Residents

First Year

Eric Cui, MD

Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine
About Me: I was born in College Station, TX, but grew up in Carmel, IN. I attended Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!) where I majored in Biology and had some amazing experiences such as studying abroad in Chile. I found my way to the University of North Carolina for medical school where I met my now-fiancée, Elizabeth! In my free time, I enjoy indoor rock climbing, obsessing over credit card points, trying the amazing food in Chicago and playing with my adorable cat, Tama.
Why Ascension Resurrection: During my interview day, it was clear that this was a program with an outstanding culture. I was impressed by the kindness and intelligence of everyone in the program. More than anything else, I was blown away by the obvious camaraderie shared between all members of the program. I knew that this was a program that would allow me to thrive as a resident family physician. For me, ranking Ascension Resurrection number one was an easy choice!

Avraham Eisenstein, MD

Medical School: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
About Me: I was born and raised in Skokie, IL. I studied Psychology at University of Maryland for my undergrad before coming back to the Chicago area for Medical School and Residency. In my free time, I love basketball, board games, fantasy/sci-fi novels, and playing/listening to music.
Why Ascension Resurrection: The biggest draw for me was the culture of the program. This was my top priority when looking at residency programs - residency is hard no matter where you go, and I think being around the right people makes a huge difference in terms of the person and doctor you become by the end of your training. Even through a virtual interview, I could tell that people here genuinely care about each other. More than that, the residents truly seemed happy. I'm also interested in sports medicine, and the opportunities to get sports experience and exposure at Ascension Resurrection are second to none. I'm really happy to have found a program like this in my hometown and I'm grateful to have matched here.

Jason Evans, DO

Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I'm originally from the west suburbs of Chicago, which is where most of my family still lives, and where I met my wife, Ashley, who is my highschool sweetheart. I went on to play Division I football at Western Michigan University and still love to partake in anything competitive, whether it be softball, golf, fishing, disc golf, my neighborhood bags league (yes it's bags, not cornhole), or any other sport you can think of. My wife and I recently bought our first home in Naperville and are expecting our first child in February 2024! We also have a cat named Minnie and a turtle named Dude, possibly adding a golden retriever to the mix soon, too. If I'm not playing sports or being a doctor, I'm probably at the movie theater.
Why Ascension Resurrection: During medical school, I was lucky enough to have two amazing mentors who both went through the program at Ascension Resurrection and also completed sports fellowships. Aspiring to have the knowledge and patient relationships that they do, and looking for sports med opportunities, it appeared Ascension Resurrection was where I needed to end up. During my interview and second look, I already felt like part of the team/family. The people and culture here are second to none and I'm so grateful to be part of a program like this.

Lauren Feld, DO

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I was born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana for my undergrad degree. After earning a BS in molecular and cellular biology, I spent two years working as a clinical research associate at Northwestern University. I then went on to complete my medical education at Michigan State University. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends/family, traveling and exploring the amazing restaurant scene in Chicago!
Why Ascension Resurrection: Ascension Resurrection offered everything I was looking for in a residency program: Chicago location, a community hospital with a diverse patient population, and most importantly, a program that felt like family. On interview day I felt relaxed and I was able to connect in a way that stood out from previous interviews. After attending a meet-and-greet, where I had the opportunity to spend time getting to know the residents and faculty, I was sold that this program was the right fit for me. I feel honored to be surrounded by a team of such supportive and genuine physicians!

Greg Gildea, DO

Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: Despite leaving the area for medical school, I have always considered Chicagoland home. I was born and raised in the northwest suburbs, then completed my undergraduate degree at Loyola University in Chicago where I studied Biology, Bioethics and earned my EMT license. While in Idaho, I developed a love for snowboarding and all things that kept me active outdoors. We have a sheepadoodle pup named Yeti, and my wife just delivered a baby boy — our first! I am thrilled to be back home where I can eat all the deep dish pizza and Italian beef I was deprived of in Idaho.
Why Ascension Resurrection: Aside from being a community hospital and having a prime location, Ascension Resurrection's interview process set itself apart for me. Right away I got the sense that residents and faculty have a special bond — something I found to be unique as I explored other programs. The interview itself felt more like a fun conversation than a stressful experience, and this sentiment has continued into intern year. The "open door" policy isn't just a slogan to make one feel welcome. It is as sincere as the faculty and staff that I'm surrounded by everyday! The people make this residency rise above the others, it has been an excellent teaching environment and I always feel like someone has my back.

Kate Phelps, DO

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. I went to Purdue University for undergrad, where I majored in biology and minored in art (specifically drawing). After Purdue, I spent a year working in the surgery department at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis before going to medical school at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I recently got married and, in my spare time, love going to the movies, trying new restaurants, exploring the city, redecorating our apartment and collecting art from our travels.
Why Ascension Resurrection: When I was looking for my residency, I knew I wanted to move to the Chicagoland area. Chicago had exactly what I was looking for – it offered the perfect mix of big city life, Midwestern roots, and proximity to family. I just needed to find a residency program that at its core prioritized patient-centered care for a diverse population, supported by passionate physicians and great team camaraderie. I began looking at many of these residency websites (like you probably are!) and Ascension Resurrection immediately stood out to me after reading the genuine statements of the residents and seeing the funny group pictures of everyone in their blue coats. I was lucky enough to have a Sub-I in the summer of my 4th year and after spending time here, I knew this was the place for me. I fell in love with the culture and supportive atmosphere the residents and faculty shared. There are a lot of laughs, learning opportunities and I am always looking forward to the days I get to spend with the people in this program. It’s crazy to think that I have come full circle and am explaining why I chose this program! Residency will be challenging no matter where you go, but it’s the people by your side along the way that makes all the difference. I am so happy to be part of this program and wouldn’t change a thing!

Second year 

Phillip Cozzi

Phillip Cozzi, DO

Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago. After finishing my undergraduate studies at Notre Dame, I completed a master's degree at Loyola University Chicago. To stick with the theme of staying in the Midwest, I attended the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Safe to say, I am a Midwesterner through and through. I enjoy playing golf, 16-inch softball and basketball, in addition to exploring the restaurants of Chicago, collecting vinyl records, hosting Movie Club on weekends, and travelling whenever and wherever I can.
Why Ascension Resurrection: In my mind, Ascension Resurrection Family Medicine Residency set the bar without question. From day one as a rotating medical student, I felt welcome and was impressed with the good nature, kindness and intelligence of the faculty, residents and support staff. In addition to the fun and amazing people, Ascension Resurrection presents a challenging training program with wide-ranging pathology and innumerable opportunities to learn and become a competent family physician. If that weren't enough, access to a sports medicine fellowship and countless chances for sideline coverage sweetened the deal. Ultimately it came down to the people, and Ascension Resurrection stood head and shoulders above everyone else. Easiest decision of my life!

Zubair Farooqui, DO

Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: My family is originally from India, but I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and have lived in Chicago my entire life! Along with the sciences, I also always had a passion for languages, history and learning about other cultures. I majored in biology and minored in medical Spanish at Benedictine University. After that, I attended medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, binging tv shows and exploring the city and trying new food places.
Why Ascension Resurrection: During my fourth year of medical school, I did a Sub-I at Ascension Resurrection! From day one, I felt welcomed and was blown away by the culture of the program. Everyone was genuine, friendly and truly supportive. I knew I would thrive in this environment during residency. On top of this, Ascension Resurrection serves a diverse patient population, which was something I was looking for in a program. Ascension Resurrection was the perfect fit, and I am so grateful to have matched at this amazing program and be part of the Ascension Resurrection family.
Ezra Guttmann

Ezra Guttmann, DO

Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine; Middletown, NY
About Me: From the land of Lawwnguyland, I come in peace with a mission to become a great family medicine doctor. In my free time, I like to go to the gym, play guitar and hang out with friends and family. I also enjoy exploring my new neighborhood, Lincoln Park.
Why Ascension Resurrection: Born and raised in New York, I came here explicitly for an extended affair with a different style of pizza, but I now realize I've made a grave mistake. Nevertheless, I will settle for the outstanding atmosphere at Ascension Resurrection, experienced faculty and broad exposure to all things FM and sports medicine.

Michaela Hull, DO

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I grew up in Southern Indiana with my parents and two brothers. I completed my undergraduate degree in exercise science at Ball State University while on a scholarship for track & field. After that, I pursued my master's in medical physiology in Ohio and medical education in Pennsylvania before moving here to complete my residency at Ascension Resurrection. In my free time I enjoy traveling, hiking, playing sports and anything that will take me outside.
Why Ascension Resurrection: The hospital has so much to offer! Being a community hospital, in Chicago, allows many opportunities for training and exploring the full spectrum of medicine (with the bonus of having countless connections to sports medicine). On top of that, the faculty, staff and other residents in this program are people that I look up to and who have demonstrated how to be a team player from the moment I met them. I am extremely excited to be in a part of this program that will advance my career goals while becoming a supportive extended family!
Sarah Kaschke

Sarah Kaschke, DO

Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I was raised in Streator, a small town in central Illinois, and completed undergrad at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana earning a bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology. After a year of working on UIUC's campus in residential life and going on my first medical mission trip, I started medical school. I completed the first two years in Meridian, ID, followed by clinical rotations in Rapid City, SD. I love family medicine because of the diversity in patient population, the broad skill set and the ability to dive into areas of greater interest while having the ability to work in a variety of settings. I wanted to come back to Illinois for residency to be closer to friends and family, and to experience living in the incredible city of Chicago. I enjoy being active — playing on rec teams or frequenting the gym — trying new restaurants, reading, traveling, playing with my dog, Sadie, and spending time with family.
Why Ascension Resurrection: Checking the boxes of its location in Chicago, being a community hospital, and having strong sports medicine training were qualities that initially drew me to Ascension Resurrection, but when I interviewed, it was evident that this program was much more than what could be described on their website. Virtually interviewing with pairs of residents and faculty, I noticed the way they interacted was unlike other programs. Everyone I met was authentic. There seemed to be no cookie-cutter definition of residents or faculty — everyone was different, yet I sensed a level of comfort they had in being themselves. They were excited to be hanging out together over the hours of interviewing and were genuinely interested in getting to know me. I could tell that interview season for this program was to make sure that they would aim to find a good fit for both parties — not only to see if I was a good fit for them, but to make sure Ascension Resurrection would a good fit for me. While I was still open-minded to other programs, I caught myself comparing every other program with Ascension Resurrection, not only by the boxes checked but the feeling I had, and when it came to ranking, it was an easy choice. (Other pluses! 1. Clinic is in the hospital 2. Meal stipend $ can be used at the hospital's Starbucks 3. Amazing cafeteria food 4. Everyone had great style)

LinhChi Lai, DO

Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I was born in San Jose, CA, and lived there until moving to Tulsa, OK, in 7th grade. I finished high school and college (Oral Roberts University) in Oklahoma so I definitely have some Southern/Midwest mixed with the West Coast in me. I did a one-year master's program at Midwestern University in biomedical sciences before ultimately attending CCOM. For fun, I am very much a nerd. I like to play video games (mostly PC), TV shows/movies, work out, hike, cook/bake and lounge on couch. I LOVE food. I also have two of the most spoiled ragdoll cats that I come home to.
Why Ascension Resurrection: First, my interview was wonderful! Ascension Resurrection found a way to virtually emit how cool, supportive and family-oriented it was through a screen. As the interview season went by, I was back and forth with what program to choose since at the ripe time of being a 4th year medical student, I was desperate and clueless. But lo and behold, Ascension Resurrection had an in-person open house that I attended to really hit a home run on "Why Ascension Resurrection". Do you know the feeling of social anxiety of walking into a party knowing absolutely no one, but simultaneously feeling like you might have known these people in another life? The theme was "Tropical/Hawaiian" (streamers, umbrellas in your drinks, lei flowers) in the middle of a snowstorm raging outside that evening. All the residents were silly and welcoming, trying to live their best lives in dreary times. Attendings were mingling about, having drinks with you and telling terrible dad jokes (that I heard). Seriously though, digging deeper in my conversations I've had here; I found that these "Resurrection people" just want to help support you be the best physician you can be, all while still enjoying life and not missing the little moments that make life... life.

Third year 

Morgan Brenner, DO

Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I grew up on a farm in central Indiana about 30 minutes southwest of Indianapolis and spent most of my time outdoors in the hay fields or on the soccer fields. An Indy girl through and through, I completed my undergrad at Butler University (go dawgs!) where I was on the rowing team and met my husband, Aaron. Medical school then took us to Chicagoland for new adventures! Free time fun includes hanging with our pups, Arya and Hinkle, spending time with our family and friends, traveling to National Parks, hiking and checking out local breweries… and stalking Zillow for that perfect dream home. Hah!
Why Ascension Resurrection: I rotated here as a fourth-year med student and knew I had found a special place. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and made me feel comfortable from day one. I was drawn to the camaraderie and teamwork among the residents and faculty, the care that patients received, and the opportunity to learn and grow in a challenging yet supportive environment. Wanting to do a sports medicine fellowship after residency, I was also drawn to the abundant opportunities for sideline coverage and mass event coverage available to us even as interns. Plus, everyone is just SO FUN! Who doesn't want to have fun at work?! I didn't know what my perfect family medicine residency program looked like going into fourth year of medical school, but Ascension Resurrection certainly is it. Being here and being a part of this family is an absolute dream come true.

Marcel Chouinard, MD

Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Science
About Me: Born and raised in Southern California, I gravitated towards the natural sciences from an early age. Following this early passion, I decided to pursue a degree in biology at the University of California, Merced. During my time at university I began my journey into medicine and, always eager to expand my horizons, I searched for international programs. I chose the four-year program at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland as it was in a historic city that also afforded the opportunity to travel and see the rest of Europe. On the eve of my fourth year, I set my eyes on Chicago, IL. I did my elective rotations here and immediately fell in love with the culture, the food, the city and its people! I am so grateful to start my next big adventure in the Windy City!
Why Ascension Resurrection: Ranking Ascension Resurrection as my number one was by far the easiest choice I made during the application season. Everything from the website to the interview trail made it obvious that this was a place that fostered a culture geared towards education with wellness. Each resident here displays a genuine character and a positive attitude that reflects their environment: one of earnestness and teamwork. For these and many other reasons, I am happy to have ranked Ascension Resurrection as my number one.

Ryan Hicks, DO

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University
About Me: I am an Elgin, IL native and a South Elgin HS graduate (Go Storm!). My BS in biology was earned at Northern Illinois University. I recently bought my first home, and most of my time outside of work is spent experiencing the movie Duplex in real life. The rest of my time is spent playing slowpitch, hanging out with my dog and golfing; I recently shot my first hole-in-one.
Why Ascension Resurrection: The blue coats were the biggest driving factor in my decision to come to Ascension Resurrection. The next closest reason is the fit I felt with the staff and co-residents at this program, all of them are outstanding humans. Third reason is the phenomenal cafeteria food.

Ivy Hsieh, DO

Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I was born in Chicago and grew up in the Chicago suburbs. I went to Iowa to attend Grinnell College for undergrad and majored in biochemistry. Then, I spent time working in different jobs including plant lab technician, research coordinator, and a math and science tutor. I attended medical school at Midwestern University where I participated in integrative medicine activities and public health teaching. In my spare time, I enjoy reading short stories, trying new recipes and discovering local favorite spaces.
Why Ascension Resurrection: I wanted to attend a program that would foster my growth as a person and as a clinician: a supportive learning environment with patient diversity. Ascension Resurrection, being in Chicago and near O'Hare airport, has this clinical diversity. On interview day and beyond, I recognized that everyone I interacted with had studied my portfolio and was genuinely excited to chat with me. Further, all the learning opportunities I asked about were responded with enthusiasm. As a resident family physician, I want to be invested in my patients in helping them reach their health goals. I recognized that this program would get to know me and help me reach my learning goals. I feel fortunate to work among a group of people who are thoughtful, smart and willing to nudge each other to grow.

Sonia Nair, DO

Medical School: Des Moines University
About Me:I have always had a passion for learning about new cultures. My family roots in Malaysia instilled in me the importance of knowing your family's history. My parents were born and raised in Malaysia and moved to Des Moines, IA after they were married. We lived in Des Moines for a few years before settling down in Springfield, IL. I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for undergrad with a BS in psychology. I never imagined that I would live in Des Moines again, but medical school took me back to Iowa. I spent my first two years of med school on campus but was fortunate to complete my clinical years in Chicago. In my free time, I love traveling internationally, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the city to find the best sweet treats.
Why Ascension Resurrection: When I did my sub-I at Ascension Resurrection as a fourth-year medical student, I realized exactly what I wanted out of a residency program. Everyone was incredibly warm and helped me truly feel part of the team. The residents seemed genuinely excited to come to work each day and all the faculty were patient and encouraging. Throughout my interview season, I always said that I was looking for a program that would push me to be the best but also feel like family. I believe Ascension Resurrection achieved this for me. Lastly, it was my dream to attend residency in Chicago and I guess dreams really do come true :) I am honored to be part of a team of such gifted and passionate physicians and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Jennifer Shuey, DO

Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I am a Chicago (suburbs) native. Most of my family grew up in the city and surrounding suburbs. I went to Lewis University for undergrad where I studied biochemistry. After my undergraduate years, I became a stay-at-home mom while working part time on a master's degree in forensics. I love forensic science, but through my motherhood journey, decided medicine was the right path for me. I got a second master's in biomedical sciences and was accepted to medical school at CCOM. In medical school, I worked as a tutor and TA. This is where I found my passion for teaching. In my free time, I love to spend time with my kids and their many sports-filled endeavors. My dream job is to work as a faculty member in a residency program and work my way up to PD.
Why Ascension Resurrection: In one word… the people. OK, I guess that is two words. Virtual interviews made this a weird interview season. Luckily for me, I had my first experience at Ascension Resurrection as a third-year med student. Even then, I felt like part of this family; everyone is welcoming and caring. I wanted a program that challenges me and helps me to grow while still caring about me as a person. I cannot imagine training anywhere else.