Dr. Chahla’s Research Team
2023-2024
Salvador Ayala
Research coordinator
Salvador Ayala is a clinical research coordinator for Dr. Jorge Chahla MD, PhD and Dr. Nikhil Verma MD at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in the sports medicine division. Salvador earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ohio University where he was a member of the wrestling team. He is currently between his third and fourth years of medical school at The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. Salvador grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and is grateful for the opportunity to help provide high value care to the people of the Chicagoland area. His previous research experiences include pediatric orthopaedic sports medicine research with the Stanford department of orthopaedic surgery, hand and upper extremity research with Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, and healthcare disparities in orthopaedics with the University of Illinois department of orthopaedic surgery. His research interests include postoperative clinical outcomes, anatomy, biomechanics, and healthcare disparities. In his free time, Salvador enjoys coaching wrestling, rock climbing, hiking, trail running, and baking. He is excited for the opportunity to expand his knowledge and experience in sports medicine as he pursues a career in orthopaedic surgery.
Rodrigo Saad Berreta
Research coordinator
Rodrigo Saad Berreta is a clinical research coordinator for Dr. Nikhil Verma and Dr. Jorge Chahla at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush University, Department of Sports Medicine. Rodrigo is currently a medical student at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. He graduated from the Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Public Health Studies with a concentration in biochemistry and molecular biology. Before beginning medical school, Rodrigo worked as a cancer research assistant at MGH and Harvard Medical School and his previous research investigating interactions within the tumor microenvironment has been published in Nature and Cancer Discovery.
During medical school, Rodrigo worked as a member of the Spine Laboratory at Brown investigating the outcomes of complex spinal deformity correction and degenerative disease in addition to biomechanical studies of the spine. His research interests include spinal deformity correction, health disparities within orthopedics, orthobiologic interventions for degenerative disease and global health. In his free time, Rodrigo enjoys playing tennis, staying fit, and rooting for Philadelphia sports teams, particularly the Eagles and Sixers. Rodrigo aspires to bridge his interests within public health and orthopedics in a career as an academic orthopedic surgeon.
José Rafael García
Research coordinator
José Rafael García is a clinical research coordinator for Dr. Jorge Chahla and Dr. Nikhil Verma at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush within the sports medicine division. He is currently between his third and fourth years of medical school at Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine and is an alumnus of Nova Southeastern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Throughout his academic journey, he has gained valuable experience in conducting research on various topics, which include reverse and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, spinal cord stimulation, and initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion in medical education. One of his publications, titled “Comparison of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty for patients with inflammatory arthritis,” aids orthopaedic professionals in selecting the most appropriate surgical treatment for patients with end-stage glenohumeral joint arthritis in the context of inflammatory arthritis.
José Rafael’s current research interests revolve around the application of orthobiologics for degenerative disease, pain management, quality improvement, and postoperative outcomes. Beyond his professional pursuits, he enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu, photography, travel, exploring the vibrant city of Chicago, and supporting the Miami Heat. José Rafael’s unwavering aspiration to become and thrive as an orthopaedic surgeon is underscored by his commitment to delivering outstanding patient care, coupled with an unrelenting pursuit of innovation, lifelong education, and impactful advocacy to propel the field forward.