PGY 2 residents

Ida Ahmady, DO

Additional Information:

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI

Undergrad: Michigan State University (GO GREEN!)

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Masonic: I originally had a Sub-I scheduled, but unfortunately due to COVID it had to get cancelled, so I only was able to physically be there for a day, but it was all I needed after my interview day to confirm I wanted to be at Masonic. Everyone is welcoming and goes out of their way to make you feel supported. The diverse patient population, the vast rotation experiences, and the continual support from faculty and residents makes it the perfect place to learn and grow into a caring and well-rounded family physician. I am grateful to be here and look forward to training with and learning from all these incredible people.

Professional Interests: Preventative medicine, reproductive health, global health, behavioral health, procedures

Personal Interests: Group fitness classes (OTF, spin, yoga), ultimate frisbee, running, hammocking by the lake, traveling, spending time with friends, family, and my cat!

Briyana Domjahn, MD, MPH

Additional Information:

Hometown: Castlewood, VA

Undergrad: Michigan State University

Graduate School: Emory University

Medical School: Rush Medical College

Why Masonic: I was lucky to be mentored by several powerhouse family medicine docs who were alumni of the program, so I jumped at the chance to apply. On interview day, even though it was virtual, it immediately felt like I had found my family and my people. From the incredibly warm faculty to the chance to explore multiple education tracks, it felt like the perfect match for me both personally and professionally. I knew the diversity of the patient population and hospital setting would allow me to become well-rounded clinically, while the program’s dedication to their residents as humans felt like I would be genuinely encouraged and developed along the way, and this was a rarity on the interview trail. To top things off, I have the most amazing co-residents I could have ever imagined!

Professional Interests: Women’s health, obstetrics, LGBTQ+ health, health equity, social justice, integrating public health and clinical medicine, community health.

Personal Interests: Spending time with my bunny and my cat (and I guess my partner too), watching Netflix, traveling when I can, exploring Chicago, bouldering (poorly), food and wine, baking.

Megan Helms, MD

Additional Information:

Hometown: Bloomington, IL

Undergrad: University of Iowa

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago

Why Masonic: When I interviewed, Masonic immediately felt like a place where I could see myself growing alongside others that share a genuine love of practicing patient-centered, evidence-based medicine. The people seemed to “get it”—from my co-residents who quickly became friends, to the welcoming, supportive faculty and the well-organized program staff. The list of things I love about this program gets longer each day and I am truly grateful to be here!

Professional Interests: I’m most interested in the classic cradle-to-grave healthcare, with special focus on developing my geriatrics, palliative care and pediatrics practices. I also love to learn and talk about developing better communication in healthcare settings and finding ways to increase patient advocacy.

Personal Interests: Exploring the unique Chicago neighborhoods & festivals, eating delicious food, reading, making art (mostly stained glass, knitting, embroidery), attending local music concerts, hanging out with my significant other and two pet cats.

Rhona Ke, MD

Additional Information:

Hometown: Marietta, GA

Undergrad: Duke University

Medical School: Rush Medical College

Why Masonic: I knew I wanted to stay in Chicago, and I love the hospital's location and diverse patient population! The people on my interview day were all extremely friendly and genuinely loved what they did, from the attendings to the residents.

Professional Interests: Urgent care, addiction medicine.

Personal Interests: Board games, playing video games, walking my corgi, community gardening, Netflix (especially dark thrillers), and sleeping!

Adam Korte, MD

Additional Information:

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Undergrad: University of Wisconsin- Madison

Medical School: Rush Medical College

Why Masonic: Attending medical school in Chicago, I had heard so much about the excellent training that family physicians receive at Illinois Masonic. When I came here I found that to be more than true, and also found a community of amazing faculty and residents that had a vested interest in both my personal and professional development.

Professional Interests: Addiction medicine, social justice, geriatric medicine.

Personal Interests: Biking, meditation classes, watching Seinfeld.

Stephanie Meier, DO

Additional Information:

Hometown: Johns Creek, GA

Undergrad: University of Georgia

Medical School: VCOM-Auburn

Why Masonic: After training in rural towns throughout medical school, I knew I wanted to experience a more urban environment with lots of diversity…and what better place than Chicago. I stumbled upon Masonic as I was researching programs that had a women’s health track, as well as opportunities in integrative medicine and behavioral health. I was lucky enough to do a SUB-I at Masonic and I instantly felt so welcomed and supported. The culture of this program was exactly what I was looking for; a strong curriculum that will train me to be the best physician I can be, alongside a group of people that treat each other and patients like family.

Professional Interests: Women’s/Reproductive Health, Integrative Medicine, Nutrition, Behavioral Health, Procedures.

Personal Interests: Since I’m new to Chicago I love exploring the city, especially biking around or anything outdoors! I love going to concerts, traveling, trying new workout classes, hanging out with family and friends, and trying new restaurants. Also, Go Dawgs.

Natalie Rivera, DO

Additional Information:

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Undergrad: University of Chicago

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University

Why Masonic: Masonic had everything I was looking for in a residency program. Not only is everyone here ridiculously welcoming and supportive, they’re all genuinely fun to hang out with. The program also offers many opportunities to explore all the different avenues of medicine and the large number of tracks really allow me to tailor my residency experience to my specific interests. Similarly, the patient populations we work with are incredibly diverse, so we get lots of experience managing a wide variety of medical and social issues. And it doesn’t hurt that the neighborhoods we work in are awesome, with tons of great places to eat.

Professional Interests: Preventative Care, Procedures, LGBTQ+ Health, Integrative Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Advocacy, Social Justice.

Personal Interests: Travel, Dancing, Crafts, Chicago Bulls, Cooking, Eating, and Hiking.

Parth Shah, DO

Additional Information:

Hometown: Elgin, IL

Undergrad: University of Illinois At Chicago

Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Masonic: I was looking for a program where there would be a positive environment to learn and grow as a physician. When I did my sub-I at Masonic, I realized that all the attending, nurses and residents had a great attitude and they really fostered an environment where one can learn. Masonic is very acceptive of diversity and I feel like I can be what I am around everyone. Also, Masonic is located in an excellent location in the city where there are various restaurants and places to visit during free time. I am very fortunate to be in a residency where the focus is on helping each other grow through these years.

Professional Interests: Currently open to all the opportunities. However, some possibilities are outpatient medicine and adolescent medicine. The goal for now is to expand my knowledge and then explore various areas that interest me.

Personal Interests: I love playing Cricket and Tennis. I hope to continue playing these sports whenever I can. Other interests include watching Netflix, movies, spending time with family/friends and traveling around when my schedule permits.