Meet the Internal Medicine Residents

Peter Lim, D.O.

My name is Peter Lim and I am a Los Angeles native now living in Chicago. I attended Syracuse University in New York where I received my undergraduate degree, and I completed my medical education at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My interest in multi-system processes is what draws me to internal medicine. I enjoy traveling, trying new foods and spending quality time with my family and friends. 

Cara Mitchell, D.O. 

Hey everyone! My name is Cara Mitchell. I’m a current internal medicine chief resident and an east coast native. I studied exercise science at Elon University as an undergraduate before heading to VCOM-Carolinas for medical school. Since moving to Chicago, one of my biggest hobbies is exploring the city and all of its neighborhoods. I also love tennis, cooking, music and keeping up with friends and family! My special interests within medicine include global/public health and medical ethics. Hope to see you around Swedish Covenant Hospital soon!

Omar Ahmed, D.O. 

Hi, my name is Omar and I'm excited to be one of the third-year internal medicine residents at Swedish Covenant Health (SCH). I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I went to University of Colorado as an undergraduate and earned my masters and medical degrees at Midwestern University. I completed a transitional year at Millcreek Community Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania prior to starting my internal medicine residency at SCH. Being at SCH allows me to be involved in a great learning environment and to live in Chicago and take advantage of everything the city has to offer. I'm surrounded by passionate attendings and my amazing co-residents make residency fun as well as a learning experience. I plan to pursue a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine after residency. When I'm not working, I like exploring new restaurants, finding new trivia nights, going to the gym and watching sports!

Jabiz Behzadpour, D.O. 

Well hello there! My name is Jabiz Behzadpour, I was born and raised in Kansas (go Jayhawks!), and went to medical school at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine before coming to Chicago for residency.  I am interested in an endocrinology fellowship.  During my free time I’m either in downtown Chicago finding a new restaurant to try or balancing that out with a barre class. There’s a lot to do in this amazing city, it never gets old!

Bhuvani Dakshinamoorthy, D. O. 

Hi everyone! My name is Bhuvani and I was born in Toronto, Canada. I moved a lot as a kid and spent some time living in Trichy, Atlanta, Dallas, and finally settled down in St. Paul, Minnesota, which has been home for a while. I had an awesome time studying genetics and cell biology at the University of Minnesota where, after graduating, I had the opportunity to complete a term of service with AmeriCorps under the Minnesota Math Corps Division. I chose Internal Medicine because I liked the broad nature of the study and am really happy to be pursuing my residency at Swedish Covenant Health.  My long term interests in medicine include the integration of public health and education. My hobbies include exploring the arts in Chicago, hanging out with my puppies and taking pictures of everything. 

Rakesh Marreddy, D.O. 

Hey friends! My name is Rakesh but I go by Rocky. Yes, it’s spelled like the boxer. I was born in Oak Park, IL and attended the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. After a lot of thought, I decided to take my talents to Philadelphia for medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I made my triumphant return to Chicago for residency in internal medicine at Swedish Covenant Health (SCH). I was attracted to the training program at SCH because of its dedication to educating residents and students, the diversity of patients and pathology and most importantly the camaraderie among residents. After I complete residency, I would like to pursue a career in primary care. In my free time I like to explore the rich Chicago restaurant scene, watch NBA games and plan my next vacation. 

Shaun Mehdi, D.O. 

Hi, I am Shaun Mehdi. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. I went to the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign as an undergraduate and continued my education at Midwestern University, where I earned both my masters and medical degrees. The main reasons I love being at Swedish Covenant Health include the tight knit family of residents and faculty, the autonomy beginning with the first year of residency and the diverse population and pathology. My main medical interest involves gastroenterology. Outside of work, I am a die-hard sports fan, especially when my beloved Chicago teams are playing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and I love summertime in Chicago, especially when it means hanging out on rooftops and walking along the lakeshore.

James Seipp, D.O.

My name is James Seipp. I was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia and spent most of my childhood split between Korea, Maryland, DC and Virginia. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in biology from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia and my doctorate from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I feel very fortunate to have been accepted to this institution and to train in such a nurturing environment. I could not possibly name everyone who has made this residency such a success, but I would like to pay special tribute to our Program Director: Dr. Michael Feinzimer, Associate Program Director: Dr. Dale Swims and our Senior Director of Medical Education: Jennifer Barron. In the future I hope to practice hospitalist medicine full-time, but I am also interested in establishing a clinic that takes a multi-faceted approach to assist those struggling with obesity.

Shazia Shivji, M.D.

Hi! I’m Shazia Shivji, and I’m proud to be part of the Swedish Covenant Health internal medicine residency family. I say family instead of program because we are blessed to have a tight-knit group of residents who are not only co-workers, but also a support system. We work together to reach our full potential as physicians, and we also make sure to have a good time outside of work. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and then ventured to Montreal as an undergraduate where I studied at McGill University. During that time I organized and participated in mobile clinics in underdeveloped countries. To further my interest in global health, I decided to pursue medicine internationally. I attended medical school at St. George’s, University of London, during which time I studied in Cyprus and the US. My clinical rotations brought me to SCH, where I fell in love with the community feel, incredible teaching and diverse patient population. I was very fortunate to be able to stay at SCH for my residency training, and I have now made Chicago my home. In my spare time I like to travel, spend time with family and friends and enjoy the outdoors. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in general internal medicine, and I have an interest in becoming involved in medical education. 

Naser Aljundi, M.D. 

Hello there! My name is Naser Aljundi. I was born in Vancouver, Canada but grew up in Dubai, UAE. I've also lived in Syria and Cyprus, and now reside in the great city of Chicago! I feel very fortunate to be doing my internal medicine residency at Swedish Covenant Health, where diversity, inclusion and a supportive working environment are encouraged and actively promoted. During my time off, I enjoy catching up on sports, particularly soccer, and love going out for a run when the weather allows for it. I am fluent in Arabic, and I'm keen on learning Spanish too. In the future, I wish to pursue a fellowship and hope to be able to give back to the community I reside in.

Jared Hinds, D.O. 

Hey everyone, my name is Jared Hinds and I am one of the internal medicine residents at Swedish Covenant Health.  I am originally from Alpharetta, Georgia, but grew up a Florida gator fan and eventually attended the University of Florida.  I completed my medical education at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy any and all sports, hiking, trying new foods and hanging with my dog. I am pursuing a career in sports medicine. 

Sagar Patel, D.O. 

Hello! My name is Sagar Patel.  I grew up in Washington and got my Bachelor Degree at University of Washington in Seattle. I went to complete medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida. I am really excited to get my medical training in Chicago. It’s a great city!

Brittany Rambo, D.O. 

Hi everyone! My name is Brittany Rambo. I grew up in a small town in Ohio and received my Bachelor Degree from Ohio State University. After college, I moved to Chicago and worked in research at both Loyola University and University of Chicago, and then I went on to complete medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. In my free time, I love to bake, travel, try new restaurants and relax with my dog, Alfie.

Benjamin Reimer, D.O. 

Hello, everyone! My name is Ben Reimer, and I’m one of the second year internal medicine residents. I am originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. After college I moved to New Jersey to pursue a Master Degree. I did a post-baccalaureate year at the University of South Florida in Tampa before going to medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida. I’m excited to be back in the mid-west for residency! After, I hope to do a fellowship in hematology and oncology. When I’m not in the hospital, I love exploring the city with my wife and golden retriever!

Tyler Saunders, D.O. 

Hello, my name is Tyler. I have gone all over the United States on my medical journey. I originally grew up in Hudson, Ohio. I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in biology. While at Wesleyan, I competed in cross country and track. After graduation, I worked at Johns Hopkins University doing research in a pancreatic cancer lab specializing in advanced metastatic disease. I then pursued medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida. I am interested in pursuing a career in primary care using an integrative/functional approach to medicine. I am interested in nutrition and lifestyle medicine and how they can be incorporated into conventional practice. My personal interests include running, fitness and cooking and eating delicious food.   

Nilofer Sidhu, D.O. 

Hi everyone, my name is Nilofer Sidhu. Originally from New York, I went to SUNY Binghamton as an undergraduate where I studied biology and classical civilization. I completed medical school close to home at NYITCOM. I was excited to make the move to Chicago for residency to experience a new city and environment. When I’m not at the hospital, I love exploring restaurants in downtown Chicago or getting lost in a good book. 

Bimel Thomas, M.D. 

(Turns around, fully tuxedoed, martini in hand) Well hello there, I’ve been expecting you. Congratulations on making it to our webpage. My name is Bimel Thomas and I’m a graduate of UMHS–St. Kitts and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I was born in India, raised in the suburbs of Chicago.  While my medical school rotations have taken me all across the country, I’m glad to have matched back home in the greatest city in the world. I was never able to fulfill my childhood dream of playing in the NBA (one day?), so I considered medicine a pretty decent fallback. If I’m not roaming the hallways of Swedish Covenant Health, you can find me jamming on my guitar, studying for Step 3 at a local Starbucks or exploring the city with my co-residents. When patients ask me where I’m from, I like to tell them, “I’m 100% Indian, 100% American… and 100% Swedish.” I think that confuses them, and I usually stop. 

Charles Blackwell

Howdy! My name is Charles Blackwell and I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas.  For undergrad I spent four great years at Texas A&M University, GIG EM, before going to NOVA Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. I came to Swedish for the educationally focused and nurturing environment, in order to become the best internist possible. I came to Chicago to enjoy my life outside work, with its large music and restaurant scene. In the future, I may pursue fellowship or take a hospitalist position—just taking it one day at a time for now. I look forward to meeting you.

Ingrid Gils

I'm from Oakland, California. I went to Tufts University in Medford, MA for undergrad and TouroCOM in Harlem, NY for medical school. In my free time I enjoy running, trashy 90s action films and petting dogs that don't belong to me. I was attracted to Swedish Covenant Health's strong sense of community and commitment patient wellness and resident education. After residency, I'd love to purse a GI or ID fellowship.

Raheel Kapadia

Hey, I am Raheel. I am from the suburbs of Chicago. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in Biology and then went to Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indiana for medical school. I am happy to be back in Chicago with all the great restaurants! For fun, I like to travel to different countries and try different cuisines. I hope you see the trend, haha. I also like to play board games and watch TV, movies and the Bulls. I chose Swedish Covenant Health because of the supportive environment, focus on active learning and teaching and how well all the residencies (IM, FM, EM, Podiatry) get along with each other. Swedish Covenant Health offers a community program, but it is as rigorous as an academic institution due to the high volume of patients with diverse cultures, socioeconomics and pathology. Often, you will be the first doctor that they have ever seen. After IM residency, I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in GI, but I am still open to other specialties, hospitalist work or academic work.

Biana Modilevsky

Hello! I'm Biana, I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, went to undergrad at Nova Southeastern University and Medical School at CCOM-Midwestern. I love going on runs along the lakefront and in general enjoy activities outdoors. I was attracted to Swedish Covenant Health because of the people, supportive culture and strong educational curriculum. I am still undecided about what I plan to pursue after residency, and am trying to keep an open mind between all the career paths that internal medicine has to offer.

Saba Munir

Hi, my name is Saba Munir! I’m from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where I went to undergrad at UTC before starting medical school at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. What attracted me to Swedish Covenant Hospital was the incredibly supportive residents and welcoming learning environment. Training in a city like Chicago means treating a variety of pathologies for a very diverse patient population, which I have really enjoyed so far. When I’m not in the hospital, I love spending any time I can outside with classmates and friends! I’m currently undecided about post-residency plans but am considering different fellowship opportunities.

Matthew Nemoy

Hi, my name is Matthew Nemoy. I’m a Chicago native and grew up in Lincoln Park. I did my undergrad at Duke University and went to medical school at A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. I’m excited to be a part of the long-standing tradition of medical education at Swedish Covenant Hospital. It’s important to me to train in an environment that provides residents with exposure to a wide variety of clinical pathology. The internal medicine program carefully balances the autonomy of their trainees with the guidance necessary to become a successful physician. That balance combined with fantastic hospital staff and faculty makes Swedish a great place to practice and learn. Following completion of residency, I plan to pursue a fellowship in pulmonology and critical care. Outside of the hospital I’m a big college sports fan, especially Duke Basketball, enjoy working out and spending time with my family and friends.

Michael Poser

Hi I'm Mike Poser, I'm from Columbus, WI, which is like a suburb of a suburb of Madison. Super tiny.  I flew the coop over to University of Wisconsin - La Crosse for college and nabbed a biology major and chemistry minor. I eventually moved to Colorado to attend medical school at Rocky Vista University which was a good change of pace from home in the Midwest. During my fourth year I completed a Sub-I rotation at Swedish Covenant Hospital and absolutely loved it. The faculty and the residents were so easy to work with and I learned a lot from my peers over my months’ time there. I also found the patient load and the various pathology to be intellectually stimulating. Living in Chicago is really special, though. When I matched I was excited to be coming home to the Midwest, and Chicago will be a great fit for my interests, which include concerts, theater, comedy and films. After residency I'm considering returning home to give back to my community, but I feel like I'd miss the big city. We'll see. At the moment, I'm on the fence about hospitalist work versus continuing training into nephrology. We'll see about that too. 

Tehmur Raja

I was born in Cincinnati, and moved to Chicago at a young age. I went to high school in Hinsdale, and knew then that I wanted to be a doctor. After receiving my BSc at Benedictine University, I went to CCOM for medical school. I discovered my love for internal medicine early on, and I knew I wanted to stay in Chicago with my family and friends nearby. So residency at Swedish Covenant Health is ideally suited for me. I particularly enjoy the diverse population, and the interesting pathologies that come with it, as well as the educational program and the opportunity to give back to the local community. After I graduate from residency I would like to pursue a career in cardiology.