Peoria Medicine-Pediatrics
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MEET OUR RESIDENTS
WHO THEY ARE, WHERE THEY TRAINED AND WHY THEY CHOSE PEORIA

Class of 2021
PGY-3: Senior Residents


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Yaro Bodnar, M.D.
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Medical School
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
, MD, 2017
Undergraduate
Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, IL), BS in Chemistry and Physics, 2007
About Me
I was born in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, and as Midtown High School student, excelled in science while living at home with my Uncle Ben and Aunt May.  In quite an interesting turn of events, I was bitten by a radioactive spider (erroneously classified as an insect in the panel) at a science exhibit.  In that moment, I thought that I acquired "the agility and proportionate strength of an arachnid."  It appears that I did not, as I could not climb walls or swing from tall buildings.  Despite multiple attempts to have people call me "SpiderMan," this never caught on.  So, I went to medical school instead.  Perhaps, "Dr. SpiderMan" will catch on...

Why I Chose Peoria
Four words: World's Most Beautiful Drive.
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Sakina Broachwala, M.D.

Medical School
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, MD, 2017

Undergraduate
University of Texas at Austin, BS, 2013
About Me
I'm originally from Texas but moved to Illinois after getting married. I frequently wish I could go visit my family but my new intolerance to humid heat has made it difficult. I love horseback riding and puzzles. I am the eldest of 5. My career interests are not set in stone, but I definitely am interested in primary care. 

Why I Chose Peoria
I was lucky to experience the hospital system firsthand since I completed medical school here. The number one reason why I chose this program and Peoria are the people. It's the perfect place to see the common stuff, along with the Zebras, without the hassle of a big city (traffic, pollution...did I mention traffic?). It's also nice to have a big city (Chicago) nearby! Excited to see where the future will take me here! 
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Ninah P. Clegg, D.O.

Medical School
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO, 2017

Alpha Omega Alpha
Undergraduate
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, BA, 2013

About Me
I was born and raised in Indianapolis.  I played the piano and cello throughout my childhood and into college.  I like to craft and up-cycle things I find at Goodwill or garage sales.  My fianceé and I like to cook and garden together and recently started baking our own bread.  I love to travel and have participated in multiple global health trips.

Why I Chose Peoria
The program has so many different things to offer a resident during training from international medicine trips to opportunities to be involved with medical education, but more than that, I loved the family-like atmosphere between the residents and faculty at my interview. 

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Brisa Gulari-Jones, M.D.

Medical School
St. George's University, MD, 2017
Iota Epsilon Alpha

Undergraduate
University of Hartford, BS, 2010

About Me
A born and raised New Yorker, I am excited to see what life in the Midwest is all about!  In between my undergrad and going to med school, I moved back home and worked in children and family services as a caseworker for three years. I enjoy the great outdoors, reading, drinking tea at all hours of the day/night, writing, traveling, buying things I don't necessarily need at Target, cooking, savoring new and old cuisine, laughing until I can't breathe, discovering all kinds of music, and spending time with my wonderful husband. Ever the MedPeds person, I love having options and hope to divide my time between inpatient and outpatient ideally. I am drawn to working with underserved populations and have interests in community medicine as well as public health, women's health, adolescent and reproductive medicine, mental health in the primary care setting, global health, and medical education. Also, I am not Italian (though I believe this assumption has worked to my advantage several times). 
Why I Chose Peoria

The people sealed the deal for me. Everyone I met during my interview was so warm, welcoming, and down to earth. The faculty and residents are genuinely interested in who you are and put you at ease. Population wise, it's a diverse  mix which was very important to me. This also affords you the opportunity to see your every day ailments along with the rarities since we serve such a large patient base. I also appreciated the fact that the program is community based university affiliated - it makes for a great balance of clinical and educational time. Particularly important for MedPeds folks is the equal strength of both specialties during training. Besides that, you have plenty to choose from here both during and after residency, depending on what your career interests are. I am fortunate to have several options while being surrounded by hard working, kind individuals. Peoria itself is charming and family oriented with activities to keep you busy as well as several major cities within driving distance if you have the urge.
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Nicholas Kessener, M.D.

Medical School
University of Medicine and Health Sciences (St. Kitts), MD, 2017
Highest Honors

Graduate
Walden University, MPH, (In Progress)
Undergraduate
The Master's University (Santa Clarita, CA), BS, 2006
About Me
I'm known as a family man for a reason.  I have 4 kids (3 boys and a girl), a beautiful wife, and I love spending time with them all--whether that is at a park, a pool, or just wrestling on the floor.  We're also big on board and card games of all shapes and sizes.  I also love anything that keeps me active.  From a lifelong love of soccer and hockey to more newly acquired loves such as white water rafting, hiking, swing dancing or kayaking, I like anything that gets me out moving in nature.  God has made a beautiful world and I like to enjoy it!  I'm also just a big fan of people.  Young and old, joyful or cantankerous, I love talking to people and trying to make their day.  I suppose that's a big reason I fell in love with MedPeds!  My long-term goal is to do medical mission work, potentially as my full on career.  I love serving the underserved and seeing other cultures, so why not use my degree to do both in a real way?
Why I Chose Peoria
Did I mention I like people?  The people are what make the difference here.  They actually take joy in serving others and genuinely care for the health and well being of those around them.  Oh sure, I like the down home feel, the family friendly environment, the good support base for my wife, the excellent benefits vs cost of living, the diversity of pathology seen here, and the quality of the hospital system itself... but the real draw was the downright awesome people who make this their home and make OSF a great place to receive their care.
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Asra Rab, M.D.
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Medical School
American University of Antigua, MD, 2017
Undergraduate
University of Texas at Dallas, BS, 2011

About Me
I'm a proud Texan, so naturally I enjoy eating and cooking unhealthy food. I come from a very close knit family and spending time with my two nieces is my favorite thing in the world. In my free time, I watch action movies, read books before they become movies, paint, and cross off as many concerts as I can off of my bucket list. I hope that intern year will provide some insight into what I want to pursue after residency. 

Why I Chose Peoria
The main things that drew me to the program were how MedPeds has its own identity and presence at OSF, and both the IM and Pediatrics sides seem well balanced. I also loved how international electives are not just allowed, but encouraged. The best part was meeting attendings that were residents at OSF and decided to stick around--that's always a good sign. Peoria has all the perks of living in the suburbs (yay no traffic!) and the benefit of having Chicago nearby.  

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Tracey Thompson, M.D.​

Medical School
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, MD, 2017
​Global Health Honors
Undergraduate 

California Lutheran University, BS, 2012​
About Me
Colorado native, Midwest transplant. You bring your appetite, I'll bring the baked goods.
Hope to someday pursue a career in adult congenital heart disease or hospitalist medicine. 

Why I Chose Peoria
Wanted to stay in the Midwest, loved the friendliness and community that this program provides.
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Wyatt Verplaetse, M.D.

Medical School
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, MD, 2017
Undergraduate

University of Notre Dame, BS 2008
About Me
I am an Illinois native from the quad cities, and am a huge college football fan. I love reading, travel and am an avid gardener. Being my first year, my career interests are a work in progress, but I find immunology particularly interesting. 
Why I Chose Peoria

Having gone to medical school here, I was familiar with the facilities and faculty, both of which are top notch.  I had a previous relationship with some of the program leadership which gave me great confidence this was the best place for me to train. 

Combined Internal Medicine - Pediatrics Residency Program @ Peoria

530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, 5th Floor North Building, Peoria, IL 61637

Hours

M-F: 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

(309) 655-4940

Email

streetb1@uic.edu
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