PGY1'sMahmoud Abdel-Ghani, MD  | Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Med School: Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine
Why SIU: It's supportive and collaborative environment stood out to me from the start. The faculty and residents demonstrated genuine friendship and mentorship. The program's focus on education and clinical experience instilled confidence in its comprehensive training.
Hobbies: Traveling and visiting natural places
Career Goals: I'm open to explore all fields but my main interests are towards Cardiology or Gastroenterology.
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Dana Alarouri, MD  | Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Med School: University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine
Why SIU: During the interview, it was clear that everyone showed genuine interest and had thoroughly read the personal statement to get to know you better. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and the residents were incredibly helpful. After being accepted, everyone continued to be supportive, regularly checking in, and embracing diverse backgrounds.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, traveling, solving Rubik’s cube and Jigsaw puzzles.
Career Goals: I’m interested in gastroenterology, but I’m open to exploring other specialties to see where my passion truly lies.
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Januka Gaire, MD  | Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Med School: Universal College of Medical Sciences
Why SIU: I chose SIU because during the interview and meet and greet sessions, I was impressed by the friendliness and motivation of the faculty members and residents, which left me with very positive vibes about the program. The opportunity to engage in research further solidified my decision, as it with my passion, academic interests, and career goals. Additionally,SIU's reputation for being IMG-friendly and diverse made it clear that this institution is exactly what I was looking for in terms of personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.
Hobbies: Trekking, hiking in the mountains, cooking, traveling, and spending my free time with friends and family.
Career Goals: I would like to work as a General Pediatrician for a couple of years so I have not decided yet for fellowship.
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Shovanna Ghimire, MD  | Hometown: Nepal
Med School: Nepal Medical College
Why SIU: I was fimiliar with Springfield, which gave me a sense of home. During the interview, I felt very comfortable and appreciated the camaraderie among the co-residents and attending. I could see myself thriving in the friendly and supportive enviorment that the program offers.
Hobbies: Reading, writing novels, traveling, and hiking.
Career Goals: While I'm open to exploring various options, I am currently drawn to general pediatrics.
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Maaliyah Keller, MD  | Hometown: Beaumont, TX
Undergrad: Xavier University of Louisiana
Med School: Trinity School of Medicine
Why SIU: During the open house, I enjoyed how the Residents and Admin discussed the program. I was searching for a smaller program with a family atmosphere, and SIU provided everything I needed and more. My interview day cemented the deal for me. I felt like I could be myself throughout the interview, and that's when I realized SIU was the perfect program for me.
Hobbies: Binge watching shows, eating, shopping, and reading short comics.
Career Goals: Leaning towards General Peds, but I am open to what the journey brings.
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Sharon-Rose Nyoni, MD  | Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Med School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why SIU: The people...During my interviews, SIU felt like a family in every sense of the word. Additionally, I was impressed that several alumni return to SIU to teach and work after completing fellowships elsewhere. This strong sense of community and commitment was a significant factor in my decision.
Hobbies: Traveling, Reading, Watching and playing sports, Cooking/Baking, Trying new cuisines, Spending time with family and friends
Career Goals: Undecided at this time
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Minahil Roshan, MD  | Hometown: Hamilton, ON
Med School: Xavier University School of Medicine Aruba
Why SIU: I chose SIU for it personalized training experience and supportive atmosphere. The attendings and residents are always ready to help and genuinely want you to succeed. The close-knit, friendly environment really stood out to me, and the month-long bootcamp has made the transition into residency super smooth.
Hobbies: Going out to eat, shopping, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
Career Goals: Currently I'm really interested in Infectious disease, however I'm open to anything.
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PGY2's Kayla Adams, MD
| Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Undergrad: Fairleigh Dickinson University
Med School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why SIU: My interview day really stood out to me, the program showcased such a healthy learning environment and I honestly felt like SIU would truly prepare me for any path that I wanted to take. I could tell that everyone truly cared for one another beyond just being a "work colleague" and everyone was like family.
Hobbies: Traveling, watching any sport live, playing soccer, Music, Outings with friends and family, Reading, and Baking.
Career Goals: I am currently interested in pursuing either Emergency Medicine or Neonatology!
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Innocent 'Chino' Emenuga, M  | Hometown: Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria
Undergrad: None
Med School: Madonna University College of Medicine, Nigeria
Why SIU: I wanted a program that was supportive, cared about their Physicians well-being and felt like family. SIU met all that and more.
Hobbies: Watching Documentaries, sci-fi movies, cycling, going for long walks, and spending time with my family.
Career Goals: Still undecided, I am between NICU and Cardiology but keeping an open mind.
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Fatimah Gadeltayeb, MD
| Hometown: Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan
Undergrad: None
Med School: University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Sudan
Why SIU: Program reputation, amazing culture among residents and faculty, Springfield has a homey feeling, diverse and gives you a lot without big city traffic burden.
Hobbies: Cooking, exploring new restaurants, and a big fan
of Friends, the TV show.
Career Goals: I want to do Pediatric Cardiology after residency.
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Cecelia Lai, MD
| Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA, USA
Undergrad: The University of Chicago
Med School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why SIU: Smaller program with 1-on-1 learning opportunities, genuine feeling of community and camaraderie among residents and faculty, supportive atmosphere where I could envision myself growing and thriving as a physician.
Hobbies: Arts, crafts, & DIY projects; playing piano, singing, photography, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Career Goals: General Pediatrics and/or Palliative Care.
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Navnoor Singh, MD  | Hometown: Kotkapura, Punjab, India
Undergrad: None
Med School: B.J. Medical College, Pune India
Why SIU: Everyone in the program seemed very friendly during the interview. I got a feeling that this is the place where I will enjoy working and learning. The size of the program is perfect where a lot of attention is given to each individual. Being the children's hospital in central/southern Illinois also promises a rich clinical exposure.
Hobbies: Watching sports, running, listening music, playing guitar, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Career Goals: My goal during residency is to gain as much knowledge and skills as possible to be a well-rounded Pediatrician. Right now, I am open about the choices after residency.
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Maria Jose 'Majo' Vides Sanchez, MD
| Hometown: Antigua, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
Undergrad: None
Med School: Universidad Francisco Marroquin Facultad de Medicina Guatemala
Why SIU: Loved SIU since my interview, it was possible to tell they were all friends and got along really well. I was looking for a healthy and welcoming environment to learn and grow. SIU was all that and more.
Hobbies: Reading, cooking and baking, musical theater, watching movies, music and spending time with friends and family.
Career Goals: I've always loved critical care so fellowship in that area is a huge possibility with Cardiology and Hematology/Oncology as close seconds. I'm also keeping my mind open to see if I like anything else.
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Joseph 'Connor' Vorreyer, MD
| Hometown: Springfield, IL
Undergrad: Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Med School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Why SIU: The people. Very close-knit program. Felt like I mattered and would make a difference here. SIU will always be home to me.
Hobbies: Fantasy Football, Golfing, Watching/Quoting Movies, being with family & friends, video games and cooking!
Career Goals: Unsure, but likely General Pediatrics!
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Daniel Yoakum, MD
| Hometown: Tuscola, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois Urbana
Med School: Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
Why SIU: Attending to resident ratio, faculty truly cares about you and your future, high but reasonable expectations as there are no fellows, emphasis on teaching.
Hobbies: PC gaming, concerts/music, golf, weight lifting, and twitch.
Career Goals: PICU or ID
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PGY3'sMuhammad ‘Mahad’ Alvi, MD  | Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Undergrad: Government College University Lahore
Medical School: FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry (University of Health Sciences, Lahore)
Why SIU: Tight-knit environment of the program was the highlight of my interview here at SIU. Everyone seemed welcoming, friendly, and supportive. I’m glad that what I thought of the program is actually how it is in real life, and to be fair, it is even better.
Hobbies: Traveling, outdoor activities, hiking, and kayaking.
Career Goals: At the moment I am inclined toward Pediatric Cardiology but open to exploring other options as well.
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Shachi Daru, MD  | Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: Rice University
Medical School: Trinity School of Medicine
Why SIU: During the interview, I really loved the atmosphere at SIU and how all the interviewers had really tried to get to know us through our applications. The program was so kind to me in trying to help with the couple’s match process, which I truly appreciated. I also loved how the residents joked with each other and knew a lot about their colleagues.
Hobbies: Coffee-hunting, reading, traveling, fashion, dancing, and volunteering.
Career Goals: I haven't exactly decided but leaning towards fellowship in Cardiology or Neonatology!
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Kathryn Fix, DO  | Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas
Undergrad: Kansas State University
Medical School: A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why SIU: I know that I end up where I need to be, so having SIU Peds on my list was a blessing. I am so excited to be in a program with such a friendly atmosphere that supports my educational development. I wholeheartedly believe that I can learn something new every day and am happy to be able to learn from the wonderful doctors here at SIU. I was also encouraged (required) to be within driving distance for my mother to come visit!
Hobbies: Anything crafty! Sewing, quilting, crocheting, watercolor, and acrylics. I also enjoy playing volleyball, any board games, and I can't forget about walking my kitten Mali!
Career Goals: Most likely Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU)
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Joanna Huynh, DO  | Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX/Garden Grove, CA
Undergrad: University of North Texas
Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why SIU: The residents and attendings here are all so nice and caring. When I did my away rotation here, I felt and received a lot of support from the residents, attendings, and staff. SIU Peds was somewhere I knew would help me grow not only as a pediatrician but provide me skills to help my community. The size of the program also drew me to SIU Peds because it provides a closer-knit group and more personalized training.
Hobbies: Baking sweets, playing with my puppy Obi, going on walks/hikes, exploring new foods and museums, cleaning, Harry Potter, Legos, and the MCU.
Career Goals: Still unsure, so I'm excited to explore all the fields within Pediatrics!
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Batool Mehdi, MD  | Hometown: Sylvania, OH
Undergrad: University of Toledo
Med school: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Why SIU: SIU peds offers a month off bootcamp where interns are able to both learn and adjust into their roles as residents with supervision from both their seniors as well as faculty. The bootcamp has been a perfect transition for me and is very unique to this program!
Hobbies: Hiking, cooking/trying new recipes, and spending time with friends and family.
Career Goals: debating between Outpatient Pediatrics and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.
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Ashley O’Neil, MD  | Hometown: Carterville, IL
Undergrad: Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why SIU: I wanted to be in a program where the residents were happy and felt supported. I love that it's a smaller program with a family feel. Being closer to home is a bonus!
Hobbies: Travel, hiking, reading, and photography
Career Goals: I'm interested in NICU, but keeping my mind open to other options! |
Fiyinfoluwa ‘Fiyin’ Soluade, MD  | Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa/ New Brunswick, NJ
Undergrad: St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies
Medical School: St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies
Why SIU: As cliché as it sounds, the camaraderie between the people was a big draw for me. I wanted to go to a program where I didn’t feel like “just another resident”, and I wanted to feel safe and included, and I knew I would feel that at SIU. And to be honest, the lower standard of living costs persuaded me too!
Hobbies: Reading, traveling, watching Olympic sports (specifically track and swimming), and doing escape rooms with friends!
Career Goals: Pretty open minded, but my top two at the moment are Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Pediatric Hospital Medicine… We’ll see how I feel at the end!
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