Southwest Illinois Family Medicine Residents : SLU

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.

Home country: 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.

Home state: 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.

Home province: Ontario, Canada
Medical school: Xavier University School of Medicine

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.

Hometown: Shiloh, Illinois
Undergraduate school: Saint Louis University
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine

Alex Belongy holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. He enjoys cooking, volleyball, golf, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons.

Christopher Chang, D.O.

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Undergraduate school: Simon Fraser University
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Christopher Chang holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. 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 medical school. During his free time, Chang enjoys staying active and is a certified personal trainer.

Blake Laird, M.D.

Hometown: New Baden, Illinois
Undergraduate school: Truman State University
Medical school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Blake Laird holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. 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.

Home country: India
Undergraduate school: Vancouver Island in Canada
Medical school: All Saints School of Medicine, Dominica

Sakshi Lakhra holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with specialization in biochemistry and molecular genetics. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, journal writing and kayaking, and theatre plays. She is a wanderluster and has lived and travelled in five countries.

Alexandria Lovell, M.D.

Home state: Northern California
Undergraduate school: Cal Poly Humboldt
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Alexandria Lovell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. 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.

Hometown: Laredo, Texas
Undergraduate school: Texas A&M International University
Medical school: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Julian Quesada holds a Bachelor of Biology. Quesada enjoys combat sports, classic cars and YouTube videos.

Santosh Raja, D.O.

Hometown: Reno, Nevada
Undergraduate school: University of Nevada
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Santosh Raja was born in India, but he was raised in Reno, Nevada. He holds a Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Raja enjoys hiking, football, walking his dog and watching movies.

Nathan Seigrist, D.O.

Home state: Texas
Undergraduate school: Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Graduate school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nathan Seigrist holds a Bachelor of Chemistry and a Master of Medical Science. Seigrist enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and reading.

Sabrina Silvestri-Brauman, D.O.

Hometown: Novi, Michigan
Undergraduate school: Albion College
Medical school: Michign State Univeristy College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sabrina Silvestri-Brauman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She enjoys hiking, reading psychological thrillers, playing lacrosse, and spending time with family and friends.

Nathan Steadman, D.O.

Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Undergrduate school: Henderson State University
Medical school: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nathan Steadman holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Steadman enjoys playing with his dogs, aqua scaping, reading, search and rescue, enduro dirt biking and kayak fishing.

Anna Todd, D.O.

Hometown: Purcellville, Virginia
Undergraduate school: Eastern University
Medical school: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Anna Todd holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Missiology. Her interests include baking, hiking, reading, volunteering at church, and spending time with her husband.

Kaleb Todd, D.O.

Home state: Colorado
Undergrduate school: Fort Lewis College
Medical school: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Kaleb Todd holds a Bachelor of Biochemistry. Todd is an outdoor enthusiast, student pilot and hobby farmer.

Sahej Walia, D.O.

Home state: Punjab, India
Undergraduate school: The University of Washington
Medical school: Pacific Northwest University of Medical Sciences

Sahej Walia holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 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.

Home state: Utah
Undergraduate school: Brigham Young University
Medical school: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Steven York holds a Bachelor of Science in of Biochemistry. 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.

Hometown: Gas City, Indiana
Undergraduate school: Indiana Unversity Southeast
Medical school: Indiana University School Of Medicine

Jordan Armes holds a Bachelor of Science. Armes enjoys weightlifting, combat sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Seth Brauman, D.O.

Hometown: Dixon, Illinois
Undergraduate degree: St. Ambrose University
Graduate school: St. Ambrose University
Medical school: Michigan State University College Of Ostepathic Medicine

Seth Brauman holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. 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.

Home state: Southern Illinois
Undergraduate school: Baylor University
Medical school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Joshua Crum grew up in southern Illinois and the Metro East area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. In his free time, Crum enjoys exercising, reading, and watching/playing sports.

Robert “D’Shaun” Groff, D.O.

Hometown: Centralia, Illinois
Undergraduate school: Southern Illinois University
Medical school: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Robert “D’Shaun” Groff holds a Bachelor of Science. His interests include weightlifting, any activity involving his wife, animals, hiking, camping, and fishing.

Paul Kasunic, D.O.

Home state: Pennsylvania
Undergraduate school: Saint Francis University
Medical school: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Paul Kasunic holds a Bachelor of Science. Kasunic enjoys outdoor activities, fitness, traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife.

Joshua Lujan, D.O.

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Undergraduate school: University of Oklahoma
Medical school: 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 holds a Bachelor of Science. Lujan enjoys sports, trivia, traveling, video games and music.

Kiley Schlortt, M.D.

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate school: Texas State University
Medical school: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Kiley Schlortt holds a Bachelor of Science. 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.

Undergraduate school: University of Missouri
Medical school: 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 holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Skinner enjoys tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, cooking new foods, and ultimate frisbee.

Caraline Cho, M.D.

Hometown: New York City, New York
Undergraduate school: Pace University
Medical school: American University of Integrative Sciences School of Medicine, Barbados

Caraline Cho is from Queens, New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science. 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.

Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Undergraduate school: Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Medical school: St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Nona Hashem Sharifi holds a Bachelor of Science. 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.

Home state: New York
Undergraduate school: University of Pittsburgh
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Fanghua Lou holds a Bachelor of Science. He enjoys traveling — and has lived on four different continents and traveled to more than 20 countries.

Prabhudev Patil, M.D.

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Undergraduate school: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Medical school: University of Debrecen Medical School and Health Science Centre, Hungary

Prabhudev Patil holds a Bachelor of Science. He enjoys being active, playing music, the outdoors, reading and traveling

Anam Shabbir, M.D.

Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate school: Millersville University in Lancaster County
Medical school: American University of Antigua College of Medicine, Antigua and Barbuda

Anam Shabbir holds a Bachelor of Science. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, painting, sewing and cooking.

Ruth Turkson, M.D.

Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Undergraduate school: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Medical school: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology School of Medical Sciences, Ghana

Ruth Turkson holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery. She enjoys participating in community outreach programs and volunteer activities, teaching children at Sunday school, singing and dancing.

Tom Argana, D.O.

Hometown: Louisville, Colorado
Undergraduate school: Quincy University
Medical school: A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Tom Argana is from Louisville, Colorado, but grew up in Farmington, Missouri. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Argana enjoys playing sports, being outdoors and spending time with his family.

Harathi Bhooma, M.D.

Home country: India
Medical school: Sri Venkateswara Medical College

Harathi Bhooma grew up in India and currently resides in O’Fallon, Illinois. Harathi holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. She enjoys gardening, cooking, singing, biking, spending time with her family, listening to music and traveling.

James Bobco, M.D.

Home state: Michigan
Undergraduate school: Wayne State University
Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

James Bobco holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences. He enjoys writing and playing music.

Ulysess Fernadez-Miro, D.O.

Home state: Southeast Florida
Undergraduate school: University of Central Florida
Medical school: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ulysses Fernadez-Miro holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. 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.

Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Undergraduate school: Arizona State University
Graduate school: Arizona State University
Medical school: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Vanessa Garcia-Turner holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Psychology, a Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership. Garcia-Turner enjoys music, dance, exercising, all things outdoors and Mexican food.

Nicholas Ginther, M.D.

Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate school: University of Kansas
Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine

Nicholas Ginther is from Denver, but grew up in Dodge City, Kansas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. 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.

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate school: University of Kent
Graduate school: St. George University
Medical school: St. George’s University School of Medicine

Mirabel Inyang holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and a Master of Public Health. Her hobbies include kickboxing, photography and reading.

Devin Kearns, D.O.

Home state: Washington
Undergraduate school: Gonzaga University
Medical school: Nova Southeastern University

Devin Kearns holds a Bachelor of Arts in History. Kearns enjoys watching and playing sports, history, trivia, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Lauren Lamb, M.D.

Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Undergraduate school: Cornell University
Graduate school: Meharry Medical College
Medical school: Meharry Medical College

Lauren Lamb holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a Master of Health Science. Lamb enjoys cooking, writing poems and stories, music and exercising.

Ogechukwu Nwanegwo, M.D.

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Undergraduate school: Morgan State University
Medical school: Boston University School of Medicine

Ogechukwu Nwanegwo holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Nwanegwo enjoys tennis, sewing, crochet, cooking baking, Bible study and ice skating.

Jacob Thompson, D.O.

Home state: Hawaii
Undergraduate school: Southern Virginia University
Medical school: 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 holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry. Thompson enjoys basketball, disc golf, hiking and parenthood.

JaNiece Walker, M.D.

Undergraduate school: Xavier University
Medical school: Howard University College of Medicine

JaNiece Walker was raised in a military family and has lived all around the world. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Walker enjoys baking, crafts, traveling and exploring new restaurants.

Southwest Illinois Family Medicine Residents

Class of 2028