Paul Joseph Guentert

So often, the inspiration to become a doctor comes from family members who were in the medical field. For Dr. LaToya Perry, a first generation physician and college graduate, the decision was far more personal. "I first gained interest in the medical field when I was in middle school. My grandmother raised 10 children, my mom being the tenth child. " The glue that held her family together, Dr. Perry's grandmother also struggled with many chronic health issues, which ultimately led to her passing. "I remember our family in crisis at the loss, and a lot of anger toward the medical field," she explains. "That anger, I would later understand, was rooted in fear of the unknown. That is what drew me to the medical field. " She wanted to know everything about medicine, and to prevent her family from experiencing such a crisis again. "While I was in high school, I was fortunate to be accepted to a pre-medical training program at the Medical College of Wisconsin. That experience solidified my interest in medicine, the field of surgery, and my passion for women's health." Dr. Perry chose Gynecologic Oncology because, as a surgeon, it enables her to physically intervene in a patient's pathological course and get immediate results. "Combining my love of surgery with my desire to stand and fight for women who have not been historically prioritized truly drives my mission in medicine." She also calls upon her extensive training in the biomedical sciences, and her love for the art of research, in the fight to discover a cure for cancer. In her own words: Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My grandmothers. They were the epitome of strength and perseverance. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I have always worked in medicine. My first job was a mentor/teaching assistant for a science academy. I remember all the elementary school kids were so inquisitive and smart. It was very inspirational. What is your favorite food? Movie? What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite food is salmon. My favorite movie is the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder. My best subject was English. I wanted to be a writer for a long time. My worst subject was math. I ended up doing very well in math through the years, but I always had to work really hard to make the grade. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Maya Angelou. As an eloquent writer and poet, I feel like she has so much life experience with love and emotions. I would like to partake of her wisdom. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? My spiritual journey with God.

About Dr. Yaseen Dr. Zuhair H. Yaseen believes that being a physician is the finest and most rewarding profession. “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor,” he says. “I was raised and nurtured to achieve that within a caring family.” Now, Dr. Yaseen practices that care with his gastroenterology patients. “Taking care of patients is the only job I know. Gastroenterology is about disease prevention and maintaining the health of people as much as it is about treating medical conditions.” Dr. Yaseen earned his medical degree at Tishreen University Medical School in Latakia, Syria. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Gastroenterology Fellowship at Michigan State University. He also worked at Mayo Clinic for seven years. “I chose this specialty to combine intellectual skills of being a physician with technical skills of procedures. I make a difference applying knowledge and technical skills at the same time, while also dealing with health and disease.” While the gastroenterology field – and medicine as a whole – is evolving, Dr. Yaseen remains focused on what the patient needs are. “The health care profession still needs a personal touch, which the digital age has struggled to maintain,” he says. “COVID taught us how we are all vulnerable, and we have to reinvent health as a prevention method first.” This mindset shapes Dr. Yaseen’s practice philosophy. “I want to find the balance we are all looking for: technology, innovation, personalized and compassionate care in a timely manner. One patient at a time, one message at a time.” In his own words Who is your biggest role model? I have been influenced by several people throughout my life. Doctors Patrick Alguire and Michael Zaroukian influenced my professional career as my residency directors. They coached me throughout my training and gave me a strong foundation of what I need in critical decision model analysis, medical informatics and a patient-centered approach to medicine. Steve Jobs, as an innovator, inspired me to adopt simplicity in presenting complex tasks we encounter. “Make it simple.” Outside of medicine, what are your interests? Hobbies? I enjoy playing classical guitar, nature walks and photography. I spend time with my wife and three kids, who keep us busy.

About Dr. Nidea Dr. Luis A. Nidea decided to become a doctor at eight years old. “Growing up in the Philippines, I helped my mother and father in their walk-in clinic adjacent to the house I grew up in,” Dr. Nidea says. “I liked watching them help people who came in to get medical treatment.” Dr. Nidea followed in his parents’ footsteps by becoming a gastroenterologist. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Nidea completed his Gastroenterology Fellowship at Cook County Hospital and John H. Stoger Jr. Hospital. “I am a healer and teacher,” says Dr. Nidea. “As a physician, I studied and trained to help diagnose and treat medical illnesses. As a teacher, I educate others on wellness and preventive health.” In gastroenterology and hepatology, there’s always an opportunity to do this. “I am passionate about preventing cancer of the GI tract and liver as well as treating inflammation of the GI system.” Dr. Nidea’s education and commitment to the Hippocratic Oath shape his practice philosophy. “I took a sacred oath to practice medicine with compassion and humility and provide for all persons regardless of gender, religion, color or financial ability,” Dr. Nidea says. “I count it as an honor and serve patients to the very best of my ability.” In his own words Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? Jesus Christ. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? Librarian … I love to read books and preserve them. What is your favorite food? Movie? What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Medium-rare ribeye, Field of Dreams, psychology/organic chemistry. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone, alive or deceased, who would it be and why? Vincent Van Gough. I want to hear his feelings of depression and loneliness that allowed him to create his brushstroke into masterpieces. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? Medical missions and pickle ball.