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 Punit Barot, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Virginia
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Favorite Activities: Keeping up with the latest fashion trends, playing pick-up basketball, weightlifting, watching sports, spending quality time with my family, and traveling with my wife and our dog, Kobe
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Arizona offers access to the natural beauty of the Southwest and the support of close family as I complete my residency training. During my interview season, the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix showed me the combination of resources from a strong academic center complemented by the touch of a community program. I was drawn by the program’s emphasis on evidence-based medicine, care for the underserved, and the ability to tailor elective time based on your career interests. Ultimately, I am excited to learn with my co-residents and emerge from this program as a well-rounded Family Physician that can provide broad-spectrum care.
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 Justin Chediak, MD
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Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine
Favorite Activities: Exercising, video games, watching movies/TV, and being outdoors
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I grew up and have lived in the southeast my entire life, so I wanted to be in a new urban setting, and Phoenix felt like a great place to accomplish that and enjoy the beautiful weather and culture it has to offer. I was incredibly drawn to the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix specifically because of my personal interests in OBGYN and health policy, both of which I knew I could cultivate here under the guidance of Dr. Brown and the rest of the faculty. I also quickly appreciated the camaraderie amongst the residents and faculty during my interview and thus knew this would be the perfect place for me to begin my formal training in family medicine.
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 Austin Cotter, MD
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Favorite Activities: I love to explore the outdoors around Arizona (hiking and skiing!), and I love to travel (typically I visit my twin brother and his husband in the Bay Area). I also like to go to the theater or play board games, Dungeons & Dragons, or Mario Kart with my boyfriend and our friends! Recently, I have also started gardening and cooking much more!
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix because of the amazing people. It is hard to choose who among the faculty, residents, and residency administration is the kindest. I look forward to learning from and working with people like that! Other huge draws were the focus on EBM and the pediatric population in the continuity clinic. Plus, I was born at Good Samaritan (BUMCP), and many of my family's biggest health scares took place behind the walls of this hospital. I am honored to continue my training at an amazing facility with so much personal and family history.
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 Rachel Dunn, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: Mayo Clinic, AZ
Favorite Activities: I love all things outdoors including hiking, mountain/road biking, and backpacking. I also enjoy baking, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, and reading fiction
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: As soon as I met the University residents for the first time I knew that it was a group of people I would be truly happy working alongside and spending time with. During my sub-internship, all of the residents, attendings, and staff were wonderful and so passionate about family medicine. I had found my people! I loved the program’s emphasis on evidence-based medicine, underserved medicine, addiction medicine, and pediatrics. I am also so excited to be able to work with a diverse patient population and pursue opportunities for advocacy. I knew I would be supported in my interests and encouraged to grow as a physician and person.
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 Emily Eisenberg, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Nevada, Reno
Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Favorite Activities: Hiking, camping, exercising, cooking (and eating), reading (especially Brandon Sanderson fantasy), and spending time with my husband (also a resident at U of A College of Medicine in orthopedics!) and our two dogs, Chuck, and Bert
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was drawn to U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix because of the program's reputation for training strong family physician leaders. Despite the virtual format of my interview, every faculty member I interacted with exhibited a genuine passion for family medicine and its potential impact on healthcare reform. In addition to working with renowned teaching faculty, I am excited to take advantage of the program’s many outreach and advocacy opportunities. My husband and I both love the city of Phoenix, and we are excited to explore all of the outdoor recreation and try all of the delicious food spots!
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 Alayna Kelly, MD
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Undergraduate: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Medical School: Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University
Favorite Activities: Singing, traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, going to concerts and museums
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: This program offers strong evidence-based training, an emphasis on community health, and engagement in a supportive learning environment which is exactly what I wanted in a residency program. Furthermore, I was impressed by the reputation of the program as an innovator in family medicine and by the opportunities to become involved in advocacy and academic medicine. Most importantly, all of the residents that I met during the interview process emphasized how well-supported they felt in pursuing their individual interests. I was also blown away by the amazing faculty and staff here! Regarding my move to Phoenix, I am excited to live in a place with a lot of sunshine, amazing food, incredible natural attractions, and beautiful culture.
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 Chisom Okuagu , DO
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: Kansas City University
Favorite Activities: Traveling, Spending time with friends/family, hiking, gardening, reading
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I love Arizona for so many reasons—you get over 300 days of sun, the food and culture scene is amazing, and I’m within driving distance to some of the most incredible landscapes and geography in the world. With the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix being in the state’s capital, we are planted in the middle of an incredible metropolitan hub that’s a breeding ground for growth and forward thinking while also allowing students, trainees, and faculty to truly understand and be responsive to the needs of the Phoenix community. It is the perfect balance of education, innovation, and community orientation which I feel will ultimately help set me up to serve in any capacity.
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 Kari Stauss, MD
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Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Favorite Activities: Hiking, Reading, Eating tacos
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I moved to Phoenix to complete my third and fourth years of medical school and fell in love with the city and wanted to continue contributing to providing healthcare to underserved populations of the area in residency. During my interview and throughout the interview season, I felt so supported by Dr. Brown and the entire program. Banner has such a strong foundation in evidenced based medicine and provides great opportunities for advocacy. I knew this was the right fit for me and am excited to train with this program!
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