Meet the Fellows

What drew you to this field?

I got interested in nephrology after doing a rotation during residency. There is a lot of physiology and detective work we can do to figure out what is going on with our patients. Very interesting and diverse pathology, one can always find a niche whether it is hypertension, chronic kidney disease, dialysis, transplant, bone disease, autoimmune diseases and genetic diseases to start with a few. 

What are your research interests?

 I have been interested in preventative care since medical school. My current project is looking at diagnosis of hypertension by primary care physicians and how to improve detection and management. Having strong research mentors is really helpful to find a strong project where you will keep learning! I was also able to apply for an MPH, in the global health track, to furthur pursue preventative medicine internationally as well

 Why did you choose Lurie?

At Lurie's we get referrals for the most complicated patients, the volume is high and by the end of first year I had seen diseases that most nephrologists never get to see. We have a strong faculty list, who are very supportive and have an open door policy! The location was another reason why I chose Lurie's, I have family in the city, it is a very diverse city, we have an underserved population, and there are a lot of halal options in terms of food!

What drew you to this field?

 I was drawn to nephrology because it is a field where you see patients on every end of the acuity spectrum. I enjoy that you have the ability to follow patients on a long-term basis and form relationships with families, but also enjoy being involved in the care of acutely ill patients in every area of the hospital, including patients on the floor and in the ICUs. In addition, with my background in chemistry, it is a field that attracted me from a pathophysiology perspective.

What are your clinical interests? 

How did you become interested in this area?  So far, I am most interested in critical care nephrology and transplant nephrology, but I continue to learn new things within the different areas of the field every day.

What are your research interests?

My previous nephrology research has involved evaluating long term outcomes of patients with severe AKI requiring CRRT but I’m looking forward to exploring all of the areas of research Lurie has to offer.

Why did you choose Lurie?

Lurie has a very diverse patient population and sees a large depth and breadth of renal pathology on a daily basis. They are also a high volume center which attracted me because I knew that I would be able to learn best from seeing the many different disease processes in person! In addition, it has close ties with the adult nephrology program at Northwestern which allows for even more learning and research opportunities.

What do you do for fun or to relax?

I enjoy traveling, cooking, discovering new restaurants, painting, swimming, kayaking, and spending time with my husband, dog, family, and friends.

What do you love most about Chicago?

I love that you get all of the perks of living in a big city, but each neighborhood has somewhat of a small town feel. By exploring the city you are able to enjoy the many different foods and cultures that make our city so great. Chicago also has so much to offer if you enjoy being outdoors, including the numerous neighborhood parks, gardens, beaches, and running/biking trails.

What advice would you give a resident thinking of entering the field of pediatric nephrology?

For anyone considering the field of pediatric nephrology, I would encourage them to try an elective rotation so that they can see what we do in the inpatient, consult, outpatient, and research settings. Our jobs are so diverse on a day to day basis and it is so exciting to explore the career possibilities available within the field!

What drew you to this field

Pediatric Nephrology affords variety in diagnoses and the ability to be outpatient and inpatient at all levels of acuity. You are able to foster close, long-term patient and family relationships, which is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, nephrologists are impressive educators and advocates, eager to mentor future nephrologists!

What are your clinical interests? How did you become interested in this area?

I am especially interested in transplant, critical care nephrology, and fetal medicine. Additionally, I am passionate about medical education and utilizing simulation and technology as a means for teaching. 

Why did you choose Lurie?  

The people! I was impressed by the current fellows and faculty on my interview day.  Lurie has complex pathology, a diverse patient population, and a robust transplant experience.  Not only is the Nephrology department renowned, but we are fortunate to work in an entire hospital committed to education and providing cutting-edge care.

What do you do for fun or to relax? 

 I love traveling, music (I play the violin), being on the lake, and trying new foods!

What do you love most about Chicago?

I am new to Chicago, but love the many neighborhoods there are to explore. Each has its own personality. Chicago has fantastic arts/music festivals, is definitely a foodie city, and has countless parks to explore.

 
What advice would you give a resident thinking of entering the field of nephrology?  

I highly recommend doing an elective rotation to see the day-to-day of the field! Ask about their daily workflow as many nephrologists do a mix of inpatient (ICU and regular inpatient) and outpatient. It's always exciting!  Nephrology is a field filled with passionate educators and mentors, who are fortunate to be involved in care across all specialties of the hospital. 

What are your clinical interests? How did you become interested in this area?

• Because Transplant transforms lives. 

 Why did you choose Lurie?

• During my interview day, Lurie felt like home. I felt the faculty genuinely cared about me as a person and as a future colleague. I chose Lurie to surround myself with people willing to challenge me to be the best person and pediatric nephrologist I can be. The volume and diversity of patients and the wide range of renal pathology treated at Lurie are unmatched. And finally, I know first-hand the compassionate and dedicated care provided to all patients that come to Lurie. Blessed I can pay it forward!

 What do you do for fun or to relax?

• I enjoy eating at new restaurants and trying new foods. Chicago has about 58 Bib Gourmands and 24 Michelin-rated restaurants. I plan to explore them all by the end of the fellowship. I enjoy swimming, perhaps one of the best forms of exercise. I love spending time underwater and hearing water splashing. But my favorite thing to do is traveling and exploring new cultures with my family.  

 What advice would you give residents thinking of entering the field of Nephology ?

• Renal physiology is intimidating, but only if you let it be. Instead, focus on learning all the ways you can exploit it to take care of your patients. Also, watching a child receive a kidney transplant and leave the hospital with a new chance at life is an incredible experience. Don't miss out on witnessing the miracle of organ donation. Come join us!

What drew you to this field?

• I like the diversity of clinical practice within nephrology. You can have continuity with patients in clinic and create longterm connections, and then later that day see extremely sick patients in the ICU. I also like renal pathophysiology and the objective/numbers aspect of the field.

 Why did you choose Lurie?

• I wanted to be at a large pediatric hospital where I would have a high volume of patients and see a wide variety of kidney disease. I am doing a combined adult and pediatric nephrology fellowship and am happy to be at a program that was excited to help me combine two fellowships.

 What do you love most about Chicago?

• Chicago is the best city in the world! It has everything you could want in a big city but also has a variety of neighborhoods that have different things to offer. There is always something to do in Chicago whether it is going to a sporting event, trying a new restaurant, going to a concert/show or spending time outside at the parks and beaches.