Alumni and Testimonials
General Surgery Life at UIC Heading link
Resident Testimonials Heading link
Justin Chang, MD (Class of 2025)
Coming from Boston and being new to Chicago, I was not sure what to expect when I first arrived. I quickly realized that UIC was exactly what I was looking for in terms of surgical training. Not only was it an academic center with some of the most cutting-edge technologies, it provided an expansive exposure to all types of patients and hospital settings. The fact that UIC does not have many fellows is an enormous advantage in training, as we were routinely expected to operate and learn from extremely complex operations that typically are reserved for fellowship. This has cultivated a strong sense of confidence and competence in all of the senior residents, which is so important as chief residents transitioning to their next level of training or practice. Outside of the operating room and hospital, I have built incredible relationships with my co-residents and attendings in various social settings, from beautiful bike rides along the lake, rock-climbing, and trying out some of the incredible food in Chicago during restaurant week. It would be a hard challenge for me to find a better training experience anywhere else.
Paige Blinn (Class of 2025)
Training at UIC provides a robust clinical experience, opportunities for research, and a welcoming culture. I have been interested in breast surgical oncology since my first year of residency and UIC really helped to foster that interest with a wide breadth of exposure and mentorship from phenomenal faculty.
Sarah Kim, MD (Class of 2026)
Having rotated at the University of Illinois Hospital for my M3 surgery clerkship, I was always impressed with the camaraderie between the residents, but also with the educational experiences for residents and medical students. I always fully appreciated the uniqueness of UIC’s General Surgery program of rotating consistently throughout the Chicagoland. Having a home site at a large academic center in Chicago attracts patients with complex medical histories and many uncontrolled co-morbidities, which bring many challenges but meaningful learning experiences. I knew by training here I will build a stronger foundation for my career while being able to live in and enjoy one of the best cities in the world.
Mariaelana Brenner, MD (Class of 2027)
One of the first aspects I observed while rotating as a medical student at UIC was the culture of the hospital. It is a hospital centered around the resident experience and there is a camaraderie between the residents and staff where resident opinions matter and are respected. In addition to the strong academic institution of UIC, we rotate at a variety of other hospitals including private, county, community, and trauma centers that allow us to see a wide breadth of complex cases within diverse populations for a well-rounded experience. Lastly, you cannot beat living in Chicago, where there is a vast array of different foods and endless entertainment possibilities.
As an early second year resident at UIC, I already feel comfortable taking care of very complex and sick patients, performing basic uncomplicated operations, and doing most bedside procedures independently, which I think is a testament to the training and autonomy offered here. As someone very interested in Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery as a career, UIC has been great at providing ample opportunity for laparoscopic and robotic training both clinically and in our state-of-the-art simulation lab. Above all else, my co-residents are a joy to work with, from our chiefs to those of my class and below, who have been great teachers in the hospital and friends outside of it.
Matthew Vieira, MD (Class of 2029)
Before moving to Chicago, I had never lived outside of Massachusetts. I was nervous to move at first, but I instantly fell in love with the city and the program. The city itself has so much to offer from concerts, theaters, sports, and most importantly food. It is an excellent place to live and train throughout residency and there are many types of surgeries that would be difficult to see outside of a major city. Despite moving away from many of my friends and my family, I never felt alone at UIC. The culture of our program really allows us to support each other and fosters a strong sense of community. Our program is unique because we recently combined with a community program in Chicago. This gave us a variety of hospitals to rotate at and provided good exposure to both large academic hospitals like UIH and community hospitals such as Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. The experience at these hospitals varies and helps provide comprehensive training in many surgical disciplines. If you are looking for a program that has a large variety of experiences and a friendly and welcoming culture, then UIC is the right choice.
My first impression of UIC during the pre-interview dinner was the camaraderie among the senior and junior residents and their bonds. I was also impressed with how welcoming the residents made me, and other candidates felt. I remembered the genuine care of the faculty on interview day such as the Program Director, Dr. Shimotake, saying hi to all the candidates. For those reasons, I was excited to have been able to match at UIC. Now, as a resident, I can confidently confirm that the people are what makes the program great. I truly appreciate my seniors for deliberately making the time to help me improve my surgical skills and knowledge and encourage me. The faculty intentionally make time during the case to teach the residents as well as ensures that junior residents get to go to the OR and actively participate in cases. The supportive environment at UIC General Surgery program in addition to its commitment to serving the underserved population and continuing innovation makes it an outstanding training program for aspiring surgeons.
Jessica Hossa, MD (Preliminary 2025)
During an unexpected turn of events, I chose UIC for my preliminary program, confident in the respectful and supportive environment. I was drawn to the privilege of serving a diverse patient population and working alongside supportive faculty who foster my career growth.
Our Alumni Heading link
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Class of 2024
- Mustafa Omami, MBBS – Private Practice
- Stephan Gruessner, MD – Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship – University of Illinois Chicago
- Hamzah Saleem, MBBS – Vascular Surgery Fellowship – Henry Ford Health
- Matthew Phillips, MD – Private Practice
- Jonathan Jou, MD Transplant Surgery – University of California – Los Angeles
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Class of 2023
- Farah Al Rahmani, MD – Private Practice – Community Hospital, Munster, IN
- Eun Dong, MD – Vascular Surgery – University of Minnesota
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Oday Obaid, MD – Plastic Surgery University of Illinois Chicago
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David Sigmon, MD – Surgical Critical Care – New York City Health and Hospital-Lincoln
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Rembrandt VanDruff, MD – Acute Care Surgery/Surgical Critical Care – Los Angeles General Medical Center/University of Southern California
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Class of 2022
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Brian Chen, MD – Transplant Surgery – Oschner Transplant Institute New Orleans
- Andrei Froehling, MD – Private Practice – Advocate Lutheran General
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Ahmad Nourallah, MD – Private Practice – Edwards Hospital
- Andrew Tully, MD – Surgical Structural Heart Fellowship – Emory University
- Eric Zielinski, MD – Plastic Surgery – University of Texas Southwestern
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Class of 2021
- Baldwin, Dustin MIS/Bariatric Fellowship – East Carolina University – Greenville, NC
- Blunck, Hans MIS/Bariatric Surgery Fellowship – University of Florida – Jacksonville, FL
- Chow, Kevin Acute Care Surgery / Surgical Critical Care Fellowship – Emory University – Atlanta, GA
- Esparza Monzavi, Carlos Amir Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship – Stroger Hospital of Cook County – Chicago, IL
- Gust, Matthew MIS/Bariatric Surgery Fellowship – Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital – Portland, OR
- Salloum, Rony Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship – Spectrum Health / Michigan State University – Grand Rapids, MI
- Tulla, Kiara Transplant Surgery Fellowship – Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
- Warner, Christina Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship – University of Louisville – Louisville, KY
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Class of 2020
- Ares, Guillermo Pediatric Surgery Fellowship – Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital – Northwestern University
- Brehm, Sarah MIS/Bariatric Surgery Fellowship – Advent Health
- Klemine, Helen MIS/Bariatric Surgery Fellowship – University of Missouri
- Sugrue, Jeremy Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship – Stroger Hospital of Cook County
- Thomas, Sany MIS/Bariatric Surgery Fellowship – Scripps Green Hospital
- Zimmermann, Jason MIS/ Advanced GI Surgery Fellowship – George Washington University
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Class of 2019
- Abdulkareem, Raed Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Cudworth, Michael MIS/Bariatric Fellowship – University of Nebraska
- Hendele, James Transplant Fellowship – University of Washington
- Juengel, Braden Transplant Fellowship – University of Chicago
- Mashbari, Hassan Acute Care Services/Critical Care Surgery Fellowship – Massachusetts General Hospital
- Naffouje, Samer Surgical Oncology Fellowship – Moffitt Cancer Center / Florida
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Class of 2018
- Cruz, Celeste G. Breast Surgery Fellowship – Advocate Christ Medical Center Oak Lawn, IL
- Eftaiha, Saleh Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship – Rutgers University , NJ
- Estremera, Gabriel A. Surgical Critical Care Fellowship – University of Texas – Southwestern Medical School – Dallas
- Fernandes, Eduardo Faculty, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Hemdi, Mohannad T. Surgical Critical Care Fellowship – University of Kentucky
- Lee, Jae Won Surgical Critical Care Fellowship – University of Hawaii
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Class of 2017
- Benjamin, Martin Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, PC – Long Island, NY
- Gonzalez, Andrew A. Vascular Surgery Fellowship, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI
- Huerter, Mary E. Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship – University of Texas – Southwestern Medical School – Dallas, TX
- Ortiz, Damaris Surgical Critical Care / Acute Care Surgery Fellowship – University of Texas Medical School – Houston, TX
- Timbers, Kay C. Private Practice – Advocate Christ Medical Group – Oak Lawn, IL
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Class of 2016
- Bean, Jonathan F. Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, Northwestern McGaw/Lurie Children’s
- Ejaz, Aslam Surgical Oncology Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University
- Hemo, Eliyahu Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Fellowship, Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital
- Kraft, Jeffrey J. Minimally Invasive Fellowship, Hackensack University Medical Center
- Lee, Joanna Breast Surgery Fellowship, Magee-Women’s Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Mahdi Babikir, Osman Private Practice
- Mantilla, Nathalie Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship, Stroger Hospital of Cook County
- Patel, Pankti Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Fellowship Magee-Women’s Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
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Class of 2015
- Bhagwandin, Shanel B. Surgical Oncology Fellowship, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York
- Ezzi, Mohammed Y.ssistant Professor at Jazan Medical School, Saudi Arabia
- Jeng, Eric I-H. Cardio-thoracic Surgery Fellowship, University of Florida
- Koo, Nathaniel ediatric Surgery Fellowship, Northwestern University
- Lai, Christopher E. Foregut Surgery Fellowship, Allegheny Hospital
- O’Donoghue, Cristina M. Surgical Oncology Fellowship, Moffitt Cancer Center, Florida
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Class of 2014
- Turkia M. Abbed, MD Plastic Surgery Fellowship, University of Illinois Chicago
- Ariane M. Abcarian, MD Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship, Stroger Hospital of Cook County
- Chandra S. Bhati, MD Faculty, Transplant Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Albert Chung, MD Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship, Henry Ford Hospital, Michigan
- Veronica Guerrero, MD(Tirado) Bariatric Surgery Fellowship, Magee, Women’s Hospital of UPMC
- Lukasz Swistun, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, University of Utah, Salt Lake City