well as their residents and overall staff.

Tevin Brown, MD
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Kitts

Hobbies / Interests: I love traveling, animals, trying new foods, and exploring other cultures. I enjoy watching a good film, tv show, or spending time with friends and family. Also, I am newly into rollerblading. My specific medical interests are varied but include Global Health, Preventive Medicine, Medical Education, and Women’s Health.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I completed most of my clinical rotations here and fell in love with the Chicagoland area. The friendly and approachable faculty, staff, and current residents made it an easy decision for me. I knew right away that this program was the right fit for me. I wanted an unopposed program with a robust curriculum that would provide me the opportunity to develop myself into a well-rounded and competent physician. Lastly, I was drawn to the program because of how much of an \ emphasis the program had with celebrating  diversity and providing full-spectrum healthcare to not only underserved individuals, but to communities at large.

Ravnoor Chandi, MD
Government Medical College Amritsar

Hobbies / Interests: I love spending time with my family and friends! I also love reading, cooking, being creative, Bollywood nights and live music. I am passionate about preventive medicine.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I chose Saint Mary – Chicago because it is a safety net hospital which serves Chicago’s underserved and vulnerable populations. It promises a good learning experience as the program is very diverse in terms of the patient population, the residents and has a  very passionate faculty. It being an unopposed family medicine residency program was a cherry on top.

Nyadow Chol, MD
St. George's University School of Medicine

Hobbies / Interests: In my spare time, I really enjoy traveling, food blogging, hiking, fashion, photography, and mentorship. My medical interests include working with underserved populations as well as maternal and women’s health.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I chose Saint Mary – Chicago because of the program’s commitment to serving medically underserved and marginalized communities and tackling the multi-faceted health issues faced by these populations. I appreciate the diversity that this program provides, not just with its patient population but with its residents and faculty. This program provides an environment for continued growth, learning, and development. I love that Prime Healthcare Saint Mary of Nazareth-Chicago is very OB-focused, which ties into my interest in maternal and women’s health. In addition, by being unopposed, the program will allow us to see and learn from patients of all ages and varying pathologies.

Gabrielle Lojewski, MD
Poznan University Medical Sciences Center

Hobbies / Interests: Binge-watching TV shows, trying new restaurants, playing tennis, running, spending time with family and friends, enjoying Chicago summers sitting by the lake, and in the gruesome winters, going for walks as it snows. My medical interests include preventive medicine and geriatrics.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I love Chicago and knew I wanted to come home after medical school. Why Saint Mary – Chicago specifically? The diversity. Growing up in a Polish family and studying Spanish in undergrad, I always enjoyed learning about other languages and cultures, and this program truly sees it all. There is also a huge focus on helping underserved communities, which was something that was important to me as well when choosing a program.

Anita Luxkaranayagam, MD
University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Hobbies / Interests: Connecting with people, meditation, live music, watching films, watercolor painting, traveling, reading books and drinking tea.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I really wanted to receive my residency training in an environment that wholeheartedly is dedicated to underserved care, and it felt like Saint Mary would provide that space.

On my interview day, I felt like I would be supported in my career goals by faculty and co-residents by furthering my skills and knowledge in community health, behavioral health, narrative medicine and addiction medicine while serving a diverse patient population.

Patricia Pla Castillo, MD
Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine

Hobbies / Interests: I love reading web novels and writing stories with a spin on traditional tropes. I have had variable success in gardening. My accomplishments until now are tomatoes and bell peppers. Sadly, I haven’t been able to grow watermelons, passion fruit, and various fruit trees. I like to watch tv shows and movies while enjoying crunchy caramel popcorn.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I chose Saint Mary because it is a program that centers on the underserved population, unopposed, with ample opportunity for a broad education. During the interview I felt at ease and welcomed. The program is committed to resident wellness and the residents had positive things to say about the program, the attendings, and the faculty

Maria Kezia Pormento, MD
Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health

Hobbies / Interests: I have an array of diverse interests! I have a passion for literature, mostly fiction novels and poems, which offers a gateway to different worlds and perspectives. However, I am trying to grow my interest in biographies, self-help and informative texts. Initially, I pursued dancing for fitness reasons, but it has quickly become an interest of mine. Additionally, I love to travel and experience new things. I can easily be persuaded to hike up a mountain or eat something new. Otherwise, if I’m not napping, I enjoy playing board games with my family and friends.

Why Saint Mary- Chicago: It was clear to  me that Saint Mary – Chicago offers strong clinical training, has experienced faculty, emphasizes continuity of care, and fosters an engaging learning environment. But more importantly, the program not only has top-notch clinical training but also a warm and supportive community.

The faculty and preceptors genuinely care about the residents’ growth and success. The emphasis on continuity of care allows for meaningful patient relationships, making the residency experience truly rewarding.  Overall, this is not just a training program, but a family that nurtures and supports each resident throughout their journey.

Alexander Ruiz, MD
Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina

Hobbies / Interests: I love stories, whether through reading, watching series, or playing video games. I also love exploring and finding new places to ideally be able to travel and explore the world in the future. In medicine, I am interested in community health, immigrant health, and queer health issues, including gender-affirming care.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I chose this program for various reasons. The support network for residents is amazing and the faculty and staff engage in your interests. They want to make sure you meet all your personal, educational, and professional goals. I was also really drawn towards the diverse population in the city. Being able to learn and grow while providing healthcare and support to immigrants (like myself).

Valeriia Skurtol, MD
Penza State University Medical Institute

Hobbies / Interests: I like to spend my spare time exploring the world of music and improving my skills at playing the piano. I look forward to visiting Chicago’s music festivals and musical concerts with a live orchestra. I try to get outside as often as I can and love to spend sunny days walking around Lake Michigan, dining at new restaurants, local breweries, and playing board games on rainy days.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I felt all of the stars had aligned with me to join this program from the very beginning. The program is located in a beautiful, large metropolitan city where I dreamed of moving. Upon meeting the residents, faculty, and staff, I was impressed by how caring, friendly, and hard-working everyone is. I truly felt like they were people with whom I would not only enjoy working with, but I could also spend my free time over the next three years of residency with. Finding a program that provides a full spectrum of training, opportunities for procedures, and strong care for the underserved community were all of the things I was looking for in order to become a well-rounded physician who can provide care without limitations.

Amandeep Toor, MD
Saint James School of Medicine

Hobbies / Interests: I appreciate quality time with family and friends, running, outdoors/working out in general, eating my way through Chicago’s phenomenal cuisine (currently on the prowl for the best cheeseburger), documentaries and preventive medicine, as well as advocacy for marginalized individuals.

Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I admire the program’s philosophy of caring for underserved communities through the practice of broad-scope medicine. Compounded by the warmth and friendliness shown by the faculty, the program is truly an ideal learning environment.

Aditya Vij, MD
Windsor University School of Medicine

Hobbies / Interests: I find immense joy in traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. Hiking in nature allows me to reconnect with the beauty of the outdoors and stay active. Spending quality time with loved ones is invaluable to me. I also love listening to podcasts and exploring different perspectives. Lastly, I have a love for discovering new Mexican restaurants which indulges my taste buds in delightful culinary experiences.
Why Saint Mary – Chicago: I chose Saint Mary because of their commitment to serving the underserved in my community. Working with a diverse patient population allows me to make a meaningful impact and is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, the close relationship I have with my colleagues fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. Also, being part of an unopposed family medicine residency program provides an excellent learning environment for professional growth. These values align perfectly with my own, making Saint Mary an ideal choice for me. Dr. Paula Zafra is a family physician, practicing at PrimeCare Northwest. Dr Zafra graduated from Universidad Central de Venezuela and completed her residency training at St Mary  Family Medicine Residency in Chicago. She currently works with residents on the obstetrics service, and precepting in clinic. Her clinical interests include Obesity Medicine and Women’s Health. Outside of work, she enjoys bouldering, photography, and music!