Residents

First Year

Justin Andrada, DO

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM)
Hobbies / Interests: Traveling, playing soccer, golfing, beaching, fishing, trying new restaurants, and watching The Office on repeat
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: Even though interview days can be stressful, I felt very comfortable talking with the faculty and residents. Everyone was so welcoming and the vibe felt right. Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago has a community hospital feel, but still offers the ability to learn from a diverse Chicago patient population. Lastly, there isn't any hospital in Chicago that has a better view of Lake Michigan.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Slowly eating my way through all the best Chicago restaurants
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a mechanical or electrical engineer

Michael Chen, DO

Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Volleyball, working out, watching college basketball/volleyball, Netflix
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I chose Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago because of the patient population at the hospital and the clinic! Both faculty and the residents are very supportive of my post-residency interests in LGBTQ and preventative medicine. Lastly, Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago has the best view of the lake!
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Playing volleyball at the beach in the summer and trying different restaurants around the city!
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a meteorologist
Zehra Khan

Zehra Khan, MD

Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Music, museums, Bollywood, spending time with my huge family in the area, art, and dancing
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: When I interviewed and attended the socials, I gathered a general sense that the faculty and residents had a strong vision of the type of family medicine physician they wanted their residents to aspire towards. FM doctors played a vital role in the area I grew up in, and I wanted a program that truly believed in the FM physician's potential to make an impact in their community. Additionally, what sealed the deal was that I felt the faculty and residents alike were very friendly, approachable, and I could tell they had fun together. I knew Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago would be a place where I would be well-supported.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Going for runs along the lakeshore, trying different cuisines, and lots of museums — Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, Chicago Art Institute are amazing!
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: some type of teacher or social worker

Yasiel Lacalle, MD

Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: My hobbies include fitness, experimenting in the kitchen, biking and playing with my dog, Beau.
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: Diverse patient population, wellness-centered curriculum and, last but not least, the people. I was immediately drawn to both the faculty and residents in the program.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Trying out new restaurants, re-trying favorite ones, biking along the lakeshore, walking around and exploring the city.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a pilot

Matthew Lang, MD

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Woodworking, running, hiking, cooking
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: The location of the hospital was a huge draw for me. I love how the hospital is right near the lake, but also in a very urban and populated area. I love being able to walk to work and having a very quick commute. I also like that the hospital and clinic both serve people from all backgrounds and how the residents and faculty were very welcoming and relaxed when I was interviewing.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Walking with my two dogs and my wife on the lakefront trail.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: an architect or engineer

Anjali Mannava, DO

Medical School: Kansas City University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Dancing, playing tennis, watching scary movies and any documentary imaginable. Walking my dog on new trails and finding the best non-deep dish pizza in the city!
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: The interview and social events made a huge impact on my decision. The residents and faculty were very welcoming and friendly. You could tell everyone was close and valued resident wellness. The location is also a big plus — what other program can say they get to watch sunrises on the lake during night shift?
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Sushi Rotary restaurant in Lakeview — super-unique and easy on the wallet!
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a crime podcaster

Second Year

Azfar Ali, DO

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
Hobbies / Interests: Archery, exercising, reading
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I chose Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago due to my excellent virtual interview experiences, and to return to Chicago to be closer to friends and family. During virtual residency interviews, one aspect that truly separated Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago from the rest was the genuine warmth and kindness that characterized all my interactions with faculty and residents. I knew that Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago would be the best environment for me where I would have the exceptional resources, guidance and support I need to become the physician I have always wanted to be.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Exploring all the sites and great restaurants in the city!
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a historian or organic chemist

Whitney Basford, MD

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: The beach (preferably the Gulf Coast), trying new things and visiting new places, kayaking, painting, college football (Go Noles!) and spending time with my family
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I love Chicago and the patient population.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Kayaking down the Chicago River
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a detective or a lawyer. I grew up wanting to do this and actually applied to the FBI college internship program before switching to medicine.
Melissa Boucher, DO

Melissa Boucher, DO

Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Hiking, jogging, reading, baking, movies/tv shows, bigfoot searching
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: This program stood out to me because it lined up with my interest in working with a diverse group of patients in a community setting. The added benefit of being in a great city and great location didn’t hurt either!
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Running on lakefront trail and playing arcade games at Replay
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: an archaeologist!

Artis Lewis, MD

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
Hobbies / Interests: Tennis, HIIT training, baking, home architecture, intervarsity Christian fellowship
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: Everyone was so down to earth and had such a positive attitude at the wine and cheese meetup second look event. There, I became attracted to the diversity within the residency as well. However, more importantly, I was drawn to the diverse population that I would have the opportunity to serve. This includes a greater than 60% Spanish-speaking pediatric population, and a robust multi-level income young adult and geriatric population. I knew I had to seize this learning opportunity and I figured I'd have a lot of joyous moments working here!
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: National Geographic photojournalist! It would be incredible to travel the world and learn about the narratives of so many cultures firsthand.

Christopher Medrano, MD

Medical School: Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Reading, writing, tennis, reality TV, movies, stand-up comedy
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: It's rare to find an urban program that offers a patient panel truly representative of a major metropolitan population. We treat patients at a wide range of income levels and from every walk of life in this city.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Jury's still out, but Utopian Tailgate has a great rooftop!
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a health news correspondent (ABC News, call me!)

Taylor Leigh Munsch, MD

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Cycling, walking with my dogs
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I'm really interested in adolescent medicine, and I loved that this program had a high volume of pediatric patients.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Biking along the lakefront trail
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a high school chemistry teacher

Nevil Parikh, MD

Medical School: Chicago Medical School
Hobbies / Interests: Dancing, playing basketball, photography and making skits
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: The people and the location! Both the residents and attendings are all very down to earth and easy to talk to. Chicago is also home to me, so it's nice to be able to explore the city while also going home and eating my mom's amazing Indian food.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Biking along Lake Shore Drive next to the lake or going to the different rooftop bars and enjoying the skyline
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: either a math professor or YouTuber

Sruthi Sathyakumar, MD

Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Find me binge rewatching The Office or Harry Potter always. I love to read and stay active!
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I am really interested in underserved medicine and we have a diverse patient population. The city helps a lot, too!
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: I am always looking for the best rooftops with views of the city. I love to run by the river and discover all of the great food spots in Chicago.
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: something in the world of public health/reproductive justice

Third Year

Neha Ansari, MD

Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: My hobbies include eating food as well as playing sports, board games, video games, and all water-related activities. My interests in medicine include women's health and working with urban, underserved populations.
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago stood out to me on the interview trail because of the friendly and welcoming residents and faculty who appeared to have interests similar to mine, both within the world of medicine and outside of it. I was also impressed with the program's fantastic location and strong training, especially in inpatient medicine, outpatient pediatrics and women's health.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: My favorite activities in Chicago are enjoying all the delicious and diverse food the city has to offer and biking along Lake Michigan on the lakeshore trail!
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: I would have probably pursued a career in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry or gone to law school! But culinary school or becoming a food critic would be my dream.

Jonathan Han, MD

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Travel (especially road trips to national parks and camping), watching movies, enjoying sports, appreciating great food
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I chose Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago because it fosters personal development in a supportive environment. I feel comfortable being myself and learning at my own pace. I love the residents and faculty. It feels as though I am a part of the FM family at Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago and support is always here when needed.
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Walking along the lake, architecture tours, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Shedd Aquarium, the Air and Water Show in the summer and exploring a variety of food choices
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a science professor

Roha Shaikh, MD

Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Hobbies / Interests: Trying out new cafes, board games, going for walks, watching reality TV, painting
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: I got a very good vibe during my interview day. The staff and residents were very welcoming and kind. I also liked the diversity in the patient population at our Seton clinic. Plus, Chicago is such a great city!
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Exploring the many neighborhoods of Chicago by foot
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a high school teacher

Casey Smith, DO

Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies / Interests: Golf, fishing, biking, basketball, trying new restaurants, traveling, hiking, playing with my dog Nellie
Why Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago: Great experience meeting the other residents at the second look, smaller community hospital feel in a large diverse city, location is incredible
Favorite Place or Activity in Chicago: Lake shore trail; amazing place to run/bike and hang out by the water
If I Had Not Gone into Medicine, I Would Be: a personal trainer or physical therapist

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.