|
Michael Briones, MD
|
Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
Research/Clinical Interests: Critical Care, POCUS, Medical Education
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose U of A in Pheonix because it's a world class institution that has the support of the community and excellent clinical opportunities
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Playing the guitar, hiking with my dog, trying new restaurants.
|
|
Aaron Rabinowitz, MD
|
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Artificial intelligence and clinical decision making, Resident teaching, Quality improvement, Reducing hospital readmission, Cardiovascular medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the UA Phoenix because the desert is my home and I'm most familiar with this patient population. There is nowhere else in the world that I'd rather practice medicine
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Basketball, chess, guitar.
|
|
Olivia Taylor, MD
|
Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha
Research/Clinical Interests: Critical Care, Workflow/Patient care standardization and efficiency
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: During the resident social section of my interview, I was enamored with the residents and their relationship with one another and the attendings they work with
Hobbies and Personal Interests: working out, nail art, skiing (water & snow), golfing, cooking.
|
|
Mirna Mousa Jabbo
|
Medical School: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Allergy & Immunology, Still exploring all areas of IM
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix felt like the right place to continue the path I started in Arizona years ago. This state has become my second home and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my training while giving back to the community that has played such an important role in my journey to becoming a physician
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Traveling, cooking mediterranean food, and singing.
|
|
Peter Cook, DO
|
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Allergy/Immunology, Ambulatory Care, Obesity Medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: My interview process and second look made me feel more welcomed than any other program. I could myself becoming the physician I wanted to be there
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Family time, movies, trying new foods.
|
|
William Lee, DO
|
Medical School: Midwestern University- Glendale
Research/Clinical Interests: Hospital medicine, pulm/critical care
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Robust clinical network, long medical school history, strong hospital system affiliation
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Tennis, miniature model building, pickleball, target shooting, video games, movies.
|
|
Ria Nicole Delson, MD
|
Medical School: St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H Quasha Memorial
Research/Clinical Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Hospital medicine, Education in Medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: It felt like home
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Traveling, music, baking.
|
|
Umar Syed, DO
|
Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Research/Clinical Interests: Hospital Medicine, Immunology, Critical Care
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I wanted the opportunity to train in a resident-focused atmosphere at a community hospital with university resources to bolster my training and learning while staying close to family in the east valley
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Playing sports, games, TV Shows.
|
|
Yusuf Aboul-Nasr, MD
|
Medical School: University of South Florida - Morsani College of Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Hospital Medicine, Quality Improvement
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Banner Desert has felt like home for years. I first had the opportunity to shadow at the hospital as an undergraduate, where I gained an early appreciation for its outstanding clinical environment. During interview season, I was equally impressed by the genuinely supportive culture among the residents and faculty. Being just 10 minutes from my family allows me to stay connected to the people who have supported me throughout my journey. It was the perfect fit for both my training and personal life
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Fitness, cooking, traveling.
|
|
Natalie Crisan, DO
|
Medical School: Midwestern University- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Pulmonary/critical care, Cardiology
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose Banner Desert because of the incredible sense of camaraderie and support I felt throughout the interview process. Everyone—from the residents to the faculty—was genuinely invested in teaching and helping each other succeed. I also loved the diverse patient population, the opportunity to train at a Level I Trauma Center, and the welcoming culture of a growing program
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Hiking, running, crafting/ DIY projects.
|
|
Hytham Hammad, MD, MPH
|
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Research in gastrointestinal malignancies
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: University of Arizona has been a big part of my journey, both personally and professionally. My time there has shaped my growth, connected me with incredible mentors, and assisted me on my commitment to serving the community
Hobbies and Personal Interests: I love to play basketball, golf, and anything outdoors! Also love finding new good cafes and coffee spots
|
|
Muhammad Musa Khattak, DO
|
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine, Rheumatology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: What drew me to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert was the people. From the interview day onward, I was struck by the supportive leadership, approachable faculty, and culture of collaboration. I appreciated the flexibility to explore individual career interests, the opportunity to contribute to a growing program, and the strong academic foundation that comes with being part of the University of Arizona GME community.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, stand up comedy, binging sitcoms, reading learning languages, playing sports, weight lifting, board games, and attempting to play my ukulele.
|
|
Matthew Spear, DO
|
Medical School: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: endocrinology, addiction medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The University of Arizona Phoenix Banner Desert family was very welcoming throughout the residency interview cycle. The program appeared to be very supportive of its residents and seemed to offer flexibility for residents to customize their schedule based on their medical interests
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Weightlifting, golf, pickleball.
|
|
Lamberto Castillo, DO
|
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University - Glendale
Research/Clinical Interests: Clinical interests: Diabetes & Metabolism, Health Disparities, Digital Health & Informatics
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix appeals to me because of its strong commitment to serving the diverse communities of Arizona through innovative, patient centered medical education. I am drawn to the opportunity to learn in a growing urban medical environment while developing a deeper understanding of the healthcare needs of my state. I wanted to remain in Arizona for my residency and ultimately build my career here, contributing to the communities that have shaped my personal and professional goals
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Reading Japanese light novels/manga, gaming, play/collecting one piece TCG
|
|
Tal Schlesinger, MD
|
Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada Las Vegas
Research/Clinical Interests: Hematology, medical education
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the University of Arizona Phoenix because of its strong commitment to clinical excellence, academic growth, and compassionate patient care. The supportive learning environment, diverse patient population, and dedicated faculty make it an ideal place to develop my clinical skills and grow as a physician. I am excited to train alongside outstanding residents and faculty while serving the Arizona community
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Scuba diving, salsa dancing, renovating furniture.
|
|
Dana Alfafara, DO
|
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Cardiology, hospital medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: From interacting with faculty, staff, residents on interview day, I knew I would have excellent role models at Banner Desert. They demonstrated care not only about my growth as a trainee but also my general well-being outside of work. Additionally, I was drawn to UACOM-Phoenix having full confidence in its resources, network, and credibility. I can't wait to learn from mentors, colleagues, and most of all the incredible patient population we get to care for in the East Valley
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Trying new food/coffee spots, following the San Diego Padres, and quality time with my husband and daughter.
|
|
Emily Rae Hannon MD PhD
|
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Research/Clinical Interests: Primary Care, public health, infectious disease
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I selected banner-desert because of the rural track offered in Payson and that the sun shines here
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Horseback riding, artwork, outdoors activities.
|
|
Remsen Bauer, DO
|
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Cardiac Electrophysiology, Autoimmune Cardiomyopathies/Channelopathies
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I felt very welcomed by the residents and faculty during my interview process, and I have always loved what Arizona has to offer. From the diverse patient population and interesting cases to the many outdoor opportunities and lively social interactions, I felt this program had my best interests at heart and would be a great place to call home
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Hiking, skiing, gardening, and travelling.
|