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
Kajal Thakkar, DO
Class of 2029
Dr. Thakkar is a graduate of Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas Health Science University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from Saint Louis University and completed a Master of Science in Clinical Research at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. During her graduate training, she developed a strong foundation in research methodology, biostatistics, and grant writing. Her thesis, Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19: A Neurological Lens, was presented at the American College of Cardiology and Alzheimer’s Association conferences in 2022, strengthening her commitment to evidence-based medicine and clear scientific communication. Dr. Thakkar is actively involved in leadership and advocacy as the inaugural Student Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Kansas COM, where she helped establish the committee, organized cultural programming, and led implicit bias training. She also serves as Speaker Liaison for the American Medical Women’s Association, coordinating educational events and community initiatives. She continues a family legacy of service by volunteering at the Lohana Association of Greater Chicago Community Health Fair, founded by her grandfather to provide care for uninsured South Asian immigrants. Outside of medicine, Dr. Thakkar enjoys food photography and event videography, practicing hot yoga, and watching Korean dramas—especially Crash Landing on You and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
Amanda Scarpitti, DO (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Scarpitti joins us from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her undergraduate education at Loyola University Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Science, and went on to receive a Master of Medical Science from Loyola University Chicago. She is a recipient of the National Health Service Corps Scholarship, reflecting her commitment to serving underserved communities beyond residency. During medical school, Dr. Scarpitti served as a Clinical Skills Teaching Assistant at ICOM, teaching first-year students physical exam techniques, special tests, and clinical application of findings. This role strengthened her passion for teaching and reinforced her goal of becoming a family medicine physician who empowers patients through education and engagement in their health. Her service experience includes volunteering with the Greater Illinois Food Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic and at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, where she assisted patients with therapy, led art therapy sessions, adapted tools for patients with disabilities, and helped train therapists during a hospital transition. Outside of medicine, Dr. Scarpitti enjoys cooking, gardening, running, reading, paddle boarding, and hiking. She values time outdoors and activities that support physical and emotional well-being and looks forward to fostering a culture of wellness with her co-residents throughout training.
Andrew Knight, MD (he, him, his)
Class of 2029
Dr. Knight joins us from the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Biology from Loyola University Chicago, blending scientific training with music performance and creativity—an influence that continues to shape his approach to balance and wellness in medical training. During medical school, Dr. Knight has been actively involved in teaching and mentorship, serving as a pre-medical and medical student mentor through formal programs at Carver College of Medicine. He also demonstrated leadership through athletics as a soccer coach, captain, and player with the Iowa City Kickers and local recreation leagues, emphasizing teamwork and accountability. Clinically, Dr. Knight worked as an internal medicine scribe and later as Chief Scribe, leading hiring, training, and scheduling. He currently volunteers at the Iowa City Free Mental Health Clinic, where he conducts patient histories and mental status exams, presents cases to attending physicians, and helps connect patients with community resources. Outside of medicine, Dr. Knight is an avid musician who continues to play the guitar, sharing original music and covers through his YouTube channel. He also enjoys long-distance road cycling, riding multiple times per week and logging thousands of miles annually—pursuits that provide creative expression, stress relief, and balance alongside his medical training.
Afshan Hussain, DO (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Hussain joins us from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospital Administration from Loyola University Chicago, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and received both the Loyola University President’s Medallion for Community and Service and the Dean’s Gold Medallion for Academic Excellence for her scholarship, leadership, and service. During medical school, Dr. Hussain has been actively engaged in leadership, mentoring, and service. She serves as an Admissions Interviewer at CCOM, participating in structured interviews across multiple admissions cycles and gaining insight into professionalism, communication, and equity in medical education. She also mentors first- and third-year students through Midwestern University’s Peer Mentorship Program, providing academic guidance and wellness support. Dr. Hussain volunteers with Almost Home Kids in Chicago, supporting children with complex medical needs as they transition from hospital to home. Working alongside interdisciplinary teams, she assists with daily activities, recreation, and family support, reinforcing her belief in family-centered, compassionate care. Raised in the Midwest, she lives in the region with her husband, an Internal Medicine resident in Chicago. Outside of medicine, she enjoys crafting, paint-by-numbers, watching The Office, exploring theme parks, and practicing aerial yoga. Her clinical interests include women’s cardiovascular health and diabetes management.
Emily Hinners, MD (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Hinners is a graduate of Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Sciences. Dr. Hinners was selected as an Outstanding Student in the Class of 2026 in recognition of her academic excellence throughout the pre-clinical curriculum. Since her first year of medical school, Dr. Hinners has served as a paid peer tutor at WMed, supporting students through the pre-clinical curriculum, Step exams, and NBME shelf exams. Through guided content review and board-style question practice, she has helped peers overcome academic challenges and developed a strong passion for medical education and mentorship. Dr. Hinners also participates in WMed’s Well-Being in Medicine Distinction Program, which has shaped her commitment to wellness for herself and others. Through this program, she has taken and led courses focused on personal well-being, organized small-group sessions, and co-led a 10-week mind-body medicine elective emphasizing practices such as mindful eating and meditation. Her service efforts include co-founding the Neonatology and Embryology Interest Group at WMed, volunteering as an ambassador with #EthanStrong to support families with infants in the NICU, and serving as a SANE Supportive with the YWCA of Kalamazoo, providing compassionate, survivor-centered support. Outside of medicine, Dr. Hinners enjoys hot yoga, exploring nature with her golden retriever, Oliver, experimenting with new meal-prep recipes, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Bears.
Peter Guadagno, MD (he, him, his)
Class of 2029
Dr. Guadagno joins us from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a BS in Biology. He received the Excellence in Diversity Scholarship in recognition of his academic achievement and commitment to supporting underrepresented students in medicine. Dr. Guadagno serves as Education Chair for the Latino Medical Student Association at SLU, where he leads the annual Medical Spanish workshop and helps organize outreach programs for local Spanish-speaking students. He is passionate about increasing the number of Spanish-speaking physicians and believes linguistic and cultural competency are essential to equitable, effective care. Inspired by his youngest sister, Dr. Guadagno volunteers with the Williams Syndrome Association, helping organize events and facilitating a monthly virtual support group for families. This work has been one of his most meaningful experiences, reinforcing the importance of community and support in navigating complex medical conditions. Outside of academics, Dr. Guadagno has remained active through intramural sports throughout undergraduate and medical school, serving as a team captain and fostering teamwork and camaraderie. In his free time, he enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, recently mastering cauliflower steak with chimichurri, and returning to acoustic guitar—still hopeful that one day Bruno Mars will hear his rendition of “Count on Me.”
Joselyn Gonzalez, DO (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Gonzalez joins us from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois. She was recognized with Des Moines University’s Diversity Champion Award for her commitment to inclusiveness, advocacy, and leadership. During medical school, Dr. Gonzalez served as a Clinical Medicine Teaching Assistant, supporting first-year students in developing foundational clinical skills and providing real-time feedback in a supportive learning environment. Prior to medical school, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in family medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and podiatry clinics. Working in a largely Spanish-speaking setting strengthened her medical Spanish, patient rapport, and commitment to primary care. Dr. Gonzalez is passionate about community engagement and health equity. She volunteers with Feed My Starving Children and served as Treasurer of Medical Students for Latino Health, supporting health fairs, volunteer initiatives, and advocacy for Hispanic communities while sharing her perspective as a first-generation college graduate. Outside of medicine, Dr. Gonzalez enjoys hiking in state parks, walking and running outdoors, reading and participating in book clubs, exploring local restaurants and small businesses, listening to podcasts, and trying new arts and crafts classes.
Maleeha Fatima, MD
Class of 2029
Dr. Fatima is a graduate of Saint Louis University School of Medicine and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University Chicago, where she received the Mulcahy Fellowship Grant for her involvement in meaningful research. Dr. Fatima is deeply committed to service and compassionate care. She volunteered with Icing Smiles as a baker creating custom cakes for children with critical illnesses and is a co-founder and leader of the American Medical Muslim Student Association at SLUSOM, where she organized physician panels and cultural-competency events to promote inclusivity and improve care for Muslim patients. She also co-founded Whisk and Wisdom, a children’s cooking and character-building program focused on hands-on learning, healthy habits, and core values. In addition, Dr. Fatima owned and operated Cakes by Maleeha while balancing medical training, developing resilience, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. She also worked as a Staffing Coordinator at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, gaining insight into hospital systems and the importance of teamwork in patient safety and care delivery. Outside of medicine, Dr. Fatima enjoys baking and cooking as creative outlets that bring joy to others. She also enjoys painting, traveling, and immersing herself in new cultures—experiences that foster reflection, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Alain Pierre-Louis, MD, MAE (he, him, his)
Class of 2029
Dr. Pierre-Louis earned both his Bachelor and Master of Arts in Economics from Hunter College in New York before attending Loyola for medical school. During his time at Loyola, Dr. Pierre-Louis served on the Advisory Committee for the Bridges to Baccalaureate Research Training Program, completed a financial leadership fellowship for medical professionals, and volunteered promoting literacy among older Haitian adults. Dr. Pierre-Louis enjoys poetry and spoken word, travel, and staying active in nature.
Daisha Lewis, MD, MBS (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Lewis completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston before earning a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She then went on to complete her medical education at McGovern Medical School in Houston, Texas. She is the recipient of the 2026 Gold-Headed Cane Award and the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, honors bestowed by her peers in recognition of her exceptional compassion, patient-centered care, and profound respect towards patients, families, and colleagues. During medical school, Dr. Lewis held several leadership roles within the Student National Medical Association, where she organized blood pressure monitoring events at barber shops, collaborated with community gardens to promote health equity, and planned and executed a large-scale conference supporting underrepresented minorities in medicine. Dedicated to research and innovation, she conducted renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center and led Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum research within her home institution’s pediatric residency program. As a first-generation college and medical student, Dr. Lewis is deeply committed to mentorship and advocacy. She has mentored other first-generation students through the medical school application process, helping others navigate paths she once forged herself. Outside of medicine, Dr. Lewis is an avid artist and art-enthusiast. She enjoys photography, crocheting, reading, and music, and her photography was recognized and displayed at the 2025 Gold Humanism Summit.
Nazia Jamali, DO (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Jamali completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Dallas before completing medical school at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. During medical school, she volunteered in free clinics serving underserved communities, strengthening her commitment to health equity. She also has a passion for teaching, beginning as a tutor and continuing through high school outreach, strengthening her interest in education and counseling. Dr. Jamali is drawn to Family Medicine for its continuity and care across the full arc of life—from birth to end of life. Outside of medicine, she enjoys cooking, writing poetry, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Nguyen Hua, MD (he, him, his)
Class of 2029
Dr. Hua completed undergrad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and attended medical school at The Ohio State University. At Ohio State, Dr. Hua was a part of the Primary Care Track, conducted opioid-use research, and volunteered at several local free clinics and community health events. Outside of medicine, Nguyen enjoys martial arts which he has practiced since the age of six and cooking
Gracia Gilreath, MD (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Gilreath attended Loyola University in Chicago before matriculating to the University of Minnesota for medical school. At Minnesota, She held leadership positions with the Student National Medical Association and the NAACP Health and Wellness Committee. She was employed as a coordinator for a youth mentorship and STEM program and completed an Arts and Humanities in Medicine Scholarly Concentration. In her spare time, Dr. Gilreath enjoys gardening, sports, engaging with her church community, and is an avid traveler.
Cristen Flewellen, MD, MHS (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Flewellen earned her undergraduate degree from Hampton University and continued to obtain her master’s and medical degrees at Meharry Medical College. She served as President of the Family Medicine Interest Group for two years, volunteered often for the local free health clinic, and was the first Meharry student to be selected for the Emerging Leaders Institute through the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Flewellen is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and considers herself an unofficial food tour guide for anyone interested in visiting Nashville.
Helina Feleke, MD (she/her/hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Feleke completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before attending the Medical College of Wisconsin. At MCW, Dr. Feleke was the founder and president of the Adoption and Foster Care Medical Student Organization. She conducted research on the health status of adoptees from Ethiopia, volunteered at a local free clinic, and held leadership positions in American Medical Student Association. Dr. Feleke enjoys horseback riding, running, and event planning.
Jennifer Castillo Suchkou, MD (she, her, hers)
Class of 2029
Dr. Castillo Suchkou started her undergraduate studies at the College of Lake County, finished her degree at UIC, and attended Rush for medical school. At Rush, Dr. Castillo Suchkou studied the impact of long-term care coverage gaps for immigrant seniors and adults, presenting this research at the 2024 SALUD Summit. She volunteered as a Spanish interpreter in a free health clinic and was the Vice President of the Latino Medical Student Association. Dr. Castillo Suchkou grew up in Park City, Illinois and completed the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
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
