Education
Our educational programs provide training in a wide range of areas, including:
- Prevention and management of acute injuries and illnesses
- Health and wellness promotion and education
- Hospital care for acute medical illnesses
- Chronic disease management
- Management of physical, emotional and socioeconomic factors influencing a person’s health status and care
- Maternity care
- Well-child care and child development
- Primary mental health care
- Rehabilitation
- Sports Medicine
- Supportive and end-of-life care for individuals
Meet Our Newest Residents
Luis Rivas, MD (he/him/his)
Class of 2028
Dr. Rivas graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Haverford College. He is actively involved in community outreach, working with over 200 students in grades 5-8, covering scientific topics. He tailors instruction with specialized learning materials to meet the needs of IEP and ELL students and has developed an academic vision and long-term plan aligned with Illinois and national science standards. As a Feinberg Community Health Advocacy Initiative (CHAI) chief, Dr. Rivas helps implement a validated food insecurity screening questionnaire to identify patients in need and refer them to local food pantries using NowPow. He also coordinates volunteer efforts at a local food bank. In his role as a Feinberg Education-Center Medical Home (ECMH) Chief, he manages clinic schedules and pairs senior and junior medical students to foster mentorships. Representing his school in quarterly quality improvement and vaccination clinic meetings with other Chicago medical schools, Dr. Rivas enhances collaboration and patient care. Serving as an ECMH senior has been a meaningful culmination of his teaching journey. For his Feinberg Area of Scholarly Concentration (AOSC) research project, Dr. Rivas accessed, compiled, organized, and processed census data using R programming. His research focused on the impact of declining pediatric inpatient hospitalizations on medical students' education. Being the first author on this research project challenged him to apply ingenuity and innovation to research, deepening his appreciation for its impact on advancing the medical field. Outside of medicine, Dr. Rivas's hobbies center around music composition and performance. As Music Director and Chief Arranger for a group of 16 singers, he created original arrangements and played a key role in vocal performances. He has performed with a cappella groups, created and uploaded medical educational songs and covers on YouTube, and enjoys playing jazz piano and composing original instrumental pieces.
Deborah Johnson, MD (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Dr. Johnson joins us from Central Michigan University College of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Michigan State University. During medical school, she was a leader of the Pediatrics Special Interest Group, where she created engaging events to educate other medical students about the field of pediatrics, including organizing a diverse panel of pediatric sub-specialists. Dr. Johnson was part of a research team that explored the impacts of maternal drug exposure on the fetus and the developing child. She also contributed to a research project that implemented a deprescribing protocol for elderly patients taking harmful narcotics. Her dedication to community service is evident through her volunteer work with the Saginaw Chapter of the Girl Scouts of Michigan, helping young girls earn their First Aid badge and hosting "Badge Fest" to introduce them to the medical field. This experience allowed her to inspire young girls to discover their identities and pique their interest in medicine, reinforcing her aim as a physician to integrate health education while building strong relationships with her patients. Most recently, Dr. Johnson created a book club with other medical students. Her hobbies include hiking, watching movies, and traveling. She is eager to bring her passion, experience, and dedication to the Delnor residency program.
Ali Hussain, DO
Class of 2028
Dr. Hussain graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. His journey includes a Master's in Nutrition from Tufts University and Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. His coursework in nutrition science and public policy focused on health disparities, access to healthy food, and implementing dietary changes. This experience enables him to educate his patients on dietary requirements and help them access healthy foods to address and prevent chronic conditions. Dr. Hussain has volunteered at Spartan Street Medicine, providing healthcare in homeless shelters and connecting patients to resources. This experience highlighted the importance of caring for vulnerable populations and reinforcing health literacy. He also provided care at Wyandotte Clinic, a free clinic south of Detroit, where he offered both primary and women's health services. Additionally, Dr. Hussain volunteered at Detroit Street Care with a team of medical students to provide culturally cognizant care for unhoused individuals and offer community resources. He believes Family Medicine provides a unique opportunity to address chronic conditions and implement lifestyle changes over time. He had the opportunity to provide Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) to college athletes and learn firsthand from the faculty at Michigan State University's OMM residency program. Dr. Hussain also helped first-year students with proper diagnosing methods and treatment positions, finding it rewarding to pass on a skill he loves to future students and continue refining his technique. Outside of medicine, Dr. Hussain and his wife enjoy cooking and hosting social events. They travel whenever possible to unwind, explore, and experience different cultures. He also finds relaxation in playing basketball, tennis, and other racket sports.
Tyler Herrod, MD (he/him/his)
Class of 2028
Dr. Herrod graduated from McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University and a Master’s in Public Health from University College London. His collaboration with the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health to organize interactive cooking demonstrations and discussions on cultural dishes for Filipino populations has expanded his interest in food and nutrition. He also represented the organization at various events to promote their mission and values. Dr. Herrod has worked with Harris County Integrative Health Service to provide initial assessments and ongoing comprehensive medical care to child victims of abuse and neglect, as well as complete care for children living in foster care. His dedication to making a positive impact is further demonstrated by his creation of over 50 handwritten cards that were mailed to children in hospitals throughout the United States. In Family Medicine, Dr. Herrod sees the opportunity to offer holistic care that integrates medical expertise with empathy and understanding. He is eager to contribute his unique perspective, drawing from his background in human health and nutrition. In his spare time, Dr. Herrod is learning to perfect a decent tahdig that his mother-in-law would approve of, ensuring his dog lives a wonderful life, staying up to date on all things Disney, learning travel tips and collecting travel points to fund a wedding in the Maldives, and pretending to have an eye for interior design.
Katherine Flatt, DO (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Dr. Flatt graduated from Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine and arned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Iowa State University. Her commitment to community involvement is evident through her work teaching anatomy lessons to elementary students in Joslin, KS. She has also been actively involved in wellness initiatives, volunteering with KCU Peer Support and serving on the executive board, where she helped initiate multiple mental health awareness events on campus. Dr. Flatt participated in a service program during medical school that provided physician screenings, dental, and eye exams for elementary students in the community. Her undergraduate experience as a research assistant further highlights her dedication to science and education. Dr. Flatt chose Family Medicine because it allows her to be involved in all stages of life, from introducing new life to managing older life and guiding patients through the transitions in between. Her holistic approach and dedication to patient care make her a valuable addition to our residency program. In her personal life, Dr. Flatt is an avid runner and is eagerly preparing for her first marathon. She is also a proud owner of two rescue dogs, who bring joy to her life.
Joshua Duensing, DO (he/him/his)
Class of 2028
Dr. Duensing joins us from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Valparaiso University and is an honored member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS). His dedication to health policy is evident through his role as a student representative and three-year health policy fellow, where he worked directly with the Office of the Congressional Representative for the First District of Arkansas. His focus on advocacy and increasing resources for unhoused individuals in the rural and suburban environment of Jonesboro inspired his passion for advocacy and his choice of Family Medicine. Dr. Duensing has been actively involved with the Hope Hospice community, providing companionship to individuals receiving hospice care. He also volunteered weekly at HUB, a resource center for the unhoused in Jonesboro, where he assisted in serving warm meals and guiding individuals towards additional resources, including the free clinic, bicycles for transportation, computers, and employment connections at local businesses. Currently, Dr. Duensing is enrolled in the hybrid graduate certificate program in Theology, Medicine, and Culture at Duke Divinity School, where he is pursuing coursework on integrating spiritual health into modern medical practice. As a health policy fellow, he has built skills in community organizing and policy writing, which he intends to carry forward in his career. In his spare time, Dr. Duensing loves reading and writing and even has a poem published. He practices mindfulness regularly and plans to become an instructor one day. He also enjoys weekly online board game nights with friends and stargazing with his partner using their telescope, with the hope of becoming citizen scientists.
Kathleen Carpenter, MD (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Dr. Carpenter graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, she attended Creighton University Omaha, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, as well as a Master’s in Physiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her dedication to metabolic wellness led her and a group of fellow medical students to establish the Metabolic Health Initiative, where she serves as treasurer and assists with event planning. In addition to her work with the Metabolic Health Initiative, Dr. Carpenter is the treasurer of the Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) and the ENT Interest Group (ENTIG), where she organizes speaking events and fundraising activities. Her commitment to community service is evident through her role as a teacher's assistant at the Omaha Street School, providing academic support to students seeking alternative routes to earn their high school diplomas. She also volunteers at the Open Door Mission, working in the kitchen to provide food and shelter to the unhoused. Dr. Carpenter recently served as the alternate delegate from Nebraska at the AAFP National Conference in Kansas City, participating in medical student congress and leadership training. She is also actively involved with the Magis Clinic, a Creighton-run free clinic that provides medical care to those at the Siena Francis shelter. Through her work at the Magis Clinic, she has developed a toolkit for honoring individuals' health journeys without judgment and aims to improve health outcomes for all her patients. In her personal life, she enjoys meeting with young married couples to discuss spirituality and the challenges of marriage. She loves attending concerts, taking daily walks with her husband and their German Shepherd, Onyx, and learning more about lifestyle health through books and podcasts.
Subhan Azmi, DO (he/him/his)
Class of 2028
Dr. Azmi earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Benedictine University. His commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work with ICNA Relief, where he participates in health fairs for underserved individuals and assists at a transitional housing facility for displaced women and children facing homelessness. At his local mosque, Dr. Azmi is deeply involved in youth programs, tutoring elementary students, helping high school and college students set career goals, and organizing sports events. Through these experiences, he has come to understand the vital role of a family medicine physician as a community leader and educator. His choice of Family Medicine aligns perfectly with his aspirations to be a well-rounded physician, proficient in treating a variety of cases. Outside of medicine, Dr. Azmi enjoys hiking and diving. We are excited to have him join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in our community.
Gian Villagomez, MD (he/him/his)
Class of 2028
Gian Villagomez earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois College; his master’s in medical Physiology from the Medical College of Wisconsin and is finishing his medical degree from UIC. While at UIC, he mentored aspiring medical students through the Urban Bridges Mentoring Program and planned a citywide conference for students from underrepresented communities interested in careers in medicine or law. He also served on his school’s committee to review all clinical experiences offered by the university. Gian worked as an ophthalmologic technician before and during medical school. He is a lifelong soccer player and fan.
Allison Stickney, DO (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Allison Stickney was raised in Grayslake, IL. She completed her undergraduate degree at Gettysburg College and earned a Master’s in Education from Southern Methodist University before going on to AT Still University of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville. She is a National Health Service Corps Scholar and worked for two years as a high school science teacher through Teach for America. While in medical school, she became a certified Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutor, volunteered at local community health fairs and student-run clinics, and got certified in Advanced Wilderness Life Support. Allison sang in her school’s acapella group and is an aspiring novelist.
Helena Stevenson, MD, MPH (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Helena Stevenson completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California-Davis before completing the combined MD/MPH program at UC-Irvine. While at UC Irvine, served as co-founder, co-president, and senior advisor for the student advisory council of the Program in Medical Education - Leadership Education to Advance Diversity (PRIME-LEADABC). Helena is passionate about health and medical education and served as a co-lead for both the Trauma-Informed Care and Confronting Anti-Blackness curricula. Her MPH studies focused on how disproportionate environmental exposures act as social drivers of health. She is an avid reader, intermittent runner, and traveller.
Myrna Sobhy, MD, MBA (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Myrna Sobhy completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in UrbanaChampaign. She earned a Master’s in Biophysics and Physiology from Georgetown before heading to UIC for medical school. While at UIC, she also earned her MBA and honed her leadership skills through the Clinician Executive Medicine Program. Myrna volunteered at Open Books and the Pilsen Food Pantry and has authored papers on global retinopathy of prematurity. She is a former Medical Assistant and Starbucks barista, a current CorePower Yoga instructor and Bravo TV superfan, and has been an eyebrow threading specialist since 2013.
Brian Salcedo, DO (he/him/his)
Class of 2028
Brian Salcedo completed his undergraduate degree at Wheaton College and went on to medical school at the AT Still University of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. He is a National Health Service Corps Scholar. Having received the Graduate Health Professions Scholarship himself, he was selected to help choose subsequent award winners for his medical school. He completed QI projects aimed at screening for hypertension and diabetic retinopathy, volunteered as a Spanish interpreter at a free health clinic, and mentored undergraduates through the MiMentor program. Brian is a baseball fan and enjoys playing guitar.
Elisa Martinez, MD (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Elisa Martinez was raised in Gurnee, IL. She completed her undergraduate degree at Dickinson College and her medical studies at the University of Illinois-Chicago. While at UIC, she was selected as a Patient-Centered Medicine Scholar, volunteered with the Mobile Migrant Health Team, and served as the Community Service Chair for the Latino Medical Student Association. Elisa is passionate about community health and has volunteered at health fairs through Mt. Sinai Hospital, the Pilsen Food Pantry, and UI Health. She enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time with her energetic lab mix dog.
Camryn Jones, MD (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Camryn Jones completed her undergraduate degree at Xavier University of Louisiana and her medical studies at the University of Rochester. She served as Senator-at-Large for the class of 2025 for all four years of medical school. Camryn was a dedicated volunteer with her medical school’s street outreach initiative, where she regularly connected with members of the unhoused community to provide essential items like food, toiletries, and transportation assistance. She also helped maintain a community garden for the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, cultivating fresh produce to support families facing food insecurity. Camryn was selected as a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She is a self-proclaimed member of the BeyHive and looking to recruit.
Zaynah Ahmed, MD (she/her/hers)
Class of 2028
Zaynah Ahmed completed her undergraduate and medical school studies at the University of Maryland. She participated in the Primary Care Track, gaining additional experience in rural and urban underserved settings, and served as a peer mentor for other first-generation medical students. She volunteered her time with the Diakonia Homeless Shelter and immigrant Muslim women in her community. She engaged in advocacy for healthcare workers in Palestine, White Coats 4 Black Lives, and the Maryland American Academy of Pediatrics. She was recognized with her school’s Service-Learning and Kowalewski Award for Excellence in Education and Training in Family Medicine awards in 2024-2025. Zaynah also writes about intersectional perspectives of fantasy literature.
Starzl Academy
Physician-Scientist Training & Resources
We offer a wide range of resources, mentorship opportunities and training to help our residents excel as physician-scientists. Explore all of the resources and hear from housestaff who are making research a major part of their career development plans.
Health Equity
Our vision is to make Northwestern, our communities, all communities, our lives and the world a better place — with everyone having the chance and responsibility for reaching their own pinnacle of health
