Undergraduate: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Medical School: Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The family-like atmosphere, and Dr. Belmonte was extremely friendly and approachable.
• Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, baking
• Favorite Movie: Princess Bride

Undergraduate: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The family atmosphere and the wide range of pathology
• Hobbies/Interests: Music, theater, Latin and ballroom dancing, singing
• Favorite Quote: "Laugh a little." - Unknown

Undergraduate: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The residents and faculty were all so friendly and welcoming, plus the hospital seemed very busy.
• Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, baking, entertaining, golf
• Favorite Quote: "Every cloud has a silver lining." - Unknown

Undergraduate: University of Miami, Miami, FL 
Graduate: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I enjoyed the feel of the program during my interview and knew someone here completing her third year who loved the program. I was sure I'd fit right in!
• Hobbies/Interests: I love to be outdoors, playing soccer, running, traveling
• Favorite Quote: "Everything happens for a reason." - Unknown

Undergraduate: Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois at Rockford, Rockford, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: Growing up in the NW suburbs of Chicago, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to train here and care for the people in the community in which I was raised. Among each of the 18 programs I interviewed at, the people at ALGCH were the most welcoming, and the residents seemed the happiest. I couldn't wait to come back!
• Hobbies/Interests: Chicago Bears, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini, working on my car, skiing, going to the zoo, spending time outdoors and with family, friends and pets.
• Favorite Quote: "We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life."- Sir William Osler

Undergraduate: Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The residents and staff were extremely friendly and approachable while I rotated here as a medical student. I got a great sense that everyone got along well and still had fun in and outside of work.
• Hobbies/Interests: Playing soccer, running, going out to dinner
• Favorite Quote: "Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Undergraduate: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Graduate: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Medical School: Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I feel like ALGCH chose me and I could not be happier. The staff has been phenomenal, and the teaching even better.
• Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my husband and family
• Favorite Quote: "How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these." - George Washington Carver

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, B.A.S. Radiation Therapy: University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN, B.S. Biology
Medical School: Touro University, Vallejo, CA

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: ALGCH's reputation for being a friendly, well respected Midwest program, with a strong history of graduates getting competitive fellowships
• Hobbies/Interests: Inline skating, cooking, traveling, spending time with family and friends
• Favorite Quote: "Fifteen hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow." - Men in Black, 1997

Undergraduate: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The residents and attending are happy at ALGCH. I feel like I belong to a big family.
• Hobbies/Interests: Family, friends, food!
• Favorite Quote: "Humans are imperfect."

Undergraduate: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: Positive experiences from fellow medical students that rotated here and great reviews of the program from past and current residents
• Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, reading, video games, traveling
• Favorite Quotes: "The time has come," the walrus said, "to talk of better things. Of shoes and ships and sealing wax. Of cabbages and kings. And why the sea is boiling hot and whether pigs have wings."
  - Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass

Undergraduate: University of Miami, Miami, FL
Graduate: University of Miami, Miami, FL, MS
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: Location, reputation, experience during electives as a medical student
• Hobbies/Interests: Sports, dancing, traveling
• Favorite Books: Malcolm Gladwell books

Undergraduate: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Graduate: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, M.S.
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I rotated at ALGCH during my 4th year of medical school and really liked it. The residents were all really nice and seemed happy, and the attending taught me a lot.
• Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, traveling
• Favorite Quote: "The little things are most worthwhile; a quiet word, look or a smile."

Undergraduate: University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL
Graduate: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, MPH
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The training is excellent, the people are friendly, and everyone is so happy here.
• Hobbies/Interests: Downhill skiing, White Sox baseball, quality time with friends and family
• Favorite Quote: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Undergraduate: D.A.V. College, Chandigarh, India
Medical School: Pt. BDS Medical college, India

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I chose LGH because it is a busy hospital with a diverse variety of patients with friendly residents and very nice, friendly faculty.
• Hobbies/Interests: Knitting, spending time with family
• Favorite Song/Movie: I love old Indian songs. My favorite move: "dilwale duhlania le jayenge"
• Favorite Place: Niagara Falls

Undergraduate: Carroll College, Waukesha, WI
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I chose ALGCH for the strong camaraderie between all levels of residents, the amazing dedicated attendings and for the best possible atmosphere created no matter what the situation.
• Hobbies/Interests: Shopping, traveling, interior design, softball, snowboarding and watching TV.
• Favorite Song/Movie: In My Life by the Beatles and Man on the Side by John Mayer (songs)/Cinderella and Gladiator (best movie ever!)

Undergraduate: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: ALGCH had everything I was looking for in a residency program, but most importantly, I enjoyed all of the physicians and residents I met, and their close relationships.
• Hobbies/Interests: Exercising; cooking/baking; spending time with my husband, Brian, and dog, Sammie; dancing; watching movies; babysitting my 1-year-old niece, Annabel; playing softball and volleyball
• Favorite Quote: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

Undergraduate: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Graduate:  University of Texas School of Public health, San Antonio, TX
Medical School: University of Texas School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I chose ALGCH for the people. There was such a family atmosphere amongst the residents, faculty and staff that it made me want to be a part of it.
• Hobbies/Interests: NFL football, photography, music and food
• Favorite Quote: “All that we are is a result of what we have thought." - Buddha

Undergraduate: St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I grew up in Glenview, IL, and always knew of ALGH and its wonderful reputation. When I was applying and interviewing, ALGCH had everything I was looking for – a busy academic institution with warm and welcoming people.
• Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy reading, cooking for family and friends and exploring new restaurants. I also love walking my dog, Tucker.
• Favorite Quote: “In this life, we can do no great things, only small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa

Undergraduate: Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Graduate:  Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Medical School: Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: Great people and patients with wonderful teaching. You feel like you are part of a team where everyone supports each other to do their best work.
• Hobbies/Interests: Photography, traveling, reading, cooking and eating
• Favorite Movie/Book: Chocolat and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (movies)/Mountains Beyond Mountains  (book)

Undergraduate: University of Southern California, Los Angeles,  CA
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The people – everyone was so nice, friendly and supportive. It was just like a family! Also, I was really excited about the school-based clinic, free clinic and international opportunities.
• Hobbies/Interests: Yoga, pilates, travel, cooking, eating out, brunch

Undergraduate: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences/ College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, CA

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The amazing residents, staff and their relationships with each other as well as the large number of patients that come through this hospital allowing for a lot of experience and exposure. I knew I would get a good education.
• Hobbies/Interests: Ultimate Frisbee, sailing, camping, reading, spending time with friends
• Favorite Book/Band/Movie: The Giving Tree (book); Dispatch (band); Shawshank Redemption and French Kiss (movies)

Undergraduate: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I did a rotation in the PICU and absolutely loved the atmosphere of the department as well as the whole hospital. The interview day and dinner were very comfortable, and everyone was very friendly.
• Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, horses, photography, skiing
• Favorite Movie/Book: Shrek, Cars (movies) and Prodigal Summer (book)

Undergraduate: Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: When I rotated at ALGCH as a medical student, I was very impressed with the residents and the attendings.
• Hobbies/Interests: I love to watch and play any kind of sports, but mostly I like to spend time with my sons.
• Favorite Quote: “This is a house of learned doctors.”

Undergraduate: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Graduate: Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I loved the environment and how friendly everyone was. I was also impressed by the dedication of the residents and attendings to the care of patients.
• Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy cooking and baking, especially for others. I also love to read and am always looking for a good book recommendation. I’m also a hockey fan!
• Favorite Movie: Piano Man by Billy Joel (song); Up (movie) and Pride and Prejudice (book)

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: As a medical student, I did most of my rotations at ALGH and loved all of the people there. The pediatric attendings are amazing teachers and very approachable and friendly. The residents were all great too and really seemed to be happy overall. ALGH just felt like home and was a place I could see myself happy at.
• Hobbies/Interests: Sports, especially sand volleyball. Running, only in order to burn calories because I eat so much. Taking walks, going out to eat, playing with my cats, watching Green Bay Packer games, hanging out with my fiancee
• Favorite Quote: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Undergraduate: Miami University, Oxford, OH
Graduate: Loyola University, Loyola, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I chose ALGCH because I was really struck by the atmosphere of teamwork that has been cultivated here. Every person I met was incredibly warm, welcoming and passionate about the work they were doing and that enthusiasm was infectious.
• Hobbies/Interests: I love working with animal rescue groups. Skiing, paddle boarding, biking, reading, brunch, Minnesota Twins games
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: Pretty Young Thing by Michael Jackson (song); Rushmore (movie); The Lost Boys (book)

Undergraduate: University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA
Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences, Kansas City, MI

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I chose ALGCH because the month I spent in the PICU as a student was amazing, and the residents I worked with and met during that time were great.
• Hobbies/Interests: Family, fantasy football, pumpkin carving and running
• Favorite Quote: “Never regard study as a duty, but as an enviable opportunity.”
• Best place I've visited: Sanibel Island, FL

Undergraduate: Wayne State College, Wayne, NE
Graduate: AT Still University, Kirksville, MO (MPH); University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE (Medical Technology)
Medical School: AT Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine - Arizona, Mesa, AZ

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I picked the program at ALGCH because ever since I rotated there last year, nothing could compare when I would rotate or interview somewhere else. The physicians are exceptional to work with and learn from, that goes from the clinic pediatricians to the hospitalists to the specialists. The residents and attendings work together as a team, so you have the support to get everything you need from a residency. I liked that the patient population and census is so varied, this assured me that I would get to see a great variety of cases that would allow me to become an excellent pediatrician and feel comfortable handling a variety of situations when I am out practicing after graduation. I also like that I have the level of autonomy that allows me to make decisions, but I have great resources when I need them.
• Hobbies/Interests: I'm kind of silly in that I love to do puzzles, but haven't put one together in a while. I also like to cook, which is usually baking cookies or something similar.
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: Favorite movies would be Office Space, Out Cold and The Bourne Series. I really enjoyed reading The Last Lecture and books by the author Dan Brown.
• Best place I've visited: I went on a cruise to Alaska in May, and it was incredible. I would definitely recommend visiting Alaska and would love to go back!

Undergraduate: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI/Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean, St. Martin, Netherlands Antilles

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The residents are very close and always willing to help each other out. The program has the feel of a large family. The faculty is extremely approachable and willing to teach, and I know that I am getting an excellent education, and I'll be prepared for either a fellowship or to begin practicing after residency. I am also originally from the Midwest, so it is nice to be close to family.
• Hobbies/Interests: The Green Bay Packers, football, basketball, golf and guitar
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: Mumford and Sons - The Cave (at the moment), Good Will Hunting
• Best place I've visited: Lambeau Field or Prague, Czech Republic

Undergraduate: Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center, Des Moines, IA

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I had the opportunity to spend eight weeks doing rotations at ALGCH and absolutely loved the atmosphere and the congeniality between the residents. In addition, the attendings I worked under had so much to teach and never turned down a question. I knew this residency was a great match for my personality where I could work with a great team of residents, learn and not be afraid to ask questions and thus grow to my full potential as a pediatrician.
• Hobbies/Interests: Running, spinning, P90x, yoga, salsa dancing, boating on Lake Michigan, walking my roommate's mini dachshund named Woogie
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: I love Michael Buble - any and all of the songs he sings. The last book I read was The Hunger Games, and it was pretty captivating. My favorite movie is Moulin Rouge.
• Best place I've visited: Maui - whale watching. In Chicago, Tempo has the best breakfast, and it's open 24 hours.

Undergraduate: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Graduate: Tufts University, School of Medicine (MPH)
Medical School: St. George's University, True Blue, Grenada

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: ALGCH has a reputation of providing a wonderful training experience with their dedication to teaching along with a family-like atmosphere.
• Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, cooking/baking/eating, spending time with my friends and family
• Favorite Food: I love all food, but I have a big sweet tooth so I would have to say desserts.
• Best place I've visited: Greece, France

Undergraduate: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: After rotating here as a fourth-year medical student, it was obvious that everyone loved working at ALGH, and that everyone was extremely friendly, enthusiastic, approachable and willing to teach! Not to mention, so many prior residents of the program were coming back to work as faculty, which only means great things of the progam!
• Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, baking - mostly cupcakes, spending time with family/friends, sports, especially the Michigan State Spartans!
• Favorite Quote: "The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights." - Muhammed Ali
• Best place I've visited: Barcelona, Spain

Undergraduate: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I felt that this was a residency that would provide a strong foundation in general pediatrics while also encouraging my interests in potential subspecialties through mentorship and research opportunities.
• Hobbies/Interests: I love to watch, and someday hope to be in the crowd for, a summer and winter Olympic games. I like to travel, practice my Spanish and watch international soccer.
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: Movies: The Holiday, Love Actually and the new Batman trilogy. Books: The Hunger Games and books by Jhumpa Lahiri.
• Favorite Quote: "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that our aim is too low and we reach it." - Michelangelo
• Best places I've visited: I've been fortunate to have visited some extraordinary places. My top 3 would have to include Hawaii, Disney World and Barcelona.

Undergraduate: Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, North Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I loved the friendly environment. I felt like the faculty genuinely wanted to teach and the residents were happy.
• Hobbies/Interests: Triathlons, running, fiddle/violin, painting, spending time with family and friends
• Favorite Song/Movie/book: One of my many favorite movies is Up.
• Best places I've visited: Paris. Locally the best place (and my favorite in Chicago) is Lincoln Park Zoo.

Undergraduate: Purdue University, Lafayette, IN 
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I love the friendly, open environment.
• Hobbies/Interests: I love reading, running, spending time with friends and family, and camping!
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: Favorite Book - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Favorite Movie - Remember the Titans
• Best places I've visited: Camp Jorn YMCA in Manitowish Waters, WI

Undergraduate: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 
Medical School: Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine & Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The residents seemed to be happy, even while working hard. There was also a lot of laughing during morning report, which seemed like a good sign.
• Hobbies/Interests: Puzzles
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: Cherries
• Best places I've visited: Going home!

Undergraduate: Concordia University - Irvine, Irvine, CA 
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I chose Lutheran because of the people that were already here. I felt like I really fit in, and it would be a great environment for me to work and learn in for the next three years. The attending physicians here are very supportive, they love to teach, and everyone helps each other out!
• Hobbies/Interests: Reclaimed furniture, ceramics, foreign travel, gardening, 5K races
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: Song: True Colors by Cyndi Lauper. Movie: Say Anything with John Cusack. Book: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
• Favorite Quote: “It always seems impossible until it's done.” - Nelson Mandela
• Best places I've visited: Istanbul, Turkey

Undergraduate: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Advocate Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I really like that ALGCH has a diverse patient population, and you take care of a variety of illnesses. Plus, all the people that I meet are wonderful, and the program really tries to make a reasonable schedule for residents!
• Hobbies/Interests: Food, food and food - eating, cooking and checking out various restaurants and bars in Chicago. (Yes! I have time to do that as an intern.) I try to balance that with tennis and trips to the gym.
• Favorite Song/Movie/Book: Movie: The Sound of Music
• Favorite Quote: Sh ... er, stuff happens.
• Best place I've visited: Barcelona, Spain