Rush University’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program stands as a beacon of excellence in medical education, cultivating the next generation of expert pulmonologists and intensivists. Mirroring the commitment to outstanding patient care found in leading institutions like the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Program Pulmonary Critical Care, Rush offers a rigorous and supportive environment for fellows to thrive. This program is designed to provide comprehensive training, exposing fellows to a diverse range of clinical challenges and fostering a collaborative community. Get to know the talented individuals who make our fellowship program exceptional.
Meet Our Third Year Fellows
Our third-year fellows are in the final stages of their intensive training, poised to become leaders in pulmonary and critical care medicine. They embody the dedication and expertise that define the Rush program.
Piotr Babinski, MD
Dr. Babinski’s journey at Rush has been driven by the institution’s commitment to clinical excellence and a supportive atmosphere. His residency at Loyola University Chicago laid a strong foundation, and at Rush, he has found a program that balances rigorous training with genuine camaraderie. “RUSH is an amazing institution to train at because of its clinical excellence and dedication to high quality care,” Dr. Babinski notes. “But most importantly, I chose RUSH because of the community and camaraderie that is present within the department that makes it a fun and engaging place to train.” His clinical interests are sharply focused on pulmonary hypertension and critical care ultrasonography, areas where he aims to make significant contributions. Outside of his demanding medical pursuits, Dr. Babinski enjoys the outdoors, with passions for camping, hiking, and gardening.
Sarah Bjork, MD
Dr. Bjork joined Rush after completing her residency at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, attracted by Rush’s reputation for integrating research-driven patient care with a commitment to medical excellence. She emphasizes the supportive nature of the program, highlighting its encouragement of fellows to develop into well-rounded Pulmonary Critical Care Physicians. “RUSH easily became my top choice for fellowship training due to its combination of high-quality research driven patient care and reputation for excellence in medicine,” Dr. Bjork explains. “During my interview it became apparent that the program is supportive and encouraging of its fellows to become well-rounded Pulmonary Critical Care Physicians while exposing them to complex pathology and clinical scenarios in a large academic setting.” Her clinical interests span interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, and the long-term effects of post-ICU syndrome, reflecting a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes in these challenging areas. Beyond her medical career, Dr. Bjork enjoys exploring culinary arts, attending yoga classes, and visiting museums.
Deepanjali Jain, MD
Dr. Jain’s decision to train at Rush was influenced by the palpable sense of community and diversity she observed during her interview process, even in a virtual setting. Her residency at Temple University honed her clinical skills, and she sought a fellowship program where professional respect and personal enjoyment were intertwined. “I chose Rush because of the camaraderie and diversity I witnessed during my interview day,” Dr. Jain states. “Although it was over zoom, it was clear that everyone I met respected and enjoyed the company of their colleagues. Medicine, and especially PCCM, has been a taxing field over the last few years and I wanted to find a home somewhere where people still felt joy in their work.” With broad clinical interests, Dr. Jain is eager to refine her niche within pulmonary and critical care over the next three years. Outside of her medical life, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and immersing herself in crime-related media, and is excited to explore Chicago’s vegetarian food scene.
William Thinnes, MD
Having completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Rush University, Dr. Thinnes’s choice to continue for his fellowship was a testament to the program’s exceptional people and supportive environment. The welcoming nature and clinical expertise of the Pulmonary and Critical Care department solidified his decision to stay. “After spending three years at RUSH for my Internal Medicine Residency, I chose to stay at RUSH for fellowship because of the people,” Dr. Thinnes remarks. “The welcoming nature of the Pulmonary and Critical Care department combined with their clinical expertise made RUSH the perfect place to train for fellowship.” His research interests are focused on family communication in the ICU and medical education, aiming to improve both patient and physician experiences. Outside of work, Dr. Thinnes values time with his family, including his wife and dog, and enjoys playing basketball and golf.
Meet Our Second Year Fellows
Our second-year fellows are deepening their expertise and taking on more complex cases, further developing their skills in pulmonary and critical care.
Uba Chinyere Udeh, MD
Dr. Udeh’s enthusiasm for her training at Rush is evident, drawn by the institution’s strong support system and collegial atmosphere, which she observed during her interview. Her residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Harrisburg, provided her with a solid clinical foundation, and Rush’s commitment to clinical training and research opportunities was a major draw. “I am excited about my upcoming training at Rush,” Dr. Udeh shares. “I was drawn to Rush due to the exceptional support and collegial atmosphere I witnessed during my interview. The institution’s commitment to delivering excellent clinical training, along with numerous research and educational prospects, greatly appealed to me.” Her primary interests lie in ILD and pulmonary hypertension, along with quality improvement and medical education, indicating a comprehensive approach to patient care and system enhancement. Beyond her professional life, Dr. Udeh enjoys hiking, cooking, and shopping, and is eager to explore Chicago.
Manuel Hache Marliere, MD
Dr. Marliere chose Rush because of the program’s emphasis on complex care training and the opportunity to serve a diverse community. His residency at Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine provided him with a strong foundation, and he was particularly impressed by the positive and collaborative environment at Rush. “I chose Rush because of the complex care training that fellows receive and the opportunity to provide care to an underserved and diverse community,” Dr. Marliere explains. “During my interviews, I was impressed by the positive attitude and camaraderie of the fellows, and I knew I wanted to be a part of a place where people were excited to come to work.” His clinical interests are centered on mechanical ventilation, ARDS, and medical education, while his research interests include ARDS, obstructive lung diseases, and end-of-life care, showcasing a broad commitment to critical care challenges. Outside of his demanding profession, Dr. Marliere enjoys spending time with his family and exploring coffee shops, and running.
Emmy Mai, MD
Dr. Mai was drawn to Rush University by its clear values, which aligned with her own: strong clinical training, high-quality patient care, and diversity. Her residency at the University of Cincinnati prepared her for the rigors of fellowship, and she found the faculty at Rush to be welcoming and intelligent, even in virtual interactions. “Rush University is clearly a fantastic program that I am excited to train at,” Dr. Mai states. “Their core values aligned with mine- training clinically strong fellows, high quality patient care, diversity in staff and pathologies. In addition, I felt that the faculty I met, even virtually, were welcoming, friendly, and intelligent.” Her interests in pulmonology include pulmonary hypertension and COPD/asthma, with an openness to exploring further specializations. Outside of her medical career, Dr. Mai enjoys running, hiking, reading, and watching TV.
Guillermo Asmar Vargas, MD
Dr. Vargas’s positive experience during a rotation at Rush University Medical Center during his Internal Medicine Residency at TriHealth Good Samaritan Hospital solidified his choice for fellowship. He experienced firsthand the program’s broad exposure to pulmonary medicine and critical care, and felt welcomed by the fellows and attendings. “During my Internal Medicine Residency, I had the opportunity to do a 1-month rotation at RUSH University Medical Center,” Dr. Vargas recalls. “I experienced firsthand the broad exposure to both pulmonary medicine and critical care that the fellowship program offered. But more importantly, I enjoyed working with the fellows and attendings who welcomed me as one of their own, and I felt like an integral part of the team. Additionally, the family-oriented and camaraderie environment at RUSH played an essential role in my decision to train here.” His clinical interests include pulmonary hypertension, interventional pulmonology, POCUS, and palliative care in the ICU, reflecting a diverse skillset. Outside of medicine, Dr. Vargas enjoys family time, exploring restaurants, traveling, and playing video games.
Meet Our First Year Fellows
Our first-year fellows are just beginning their journey at Rush, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the program.
Sidra Salman, MD
Dr. Salman chose Rush University’s fellowship for its diverse clinical opportunities, focus on medical education, and supportive community. Her residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Morningside-West provided a robust clinical background. “I chose Rush University’s Pulmonary-Critical Care fellowship due to the diverse clinical opportunities and patient population, emphasis on medical education, and supportive faculty and fellows,” Dr. Salman explains. She is particularly interested in medical education and interventional procedures, aiming to contribute to advancements in these areas. Outside of her medical pursuits, Dr. Salman enjoys exploring Chicago’s food scene, baking, playing the piano, and spending time with her Maltipoo.
Jesse Kelso, MD
Dr. Kelso’s ambition to become a leader in ICU literature and efficiency is matched by his confidence in Rush’s training program. His residency at the University of Chicago (NorthShore) has prepared him for this rigorous fellowship. “I chose Rush because I knew at the end of fellowship I would be as well trained as anyone in the country,” Dr. Kelso states emphatically. “I hope to be a game changer in ICU literature and efficiency, and I know it will be the great teaching of the physicians at Rush that will get me there.” He is passionate about exercise and any activity that involves movement, bringing energy and enthusiasm to both his professional and personal life.
Francis Cocjin, MD
Dr. Cocjin was attracted to Rush’s reputation for exceptional patient care and strong community, a sentiment echoed by friends who had previously trained at Rush. His residency at Loyola University Medical Center provided a strong clinical foundation. “I chose Rush for its reputation of delivering exceptional patient care and fostering a strong sense of community among its trainees,” Dr. Cocjin notes. “Even during the virtual interview process, I felt the camaraderie that my friends who trained here prior always raved about.” His career interests include medical education, particularly for medical students, and pulmonary hypertension. Outside of medicine, Dr. Cocjin enjoys board games, rock climbing, and exploring Chicago’s diverse culinary offerings with his partner.
Arianne Wenk, MD
Dr. Wenk is enthusiastic about learning from Rush’s excellent faculty and diverse patient population, building upon her medical school education at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and dual residency at the University of Illinois Chicago. “I’m excited to start fellowship in Pulmonary Critical Care at Rush University to learn from both the excellent faculty and diverse patient population,” Dr. Wenk states. Currently intrigued by pulmonary hypertension, she is eager to explore other areas within pulmonary medicine and is also passionate about post-ICU syndrome and delirium prevention. Outside of her medical interests, Dr. Wenk enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, traveling, and crocheting.
Rush University’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program is proud to welcome and support these exceptional fellows. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to excellence enrich our program and contribute to our mission of providing outstanding patient care and advancing medical knowledge, in the spirit of leading healthcare networks like the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network program pulmonary critical care initiatives. We look forward to their continued growth and contributions to the field.
