Internal Medicine Residency - Current Residents - PGY1

Emily Angeles Mancinas, DO

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Gastroenterology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix / Banner Del E. Webb: I chose U of A because it provides a strong academic background in a supportive environment that cultivates well-rounded, compassionate physicians. It also allows me to give back to the community that shaped me by providing compassionate and meaningful care.

Paul Avila Calderon, MD

Undergraduate: Universidad de San Carlos
Medical School: Universidad de San Carlos
Career Interests: Cardiology, Nephrology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program for its strong academic reputation, supportive environment, and the opportunity to train with a diverse patient population.

Prijesh Avaiya MD

Medical School: Manila Central University, Philippines
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Intervention Cardiology​​​​​​​
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program for its supportive faculty, strong academics, and diverse training, all within Arizona's vibrant setting that balances professional growth with per well-being.

Alessi R Azores, MD

Undergraduate: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Medical School: University of the City of Manila – College of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Nephrology, Endocrinology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was drawn to the program’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and the faculty’s genuine passion for teaching. It’s a place where residents are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Vikrant Badhawr, MD

Undergraduate: University of Guelph
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas (Nevis)
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program because of the kind and supportive faculty I met on interview day. I’m confident this program will help me grow into the confident, compassionate, and competent physician I aspire to become.

Omar Baghdadi, MD

Undergraduate: University of Central Missouri
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Strong clinical exposure across diverse subspecialties in both inpatient and outpatient settings within a collaborative, inclusive environment. The program fosters academic growth and well-being and is located in a vibrant area with great opportunities for outdoor activities and community involvement.

Mariflor Delgado Rahim, DO

Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Career Interests: Hospitalist, Cardiology, Primary Care
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: As a U of A alumna, the program felt like a natural continuation. Its high-quality, hands-on clinical training in a supportive, collaborative environment stood out, along with a diverse patient population and dedicated, passionate faculty.

Arjun Dhir, MBBS

Medical School: Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab
Career Interests: Interventional Gastroenterology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: The Program offers outstanding hospitalist training and an excellent teaching experience that aligns with my future goals.

Ernesto Iniguez, Jr., MD

Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
Career Interests: Cardiology, Gastroenterology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: As an Arizonan, it feels like home. The supportive culture and academic rigor make it the ideal place to grow into the internist I aspire to be.

Rudrani Kotha, MD

Undergraduate: Sri Chaithanya Junior College, Vijayawada, India
Medical School: St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine
Career Interests: Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Academic Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: The program’s strong academic environment, focus on mentorship, and supportive culture resonate with my values. Exposure to diverse pathology and opportunities for research make it the perfect place for me to grow.

Urja Mehta, MD

Medical School: Our Lady of Fatima University
Career Interests: Cardiology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: The collaborative and approachable environment, with mentors genuinely invested in residents’ growth, makes this program unique. Daily exposure to diverse pathology ensures exciting and challenging training.

Luis Mendez, MD

Undergraduate: B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology – University of Puerto Rico
Medical School: Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
Career Interests: Internal Medicine with a focus on patient centered care, continuity of care, and clinical excellence. I’m passionate about developing strong relationships with patients over time, guiding them through both complex and routine medical decisions, and working in multidisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes.
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: The program offers a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that balances autonomy and support while emphasizing clinical rigor, teamwork, and compassionate care.

Lakshiya Ramamoorthy, MBBS

Medical School: Madras Medical College, Chennai, India
Career Interests: Cardiology, Nephrology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: The program’s commitment to resident education and mentorship, combined with excellent faculty and clinical opportunities, ensures a supportive environment for both academic and professional growth.

Avyay Reddy, MD

Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: St. George's University
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Hematology/Oncology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: The welcoming and kind faculty, the hot and sunny weather, and the opportunity to serve as a physician in a growing area that truly needs one.

Jorge Reynoso Figueroa, MD

Undergraduate: Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE)
Medical School: Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE)
Career Interests: Gastroenterology, Primary Care
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I am excited to grow as a physician In a setting that blends academic excellence with meaningful patient care and kind mentors. College of Medicine – Phoenix is where I see myself becoming the internist I aspire to be.

Angelo Soukovelos, MD

Undergraduate: Grand Canyon University
Medical School: Xavier University School of Medicine
Career Interests: Primary Care
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: U of A Del Webb provides the perfect combination of academic excellence and hands-on, community-focused training, shaping me into a compassionate, well-rounded internist.

Swati, MBBS

Undergraduate: Manav Sthali School, Delhi, India
Medical School: Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Odisha, India
Career Interests: Hospitalist, Hematology/Oncology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: This program allows me to serve my community with compassion. It enables me to provide evidence-based care in an unopposed environment, all while learning directly from dedicated and experienced mentors.

Jessee Tanasiuk, MD

Medical School: Xavier University School of Medicine
Career Interests: Nephrology, Infectious Disease
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Del E. Webb Medical Center offers my ideal patient population with supportive staff and faculty. I’m honored to join a new program and help shape its culture, while gaining experience across subspecialties to prepare for fellowship.

Poonam Tawde, MD

Undergraduate: Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, India; University of Nottingham, UK
Medical School: Avalon University School of Medicine, Curaçao
Career Interests: Cardiology, Critical Care, Pulmonology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I am drawn to Del E. Webb because of its reputation for strong training in fields I am passionate about. Having studied and trained across India, the UK, the Caribbean, and the US, I value programs that foster diversity, teamwork, and mentorship. Del E. Webb’s close-knit community and supportive faculty culture resonate with the environments where I have thrived most as a learner.  I see Del E. Webb not just as a residency, but as the place where I can grow into the kind of physician I aspire to be - skilled in managing patients, engaged in research, and committed to teaching.

Lakshmi Vallabhaneni, MBBS

Medical School: Dr. PSIMS & RF
Career Interests: Critical Care, Hematology/Oncology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this residency program because of its strong academic training and supportive culture which I believe would help me grow into an independent and well-rounded physician.