Samir Sharma, MD
Born and raised in Joliet, Dr. Sharma graduated from Joliet West High School in 1993, and continued his college education at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Participating in an accelerated combined degree program integrating engineering and medicine, Dr. Sharma earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in three years and completed medical school at the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School in 2000.
Dr. Sharma completed a rotating internship in surgery and internal medicine in 2000- 2001 at Lutheran General Hospital, followed by residency in anesthesiology at RUSH Presbyterian St.-Luke’s Medical Center. In 2004, Dr. Sharma furthered his education in interventional pain management with fellowship training at the University of Michigan.
As a leader among pain management physicians and co-founding member of Pain & Spine Institute, Dr. Sharma brings significant experience in treating the most difficult pain syndromes to Joliet and the surrounding suburbs Chicago. Special interventional interests include facet neurotomy for spinal arthritis pain, minimally invasive herniated disc decompression, radio-frequency ablation for neuropathic pain, and spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome.
Udit V. Patel, DO, MS
Dr. Patel grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and attended Loyola University Chicago to obtain a degree in Chemistry. Furthering his education, Dr. Patel completed a Masters in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University in Miami, Florida. Finally, he received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 2002. Dr. Patel completed a rotating internship in Florida then completed an Anesthesiology residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic located in Chicago. Dr. Patel excelled throughout his training, receiving the Intern of the Year and Resident of the Year awards. Displaying strong leadership skills, Dr. Patel was appointed Chief Resident of his intern and resident classes. Dr. Patel finished his postgraduate training with a fellowship in Interventional Pain Management from the University of Michigan in 2007.
As a co-founder of Pain & Spine Institute and a leader among pain management physicians, Dr. Patel’s area of interest include interventional treatment for post-laminectomy syndrome, spinal arthritis, and neuromodulation.
Khalid Malik, MD
Dr. Khalid Malik has over twenty years of clinical expertise, has authored numerous textbooks, and has trained many residents and fellows at major academic institutions. Dr. Malik is a highly trained surgeon and has expertise in all areas of interventional pain medicine including spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps. His primary area of research is spinal pain and he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to treat these pain syndromes. He is serving as an editorial member of several reputed journals and routinely presents his work at national meetings.
Donald E. Roland, MD
“I understand that chronic pain affects all aspects of the patient’s life. Their pain is real and it impacts their relationships with family, friends and colleagues. My goal is to identify the cause of pain and to treat and manage it in a caring and compassionate manner. I strive further to improve patients’ quality of life by helping them conquer pain to return to being more active, functional and productive. Achieving these goals allows patients to re-establish relationships with family, friends and colleagues.”
Dr. Roland is a graduate of Rush Medical College, trained at Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, and is American Board Certified in anesthesia, emergency medicine, and pain management. These are acknowledged to be the highest level of credentialing for the field of interventional pain management.
Jaison J. Thekkekara, MD
Board-Certified in Anesthesiology, Fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine
Dr. Thekkekara is board-certified in Anesthesiology and is an attending interventional pain specialist at Gateway. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Texas, where he studied Biochemistry and Biology. After graduating, Dr. Thekkekara attended St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, where he received his medical degree. Shortly after, he completed his Anesthesiology Residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Russ Wudel, PA-C
Russ grew up in the state of South Dakota. He attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1978. He continued his education at the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, IL where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1984. He went on to further his education at the Cook County Hospital/Malcolm X College in Chicago, IL receiving his Physician Assistant degree in 2001.
He was in private practice of Chiropractic for several years in Chicago, IL. He also worked for the Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Company. Russ has been currently practicing as a Physician Assistant at Hinsdale Orthopedics and most recently at Elmhurst Orthopedics in the Chicago area.
India Hollinquest, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
India is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner at our pain practice. She grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and attended The University of Illinois at Chicago, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences, with major in Applied Psychology & minor in Biological Sciences in 2009. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Resurrection University in 2010; and later furthered her career by obtaining a Master’s of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner Certification from Olivet Nazarene University in 2016.
India excelled as a Registered Nurse and received hospital-wide recognition for excellent nursing care at UIC Hospital with the “Caught in the Act” Award & “Daisy Award”. India has spent the majority of her career and expertise in specialty areas of Neurosurgery, Neurology, Psychology, and Pain Management.
Her perspective on pain management is that it is always best to take time to listen to each individual patient’s concerns to provide optimal solutions; as there is no “one-size-fits all treatment”.
Suman Shaw APRN, FNP-BC
Ms. Suman Shaw is a nurse practitioner who earned her Master’s in Family Nursing degree from Loyola University Chicago.
Ms. Shaw is complimented most for her kind and polite approach towards her patients. She attends to patients suffering from pain and is skilled at providing optimum medical care.
Ms. Shaw ensures that her patients are made aware of their conditions and treatments. Her friendly nature, along with her undivided attention to her work makes her a determined healthcare practitioner.
Poornima Panjwani, PA-C
Poornima Panjwani, PA-C is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and specializes in Pain Management.
With over 15 years of experience treating chronic and acute pain, Poornima is an experienced Physician Assistant dedicated to helping patients improve their quality of life. Poornima believes in compassionate care and listening to her patients. She appreciates the importance of patient education.
Jennifer Hinchley, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Pain Management Specialist
Jennifer Hinchley MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a Nurse Practitioner certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from Chamberlain University where she graduated with honors, Magna cum laude.