Dr. Paul Bryar is an ophthalmologist at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine. He is running for congress in the Illinois 5th congressional district. Paul Bryar was born in Chicago in 1967, and attended St. Ignatius High School, college at Georgetown University, and medical school at the University of Illinois. After completing his residency and fellowship, he came to work as an ophthalmologist at the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation in downtown Chicago. In 2009, Bryar declared his candidacy in the election to the congressional seat vacated by Rahm Emanuel. Bryar has attempted to position himself as a "reform" candidate, citing volunteer work in the Cabrini Green neighborhood and patient advocacy as qualifications for office. His website identifies corruption as a key issue in Illinois politics, stating that "our problems did not begin with the federal indictment of our governor.". His issues platforms emphasize health care, the economy, education, and the environment.