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Ali Al-Darobi, MD
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Medical School: Yarmouk University Faculty of Medicine, Jordan
Favorite Activities: Walking, cooking, and spending time with my daughter and family.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: Arizona is home to me. The community’s diversity offers a rich learning experience, and the program’s strong opportunities in fellowship, research, leadership, and teaching align with my goals. Plus, Arizona’s lifestyle and welcoming community make it a great place to live and train.
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Venkat Bhaskara, DO
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Undergraduate: Nova Southeastern University
Medical School: NSU KPCOM
Favorite Activities: Watching Football, Travel, Cooking
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: it seemed like a supportive and encouraging training environment that would provide a top quality education while allowing me to be near my family and explore new environment.
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Garrett Blatter, DO
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Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
Medical School: Midwestern University
Favorite Activities: Volleyball, pickleball, spending time with family, friends, and faith community.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: A great rotation experience here, desire to stay in Arizona, and the unique opportunity to contribute to a new residency program.
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Cody Chen, DO
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Undergraduate: University of Colorado Boulder
Medical School: Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite Activities: Golf, basketball, home improvement, board games, exploring new cities, playing with my dogs.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: Amazing interview experience, proximity to home, and a diverse patient population. I also wanted a program that emphasizes wellness, with support from family and friends nearby and Arizona’s great weather.
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Derrik Dotter, DO
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Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University – Southern Utah
Favorite Activities: Baseball, birdwatching.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: The large, diverse patient population and faculty invested in my future and well-being, both in and out of medicine.
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Colby Erickson, DO
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Undergraduate: BYU in Provo, UT
Medical School: Midwestern in Glendale, AZ
Favorite Activities: I love spending time with my wife and two kids. Growing up I played soccer and would go snowboarding as much as I could. My wife grew up playing soccer as well, so we love to get out and play when we have the chance. I love to go snowboarding up at Snowbowl or back home in Utah when there's time. I love collecting shoes too. I'll go buy shoes and trade for other pairs so my collection is always changing.
Why Banner Desert: I chose University of Arizona at Banner Desert because I saw it as an awesome opportunity to be part of the group to help shape the program. Everyone I have met and worked with have been wonderful and are excellent teachers. The support system is fantastic here. I am interested in fellowship, and the resources and support available to us here is wonderful. There are many opportunities to find mentors on our campus, as well as work with those at the downtown Phoenix campus. My wife's family is from here so for us it was ideal to stay nearby.
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Raha Ghadmazan, DO
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: Midwestern University – AZCOM
Favorite Activities: Time with family and friends, playing Catan, reading novels, cooking and baking, finding new restaurants/coffee shops.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: Supportive culture, strong academic foundation, and committed leadership. The open house affirmed this is a place to thrive. As part of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, the program offers excellent training, research, mentorship, and a structured curriculum supporting fellowship goals. The diverse Banner Desert patient population enriches learning and fosters compassionate, culturally competent care—especially meaningful as I continue serving the Arizona community I know and love.
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Travis Hanson, DO
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Undergraduate: Utah Tech University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University
Favorite Activities: Working on cars, making guitars, stargazing.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: I felt a strong sense of family and belonging while interviewing, paired with UArizona’s stellar academic reputation, a Level 1 trauma center, and a family-friendly East Valley location.
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Richard Huynh, DO
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (New Mexico)
Favorite Activities: Exploring local events and foodie spots, time with family and friends, traveling, caring for tropical plants, DIY/crafts.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: The program’s family-like atmosphere, community focus with strong academic medicine, and comprehensive training align with my desire to serve the Southwest. Returning to Banner—where my passion for medicine began—feels full-circle and meaningful.
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Jamil Jaber, MD
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Favorite Activities: Relaxing with family, enjoying good food; creative expression through art and entrepreneurship.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: I wanted an environment that values continuous learning, unconventional curiosity, and mentorship, with comprehensive, patient-centered training in a growing program.
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Jennifer Khong, DO
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Undergraduate: University of Colorado Denver
Medical School: Rocky Vista University, Colorado Campus
Favorite Activities: Playing instruments (violin and piano), Morning Walking, Food Hunting
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: I chose College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner because of its exposure to bother academic and community-based medical training. Furthermore, as a program with a Level 1 trauma center, it provides an opportunity to challenge my medical knowledge and continue growing in my career toward becoming a successful physician. Lastly, the bond I share with my co-residents and the attendings I work with has strengthened my ability to provide comprehensive care, grounded in the compassion and humility, to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. I am very excited to see how much this program can grow as a new GME program, and how my contribution to it can improve the communities at Mesa, Arizona.
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Alisa Liberman, DO
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Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Favorite Activities: Tennis, reading, listening to music.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: After a Meet & Greet and hospital tour, I felt leadership was excited to teach and support residents, with broad pathology and tertiary-care support—key factors in my decision.
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Cynthia Moreno, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Nevada, Reno
Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
Favorite Activities: Ultra-running in the mountains, reading romance novels, eating good food.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: Excited to be part of the inaugural class and help shape the program’s culture, with supportive faculty who will advocate for me.
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Eshan Noori, MD
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Undergraduate: University of California, Davis
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Favorite Activities: Listening to music, watching movies/shows, gaming, visiting nature.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: A new residency backed by a strong academic sponsor offers a unique chance to help shape the program—an exciting dynamic I’m eager to join.
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Mohamed Reyad, MD
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Medical School: Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University (Cairo)
Favorite Activities: Time with family, watching movies and soccer.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: The program emphasizes resident wellness and work–life balance. Being part of the first class allows close interaction with attendings and the chance to help shape the program while building a strong IM foundation.
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Ana Aragon Sierra, MD
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Undergraduate: Barrett the Honors College at Arizona State University, Universidad Pablo de Olavide
(Graduate: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University)
Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine- Scottsdale
Favorite Activities: Salsa dancing, Weightlifting, Reading (non-medical) books, Spending time with loved ones
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine:I chose Banner Desert because it is an academic-community program that serves the diverse community that I grew up with. The program's curriculum offers flexibility for me to hone in on my interests inside and outside of medicine, and as a new program, I am excited to help shape the culture and leave a legacy along with my amazing co-residents. Ultimately, my career goal is to work as a PCP in Mesa while also helping mentor and teach future medical trainees. I believe my residency at Banner Desert will provide me with the perfect foundation to thrive both professionally and personally.
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Austin Simmons, DO
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Undergraduate: B.S. & M.S. in Cell/Molecular Biology, Appalachian State University
Medical School: Campbell University School of Medicine (North Carolina)
Interests: Pulmonary research; holistic, relationship-centered care.
Favorite Activities: Live music, playing electric guitar, spending time outdoors.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: Banner Desert is the ideal place for me to be my best self—inside and outside the hospital.
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Aubrey Walker, MD
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Undergraduate: Harvard University
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Favorite Activities: Traveling, Gardening, Consumer tech, Home improvement
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: The program offers training at tertiary care facility within the UofA and BUMCP academic ecosystem; provides experiences with diverse patient populations, including privately insured, uninsured, Spanish-speaking and Indigenous patients; and emphasizes a growth mindset: fostering open access to attendings and hospital executives, embracing agility in response to feedback, and supporting the personal and professional development of resident physician leaders committed to compassionate, evidence-based, patient-care! Plus, over 300 days of sunshine each year!
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Michelle Anthony, MD
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Favorite Activities: Reading, playing with my dog.
Track: Rural Track
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Banner Desert Internal Medicine: I loved my rotation in Payson serving underserved communities and I’m excited to continue this work through the rural track.
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William McEntyre, DO
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Track: Rural Track
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