Elizabeth Zavala MD | Resident Physicians

Biographical Info

Hometown

Orland Park, IL

Medical School

University of Illinois at Chicago

Awards & Distinctions

Dr. Ruth Andrea Seeler Scholarship recipient
Dr. Bill & Jean Markel Scholarship recipient
UIC Urban Medicine Program Graduate

Interests

Underserved medicine
Health Disparities
Women’s health
Obstetrics
Family planning & Maternity Care
Preventative Medicine
Mental health & Illness
Immigrant & Refugee Medicine

I was born in Chicago’s Little Village, raised in Cicero, and presently reside in Orland Park. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Biology and then completed a post-bacc program at Dominican University in River Forest. I was inspired to become a doctor by my abuelita and my mom. As first generation Mexican-American, I functioned as caregiver and Spanish translator for my abuela especially during her doctor appointments while both my parents were off at work. I really enjoyed being so active in her care and helping her voice be heard during these encounters. My mom became a pharmacist and would take me with her to help and translate at Health fairs in Little Village and Pilsen. Most of the communities we provided health screens to were immigrants from Mexico, many had just immigrated recently and even though older, many had never seen a health care provider and were hesitant to seek health care due to their undocumented status. I am very much inspired and motivated to address health disparities that affect immigrant and underserved populations and make culturally competent health care accessible to all.

I attended undergrad, medical school, and now residency at UIC. I am in love with the diversity of the patient population we serve as well as UIC’s commitment to addressing health disparities and social determinants of health.

Outside of medicine, I love to hang out with my family at carne asadas, send funny memes to my friends, work out, volunteer (especially at The Young Doctor’s Club & Pilsen Food Pantry) and have movie nights with loved ones.