Dr. Chahla’s Research Team 2020 – 2021
Allison Perry
Research coordinator
Allison Perry is a clinical research coordinator for Drs. Jorge Chahla and Nikhil Verma at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. She is currently between her third and fourth years of medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and is an alumna of Heidelberg University where she graduated summa cum laude with degrees in biochemistry and biology. Her previous experience includes wrist, shoulder, and women’s health research with the Orthopaedics and OB/GYN Departments at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and water quality research at Heidelberg University. Allison’s research interests include anatomy, biomechanics, clinical outcomes, and rehabilitation protocols. As a small-town native, she is excited to explore Chicago. In her free time, Allison enjoys boxing, hot yoga, and sipping coffee during autumn nature walks.
Harsh Singh
Research coordinator
Harsh Singh is a research coordinator for Dr. Jorge Chahla and Dr. Nikhil Verma at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush within the division of sports medicine. He is currently between the fifth and sixth years of medical school in an accelerated B.A./M.D. program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. His previous work includes research about common neuromuscular disorders at the University of Missouri-Columbia. It was during this time he fell in love with research and hopes to translate his experience into orthopaedic surgery. His research interests include patient-reported outcomes following common orthopaedic procedures and role of biologics for treatment of degenerative diseases. Being a life-long sports enthusiast and athlete, Harsh understands the impact injuries can have on people of any age. He hopes to continue to pursue his research interests through a future career in orthopaedic surgery. In his free time, Harsh loves to play tennis and workout.
Amar Vadhera
Research coordinator
Amar Vadhera is a research coordinator for Dr. Jorge Chahla and Dr. Nikhil Verma at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and has been working with our team since June 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies from the Johns Hopkins University. As an undergraduate, Amar was an assistant athletic trainer for several Hopkins sports teams. Building on this experience, he spent a summer researching gait biomechanics and concussion outcomes at the University of Kentucky Sports Medicine Research Institute where he worked alongside the division I men’s basketball team and aspiring professional NBA players. Amar was also awarded the Johns Hopkins Mathematical Modeling Prize for his research in the department of orthopedic surgery where he worked under attendings of multiple subspecialties. Amar is currently taking a gap year to work with our team while applying to medical school. He is passionate about transforming health outcomes within the sports community through research and hopes to make affordable healthcare more accessible for underserved athletic patient populations.
Daniel Farivar
Research assistant
Daniel Farivar is currently a second-year medical student at Rush Medical College and has been part of the Dr. Chahla research team since December 2019. He grew up in Los Angeles before attending the University of California, Davis where he earned a bachelor’s with Highest Honors in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. Daniel’s research experience includes biochemistry research within orthopedics, namely studying the molecular mechanisms behind various tendinopathies using engineered human ligaments. During his time at UC Davis, he also spent three years as a student trainer, closely working with the sports medicine team to provide care to the school’s intercollegiate athletes. Daniel has special research interests in the use of technology during orthopedic surgery, biologic-based interventions, and meniscal pathology. Outside of academics, Daniel is a huge Los Angeles Lakers fan, and in his free time enjoys producing music, going to the gym, and exploring Chicago with friends.
Eric Azua
Research assistant
Eric Azua is currently a second-year medical student at Rush Medical College and a Research Assistant for Dr. Jorge Chahla. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with distinction from University of Colorado – Boulder where he worked as Student Athletic Trainer for the Men’s Basketball team as well as a Research Assistant in a biomechanics lab examining gait asymmetries. While working with D1 athletes he was exposed to the art of Orthopedic Surgery and has been fascinated by its complexities ever since. His current research interests include joint instability and meniscal pathology. Outside of school and research his hobbies include lifting weights, hiking, and watching anime.