Southwest Illinois Residents

Alex Belongy, M.D.

Creighton University School of Medicine 
Alex Belongy is from Shiloh, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Saint Louis University and his Doctorate in Medicine at Creighton University School of Medicine. Belongy enjoys cooking, volleyball, golf, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons. 

Christopher Chang, D.O.

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Christopher Chang was born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Simon Fraser University. 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 his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University.  During his free time, Chang enjoys staying active and is a certified personal trainer.

Blake Laird, M.D.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Blake Laird grew up in New Baden, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University. 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.

All Saints School of Medicine

Sakshi Lakhra grew up in India. She earned a Bachelor of Science, Biology Major with specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, from Vancouver Island in Canada and Doctorate in Medicine from All Saints School of Medicine, Dominica. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, journal writing and kayaking, and theatre plays. She is a wanderlust and has lived and travelled in five countries.

Alexandria Lovell, M.D.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Alexandria Lovell grew up in Northern California. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at Cal Poly Humboldt and Doctor of Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. 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.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Julian Quesada is from Laredo, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Biology at Texas A&M International University and his Doctorate in Medicine from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Quesada enjoys combat sports, classic cars and YouTube videos.

Santosh Raja, D.O.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine  

Santosh Raja was born in India, but he was raised in Reno, Nevada. He earned his Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Nevada, and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Raja enjoys hiking, football, walking his dog and watching movies.

Nathan Seigrist, D.O.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nathan Seigrist is from Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Chemistry at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He later received his Master of Medical Science and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Seigrist enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and reading.

Sabrina Silvestri-Brauman, D.O.

Michign State Univeristy College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sabrina Silvestri-Brauman grew up in Novi, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Albion College followed by her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. Silvestri-Brauman enjoys hiking, reading psychological thrillers, playing lacrosse, and spending time with family and friends. 

Nathan Steadman, D.O.

Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nathan Steadman is from Hot Springs, Arkansas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Henderson State University and his doctorate from Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Steadman enjoys playing with his dogs, aqua scaping, reading, search and rescue, enduro dirt biking and kayak fishing.  

Anna Todd, D.O.

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Anna Todd is from Purcellville, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Missiology at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, and her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her interests include baking, hiking, reading, volunteering at church, and spending time with her husband.

Kaleb Todd, D.O.

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Kaleb Todd is from Colorado. He earned his Bachelor of Biochemistry at Fort Lewis College in Durango and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, Virginia. Todd is an outdoor enthusiast, student pilot and hobby farmer.  

Sahej Walia, D.O.

Pacific Northwest University of Medical Sciences

Sahej Walia is from Punjab, India. She earned her Bachelor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of Washington and her Doctorate from Pacific Northwest University of Medical Sciences. 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.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Steven York is from Utah. He earned his Bachelor of Biochemistry at Brigham Young University, and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. 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.

Indiana University School Of Medicine 

Jordan Armes is from Gas City, Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Indiana University Southeast and Doctorate of Medicine from Indiana University. Armes enjoys weightlifting, combat sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Seth Brauman, D.O.

Michigan State University College Of Ostepathic Medicine

Seth Brauman is from Dixon, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from St. Ambrose University. He earned a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. 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.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Joshua Crum grew up in southern Illinois and the Metro East area. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Baylor University followed by his Doctorate of Medicine from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. In his free time, Crum enjoys exercising, reading, and watching/playing sports.

Robert “D’Shaun” Groff, D.O.

A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Robert “D’Shaun” Groff is from Centralia, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Southern Illinois University and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at A.T. Still Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. His interests include weightlifting, any activity involving his wife, animals, hiking, camping, and fishing.

Paul Kasunic, D.O.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Paul Kasunic is from Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Saint Francis University and his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Kasunic enjoys outdoor activities, fitness, traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife.

Joshua Lujan, D.O.

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 earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma and his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine. Lujan enjoys sports, trivia, traveling, video games and music.

Kiley Schlortt, M.D.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Kiley Schlortt grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She earned her Bachelor of Science at Texas State University and her Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 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.

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 earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Skinner enjoys tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, cooking new foods, and ultimate frisbee.

Caraline Cho, M.D.

American University of Integrative Sciences School of Medicine, Barbados

Caraline Cho is from Queens, New York. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Pace University and Doctorate of Medicine from American University of Integrative Sciences. 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.

St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Nona Hashem Sharifi is from Tehran, Iran. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and her Doctorate of Medicine from St. George’s School of Medicine. 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.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Fanghua Lou is from New York. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and Doctorate of Medicine from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He enjoys traveling — and has lived on four different continents and traveled to more than 20 countries.

Prabhudev Patil, M.D.

University of Debrecen Medical School and Health Science Centre, Hungary

Prabhudev Patil is from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Debrecen Medical Health and Science Center. He enjoys being active, playing music, the outdoors, reading and traveling

Anam Shabbir, M.D.

American University of Antigua College of Medicine, Antigua and Barbuda

Anam Shabbir is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Millersville University in Lancaster County and her Doctorate of Medicine at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, painting, sewing and cooking.

Ruth Turkson, M.D. 

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology School of Medical Sciences, Ghana 

Ruth Turkson is from Accra, Ghana. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the KNUST School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana. She enjoys participating in community outreach programs and volunteer activities, teaching children at Sunday school, singing and dancing.

Tom Argana, D.O.

A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Tom Argana is from Louisville, Colorado, but grew up in Farmington, Missouri. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Quincy University and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Argana enjoys playing sports, being outdoors and spending time with his family.

Harathi Bhooma, M.D.

Sri Venkateswara Medical College

Harathi Bhooma grew up in India and currently resides in O’Fallon, Illinois. Harathi earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery followed by her Doctorate of Medicine from Sri Venkateswara Medical College in India. She enjoys gardening, cooking, singing, biking, spending time with her family, listening to music and traveling.

James Bobco, M.D.

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

James Bobco is from Michigan. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Wayne State University followed by his Doctorate of Medicine from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He enjoys writing and playing music.

Ulysess Fernadez-Miro, D.O.

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ulysses Fernadez-Miro grew up in southeast Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. 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.

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Vanessa Garcia-Turner is from Mesa, Arizona. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Psychology at Arizona State University. Additionally, Garcia-Turner holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership. She obtained her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Garcia-Turner enjoys music, dance, exercising, all things outdoors and Mexican food.

Nicholas Ginther, M.D.

University of Kansas

Nicholas Ginther is from Denver, but grew up in Dodge City, Kansas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Kansas. 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.

St. George’s University School of Medicine

Mirabel Inyang grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Kent followed by a Master of Public Health at St. George’s University. Additionally, Inyang received her Doctorate of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Her hobbies include kickboxing, photography and reading.

Devin Kearns, D.O.

Nova Southeastern University

Devin Kearns is from central Washington. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at Gonzaga University and a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. Kearns enjoys watching and playing sports, history, trivia, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Lauren Lamb, M.D.

Meharry Medical College

Lauren Lamb is from Farmington Hills, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government at Cornell University, a Master of Health Science and Doctorate of Medicine at Meharry Medical College. Lamb enjoys cooking, writing poems and stories, music and exercising.

Ogechukwu Nwanegwo, M.D.

Boston University School of Medicine

Ogechukwu Nwanegwo is from Baltimore. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Morgan State University followed by her Doctorate of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. Nwanegwo enjoys tennis, sewing, crochet, cooking baking, Bible study and ice skating.

Ross Stanton, M.D., J.D.

University of Louisville School of Medicine

Ross Stanton grew up in Prospect, Kentucky. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky; Master of Public Health in Population Health Management and Policy from the University of Kentucky College of Public Health; and Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Stanton enjoys fly fishing, pyrography, woodworking, playing music and trivia.

Jacob Thompson, D.O.

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 earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry at Southern Virginia University. He received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Thompson enjoys basketball, disc golf, hiking and parenthood.

JaNiece Walker, M.D.

Howard University College of Medicine

JaNiece Walker was raised in a military family and has lived all around the world. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Howard University College of Medicine. Walker enjoys baking, crafts, traveling and exploring new restaurants.

Gregorio Climaco, M.D.

Ross University School of Medicine

Gregorio Climaco grew up in Mascoutah, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He later earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine. Outside of medicine, Climaco enjoys obstacle runs, hiking, rock climbing, playing board games, esports, reading or listening to audio books, and playing most sports.

Dominique D'Souza, M.D.

St. George's University School of Medicine

Dominique D'Souza grew up in Naperville, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Saint Louis University and her Doctorate of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine. D'Souza is passionate about full-scope family medicine, preventative medicine and women’s health. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, skiing, running, baking and watching the Food Network.

Emily Dahm, M.D.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Emily Dahm grew up in Belleville, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Saint Louis University and her Doctorate of Medicine from SLU, as well. During medical school, she was involved with the Wellness Learning Community, where she helped plan events for the school to improve student wellness. Dahm is interested in wellness, women’s health and behavioral health. Outside of medicine, she enjoys hiking, gardening, traveling, crafting and taking care of her many houseplants.

Caleb Kiesow, M.D.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Caleb Kiesow was born and raised in Larsen, Wisconsin. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the U.S. Air Force Academy where he played club hockey. Kiesow earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He enjoys cooking, sports, and most things outdoors to include hiking, biking and fishing.

Jafar Ohiokpehai, M.D.

Trinity School of Medicine

Jafar Ohiokpehai was born and raised in Baltimore. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Vermont and a Doctorate of Medicine from Trinity School of Medicine. Before entering medical school, Ohiokpehai worked as an activities assistant at a local assisted living facility, where he discovered his interest in geriatrics, infectious disease, and full-scope medicine. As a child of immigrants originally from Nigeria and St. Vincent, Ohiokpehai is drawn to aiding underserved regions. He works as an assistant physician in a not-for-profit clinic in Missouri. During his free time, Ohiokpehai loves to bake bread, snowboard, cook, garden, travel, run, hike and watch cartoons.

Jacob Olejarczyk, D.O.

Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jacob Olejarczyk grew up in snowy Erie, Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Cedarville University. Before starting medical school, Jacob spent a semester studying abroad in Valencia, Spain. He later earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis. During medical school, he was vice president of the campus chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Association and volunteered at student-led free health clinics nearby. Olejarczyk's professional interests include sports medicine, OMT and point-of-care ultrasound. Outside of medicine, he is an avid reader, baseball enthusiast, and loves spending time outdoors with his wife.

Anna Priddy, M.D.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Anna Priddy grew up in Ramstein, Germany, as an Air Force brat, but now calls St. Louis home. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Saint Louis University, where she also earned her commission through Air Force ROTC as a cadet at Detachment 207. Priddy then went on to earn her Doctorate of Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. During medical school, she served as the president of the military medicine and family medicine interest groups and founded the Wellness and Residency in Medical School elective. Priddy also served as the HPSP student representative to the Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians from 2020-2021. Outside of medicine, Priddy enjoys running, hiking, traveling (especially to national parks!), and exploring the ever-expanding St. Louis restaurant scene.

Alisha Provost, D.O.

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Alisha Provost grew up in Brewster, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Kent State University and her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She was a third-generation volunteer firefighter and EMT before attending medical school. Outside of medicine, Provost enjoys reading, camping, and outdoor adventures with her husband and two dogs, Jasper and Ruby. She is also always up for visiting a new brewery.

Reid Rivers, M.D.

Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine

Reid Rivers is originally from Paluxy, Texas, a small town an hour southwest of Fort Worth. He lived in eastern North Carolina during high school. Rivers earned his Bachelor of Arts in Vocational Ministry from Abilene Christian University in Texas, where he also ran cross country and track. Reid attended Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine where he received his Doctorate of Medicine. During medical school, Rivers spent two years on the leadership team of the Christian Medical and Dental Association. He is interested in full-spectrum rural medicine, global medicine and mental health. Rivers' hobbies include hiking and exploring with his wife and dog, playing board and card games, running and sock collecting.

Jacob Stewart, M.D.

University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria

Jake Stewart grew up in Harrisburg, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the University of Evansville. Stewart earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He can always be found watching sports, particularly the NFL and NBA. Stewart is a fantasy football aficionado and, this year, tried his hand in some fantasy basketball. However, Stewart has recently jumped into trying to follow hockey and does not think he will find any shortage of fans ready to educate him on the Blues. Stewart has three dogs and a lovely wife and daughter.

Alexander Vavra, D.O.

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Alexander Vavra was born in Jamestown, North Dakota. However, he was raised in numerous states and two other countries due to growing up in a military family. He is happy to be returning to the St. Louis area, which he claims as home. Alexander double-majored at Saint Louis University, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Communication. Following undergrad, he pursued a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Kansas City University. Vavra earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. During medical school, he had the privilege to serve as president of the student government. Outside of medicine, Vavra enjoys numerous outdoor activities, which is demonstrated by three kayaks taking up the space where his kitchen table would have been during medical school. He also has a goal of visiting all the national parks. Vavra is also an avid reader. A recent hot take Vavra has is that Harry Potter’s magical skill is average.