Convocation Profile: Fatouma Tall

On Monday, May 11, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix will hold its 16th Convocation. Led by a pipe and drum corps, the Class of 2026 will process through downtown Phoenix, finishing at the Phoenix Convention Center 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 Fatouma Tall

After moving to the United States from Niger at 17 years old, Fatouma Tall lived in Michigan where she earned her bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University. She moved to New Hampshire after getting married and later to Massachusetts, obtaining her master’s degree in Medical Sciences at Boston University. With time, Tall’s family relocated to Arizona because the climate reminded both her and her husband of their respective homes in Niger and Burkina Faso.

Tall’s interest in medicine was sparked by the inequities she witnessed growing up. She struggled to understand why she lost so many family members to preventable diseases and why basic medical care and medications were prohibitively expensive.

“This journey to becoming a physician has been a collective effort, and I have met many individuals without whom I would not have reached this milestone,” Tall said. “My family has been my greatest pillar of support, constantly championing my goals and dreams.”

She is especially grateful to Glen Fogerty, PhD, who was the first person to reach out with an offer to attend the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

“He is one of the reasons I chose this school,” Tall said. “Although I initially hesitated because the four-hour daily commute was a major concern for me as a mother, his persistence in making me feel valued convinced me that this was the right fit.”

For Tall, choosing the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix turned out to be the best decision for her medical journey. Despite the long drive and the demands of motherhood, she has never regretted her choice. The faculty and administration have been incredibly supportive, which she feels was instrumental in helping her reach this milestone.

For mentorship and support, Tall extends a special thanks to Racheal Mickel; Erika Flores; Adam Brooks; Lisa Shah-Patel, MD; Stephanie Briney, DO; Laura Mercer, MD, MBA, MPH; Maria Manriquez, MD; Princess Urbina, MD; Dude Coudret, EdD; Jennifer Mims, PhD; and the entire scheduling team.

Regarding her Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship, Tall would like to thank Jonathan Cartsonis, MD; Uriel Castaneda, MD; Monica Viteri-Giordano, DO; Virginia Savala, DO, FACOG; and all the other preceptors she worked with at Gila River. Through her clerkships, they revived her passion for rural health and for serving historically marginalized populations.

Match Day

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

Match Day was an incredibly emotional experience for my family and me. I am very grateful to match into such a fantastic program that also offers the specific fellowship I hope to pursue. In that moment, I told myself: “You did it, Fatouma. You are one step closer to your goals.”

What’s Next?

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

I matched into the obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) program at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I am excited to work in a rural state with a familiar climate and population. Professionally, I am eager to learn how to care for women at every stage of their lives and to become a fierce advocate for my patients.

What inspired you to pursue this specialty? 

My dedication to OB/GYN is deeply personal. I was inspired by a childhood friend who passed away due to the stigma surrounding a vesicovaginal fistula. At the time, there were no surgical experts available to perform repairs, leaving many young women to suffer from physical symptoms, mental health struggles and forced isolation.

I have made it my life’s mission to help eradicate this condition. This specialty is a vital steppingstone toward becoming a urogynecologist and an expert in women’s health.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix Culture

Looking back, what’s your favorite medical school memory? 

My favorite memory was the very first week of medical school when I met my classmates in person. We gathered at a café to share our life goals. At first, I felt out of place; many of my peers had graduated from top-tier colleges, and I worried I had nothing to contribute.

However, when I shared my own goals and aspirations, their reactions changed everything. Their support gave me the confidence boost I needed and a true sense of belonging that stayed with me throughout my journey.