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UNWINDING AT HOME DURING A RARE EVENING of re- pose, George prepares the Saturday night repast with Marni. "I'm the cook in our family," he confides. "It's a great way to relax after a stressful day." The evening is also a wel- come respite for George's wife, who works as a global financial systems consultant. "We both have demand- ing careers," says George, "so after a long week, we love to cook dinner at home, enjoy a little downtime together and play with our miniature pinscher, Miller." "My biggest challenge as a resident? Time management! Maintaining a balance." GOING THE DISTANCE BREAK IN THE ACTION ON FAST-PACED clinic days, which stretch from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the residents get a 30-minute mid-day break to relax and refuel—during which George multitasks in the hospital cafeteria, grabbing a cup of joe, fielding questions from junior residents and checking in with his wife, Marni. BECAUSE THE LIFE of a resident is an endurance event in its own right, George could be forgiven for collapsing on the couch when he's off the clock. But he pushes as hard in his recreational pursuits as he does during his medical training. A seasoned athlete who swam competitively during his college years, he has competed in many triathlons, including the Chicago Triathlon (left). In July 2011, George competed in the Racine Half Ironman Triathlon, finishing the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bicycle ride and 13.1-mile run in five hours and 49 minutes. George is planning to parlay his passion for athletics into a career in orthopaedic sports medicine. After completing his residency in June, he and his wife will relocate to Colorado, where he will complete a one-year sports medicine fellowship at Aspen Orthopaedic Associates. ILLINOIS MEDICINE | 29