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 her Bachelor degree in Health Sciences and Psychological Sciences at Purdue University. After Purdue, she moved to Chicago and attended Midwestern University to obtain her Master of Science 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 Purdue, the Cubs, and the Bears.
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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 vast knowledge of experience within his practice. She is a liaison and coordinator for all knee and shoulder cartilage transplant patients. She is proficient in managing/coordinating pre-participation physicals, appointments, and surgery for NBA and professional players. She meets with patients regarding their upcoming surgeries and coordinates international visitors/professional visitors for clinical observership.
Val is the No. 1 Chicago Bulls fan. Her hobbies are spin cycle classes and gardening.
Valerie Gamez
Valerie is an administrative assistant to Dr. Brian Cole and has over 10 years of medical office experience. Her responsibilities include handling Dr. Cole’s calendar, clinic days, WC/IME, and assisting in surgical scheduling. Her experience and great personality results in the ability to deal successfully with the demands of a busy and diverse patient base. In her free time, Valerie spends time with her family, enjoys reading, and is a Harry Potter fan.
Maeghan Vicker
Maeghan is an administrative assistant to Dr. Cole. She joined the practice in 2023, and her responsibilities include surgical scheduling/preparation, obtaining preoperative clearance, and preparing patient charts for clinic days. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas State University in 2017. When not at work, she enjoys travelling, watching Wisconsin sports (Go Pack Go), and spending time with her dog, Lambeau.
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.