Meet the Internal Medicine Residents

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 Hospital'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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 Hospital 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 | Chief Resident

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 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 | Chief Resident

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 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 Hospital 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 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. 

Basharath Khan

Hello, my name is Basharath Khan, and I’m originally from the Rogers Park area of Chicago, just a couple of minutes away from Swedish Hospital. I completed all of my schooling in Chicago including undergraduate education at Loyola University Chicago, and then went on to complete medical school at NYIT-COM’s Arkansas State campus. I knew I wanted to return to Chicago to complete residency, and Swedish had been my neighborhood hospital growing up, so the opportunity to receive my training whilst caring for and giving back to the members of my community was really appealing to me. In the future, I hope to be a hybrid physician seeing patients in the clinical setting and in the hospital. Outside of medicine, I love playing and watching sports, especially basketball and football, and love spending time with family and friends.

Daniel Graber

Hello! I’m Daniel and I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I went to undergrad at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and medical school at CCOM-Midwestern. I love playing sports and enjoy outdoor activities in general. I also love watching movies and tv shows and playing video games. What attracted me to Swedish hospital was the family-like environment. All of the residencies get along well with each other and are supportive of each other. Swedish also provides a diverse population of patients and strong educational curriculum. I am still undecided about my plans following IM residency, but am strongly considering a fellowship in cardiology, pulm/critical care, or GI.

Emily Hamm

Hi! I'm Emily. I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I went to University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign for undergrad and LECOM Erie for medical school. I was originally interested in Swedish because of the welcoming atmosphere I experienced on my interview day, and I also wanted to come back home to Chicago. Everyone I have met and worked with is extremely approachable making this program an incredible learning environment! I have 3 brothers, 3 nephews, and a niece all here in Chicago. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and friends, binge watch tv, and join different fitness classes. After residency I'm interested in pursuing either hospitalist medicine or Nephrology.

Syed Kausar

Hi everyone! It’s Syed. I grew up in the Albany Park neighborhood so it’s good to be back. I obtained my Bachelor’s in health care administration and finance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After working behind the scenes, I realized patient care was my calling, prompting me to earn my Master’s and Doctorate at Midwestern University in Arizona.  I am very fortunate to be back home and a part of the Swedish family. The program embraces diversity, nurtures a friendly work environment, and provides ample opportunity to see complex cases with attendings who love to teach! In my spare time, I enjoy playing sports, trying new restaurants and hanging out with family and friends . In the future, I wish to pursue a fellowship and hope to be able to give back to the community that raised me.

Jaadeep Mann

Hey guys! My name is Jaadeep Mann aka JD. I am originally from the Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C. I did my undergrad at Virginia Commonwealth University and Medical School at St. George’s University School of Medicine. Coming to Chicago and having the opportunity to train at Swedish Hospital is an exciting experience while the autonomy, culture, and comradery of the program make it unique and truly one of a kind.  In my free time you can find me either enjoying the views on a tall rooftop, playing sports, or watching a good horror movie.

Nicole McAlvany

Hi! My name is Nicole, and I’m from Roswell, GA, which is just north of Atlanta. I went to undergrad at Rhodes College, a small liberal arts school in Memphis, TN. There I played for the volleyball team and majored in philosophy. After college I took a few years off. For the first year I taught English as a second language in Spain, mostly Granada. After that I decided to move to Chicago and haven’t been able to leave ever since! I nannied and scribed for two years before applying to Midwestern—CCOM where I went to med school. I applied to Swedish after doing a Sub-I here that I absolutely loved. The most important part of choosing a residency program for me was the culture/people. And so far I’ve been blown away by this aspect of the program. As far as future plans go, I can see myself specializing in Infectious Disease or being a hospitalist, time will tell. I enjoy farmers markets, summer street fests, spending too much money at Chicago’s awesome bars and restaurants, and going to see as much live music as I can. 

James Ruska

Hi guys, my name is James Ruska and I’m from Columbus, Ohio.  I did my undergraduate education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and went to Medical School at Midwestern University in Phoenix, Arizona.  Pretty much everything I enjoy doing is liable to get you ill these days, but I love to travel to new places, and see live music whenever I can (remember concerts?).  I grew up playing hockey and am a big fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  I was drawn to Swedish because of the welcoming culture the program has.  It’s a “learn by doing” environment where there’s always a support system in place to help you out when you need it.  We have a great group of residents that constantly look out for each other both in and out of the hospital, as coworkers and friends.  On top of all that, living in an amazing city like Chicago with literally hundreds of things to do at a moment’s notice is an excellent perk.  After residency I’m unsure of what my plans will be, but I’m keeping an open mind to all the potential career paths Internal Medicine may present.  I look forward to meeting you all, best of luck with what lies ahead.

Abdulrazzak Zarifa

Hello! My name is Abdulrazzak Zarifa and I grew up in Damascus, Syria where I graduated from the University Of Damascus School Of Medicine. I lived in Texas where I pursued research in hematology and oncology at MD Anderson before moving to New York to complete my first year of residency at Brookdale Hospital. I moved to Swedish Hospital at the beginning of my PGY2 year. I chose Swedish because I knew I could thrive in the dynamic learning environment and the strong mentorship that the program provides while also being able to give back to the program through teaching. I plan to continue after residency and pursue a fellowship in hematology and oncology. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with family, running, and traveling.

Kelsey Berry

Hi! I’m originally from Mesa, Arizona, but I have also lived in Boston, Nicosia (Cyprus), Chicago and Reno! I was introduced to Swedish Hospital as a medical student and have been lucky enough to return as a resident physician! I am thrilled to be continuing my training in our wonderfully diverse and enriching community. My hobbies outside of work include singing along (terribly!) with all of my favorite ‘80’s pop songs, arts and crafts, and cooking. A fun fact about me is I have applied to the NASA astronaut corps twice! 

Rajeha Butt

Hey y'all! I'm Jea Butt. I'm from New York & went to college in Dallas at Southern Methodist University. I stayed in the area to go to Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine for my medical degree. I never did a sub-I at the program (Thanks, COVID) but I was impressed with the attendings & residents I met virtually and loved the small community program feel at Swedish Hospital. My husband and I were also excited to move back to the Midwest, where his family is from. In my free time, I like to explore the city of Chicago by eating a lot and hanging out with friends. I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in pulmonology and critical care

Claire-Marie Canda

Hi! I’m Claire. Born and raised in Wisconsin, went to UW-Madison for undergrad. Made my way to medical school at CCOM-Midwestern. I wanted to stay in the Midwest, and Swedish had the education, challenge, and support I was looking for in a program. When I’m not at the hospital, I’m always in search of the best sandwich shop, taco spot, food in general. I can talk about Marvel movies and Catfish the TV Show all day. But I am always up for trying new things. My mind is open to future career plans, and I want to take in all the learning this program has to offer!

Morgan Clem

Hello! My name is Morgan Clem and I grew up in Springfield, IL. I attended Washington University in St. Louis where I majored in Spanish and minored in Biology. I moved to the Chicago area for a post-baccalaureate program at Dominican University and to work in clinical research. I spent two years in the Phoenix area for medical school at Midwestern University AZCOM, after which I moved back to Chicago for my clinical rotations. During my third year clerkships, I had the pleasure of rotating at Swedish Hospital. While at Swedish, I came to greatly appreciate the diversity in the patient population and pathology, the approachability of residents/faculty/staff, and the camaraderie within and between the various residency programs. This has held true during my time as a resident as well. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy outdoor activities, travel, food, music, and spending time with family and friends. I hope to see you around soon!

Hardik Dand

Hello! My name is Ardi. I have lived in seven different homes across three states - New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois. I did over three years of High School in Naperville, IL so I consider myself to be Chicagoan. I did my undergrad in Nutritional Biochemistry & Metabolism from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and medical school at Midwestern University's CCOM. I rotated during my MS3 year at Swedish Hospital, so I'm excited to do my Internal Medical Residency here under the guidance of some really great mentors. I believe it further adds on to my medical education foundation. I enjoy traveling and adventures - whether it is sky diving, para gliding, snorkeling, rafting, or hiking. I'm also a little bit old school - I drive a stick shift car and very much enjoy it. I'm enjoying my residency here and I get to continue living in Chicago, so in all having a great time. What else more can one ask for?

Heather Huston

Hey guys I’m Heather. I grew up in central Florida and am a graduate of Florida State University and Saint James School of Medicine. I’m a big fan of going out to eat (endless options in Chi), working out, and traveling. I feel incredibly lucky to be doing my residency at Swedish Hospital. Everyone is welcoming, approachable, kind, and truly like a family—this makes for a positive learning environment where I am able to evolve as a resident. I am undecided about what I would like to pursue after residency but I know I will be well prepared. I look forward to meeting everyone and good luck to all! 

Shrina Patel

Hi, my name is Shrina Patel! I grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington and attended Pacific Lutheran University for my undergrad. From there I left the lush green PNW to attend medical school down in the desert at Midwestern AZCOM. I am thrilled to be a part of Swedish's IM program as the culture here is one that is both nurturing and supportive. Due to its geographic location here in Chicago, Swedish Hospital is poised with a wide variety of diversity both in terms of patient population as well as clinical pathology offering much to learn from. When I'm not at the hospital you can find me exploring the city, at the gym or on the tennis courts, and spending time with friends and family! After residency, I plan on pursuing a fellowship, however, at the moment I am undecided about which specialty.

Ushan Ranasinghe

Hi everyone, my name is Ushan, and I was born and raised in the United Kingdom. I completed my Undergraduate degree at the University of Warwick, my Masters in Immunology at King’s College London, and my medical school training at St. George's University of London. In my free time, I love playing football (soccer) and practicing Muay Thai/MMA. I am an avid Manchester United football fan, a cinephile, and enjoy travelling and trying new cuisines. I have been fortunate to have lived in many different countries and great cities like London and New York, but Chicago is a city unlike any other. Having had friends who have rotated and worked at Swedish Hospital, I only heard positive things about the city, the hospital, the program, and the people – all of which have been proven to be true. I feel lucky to be able to call Chicago my home, and Swedish my new family.

Vaibhavi Silamgari

Hey y’all! My name is Vaibhavi. I grew up in Great Falls, Virginia, just outside of the DC area. I went to undergrad at GWU and then medical school at AZCOM in Glendale, AZ. I did my clinical rotations at Swedish Hospital and really enjoyed my experience. There is a great camaraderie amongst the residents in and outside of the hospital and attendings are approachable and always willing to teach! In my free time, you will probably find me at one of the many Chicago restaurants/bars spending my money away. I also love stand-up comedy shows, traveling, and hiking but enjoy staying in and binge-watching TV shows just as much. In terms of post-residency plans, I am keeping an open mind, but currently interested in Critical Care.

Naila Yaseen

I was born and raised in the Chicago area and lived here my whole life! Went to Benedictine University for undergrad and then Midwestern University CCOM for medical school. I got married before my 1st year of med school to another medical student (Syed Kausar), and we’re now in residency together! We have a daughter named Ayesha who was born in May 2021 and is the cutest baby in the world. Other than spending time with my family, my hobbies include re-watching The Office, sending TikToks to my husband and eating pizza. I came to Swedish Hospital because of the great learning environment, the camaraderie between residents and the chance to work with a diverse patient population. The administration truly cares about the residents and does everything they can to help us succeed. I always thought I’d want to be a hospitalist but the excellent subspecialty rotations here are making me reconsider.