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Current Residents

Meet us!

Click on the cards to view bios of our current trainees.

Allen Barnett

Allen Barnett

PGY 4

Medical School
UC - San Francisco
I was raised in Salt Lake City. As an undergraduate, I studied public health. During this time I worked as a TA and developed a love of teaching. I moved to San Francisco to attend medical school at UCSF where I fell in love with neurology on the inpatient neurology service. As a referral center, many of the patients I worked with were undifferentiated. I enjoyed these complex cases and I plan to work as a neurohospitalist in a similar setting someday. I had the opportunity to be involved in medical education as a student and plan to continue this work as a physician. I took time off between my third and fourth years of medical school to study health economics and policy at the London School of Economics. I am interested in healthcare policy and reform and am grateful for the opportunity I had to study health systems. My favorite part of being a doctor is working with and learning from my wonderful colleagues and patients.
Jen Fokas

Jen Fokas

PGY 4

Medical School
University of Michigan
I am a proud Chicagoan and a graduate of Northwestern University, where I majored in Biology and Psychology. Prior to medical school, I worked with Dr. George Chiampas, who is an ED physician at Northwestern, in a sports medicine administrative and research role with the Chicago Marathon and the US Soccer Federation. I then took a short trip across the Big 10 to attend University of Michigan medical school. My areas of interest in neurology include movement disorders and sports neurology. I am also interested in medical education, and as a first-generation college graduate, I strongly support building the pipeline for underrepresented students. I love Chicago for many reasons: the deep-dish pizza, the city's sports, Purple Pride, and of course my family. I consider myself a hydrophilic person, and I enjoy spending my free time outdoors and near the water.
Jyoti Grewal

Jyoti Grewal

PGY 4

Medical School
University of Michigan
I’m originally from Wisconsin, went to undergrad at Northwestern, and then University of Michigan for medical school. I wasn’t planning on becoming a neurologist until my second year clerkship when I fell in love with the field. My interview at Northwestern stood out because I knew I would get excellent training in a fun city, while working with kind and caring co-residents and attendings. In my free time I’ve enjoyed going on walks/runs along the lakefront and checking out some of Chicago's amazing restaurants.  
Karl Guo

Karl Guo

PGY 4

Medical School
Northwestern University
I was born in ZhengZhou, HeNan, China. I moved to NY in 1998 and attended Columbia University for my undergrad degree in biomedical engineering. My undergraduate research was on stroke and the role of complement in reperfusion injury. I moved to Chicago in 2013 and completed a MD/PhD degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. My postgraduate research was on the role of thalamocortical circuits in short term memory. I have always been interested in the field of neuroscience and was drawn to the field of Neurology during my MD training. My academic interests are in neurocircuits, movement disorders, epilepsy, and sleep. My hobbies include cooking in the wild, hiking, and writing sci fi. 
Sangri Kim

Sangri Kim

PGY 4

Medical School
University of Michigan
I was born in South Korea and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to the east coast to attend Johns Hopkins University. There, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and became interested in medicine. Between college and medical school, I did clinical research at the University of Michigan Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic and worked on 2 clinical studies evaluating the effects of mexiletine and retigabine on neuronal hyperexcitability in patients with ALS. I went to the University of Michigan for Medical School, where I became interested in tele-neurology and quality improvement. I also developed an interest in the intersection of the arts and medicine and developed a visual arts and medicine course for the medical school. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy cooking, reading fiction, embroidery, and eating my way through Chicago.
Jackie Leong

Jackie Leong

PGY 4

Medical School
Brown University
I was born in Rochester, NY and raised in St. Louis, MO. I attended Harvard for undergrad initially as an English major, switched course to Molecular and Cellular Biology, and landed on medicine partway through. I spent a year postgrad teaching English/English science on a Fulbright grant in Kinmen, Taiwan, and returned to the US to attend Brown for medical school, where I unexpectedly found a love for neurology the first day on the stroke ward. In my free time, I enjoy long distance running, writing, checking out new breweries, and committing to excessive numbers of creative projects.
Charlie Otte

Charlie Otte

PGY 4

Medical School
University of Pittsburgh
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Growing up, I was passionate about lacrosse and my rock band. I went to college at Swarthmore where I became interested in neuroscience. My undergraduate thesis revolved around describing neural circuits important for memory in fruit flies. After college, I worked as a research technician for a few years studying proposed molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy before starting medical school at the University of Pittsburgh. While there, I developed a novel optogenetic method for driving TDP-43 proteinopathy (in fruit flies) as part of Pitt’s “Physician Scientist Training Program”. I’m thrilled to be at Northwestern for residency, with its kind-hearted, hard-working culture and near limitless resources in a world-class city. Academically, I'm interested in exploring new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Outside of the hospital, I like to spend time with loved ones/friends, run, shoot hoops, ski, watch films/tv, and explore Chicago.
Tulsi Malavia

Tulsi Malavia

PGY 4

Medical School
University of Pittsburgh
I was born and raised in Okemos, Michigan. I went to the University of Pittsburgh for college, where I got a bachelor's degree in both Neuroscience and Psychology. I continued on at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for my MD. Now, I am very excited to be at Northwestern for residency! The culture of the Neurology program, the opportunities for research and development, and the city of Chicago are amazing. In my spare time, I love exploring new restaurants in Chicago, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
Naomi Ayele

Naomi Ayele

PGY 3

Medical School
Loyola University (Chicago)
I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and grew in Boston, MA where I cultivate a passion for competitive swimming and international debate.  I graduated from Columbia University in NYC with a degree in Biology, specializing in Sustainable Development. I spent two years working as researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital in topics ranging from community-based global health to simulation education research before attending Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. Neurology pieces together my growing obsession with the interweaving of neuroscience and technology as it relates to medical education and community engagement. Out-side of medicine, you can find me at my local coffee shop researching DIY projects on Pinterest or supporting local comedians at my favorite comedy clubs in the city.
Sofia Chernet

Sofia Chernet

PGY 3

Medical School
George Washington University
After growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I attended Dartmouth College where I majored in Sociology modified with African & African American Studies. Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I returned home and completed a year of service with the Chicago Health Corps, an AmeriCorps program. During my year of service, I developed an interest in medicine and decided to complete a post-baccalaureate premedical program in Boston. While earning my medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, I fell in love with the field of neurology. I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to return home & begin my residency at Northwestern! I aspire to become an empathetic and well-trained neurologist for a diverse array of patients, and I am dedicated to reducing healthcare disparities within and outside of the Chicagoland area. When I’m not working, I look forward to exploring the city’s many neighborhoods & their wonderful festivals, traveling to new countries on vacation, and, most importantly, relaxing at home with good food & music playing on my record player!
Jamie Cooper

Jamie Cooper

PGY 3

Medical School
Wayne State University
I was born and raised in West Bloomfield, Michigan. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan with a focus in neuroscience and then attended Wayne State University in Detroit for medical school. During medical school, I did a year of research in the neurobiology lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel where I studied neural circuits mediating aggression in mice. My research further solidified my passion for, and desire to enter, the amazing field of neurology. I am so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to train at Northwestern. For fun, I enjoy taking long walks with my husband, cooking new dishes, a good movie night (with snacks, of course), and singing!
Tara Gill

Tara Gill

PGY 3

Medical School
University of Illinois
I am Chicago through and through! I was born in the city and spent most of my time here or in the surrounding suburbs. I came back to attend undergraduate school at DePaul University where I majored in Health Sciences and minored in Biology. While here I worked as a martial arts instructor and chemistry/biology TA. I went on to attend the University of Illinois for medical school. I continued to build my passion for teaching during my work as a peer educator, clinical mentor, and USMLE advisor. While in school, I developed an interest in stroke and interventional neurology. I completed research in vascular neurology on topics such as Moyamoya and dual carotid/coronary artery dissection. I have a passion for teaching, stroke education, global and public health, and hope to spend a part of my career living/working abroad. Outside the hospital, I enjoy thrifting (clothes and home decor), collecting plants, martial arts, never say no to trying new and yummy foods and love new adventures with my partner. I’m excited to continue my journey in the city at Northwestern!
Hannah Kim

Hannah Kim

PGY 3

Medical School
Oregon Health & Science University
Hi everyone, my name is Hannah! I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon and attended Duke University for college, where I majored in Biology and minored in Global Health. After college, I spent a year at the National Institutes of Health conducting basic and clinical research on pediatric endocrine disorders. I then came back to my home state for medical school at Oregon Health & Science University and there was introduced to the wonderful and exciting field of neurology during my 3rd year clerkship! My academic interests include quality improvement and addressing gaps and disparities in neurologic care. I love to try new activities so my hobbies are always changing, but my most recent interests include urban hiking, painting and learning about art history, going to the driving range, and cooking Korean food!
Courtney Raab

Courtney Raab

PGY 3

Medical School
Indiana University
I am originally from Highland, Indiana, and I completed my undergraduate degree at Butler University in Indianapolis, where I studied health sciences and neuroscience. During my time at Butler, my research focused on concussions, specifically neuropsychological testing and return to play decisions . After falling in love with medicine during my junior year of college, I then went on to medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine.  In medical school I found a passion for community outreach aimed at primary prevention and recognition of stroke. My research endeavors focused around developing a stroke specific community needs assessment survey that would further assist in addressing the gaps in stroke education in underserved communities as well as guide future quality improvement initiatives. My academic interests include stroke systems of care, community engagement, QI, and bioethics.  Outside of the hospital, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring Chicago's amazing bars and restaurants, and spoiling my mini goldendoodle, River!
Theja Reddy

Theja Reddy

PGY 3

Medical School
University of Texas - Houston
I was born in Hyderabad, India, and grew up in Houston, TX. I went to Rice University, where I majored in Kinesiology (Health Sciences) with minors in Medical Humanities and Business. I then went to medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston where I nurtured my passion for health equity and advocacy. Through the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, I designed and implemented a community-based intervention for immigrant and refugee girls from low-income backgrounds to better address their mental health. I grew an interest in the diverse and intellectually-stimulating field of neurology during my pre-clinical years, and am so excited to continue my journey at Northwestern. In my free time, I love to travel, explore the food scene around Chicago, watch dog videos, and analyze films!
Adriana Sari

Adriana Sari

PGY 3

Medical School
University of Chicago
I grew up in Miami and attended the University of Florida for undergrad, where I studied Biology and Psychology. After taking a gap year to work as a scribe, I started medical school at the University of Chicago. I came in to medical school with a passion for neurology, which grew as I progressed through my clerkships. During this time, I also deepened my interest in clinical research as I examined the use of stroke scales in hospitalized patients. In my spare time, I enjoy going to concerts, reading, and indoor climbing. Very excited to be continuing my training at Northwestern!
Fred Shen

Fred Shen

PGY 3

Medical School
University of Michigan
I'm originally from Des Moines, Iowa and went to college at Duke University where I studied biomedical engineering. I then joined the MSTP program at University of Michigan. For my PhD, I developed a new way of mapping neuronal connectivity using light microscopy. Within neurology, I'm interested in neurogenetics, both clinically and from a   research perspective. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and 2 pets (1 dog and 1 cat). We love exploring the outdoors, eating sushi, and traveling to new places. I also enjoy ultimate frisbee, watching sports, and photography.
Meghana Shownkeen

Meghana Shownkeen

PGY 3

Medical School
University of Illinois
I am originally from Oak Brook, IL, and attended college at University of Miami in Miami, FL. I majored in neuroscience, with a minor in chemistry and public health. I discovered my passion for neurology while participating in undergraduate research in the field of vascular neurology. I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for medical school. During this time, I had the opportunity to join the ABC lab at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where my research was focused on investigating the association of vascular and metabolic health during young adulthood and cerebral autoregulation, gait, and cognition in midlife. My academic interests are in vascular neurology and neurocritical care. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, and exploring new restaurants in the city of Chicago!
Maria Aristova

Maria Aristova

PGY 2

Medical School
Northwestern University
I moved often as a kid but typically say I'm from NJ because that is where I went to high school and college, in addition to acquiring key personality traits such as driving like every road is Route 1 and being insufferable about bagels. At Princeton I majored in chemical and biological engineering and was part of the ballroom dance team. I then spent two years working in a neuroimaging lab at MGH before joining the MSTP at Northwestern. My thesis focused on flow quantification in the intracranial vasculature using 4D Flow MRI. While I initially planned on a career in radiology, I was drawn to neurology by the potential to correlate imaging findings with the rest of the clinical picture, and help patients navigate their relationship to their nervous system in health and disease. Now after my intern year at Northwestern I look forward to spending the next three years as part of the department of Neurology, with clinical/research interests in stroke, neurocritical care and neuroimaging. I enjoy biking around the city, spending time with my husband and apartment horticulture.
Nadia Azad

Nadia Azad

PGY 2

Medical School
Emory University
Hi, my name is Nadia! I’m from Ypsilanti, Michigan and went to the University of Michigan for college, where I majored in Neuroscience and worked in a basic science lab. After college, I spent a year working as a clinical research coordinator at a sleep medicine lab at the University of Pennsylvania which furthered my interest in medicine. The next year, I moved to Chicago to work as a fellow with Saga Education where I tutored math to high school students and explored my passion for teaching. I had such a great year in Chicago and really loved the city! I then attended medical school at Emory University in Atlanta. Here, I learned more about neurology and discovered what an interesting and meaningful field it is. My passions within neurology include education, helping address health disparities within the field, stroke prevention and neuroimmunology. Outside of medicine, I have loved exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods and restaurants, learning pottery, and trying to walk my cat on the beach.   
Steven Bieser

Steven Bieser

PGY 2

Medical School
Thomas Jefferson University
I originally grew up in a small town in Wisconsin outside of Milwaukee where I loved exploring nature, sailing, hiking, and swimming in the many lakes. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for undergrad, majoring in neurobiology and anthropology. I have always been deeply curious how humans experience the world and relate to one another. I love hearing people's stories and passions while learning how complex language centers drive social interactions and visual/auditory cortices allow us to appreciate and find meaning in art. My interest in the interplay between social connections and neurology solidified while researching Alzheimer's Disease epigenetics. I realized how the delicate dance between histones and their methylation and acetylation patterns translates into our ability to recognize a loved one. The very experience of our humanity made possible by the nervous system and the processing in our cerebral networks. I took some time after college to do a year of service with Americorps in Philadelphia, where I worked for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. I stayed in Philly for medical school at SKMC, Thomas Jefferson University. I picked Northwestern for residency because of the fantastic opportunities for friendship, mentorship, excellent culture, and deeply kind nature of my co-residents and attendings. I wanted to attend a residency that would train me to be the best physician possible, emphasizing empathy and kindness, and I am confident that the community here would do just that. There are endless opportunities for conducting groundbreaking research; every sub-specialty is well-represented and renowned. I have a great interest in neuroimmunology for my career, specifically investigating the interplay of neuro-inflammatory conditions and cognition. My hobbies & interests include caring for my 30+  house plans, cooking for loved ones, practicing yoga, writing poetry, curling up with a great book, meeting new people, and laughing with friends. Chicago is an amazing city to live in, where a residency salary goes a long way to living a great, high-quality life. I get to enjoy going out to restaurants, running and playing volleyball alongside the lake, attending the ballet/opera, going out dancing with friends, and everything in between!
Emily Casaletto

Emily Casaletto

PGY 2

Medical School
Thomas Jefferson University
I grew up in Barrington, Illinois and attended the University of Notre Dame for college, where I majored in Science Preprofessional Studies, Psychology, and Spanish. After college, I spent a year doing research at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, which was primarily focused on using ultrasound to identify and characterize neuropathology. I then attended medical school at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, where I deepened my enthusiasm for neurology and Philly sports. I love that being a neurologist inherently necessitates really getting to know our patients and what is important to them through assessing their functioning. I also discovered an interest in improving healthcare access for underserved populations and am excited to work with my co-residents at our Community Health Clinic. I came to Northwestern for my residency training because of the uniquely curated learning environment that is challenging yet fun. In my free time, I love swimming in the lake, running along the lakeshore, and fangirling at my best friend’s shows. 
Emmanuel Okematti

Emmanuel Okematti

PGY 2

Medical School
University of Minnesota
I was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota and grew up in a Minneapolis suburb before attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities for undergrad where I majored in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. I spent some time researching the pathophysiology and mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease in mouse models, specifically related to tauopathies. I stayed at the University of Minnesota for medical school where I stumbled upon an interest in stroke care through telestroke research. This later transformed into an interest in Neurocritical care combining my interests in acute neurology and the diversity of neurologic conditions.  I chose Northwestern because of their comprehensive training along multiple subspecialties, incredible opportunities for research, and because of how nice, smart, hardworking, and fun every person I met was. Outside of medicine, my big passions focus around supporting and advising those who are underrepresented in medicine along with increasing minority representation through pipeline programs and mentorship primarily along with disparities within neurologic care. When I’m not in the hospital, you can catch me doing all things basketball (playing and watching), trying different wines, and at various concerts around the city.
Allison Spihlman

Allison Spihlman

PGY 2

Medical School
Boston University
I am originally from southern Illinois and completed my undergraduate degree in neuroscience at the University of Michigan. While in college, I discovered my love for teaching through tutoring U of M's athletes and helping students prepare for the MCAT. I went on to Boston University School of Medicine. At BU, my research endeavors focused on assembling a database of Functional Neurological Disorder patient demographics, comorbidities, imaging findings, and follow-up care. I also expanded my tutoring business to work with both pre-med and medical students. I am passionate about mentorship and medical education and hope to incorporate both of these into my lifelong career. In my free time, I love to walk along the lake with friends, listen to Taylor Swift, and read!
Jasmine Sun

Jasmine Sun

PGY 2

Medical School
University of Pennsylvania
I grew up in Easton, a small city in Pennsylvania known for The Crayola Factory. My interest in neurology began at Swarthmore College, where I conducted research in neuropharmacology, cared for patients with dementia as a hospice volunteer, and ultimately graduated with a degree in neuroscience. During my gap year, I worked as a scribe at the Scheie Eye Institute while conducting research evaluating OCT segmentation algorithms. In medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, I worked with Dr. Murray Grossman to examine speech patterns in frontotemporal dementia, which further encouraged me to pursue cognitive neurology. Outside of medicine, I enjoy music, traveling, drinking bubble tea, and watching tv shows with my husband and cat Tapioca.
Laurel Ovrom

Laurel Ovrom

PGY 2

Medical School
Mayo Clinic
I grew up in Winter Haven, Florida and attended the University of Florida for undergrad (go Gators!), where I majored in biology and psychology with a concentration in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. I spent time in free clinics and health outreach organizations during my time in undergrad and developed a strong interest in community and mental health. I attended the Mayo Clinic for medical school and spent time on both the Minnesota and Florida campuses, where I discovered my interest in the field of neurology. I have a specific interest in the field of neuro-ophthalmology, and have participated in several research projects in this area. My favorite things about neurology are the meaningful patient interactions, the puzzle-solving, and the power of the neurological exam. I am excited to train at Northwestern because of the strong mentorship, the multitude of opportunities, and all of the fun, kind people in the department I have met so far. I also love the city of Chicago! Outside of the hospital, I enjoy playing volleyball, rock climbing, going to the beach, listening to live music, and exploring new bars and restaurants around the city.
Sarah Wyckoff

Sarah Wyckoff

PGY 2

Medical School
Columbia University
I grew up in Bethesda Maryland and attended the University of Virginia for college, where I majored in Biochemistry and Spanish. After college, I spent two years working as a management consultant for McKinsey & Company in their Atlanta office before moving to New York City for medical school at Columbia University. There, I found Neurology fulfilled a purposeful balance between intellectual curiosity and deep human connection. I completed a sub-internship with Northwestern during my fourth year of medical school, and I was impressed by the program’s commitment to academic excellence, medical education, and patient care, all grounded in a supportive culture. For many tangible and intangible reasons, Northwestern was my top choice for residency, and I am so excited to have matched here. Regarding academic interests, I’m passionate about the intersection of neurology and women’s health; my research has included examining neurologic and obstetric outcomes of pre-existing cerebrovascular disease during pregnancy. My interests also include healthcare administration and community engagement to support a more compassionate, just, and effective healthcare system.  My intern year superlative was “most likely to be carrying a yoga mat,” and in my free time you can find me at one of the yoga or pilates studios in Streeterville or walking along the lakeshore. I also love exploring Chicago’s many restaurants, including my fiancé’s family’s fourth generation Italian restaurant in the Loop.
Kevin Zhu

Kevin Zhu

PGY 2

Medical School
University of Michigan
I am originally from Rochester, MI and went to the University of Michigan, where I majored in Cell & Molecular Biology and Economics. After college, I went to MGH in Boston where I worked in a translational research lab studying ALS and chronic pain. I then returned to the University of Michigan for medical school, where I rekindled my interest in Neurology during a month on the neuro consults rotation. I am excited to continue my training in Neurology at Northwestern, and my current areas of interest are movement disorders and neuroimmunology. In my free time, I like to play pickleball, watch sports, discover new restaurants in Chicago, play trivia, travel, and play with my cat.

After Residency

Take a look at where our recent alumni are now!

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