UChicago EM

Oakland University William Beaumont
she/her

Hey everyone — I’m Alex! I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago and am incredibly excited to be moving back to the area. I went to Lake Forest College for undergrad, where I majored in Neuroscience and Psychology, and spent the last few years in Southeast Michigan attending medical school at Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB). During med school, I developed an interest in social EM, especially through volunteering with the Street Medicine team at OUWB. Working alongside EM physicians to care for our underserved communities was deeply meaningful and solidified my commitment to health equity. This passion is one of the many reasons U Chicago stood out to me—I was drawn to the program’s mission-driven approach to care. Mentorship and education are also cornerstones of my career goals. I see my future in academic medicine and involved in Med-Ed, so I knew I wanted to train at a program like U Chicago that has such a strong foundation in both. Outside the hospital, you’ll likely find me at a hot yoga or pilates class, playing pickleball, going on long city walks, trying new restaurants and recipes, or planning my next hiking or travel adventure!

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
he/him

Hello friends! My name is Max, and I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Much to the distaste of my Ohio State loving friends and family, I went to the University of Michigan for undergrad (Go Blue!). I began my career in the business world at The Nielsen Company but quickly rediscovered that my true calling was science and medicine. I then received a Masters in Nutrition, which, in addition to drastically changing my diet, instilled in me a passion for combating food insecurity. I have spent many hours in food pantries located across the Midwest and East Coast, and I truly believe that food has the power to change lives!

I attended Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, NJ, where I fell in love with both the patients and the people in the Emergency Department. I was drawn to the University of Chicago because of its commitment to the community and residency culture, while also providing excellent training.

Outside of medicine, I am about as competitive as it gets and love to play or watch any sport or game available. In particular, I enjoy playing pickup basketball and appreciate the wide diversity of people the pickup community attracts. I also love spending time with my wife (especially watching Michigan sports!), who I met at U of M and is also a resident here in Chicago. I enjoy music of all genres and recently started learning how to play the guitar.

Can’t wait for a great few years!

The University of Colorado
she/her

Hi everyone! I’m Alli, and I’m thrilled to be joining the UChicago Emergency Medicine team. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in the Beverly neighborhood, and I stayed local for undergrad at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I majored in kinesiology and competed on the NCAA gymnastics team.

After college, I spent a few gap years scribing in an emergency department- coincidentally, a U Chicago affiliated hospital- where my passion for emergency medicine, as well as social emergency medicine took root.

I went on to attend medical school at the University of Colorado, where I was fortunate to get involved with community harm reduction efforts and firearm injury prevention research. Throughout medical school, I’ve known that providing high-quality care to marginalized communities would be a cornerstone of my career in EM, and there’s truly no better place for me to grow, learn, and serve in that mission than UChicago!

Outside of medicine, I’m happiest when I’m outdoors—downhill skiing, running marathons, trail running, road biking, hiking, camping, and playing pickleball. I’m actively looking for ways to adapt these mountain hobbies to the Chicagoland area, so if you have any suggestions, send them my way!

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
she/her

Hey everyone! I’m Tori – a born and raised Arizonan who is excited to begin a new chapter in the Windy City! I grew up in the Phoenix suburbs and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where I double-majored in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Political Science. After that, I returned home for medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix. Inspired by the experiences of loved ones with substance use and my involvement in the rave community, I developed a passion for harm reduction. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible organizations such as Sonoran Prevention Works and Street Medicine Phoenix, providing syringe exchange services, HIV and hepatitis screenings, health education, and more.

I chose emergency medicine for its role at the intersection of medicine and society– offering the opportunity to embrace the diversity, complexity, and unpredictability of each patient we meet. I was especially drawn to the ED for its rapid pace and team-based environment– as a former soccer player, it felt like a natural fit! My professional interests include harm reduction, drug policy reform, event medicine, and medical toxicology. I chose UChicago for its commitment to health equity, diversity, and service to the South Side community. I feel honored to be joining a cohort of talented physicians who share a passion for social justice and mission-driven care. When I’m not working, you can find me dancing at a festival or rave, playing a DJ set at home, lifting at the gym, trying a local coffee shop, or baking up a sweet treat to share.

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
he/him

Hey y’all!

I’m JD. I was born and raised on the Southside, and I am beyond grateful to be returning home after attending medical school in NYC. So many people and experiences have drawn me to medicine that it’s hard to do them justice in a (hopefully) short bio – but here goes my best attempt.

For undergrad, I attended Dartmouth College, where I played FCS football, became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and discovered my commitment to health equity and mutual aid. After college, I became an EMT-B and gained my first clinical exposure to EMS and emergency medicine. The team-based nature, the variety of personalities and acuity, and the privilege to provide dignified care to someone on some of their hardest days made it clear that emergency medicine is the right place for me. Along my journey, I’ve met violence interventionalists, street medics, coaches, and more who continue to teach me that some of the most impactful care happens outside the healthcare system. Each of these experiences has affirmed my belief that people and communities are ultimately the greatest resources anyone of us can have and that they’re the very things that make Chicago so special.

In my free time, I love a good thriller, hoop sessions with my friends, reading, playing card games, and trying out new restaurants.

Loyola University Chicago
he/him

Hi, everyone!

I’m Michael, from Queens, NY, where I was raised by my two immigrant moms. Growing up in a blended Ecuadorian and Greek household gave me a deep appreciation for delicious food and incredible culture.

For college, I left the East Coast to attend the University of Notre Dame, where I met my wife (and co-resident!), Meredith, through a pre-med club. We both volunteered as trip leaders for a weeklong medical brigade in Ecuador, an experience that solidified my passion for medicine. I also spent a great deal of time with the Notre Dame Boxing Club, competing in an annual tournament. The tournament raised funds to support food, housing, and education in Bangladesh, and I was proud to be part of such a meaningful cause.
After college, we moved to Chicago, where I earned a master’s degree at Loyola before staying for medical school. At Loyola, I focused on Social EM and DEI work, including my service on the Health Equity in the Curriculum Committee. Advocacy has always been at the core of why I chose Emergency Medicine, and it’s one of the many reasons I was drawn to UChicago for residency.

Outside of medicine, I love spending time with our Lab-Pittie mix, Mia, and our cat, Biscuit. I also enjoy trying new restaurants, binge-watching TV shows, reading thrillers, playing golf, and hanging out with friends!

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
he/him

Howdy! I’m Harrison (I also go by Harry), and I’m from Columbus, Ohio. I went to the Ohio State University for undergrad where I majored in Chinese Language and Literature with a minor in Creative Writing; during summers, I worked in Colorado as a river guide. I took some time off between undergrad and medical school to raft the Grand Canyon, get a master’s degree in medical anthropology, and work at a hospital.

During medical school, I helped to lead Q Clinic, a free clinic focused on primary care for LGBTQ+ individuals. I also joined the Wilderness Medical Society and developed an interest in wilderness, space, diaster-relief, and all other types of resource-limited medicine. In the future, I hope to continue serving patients who need it most, whether in free clinics, humanitarian settings, or in the emergency department. I chose UChicago for their commitment to their community and clinical excellence, their unbeatable training, and their fun and diverse group of residents and faculty!

Outside of the hospital, I like writing, cooking, video games (I main Zelda), bread-baking, biking, and all things outdoors.

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
she/her

Hi y’all! I’m Symphony, originally from New Orleans and raised in Houston. I attended the University of Chicago for undergrad, where I studied History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Science and Medicine. While I had been interested in pursuing a career in medicine since childhood, deepening my understanding of the structural determinants and historical underpinnings of modern health disparities in college further fueled my passion for the field. It also inspired a commitment to engage in community-based programming aimed at addressing health inequities.

I continued at UChicago for medical school, where I worked closely with the local community through programs such as MedCEEP and UMedics. Witnessing the unique challenges faced by residents of Chicago’s South Side due to violence and violent injury, I co-founded the Trauma Recovery and Prevention of Violence Program with a member of the UChicago Emergency Medicine faculty in 2021. In 2024, I earned my MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, concentrating in quantitative methods, with the goal of incorporating a public health lens into my clinical and academic practice.

When I’m not in the hospital, you can find me traveling, lifting, trying new restaurants around the city, or in the climbing gym (a little too on brand, I know).

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
she/her

Hi, I’m Meredith! I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and went to Notre Dame for undergrad (Go Irish!), where I met my now-husband and favorite co-resident, Michael. After college, I worked in health policy and earned a Master of Public Policy at UChicago before staying on for medical school — and now residency. By the end, I will have spent about a decade studying and training at UChicago…clearly, I love it here! I chose EM for many reasons, but particularly its unique intersection with public policy and the opportunity it provides to advocate for the South Side community we serve. I’m especially interested in how public policy interacts with social EM, medical education, and admin/operations. Outside of the hospital, I love cooking, traveling, reading thrillers, doing pilates, and spending time with our dog, Mia, and our cat, Biscuit. You can often find us around Chicago, eating at restaurants with family or friends!

University of Texas Medical Branch
she/her

Hi everyone, I’m Kseniya! I was born in Kirov, Russia and immigrated to the United States with my parents when I was 4. I grew up in Livonia, Michigan doing rhythmic gymnastics. I had fallen in love with Chicago as a child when we travelled there every year for competitions. I moved here in my senior year of high school to pursue my athletic career and stayed for undergrad. I went to Loyola University Chicago and majored in Physics, Biology, and Biophysics with a Mathematics minor. After my gymnastics career, I developed a passion for aerospace medicine and interned at NASA, where I also had the opportunity to shadow a NASA physician-scientist who worked in the ED. It was my first exposure to emergency medicine, and I fell in love with the specialty. I spent my gap year working at the Space Medicine Innovations Lab at Dartmouth and then went on to complete the MD-PhD combined degree program at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where I was also able to continue my involvement in research at NASA. For my PhD, I studied the effects of bedrest (a common microgravity analogue) on arterial structure and function in older adults.

Since we made the move to Houston, my husband and I have been missing our life in Chicago. We are overjoyed to be coming back, now with our daughter, Raya. I had had my eye on the program at the University of Chicago for many years during my training, and completing an away here sealed the deal for me. I fell in love with the program and the way everyone truly embodies the commitment to diversity and serving the community. I am also excited to get involved with the HEMS program, including research! In my down time, I enjoy outings with my family and staying active with running, yoga, pilates, and dance. I also enjoy classical science fiction and a good cup of coffee (Dark Matter is my favorite)!

University of Alabama at Birmingham
he/him

Hey everyone! My name is Landon, and I’m so excited to be joining the UChicago EM family! I grew up in Saraland, Alabama, and went to Auburn University for undergrad, where I studied Biomedical Sciences. In medical school, I developed a passion for health equity and medical education. Working on research projects exploring healthcare inequities — including barriers to PrEP access and racial disparities related to fentanyl-positive urine drug screens — shaped my commitment to advocacy and social emergency medicine. I also served as a simulation teaching assistant and peer tutor, which sparked my love for teaching and mentorship. With many unique career paths in emergency medicine, I knew this program would afford me the opportunity to grow, learn, and discover my own niche within EM.

What drew me most to UChicago was the people. Beyond the academic opportunities and commitment to diversity, there’s a true sense of community, purpose, and compassion here. The people share a heartbeat, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this team. Outside of medicine, I enjoy running, intramural sports, and spending time with friends. I’m looking forward to making Chicago my home!

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
she/her

Hi everyone, I’m Lana! I was born and raised in New Jersey with my twin brother and two older sisters who are also twins. Growing up, we often spent summers visiting my grandparents in Michigan, so the Midwest has always felt like a second home. I couldn’t be more excited to officially make the move for residency.

I was first introduced to Emergency Medicine as a volunteer EMT in high school. Over nearly ten years, I worked at three EMS agencies and found a sense of purpose in caring for anyone, at any time, in any place. That experience led me to The College of New Jersey and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for a combined BS/MD program, with the long-term goal of becoming an Emergency Medicine physician and EMS medical director. All these years later, that dream hasn’t changed!

I love Emergency Medicine for the challenge of treating undifferentiated patients and the privilege of making quick, meaningful decisions in patient care. During the interview season, I was drawn to UChicago by the warmth of its leadership and residents, the focus on both medical and social aspects of care, and the opportunity to learn from leaders in Emergency Medicine.

Outside of medicine, I love exploring new cities, hiking/spending time outdoors, and tracking down the best local coffee spots. I’m excited to be a part of the UChicago EM family!

University of Illinois – Chicago
she/her

Hi all! I’m Tracy — born in Milwaukee, raised in a Vietnamese-American household, and proud to now call Chicago home. I fell in love with EM because it’s where medicine meets purpose — where we care for people in their most vulnerable moments, often when every other system has failed them. I was drawn to UChicago for its deep roots in Social Emergency Medicine and EMS, its unwavering commitment to the South Side community, and its incredible culture of mentorship and advocacy. From the very start, it felt like home.

With an MPH and a background in community health, I’m passionate about addressing social drivers of health both inside and outside of the emergency department. I’m especially excited to train at a program that sees service and advocacy as central to residency, and where mentorship, professional development, and wellness are part of the fabric of training.

Outside of medicine, you’ll find me hanging with my pets, my partner, trying to keep my growing plant family alive, and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods one meal at a time. I’m so excited to get started and grow alongside this amazing team!

LSU School of Medicine – New Orleans
she/her

Hi everyone! I’m Calia—born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, before relocating to the small town of Vacherie, LA after Hurricane Katrina. I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. According to my older sister, I told her at age five that I wanted to be a “doctor for the poor,” and that dream has been driving me ever since. I began my journey at Louisiana State University for undergrad (GEAUX TIGERS!), followed by graduate school at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, and eventually made my way back home for medical school at LSU New Orleans. Believe it or not, I didn’t know much about emergency medicine before med school. But during my first year, I had the chance to shadow a physician in the ED—an incredible advocate for underserved and minority communities. Watching her work in the organized chaos of a level 1 trauma center in the heart of New Orleans made something click: this is where I belong.

Emergency medicine brings together all the things I’m passionate about—caring for diverse patient populations, breaking down barriers in healthcare, and never knowing exactly what’s coming through the door next. My interests have grown to include global health, medical education, and addressing health disparities—fields where EM offers endless opportunities to make an impact. I was first introduced to UChicago at a conference during my second year of medical school, and I felt an instant connection. Each interaction after that only reinforced how special the program is. The sense of family among faculty and residents, the deep commitment to service and diversity, the focus on career development, and of course, the incredible city of Chicago—all of it just felt right. After my interview and second look, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It truly felt like home.

Outside of the hospital, you can usually find me checking out new brunch spots, traveling, spending time with friends, or spoiling my sweet pup, Roux. I’m beyond excited and grateful to be joining the UChicago EM family, and I can’t wait to keep growing into the physician my future patients deserve.

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
he/him

Hi everyone! I’m Ali! I was born in New York and raised in Michigan, where I got my undergraduate business degree from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and then my medical degree from Western Michigan. I fell in love with Emergency Medicine because of the way we take care of anybody and everybody, the high-paced environment, and the impact we create by changing people’s lives. I’m super passionate about taking care of our local communities and have gotten very lucky to be a part of projects like opening a student-run clinic in a local shelter and creating an organization that teaches health literacy to immigrant families.

Just like most Midwestern kids who dreamed about coming to Chicago growing up, I’m so excited to join this amazing community and learn what makes the city beautiful. Being able to learn from the world’s best at UChicago will push me to become the greatest version of myself, and I’m beyond grateful to be here. Outside of medicine, I love to work out, watch Arabic drama shows, and talk about art with people who know a lot more about it than I do.

University of California, Irvine
she/her

Hey everyone! My name is Cassandra, and I was born and raised in the Kansas City metro area. So yes, I am a diehard Kansas City Chiefs Fan. I graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Life Science before attending Washburn University and completing a BSN program. I worked as an ED nurse for six years between Tennessee and Northern California before starting medical school. I often get asked why I made the switch, but from the time I was eight years old, I wanted to be a physician. My dream started when I met my neighbor, Jenne, who was quadriplegic. At the time, I thought I could help her walk again. Although it took time for me to reach this dream, my nonlinear path to medicine shaped who I am today.

I attended UC Irvine School of Medicine, where I was a Program in Medical Education Leadership, Education, to Advance Diversity- African, Black and Caribbean (PrIME LEAD-ABC) Scholar. This program is meant to uplift future physicians and provide them with the tools to serve ABC communities. I chose University of Chicago because the commitment to health disparities and equity, community outreach, and resident wellness. On my interview day, I met so many people who had similar values as myself, so I knew this was the place I wanted to complete my residency training. In my free time, I love to read and write. Fun fact, I’m working on two romance novels currently. I play volleyball and enjoy dominating my fantasy football leagues almost every season. I also have the best dog, my 10 year old rescue with very high energy, Sassy.

Emory University School of Medicine
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Hey hey! I’m Syd. I was born in Detroit and later moved to Ann Arbor, where I studied Spanish and Writing at the University of Michigan. I’ve always loved meaningful discourse and once imagined becoming a lawyer—until witnessing the lack of representation in my father’s journey to seek treatment for his substance use disorder changed everything. Since then, I’ve been deeply committed to advancing health equity, whether through research, health policy, or collaborating with community partners.

I was drawn to emergency medicine because we have the privilege of serving as the critical access point for people who have historically been neglected by the healthcare system. My passion lies at the intersection of social justice and health equity, and I am committed to using my role as an emergency physician to advocate for underserved communities and challenge the systemic barriers that affect our patients’ lives. I’m excited to grow as both a clinician and advocate while learning from, serving, and building meaningful relationships within the South Chicago community.

Outside the hospital, I’m a plant-based foodie, avid solo traveler, Solidcore enthusiast, movement lover (dance, HIIT, whatever), gathering host, and content creation and media fan!

Oregon Health and Science University
she/her

Hey y’all! My name is Asia, and I’m beyond excited to be joining the University of Chicago community. I grew up in Eugene, OR, and went on to study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Lewis & Clark College — though I spent just as much time in the music department as a pianist. I stayed close to home for medical school at Oregon Health & Science University.

Serving minority communities and building personal connections with my patients has always been at the heart of my path in medicine. I found my passion for Emergency Medicine through my family’s experiences as patients and my appreciation for the way EM physicians educate and empower families with the tools to navigate their health challenges beyond the ED.

I’m so grateful to be joining the UChicago team caring for the Southside community, while growing my interests in advocacy and mentorship. What truly sealed the deal for me was the genuine warmth and collegiality I felt at the second look!

Outside of medicine, I love swimming, playing pickleball, traveling with friends, thrift shopping, listening to true crime podcasts, and playing the piano.