Internal Medicine Residency

Training compassionate, skilled internists in a dynamic urban environment.

ACGME Accredited

Introduction

Built upon a foundation of fostering robust peer and faculty mentor relationships, our program places significant emphasis on delivering exceptional patient care, meticulous attention to detail, and a scholarly approach to clinical challenges. Welcome to our Internal Medicine Residency Program, a distinguished institution in medical education dedicated to excellence and continuous learning.

Our program places a strong emphasis on cultivating qualities essential for exceptional physicians, such as critical thinking, resilience, adaptability, and effective communication skills. Residents are exposed to a diverse range of clinical scenarios in internal medicine, fostering a well-rounded education to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare. We uphold the highest academic standards, with a focus on patient-centered care, collaboration, and leadership development. Our dedication to advocating for underserved populations fosters a supportive environment for resident growth, driven by our passion for shaping future healthcare leaders.

Structure

Size: With a total of 36 residents in our program, we enjoy considerable flexibility in scheduling requested rotations, vacations, family leaves, and wellness days. This ample cohort size enables us to accommodate individual needs while maintaining high-quality education and continuity of care for our patients.

Program Leadership:
The program boasts a robust team of dedicated and seasoned clinicians and educators at the helm, comprising our department chair, program director, associate program director, and the chief resident. With their wealth of experience and commitment, they provide strong leadership and guidance, ensuring the program’s success and the professional development of its residents.

Faculty:
Overseeing residents are more than 30 full-time faculty members deeply involved in both teaching and patient care responsibilities, affording residents focused support in residency mentorship, research, and educational endeavors. To ensure ongoing excellence in teaching, faculty members undergo monthly evaluations by house staff, guaranteeing the maintenance of high-quality educational standards.

Format:
The program follows a structured format consisting of thirteen 4-week blocks throughout the year. This organized scheduling approach ensures a consistent and predictable framework for residents to engage in various rotations, educational activities, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, this format facilitates efficient planning and coordination of resident schedules, allowing for optimal utilization of time and resources.

Multidisciplinary teams:
Care teams within our program are composed of a diverse array of healthcare professionals, ensuring comprehensive and multidisciplinary patient care. These teams include social workers, discharge planners, pharmacists, dietitians, and medical students among others. By leveraging the expertise and collaboration of these various professionals, we strive to provide holistic and patient-centered care, addressing the complex needs of our patients effectively and efficiently.

Leadership

Dr. Asim Saeed

Designated Institutional Official (DIO)

Bio:

Dr. Asim Saeed is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine physician, born in Milwaukee and raised in Chicago. A proud Chicagoan, he fondly remembers the iconic Bulls dynasty. He earned his medical degree from Xavier University School of Medicine, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Weiss Memorial Hospital, and pursued a Sleep Medicine fellowship at Rush University.

Dr. Saeed is a respected leader in medicine, known for his dedication to healthcare, education, and innovation. He inspires students and residents globally with his visionary approach and commitment to compassionate care.

Yvonne McCauley

ADIO/Director, Graduate Medical Education

Bio:

Yvonne M. McCauley serves as the Associate Designated Institutional Official (DIO) at Insight Hospital, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Graduate Medical Education (GME). Her career began at Franciscan Hospital in Olympia Fields, and over nearly two decades, she has built a strong foundation in GME, with deep expertise in ACGME standards and accreditation processes.

Since joining Insight Hospital in July 2021, Yvonne has been instrumental in transforming the institution into a thriving teaching hospital. Her leadership has been key in establishing a robust GME department and reviving the hospital’s legacy of medical education, once proudly upheld during its time as Mercy Hospital.

Under her guidance, Insight Hospital has achieved Institutional Accreditation and successfully launched accredited residency programs in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. Yvonne’s strategic vision, dedication to academic excellence, and commitment to mentoring future physicians continue to elevate Insight’s reputation as a center for medical training and innovation.

Tammy Witteveen

Institutional Coordinator

Tammy Witteveen joined Insight Hospital as the Institutional Coordinator in January of 2023. She provides direct administrative, technical and logistical support to the DIO and ADIO. As the lead technical expert on the ACGME Annual Data System (ADS), New Innovations and ERAS, she advises our Residency programs on compliance and data submissions. Tammy stays current with evolving ACGME requirements and Institutional policies to ensure programs remain compliant and well-supported. Previously, she was the coordinator for a robust Interventional Radiology Residency Program at Franciscan Hospital in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

Ayham Alagha

Program Director

Dr. Ayham Alagha was born in San Diego and began his medical journey in Syria before continuing at Caribbean Medical University. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at West Suburban Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident, and was later named a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

Known for his dedication to patient care and medical education, Dr. Alagha brings a global perspective and strong leadership to his work. Outside of medicine, he enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring cities, and discovering new cuisines—always with a great cup of coffee in hand.

Mazen Kherallah

Associate Program Director

Dr. Mazen Kherallah earned his MD from the University of Damascus and completed residency and fellowships in Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Critical Care at institutions including the University of Illinois, University of Chicago, and Wayne State. He also holds a master’s degree in health administration.

He has served as Medical Director of Critical Care at Sanford Health since 2003 and held leadership roles in Saudi Arabia and Syria. Currently, he is Associate Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency at Insight Hospital.

A Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Dakota, Dr. Kherallah is an award-winning educator and a founding member of the Middle East Critical Care Assembly. He also created icureach.com, a platform for critical care education.

His research focuses on improving quality and safety in critical care. Outside medicine, he’s skilled in programming and blockchain technology.

Dr. Umar Shakur

Associate Program Director

Dr. Shakur completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago. He then attended medical school at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Following medical school, he began his graduate medical education at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he completed his internal medicine residency. He went on to become the chief resident in internal medicine at Brown University/Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island.

After working for one year as a hospitalist, Dr. Shakur started his fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA. Upon completing his fellowship training, he initially worked at Carney Hospital in Boston and later at Sturdy Memorial in Attleboro, MA. At Sturdy, Dr. Shakur served as the director of cardiac rehab and also helped start the cardio-oncology program.

In 2022, Dr. Shakur joined Insight as the chairman of cardiovascular medicine.

Aaron McCauley

IM Program Coordinator

Aaron.McCauley@insightchicago.com

Suzanne Mulcahy

IM Coordinator

suzanne.mulcahy@insightchicago.com

Dr. Blessing George

Administrative Chief

Dr. Abbas Farooqui

Academic Chief

Dr. Nader Gumma

Clinical Excellence/Research Chief

Core Faculty

Critical Care Medicine
Samran Haider, MD

Internal Medicine

Scott Coppel, MD

Dr. Scott Coppel, MD is a board-certified physician and internal medicine specialist at Insight Chicago. Prior to joining Insight, Dr. Coppel received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, and completed a three year residency at Indiana University.

With a passion for treating patients holistically, Dr. Coppel believes in recognizing everyone he sees as an individual. This includes understanding the social determinants of health that can impact each patient’s care. In addition to treating his patients’ presenting complaints and comorbidities, he is also committed to addressing every factor that will affect an individual’s success in achieving their healthcare goals.

Internal Medicine

Naila Yaseen, DO

Dr. Naila Yaseen, DO is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and Core Faculty member at Insight Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago. She earned her medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Swedish Hospital. As an outpatient attending physician, Dr. Yaseen is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care and has been instrumental in strengthening the resident clinic’s teaching environment while enhancing the quality of care for the community. Her clinical interests include women’s health and preventive medicine.

Internal Medicine

Fadi Kara, MD

Dr. Fadi Kara, MD is a physician with a strong background in internal medicine and clinical leadership. Originally from Syria and raised in Qatar, he pursued medical education in Germany, followed by a surgical residency. Dr. Kara later joined Northwestern University in Chicago as a postdoctoral fellow in cancer biology and molecular oncology.

After completing his internal medicine residency at Mercy Hospital (now Insight Hospital), Dr. Kara has spent over a decade caring for patients across Chicago, Indiana, Wisconsin, and California. He has served as a hospitalist, nocturnist, and teaching faculty, mentoring residents and medical students.

Currently, Dr. Kara is the Medical Director of Hospital Medicine at Insight Hospital, overseeing care delivery, mentoring staff, and driving initiatives to improve patient outcomes. He remains deeply committed to advancing healthcare and making a meaningful impact in the medical community.

Internal Medicine

Mustafa Ali, MD

Dr. Mustafa Ali, MD is a board-certified nephrologist based in Chicago, Illinois, with over 15 years of experience in internal medicine, nephrology, and critical care. He earned his medical degree from Saint James School of Medicine and completed his training across multiple specialties. Dr. Ali is affiliated with several hospitals, including Swedish Hospital, Weiss Memorial Hospital, and Insight Hospital and Medical Center.

He is known for his expertise in managing chronic kidney disease, dialysis care, acute kidney injury, and hypertension. Dr. Ali practices at Kidney Specialists of Illinois and is recognized for his patient-centered approach and commitment to clinical excellence.

Critical Care Medicine

Samran Haider, MD

Dr. Samran Haider, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and critical care specialist serving as Chief of Critical Care Medicine at Insight Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago. He earned his medical degree from Dow University of Health Sciences in Pakistan and completed both his internal medicine residency and pulmonary/critical care fellowship at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University.

With a strong background in clinical care, research, and medical education, Dr. Haider is known for his leadership, teaching, and dedication to improving patient outcomes.

Current Residents

PGY 1

PGY 2

PGY 3

Rotation Schedule

The program provides a wide array of both inpatient and outpatient educational opportunities, and the schedule is coordinated by the chief residents. These experiences are meticulously planned to meet the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) while addressing the educational and professional needs of our residents. Through careful planning and oversight, residents benefit from a robust curriculum that encompasses diverse clinical settings, ensuring comprehensive training and preparation for future practice.

Rotations

Over the course of a three-year residency, you will have the opportunity to rotate on the following services:

Ambulatory Care

Residents will have a half-day clinic per week throughout the year, providing ample experience and ensuring continuity of care. This consistent schedule allows residents to build rapport and establish long-term relationships with their patients. Furthermore, clinics are supervised by experienced faculty, ensuring residents receive guidance and mentorship as they navigate their clinical responsibilities and develop their skills as healthcare providers.

Training Sites

All internal medicine service rotations are conducted at the main clinical hospital, providing residents with comprehensive exposure to inpatient care.
For ambulatory care medicine, residents engage in clinical experiences at three distinct locations: the Insight Internal Medicine Clinic, the Iman Clinic,
and the Hayat Clinic. This diverse range of settings allows residents to gain valuable experience in outpatient care while serving diverse patient
populations and addressing various healthcare needs within the community.

Hospital Medicine		Geriatrics
Insight Hospital & Medical Center	Insight Internal Medicine Clinic	University of Illinois Chicago

2525 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616		2744 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60629

Educational Activities

Morning Report

Dates: Wednesday and Fridays

Objectives: Enhance learning and broaden knowledge among residents based on the admitted cases. It also serves as a platform for demonstrating and honing teaching skills, refine presentation abilities, and foster leadership skills.

Format: One or multiple cases are selected by the presenter, usually a member of the admitting team, and loosely presented. The audience is encouraged to engage in discussion regarding the management, diagnosis, and outcome of the case. The event may have selected topics for discussion or discussion topics are developed by participants during the event.

Attendance: All residents of the night teams and the inpatient medicine services. The morning report is moderated by the chief resident and/or a full-time faculty.

Mortality & Morbidity

Dates: The second Tuesday of the month.

Objectives: Encompass quality improvement, clinical reasoning enhancement, fostering professional development, improving communication skills, addressing ethical and legal considerations, and promoting patient-centered care.

Format: The case is selected by an attending physician and discussed with the chief resident/APD/PD. The senior resident involved in the case is responsible for reviewing the case, prepare the presentation (as per template), and present during the conference. All involved residents should participate with their input and comments during the conference. Teaching points should be clearly identified and presented.

Attendance: All residents, chief resident, and the supervising attending. All other faculty members are encouraged to attend.

Case Presentation

Dates: The first Tuesday of the month.

Objectives: Enhance clinical reasoning, deepen medical knowledge, and improve evidence-based practices through concise case summaries and clear articulation of diagnostic reasoning and management plans with discussion of the main topic of the case. In addition, residents gain PowerPoint and presentation techniques.

Format: PGY2/3 residents will choose an interesting case supervised by an attending physician, APD or PD. The case is prepared by the resident and reviewed by the supervising attending prior to the event. The topic of the case should be presented with evidence-based approach to support diagnostics and management. It is required that each PGY2/3 resident conduct at least one case presentation per year.

Attendance: All internal medicine residents, chief resident, and the supervising attending. All other faculty members are encouraged to attend.

Journal Club

Dates: The first Thursday of the month.

Objectives: Enhance scholarly productivity among residents, teaching them how to critically appraise research in the literature and consistently keep abreast of new evidence in clinical practice.

Format: Residents will choose a recent article or an older guideline-modifying study to present in a journal club fashion. Articles should be recent, from the past three months, and intended to answer a research question, preferably through a randomized control trial. However, other types of research, such as meta-analyses, retrospective studies, and case-control studies, are also acceptable. The Chief Resident, attending physicians, and APD/PD can help choose the topic. The article is prepared by the resident and reviewed by the supervising attending. Two to three articles are discussed in each journal club. It is required that residents make two journal club presentations per year.

Attendance: All internal medicine residents, chief resident, and the supervising attending. All other faculty members are encouraged to attend.

Internal Medicine & Ambulatory Care Topic Lectures

Dates:
Ambulatory topic lectures on Tuesdays
Internal medicine on Thursdays and Tuesdays when no other activities are scheduled.

Objectives: Provide residents with comprehensive knowledge of various specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology, critical care, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, hematology/oncology, nephrology, neurology, endocrinology, and rheumatology. Sessions focus on understanding pathophysiology, diagnostics, and evidence-based management of commonly encountered diseases, while promoting critical thinking and lifelong learning.
Format: PowerPoint presentations by the attending physicians and invited speakers.
Attendance: All internal medicine residents and the chief resident. All other faculty members are encouraged to attend.

Hospital Grand Round

Dates: Third Tuesday of the month.
Objectives: Provide continuing education, clinical updates, interdisciplinary collaboration, research dissemination, and professional development.
Format: Presentations by attending physicians from different general and specialized internal medicine departments. Organized at the hospital level.
Attendance: All residents, attendings, and other hospital staff.

Hospital Departments Lectures

Dates: On selected academic days during the buzz sessions.
Objectives: Familiarize residents with key components of hospital systems and their impact on clinical practice. Topic may include clinical documentation improvement (CDI), management of ethical dilemmas, risk management, infection control, nutritional assessment and EMR tips. By gaining insight into these areas, residents can navigate ethical dilemmas, optimize documentation, mitigate risks, prevent infections, and promote proper nutrition, ultimately enhancing the quality and safety of patient care.

Format: PowerPoint presentations and discussion by the different representatives of hospital department.
Attendance: All internal medicine residents and the chief resident.

Medical Jeopardy

Dates: The third Thursday of the month.

Objectives: Enhance medical knowledge, teamwork, and clinical reasoning by challenging residents to recall and apply key concepts across disciplines. It fosters collaboration, professionalism, and engagement while providing a fun way to reinforce learning and build camaraderie within the residency community.

Format: The format of Medical Jeopardy typically follows the structure of the popular television game show “Jeopardy.” In this format, residents are divided into teams and presented with clinical scenarios or questions across various medical categories, such as cardiology, pulmonology, infectious diseases, etc. Each question is assigned a point value based on its difficulty level. Teams select questions and attempt to answer them within a specified time frame. Correct answers earn points, while incorrect answers may result in point deductions or opportunities for other teams to “steal” points. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Attendance: All internal medicine residents and the chief resident. All other faculty members are encouraged to attend.

Resident 360

Dates: The fourth Tuesday of the month.

Objectives: Prepare residents for the practical challenges and responsibilities they will encounter in their careers beyond residency, promoting their success and well-being in the transition to independent practice

Format: Faculty members and invited speakers focus on equipping residents with essential knowledge and skills for life after graduation. Topics include providing financial literacy education on managing student loans and personal finances, offering guidance on career development such as job searches and fellowship applications, educating residents on contract review and negotiation, facilitating the licensing process and understanding FCVS requirements, and addressing risk management considerations including malpractice insurance and legal implications.

Attendance: All internal medicine residents and the chief resident.

Buzz Session

Dates: The second Thursdays of the month.

Objectives: Enhance resident satisfaction and well-being by providing a platform for residents to express feedback and discuss program-related issues and support resources. Additionally, the gatherings foster a sense of community and collaboration between residents and GME leadership and promote a supportive learning environment and continuous improvement of the residency program. This session facilitates effective issue resolution and promote transparency regarding important updates and policy changes within the program and the hospital.

Format: Informal gatherings of internal medicine residents with Graduate Medical Education (GME) leadership fostering open communication to address resident concerns and issues promptly

Attendance: All internal medicine residents and the chief resident.

Special Workshop Sessions

Dates: To be announced (will replace a full academic day).

Objectives: Enhance practical skills in mechanical ventilation, line insertion, intubation, and mega code simulations. These sessions aim to improve proficiency, confidence, teamwork, and communication skills in critical procedures and clinical scenarios commonly encountered in internal medicine practice, ultimately ensuring high-quality and safe patient care.

Format: Simulation sessions at UIC SIM lab or in the hospital.

Attendance: All internal medicine residents and the chief resident.

Bootcamp

Dates: First two weeks of July on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Objectives: Provide new residents with a comprehensive review of emergent and essential topics, including foundational medical knowledge, recognition and management of emergent medical conditions, procedural skills, communication and teamwork in high-stress situations, patient safety principles, and clinical decision-making.

Format: Presentations by attending physicians from different general and specialized internal medicine fields.

Attendance: All incoming residents, in addition to all other residents and chief resident.

Mentorship

The Mentorship Program within the Internal Medicine Residency at Insight Hospital and Medical Center aims to bridge the gap between academic study and clinical practice, providing structured guidance and support for residents. Through mentor-mentee partnerships, residents receive personalized guidance in professional development, career pathways, and work-life balance. Structured meetings, selection criteria, and evaluation mechanisms ensure the program’s effectiveness and confidentiality. Each incoming intern will be assigned two resident mentors and one faculty mentor to provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout their residency journey. Through regular meetings and personalized mentorship, interns receive valuable insights, advice, and resources to navigate their career paths effectively within the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Insight Hospital and Medical Center.

Research and QI Project Opportunities

Residents in our program have access to valuable resources dedicated to research and professional development. Regularly scheduled lectures throughout the year cover an array of high-impact topics, spanning the fundamentals and classifications of research, as well as comprehensive guidance on planning, drafting, and presenting research projects. Faculty members actively mentor residents, facilitating discussions and offering constructive feedback in a nurturing environment aimed at honing research skills and advancing project development. This initiative underscores the program’s dedication to nurturing a culture of academic curiosity and innovation among its residents.

Our residents are also actively engaged in Patient Safety Quality Improvement projects aimed at enhancing healthcare standards and patient outcomes. These projects, led by faculty, involve longitudinal efforts where resident teams conceptualize, execute, and evaluate initiatives over the course of 1.5 years during their rotations. Through collaboration with stakeholders, residents gain valuable insights into quality improvement principles and practical implementation strategies and showcase their projects in local, reginal, and national meetings.

Residents Projects

List of ongoing projects

Cefepime vs piperacillin/tazobactam Safety: AKI and Neurotoxicity
The use of procalcitonin response in sepsis – de-escalating antibiotic, duration of duration: retrospective.
Understanding Gender Disparities in Hypertensive Medication Adherence and Health Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Compliance Patterns Amongst Hypertensive Patients in the Outpatient Setting
Reducing Hospital Length of Stay through Effective Midline Placement
Burnout Survey
Improving breast cancer screening rates
AI for Physician Note Documentation to Improve Clinical Outcome
A retrospective chart review of CBC’s ordered within the past 1month at Insight Hospital to reveal some degree of inappropriate ordering, focused on particular patient demographics or hospital at large.
Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire utility in patients with a diagnosis of Heart Failure as a predictor of heart failure-related admissions
Effect of Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring System in improving Infection Control in the Inpatient Setting among Residents: An Observational Study
Tackling No-Shows at Post Discharge Appointments for HF patients: A Health-Related Social Needs Assessment
Understand the current utilization of spirometry in patients with COPD.
Implementation of PHQ-9 Questionnaire in Post-stroke patients Admitted at Insight Hospital and Medical Center.
Integrative Care Model for Reducing Readmissions in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Implementing the “GOLD” Care Approach to COPD Patients Admitted at Insight Hospital & Medical Center, Chicago.
Heart failure readmission rate at Insight Hospital and Medical Center.
What factors contribute to the high rate of patient non-compliance with scheduled appointments at primary care physician (PCP) clinics, and how can healthcare providers implement effective strategies to improve appointment attendance and overall patient engagement?”
How POC echo to diagnose shortness of breath compared to confirmed diagnosis (heart failure, embolism, COPD, pnuemonia, MI), retrospective data and cost effectiveness
Code Blue improvement project
Would the practice of engaging patients in maintaining data logs of BP and BG measurements improve overall medication compliance and HbA1c values?
Handoff process between teams MD;MD and outcomes
CURB-65 assessment in ER COPD and prediction of mortality rate
Hospice Transition Plan

Application Process

Applications are exclusively accepted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Our program utilizes Thalamus software for interview scheduling. We do not impose minimum USMLE scores criteria. Additionally, the program exclusively sponsors J-1 visas for international applicants. When submitting the MyERAS application, applicants should include the following documents:

Personal Statement
Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
Transcript from medical school
Letters of recommendation
1. One letter from Department of Medicine Chair
2. One letter from Regional Dean or Director for medical schools who do not have a Department of Medicine.
3. One letter from an Internal Med Attending
4. Additional 3rd letter from any other faculty with whom you have worked (preferably within Internal Medicine)
USMLE results (Step 1 and Step 2 CK)
COMLEX scores can be submitted by Osteopathic applicants.
ECFMG Certificate (if International Applicant) – You must be ECFMG certified prior to any interview.