Staff

Kyle Pilz MMS, PA-C

Kyle is a physician assistant to Dr. Cole and has worked with the practice since 2004. He assists Dr. Cole in both clinic and surgery. Kyle is a founding member of the RUSH University PA Program and serves as adjunct faculty to the program and member of the program’s admissions committee. He is an active preceptor for PA students and lectures nationally through Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Kyle received a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from The University of Michigan in 2000 and completed his master’s degree as a physician assistant from Midwestern University in 2003. Kyle is an outdoor enthusiast and sports fanatic. He is currently in the midst of completing 50 marathons in 50 states for Girls in the Game charity.

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Paige Maher, PA-C

Paige is a physician assistant to Dr. Cole, assisting in surgeries and seeing patients during clinic. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Biology from Illinois State University. Upon receiving her Masters in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University, she joined Dr. Cole‘s team.

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Kali Chemelewski, PA-C

Kali is a physician assistant to Dr. Cole and assists in surgeries and clinic. Originally from Indianapolis, she received Bachelor degrees in Health Sciences and Psychological Sciences from Purdue University. After Purdue, she moved to Chicago and attended Midwestern University to obtain her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. She joined Dr. Cole’s team following graduation. In her free time, Kali loves being outside with her dog Sasha, running, and watching sports.

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Valerie McKenzie

Valerie is an administrative assistant to Dr. Cole and has over 15 years of health care administrative experience. She has been with Dr. Cole‘s office since 2004 and has a vast knowledge of experience within his practice. She coordinates the transplant process and meets with patients regarding their upcoming surgeries.

Valerie Gamez

Valerie is the secretary to Dr. Brian Cole. She joined Midwest Orthopaedics as a member of the front office staff in 2015. She has joined the Cole practice in 2016 with over 7 years of medical office experience. Her responsibilities include handling clinic days, insurance verification, and assisting in surgical scheduling/preparation. She is also responsible for greeting and registering patients in the facility as well as verifying accuracy of patient demographic and privacy information. Her experience in the healthcare environment and great personality results in the ability to deal successfully with the demands of a busy and diverse patient base. This winning combination ensure that you will receive exceptional service and care. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, and living each moment in a positive way.

Freddie Lockie

Freddie is a clinical assistant to Dr. Cole. He assists Dr. Cole and the physician assistants with administrative and medical aspects of clinic as well as coordinating patient surgical experience. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2020 and is currently planning on attending physician assistant school in the future.

Kavita Ahuja, MD

Kavita is a Clinical Research Coordinator for Sports Medicine at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. She manages Dr. Cole‘s clinical trials including research conducted by the Rush Cartilage Research and Restoration Center. She received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees in Pakistan and is an ECFMG Certified M.D. (Doctor of Medicine). Kavita joined Dr. Cole‘s team in 2011. She is working on clinical trials involving the knee and shoulder joints focused on knee osteoarthritis, cartilage resurfacing and shoulder arthroplasty.