Meet the Fellows

What drew you to this field?
I have always been interested in nutrition and how it can be used to help manage diseases. As I learned more about GI, I knew this field was perfect for me. I love how GI intertwines my interest in nutrition, and also has a nice balance of acuity and interesting pathophysiology allowing me to take care of patients across many other subspecialties.

What are your clinical interests? How did you become interested in this area?
My clinical interests are in nutrition, obesity, and hepatology. Prior to medical school, I became a registered dietitian, so nutrition has always been a passion of mine. However, throughout training, I discovered my interest in caring for acutely ill patients, especially patients undergoing liver transplants. I enjoyed being a part of their healing process and seeing them well in clinic later on.

What are your research interests?
I’m still undecided exactly what research area I want to focus on during fellowship, but my interests are in nutrition and liver disease.

Why did you choose Lurie?
I chose Lurie because I was interested in training at a large children’s hospital with a variety of clinical complexity, patient diversity, and great research opportunities. I was also very impressed by the camaraderie of the fellows I met on my interview day. They all seemed very happy and genuine, and spoke highly of all the attendings, which were all important qualities to me.

What do you do for fun or to relax?
Outside of work, I like to travel, spend time with my husband and our dog, and try new restaurants. When I have a long weekend off, we enjoy going to northern Wisconsin or Michigan to spend time with our families on the lakes.

What do you love most about Chicago?
So far, I’ve come to enjoy the unique personalities of all the neighborhoods in Chicago! I’m also really excited to spend time walking/running on Lake Shore trail and trying new restaurants. Looking forward to finding my new go-to restaurant in our neighborhood!

What drew you to this field?

I love the pathophysiology of gastroenterology and the diversity of organ systems to learn from in one field! I used to TA for nutrition classes, and I liked how nutrition is something that I could counsel my patients whether they are sick or healthy. And of course, Pediatric Gastroenterologists are some of the most fun, cool people to work with!
What are your clinical interests? How did you become interested in this area?
One of my first GI mentors was in medical school. She is a IBD specialist, and she was one of the first people to get me excited about GI as a specialty, specifically through IBD. Since then I’ve done IBD research, but I’m interested in seeing what Hepatology has to offer.

What are your research interests?
I’m curious about Hepatology, but I’m going into fellowship with an open mind. I’m also interested in medical education, and I’m interested in seeing how I can incorporate that into my research.

Why did you choose Lurie?
The fellows and faculty were some of the nicest and welcoming people I met on my interview trail. It also helps that Lurie is a well-known institution on both coasts and that I couldn’t help but see Lurie faculty pop in children’s hospitals all over.

What do you do for fun or to relax?
I love keeping up with movies and television. Whenever possible I’m always on the lookout for new restaurants as well. I enjoy climbing and working out, for fun, stress relief, and to offset too much eating out at restaurants.

What do you love most about Chicago?
The food scene was what first drew me to Chicago, so much so I flew to Chicago for my medical school graduation dinner.

What drew you to this field

I am always impressed by the immense range of pathology, acuity of care, and patient populations that pediatric GI offers. I was always drawn to the O.R. during medical school, and the wide range of procedural opportunities available in this field helps to scratch that itch.

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

I am trying to go into fellowship with an open mind (I’m indecisive) but have always had a strong interest in advanced endoscopic procedures. I enjoy procedures and working with my hands, so gastroenterology was a natural fit.

What are your research interests

The first thing that comes to mind would be trying to bring a focus on equity of care and social determinants of health outcomes for our patients, but I also have interests in quality improvement and clinical research opportunities.

Why did you choose Lurie?

I made the trip up to Lurie for a GI rotation during medical school and was so impressed by the culture of the department, the faculty/fellows, and the hospital as a whole. That experience stuck with me through residency and pulled me back in! I also have some close connections to Chicago, so the city has always felt like home away from home.

What do you do for fun or to relax?

I spend most of my time relaxing with my significant other and our goofy boxer, Lucille. When we aren’t busy spoiling the pup, I enjoy exploring the city, trying to stay in shape, reading a good book, and being hyper invested in Virginia Tech sports (Go Hokies!)

What do you love most about Chicago?

Where do I start! The city has a vibrant atmosphere that is hard to beat. Each neighborhood has such a unique culture, and the opportunities for exploration and new experiences are endless. I’m also just a sucker for a good Saturday afternoon hot dog at Wrigley.  

What drew you to this field?

Since medical school back in Ecuador, I was always amazed at how the GI system works, and how it can impact the whole-body system. Since we did not have many doctors practicing pediatric gastroenterology in Ecuador, I decided to pursue an observership in Miami. During my observership, I fell in love with the field, and I learned how much I did not know about it, and mostly how much more I wanted to learn from it in the future.

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

My clinical interests are Hepatology and advance procedures. I became interested in these areas during my residency in New York while I was exposed to a wide variety of patients having these pathologies.

What are your research interests?

I am interested in Hepatology and advanced procedures but have an open mind regarding other areas. During my first year as a fellow, I will have more exposure and I will have a better judgment about the topics and type of research that I would like to pursue.

Why did you choose Lurie?

I studied for my steps in Chicago and lived close to Lurie. I always dreamed about working here! Now, I have achieved this goal!

Lurie has a comprehensive GI program that will expose me to all the bread and butter of GI as well as rare diseases. During my interview, I was able to see the workflow and the fellows-attending working relationship at the hospital. I think that kind of work dynamic will help me to thrive during my fellowship!

What do you do for fun or to relax?

I like dancing and playing sports. I play soccer, tennis, and basketball. I enjoy Salsa and Reggaeton dancing. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family.

What do you love most about Chicago?

I think Chicago is one of the best cities in the US. I like that you can do everything from water sports or boating in the summer to skiing or snowboarding in the winter. Chicago’s architecture is amazing, and its food is excellent.

What drew you to this field?

The diversity of GI is what drew me to this field. There is inpatient and outpatient, high and low acuity, specialty care and primary care.  I also love procedures and using innovative technology to help children.
 
What are your clinical interests? How did you become interested in this area?

I am interested in interventional endoscopy, obesity, eosinophilic GI disease, inflammatory bowel disease, medical education, and bioethics. My interests in GI stem from my experiences as a medical student with exemplary mentors. The GI attendings were the best proceduralists, educators, advocates, and compassionate physicians I encountered, and I want to be just like them.

 
What are your research interests

I am interested in interventional endoscopy, eosinophilic GI disease, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Why did you choose Lurie?

Lurie’s strong reputation in the region for GI and liver, the size of the program, the high acuity and complexity of the patients, and the geographic location. 

 
What do you do for fun or to relax?

I enjoy relaxing with my family, running, exercising, and going out to eat.

 
What do you love most about Chicago?
The food is excellent! The summers are beautiful! There is always something to do and explore.