Class of 2026

Resident

Brief Bio

Majd Aboona
Majd Aboona
 

Undergraduate: University of Nevada – Las Vegas
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Gastroenterology
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Amazing people, beautiful city, excellent training

Bianca Arellano
Bianca Arellano
 

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: Arizona State University
Career Interests: Gastroenterology, Advanced Endoscopy, Nutrition in Medicine, Obesity Medicine
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: While I am a Sun Devil at heart, I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix because Phoenix is home. Phoenix has bloomed into a diverse, highly populated, metropolitan city where there are many opportunities to both serve patients and learn from patients. After completing a sub-internship here as a medical student, I immediately recognized the supportive culture of other faculty and residents. In this program, I am hoping to overcome challenges with my co-residents, all while making lifelong friendships along the way.

Alexis Bailey
Alexis Bailey
 

Undergraduate: William Woods University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Subspecializing with an emphasis in geriatrics, such as geriatric hematology and oncology.
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to pursue residency at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix because I had very positive experiences during my 3rd and 4th year clerkships. The program is a complementary mix of both academic and community medicine, which gives residents broad exposure to various settings and patient populations. There is excellent faculty support for residents’ interests as well as a friendly and inviting culture that fosters a safe and growth-oriented environment.

Inderbir Bains
Inderbir Bains
 

Undergraduate: Carroll College (Helena, MT)
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist, healthcare leadership, global health, nephrology
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The excellent leadership supports their residents, the training environment has a community/academic training focus, and the wonderful outdoors in Arizona!

Alec Bartlett
Alec Bartlett
 

Undergraduate: Drake University
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology, Pulmonary/Critical Care
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: To me, this was the only program that provided the support, mentorship and opportunity I needed to continue to grow as a physician and person. During my away rotation,  I felt I fit well within the team and culture of the residents, and Phoenix offers a good mix of personal support and adventure for my wife and I.

Nicole Boardman
Nicole Boardman
 

Undergraduate: California Polytechnic
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Undecided
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two cats, perusing the Downtown Phoenix farmers market on Saturday mornings, spinning on my bike at home or at Power + Flow, and finding ways to live more sustainably. In my work life, I am interested in public health, infectious disease, patient-centered language, and actively working to reduce stigma and bias in healthcare.

Elizabeth Cogdell
Elizabeth Cogdell
 

Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Fellowship in cardiology or hospitalist
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Internal Medicine Residency for the strong emphasis on both internal medicine training as well as fellowship preparation, the program’s friendly and supportive sense of community, and the setting of Arizona with beautiful weather and outdoor activities to enjoy during my free time.

Vanessa Eller
Vanessa Eller
 

Undergraduate: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Career Interests: Sub-specializing
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Phoenix is home! I knew the seemingly endless sunshine and constant support of nearby family and friends would make even the hardest days of residency a little brighter. I also had the opportunity to do a sub-I at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and my experience here was incredible!

Leith Ghani
Leith Ghani
 

Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern
Career Interests: Hospitalist, GI or pulmonary/critical care    
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Internal Medicine program because of the overwhelming kindness and support I encountered during my Sub I rotation. From the first day, it was clear that this program represented a unique dedication to education and growth. As well as having the opportunity to serve such a diverse community and engage with an extensive set of varying pathologies.

Isaiah Herrera
Isaiah Herrera
 

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic
Career Interests: Undecided
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix because of the program's values and the great people that I would get to work with as a resident. When I interviewed with Dr. Holland, she talked about a focus on equitable access to quality health care for all members of our society and, when I talked with Dr. Newman, she talked about the role of advocacy in medicine.  Adherence to these two values are essential to the type of medicine I would like to practice in my future career. Additionally, I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix because of the great city of Phoenix and the awesome environment that surrounds the area. 

Katherine Hersom
Katherine Hersom
 

Undergraduate: University of Southern Maine
Medical School: Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology, hospital medicine
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Every rotation that I did at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix highlighted the passionate teachers, happy residents, and supportive learning environment. I knew I'd be happy and supported here. 

Ishitha Jagadish
Ishitha Jagadish
 

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine
Career Interests: Undecided, likely subspecialty
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Internal Medicine Residency because of the program's emphasis on collaboration, kindness, and wellness. I also appreciate the year-round sunshine in Arizona and being close to family. 

Deandra Kuruppu
Deandra Kuruppu
 

Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Primary care, endocrinology    
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I did a sub - I here and really felt like the program cared about the residents. There was also a great work-life balance. Additionally, I met some great residents and attendings that really helped me grow as a sub-intern. After I completed rotations at other programs, I couldn't help but compare the qualities of the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to the other programs and that's how I knew this was the program for me.  

Timothy Kuzel
Timothy Kuzel
 

Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
Career Interests: Cardiology and participating in academic medicine
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Internal Medicine Residency program because it offered an opportunity to work at a VA hospital and academic institution in a large and rapidly growing metropolitan area.

Mariel Ma
Mariel Ma
 

Undergraduate: University of California Irvine 
Medical School: California University of Science and Medicine
Career Interests: Pulmonary critical care
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The Program Director was thoughtful and she made time to know me as an applicant. I was also excited by the opportunity to come and help further develop POCUS training!

Jeffrey McNaughton
Jeffrey McNaughton
 

Undergraduate: Oklahoma State University
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Career Interests: Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Primary Care
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix for a variety of reasons. First, while interviewing this program's mission statement to serve the state of Arizona and develop world class internal medicine physicians was readily apparent. The program's dedication to resident wellness was unique and stood out as they truly care about your personal and professional growth from a holistic perspective. The program offers a variety of research opportunities and the chance to learn in a state-of-the-art hospital with some of the most complex medical pathology presenting on a daily basis. Lastly, the opportunity to live in a diverse and thriving city like Phoenix, in a state as beautiful as Arizona was an opportunity few programs could offer.

Phoebe Newell
Phoebe Newell
 

Undergraduate: Barrett The Honors College at Arizona State University
Medical School: Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
Career Interests: Allergy/Immunology
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I absolutely loved the interview day, everyone I met, the schedule, and everything about my hometown location.

Paul Nguyen
Paul Nguyen
 

Undergraduate: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson​​​​​​​
Career Interests: Preventative Medicine
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I loved the culture! During my interview, everyone appeared to get along with each other and genuinely enjoyed being around each other. 

Abdullah Mohamed Niyas
Abdullah Mohamed Niyas
 

Medical School: Alfaisal University College of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist, cardiology    
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the IM program at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix after experiencing first hand the variety of learning opportunities residents are exposed to on a weekly basis. Additionally, the supportive environment, resident camraderie and work-life balance really appealed to me. A significant bonus was also being able to stay close to family. 

Leenda Osman
Leenda Osman
 

Undergraduate: Syracuse University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix because of the support and care it shows for its residents and the ability to remain close to my family in Phoenix. This program seemed to actually truly care about their residents and how their residents are doing. All of the residents are truly happy with the program and people like being at work. Also, I’ll forever be a desert rat-the best sunsets and hiking trails!

Stephanie Nguyen Pham
Stephanie Nguyen Pham
 

Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern
Career Interests: Cardiology
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix because of its well-balanced residency culture which promotes both learning and personal wellness. During my rotation, all the residents are truly happy and always excited to learn. The city of Phoenix also has lots to offer in terms of food, music, sports and outdoor activities, so I'm very excited to stay here for the next three years!

Giovanni Sassano
Giovanni Sassano
 

Undergraduate: Hohn Carroll University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Undecided
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I originally read about the program and it seemed like it would be a good fit for me, my career goals, and my family. I was lucky enough to do both a Sub-I and an elective as a fourth-year student. After those rotations, it became obvious to me that this program was truly where I was supposed to be. I loved absolutely everything about the program as a whole. I still to this day feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix IM residency program.

Hayley Specht
Hayley Specht
 

Undergraduate: Saint Martin's University
Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Career Interests: Rural Medicine
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was really impressed with everyone I met on my interview day and I'm excited to train in Phoenix. 

Ryan Toledo
Ryan Toledo
 

Undergraduate: University of Maryland, College Park
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Career Interests: Primary Care/Public Health
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Diverse patient population, a sense of community, and supportive faculty.

Allen Yu
Allen Yu
 

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Why UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix was my home institution as a medical student. I fell in love with the program’s culture of camaraderie and support, alongside its commitment to serving the greater Phoenix community.