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Class of 2006- Biographies

 


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Jen Bang

Hometown: Katy, Texas

Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin

Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch

After finishing medical school, I decided it was time to leave my beloved Lone Star State and see the rest that the U.S. had to offer. I interviewed for Family Medicine residencies all over the country, and decided that MacNeal was the ideal choice for the simple fact that it offered great training while giving me the chance to experience Chicago. In my free time, I like to enjoy the Chicago lakefront, eat at all the delicious restaurants, and just hang out with other residents. 


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Tina Brueschke

Hometown: Hinsdale, Illinois

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Medical School: Rush Medical College, Chicago

Entering the field of medicine after a successful start in a career in health care administration was a daunting decision but choosing to enter the specialty of Family Medicine came easily. I appreciate the ability to take care of patients of all ages, deliver newborns and provide care throughout a broad spectrum of conditions. When selecting a residency I was drawn to the MacNeal program by its quality of education, abundant clinical opportunities across different focuses and friendly atmosphere. Now, as a resident, I can also attest to the supportiveness of the faculty for resident education and clinical interests and an excellent relationship between specialist physicians and the residents and residency program. In my free time I spend time with family and friends, participate in several organized medicine associations, and travel.



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 Hung Duong

Hometown: Ottawa, Canada

Undergraduate: University of Western Ontario

Medical School: St. Matthew's University School of Medicine

I chose MacNeal for the understanding residents, staff, and the friendly atmosphere. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and working out.


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Lara Ellison

Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Undergraduate: North Central College

Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

I was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL then moved to Naperville, IL to attend North Central College where I met my husband. Following college and working for a couple of years, I attended the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. My husband and I still reside in Naperville and now have two children. Residency has been challenging as my roles also include wife and mother, but my family has made the experience very enriching and MacNeal has allowed me the opportunity to maintain balance in my life while training to become a Family Physician.


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Mithilia Janakiram

Hometown: Mentor, Ohio

Undergraduate: Youngstown State University, Ohio

Medical School: Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine

I chose to come to MacNeal for many reasons. First, I thought the program was well rounded and I would receive solid training in all aspects of Family Medicine. Second, MacNeal's location is ideal because of its proximity to Chicago while still retaining a community focus. Moving from Ohio was a big step but I have never regretted this decision. I love all the cultural opportunities that Chicago has to offer. My interests include adolescent medicine, preventive medicine and substance abuse.


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Vijay Jotwani

Hometown: Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago

I grew up in Hoffman Estates and headed to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois for my undergraduate years. I particularly enjoyed my college semester abroad in Perth, Australia. I then got down to business in medical school at UIC. At MacNeal you'll find me involved in sports medicine activities and busy in the family medicine clinic. Outside of residency, I am an avid sports fan (Go Bears!) and my wife and I enjoy going to the symphony and opera.


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Rick Kauffman

Hometown: Hopewell, New Jersey

Undergraduate: West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

I grew up on the East Coast - small town of Hopewell, NJ and Undergraduate at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Then after four years working at the NIH, I moved to Chicago for medical school at CCOM. In considering residency programs, I looked at programs from Virginia to as far west as Colorado. What I liked most about MacNeal when interviewing was the residents I met, the size of the hospital and University affiliation, and the location just west of Chicago. Also, the program has a great reputation and I knew I would be challenged. I am married and have a son Griffin and we are very happy to be in the Chicago area for 3 more years. I enjoy most outdoor activities, especially volleyball, mountain biking, and camping. After residency, I have a four-year commitment to the National Health Service Corps and may end up in a rural practice, likely in a mountainous region of the United States. 


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Julie Limon

Hometown: Oak Lawn, Illinois

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Medical School: Chicago Medical School (Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science)

MacNeal provides a rigorous training program that has allowed me to develop a broad knowledge base in Family Medicine. It is rewarding to provide prenatal care, manage adult medicine and see healthy children in the outpatient setting. I have developed wonderful relationships with the faculty and people in the community. When I am not in the hospital, you will find me spending time with my family, cooking or photo journaling.


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Karin Patterson

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Undergraduate: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

MacNeal appealed to me for many reasons, particularly its strength in Obstetrics and Women's Health. After becoming part of this residency, it proved to be a well-rounded program with residents and faculty who are deeply committed to strengthening it every day. The patient population is both diverse and compliant - a privilege to serve. Some of my interests outside of medicine include: golf, cooking, travel and skiing.


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Vivek Talwar

Hometown: Lake Zurich, Illinois

Undergraduate: Illinois Institute of Technology

Medical School: Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School

I chose MacNeal because of its diverse patient population, its strong teaching tradition, and its friendly environment. The faculty support is invaluable. My other interests include: tennis, skiing, skating, and water sports. I am also working on my private pilot's license in my spare time.


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Sarah Teresinski

Hometown: Waupun, Wisconsin

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin (Stevens Point )

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI)

I am originally from a small town in Wisconsin, making my move to Chicago a bit intimidating at first. But I soon found the faces of MacNeal to be inviting and the people of Berwyn to be just as friendly. The area is close to downtown and the suburbs, making an ideal vicinity to enjoy a little of both. It didn't take long for me to begin to call it "home". The staff is supportive and the education is unbeatable.


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Ramona Zak

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago

Medical School: Rush Medical College, Chicago

Growing up in Chicago, I never felt compelled to leave the area. After finishing my Bachelor in Science at Loyola University and Medical School at Rush Medical College, I decided Chicago would be an ideal place for my residency training. MacNeal seemed to fit my personality and requirements fairly well. It is a strong program in all aspects of Family Medicine and allows its residents to be very independent. The population is diverse and my ability to converse in Polish has been rewarding for both my patients and me. With my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and friends. Cycling, hiking, reading, bowling, traveling and playing with my dog, Seamus, are some of my favorite pastimes.