Chief Residents
Meet our 2025-2026 Chief Residents
Laura I. Fernandez, MD Heading link
Laura I. Fernandez, MD
Chief Resident: Research and Education
I grew up in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and completed all of my education on the island. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Puerto Rico and went on to attend medical school at Universidad Central del Caribe. I came to UIC for residency, drawn by its strong commitment to serving underserved communities and its deeply rooted sense of purpose across every level of care.
From the start, I was impressed by the diversity of clinical pathology and patient backgrounds, which made every day both educational and meaningful. What truly set UIC apart, however, was the genuine camaraderie among the residents and the approachability of faculty and leadership. I quickly realized that this supportive environment was something special, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have trained—and now serve as Chief Resident—at a place that continues to inspire me.
After my chief year, I plan to pursue a fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. I hope to build a career that combines clinical care with teaching, mentorship, and procedural expertise. I’m particularly passionate about patient education and enjoy using tools like imaging and endoscopy to help patients better understand their conditions.
Outside of work, I love exploring Chicago’s vibrant food scene, bouldering, spending time outdoors—especially by the lake—and traveling whenever I can. I also enjoy unwinding with a cup of tea and a long walk, preferably at sunset.
Brandon Bedell, MD Heading link
Brandon Bedell, MD
Chief Resident: Ambulatory
Medical School: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
I grew up in Upstate New York and completed my undergraduate and medical education at Boston University. My fiancé and I participated in the Couples Match, where we chose UIC because of its strong clinical training, supportive faculty, and collaborative culture within and across programs. I found an environment that allowed me to thrive academically and clinically, fostering my autonomy, research, and medical education growth. My academic interests include endocrinology, geographic health equity research, and integrating the humanities into medical education. After this year, I plan to pursue a fellowship in Endocrinology. Outside of medicine, I love exploring the Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene, running, and reading fiction.
Zeel Modi, MD Heading link
Zeel Modi, MD
Chief Resident: Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
I was born in Ahmedabad, India, and moved to El Dorado, Arkansas, where I began high school. Since then, my professional journey has taken me across the country. I completed my undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). I chose the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for residency because of the diverse and complex patient population, opportunities for leadership and scholarly activities, and a chance to experience life in Chicago. During my virtual interview at UIC, I was struck by how welcoming the environment felt , especially when Dr. Zar showed a genuine interest in my background, and in both my personal and professional aspirations. That sense of community has remained consistent throughout my time here—from co-residents and attendings to the nursing staff, everyone is deeply committed to supporting each other’s growth and success. This culture played a significant role in my decision to apply for Chief Resident. I’m incredibly grateful for what UIC has offered me, and I’m passionate about giving back by helping trainees thrive both personally and professionally. I am currently serving as Chief Resident while applying for a fellowship in Gastroenterology. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Chicago’s dynamic food scene, playing pickleball, walking along the lakefront, and fully embracing everything this incredible city has to offer.
Daniel Rodriguez Gonzalez, MD Heading link
Daniel Rodriguez Gonzalez, MD
Medical School: Midwestern University, CCOM
I grew up in sunny California before moving to the Midwest for medical school at Midwestern University. She quickly fell in love with the vibrant clinical learning environment and strong sense of community in academic medicine. Her professional interests include medical education and equity in healthcare, and she plans to pursue a career as an academic hospitalist. Outside the hospital, Dani is a devoted cat mom and finds joy in baking, cooking, and sharing good meals with friends and co-residents.
Chelsea Herbert, DO Heading link
Chelsea Herbert, DO
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
I grew up in the village of Oak Hill, OH and completed both my undergraduate and medical education in Columbus, OH. I was drawn to UIC by the deep commitment to underserved communities, the inclusive environment, and the strong sense of support and clinical curiosity fostered across all levels of training. UIC offered a truly unique and transformative training experience. I feel incredibly fortunate to have continued my journey here as a Chief Resident. After this year, I plan to pursue a gastroenterology fellowship with a long-term goal of working in academic medicine. My interests include health equity, global health, and diversity-informed medical education.
In my free time, I enjoy working out, traveling, and going to parks with my dog Briggs.