Residents

Class of 2012

Samantha Robinson, MD

After rotating at the Family Care Center as a Northwestern medical student, I liked it so much that I came back for residency! I enjoy all aspects of Family Medicine but have a particular interest in integrative medicine and reproductive health. I spend my free time trying out new recipes, designing and constructing historical costumes, and relaxing with my husband and dog.

Stephanie Whyte, MD

I grew up in a small town about 60 miles south of Chicago, and attended college at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. I went on to attend medical school at Rush University in Chicago, and I realized I had found my calling on my Family Medicine core rotation when I found myself asking at the end of each day, "Really? We're done for the day already? That went by so quickly!" I chose the U of C program because I felt that it was the program that would best prepare me to be the type of physician I wanted to be at the end of three years. I really love all aspects of Family Medicine, and I ultimately hope to find a semi-rural position that will allow me to do full-spectrum Family Medicine, including OB. My favorite things about my decision to come to the U of C program are that I feel there is a truly family-like relationship amongst the residents, and I have found a fantastic mentor who helps me to become a better doctor every day.

In my free time (yes, residents do get free time!), I have a ton of extremely varied interests. Most notably, though, I enjoy going to concerts, ceili dancing at the Irish American Heritage Center (where the average age of the attendees is probably 70), traveling (particularly to foreign countries), and acquiring new skills of all sorts. Additionally, I have developed an interest in Wilderness Medicine, and I try to incorporate this where I can, as I work toward becoming a Fellow in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.

Jacqueline Youtsos, MD

I am a graduate of the American University of the Caribbean. Originally from Wisconsin, I made my way to the University of Chicago and is happy to be nearing the end of residency! my career plans include practicing with an emphasis in Primary Care Dermatology and educating others about preventive health maintenance. Outside of medicine I love baking for my fellow residents and coordniating residency wellness events!

Monica Tran, MD

Hi ya'll. I'm Monica and I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. I really enjoy the beautiful Chicago summers but I surely miss the South during the winter months. I looove to shop, eat and veg out with my pet dog, Molly. I may even make some time to hang out with my colleagues!

Peggy Wang, MD

Hi Ya'll. I'm Peggy, sometimes called Monica, from Akron, Ohio (same hometown as LeBron James and Jeffrey Dahmer). I love spending time outdoors, whether it's camping, kayaking, skiing, or just wandering around the streets of Chicago. In my spare time, you are most likely to find me hanging around Lake Michigan running on the lake path, playing lacrosse (or pretty much any other sport), or chilling on the beach. I'll try most activities at least once, and I love to laugh! 

Class of 2013 

Johnnie Byrd, MD

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Morehouse University in 1998.  I then went on to the University of Chicago where I received a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology in 2008. My doctoral thesis centered on the study of genes that predispose individuals to develop Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I received my medical degree in 2010 also from the University of Chicago.

I am interested in Sports Medicine and is plan to do a fellowship in Sports Medicine after residency.

Bichlien Do, MD

I was born and grew up in a war-torn country, Vietnam, where I initially chose ENT as my career path. However, I eventually realized I have fallen in love with incredible full scope family medicine. I have never felt regret about choosing The NorthShore University of Chicago Family Medicine Residency Program for my residency training because I have appreciated the support the program gives to the residents. After my busy work hours, I enjoy long-distance conversations with my husband every day.

Ofonime Essien, MD

I was born in Washington D.C raised in Nigeria, W. Africa. I chose to specialize in Family Medicine because it gave me the opportunity to care for a variety of patients ranging from delivering newborns, caring for them, caring for their pregnant mothers, caring for their siblings, and other family members including their grand parents. Family medicine has given me the opportunity to reach out to my patients in away that other specialists cannot; As a Family Medicine Physician my help the patient be/remain healthy and refer then to a specialist if need be. I am interested in women's health/obstetrics, community medicine, emergency medicine, clinical medical informatics and procedures.

Lubna Madani, MD

I was born and raised in Chicago, I love the friendliness of the Midwest and chose to stay in the Chicago-land area. Growing up I noted the great care my grandmother received from her family physician which ultimately led me down the track to becoming family physician.

I chose the University of Chicago-Northshore program because of its location, its dedication to teaching, and the friendly environment.

When I am not busy taking care of patients, I can be found reading, shopping, talking to strangers in elevators, watching movies and hanging out with family and friends.

Michael Ravelo, MD

It was 4th year of medical school when I realized that I wanted to do it all. It was during this time that I realized that Family Medicine was the best specialty choice for me. The fact that everyday is different and you still have the ability to build lasting relationships with your patients is truly amazing. I was fortunate to be able to travel to several countries, some with different approaches to healthcare, and some that spoke different languages but in the end I realized the unifying factor was the Family doctor caring for the community. My goal as a family physician is to not only provide the best possible care but do it in a caring and compassionate manner. I feel fortunate to be able to serve in such a great community. My interests outside of medicine not only include traveling and outdoor activities, but also motor sports. It makes no difference whether it has 4 wheels, 2 wheels or a propeller if it has an engine and built for speed it will get my attention. 

Class of 2014 

Palosha Ahmed, MD

I chose family medicine at NorthShore for a variety of reasons but some of my favorites are the setting, the people, and the location.

The suburban setting of the hospital gives me an appropriate training environment to ensure I receive ample exposure to the kinds of patients I hope to see in my own clinic one day. The residents, faculty, and staff are very inviting and friendly, and I immediately felt at home on my first day. Last but not the least, NorthShore allows me to be close to my own family and friends who give me the utmost support I need for the challenges of residency. NorthShore has proven to be one of the best choices I've made for myself, and I believe this is the ideal program that I had been in search of.

Outside of medicine, when I have the time, I love cooking, reading, travelling, and spending time with my husband.

Monica Fudala, MD

My name is Monica Fudala.  I am another one of the newest additions to the program! I was born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.  I decided to stay here and pursue my undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago.  I have explored the world, studying in Paris for a brief period of time and exploring interests in European and Health Economics. Upon graduation, I developed an interest in medical education and conducted research for Northwestern University's Medicine Residency program using Simulation Technology.

Throughout this period, I spent a lot of my free time volunteering at a free clinic on the city's West side. It was there that I became preoccupied with Preventative Medicine, Health Care Disparities and decided to go back to school to pursue Medicine. I spent most of my medical school experience in Europe developing a stronger understanding of international medicine. During this time, I was able to travel and explore many hidden gems of the world. I decided to return to Chicago to spend more time with family and a program that encompassed my vast interests.

Currently, I enjoy working with my friendly colleagues! I spend my free time ballroom dancing, doing yoga, running marathons and hanging out with my yorkie, Molly. 

Frank Karantonis, MD

I spent my childhood years growing up in Toronto and beautiful Greece.

I feel honored to be at the University of Chicago (Northshore) Family Medicine Program simply because of the people I have met. I feel I am amongst colleagues that genuinely believe in making a difference in the world and have a lively passion for family medicine and living life. I was an Honors Philosophy Major at the University of Western Ontario and then spent my medical school years travelling the globe from; Newcastle, Grenada, to Brooklyn, New York through St. George's University SOM. My deep passion in medicine is the connection between lifestyle, mental health and quality/quantity of life. Outside of Medicine, I can be found coaching youth soccer and basketball because they bring together my favorite hobbies; sports, community life and working with the youth. 

Betty Lo, MD

I am a graduate of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing and have my bachelor degree in cell biology/biochemistry from University of California, San Diego. I chose to go into family medicine because I appreciate the variety of medicine and enjoy the continuity of care. The University of Chicago Northshore Family Medicine program became my ultimate choice because it has a wonderful combination of community-based and academic medicine, as well as a friendly working environment. In addition, I feel the faculty are extremely supportive and always try their best to help me grow.

I am particularly interested in working with underserved communities. Outside of medicine, I enjoy music, watching movie, playing tennis and traveling. 

Sheri Pierce, MD

I was born originally in the Midwest, but spent most of my life in Arizona where my parents and grown son currently still live. I graduated from Arizona State University with BSN and MSN. I was a nurse/nurse practitioner for a total of 14 years, before deciding to attend medical school at St. James School of Medicine in the Netherland-Antilles. I am interested in women's/children's health. I love to do yoga, hike and camp.