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David Blystra, MD
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Undergraduate: Hope College
Medical School: Michigan State University – College of Human Medicine
Why Arizona and UA College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was initially interested in the program because my brother, sister-in-law and three nephews live in Phoenix. I have a friend from Michigan who happens to be a resident here, as well, and spoke very highly of the program. I decided to do a sub-internship rotation as a medical student and quickly realized the incredible residents, faculty and staff would make this an ideal place to train and live!
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 Margaretta Gergen, DO
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Undergraduate: Franklin & Marshall College
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Arizona and UA College of Medicine – Phoenix: There are so many reasons why I chose the College of Medicine – Phoenix! What initially drew me to this program was it is a broad spectrum, academic family medicine residency with an emphasis on maternal care, pediatrics and serving the underserved. But what really convinced me were the individuals I met during my interview day. Seeing how supportive the residents and faculty were of each other and us interviewees confirmed this was the place for me. I am excited to explore the beautiful city of Phoenix and finally escape the Northeast winters!
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Zulianna Ibrahim, MD
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Why Arizona and UA College of Medicine – Phoenix: I thrive in the sun and warmth! I was looking for a bustling city surrounded by nature and the elements, so Phoenix was a no brainer. The palm trees steal my heart every time! As far as the program, the faculty and residents were welcoming, excited and genuinely happy. It speaks volumes to me when PGY3s don't want to leave because they love their program! Banner represented creativity and leadership in Family Medicine with the AFP podcast, which I cannot wait to join! My passion for Integrative Medicine makes holistic care a priority in my practice. Banner's attention to psychosocial and behavioral health confirmed that I could learn in an environment with similar minds and hearts! Finally, the many opportunities for resident-led community endeavors were alluring and encompassing of community and social medicine topics where I could contribute my expertise, as well as challenge myself to grow personally and professionally!
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 Heather Merchut, DO
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Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Arizona and UA College of Medicine – Phoenix: I’m from Phoenix, so it’s wonderful coming back to my hometown! However, it was my interview at UA College of Medicine – Phoenix that really sealed the deal. Everyone was so genuine and friendly and passionate about family medicine, and they just felt like “my” people. I am also very excited by the opportunities for osteopathic manipulative treatment, integrative medicine and rural medicine, along with having a strong foundation in evidence-based medicine, behavioral medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics. In general, I have a lot of medical interests and desire to practice “cradle to grave” family medicine, so it was really awesome to be greeted with eager support to explore those interests on top of giving me solid training in full-spectrum medicine.
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 Andrew Ochoa, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Why Arizona and UA College of Medicine – Phoenix: Arizona is home to me. I was born and raised in Tucson and attended the University of Arizona as an undergrad. I went to medical school in Ohio, and while I loved my time in Cincinnati, it made me realize how much I missed being close to home. On my interview day, I knew that the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix was the right place for me. I was welcomed by the residents and faculty and felt like I was already a part of their UA family. I’m excited about the emphasis this program places on full-spectrum medicine and the training residents receive to become outstanding, well-rounded physicians.
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 Clayton Pierce, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Why Arizona and UA College of Medicine – Phoenix: Banner felt like the perfect fit after my residency interview. I was blown away by the hospital and the Family Medicine Program because I felt a strong sense of community. Everyone was welcoming, knowledgeable and supportive. I quickly imagined being very happy and grateful to work in such an encouraging environment. I grew up in Tucson, so I'm thrilled to return to my home state and live closer to family. Also, Arizona is such a beautiful state with easy access to all the outdoor activities I enjoy. Finally, as a University of Arizona alumnus, I'm eager to bring some Wildcat spirit to the Valley of the Sun. Beardown!
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 Ryan Romo, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Why Arizona and UA College of Medicine – Phoenix: Arizona born and raised! I am originally from Tucson, so Phoenix is close enough to home to be able to see my family often, but far enough to have a bigger city feel. I fell in love with this residency program during my sub-internship here. It was so evident that every person truly saw their patients as human beings and would do everything in their power to give meaningful care. Dedication to the community and a strong presence in health care advocacy were additional factors that led me to want to stay here for residency. All the current residents and faculty are so great, and I cannot wait to join this wonderful group!
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 Jayme Sherman, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Why Arizona and UA College of Medicine – Phoenix: I am a fifth generation Arizonan who was born and raised in Mesa, AZ. My husband, Tyler, is also an Arizona native. We chose to stay in Arizona to be close to our family and to continue to grow as a family in our hometown. We love Phoenix for the perfect weather, the awesome food, the beautiful outdoors and the endless opportunities for fun activities! I chose this program because of the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the dedication to evidence based medicine, the quality of training and the excellence of the faculty and residents that I worked with during my third- and fourth-year rotations.
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