Family Medicine Residency Class of 2028

Class of 2028

Resident

Brief Bio

Lara AguiarLara Aguiar, MD

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Favorite Activities: Going to concerts, cooking, baking, binging reality TV, family game nights, reading, arts and crafts, spending quality time with my friends/family/cat, and travelling
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: As an Arizona native, I feel so fortunate to have been able to complete my education here in my home state and am thrilled to continue my training here in Phoenix! I was drawn to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s clear commitment to advocacy, promoting health equity, and serving diverse, underserved patient populations. During my sub-internship rotation here, it was clear that U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix provides robust, full-spectrum training while fostering an incredibly supportive and encouraging learning environment. I’m looking forward to growing as a physician and continuing to serve the local community alongside the fantastic faculty, residents, and staff at this program!

Mitch BakerMitch Baker, MD

Undergraduate: University of Maryland
Medical School: University of Maryland
Favorite Activities: Staying active, exploring the outdoors, and trying new places to eat around town with my wife Jen
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: My wife and I chose Arizona because of the year round sunshine, laid back people, beautiful outdoors, and endless list of things to do nearby. I wanted to be challenged to grow as much as possible as a physician and chose University of Arizona, Phoenix because of both the exceptional breadth and depth of training available and most importantly the people. I felt at home from the minute I met Dr. Brown and the entire department and saw a great life for my wife and me here. I love the focus on broad spectrum care using the latest evidence-based medicine and emphasis on advocacy and leadership at both the state and national level. It’s a privilege to be joining such a fantastic program and I couldn’t be more excited for the next 3 years and beyond!

Kathryn BlevinsKathryn Blevins, MD

Undergraduate: University of Arizona (Tucson)
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Favorite Activities: Rock climbing (before I broke my ankle), true crime documentaries, video games, making sourdough bread
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I’m an Arizona girl! I was born and raised in rural, northern Arizona. I went to undergrad in Tucson and medical school in Phoenix. Do I love the summers? No, I’m not crazy. But I do love Arizona and I love this program. Everyone here is kind, compassionate, welcoming, and dedicated to making Arizona the healthiest it can be. Why would I want to be anywhere else?

Janaye MastersJanaye Masters, DO

Undergraduate: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Medical School: Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, AL
Favorite Activities: I enjoy weightlifting, yoga, cooking, crime documentaries, learning languages, spending time with my two dogs, and singing
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: When I visited, I truly enjoyed meeting the faculty and felt a strong sense of community - like a family. Arizona’s warm climate, kind people, and vibrant culture make it an ideal place for me to train and grow as a physician. I am passionate about family medicine and women’s health and want to continue practicing Spanish in a diverse and culturally rich environment. Additionally, I am deeply committed to serving Native communities through Indian Health Services, and Arizona provides the perfect opportunity to fulfill that mission.

Pankhuri Sanya KharbandaPankhuri Sanya Kharbanda, MD

Undergraduate: The University of Arizona – Tucson
Medical School: Midwestern University – Glendale
Favorite Activities: Spending time with family and friends, camping, exploring new restaurants, board game nights, watching Bollywood movies, anything outside, traveling the world, being involved in the Phoenix Indian community, dancing, playing sports, going to the park with our pup Tuffy
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Having grown up in AZ most of my life, I couldn’t imagine a better place for me to do my residency. I was drawn to this program during my interview and at my second look. It offered such robust training in every aspect of family medicine which is exactly what I was looking for. It will train me to be prepared for any patient in any setting. I have always been passionate about working with the underserved population and this program is geared towards exactly that. It is an honor to give back to the city that has always given me so much. I am so excited to join this new family while already being surrounded by my own.

Hannah ShentonHannah Shenton, MD

Undergraduate: The University of Michigan
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Favorite Activities: Being active: yoga, running, hiking, golfing. Being creative through glassblowing and crafting. Going to concerts. Reading. Spending time with family and friends. Playing and cuddling with my dog and cat. Watching and playing sports
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I am excited to move out to Arizona and take advantage of the wonderful weather and accessible hiking trails and national parks. I met Dr. Brown and residents at the AAFP conference and I immediately felt like the program would be a place where I could grow as a resident physician and continue to pursue passions both in and out of medicine. The opportunities at University of Arizona Banner Phoenix to learn family medicine with a specific focus on practicing evidence-based, high-value care and the commitment to community service aligned with my goals for residency training. I am also excited by the sports medicine opportunities that the program offers as I am interested in this area of family medicine.

Brenda Valencia-JonesBrenda Valencia-Jones, MD

Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Favorite Activities: Indoor cycling, listening to true crime podcasts and spending time with friends/family
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: During my sub-internship at College of Medicine – Phoenix, I was welcomed by incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and considerate residents and faculty alike. College of Medicine – Phoenix embodied everything I had hoped for: camaraderie amongst residents, passion for the underserved and a diverse patient population with a dominant Spanish-speaking community. Most importantly, Arizona would allow me to remain close to family and friends. The strengths of the program also highlighted a variety of disciplines that I was particularly interested in, including women’s health, evidence-based medicine and psychiatry. I was thrilled to learn that I would be joining the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix family.

Alyssa YockyAlyssa Yocky, MD

Undergraduate: Fort Lewis College
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Favorite Activities: Hiking, writing (fiction, poetry), reading, playing guitar/piano (and occasionally singing), painting, team sports (outdoor soccer, indoor soccer, sand volleyball, etc.), and caring for my little plant babies
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I have always believed that connection and community allow us to grow and become the best versions of ourselves…which is why I fell in love with UACOM-P! From the moment I started my interviews I knew that this program valued relationships. Its residents and faculty are kind, thoughtful, and genuine. Beyond the incredible people, I felt drawn to the program for its advocacy at the state and national level, its focus on teaching evidence-based medicine, and its strong sports medicine curriculum. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve the diverse population of Phoenix and learn from some of the biggest leaders in family medicine! I have a long family history in Arizona, with members of both sides of my family receiving their degrees at U of A, ASU, and NAU. My older brother has lived in Phoenix for over 10 years, and I am excited to live in the same city as him again! I cannot wait to enjoy the sunshine, food, and culture of Phoenix!