Emergency Medicine Residents
Class of 2021 Elias “Bubba” Trace | Rebecca Tracy | James Hart | Joel Gieswein | Dominic Phemister | Arthur Chou | Nida Feller | Jase Camp
Class of 2022 Ferris Yeh | Brandon Chambers | Jennifer Butler | Dylan Graff | Maham Munawar | Drew Frey | Zach Elliott | Tyler Pickell
Class of 2023 Jennifer Becker | Ryan Brown | Gary Hendricks | Aaron Fleming | Sarah Iqbal | Evan Jenkins | Jill Nanadiego | Aaron Rea
Class of 2021
Elias "Bubba" Trace
Hometown: Jacksonville, IL
Undergrad: Millikin University
Med school: SIU School of Medicine
Hobbies/interests: Hunting, fitness, home improvement, playing guitar, music recording, spending time with my wife, 3 sons (Edison, Maxwell, and Henry), and my beloved English Bulldogs, (Booger and Larry)
Why did you choose this program: I went to medical school here and was impressed by the acuity and pathology. The clinical faculty are incredible mentors, both professionally and personally and I always felt at home here.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Hanging out at brewpubs with my wife, going to the parks with my family (my kids LOVE Knights Action Park), golfing, getting lost in Scheels for hours
Rebecca Tracy
Hometown: Barrington, IL
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!)
Medical school: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: running, hiking, and generally being outdoors. Reading and board games.
Academic interests: EMS, air medical transport, disaster response, massive transfusion and blood product stewardship
Why SIU? First, the people. I was looking for a residency program that felt like a team and family. As a smaller program we have the opportunity to get to know each other and our faculty well. Second, the two hospital system and critical access experience working in Taylorville. Getting to work at two higher volume private centers and a critical access hospital we learn in several different practice environments as well as serve many different patient populations.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Post run coffee at Free Press, Washington Park’s yearly Fine Art Fair and annual Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, Old Capitol Farmers Market, Lake Springfield.
James Hart
Hometown: Princeton MO
Undergrad: University of Missouri
Med School: University of Missouri
Hobbies: Horses, Cooking, Guitars/Music, Classic Cars, Hunting
Why did you chose this program: the people
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Microbreweries
Joel Gieswein
Hometown: Maquoketa, Iowa
Undergrad: Creighton University, Double Major in Finance and Entrepreneurship
Med school: Des Moines University
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with my family, board games, golfing, traveling when able.
Why did you choose SIU: The people. I had been told about SIU from a mentor at another large academic/community hybrid program but did not know what to expect. My interview day at SIU demonstrated the forward thinking nature of this program, and the dedication the faculty here have to resident education. The residents were also very friendly and welcoming. I felt like I was part of their family.
Favorite thing(s) to do in Springfield: My family and I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially at Washington Park and the Botanical Garden. We also like the Farmer's Market and exploring the area, attending various festivals that occur throughout the year.
Dominic Phemister
Hometown: Mt. Vernon, IL
Undergrad: Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy working out, spending time with my wife and kiddos, long walks on the beach, dancing like no one is watching, and singing my heart song ("Be With You" by Enrique Iglesias).
Why did you choose SIU: The faculty, the people and the training are all amazing here. Everyone is supportive. Cost of living is relatively low, and it is a great place to raise a family.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Usual involves finding food with friends and family.
Arthur Chou
Hometown: Westmont, IL
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Chicago
Med School: Kansas City University
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking and eating, playing computer games, golfing, poker, crushing Bubba and Brandon in ping-pong, and sleeping!
Why did you choose this program: I was looking for a smaller program that was close to home. During my interview here, there was a strong sense of community and family. I really felt that I fit right into the culture of SIU Emergency Medicine from the interactions with the residents and attendings.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Hanging out with co-residents, Obed and Isaacs, Westwoods, trivia night, Lake Springfield
Nida Feller
Hometown: Decatur, IL
Undergrad: Saint Louis University
Med school: SIU School of Medicine
Hobbies/interests: Reading, cooking, jigsaw puzzles, spending time with my husband and son, walking my dog
Why did you choose this program: I chose SIU EM because of the strength of this program. The training is excellent, with plenty of opportunity for procedures and constant exposure to critical patients. With a smaller residency, we get to know each other and faculty on a personal level, which I value greatly.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Hang out with my friends, going on walks at Washington Park, going to eat at Vele and enjoying Obed's on summer days
Jase Camp
Hometown: Lincoln, IL
Undergrad: Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Med school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with my wife and son, movies, trying new restaurants, video games, weight lifting
Why did you choose this program: Close to home and family, family-like atmosphere within the residency
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Go to area breweries, wineries, and restaurants.
Class of 2022
Ferris Yeh
Hometown: Pomona, CA
Undergrad: UCLA
Med school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/interests: Noodles. Barbells. Breakfast food.
Why did you choose SIU: Friendly faculty/residents. Great training.
Favorite thing(s) to do in Springfield: Strolling the instant ramen aisle at the local Asian grocery store. If you know, you know.
Brandon Chambers
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Undergrad: Indiana University
Med School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Scuba diving, snowboarding, Indiana Basketball, expanding my vinyl collection, spending time my wife, and teaching our dog tricks
Why I chose the program: I rotated through SIU as a fourth year medical student and loved it. The faculty is very invested in resident learning and all of the residents are very close. Taking into account the familial atmosphere in addition to having access to two Level 1 Trauma Centers the choice was easy!
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Take my dog on walks, go to local bars, go to local parks.
Jennifer Butler
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Undergrad: University of Arizona (Bear down!)
Med school: University of Colorado - Denver
Hobbies/interests: video games, true-crime, reading, and hanging out with my rescued fur-baby Luna!
Why did you choose this program: The people. On my interview day it was clear to me that SIUEM is a family and everyone is invested. The faculty are invested in teaching the residents and the residents are invested in making the program better. And as icing on the cake everyone here knows how to have fun together too.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Walk in Washington Park with my dog
Dylan Graff
Hometown: Mt. Zion, Illinois
Undergrad: University of Illinois
Med school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Hobbies/interests: Exercising, playing/watching sports, video games, trivia nights, going to breweries/wineries, walking in Washington Park with friends
Why did you choose this program: I went here for medical school. I enjoy the different experience that we get from working at Saint John's and Memorial. It is nice to see the difference between academic vs community/county hospital EDs. I also enjoyed working with all of the faculty here as a medical student. Even the non-faculty doctors at both hospitals are good teachers.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Washington Park is a great park to walk/run through with friends or while listening to podcasts. I enjoy going to breweries and there are 5 in town. I also enjoy going to trivia nights during the weekdays.
Maham Munawar
Hometown: Victoria, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
Med school: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth
Hobbies/interests: Basketball, Camping, BBQs, Poetry, Playing with my doggo
Why did you choose this program: I chose this program due to the high volume and acuity, great SIM and procedural experience, and amazing people to work with!
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Movies, hanging out with co-residents, walking in Washington Park
Drew Frey
Hometown: Goshen, Indiana
Undergrad: Olivet Nazarene University
Med school: Indiana University school of medicine
Hobbies/interests: Guitar, hanging with my dog, painting, tv/video games
Why did you choose this program: we played Mario Cart during my interview and it was great. Also seemed staff were invested in a program to better residents focused to serve midwest communities
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Nap and order Pizza
Zach Elliot
Hometown: Ham Lake, MN
Undergrad: Concordia University- Saint Paul, MN
Med school: University of North Dakota
Hobbies/Interests: sports (especially football), hiking, exercise, trying new restaurants
Why did you choose program: Very impressed by faculty when interviewing here. Also, felt that all of the residents I met on interview day and the pre-interview dinner were approachable and easy to get along with. I thought the opportunity to perform rotations at two different hospitals in Springfield, as well as doing ER shifts in a more rural hospital in Taylorville, was a beneficial and unique learning opportunity.
Favorite things to do in Springfield area: Trying the various restaurants in the area, many of which have exceptional food (The Horseshoe originated here, is served at many restaurants, and I highly recommend trying it for those who haven't). Visiting the Abraham Lincoln historical sites. Exercising and going on walks at some of the very nice local parks/trails in the area.
Tyler Pickell
Hometown: Mission Viejo, California
Undergrad: Boise State University
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Getting outside- Kayaking, Hiking, Scuba Diving and Running. I also am an Amazon reviewer.
Why I chose SIU: Two busy yet separate emergency departments both with level I trauma centers. Great pediatric experience at St. John's. The ability to train on two of the most commonly used EHRs in emergency departments; Cerner & Epic. Our simulation center and procedure labs are fantastic training experiences. Our faculty and attending physicians are approachable and excited to teach and develop our skill set. Like-minded residents who are excited and devoted to emergency medicine.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Taking my kayak out on Springfield or Prairie lakes. Trying out local restaurants and breweries. Recently, I've started playing pickle ball and tennis during my off time from the hospital.
Class of 2023
Jennifer Becker
Hometown: St. Jacob, Illinois
Undergrad: SIUE
Med school: SIU
Hobbies/interests: I love trying new foods and going to new restaurants. I like to exercise, go to the movies or go bowling, and I love being outside and hiking.
Why did you choose this program: As a medical student at SIU I was able to work with various members of the program over the past few years. I think the program does an excellent job at preparing residents to be really great and compassionate emergency physicians while also helping you to develop as a professional in many other ways.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: When the weather is nice I either like to sit outside at one of the local restaurants with friends or go to Washington Park.
Ryan Brown
Hometown: Minot, ND
Undergrad: University of North Dakota
Med school: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Hobbies/interests: Music, Cooking, Basketball, Hiking/Camping, Sci-fi
Why did you choose this program: I thought it would provide an experience that would be similar and applicable to my future career. SIU's program also reached out to my school to give us advice on away rotations and applications since we did not have a home program, which showed me that they do things for the benefit of those around them even if it isn't required. I was also really impressed by the medical simulation capabilities and skills labs, which I think are critical as we progress forward in how we approach medical education.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: I have only been here a short time but I enjoyed the Presidential Library and Museum when I visit. It is very well put together. I think I will find myself sampling some of the nicer restaurants around the area soon. I think it is also great to have relatively quick access to larger cities without having to deal with the stress of actually living in one.
Gary Hendricks
Hometown: Altamont
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Medical School: SIU School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, Hiking, Biking, Canoeing, Trivia, Chess
Why did you choose this program: Great clinical teaching, supportive colleagues, and amazing faculty who go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Playing disc golf, hanging out at Washington Park, and going to local trivia nights.
Aaron Fleming
Hometown: Lovington, IL
Undergrad: Millikin University
Med school: SIU
Hobbies/interests: reading, listening to music, hiking
Why did you choose this program: I chose to stay at SIU because it was a great learning environment, the residents seemed like a family, and because of the faculty. The faculty at SIU were great teachers, incredibly supportive, and always there to help in any way they could. I felt like I belonged here.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: going to local trivia events, playing disc golf, and walking through the parks and trails in town.
Sarah Iqbal
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: University of Chicago
Med School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine/Lehigh Valley Health Network (SELECT Program)
Hobbies/interests: Advocacy, Health Policy, Diversity and Inclusion, playing pick-up soccer, bhangra, spending quality time with my friends and family
Why did you choose SIU: I ranked SIU as my number one program. As a 4th year, I had the opportunity to rotate at SIU for my EM sub-internship. The culture is extremely supportive at SIU, and they genuinely cared about my education. The residents were also extremely well-trained. The faculty is invested in not only training great physicians, but also creating great leaders.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Walking around the Capitol, reading a book by the lake, spotting all the Abe Lincoln artwork.
Evan Jenkins
Hometown: East Peoria, IL
Undergrad: Benedictine University
Med school: SIU School of Medicine
Hobbies/interests: Running, hiking, kayaking, baking, hanging out with my dog
Why did you choose SIU: Great faculty and staff, focus on medical education, lots of sim opportunities
Favorite thing(s) to do in Springfield: Go to the farmers market, hike/kayak at Sangchris Lake/Lake Springfield, go to local breweries and coffee shops
Jill Nanadiego
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Undergrad: University of California, San Diego
Med school: Rocky Vista University
Hobbies/interests: Traveling, reading, playing ukulele, yoga, scuba diving, going to art museums
Why did you choose this program: I did an audition rotation at SIU, and I really liked all the attendings/residents. I felt like it was a great learning environment, good ultrasound training. Also, I liked that we work in a level 1 trauma center in both an academic and community setting, plus we have rural shifts in Taylorville, and I think it will give me a good idea of the kind of practice I want to do in the future.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: I’m still kind of exploring, but I’m liking the brewery selection here! Also, haven’t done it yet, but I hear you can rent kayaks and jet skis at Lake Springfield, so I’m definitely going to try to find time to work that in my schedule.
Aaron Rea
Hometown: Carterville, Il
Undergrad: Saint Louis University
Med School: SIUSOM
Hobbies/Interests: Playing Basketball, Keeping up with the NBA, Watching Stand up comedy
Why did you choose this program: The faculty and other residents here were always fun to work with. I felt like I would be able to see lots of high acuity patients with a significant amount of independence and simultaneously enjoy being around my co-residents and attendings.
Favorite things to do in Springfield: Hang out at the different Breweries and Washington Park