Meet the Residents

Meet the 2012-2013 Saint Francis Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents!

PGY-4

Erin Barkau, M.D.

Undergraduate Degree: Southeast Missouri State University

Medical Degree: University of Illinois College of Medicine

I am originally from southern Illinois and so I looked for a residency program in the Midwest reasonably close to my friends and family. I chose Saint Francis Hospital because it is a small community program with a close-knit group of residents that think of each other as family. At Saint Francis, I have had excellent role models that have helped me hone my skills as an obstetrician/gynecologist. My boyfriend and I couples matched for his transitional year, and he is now my husband and resident in Nuclear Medicine at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood. In my free time, I enjoy going out with friends, reading, traveling, shopping, and visiting family.

Theresa Conyac, M.D.

Undergraduate Degree: North Central College, IL

Medical Degree: Loyola University Chicago, IL

I was born in Spokane, Washington, and raised in the western Chicago suburbs. I enjoy Thai food, hiking adventures, golfing, snowboarding, and playing with my two puppies.  I earned my Baccalaureates in chemistry and biology from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois and completed medical school at Loyola University Chicago. After one year of Family Practice at the University of Hawaii, my true calling to Obstetrics and Gynecology rang clear. I am extremely satisfied with the choice of Ob/Gyn and even more so with the Saint Francis environment; I was drawn to Saint Francis by its overall sense of practical application and community setting. The addition of breast health management is an added gem. Excellent attendings, team spirited colleagues, personable ancillary staff and patient diversity are just a few perks of the educational experience.

PGY-3

Maria Thomas, D.O.

Undergraduate Degree: University of California at Berkeley, CA

Medical Degree: Touro University School of Osteopathic Medicine, CA

Born in East Germany, I have lived in California for the past twenty years. I spend my personal time hiking, diving, and traveling the world with my husband. I chose Saint Francis OB/GYN residency program because of its professionalism and passion for women's healthcare. We are a small close knit program dedicated to learning, teaching, and supporting each other.

Jennifer Ozan, D.O.

Undergraduate Degree: Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY

Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, TX

I completed my undergrad training at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York and then moved to Fort Worth, Texas to attend the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. I chose Saint Francis residency program because it offers a great community experience with a diverse patient population. The small program caters to hands-on learning with a great support system from your fellow residents and attendings.

PGY-2

Amy Gingery, M.D.

Medical School: Indiana University College of Medicine

I was born, raised, and educated in Indiana. So when I began applying for residency positions, I knew I wanted to stay in the Midwest to be close to friends and family throughout the challenging process of residency. At the same time, I craved a diverse educational experience that would prepare me for the ever-changing world of OB/GYN. Saint Francis offers all of this in a collegial and supportive environment. The attending physicians are both approachable and well-versed in current practice, creating a close-knit and friendly environment. In my free time, I enjoy art and shopping, making the close proximity to Chicago ideal. Saint Francis is an extraordinary program, and I feel truly blessed to have been accepted here.

Veronica Arauz, M.D.

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine

I am from the Chicagoland area and looked for a residency program in Illinois close to my friends and family. I chose Saint Francis Hospital because of its diverse patient population, excellent attendings and fun residents that are friendly, team-spirited, and enthusiastic to share their knowledge. I am constantly inspired by the passion and hard work that is demonstrated by my attendings and co-residents.

PGY-1

Lara Garrity, D.O.

Undergraduate Degree: University of California

Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, CA

I am originally from California and I completed my undergraduate degree as well as my medical degree there. During the interim, I worked in HIV prevention in San Francisco and then spent two years in Philadelphia, completing my Master's in Biology.

I chose the Saint Francis OB/GYN residency program because of its close knit group of hardworking and supportive residents, its dedicated attendings and the extensive hands on experience that the program provides. My personal interests within the OB/GYN field include LGBT health and international women's health care. In my downtime I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. 

Kevin Ward, D.O.

Undergraduate Degree: Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Ga-Campus

I chose Saint Francis because it is a small program which offers more opportunities for hands-on learning and has a diverse patient population. Being born and raised in Georgia, the residents and faculty here in Chicago have become more than my colleagues, they have become my family. I am proud to call Saint Francis my home and look forward to the upcoming years.