Chief Residents
Meet our 2023-2024 Chief Residents
Manoj Ambalavanan, MD Heading link
Manoj Ambalavanan, MD
Chief Resident: Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
I grew up in Dayton, OH and went to college and medical school at the University of Cincinnati. When I was interviewing for residency, I was looking for a program that had a strong mission to help an underserved patient population, limitless opportunities for professional growth and a sense of family amongst the residents. After completing my residency at UIC, I can confidently say that this program offers all these aspects and much more, all while being in the world class city of Chicago. Given how much I enjoyed training at this program, I wanted to stay on as a Chief Resident to help continue the culture of growth and commitment to clinical excellence. I am planning to apply for a fellowship in cardiology following my Chief year. While not in the hospital, I enjoy watching movies, running along the lakefront, attempting to cook Indian food and rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals (Who Dey)!
Rachel Brett, DO Heading link
Rachel Brett, DO
Chief: Ambulatory
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and did both undergrad and medical school at Michigan State University (MSU), Go Green! When I moved to Chicago for residency, I knew I would find museums to explore and restaurants to indulge in, but I never imagined the home away from home I would find at UIC. The underserved patients, opportunities for research and medical education, and my amazing colleagues are what brought me and kept me at UIC for an extra year as chief resident. While at UIC I realized my passions for academic medicine and medical education, which is why one of my main goals as Ambulatory Chief Resident is to improve the outpatient medicine curriculum and resident clinic experience. After chief residency, I hope to pursue a fellowship in Cardiology. In my free time you can find me spoiling my dog Jake, watching MSU sports (the good, bad, and ugly), or trying new restaurants with my husband and friends.
James Love, MD Heading link
James Love, MD
Chief Resident: Research and Education
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Although I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I now consider Chicago to be my home. I chose UIC for many reasons: the opportunity to care for an underserved population in a world class city, the supportive and collaborative culture of the program, and most importantly, the people. After spending 3 years as a resident here, I can confirm it truly feels like a big family. After chief year, I plan to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology. Outside of work, I love playing guitar, exploring the lively music and comedy scene in the city, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with my fiancé, co-residents, and my cat Benny.
Pranati Sreepathy, MD Heading link
Pranati Sreepathy, MD
Chief Resident: University of Illinois Hospital
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
I was born and raised in warm and sunny Cupertino, California. From there I made the move to where it’s also always sunny… Philadelphia where I spent undergrad and medical school at Drexel University. Spending time in Philadelphia helped me realize the importance of training and serving an underserved population. For this very reason I was pulled to Chicago and UIC’s program to continue my training. Not only is Chicago and wonderful city to explore, but the patient population also we serve is extremely diverse and I have been honored to be able to take care of them. As chief resident for the University Hospital, I work closely with residents and aim to enrich their educational experiences each day! While we receive amazing training at UIC, my favorite part remains the residents with whom we work. Outside the hospital you will usually catch me either dancing or trying out a new restaurant! After chief year I am hopeful to pursue Cardiology for fellowship.
Meredith Yellen, MD Heading link
Meredith Yellen, MD
Chief Resident: Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
I am what is known as a UIC lifer! I loved my medical school experience here and knew I wanted to stay for residency. I was drawn to this program because of the underserved patient population, amazing faculty, and the strong clinical training I thought the residents received. I chose to be VA chief because I feel I have a special connection to this VA as it is where I met my husband! As VA chief, I hope to help support our residents as we take care of our country’s veterans. After Chief year, I am planning on pursuing gastroenterology fellowship. In my free time, I like to try new restaurants and spend time with my husband, French Bulldog, and new baby.