Current Residents

FIRST-YEAR RESIDENTS

Ruth Dubyel, D.O., MBA • Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences

Vanessa Knoedler I moved around a lot while growing up in an Army family, so I sometimes say that I’m from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. I went to the George Washington University in Washington, DC for undergrad. After that, I found myself working in the marketing department of a hospital in Kansas City, which is when I realized my calling in life was medicine. I attended Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, while simultaneously earning an MBA in healthcare leadership. One of my passions is providing healthcare to the underserved, and Mercy definitely fills that role. In addition, the Ob/Gyn program offers plenty of opportunity to get involved in the business side of things. I am a foodie, and there is simply not enough time to try all the restaurants in Chicago. Mercy provides great training with a diverse patient population, and Chicago offers endless dining and entertainment options. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Angela DeSantis, D.O. • Forth Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Emily Strehle Hi, my name is Angie. I am here to keep the tradition alive of residents from Texas. I grew up in Houston, Texas and went to undergrad at A&M- Corpus Christi where I planned on getting my degree in Marine Biology. Somewhere along the way, that dream disappeared and I found myself pursuing an education in medicine. I went to medical school in Fort Worth, Texas, and very quickly realized I was meant to be an OB/GYN and started applying to residencies mainly in Texas. I never even thought to consider moving out of Texas. I applied to Chicago only on a friend's suggestion and because I had heard it was an awesome city, but I never thought I would have loved this program so much and ended up moving to Chicago for 4 years! I decided this program was the perfect fit for me because of the diverse patient population and the family atmosphere, and although it is a small program there is certainly no deficiency of patients or pathology. I haven't been through a winter here in Chicago yet, but at this point I can say I am very happy with my decision to move to Chicago and join the family here at Mercy hospital.

Natasha Lowe, M.D. • Meharry Medical College

Lauren Swords Hi my name is Natasha Lowe. I am a born and bred southerner from Augusta, GA. I stayed home and attended Augusta State University, majoring in Chemistry, for undergraduate. I left Augusta for "Music City" Nashville, TN for medical school where I attended Meharry Medical College. My time at Meharry was great and that is where I decided to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. I was very excited when I learned that I would be leaving the south for Chicago. I'm sure I'll miss the mild southern winters, but I believe I have been blessed with a great opportunity to be trained at Mercy. I enjoyed my interview experience here, and it reminded me of the family-like atmosphere I had grown accustomed to at Meharry. In my life outside of medicine, I am a complete sports junkie and my favorite sport is football. The SEC is the best college football conference, and the Atlanta Falcons are on the way to winning a Superbowl. I actually have a goal of seeing a game in every NFL stadium. I also enjoy watching movies, reading, and Skyping my family back home in Georgia and South Carolina. I'm looking forward to a great four years with my new Mercy family!

SECOND-YEAR RESIDENTS

Natasha Harvey, M.D. • University of Illinois College of Medicine

My name is Natasha Harvey and I am happy to join a wonderful team of physicians here at Mercy. Being originally from Jamaica, I’ve been happy to call Chicago home for the past several years, despite the drastic difference in weather. I moved to the states to begin high school on the south side of the city, followed by attending Northwestern University, where I obtained my Bachelors degree, joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and extended my family significantly. After graduating from NU, I took a couple of years to work at a bank and then at Northwestern Memorial’s Prentice Women’s hospital in labor and delivery, the job that confirmed my decision to enter the field of obstetrics and gynecology. I then began my medical school studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition to working with a wonderful team of residents and physicians, I especially love the population of patients that Mercy Hospital serves. Furthermore, it’s so close to the heart of downtown Chicago, at its closest to plenty of restaurants, shopping, sporting events, arts and entertainment. Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, travelling back home to Jamaica (or anywhere else for that matter), shopping, hanging out by the lakefront when it’s warm and working out at my gym. Again, Chicago is a beautiful city (I always say-- if you could sit it in the middle of Miami- only for weather purposes) and a wonderful place to call home. It truly does have something for everyone.

Courtney Lockhart, M.D. • University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine at Galveston

Often times teased as a true ‘Southern Belle,’ I find myself happily transplanted now in the Great Midwest. I am originally from Houston, Texas and completed the majority of my training in The Lone Star State. I have wanted to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist since I was five years old, but it wasn’t until undergrad that I developed an additional penchant for basic science research, academia, and teaching. As a result, I completed several research endeavors at Harvard Medical School and ultimately decided to enroll in an MD-PhD Combined Degree Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch, eventually earning and defending my PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for my thesis work which studied the in vivo mechanisms of cell-signaling regulation during the process of liver regeneration. It has always been a long-time dream of mine to live in the Chicagoland, and given that Mercy has a very dynamic training program, with approachable teaching faculty and a truly varied patient demographic, I was thrilled to be able to become a part of the Mercy Hospital family. When not working though, I enjoy exploring Chicago, traveling (both here and abroad), skiing, shopping, keeping up my over 10-year habit of regular gym workouts, and playing my instrument—I am a classical oboist by training.

Maria Torres, M.D. • University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine at Galveston

Hi! My name is Maria Torres and I am one of the newbies here at Mercy. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. No I don't own a horse or have the texas twang. I went to college at Baylor University in a little town called Waco. Stuck to Texas and moved to the coast for med school at UTMB-Galveston. Finally got to leave Texas and uprooted to NY, the greatest city in the world, just above Houston of course. I worked as a surgery resident for a year and then came to my senses and came running to Chicago to pursue my lifelong dream of being an ob-gyn. I can honestly say I have made some great friends at Mercy. I work hard but love every moment of it. When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend Jay and my spoiled rotten baby Daisy, that's my dog. Can't wait to see what the future brings my way.

THIRD-YEAR RESIDENTS

Mona Nataprawira, D.O. • Des Moines University

Hello, my name is Mona Nataprawira. I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. When I was fifteen, I came to the states and continued my high school education in Corvallis, Oregon. I attended Oregon State University, and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital as Radiology tech-aide for 3 years before I moved to Des Moines, Iowa for Medical School. I love our OB/Gyn program at Mercy, where all the Attendings, residents, and staffs are very friendly and perceptive to teaching. I am very happy with my experience here at Mercy. In addition, I love living in Chicago, it’s a great city, where it has something for everybody.

Gabriela Palecek, M.D. • Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Ciudad Universitaria

Hello everyone! My name is Gabriela Palecek and I was born and raised in one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City. I studied medicine in the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; also in Mexico City I did a residency program in Ob/Gyn, and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. After we were married, my husband (a cheese head) and I decided that we will have better opportunities in the US so I moved to Madison, Wisconsin. I applied for residency programs in the Midwest, and fell in love with the friendly and enthusiastic residency program at Mercy Hospital during the interview season. It is a program with a good balance between workload and teaching, with an adequate number of patients and diverse population. If that were not enough, Chicago is a great city. I like the plentiful outdoor and indoor activities available in the area. There is so much to learn at Mercy Hospital, and too much to enjoy in Chicago.

Erica E. Taylor, M.D. • Indiana University School of Medicine

I hail from Harvey, a South Suburb of Chicago; however, I spent my last three years of high school in a small Arkansas town called Luxora. I doubt if it’s on the map, but feel free to check. I returned to Illinois for undergrad at Augustana College in Rock Island, and this is where my initial interest in women’s health and preventive medicine piqued. My road to Obstetrics and Gynecology was circuitous. Upon graduating from college, I worked in social services as a Case Manager at Cook County Correctional Center in Chicago. This job lead to a mini-career in social services lasting over six years. While working in social services, I returned to graduate school at the University of Iowa to complete a degree in Preventive Medicine with an Emphasis in Epidemiology. I am a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Upon graduating from medical school, I completed one year of Family Medicine Residency. I am ecstatic about training at Mercy and completing my dream of becoming an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. I am interested in International health; my travels have taken me to Nicaragua and Kenya. I also enjoy shopping, baking, traveling, and spending free time with my husband. Mercy is a great place to train, and Chicago is a great place to live.

FOURTH-YEAR RESIDENTS

John Paul Estrada, M.D. • Ross University School of Medicine

Hello, I’m JP. I’m a born and raised Chicagoan and very proud of it. I attended a well known all boys high school only 10 city blocks away from Mercy, named De La Salle Institute, also known for graduating our last 5 mayors of the City of Chicago. I then attended St. Mary’s University of Minnesota for undergrad where I double majored in Biology and Spanish Literature. During my college years I spent almost 8 months in Seville, Spain living and exploring the Spanish culture. I loved the warm weather so much I then attended Ross University School of Medicine in Miami, FL. where I received my Doctorate of Medicine. I was excited to make it back home near my family in Chicago and join Mercy for residency where I found a true family environment. As a third year this year I find joy in teaching my junior residents and learning under the direction of our amazing teaching attending staff. As residents we actually like spending time together and with attendings at journal clubs, recruiting dinners, and even at Bears and Sox games!

I love living near the lake, like most of my fellow residents, and enjoying the lakefront throughout the seasons. Chicago has a ton to offer and there is much to do on our time off (whenever that is). To me there is nothing better than a long run on the lake with my adorable beagle and spending time with my family including my hilarious 6 year old nephew.

Check us out, you might just fall in love with our Mercy family as we did.

Natalie Needham, M.D. • West Virgina University School of Medicine

I grew up in southern Louisiana where I attended LSU for undergrad (GEAUX TIGERS!). After graduating from West Virginia University Medical School, I began residency as a general surgeon, but realized quickly that my true interests remained in OB/Gyn.
I came to the Mercy program as a late addition, in my third year.

Although I only just arrived in Chicago this past summer, I am already feeling comfortable in my new environment. The transition from LSU in New Orleans to Chicago could have been traumatic; however, the staff and other residents at Mercy offered comfort. They made me feel instantly welcomed and taught me how to navigate the big, windy city.

I have loved taking advantage of all the free concerts, great food and friendly people that Chicago boasts. As a life-long Bears fan, I am in sports heaven, especially since some our wonderful attendings make it possible for us to see a few of the games in person!
In my free time (yes, there actually is a little free time), I love cooking, eating, and running through the city and along the lakefront. Overall, Mercy and Chicago are great places to be for residency.

David Vallejo Jr., M.D. • University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health

Hello, my name is David Vallejo Jr and I was born and raised in the far Southside of Chicago and am very familiar with this great city. I have 2 brothers, an older and a younger brother who both are accountants and constantly ask me how I ever got interested in medicine. I attended the University of Chicago and graduated in 2001. After graduating college, I joined AmeriCorps were I worked as a social worker for 2 years in the Austin neighborhood working at a community health center that served a diverse patient population. During these 2 years, my decision to go into medicine was solidified and it was here where I met my lovely wife. I am very excited about coming back to Chicago and being able to give back and serve this great community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, family and friends. In addition, I love to eat out and try the various restaurants in Chicago. I decided to come to Mercy because of its amazing staff and how welcoming the residents were while I was interviewing. In addition, the hospital’s mission to serve the underserved has always been and continues to be a value that I hold in great esteem.

FIRST-YEAR RESIDENTS
Ruth Dubyel, D.O., MBA • Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
	I moved around a lot while growing up in an Army family, so I sometimes say that I’m from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. I went to the George Washington University in Washington, DC for undergrad. After that, I found myself working in the marketing department of a hospital in Kansas City, which is when I realized my calling in life was medicine. I attended Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, while simultaneously earning an MBA in healthcare leadership. One of my passions is providing healthcare to the underserved, and Mercy definitely fills that role. In addition, the Ob/Gyn program offers plenty of opportunity to get involved in the business side of things. I am a foodie, and there is simply not enough time to try all the restaurants in Chicago. Mercy provides great training with a diverse patient population, and Chicago offers endless dining and entertainment options. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Angela DeSantis, D.O. • Forth Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
	Hi, my name is Angie. I am here to keep the tradition alive of residents from Texas. I grew up in Houston, Texas and went to undergrad at A&M- Corpus Christi where I planned on getting my degree in Marine Biology. Somewhere along the way, that dream disappeared and I found myself pursuing an education in medicine. I went to medical school in Fort Worth, Texas, and very quickly realized I was meant to be an OB/GYN and started applying to residencies mainly in Texas. I never even thought to consider moving out of Texas. I applied to Chicago only on a friend's suggestion and because I had heard it was an awesome city, but I never thought I would have loved this program so much and ended up moving to Chicago for 4 years! I decided this program was the perfect fit for me because of the diverse patient population and the family atmosphere, and although it is a small program there is certainly no deficiency of patients or pathology. I haven't been through a winter here in Chicago yet, but at this point I can say I am very happy with my decision to move to Chicago and join the family here at Mercy hospital.

Natasha Lowe, M.D. • Meharry Medical College
	Hi my name is Natasha Lowe. I am a born and bred southerner from Augusta, GA. I stayed home and attended Augusta State University, majoring in Chemistry, for undergraduate. I left Augusta for "Music City" Nashville, TN for medical school where I attended Meharry Medical College. My time at Meharry was great and that is where I decided to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. I was very excited when I learned that I would be leaving the south for Chicago. I'm sure I'll miss the mild southern winters, but I believe I have been blessed with a great opportunity to be trained at Mercy. I enjoyed my interview experience here, and it reminded me of the family-like atmosphere I had grown accustomed to at Meharry. In my life outside of medicine, I am a complete sports junkie and my favorite sport is football. The SEC is the best college football conference, and the Atlanta Falcons are on the way to winning a Superbowl. I actually have a goal of seeing a game in every NFL stadium. I also enjoy watching movies, reading, and Skyping my family back home in Georgia and South Carolina. I'm looking forward to a great four years with my new Mercy family!

SECOND-YEAR RESIDENTS
Natasha Harvey, M.D. • University of Illinois College of Medicine
	My name is Natasha Harvey and I am happy to join a wonderful team of physicians here at Mercy. Being originally from Jamaica, I’ve been happy to call Chicago home for the past several years, despite the drastic difference in weather. I moved to the states to begin high school on the south side of the city, followed by attending Northwestern University, where I obtained my Bachelors degree, joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and extended my family significantly. After graduating from NU, I took a couple of years to work at a bank and then at Northwestern Memorial’s Prentice Women’s hospital in labor and delivery, the job that confirmed my decision to enter the field of obstetrics and gynecology. I then began my medical school studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition to working with a wonderful team of residents and physicians, I especially love the population of patients that Mercy Hospital serves. Furthermore, it’s so close to the heart of downtown Chicago, at its closest to plenty of restaurants, shopping, sporting events, arts and entertainment. Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, travelling back home to Jamaica (or anywhere else for that matter), shopping, hanging out by the lakefront when it’s warm and working out at my gym. Again, Chicago is a beautiful city (I always say-- if you could sit it in the middle of Miami- only for weather purposes) and a wonderful place to call home. It truly does have something for everyone.

Courtney Lockhart, M.D. • University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine at Galveston
	Often times teased as a true ‘Southern Belle,’ I find myself happily transplanted now in the Great Midwest. I am originally from Houston, Texas and completed the majority of my training in The Lone Star State. I have wanted to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist since I was five years old, but it wasn’t until undergrad that I developed an additional penchant for basic science research, academia, and teaching. As a result, I completed several research endeavors at Harvard Medical School and ultimately decided to enroll in an MD-PhD Combined Degree Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch, eventually earning and defending my PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for my thesis work which studied the in vivo mechanisms of cell-signaling regulation during the process of liver regeneration. It has always been a long-time dream of mine to live in the Chicagoland, and given that Mercy has a very dynamic training program, with approachable teaching faculty and a truly varied patient demographic, I was thrilled to be able to become a part of the Mercy Hospital family. When not working though, I enjoy exploring Chicago, traveling (both here and abroad), skiing, shopping, keeping up my over 10-year habit of regular gym workouts, and playing my instrument—I am a classical oboist by training.

Maria Torres, M.D. • University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine at Galveston
	Hi! My name is Maria Torres and I am one of the newbies here at Mercy. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. No I don't own a horse or have the texas twang. I went to college at Baylor University in a little town called Waco. Stuck to Texas and moved to the coast for med school at UTMB-Galveston. Finally got to leave Texas and uprooted to NY, the greatest city in the world, just above Houston of course. I worked as a surgery resident for a year and then came to my senses and came running to Chicago to pursue my lifelong dream of being an ob-gyn. I can honestly say I have made some great friends at Mercy. I work hard but love every moment of it. When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend Jay and my spoiled rotten baby Daisy, that's my dog. Can't wait to see what the future brings my way.

THIRD-YEAR RESIDENTS
Mona Nataprawira, D.O. • Des Moines University
	Hello, my name is Mona Nataprawira. I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. When I was fifteen, I came to the states and continued my high school education in Corvallis, Oregon. I attended Oregon State University, and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital as Radiology tech-aide for 3 years before I moved to Des Moines, Iowa for Medical School. I love our OB/Gyn program at Mercy, where all the Attendings, residents, and staffs are very friendly and perceptive to teaching. I am very happy with my experience here at Mercy. In addition, I love living in Chicago, it’s a great city, where it has something for everybody.

Gabriela Palecek, M.D. • Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Ciudad Universitaria
	Hello everyone! My name is Gabriela Palecek and I was born and raised in one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City. I studied medicine in the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; also in Mexico City I did a residency program in Ob/Gyn, and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. After we were married, my husband (a cheese head) and I decided that we will have better opportunities in the US so I moved to Madison, Wisconsin. I applied for residency programs in the Midwest, and fell in love with the friendly and enthusiastic residency program at Mercy Hospital during the interview season. It is a program with a good balance between workload and teaching, with an adequate number of patients and diverse population. If that were not enough, Chicago is a great city. I like the plentiful outdoor and indoor activities available in the area. There is so much to learn at Mercy Hospital, and too much to enjoy in Chicago.

Erica E. Taylor, M.D. • Indiana University School of Medicine
	I hail from Harvey, a South Suburb of Chicago; however, I spent my last three years of high school in a small Arkansas town called Luxora. I doubt if it’s on the map, but feel free to check. I returned to Illinois for undergrad at Augustana College in Rock Island, and this is where my initial interest in women’s health and preventive medicine piqued. My road to Obstetrics and Gynecology was circuitous. Upon graduating from college, I worked in social services as a Case Manager at Cook County Correctional Center in Chicago. This job lead to a mini-career in social services lasting over six years. While working in social services, I returned to graduate school at the University of Iowa to complete a degree in Preventive Medicine with an Emphasis in Epidemiology. I am a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Upon graduating from medical school, I completed one year of Family Medicine Residency. I am ecstatic about training at Mercy and completing my dream of becoming an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. I am interested in International health; my travels have taken me to Nicaragua and Kenya. I also enjoy shopping, baking, traveling, and spending free time with my husband. Mercy is a great place to train, and Chicago is a great place to live.

FOURTH-YEAR RESIDENTS
John Paul Estrada, M.D. • Ross University School of Medicine
	Hello, I’m JP. I’m a born and raised Chicagoan and very proud of it. I attended a well known all boys high school only 10 city blocks away from Mercy, named De La Salle Institute, also known for graduating our last 5 mayors of the City of Chicago. I then attended St. Mary’s University of Minnesota for undergrad where I double majored in Biology and Spanish Literature. During my college years I spent almost 8 months in Seville, Spain living and exploring the Spanish culture. I loved the warm weather so much I then attended Ross University School of Medicine in Miami, FL. where I received my Doctorate of Medicine. I was excited to make it back home near my family in Chicago and join Mercy for residency where I found a true family environment. As a third year this year I find joy in teaching my junior residents and learning under the direction of our amazing teaching attending staff. As residents we actually like spending time together and with attendings at journal clubs, recruiting dinners, and even at Bears and Sox games! I love living near the lake, like most of my fellow residents, and enjoying the lakefront throughout the seasons. Chicago has a ton to offer and there is much to do on our time off (whenever that is). To me there is nothing better than a long run on the lake with my adorable beagle and spending time with my family including my hilarious 6 year old nephew. Check us out, you might just fall in love with our Mercy family as we did.

Natalie Needham, M.D. • West Virgina University School of Medicine
	I grew up in southern Louisiana where I attended LSU for undergrad (GEAUX TIGERS!). After graduating from West Virginia University Medical School, I began residency as a general surgeon, but realized quickly that my true interests remained in OB/Gyn. I came to the Mercy program as a late addition, in my third year. Although I only just arrived in Chicago this past summer, I am already feeling comfortable in my new environment. The transition from LSU in New Orleans to Chicago could have been traumatic; however, the staff and other residents at Mercy offered comfort. They made me feel instantly welcomed and taught me how to navigate the big, windy city. I have loved taking advantage of all the free concerts, great food and friendly people that Chicago boasts. As a life-long Bears fan, I am in sports heaven, especially since some our wonderful attendings make it possible for us to see a few of the games in person! In my free time (yes, there actually is a little free time), I love cooking, eating, and running through the city and along the lakefront. Overall, Mercy and Chicago are great places to be for residency.

David Vallejo Jr., M.D. • University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health
	Hello, my name is David Vallejo Jr and I was born and raised in the far Southside of Chicago and am very familiar with this great city. I have 2 brothers, an older and a younger brother who both are accountants and constantly ask me how I ever got interested in medicine. I attended the University of Chicago and graduated in 2001. After graduating college, I joined AmeriCorps were I worked as a social worker for 2 years in the Austin neighborhood working at a community health center that served a diverse patient population. During these 2 years, my decision to go into medicine was solidified and it was here where I met my lovely wife. I am very excited about coming back to Chicago and being able to give back and serve this great community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, family and friends. In addition, I love to eat out and try the various restaurants in Chicago. I decided to come to Mercy because of its amazing staff and how welcoming the residents were while I was interviewing. In addition, the hospital’s mission to serve the underserved has always been and continues to be a value that I hold in great esteem.