Health Careers Institute - IL

Angela Hendricks - Student Doctor, Class of 2029

Hi everyone! My name is Angela Hendricks, and I’m heading into my second-year of medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM). I’m originally from Racine, Wisconsin, and now live in West Chicago with my husband and two cats (Ernie and Louie). I recently graduated from the Biomedical Sciences master's degree program here at Midwestern, but I went to UW-Oshkosh for undergrad, where I played collegiate soccer, and later became a respiratory therapist before continuing on to medical school. I’m interested in emergency medicine and possibly sports medicine, and I hope to one day work with a professional sports team. I love staying active, reading thriller novels, and spending time up north in Wautoma, Wisconsin. I’m always happy to answer questions and talk about different paths into healthcare. I’m excited to meet you all and be part of this experience!

Anjaly Kappen - Student Doctor, Class of 2029

Hello! My name is Anjaly Kappen, and I am a rising second-year medical student. I'm excited to meet everyone! I am originally from Elmhurst, IL, and attended university in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biology and my Bachelor of Arts in English. I have worked as both a medical assistant and a substitute teacher during my undergraduate career. I chose to pursue medicine because I find it fulfilling to be knowledgeable enough to help others.

Outside of medical school, I enjoy playing badminton and volleyball. I also enjoy spending time with my cat, Jhumka. Spending time with my friends and trying new restaurants is my favorite way to spend my free time. I hope that as a mentor, I can provide insight into why medicine may be the right choice for you. 

Anna Akins - Student Dentist, Class of 2029

Hello, my name is Anna Akins, and I am currently going through my first year of dental school! I went to Kennesaw State University and majored in Biochemistry, then I went to Boston University and got my master's in Medical Science. I took a gap year before entering into dental school, where I worked at an endodontist's office. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, and trying new restaurants!

I got into dentistry when I shadowed a pediatric dentist, and I loved the care the dentist was able to provide for her patients! I love how hands-on dentistry is, and I love being able to build patient relationships. I am excited to meet all of you, and I am excited to show you what a career in dentistry looks like. 

Bhavya Joshi - Student Doctor, Class of 2029

My name is Bhavya, and I am currently finishing my first year of medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign back in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my gap years, I worked as an EMT in the greater Chicagoland area, as a medical assistant at a local cardiovascular practice, and as a home health aide for the elderly. Outside of school, I love sports, watching movies, playing video games, and spending time with my friends and family. My main interests are in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) and internal medicine, but I am still open and excited to explore all specialties and see which resonates most with me. I hope that as a mentor, I can share my experience in medicine thus far and encourage others to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. I look forward to meeting you all this summer!

Brenna Ciemy - Student Doctor, Class of 2029

Hi everyone! My name is Bre Ciemny, and I am a rising second-year medical student at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. I am from Shorewood, Illinois, and I graduated from the the University of Alabama in May 2025, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Spanish. I volunteered in the hospital in various departments both in Illinois and Alabama, and I traveled to Costa Rica on a medical volunteer trip. I loved being able to explore a new culture while helping provide medical care to communities that did not have regular access to it. I also worked in a research lab studying traumatic brain injury using animal models, including goats and woodpeckers. My interest in medicine stems from a desire to advocate for those who cannot do so for themselves while helping each patient achieve their health goals as a team.  

In my free time, I love to stay active, whether that is in the gym, running, or playing soccer. I enjoy exploring Chicago with friends as well as traveling to new places. My passion for soccer, and sports in general, has led me to an interest in sports medicine. I advise those interested in healthcare to follow their passions but remember to keep an open mind. Also, always give everything your best effort, but remember to find time for the things that make you happy, because it is a long journey, but so worth it! I am excited to be a mentor this summer and cannot wait to meet all of you!

Humair Raziuddin - Student Doctor, Class of 2029

Hello! My name is Humair Raziuddin, and I am a rising second-year medical student at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, specifically Naperville, Illinois. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2021, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I also completed a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Rosalind Franklin University.

Outside of academics, I enjoy longboarding, photography, working out, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am passionate about community involvement and have volunteered in a variety of settings, including an after-school program at a community house, mentoring high school students through Mini Med School at Midwestern University, teaching health education in Chicago Public Schools, and volunteering at a community clinic.

For those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, my advice is to take time to reflect on your motivations and values. Understanding why healthcare is meaningful to you will help you grow into a confident and compassionate professional and connect more deeply with your patients. Everyone’s journey looks different, and that is okay. Stay open to growth, learn from challenges, advocate for yourself, and believe in your abilities. We are here to support you as you continue on this path!

Joana Mathew - Biomedical Sciences Student, Class of 2026

Hi everyone! My name is Joana Mathew, and I am currently pursuing my Master's in Biomedical Sciences at Midwestern University on the pre-medicine track. I was born and raised in Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a Bachelor's in Integrated Health Studies. In my undergraduate studies, I worked as a research assistant in Dr. Rachel Gordon’s lab at UIC’s Institute for Health Research and Policy, as well as an EMT at Medical Express (MedEx) Ambulance Service. After graduating, I took a gap year and worked as an Emergency Department Technician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and at Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Now, as an MABS student, I am currently contributing to research in the Microbiology/Immunology department under Dr. Ira Sigar!

As a non-traditional student, my journey hasn’t always been what I expected — and that’s okay! I’ve learned that it’s normal to change directions, try new things, and grow along the way. My biggest advice is to stay curious, ask questions, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and believe in yourself even when things feel challenging. Every experience you have can help shape who you become. I’m really excited to meet you all and support you on your own journeys!

Joe Laffin - Student Dentist, Class of 2029

I recently completed my first year of dental school and am working toward my long-term goal of becoming a periodontist. Before beginning dental school, I spent seven years as a dental hygienist, gaining extensive experience in patient care and developing a strong passion for dentistry. My background in clinical dentistry has given me valuable insight into the profession and motivates me to guide and support students who are exploring careers in healthcare. Outside of academics and dentistry, I enjoy staying active through playing hockey and hiking. I believe maintaining balance between professional goals and personal interests is important for long-term success. I’m excited to be part of the program and look forward to sharing my experiences, offering guidance, and helping students feel confident as they explore their future paths.

Jolene Noack - Biomedical Sciences Student, Class of 2027

Hi everyone! My name is Jolene, and I am a first-year student in the Master of Biomedical Sciences program. My path towards MWU has been anything but traditional. I’m an immigrant and first-generation college student. I started my education at a local community college, completed my bachelor’s degree online while working full-time, and ultimately found my way into an on-campus graduate program without family nearby to guide me through the process.  Because of this, I’m especially passionate about reassuring others that there is no single “right” timeline. Taking time to explore your interests, build experience, and grow into your goals is not a setback - it’s an advantage.

Outside of academics, I love traveling - especially visiting my home in Germany whenever I can - reading, and house hunting. As a former Pediatric Dental Assistant, I remain passionate about my work in the dental field and volunteer my time as often as possible. 

My advice to students considering their future is simple: don’t rush your journey or compare it to anyone else’s. There is so much value in taking time to explore, learn, and discover what truly excites you. The MBS program has been an incredible environment to explore different career paths in healthcare, gain exposure to research and leadership opportunities, and build confidence before pursuing the next step, whatever that may be!

Sydney Katz - Student Doctor, Class of 2029

Hi! My name is Sydney Katz, and I am currently finishing my first year of medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM). I am from Frederick, Maryland, and I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024. Outside of school, I love to play volleyball, crochet, and watch plays/musicals. I am currently interested in pediatrics and internal medicine. I am very excited about being a mentor and look forward to working with you all this summer!

Zoe Burg - Student Doctor, Class of 2029

Hi! My name is Zoe Burg, and I just finished my first year of medical school. I am originally from Los Angeles, CA. I went to Loyola University of Chicago, where I majored in Biology. I was an Emergency Medical Technician for three years and a Patient Care Technician on an Oncology and Hospice unit during my gap year. I also volunteered at a dog rescue called CARE. In my free time, I enjoy doing hot yoga, reading, and crafting.  

My journey to medicine started at a summer camp in high school, similar to the Health Careers Institute! I loved how much there is to learn in medicine, especially all the hands-on skills. This is a time and place to explore your curiosity about medicine. I am so excited to be on the mentoring side now, and I can’t wait to meet all of you! 

Naomi Rajesh – Student Doctor, Class of 2028

Hello! My name is Naomi Rajesh, and I am entering my third year of medical school. I graduated from UIC in 2023 with a bachelor of science in integrated health studies and went on to complete my master’s in Biomedical Sciences at Midwestern in 2024.

During my undergraduate years, I gained valuable experience working as an ancillary receptionist for Duly Medical Group and as an EMT with Medex Chicago. I have also been involved in research, working with the Fraidenburg Lab at the UIC College of Medicine and currently contributing to the Sundaresan Lab at Midwestern.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of balance. My biggest advice is to never lose sight of the things that bring you joy and keep you healthy. For me, that means making time for my passions—dance and cooking—while staying committed to my studies. It’s easy to get caught up in academics, but nurturing your interests helps you be the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally.