Southwest Illinois Residents

Emilio "AC" Aguinaldo, M.D.

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Undergraduate school: University of Toronto
Medical school: University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Saint Kitts

Emilio "AC" Aguinaldo was born in the Philippines and grew up in Toronto, Ontario. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Biology and a minor in psychology. He graduated medical school with highest honors. His academic interests include rural medicine/FMOB, community outreach and patient education. He also finds purpose in combining community service with his faith through medical missions. Outside of medicine, Aguinaldo enjoys painting, basketball and testing the limits of how many tabs his browser can handle. At home, he is happily outnumbered by his wife and one-year-old daughter, who keep him grounded, giggling and slightly sleep-deprived. 

Oluwadamilola M. Adegbenro, M.D.

Hometown: Ondo State, Nigeria
Undergraduate school: Obafemi Awolowo University
Medical school: Windsor University School of Medicine

Oluwadamilola Adegbenro holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. She enjoys exploring restaurants, traveling, spending time with loved ones, participating in community outreach programs and watching medical shows. Her current interests in medicine include women's health, obstetrics and procedures. 

David G. Bailey, D.O.

Hometown: Richardson, Texas
Undergraduate school: University of North Texas Health Science Center, Baylor University
Medical school: A.T. Still University

David Bailey holds a Master of Science in Clinical Research Management and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and attending games with his wife, who is a part-time USSF referee. He also loves restoring old German and American cars and staying active with his two dogs. 

Eyasu G. Aduna, M.D.

Hometown: Ethiopia
Medical school: Arsi University College of Health Sciences

During Eyasu Aduna's time in medical school, he served as president of a student's union. After graduation, he gained various health care administration leadership experiences and clinical skills by serving as a faculty member at Bule Hora University in Ethiopia. During his free time, he enjoys watching soccer, reading online news articles and spending time with friends. 

Sean Bird, D.O.

Hometown: Hanover Park, Illinois
Undergraduate school: North Central College
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sean Bird holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in psychology. Whenever he has the chance, he plays and watches soccer, bikes, and spends time with friends and family. 

Luke T. Brechner, D.O.

Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana
Undergraduate school: Indiana University
Medical school: Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Luke Brechner holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. He enjoys time with his wife and kids, spending time outdoors, exercising, watching sitcoms and playing basketball.

Gage J. Buness, D.O.

Hometown: Arizona
Undergraduate school: Midwestern University
Medical school: Midwestern University

Gage Buness holds a master's degree in health care delivery and a bachelor's degree in neurobiology. He completed a general surgery internship at Keesler Air Force Base Medical Center. Buness specializes in assessing surgical needs and managing pre- and post-operative care. After completing his residency, he plans to pursue operational medicine in the United States Air Force and fellowships in sports medicine, pain medicine and wound care. He enjoys backpacking, scuba diving, snow skiing and weightlifting. 

Madison Fallis, D.O.

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Undergraduate school: University of Oklahoma
Medical school: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Madison Fallis has been in the great state of Oklahoma for most of her life. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science as well as a Master of Public Health, the latter of which she completed concurrently while in medical school. In her free time, she enjoys running, trying new restaurants, traveling, reading and taking her dogs for walks. 

Alec J. Friedman, D.O.

Hometown: Vienna, Virginia
Undergraduate school: College of William and Mary
Medical school: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Alec Friedman holds a degree in biology. He plans to pursue a career in family medicine and has a special interest in direct primary care. He is an officer in the United States Air Force. 

Youssef Ibrahim, M.D.

Hometown: Ontario, Canada
Medical school: Xavier University School of Medicine

During his free time, Youssef Ibrahim enjoys running, playing and watching sports, and spending quality time with his family and friends. 

Twyla T. Lee, D.O.

Undergraduate school: Virginia Tech
Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Twyla Lee holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and minors in chemistry and Chinese. She is eager to specialize in family medicine, where she can focus on providing comprehensive care for individuals and families. Outside of medicine, she enjoys activities with her church, fitness, cooking, and spending time with her husband, family and friends. 

Maria Ochia, D.O.

Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana
Undergraduate school: American University
Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana

Maria Ochiai was born in Japan and is from Lafayette, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biology. She enjoys watching anime, reading books, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with family, friends, two cats and a 17-year-old dog. 

Chinedum E. U. Odunkwe, M.D.

Undergraduate school: University of Windsor
Medical school: American University of Barbados

Chinedum Odunukwe holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He has experience in diagnostics, patient care and clinical research, and he co-authored a 2023 scoping review on Marburg virus vaccines in Cureus. He holds certifications from the NIH, CDC and WHO. He has also tutored medical students, trained AI models and engaged in community service, including leading blood drives. He enjoys football, reading, playing the keyboard and bass, praying and camping. 

Jarom L. Ruby, D.O.

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate school: Brigham Young University-Idaho
Medical school: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jarom Ruby holds a degree in biochemistry. He completed his general surgery internship at Travis Air Force Base in California and served two years as a flight surgeon at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. He is training in family medicine because he is passionate about procedural care and women's health. Ruby lives with his wife, Natalie; their six children; their dog, Lana; and their cat, Milly. He enjoys family time, exercising, and making food and household items from scratch. 

Alex Belongy, M.D.

Creighton University School of Medicine 
Alex Belongy is from Shiloh, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Saint Louis University and his Doctorate in Medicine at Creighton University School of Medicine. Belongy enjoys cooking, volleyball, golf, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons. 

Christopher Chang, D.O.

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Christopher Chang was born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Simon Fraser University. After graduating, Chang gained various professional experiences in different administrative roles within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Fueled by his passion for helping others, Chang chose to pursue his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University.  During his free time, Chang enjoys staying active and is a certified personal trainer.

Blake Laird, M.D.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Blake Laird grew up in New Baden, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University. He then became part of the inaugural class of Lincoln Scholars for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Laird enjoys bass fishing from his kayak, watching Major League Fishing, brewing craft beer and spending quality time with his family.

Sakshi Lakhra, M.D.

All Saints School of Medicine

Sakshi Lakhra grew up in India. She earned a Bachelor of Science, Biology Major with specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, from Vancouver Island in Canada and Doctorate in Medicine from All Saints School of Medicine, Dominica. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, journal writing and kayaking, and theatre plays. She is a wanderlust and has lived and travelled in five countries.

Alexandria Lovell, M.D.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Alexandria Lovell grew up in Northern California. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at Cal Poly Humboldt and Doctor of Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. While in medical school, Lovell was a leader in her school's wellness community and enjoyed volunteering at her city animal shelter fostering dogs. Her current interests in medicine include women's health, procedures and sports medicine. 

Julian Quesada, M.D.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Julian Quesada is from Laredo, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Biology at Texas A&M International University and his Doctorate in Medicine from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Quesada enjoys combat sports, classic cars and YouTube videos.

Santosh Raja, D.O.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine  

Santosh Raja was born in India, but he was raised in Reno, Nevada. He earned his Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Nevada, and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Raja enjoys hiking, football, walking his dog and watching movies.

Nathan Seigrist, D.O.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nathan Seigrist is from Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Chemistry at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He later received his Master of Medical Science and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Seigrist enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and reading.

Sabrina Silvestri-Brauman, D.O.

Michign State Univeristy College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sabrina Silvestri-Brauman grew up in Novi, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Albion College followed by her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. Silvestri-Brauman enjoys hiking, reading psychological thrillers, playing lacrosse, and spending time with family and friends. 

Nathan Steadman, D.O.

Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nathan Steadman is from Hot Springs, Arkansas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Henderson State University and his doctorate from Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Steadman enjoys playing with his dogs, aqua scaping, reading, search and rescue, enduro dirt biking and kayak fishing.  

Anna Todd, D.O.

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Anna Todd is from Purcellville, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Missiology at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, and her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her interests include baking, hiking, reading, volunteering at church, and spending time with her husband.

Kaleb Todd, D.O.

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Kaleb Todd is from Colorado. He earned his Bachelor of Biochemistry at Fort Lewis College in Durango and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, Virginia. Todd is an outdoor enthusiast, student pilot and hobby farmer.  

Sahej Walia, D.O.

Pacific Northwest University of Medical Sciences

Sahej Walia is from Punjab, India. She earned her Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of Washington and her Doctorate from Pacific Northwest University of Medical Sciences. Various experiences in school solidified her passion for embarking on a lifelong journey of learning and dedication to the pursuit of wellness, research, and compassion for others. Walia enjoys playing and composing traditional music.  

Steven York, D.O.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Steven York is from Utah. He earned his Bachelor of Biochemistry at Brigham Young University, and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. York has a passion for global outreach, wilderness, and lifestyle medicine. His three kids keep him busy at home, but he enjoys spending time outdoors, reading and science.

Jordan Armes, M.D.

Indiana University School Of Medicine 

Jordan Armes is from Gas City, Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Indiana University Southeast and Doctorate of Medicine from Indiana University. Armes enjoys weightlifting, combat sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Seth Brauman, D.O.

Michigan State University College Of Ostepathic Medicine

Seth Brauman is from Dixon, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from St. Ambrose University. He earned a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Brauman enjoys games of any type, anime, unsuccessfully attempting golf and lacrosse, outdoor activities, and, most importantly, quality time with family and friends.

Joshua Crum, M.D.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Joshua Crum grew up in southern Illinois and the Metro East area. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Baylor University followed by his Doctorate of Medicine from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. In his free time, Crum enjoys exercising, reading, and watching/playing sports.

Robert “D’Shaun” Groff, D.O.

A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Robert “D’Shaun” Groff is from Centralia, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Southern Illinois University and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at A.T. Still Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. His interests include weightlifting, any activity involving his wife, animals, hiking, camping, and fishing.

Paul Kasunic, D.O.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Paul Kasunic is from Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Saint Francis University and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Kasunic enjoys outdoor activities, fitness, traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife.

Joshua Lujan, D.O.

University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

Joshua Lujan was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, being raised in a military family has allowed him to live all around the world including Guam and Japan. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma and his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine. Lujan enjoys sports, trivia, traveling, video games and music.

Kiley Schlortt, M.D.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Kiley Schlortt grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She earned her Bachelor of Science at Texas State University and her Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. In her free time, she likes to play Dungeons and Dragons online with a group from all over the United States, read sci-fi or fantasy, and knit or cross-stitch.

Ryan Skinner, D.O.

A.T. Still University Kirksville School of Osteopathic Medicine

Ryan Skinner grew up in a military family and has lived all over the United States. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Skinner enjoys tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, cooking new foods, and ultimate frisbee.

Caraline Cho, M.D.

American University of Integrative Sciences School of Medicine, Barbados

Caraline Cho is from Queens, New York. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Pace University and Doctorate of Medicine from American University of Integrative Sciences. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing board games, going on walks, and visiting museums. She is a world traveler who has lived in four countries.

Nona Hashem Sharifi, M.D.

St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Nona Hashem Sharifi is from Tehran, Iran. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and her Doctorate of Medicine from St. George’s School of Medicine. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming, watching volleyball games, reading, watching documentaries, and playing the daf, a Persian musical instrument.

Fanghua Lou, M.D.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Fanghua Lou is from New York. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and Doctorate of Medicine from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He enjoys traveling — and has lived on four different continents and traveled to more than 20 countries.

Prabhudev Patil, M.D.

University of Debrecen Medical School and Health Science Centre, Hungary

Prabhudev Patil is from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Debrecen Medical Health and Science Center. He enjoys being active, playing music, the outdoors, reading and traveling

Anam Shabbir, M.D.

American University of Antigua College of Medicine, Antigua and Barbuda

Anam Shabbir is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Millersville University in Lancaster County and her Doctorate of Medicine at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, painting, sewing and cooking.

Ruth Turkson, M.D. 

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology School of Medical Sciences, Ghana 

Ruth Turkson is from Accra, Ghana. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the KNUST School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana. She enjoys participating in community outreach programs and volunteer activities, teaching children at Sunday school, singing and dancing.

Tom Argana, D.O.

A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Tom Argana is from Louisville, Colorado, but grew up in Farmington, Missouri. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Quincy University and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Argana enjoys playing sports, being outdoors and spending time with his family.

Harathi Bhooma, M.D.

Sri Venkateswara Medical College

Harathi Bhooma grew up in India and currently resides in O’Fallon, Illinois. Harathi earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery followed by her Doctorate of Medicine from Sri Venkateswara Medical College in India. She enjoys gardening, cooking, singing, biking, spending time with her family, listening to music and traveling.

James Bobco, M.D.

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

James Bobco is from Michigan. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Wayne State University followed by his Doctorate of Medicine from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He enjoys writing and playing music.

Ulysess Fernadez-Miro, D.O.

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ulysses Fernadez-Miro grew up in southeast Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Fernadez-Miro enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, exercising, watching and playing sports, reading all things finance and traveling.

Vanessa Garcia-Turner, D.O.

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Vanessa Garcia-Turner is from Mesa, Arizona. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Psychology at Arizona State University. Additionally, Garcia-Turner holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership. She obtained her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Garcia-Turner enjoys music, dance, exercising, all things outdoors and Mexican food.

Nicholas Ginther, M.D.

University of Kansas

Nicholas Ginther is from Denver, but grew up in Dodge City, Kansas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Kansas. Ginther enjoys spending time with his wife, following Kansas City and KU sports, skiing, scuba diving, traveling and trying new foods.

Mirabel Inyang, M.D.

St. George’s University School of Medicine

Mirabel Inyang grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Kent followed by a Master of Public Health at St. George’s University. Additionally, Inyang received her Doctorate of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Her hobbies include kickboxing, photography and reading.

Devin Kearns, D.O.

Nova Southeastern University

Devin Kearns is from central Washington. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at Gonzaga University and a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. Kearns enjoys watching and playing sports, history, trivia, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Lauren Lamb, M.D.

Meharry Medical College

Lauren Lamb is from Farmington Hills, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government at Cornell University, a Master of Health Science and Doctorate of Medicine at Meharry Medical College. Lamb enjoys cooking, writing poems and stories, music and exercising.

Ogechukwu Nwanegwo, M.D.

Boston University School of Medicine

Ogechukwu Nwanegwo is from Baltimore. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Morgan State University followed by her Doctorate of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. Nwanegwo enjoys tennis, sewing, crochet, cooking baking, Bible study and ice skating.

Jacob Thompson, D.O.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Jacob Thompson was born at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii but has lived all over the U.S. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry at Southern Virginia University. He received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Thompson enjoys basketball, disc golf, hiking and parenthood.

JaNiece Walker, M.D.

Howard University College of Medicine

JaNiece Walker was raised in a military family and has lived all around the world. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Howard University College of Medicine. Walker enjoys baking, crafts, traveling and exploring new restaurants.