Residents

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First Year

Alexandria Brumfield, MD

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical school: Case Western Reserve University
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: Kind and supportive residents and faculty, diverse patient population, geriatric curriculum, getting to return to my home city of Chicago and be close to my family during residency.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: Muay Thai kickboxing classes, running on the lakefront trail, spending time with friends and family.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: An engineer or a rancher

Luca Mouhajer, DO

Hometown: Canton, Michigan
Medical school: Nova Southeastern University
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I picked Ascension Saint Joseph because I love the diverse population it serves and its view of the lake is breathtaking.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A Teacher

Natalie Phanco, DO

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Medical school: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I fell in love with Chicago when I came to visit last year! On my tour of Saint Joe's, I felt very at home and welcomed with open arms. I really prioritize work/life balance, and what better place to get that than in the heart of Chicago!
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: Concrete beach! And eating my way through the city (best food scene)!
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: Probably an elementary school teacher!

Shyam Polaconda, MD

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: The seniors and faculty are so kind, supportive, and encouraging, and the city of Chicago is beautiful!
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: Anything with food, walking, boba, friends, or all of the above:)
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: Probably a musician, or an engineer.

Patrick Scheatzle, DO

Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Medical school: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM)
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I first heard of Ascension Saint Joseph from a family friend who had all good things to say about the hospital. I was able to complete a rotation here as a medical student, and I quickly experienced firsthand what an incredible learning environment it provides. Every resident was very approachable and eager to teach, and their confidence in their clinical skills immediately showed me that I would receive a very high quality training here at Ascension Saint Joseph. The entire residency program felt so friendly and welcoming, and I was made to feel like a part of the team from day one.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: The beach! I love being able to see the water from St Joseph’s, and I think that one of the many things that makes Chicago such an incredible and unique city are the beaches right in the heart of the city. Lounging, swimming, or getting into an activity like sand volleyball are all great ways to spend a summer day in Chicago.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A baseball radio announcer. I think I would be really good at making pointless small talk over the air during a pitching change.

Claudia Xie, DO

Hometown: North Potomac, MD
Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I felt very comfortable and excited about the program after meeting residents and faculty at my interview and then a social! I love seeing the bright blue expanse of Lake Michigan and the tree-covered trails of Lincoln Park from the hospital windows.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: I love browsing the stationary, thrift, and trinket shops in Andersonville! The Galleria in particular is a really cool place to check out local artists!.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A copywriter or technical writer.

Year Two

Jared Mudlong Delapaz, MD

Hometown: Palm Desert, California
Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I picked Ascension Saint Joseph because I had a great experience during my Sub-I! All the residents and faculty were great and a big plus was that I got to stay in the beautiful city of Chicago.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: My favorite place in Chicago is Qiao Lin Hotpot as it has the best broth in the city.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A tennis or Orangetheory Fitness Coach.

Brian Dertli, DO

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I chose St. Joseph Chicago because of the positive vibes I got on interview day and because I wanted to live in the vibrant city of Chicago.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: My favorite activity in Chicago is going to music shows and festivals
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A music producer or a professor.

Nathaniel Gentry

Hometown: Memphis, TN
Medical school: NYIT College Of Osteopathic Medicine - Arkansas
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: It's all about the people! Ascension St. Joseph has some of the most incredible faculty and residents that make the experience feel like one big family.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: In the summer, grabbing a double cheeseburger from Red-Hot Ranch and then hitting North Ave Beach. But in the winter, live jazz at Dorian's.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A lawyer! I enjoy good debates and legal semantics. I could definitely make a living out of arguing.

Derek Lee, MD

Hometown: Arcadia, California
Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I chose Ascension St. Joseph Chicago because I immediately felt the supportive, collaborative, and strong sense of community during my SubI and through interviews. I loved the balance of inpatient and outpatient training. Plus, being walking distance from the lake, surrounded by incredible food, and immersed in the vibrant diversity of Chicago? It made the decision even easier. It is everything I was looking for, professionally and personally.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: Pickleball on 16 courts at Grant Park, Chicago or eating KBBQ at Cho Sun Ok
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A climate scientist/activist, someone gathering and applying data to not only prevent but adapt to the realities of a changing planet. I have always been drawn to solutions that are practical and people-centered. There are lots of possibilities to make community-based climate resilience projects sustainable, even in the financial aspect.

Samuel Schaeffer, MD

Hometown: Oregon, WI
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I was drawn to the program by the people and the cooperative atmosphere that is built here. Residents are tight-knit and work closely with faculty who care about us and our learning. The location is also difficult to beat with its proximity to the lake and its vibrant neighborhood.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: Finding new festivals and local events to try with my friends, and going to baseball games.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A Chemist

Karen Wang, MD

Hometown: Winnetka, IL
Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: The resident culture, the program's love of food, and I love being in the city!!
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: Exploring all the restaurants and coffee shops, going to see a good DJ with friends, and doing barre/pilates classes
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: In the makeup or fashion industry!!

Year Three

Ted Agbemaple, MD

Hometown: Springfield, IL
Medical School: SIU School of Medicine
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I got a great vibe from everyone here on my second look and during my interview. I could tell that this was a really supportive community and a tight- knit program
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Exploring the restaurants my girlfriend and I find on TikTok
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A PGA Tour Pro

Vishnu Kaverimanian, MD

Hometown: Aurora, IL
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I loved the atmosphere of the program and the wealth of educational opportunities available to me. Also, can't forget the beautiful scenery by the lake shore!
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Exploring the restaurants around the city.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: I Would Be: Studying Dinosaurs! !

Liem Le, MD

Hometown: Edgewood, KY
Medical School: University of Louisville
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: The amazing location of the program on the lakefront in beautiful Lincoln Park immediately drew me in. However, the residents,the culture, and the emphasis on wellness and teambuilding are what made me want to rank the program.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Biking or running up and down the Lakefront
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: In Information Technology

Erin Martinez, MD

Hometown: Gurnee, IL
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: Ascension St. Joseph has everything I was looking for in a residency program — a community hospital feel in an urban setting, a welcoming close-knit group of residents and faculty, and a dedication to serving a diverse patient population and making a positive impact on our community. The hospital being right along the lakefront and close to my family was the cherry on top!
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: I have been loving going on morning walks around new neighborhoods and seeing all the beautiful architecture and art.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: An event planner!

Zuolin (Joey) Ouyang, DO

Hometown: China/Irvine, CA
Medical School: Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: When I had a rotation here, the residents and faculty are very supportive. They were all ready to teach and didn't mind my many questions. There are some OMM practitioners in the program and that was also important to me. Lastly the view from the hospital is amazing, and there is also a beautiful chapel on the 11th floor, where I can have some quiet time :)
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Going to Chinatown to eat at Taipei Cafe then go to Mario's Italian Lemonade to get some dessert
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: A cook or a YouTuber

William Kai Skallerud

Hometown: Edina, Minnesota
Medical school: Rush Medical College
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I chose the program because of its strong sense of community, diverse patient population, and commitment to full-spectrum, compassionate family medicine. The program fosters close relationships between residents and faculty while providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment in the heart of one of the best cities in America.
Favorite place or activity in Chicago: Exploring Chicago neighborhoods and trying new restaurants with my friends.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: Building innovative technologies that solve real problems in the world!

Travis TenBrock, MD

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: The people! From the meet-and-greets to the interview day to the first look event, everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming. It was very evident that the program here at St. Joseph's truly cared about the wellbeing and success of each resident. The hospital and clinic also serve a diverse patient population all within a well-rounded curriculum which was exactly what I was looking for in a program.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Running, biking, or rollerblading along the lakeshore.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a morning TV show host

Alumni

Our residents have gone all over the country and practiced all kinds of medicine. In the last several years, we have had residents match into fellowships in sports medicine, addiction medicine, geriatrics and maternal child health. Graduates have careers as hospitalists, academic faculty, urgent care, consulting, hospital administration, integrative medicine, traditional inpatient and outpatient practice, and outpatient medicine, in addition to doing medical mission work. As Ascension Illinois grows, they look to partner and recruit residents as they graduate to be part of the Ascension Illinois family beyond their three years.