Our Residents
Diversity. Quality. Dedication.
Our residents hail from across the country — from Washington, DC to California, from Minnesota to Texas. With diverse backgrounds and interests, each one brings a unique quality to Peoria MedPeds. As one of the largest MedPeds programs in the country, we are home to 32 residents over the four classes.
Brianna Bobber, DO
Medical SchoolLiberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO, 2019
Undergraduate
Marquette University, BS, 2014
About Me
I was born and raised in Wisconsin and I enjoy a Friday night fish fry, watching Packers and Brewers games, eating cheese curds and frozen custard, and going to country music concerts and festivals. I also love to travel, play piano, hunt, fish, read, and play board games, but my favorite thing is spending time with friends and family, especially my nieces and nephews! As of right now, I see myself doing a mix of outpatient and inpatient medicine in a rural setting, and I am also interested in medical missions as well!
Why I Chose Peoria
After my interview day I knew this was the place I wanted to be! There was a friendly and down-to-earth feel to the day that put me at ease. The residents seemed happy and felt supported, which was very important to me. Peoria also is a great size city for training- large enough to have everything I need (Target, churches, restaurants, coffee shops, concerts) but small enough to have very little traffic and commute times. The fact that it is close to home for me was a bonus!
Patrick Buranicz, DO
Medical School
AT Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO, 2019
Undergraduate
Benedictine University, BS in Biology, 2012
About Me
Chicago born. Northwest suburbs raised. First generation American. Oldest of 6 brothers. Very family-oriented and kind of a nerd (but what doctor isn’t?). I’m a huge gamer and currently trying to learn how to play the ocarina, but I do enjoy getting out and traveling every once in a while to mix it up. Just an easygoing, simple guy. I’m interested in primary care and would like to be a MedPeds hospitalist.
Why I Chose Peoria
I did a sub-internship with the program during my fourth year and really felt welcome. All the staff were friendly and helpful and the residents were all fun and happy. The program is strong in both medicine and pediatrics. There is a strong MedPeds presence and it is well supported as well as integrated. The patient population is really diverse too. I also really wanted to stay close to family. Basically, it’s a strong program, the people are awesome, it’s close to home. Oh, and free food is a plus!
Jordan Cascante, DO
Medical SchoolOklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO, 2019
Undergraduate
University of Oklahoma, BA, 2011
About Me
Its nothin’ a little music can’t help. Rockin’, rockin’ and rollin’–down to the beach, I’m strollin’ but the seagulls poke at my head; not fun! I said, “Seagulls, mmm! Stop it now!” Everyone told me not to stroll on that beach, said, “Seagulls gonna come, poke me in the coconut, ” and they did, and they did. Nothin’ I could do but yell when these birds attacked me. When I tried to run I fell, and then these kids start laughin’. And then, hmm, got hit in the neck with a hacky-sack. Where’d it come from? Run, run, run, jump! I can be a backpack while you run. Run, run, run, jump, now stop! Put me down. I love to groove and boogie, yeah! Show you some dance moves! Mmmmm! If I had your giant feet out there on the beach, could’ve outrun those birds! Let me grab my beater! Just hold your breath and see, when the time is right, birds will bite your face. Run, run, run, jump! I can be a backpack while you run. Swing from a hairy vine.
I can be your backpack while you climb! Stand on one hand and lift rocks with your special gift.
Run, run, run, jump, now breathe! That’s good.
Yeah, like that. Like that. One day I was walkin’ and I found this big log and I rolled the log over and underneath was a tiny little stick, and I was like, “That log had a child.” Listen boy, someday when you are older, you could get hit by a boulder. While you’re lyin’ there screamin’,”Come help me please, ” the seagulls poke your knees!
Why I Chose Peoria
For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship. Strong in Peoria, the force is. Hmmmmmm.
Kevin M. Downard, MD
Medical SchoolIndiana University School of Medicine, MD, 2019
Undergraduate
Miami University (Ohio), BS in Zoology, 2015
About Me
My wife, daughter, and I make up our three person family along with our cat Lumi! I grew up on a cattle farm in eastern Indiana and with that comes a love of anything outdoors. When stuck inside, I have recently gotten into mobile app development. I also collect all things Lego Star Wars. Following residency I will be practicing combined adult/pediatric rural outpatient medicine somewhere in the Midwest!
Why I Chose Peoria
My wife and I have never been city people, so we liked that Peoria was one of the smaller areas for a great MedPeds experience. There are plenty of surrounding rural areas that I knew would provide me with the experiences I wanted and needed for a career in rural medicine. I also liked that this program offered a full day clinic so that I would get more outpatient time.
Jackson C. Graves, MD
Medical SchoolSouthern Illinois University School of Medicine, MD, 2019
Undergraduate
Millikin University (Decatur, IL), BS, 2014
About Me
I enjoy all sports (specially soccer and golf), hunting, cooking and eating food, listening to and playing all types of music, mixology, running outdoors, and cinema! If I can do any of those with my friends, then I’m more than happy. My wife and I are very social people and love entertaining guests. Right now, MedPeds hospital medicine is at the forefront of my mind. Teaching is paramount to me, so I must include that.
Why I Chose Peoria
Peoria was my first introduction to MedPeds! I did not even know it was a specialty until I met some of the residents here. It was one fortuitous encounter! They are truly my tribe – curious, compassionate, and driven physicians. As a central IL boy, this was a win-win. I am happy to be a part of a wonderful residency while staying true to my roots in every way.
Joanna Hrabia, MD
Medical SchoolJagiellonian University Medical College, MD, 2019
Undergraduate
UCLA, BS in Bioengineering, 2015
About Me
I’m originally from LA and lived there up until I moved to Poland for med school. I love traveling (so being in Europe for 4 years was quite perfect for that), dabble in photography, and enjoy being active and spending time outdoors. Career-wise, I am interested in endocrinology, so I’m thinking about pursuing a combined fellowship. I also enjoy hospital medicine and medical education.
Why I Chose Peoria
I liked that the program has a strong MedPeds presence within the hospital, but at the same time is well integrated with the categorical programs. Location wise, I liked that OSF serves a large catchment area. Also, Peoria seemed like a perfect sized city in which I wouldn’t have to worry about traffic (which is unheard of in LA) and could live very close to the hospital. Most of all, the program leadership and residents I met while interviewing were all so nice and friendly, and felt like a group of people I would enjoy working with for the next four years.
Mojolaoluwa Mabayoje, MD
Medical SchoolUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, MD, 2019
Undergraduate
Tufts University (Medford), BS, 2012
About Me
From Bronx NY via Nigeria, moved to the Midwest for Medical school and staying on for residency. I enjoy watching and playing soccer, following major leagues and tournaments. I’m still in the process of figuring out my post-residency plans but so far I’m interested in hospital medicine.
Why I Chose Peoria
I enjoyed my interview experience here, all the residents and attendings were very nice and friendly. It was a very supportive atmosphere. There’s also a very good balance in terms of learning opportunities in both the Medicine and Pediatrics departments.
Vivian Wrenn, DO
Medical SchoolUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, DO, 2019
Graduate
University of North Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, MS, 2015
Undergraduate
University of Texas at Arlington, BS in Biology
Baylor University, BA in Psychology
About Me
At various stages of my life, I have been a politician, revolutionary, and Knight. The daughter of Anakin and Padmé, I am one of a set: I have a twin brother, Luke. An accomplished Senator, I am most famous for my strong leadership during the Galactic Civil War and other subsequent galactic conflicts. I’m married to a wonderful and lovable scoundrel (Han) and became the mother to one child (who prefers his stage name to his given name): Ben. While I love my family, I also like to be Solo.
I devoted much of my adult life to the Rebel Alliance–before turning to medicine.
As my brother always used to say: “Live long and prosper.”
Why I Chose Peoria
Peoria really reminds me of Alderaan.
Shannon Brougher, MD
Medical SchoolUniversity of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio, MD, 2018
Undergraduate
Washington and Lee University, BS, 2013
About Me
I love to hike and spend time outdoors (with sunscreen of course!) but I also love to watch Netflix at home with my cat. I pride myself on vocal advocacy for women’s health and LGBTQIA* health. My career interests include Academic Medicine, Adolescent Medicine, and Critical Care.
Why I Chose Peoria
I couples-matched into this program and was very pleased that Peoria welcomed us both with open arms. I was very attracted to the service-oriented nature of OSF and the OSF community’s commitment to the underserved populations in our large catchment area. I hope to spend my career providing the highest quality of medical care to all patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay—as such, OSF is a great place to train with physicians who share those values.
Matthew R. Gaffney, MD
Medical SchoolThe University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, MD, 2018
Graduate
The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, MS, 2013
Undergraduate
Miami University (Oxford), BA, 2010
About Me
I was born in Ohio and lived there most all of my life until moving to Peoria. During medical school, I went on mission trips to La Esperanza, Honduras and volunteered in our community free clinics as often as I could. In my spare time, I like doing circus arts performance, crafting, and playing with my cat, Gary. For my career, I am interested in pediatric critical care medicine, providing healthcare to undeserved areas, and remaining involved in global health.
Why I Chose Peoria
The hospital system serves a huge area and there is a very strong MedPeds presence here. Most importantly though, I really liked the people I met here while interviewing and it really just felt like this was a group of people I would be happy to train with.
Kelsey S. Loden, MD
Medical SchoolIndiana University School of Medicine, MD, 2018
Undergraduate
Valparaiso University, BA, 2014
About Me
I grew up in Palatine, IL–a northwest suburb of Chicago. In my free time, I enjoy playing the saxophone and played in a funk brass band during medical school. Hopefully, I’ll find people to play music with in Peoria too! I’m a slow but determined long distance runner and ran a few half marathons. I am a big hockey fan and especially love the Chicago Blackhawks, but I also love attending minor league sports games for all sports. I also enjoy reading books, listening to NPR podcasts, and traveling; before residency started, I went on a trip with my friends to China and Thailand! (I’ve always been a person with many different interests, which is why MedPeds is the perfect specialty for me!) I’m not sure what career path I want to pursue after residency, but I’m excited to be here and to explore different options!
Why I Chose Peoria
I liked that the MedPeds program has a large presence within the hospital system and also liked that there were so many MedPeds faculty members throughout the community. MedPeds seemed very well integrated with categorical medicine and categorical pediatrics. I also liked meeting the residents and program leadership and could tell that resident wellness was a priority. I also liked that the residents were close and enjoyed spending time with each other outside of work (and especially liked hearing about their cleverly named rec sports teams).
Farrah Malik, MD
Medical SchoolUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine, MD, 2018
Alpha Omega Alpha, Gold Humanism Honor Society
Undergraduate
Saint Louis University, BA, 2014
About Me
I’m the youngest of 3 and was born and raised in the great state of Missouri (Cape Girardeau to St. Louis to Columbia) before calling Peoria home. I love playing any and all sports but my current favorites are soccer and spikeball! I also enjoy baking and playing board games
My career goals are to find a happy balance between hospital medicine and a MedPeds clinic where I can serve underserved populations. I have an interest in global health and medical education.
Why I Chose Peoria
My first draw to the program was my husband (also a resident) who had so many great things to say about the MedPeds program. When I visited myself, I found there to be a very strong MedPeds presence in terms of faculty, support, and resident reputation in the hospital. I found that I could find MedPeds physicians in the inpatient and outpatient setting, specialties, as well as in various leadership roles so I knew finding mentors would not be an issue. There is a clear focus on resident wellness and the residents here seemed like a great group to work with but also to go play softball with after work!
Tim Roos, MD
Medical SchoolUniversity of Minnesota School of Medicine (Duluth), MD, 2018
Gold Humanism Honor Society
Undergraduate
University of Minnesota, BA in Physiology and Spanish Studies, 2012
About Me
For hobbies, I like a little bit of everything, that’s why I’m in MedPeds! I do everything from wood-working, to playing the ukulele to kayaking to travel to cooking (mostly breakfast food) to biking to playing hockey to even stand-up comedy. I’ll try anything once; I was the kid you could always dare to do something and for sure end up doing it. I am very passionate about patient care, healthcare systems, and advocacy work. I’ve met with multiple members of Congress, and given a few talks on it. During my first 2 years of medical school, I did international research on healthcare systems in Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, and the U.S. Come find me if you want to learn more!
Why I Chose Peoria
Free food – duh! But in reality…free food. Ok, OKAY! I am originally from Minne-snow-ta and wanted to branch out elsewhere, but the east coast seemed a little too brash for me, the south was too hot (like changing shirts all the time hot), and the west had only a few programs. I like the Midwest – this is home for me. So, I tried to curtail my search there. I found that Peoria’s program had a great diversity of patients, has great supports systems for its residents, offers international opportunities, is a perfect-sized city, has many surrounding attractions, I liked the size of the program, free parking, and did I mention free food?
Kelsey Shean, MD
Medical SchoolIndiana University School of Medicine, MD, 2018
Undergraduate
Indiana University, BS, 2013
About Me
I’m originally from a small town in central Indiana and have spent most of my life as a Hoosier. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy jogging, cooking, board games, spending time with my husband, and attempting to start a vegetable garden. At this point, I’m most interested in pursuing a career in MedPeds primary care.
Why I Chose Peoria
I was looking for a program with excellent primary care training, a strong MedPeds presence, and friendly people – and I think the Peoria program has all of those in spades. The OSF system serves a large area of the state and includes a major children’s hospital, which also contribute to a strong training experience.
Justin Steele, MD
Medical SchoolUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, MD, 2018
Alpha Omega Alpha, Gold Humanism Honor Society
Undergraduate
Knox College, BA in Chemistry and Physics, 2013
About Me
Born in the grand confines of this historic institution, Justin returned after 20 years to the beautiful river valley of Peoria to pursue his dream of becoming a MedPeds physician. In his spare time, he dabbles in Ultimate Frisbee, working out, and narrating biographies in the third-person. He has visited 8 countries in Central and South America, and hopes to nurture this love for travelling by pursuing a career in Global Health. Surrounded by an extremely talented intern class, he takes solace in the fact that he joins their ranks through his extraordinary spit bubble blowing.
Why I Chose Peoria
Having gone to UICOMP, I knew and respected the residents and leadership of our program as some of the best physicians and mentors in the hospital. Throughout the interview trail, OSF was the Gold Standard for comparing residencies. Our residents and program leadership are some of the most caring, fun, and intelligent physicians that I’ve met. The size of the hospital also had a more intimate feel than some of the larger academic institutions at which I interviewed. It was important to me to be someplace that allowed opportunities for residents to get involved and feel supported in those endeavors. Basically, the sense of family this program fosters sold me.
Jennifer Van Swol, MD
Medical School
Loyola University Chicago, MD, 2018
Global Health Honors Program
Graduate
Loyola University Chicago, Master’s in Bioethics and Health Policy, 2018
Undergraduate
Valparaiso University, BS in Chemistry and Biology, 2013
About Me
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down and I’d like to take a minute (Just sit right there), I’ll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air. In west Philadelphia–born and raised–on the playground was where I spent most of my days: chillin’ out, maxin.’ relaxin’ all cool and all shooting some b-ball outside of the school. When a couple of guys (who were up to no good) started making trouble in my neighborhood; I got in one little fight and my mom got scared. She said, “You’re movin’ with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.” I whistled for a cab and when it came near, the license plate said “Fresh” and it had dice in the mirror. If anything, I could say that this cab was rare, but I thought, “Nah, forget it.” “Yo, home to Bel-Air.” I pulled up to the house about 7 or 8 and I yelled to the cabbie, “Yo home– smell ya later.” I looked at my kingdom. I was finally there to sit on my throne as the Prince of Bel-Air.
Why I Chose Peoria
What I discovered when visiting: If you mixed West Philadelphia and Bel-Air, you’d have Peoria.
Yaro Bodnar, MD
Medical SchoolUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, MD, 2017
Undergraduate
Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, IL), BS in Chemistry and Physics, 2007
About Me
I was born in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, and as Midtown High School student, excelled in science while living at home with my Uncle Ben and Aunt May. In quite an interesting turn of events, I was bitten by a radioactive spider (erroneously classified as an insect in the panel) at a science exhibit. In that moment, I thought that I acquired “the agility and proportionate strength of an arachnid.” It appears that I did not, as I could not climb walls or swing from tall buildings. Despite multiple attempts to have people call me “SpiderMan,” this never caught on. So, I went to medical school instead. Perhaps, “Dr. SpiderMan” will catch on…
Why I Chose Peoria
Four words: World’s Most Beautiful Drive.
Sakina Broachwala, MD
Medical SchoolUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, MD, 2017
Undergraduate
University of Texas at Austin, BS, 2013
About Me
I’m originally from Texas but moved to Illinois after getting married. I frequently wish I could go visit my family but my new intolerance to humid heat has made it difficult. I love horseback riding and puzzles. I am the eldest of 5. My career interests are not set in stone, but I definitely am interested in primary care.
Why I Chose Peoria
I was lucky to experience the hospital system firsthand since I completed medical school here. The number one reason why I chose this program and Peoria are the people. It’s the perfect place to see the common stuff, along with the Zebras, without the hassle of a big city (traffic, pollution…did I mention traffic?). It’s also nice to have a big city (Chicago) nearby! Excited to see where the future will take me here!
Ninah P. Clegg, DO
Medical SchoolMarian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO, 2017
Alpha Omega Alpha
Undergraduate
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, BA, 2013
About Me
I was born and raised in Indianapolis. I played the piano and cello throughout my childhood and into college. I like to craft and up-cycle things I find at Goodwill or garage sales. My fianceé and I like to cook and garden together and recently started baking our own bread. I love to travel and have participated in multiple global health trips.
Why I Chose Peoria
The program has so many different things to offer a resident during training from international medicine trips to opportunities to be involved with medical education, but more than that, I loved the family-like atmosphere between the residents and faculty at my interview.
Brisa Gulari-Jones, MD
Medical SchoolSt. George’s University, MD, 2017
Iota Epsilon Alpha
Undergraduate
University of Hartford, BS, 2010
About Me
A born and raised New Yorker, I am excited to see what life in the Midwest is all about! In between my undergrad and going to med school, I moved back home and worked in children and family services as a caseworker for three years. I enjoy the great outdoors, reading, drinking tea at all hours of the day/night, writing, traveling, buying things I don’t necessarily need at Target, cooking, savoring new and old cuisine, laughing until I can’t breathe, discovering all kinds of music, and spending time with my wonderful husband. Ever the MedPeds person, I love having options and hope to divide my time between inpatient and outpatient ideally. I am drawn to working with underserved populations and have interests in community medicine as well as public health, women’s health, adolescent and reproductive medicine, mental health in the primary care setting, global health, and medical education. Also, I am not Italian (though I believe this assumption has worked to my advantage several times).
Why I Chose Peoria
The people sealed the deal for me. Everyone I met during my interview was so warm, welcoming, and down to earth. The faculty and residents are genuinely interested in who you are and put you at ease. Population wise, it’s a diverse mix which was very important to me. This also affords you the opportunity to see your every day ailments along with the rarities since we serve such a large patient base. I also appreciated the fact that the program is community based university affiliated – it makes for a great balance of clinical and educational time. Particularly important for MedPeds folks is the equal strength of both specialties during training. Besides that, you have plenty to choose from here both during and after residency, depending on what your career interests are. I am fortunate to have several options while being surrounded by hard working, kind individuals. Peoria itself is charming and family oriented with activities to keep you busy as well as several major cities within driving distance if you have the urge.
Nicholas Kessener, MD
Medical SchoolUniversity of Medicine and Health Sciences (St. Kitts), MD, 2017
Highest Honors
Graduate
Walden University, MPH, (In Progress)
Undergraduate
The Master’s University (Santa Clarita, CA), BS, 2006
About Me
I’m known as a family man for a reason. I have 4 kids (3 boys and a girl), a beautiful wife, and I love spending time with them all–whether that is at a park, a pool, or just wrestling on the floor. We’re also big on board and card games of all shapes and sizes. I also love anything that keeps me active. From a lifelong love of soccer and hockey to more newly acquired loves such as white water rafting, hiking, swing dancing or kayaking, I like anything that gets me out moving in nature. God has made a beautiful world and I like to enjoy it! I’m also just a big fan of people. Young and old, joyful or cantankerous, I love talking to people and trying to make their day. I suppose that’s a big reason I fell in love with MedPeds! My long-term goal is to do medical mission work, potentially as my full on career. I love serving the underserved and seeing other cultures, so why not use my degree to do both in a real way?
Why I Chose Peoria
Did I mention I like people? The people are what make the difference here. They actually take joy in serving others and genuinely care for the health and well being of those around them. Oh sure, I like the down home feel, the family friendly environment, the good support base for my wife, the excellent benefits vs cost of living, the diversity of pathology seen here, and the quality of the hospital system itself… but the real draw was the downright awesome people who make this their home and make OSF a great place to receive their care.
Asra Rab, MD
Medical SchoolAmerican University of Antigua, MD, 2017
Undergraduate
University of Texas at Dallas, BS, 2011
About Me
I’m a proud Texan, so naturally I enjoy eating and cooking unhealthy food. I come from a very close knit family and spending time with my two nieces is my favorite thing in the world. In my free time, I watch action movies, read books before they become movies, paint, and cross off as many concerts as I can off of my bucket list. I hope that intern year will provide some insight into what I want to pursue after residency.
Why I Chose Peoria
The main things that drew me to the program were how MedPeds has its own identity and presence at OSF, and both the IM and Pediatrics sides seem well balanced. I also loved how international electives are not just allowed, but encouraged. The best part was meeting attendings that were residents at OSF and decided to stick around–that’s always a good sign. Peoria has all the perks of living in the suburbs (yay no traffic!) and the benefit of having Chicago nearby.
Tracey Thompson, MD
Medical SchoolLoyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, MD, 2017
Global Health Honors
Undergraduate
California Lutheran University, BS, 2012
About Me
Colorado native, Midwest transplant. You bring your appetite, I’ll bring the baked goods.
Hope to someday pursue a career in adult congenital heart disease or hospitalist medicine.
Why I Chose Peoria
Wanted to stay in the Midwest, loved the friendliness and community that this program provides.
Wyatt Verplaetse, MD
Medical School
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, MD, 2017
Undergraduate
University of Notre Dame, BS 2008
About Me
I am an Illinois native from the quad cities, and am a huge college football fan. I love reading, travel and am an avid gardener. Being my first year, my career interests are a work in progress, but I find immunology particularly interesting.
Why I Chose Peoria
Having gone to medical school here, I was familiar with the facilities and faculty, both of which are top notch. I had a previous relationship with some of the program leadership which gave me great confidence this was the best place for me to train.
Kody Dormire, DO
Medical School
Oklahoma State University COM, DO, 2020
Undergraduate
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (Bartlesville, OK), BS, 2014
About Me
I was born and raised in rural Oklahoma. I attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University where I participated in collegiate athletics and managed to obtain a BS in Biology. I went on to attended Oklahoma State University COM in Tulsa, OK.
My hobbies include more things than I can list but here are a few: running, cycling, hiking, 3D printing, serving in my church, technology. I chose med-peds due to the many opportunities afforded by such a specialty and my affinity for most things medicine. And of course, I couldn’t make up my mind. Isn’t that the case for most med/peds?? I just enjoyed it all.
At this time I am unsure of my terminal career path but currently, I am entertaining dual hospitalist, critical care, maybe a classic medical practice model? That being said, I am open to exploring all avenues in order to find a niche where I can best serve others.
Why I Chose Peoria
I chose Peoria for many different reasons. It has a large hospital and catchment area, a great children’s hospital that addresses advanced care needs, and the Jump Simulation center opportunities for medical innovation and skill refinement. All that being said, it was ultimately my interactions with the residents and the faculty on interview day that solidified my decision. Everyone was very personable and the residents felt supported by the faculty and it truly showed.
Zita A. Erbowor-Becksen, MD
Medical SchoolIndiana University School of Medicine, MD, 2020
Undergraduate
Indiana University (Bloomington), BA, 2012
About Me
I enjoy traveling, trying new foods with friends and family, and teaching Sunday School at my church. I spend my spare time interior designing and looking at Pinterest boards. I’m not sure what my career in med-peds will look like yet, but I’m definitely interested in global health.
Why I Chose Peoria
I loved the strong Med-Peds presence and family-like feel of the program. I remember feeling very comfortable with everyone I spoke with on the interview day and I could picture myself going to Peoria. I’m also very passionate about global health and was drawn to the robust global health opportunities offered.
Andrea Escobar, MD
Medical SchoolLoyola University Chicago, MD, 2020
Global Health Honors Program
Graduate
Boston University School of Medicine, MS, 2015
Undergraduate
Johns Hopkins University, BA, 2012
About Me
I’m originally from Southern California, but have enjoyed living in the Midwest since I started medical school. Outside of medicine, I like to get outdoors, hang out at coffee shops, and try different restaurants.
Why I Chose Peoria
I picked Peoria because I really enjoyed my interview day and felt like this was a program where I would be well-supported as a person and that I could follow my career interests. Also, I love the area, the countryside is beautiful and I enjoy getting to explore the different trails, and Peoria has all the stuff I like about living in a city like food, coffee, sports, music, theatre, and I’m sure much more that I have not discovered yet.
Natalie Huynh, DO
Medical SchoolMarian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO, 2020
Graduate
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, MS, 2015
Undergraduate
Indiana University (Bloomington), BS, 2014
About Me
I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the youngest of four. I love hanging out with friends, playing board games, and traveling. In my spare time, I like to start crafts and projects, and hope to someday finish them. My current goal is to be a Med-Peds hospitalist, but I’m open to exploring the options!
Why I Chose Peoria
It’s cliche, but I chose Peoria because of the people! I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout at my interview dinner and how truly happy everyone was to be there. The entire interview day was chill and after meeting the amazing program leadership, it essentially sealed the deal.
Rachel Samuel, MD
Medical School
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, MD, 2020
Undergraduate
Loyola University Chicago 2016
About Me
I’m from a rural town in West TN. Currently, I see myself as a combined hospitalist, but also see a possibility of sub-specializing. I am excited to explore Resident as Teacher opportunities during my time here. Outside of medicine, I love all things cinema, cosmetology, and crocheting! I also enjoy my gym time and baking the occasional good.
Why I Chose Peoria
I love the program here because it has such a wide encatchment area-basically everything IL outside of Chicago which translates to more exposure to various stages of disease on both the medicine and peds side. You will get to see all of the horses and the zebras here. The faculty and staff are absolutely amazing and treat you like family. As a city, Peoria is extremely convenient and there is something to do for everyone. It’s simply a great place to be.
Mary Spinner, MD
Medical School
Graduate
University of Glasgow, MSc, 2015
Undergraduate
University of Edinburgh, BSc, 2012
About Me
I grew up just outside of Indianapolis, before moving to Scotland for my undergraduate and master’s degrees in mathematics. After finishing my master’s, I moved to Champaign, Illinois to work in software while I took the pre-requisites I needed for medical school. I met my now-husband at my job! For hobbies, I enjoy reading, baking, knitting, running, and spending time outdoors, especially hiking. I love doing all of those things with my husband and daughter. For our honeymoon, my husband and I hiked the Inca trail! In my career, I’m planning on going into genetics, hopefully with a focus on metabolic and mitochondrial disorders.
Why I Chose Peoria
I just felt like I belonged when I interviewed here. Everyone was so friendly and approachable. It’s also a huge bonus that we’re staying close to family!
Courtney Swantek, MD
Medical SchoolThe University of Washington School of Medicine-WWAMI, MD, 2020
Undergraduate
The College of Idaho, BS in Biology and Psychology, 2012
About Me
I was raised in Boise with my 2 brothers and many exchange (student) siblings and am a proud Idahoan. Throughout my youth and college I was a competitive cheerleader but I’ve hung up the pom poms and now enjoy spending my free time doing Krav Maga Martial Arts, woodworking, DIYing, and hiking. I have a very close knit family and love our family game nights, FaceTime calls and walks and cuddles with my sweet dog, Chester. I also have an adventurous side-I love traveling and meeting new people. I lived in Spain and Peru where I studied Spanish, learned about a different healthcare system and now enjoy having extended family and lifelong friends in both countries. As for my future career, I am interested in global health in addition to doing a mix of inpatient and outpatient MedPeds.
Why I Chose Peoria
After my interview day I knew Peoria would be the perfect place for me! The staff and residents were all so welcoming and happy, and I knew it had the supportive environment to help me thrive in residency. I was impressed by how well integrated MedPeds is in the hospital and love that the program is strong in both Medicine and Pediatrics. I also love that Peoria is big enough to have everything I need but small enough to not feel like a big city-it reminds me of growing up in Boise!
Hasanki Warnakula, MD
Medical SchoolUniversity of Kentucky College of Medicine, MD, 2020
Undergraduate
University of Kentucky, BS, 2016
About Me
I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky where I also stayed for both college and medical school. I’m an avid UK men’s basketball team fan (Go Cats!) and enjoy following college basketball in general. In my free time, I love cooking, trying new baking recipes, and reading books. I also enjoy jogging and recently started doing yoga. For my career, I am currently interested in primary care as I enjoy patient continuity and building long-term patient relationships, but I have not ruled out pursuing a fellowship. I hope to also incorporate teaching and working with the underserved in my career.
Why I Chose Peoria
On the interview trail, I was looking for a program with a combined Med-Peds continuity clinic with a well-established Med-Peds presence within the hospital and strong camaraderie both between residents and residents and faculty. I discovered that the the program at Peoria met all of these criteria, and all the residents and faculty I met were incredibly warm and friendly. I knew I found a group of people I could see myself working with and becoming friends with over the next four years.
Contact Us
- Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency
- 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue
- 5th Floor OSF North Building
- Peoria, IL 61637
- 309-655-4940
- [email protected]
- Hours: M-F: 8:30am – 4pm