Sarah Breen, DO

Undergraduate: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program:During my rotations at Lutheran, I found that the attendings were really fantastic, and the residents were really easy to get along with. It's a perfect environment in which to learn.
• Hobbies/Interests: Sailing, Travel, Exercise, and Spending time with my husband.
• Favorite Movie: Father of the Bride

Hazel Galicia, DO

Undergraduate: Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program:The combination of the extensive clinical experience and excellent academics will greatly prepare me for pediatrics. Above all, I absolutely loved the fantastic group of residents, staff, and attendings. The program also has an amazing family feel to it.
• Hobbies/Interests: Spending quality time with family and friends, Musicals, Piano, Jewelry making, Knitting
• Favorite Quote: "We make a living by what we earn, we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill

Davida Gerena, MD

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

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program:It is a program where the residents are valued by the faculty and the staff as a whole. Also, everyone is happy and enthusiastic about the work they are doing.
• Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Shopping, Traveling
• Favorite Movies: The Sandlot, Newsies

Lisa Gelman, MD

Undergraduate: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program:I enjoyed the community atmosphere coupled with the fantastic learning opportunities. I was very impressed with the dedication of the faculty to teaching residents. Also, residents have excellent opportunities for both primary pediatrics and fellowships after graduation.
• Hobbies/Interests: Dance, Soccer, Classic movies, Being with my family
• Favorite Movies: The Godfather, Singing in the Rain

Elisabeth Hooper, MD

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Medical School: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program:I was impressed with the commitment of the faculty to teaching, as well as their support of residents to pursue their areas of interest. It was also the friendliest at which I interviewed.
• Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Biking, Knitting, Piano, Spending time with my husband
• Favorite TV show: The Office, Scrubs

Markeita King, MD

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program:I was interviewed by a post-call NICU fellow and he still smiled with his heart about the program. I was amazed. The attendings, residents, and staff seemed truly happy and welcoming. I know I will receive phenomenal training at Lutheran!
• Hobbies/Interests: I love food, movies, shoes and traveling
• Favorite Movies:: Lord of the Rings, Remember the Titans, Wedding Crashers, Must Love Dogs

David Lessman, MD

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program:The residents not only made me feel at home and welcome, but they also truly enjoyed working there and with each other. It was a great environment for both the staff and the patients.
• Hobbies/Interests: White Sox, Bears, Chicago-style pizza, Playing baseball, Working out, Being with family and friends
• Favorite Quote: "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The HARD is what makes it great." A League of Their Own

Brian Money, DO

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program:It was the perfect fit for me and my family. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. It's an all-around excellent program.
• Hobbies/Interests: Chicago sports, Softball, Running, Traveling, Spending time with my wife
• Favorite Movie: The Jerk

Uchenna Osayimwen, MD

Undergraduate: University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Medical School: University of Ibadan, Nigeria

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I liked the friendly atmosphere during my interview. I also liked the visible commitment to resident training and development.
• Hobbies/Interests: Making friends and cooking
• Favorite Quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world." Unknown

Stephanie Tolentino, DO

Undergraduate: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: When I rotated at Lutheran as a student, I noticed that everyone was genuinely supportive of each other and the patients.
• Hobbies/Interests: Art, Painting, Sculpting, Drawing, Singing, Playing the piano, Spending time with my family
• Favorite Movies: Chocolat, Devil Wears Prada, Zoolander

Patrick Tomboc, DO

Undergraduate: St. Edward's University, Austin, TX
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I love the way people communicate and interact so well with each other.
• Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, Reading, Rock Climbing, Running, Kayaking, Travel, Music, Yoga
• Favorite Quote: "All great leaders have had one characteristic in common. It was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time." John Kenneth Galswith

Vidya Mony, DO

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

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The people! I have always enjoyed my rotations at LGH, but was amazed on my pediatric rotation at how helpful and nice all of the attendings, residents, and support staff were. Plus, the residents always seemed so happy.
• Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, Reading, Traveling, Working Out, University of Michigan Football, Time with Family and Friends.
• Favorite Quote: "You've got the emotional content of a teaspoon!" Hermaine Granger in Harry Potter; "Life isn't measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number that take your breath away." Unknown

 

Dave Drelicharz, M.D.

Undergraduate: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Medical School: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I wanted to work where there was a more community medicine atmosphere, but also academic traditions and opportunities, should I decide to pursue them. I also love the fact that the residents here match at strong fellowships, and those who enter primary pediatrics have jobs waiting for them when they graduate. And not to be ignored, the people here just seemed happier than at any other program to which I applied.
• Hobbies/Interests: Cubs baseball, Bears football, Playing/watching poker
• Favorite Quote: "If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding. HOW CAN YOU HAVE ANY PUDDING IF YOU DON'T EAT YOUR MEAT???" Pink Floyd

Kristina Haley, D.O.

Undergraduate: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: When I came to Lutheran as a student, I found that nearly every attending that I encountered took a few minutes at least to teach me something. I felt that Lutheran was an environment that would teach me a lot and provide me with plenty of time for fun, too.
• Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Running, Going to concerts, Walking around the Chicago neighborhoods.
• Favorite Movies: Dave, American President, The Bourne Trilogy

Melissa Jensen, M.D.

Undergraduate: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Medical School: Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The family friendliness of the program. I talked to a couple of med students and residents who rotated through the program who all said how great it was here and how nice everybody was!
• Hobbies/Interests: Walking, spending time with my family
• Favorite Quote: "The yellow ones don't stop." Elf

Daniel Kinney, M.D.

Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The interviews with Dr. Lundblad and Dr. Stamos were excellent. I was also impressed with the strong faculty and diverse community.
• Hobbies/Interests: Notre Dame football, Golf, Baseball, Car restoration
• Favorite Song: "Crush" Dave Matthews Band

Tamara Lim, M.D.

Undergraduate: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Graduate School: MPH, University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: Great attendings, non-intimidating teaching environment. The wide variety of patient population and diversity of the caseload. The residents are a lot of fun to work with!
• Hobbies/Interests: Running, Baking, Watching the Food Network, Scrapbooking, Knitting
• Favorite Movies: Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life is Beautiful, The Notebook, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, all of the Lethal Weapon movies.

Madelina Mindrut, M.D.

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences, North Chicago, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The people are really great and fun to work with.
• Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, Traveling, Socializing
• Favorite Quote: "Unsinkable ships sink; Unbreakable walls break; Unbendable steel bends; If the fury of the wind is unstoppable, I've learned to never underestimate the impossible." – Joe Nichols

Natasha Pillay, D.O.

Undergraduate: Salem University, Salem, West VA
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: Out of all the places I rotated as a student, Lutheran felt like home to me. The attendings love to teach and all of the staff, nursing included, create a supportive atmosphere in which to learn and work.
• Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, Eating, Reading
• Favorite Movies: Rocky I, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Lion King, ConAir.

Rachel Sacarro, D.O.

Undergraduate: Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The happiness of the residents and the excellent reputation of the residency program. Ultimately, it was the feeling I got from spending time with the residents and staff.
• Hobbies/Interests: Motherhood! Music
• Favorite Movies: The Never Ending Story, The Goonies

Aknaksha Shrivastava, M.D.

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The staff and atmosphere were both very inviting. When I did my rotation here, my interaction with the residents was positive, and they gave me very useful information about the program itself.
• Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my husband, Movies, Going out to restaurants, Reading, Watching the Cubs.
• Favorite Quote: "I Love you like a fat kid love cake." 50 Cent

Laura Stern, D.O.

Undergraduate: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I liked the personalities of the residents that I met, and I felt really comfortable with every person I encountered. I was also impressed with how long the attendings have been at Lutheran; I think this speaks very highly of this institution.
• Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, Running, Golf, Chicago Bulls
• Favorite Movie: Pay it Forward

Leah Weiss, D.O.

Undergraduate: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Medical School: Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ft. Luaderdale, FL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: My rotation at LGH really clinched it. I really enjoyed working with the residents and attendings. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.
• Hobbies/Interests: Running, Traveling, Hiking
• Favorite Quote: "You have nothing to do today but smile"

Emily Wolfson, D.O.

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

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I loved my interview day. Every person I spoke with or interviewed with was knowledgeable, encouraging, and very friendly! My favorite part of the interview day was observing teaching rounds. For me, seeing how comfortable the residents were in discussing their cases was a huge factor pushing me to choose Lutheran. It was amazing to see how knowledgeable the attendings were, yet how approachable and understanding they were with residents as well.
• Hobbies/Interests: Art: drawing/painting/art history, Travel, Dance, Running, Dogs, Family
• Favorite Quote: "A million girls would kill for this job." The Devil Wears Prada

Seema Awatramani, M.D.

Undergraduate: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The focus on multidisciplinary care, friendly people, and ideal location
• Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, Painting, Drawing, Gardening, Dancing
• Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting

Jannette Bushard, D.O

Undergraduate: California State University at Chico, Chico, California
Graduate Work: Graduate work in Human Genetics, San Jose State U, San Jose, California
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The motivated, smart, kind people that define Lutheran General Hospital and who cultivate a positive learning environment.
• Hobbies/Interests: Music, Running, Reading and Friends/family
• Favorite Quote: "If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor."
  Albert Einstein

Joy DeMaster, M.D.

Undergraduate: Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
Medical School: Loyola University of Chicago

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The people. On my interview day I was quite impressed with both the program director and the department chair's warmth and personal interest in their residents. I also felt that Lutheran General Hospital would be a place where my interests would be fostered, allowing me to become the pediatrician I envisioned myself to be.
• Hobbies/Interests: The creative process. I enjoy playing with color and textures, or simply working with a new idea. Yoga: a good exercise and stress reliever. Cultures and travel, political advocacy
• Favorite Quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Maria DeLeon, D.O.

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

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The residents at Lutheran were the nicest and the happiest out of any other hospital I considered.
• Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Eating, Working out, Sports
• Favorite Quote: "Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it." Elizabeth Gilbert in "eat, pray, love"

 

Lauren Donovan, M.D.

Undergraduate: Boston University
Medical School: St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The diverse patient population, as well as the personalities of the people who are part of the program, and are involved in resident education.
• Hobbies/Interests: Running, Traveling, Shopping, Trying new restaurants, a wide variety of music, including country
• Favorite TV shows: Sex and the City, Chicago Cubs games

Samina Hijab, M.D.

Undergraduate: Sacred Heart School, Pakistan
Medical School: Fatima Jinnah Medical College for Women, Pakistan

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The residents seemed very happy, and training seemed to be very good, including the extent of independence and confidence of the third year residents
• Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, Shopping, Painting, Sewing
• Favorite Quote: "Parents take care of their kids forever, no matter whether they are sick or poor, but they become a burden on the same kids when they are old."

Samuel Hofman, M.D.

Undergraduate: Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL
Medical school: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: I was impressed how friendly and happy the residents were, and how well they got along.
• Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and dog. Watching movies, Playing computer games, running, playing sports.
• Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings

 

Anne Marie Houser, D.O.

Undergraduate: St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The people: the residents I met during my fourth year rotations were actually happy and the attendings enjoyed teaching.
• Hobbies/Interests: Playing with my sons, Traveling
• Favorite Quote:"If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane."Jimmy Buffet

 

Olivia Pan, M.D.

Undergraduate: University of Illinois, Chicago
Medical School: University of Illinois, Chicago

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The friendly people and excellent location
• Hobbies/Interests: Shopping, Reading
• Favorite Quote: "Umm, yeah. I'm gonna need you to come in on Saturday. . ." Office Space

 

Joseph Persak, M.D.

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

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The laid-back, easy-going atmosphere
• Hobbies/Interests: Going out, Eating, Working out, Reading, Sports
• Favorite Quotes:

  Strength comes not from physical capacity. It comes from Indominatable will. -Mahatma Gandhi
  "You cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good you can do."

Rowena Pusateri, M.D.

Undergraduate: Far Eastern University, Philippines
Medical School: Far Eastern University, Philippines

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The active participation of attendings in resident education. Excellent opportunities to prepare myself for a fellowship.
• Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, Cooking Ethnic cuisine
• Favorite Quote: "Never say never."

Carol Salman, M.D.

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

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The comradery between the residents and the wide variety of subspecialists available.
• Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Going to movies, Bowling
• Favorite movie: Father of the Bride

 

Dinesh Singh, M.D.

Undergraduate: Kasturba Medical College, India
Medical School: Osmania Medical College, India

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The staff members are friendly, and work well as a team.
• Hobbies/Interests: Movies, Fishing, Traveling
• Favorite Quote: "When you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk." The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

 

Nichole Thomas, D.O.

Undergraduate: Miami University, Oxford, OH
Medical school: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The residents! Everybody was so friendly and genuine. When I interviewed, I could tell that the residents were true friends, and not just acting like they were friends.
• Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, Dancing, Spending time with my friends and husband.
• Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing

 

Angeline Zarzuela, M.D.

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

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The amazing rapport I had with the program director
• Hobbies/Interests: My triplet sons! When I have other time, skiing, playing guitar
• Favorite Quote:I don't have just one….

 

Rachael Zweigoron, MD

Undergraduate: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: Location
• Hobbies/Interests:Cooking, Travel, Music
• Favorite Quote"Nothing is more fatal to health than the overcare of it." Benjamin Franklin

Anne Marie Orescanin, M.D.
Pediatric Chief Resident

Undergraduate: University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago

• Reason I chose Lutheran General Pediatric Program: The people! Attendings, residents, nurses, and other supportive staff were so friendly and easy to talk to, making learning fun, non-threatening, yet effective.
• Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Painting, Watching Movies, Spending time with family and friends.
• Favorite Quote: I don't have just one….