About the Staff at Dr. Cole's Office

Kyle Pilz MMS, PA-C
Kyle is a physician assistant to Dr. Cole. He assists Dr. Cole in surgeries as well as in clinic. Kyle has been working in the practice since June of 2004. He received a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology from The University of Michigan in 2000 and also has a master's degree as a physician assistant from Midwestern University.

Natalie Podboy, MS, PA-C
Natalie is a Physician Assistant to Dr. Cole. She sees patients in clinic as well as assists Dr. Cole in surgery. Natalie received her Bachelors degree in Clinical Lab Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a Masters Degree as a Physician Assistant from Rosalind Franklin. Natalie has been working with Dr. Cole since 2006.

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.

Lynette Jones
Lynette is one of Dr. Cole's administrative assistants. She received her certification as a Medical Assistant in 2005 from Olympia College in Merrilville, IN. After her certification she obtained a variety of orthopedic experience at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush. She joined Dr. Cole's practice in May 2011 where she prepares the patient day and assists patients with any inquiries.

Samantha Smith
Samantha Smith is an administrative assistant to Dr. Cole. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida in 2010. She began with the practice in 2012. Samantha meets with patients to schedule their upcoming surgery and completes the office surgical billing.

Mukesh Ahuja, MBBS, CCTI
Mukesh joined Midwest Orthopaedics in June 2006 and serves as a research administrator for the section of sports medicine. He is a certified clinical trial investigator and received a bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery from Pakistan. Mukesh has vast experience and validated expertise in clinical research dating back to his medical school training, practice at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. He coordinates clinical trials to study new medicines and treatments for common orthopedic conditions. He is also responsible for monitoring patients' progress periodically after treatment.