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.

Michelle Karlin
Michelle is an administrative assistant and clinical research coordinator for Dr. Cole. She also oversees the Cartilage Restoration and Transplantation program. Michelle received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2001 and is pursuing a master's in clinical research and regulatory administration at Northwestern University. She has been working with Dr. Cole since 2003 and has over 10 years of health care administrative experience.

Valerie McKenzie
Valerie is an administrative assistant to Dr. Cole. She assists with surgical reservations and any other needs that patients might have during the patient day. Valerie is also available by phone to answer any questions. Valerie has been working in the office since 2004 and has over 15 years of health care administrative experience.

Tiffany Hart
Tiffany is an Administrative Assistant to Dr. Cole. She prepares patient days and assists with any other needs patients or case managers might have during the patient day. Tiffany received her Bachelor's degree from DeVry University in 2008. She has been working with Dr. Cole since 2008 and has over 5 years of health care administrative experience.

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.