Dr. Chahla’s Research Team 2019 – 2020
Brady Williams, MD
Clinical Coordinator
Brady Williams is a research coordinator at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush within the division of sports medicine, working with Dr. Jorge Chahla and Dr. Nikhil Verma. Dr. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in genetics, cell biology, and development from the University of Minnesota, College of Biological Science and graduated Summa Cum Laude with high distinction. During his time as an undergraduate, he played on the university club baseball team, was an active member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, and completed a semester of studies abroad at the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. Following graduation, he spent 2-years as a researcher at the Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado, working in the department of biomedical engineering under the mentorship of Dr. Robert F. LaPrade and Dr. Thomas O. Clanton. It was here, where he first crossed paths with Dr. Chahla. He then attended the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee where he earned his medical degree, while continuing to pursue his orthopaedic interests and passion for research, graduating with honors in research and as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Williams has since joined the research coordinatorship program in Chicago with Dr. Chahla and Dr. Verma, bringing both experience and enthusiasm to clinical and biomechanical questions aimed at improving the treatment of sports medicine injuries. He hopes to continue to pursue his research interests through a future career in orthopaedic surgery.
Bhargavi Maheshwer
Clinical Coordinator
Bhargavi Maheshwer is a research coordinator for Dr. Jorge Chahla and Dr. Nikhil Verma at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Her previous research experiences include pediatric orthopedic research at The Hospital for Special Surgery and pulmonology research at the University of Michigan. Bhargavi’s research interests include postoperative clinical outcomes and health disparities. Bhargavi is currently in between her third and fourth years of medical school at The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. As a midwestern native, she is incredibly excited to be in Chicago. Bhargavi enjoys baking, workout classes, and traveling abroad.
Evan Polce
Clinical Coordinator
Evan Polce is a research coordinator for Dr. Jorge Chahla and Dr. Nikhil Verma who joined the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush team in June 2019. His previous research experience in voice pathology and respiratory neuroplasticity affords him the skills to creatively approach complex research issues pertaining to the musculoskeletal system. Evan has a passion for the growing role of stem cell therapy as a surgical adjunct for improving healing and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.
Evan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology from the University of Wisconsin with Distinctive Scholastic Achievement. He is currently applying to medical school and is interested in continuing research and training in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery. Outside of academics, Evan is a life-long sports enthusiast and recently completed his fourth year as an intercollegiate athlete on the University of Wisconsin Club Baseball Team.
Kyle Kunze
Clinical Coordinator
Kyle N. Kunze is an Orthopedic surgery resident at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and has been part of Dr. Chahla research team while at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Kunze received a bachelor of science with honors from the University of Chicago while playing varsity football and then remained in Chicago to obtain his MD at Rush Medical College.
At Rush, he was awarded several awards for his research pertaining to clinical outcomes with hip arthroscopy and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism medical honor societies. In his four years as a medical student at Rush, Dr. Kunze authored over 100 peer reviewed publications and abstracts and was invited to present his work at several national conferences. During this time, he was also invited to serve on the Editorial board of Arthroscopy journal. It was at Rush where he first met and started his research collaboration with Dr. Chahla. Dr. Kunze’s clinical and research interests are focused on the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict and improve patient outcomes as well as biologic and surgical approaches to joint preservation.