Welcome Class of 2029

Erin Flannigan

Hometown: Winnetka, Illinois
Undergraduate major: Biology
School: University of Notre Dame

Before starting medical school: I worked as a research technician in an ophthalmology lab at the Cleveland Clinic, where I used machine learning to analyze retinal scans, identify potential biomarkers, and obtain metrics related to disease progression. I collaborated with a large team, contributed to clinical trials, and presented my research. I also volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House on the weekends, where I supported families during their stay.

Why I chose Stritch: I chose Stritch because of its commitment to service, supportive community, and strong clinical and research opportunities. When I visited for my interview, everyone I met was so kind and welcoming. Stritch’s location also drew me to the school, not only because of the professional opportunities the city offers, but also because many of my family and friends are here.

My motivation for wanting to become a physician: I have wanted to become a physician for as long as I can remember. Biology has always been my favorite subject, but what draws me to medicine is how it constantly challenges you to grow, think critically, and keep learning. Each patient presents a new challenge and opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. 

Potential specialty/area of focus: I haven’t chosen a specialty I’m interested in yet. I’m open to many different areas of medicine and excited to explore each one further in the future!

Genevieve Harvey

Hometown: Pasadena, California
Undergraduate majors: Neuroscience and Chemistry
School: Vanderbilt University

Before starting medical school: I graduated in May 2025 and didn't take a gap year before starting at Stritch. During my undergraduate career, I held positions as an undergraduate researcher in a molecular biology lab that used C. elegans to study neuronal circuitries, a Neurology lab that studied Pure Autonomic Failure and Multiple System Atrophy, and an Organic Chemistry lab that studied iboga alkaloids. I am a contributing publisher for a paper investigating how the use of high-throughput genomics can enhance classification specificity for heart arrhythmia syndromes. I also shadowed in the departments of Radiology and Neurology, and I was a hospice volunteer for two years.  

Why I chose Stritch: I admire Stritch’s dedication to using the synergy between religion and healthcare and encouraging their physicians-in-training to utilize the nuances garnered from this approach to treat their diverse patient population. The school’s commitment to patient-centered medicine is a holistic approach to medicine that I deeply admire. Stritch also just felt like the right place for me. From the moment I started my interview with them during the application cycle, I could tell that this was a place of inclusion and support, where the success of one reflects the nurturing community that the school provides. 

My motivation for wanting to become a physician: I have this propensity to become a physician, because I want the voices of those underrepresented or who have hesitancies about seeking medical attention to feel comfortable and safe under my care. I care unconditionally and love genuinely, so it was imperative that I chose a profession that allows me to do that in such a vulnerable environment. I also recognize how pivotal it is for me as a Black woman to occupy the position of a physician and I carry that responsibility seriously, so that more opportunities like this are given to those who look like me.

Potential specialty/area of focus: I want to specialize in neurosurgery! I'm deeply enamored by how intricate, yet fragile, the human brain is and even more engrossed by how those intricacies are still quite clandestine. I’m equally interested in the developing therapies for neurodegenerative disorders and rehabilitation methods being instituted for traumatic brain injuries.

Henry Neri

Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois
Undergraduate major: Biomedical Sciences with minor in Business
Graduate degree: Master of Business Administration
School: Marquette University

Before starting medical school: I took two gap years between completing my undergraduate degree and starting medical school. The first year I spent pursuing my graduate degree in Business Administration, and the second year I volunteered at a free medical clinic in Milwaukee. The clinic I worked at serviced primarily uninsured patients and provided me the opportunity to gain experience treating under-resourced communities. I hope to continue to provide service both as a medical student and as a physician, utilizing my skills to advocate for social justice and uplift the neighborhoods around me.

Why I chose Stritch: My experiences to-date have confirmed that I want to spend my life studying and practicing medicine to serve others. The Jesuit education present at Stritch is uniquely equipped to help me develop into the person and physician I hope to become. This academic setting mirrors the education I received at Marquette University—one committed to developing well-rounded professionals. Finding balance in my approach to life and investing in the community around me are deep-rooted traditions at Stritch, and I’m excited to begin my medical career at an institution that matches my beliefs.

My motivation for wanting to become a physician: My motivation to pursue a career as a physician, like many others, began with a love for science. My curiosity gained direction while volunteering at a hospital during high school and witnessing firsthand the many ways that a physician can impact the healing process. Through shadowing and clinical experience, I further recognized the intricate role a physician plays in developing treatment plans, navigating ethical dilemmas, and nurturing patients through empathetic care. What began as a love for science developed into an inspiration to serve my patients and my community through uplifting care.

Potential specialty/area of focus: I am most interested in pursuing a surgical specialty, though I’m unsure of which specialty resonates most with me, as each offers its own new and exciting challenges. Thankfully, Stritch immerses students in all fields, and I plan to take advantage of the proximity of the hospital on campus to help guide me toward my preferred area of medicine.

Matthew Raroque

Hometown: Dallas, Texas (Go Cowboys!)
Undergraduate major: Biological Sciences
School: The University of Chicago

Before starting medical school: I took a gap year, during the majority of which I worked as a medical assistant at a neurology clinic. I was able to work with a wide variety of providers and learned a lot about different areas, from headaches and migraines to multiple sclerosis. Afterwards, I spent time developing curricula for my educational non-profit and mentored kids at local Boys & Girls Clubs in Dallas. In my free time, I played a lot of volleyball and spent substantial time with my family and friends. 

Why I chose Stritch: I could tell that Stritch cares about their students—they trust them, empower them, and want to see them succeed. During the application process, it’s easy to feel like just another premed student. But in all my communications with Stritch, I felt like more than a student. I could tell that they genuinely want to get to know me as a person, learn about what I do outside of school, and help me become the most well-rounded physician that I can be. 

My motivation for wanting to become a physician: My working experiences in clinics over the last four years have provided me with by far the most motivation, especially during my stints as a medical assistant. As an MA, I frequently talked to patients at the height of their uncertainty and anxiety—they were often unsure about what was to come next, the severity of their problems, etc. At the end of their appointment, they’d come out of the exam room with relief beyond measure; relief that someone was listening to them and truly cared about their health. In these moments, I came to realize how physicians embody hope and instill reassurance in their patients. 

Potential specialty/area of focus: I’ve always been interested in neurology. My father is a neurologist, so the field has quite literally been at my fingertips since I was kid. I used to play around with miniature-replicas of the brain in his office, pulling the different lobes apart and repeatedly asking him about their respective functions. As he’d explain them, I remember always being fascinated with the idea of the brain as our ‘command center.’ While in college, the interest grew as I took neuroscience classes and worked in various neurology clinics during breaks.

Jenna Somberg

Hometown: Oak Park, Illinois
Undergraduate major: Molecular and cell biology
School: University of Washington in Seattle

Before starting medical school: After I graduated from college, I stayed in Seattle and worked in two labs studying neurodegenerative disease. During that time, I also coached my university’s club water polo team and spent time travelling around the U.S. as well as to Canada and Europe. Additionally, I am pursuing the MD and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree at Loyola. I completed my MPH coursework last year during my M0 year.

My motivation for wanting to become a physician: I have always been invested in giving back and helping others. I loved science as a kid, and for me, medicine was the path where I could combine science with helping others.