Convocation Profile: Dexter Guddlebrook

On Monday, May 12, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix will hold its 15^thConvocation. Led by a pipe and drum corps, the Class of 2025 will process through downtown Phoenix, finishing at the Orpheum Theatre for their official ceremony. The day marks the beginning of the next phase in their journey as physicians. The college profiled a series of graduating students to commemorate the milestone.

Meet Dexter Guddlebrook

Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, Dexter Guddlebrook attended the University of Pittsburgh for his undergraduate studies. His interest in medicine grew after working in public health in rural areas and witnessing the need for accessible health care in those places.

During his third year of medical school, Guddlebrook had incredible mentorship as part of the Rural Health Longitudinal Clerkship in Payson, Arizona, which solidified his interest in family medicine.

He credits his wife, Callie, and their daughter, Ella, for supporting him throughout the last four years. Additionally, he thanks his parents in Virginia for fostering his endless curiosity in his upbringing.

Guddlebrook also thanks the community in Payson for providing him with mentorship and showing him how rewarding being a doctor in a rural area can be.

Match Day

On Match Day, what was it like discovering where you were headed for residency?

Match Day is a wild experience! Months of nerves riding on what’s written on the little card in front of you. Opening it and finally knowing where my family would be for the next three years was a huge rush of relief!

What’s Next?

What excites you most about your upcoming residency? Where are you headed?

I’m thrilled to be heading to St. Peter Family Medicine Residency in Olympia, Washington. I was interested in them because it’s an unopposed family medicine program with a lot of obstetrics time. I’m hoping to be more of an “old school” rural doctor and having the opportunity to get training as a true generalist is exciting!

What inspired you to pursue this specialty?

My background was in public health. I joined the Peace Corps in Madagascar, before eventually getting my master’s degree in public health (MPH) from University of Arizona. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized I wanted to combine what I learned in my MPH to provide health care to communities in need. Pulling on that thread led me to family medicine!

The College of Medicine – Phoenix Culture

Looking back, what is your favorite medical school memory?

I have so many! I really loved doing Saturday Scrubs, and being part of my first code will certainly always stick with me.

I think a powerful memory was from our White Coat ceremony. My grandmother came out, and we talked about how she’d wanted to be a doctor; but, at the time, women weren’t accepted into medical schools. It was a very sobering moment as I was just beginning the road to being the first doctor in our family. She’s 94 years old now and will be joining us for the Convocation ceremony!