Class of 2021
PGY-3: Senior Residents
Yaro Bodnar, M.D.
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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! |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Asra Rab, M.D.
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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. |
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. |
