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Feras Aboukhater
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Undergraduate: Stony Brook University
Medical School: Loyola Stritch School of Medicine
Career Interests: I am interested in pursuing Cardiology or working as hospitalist, with a broader interest in health policy.
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program for its strong clinical training and commitment to serving diverse patient populations. I was also drawn to the program’s supportive culture and emphasis on resident wellness. Location was an important factor for me as well, and I am looking forward to the change in weather after four years in Chicago!
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Singing, soccer, tennis.
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Hugh Alessi
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Undergraduate: Colorado College
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Career Interests: Fellowship
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Opportunity to be close to family.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Skiing, climbing/bouldering, running
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Gabriel Araya
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: Indiana University
Career Interests: Cardiology
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I choose this program because of its diverse patient population, large referral catchment area, and rigorous training environment. Additionally, as a Phoenix native, the location is ideal.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Gardening/Landscaping, Reading, Cooking
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Arveen Asghar
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Career Interests: I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in GI after residency
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train at University of Arizona COM- Phoenix because of the welcoming and supportive environment I experienced during my sub-internship. I immediately felt like part of the team, and it was clear that the residents and faculty are deeply invested in each other’s growth and success. I was particularly drawn to the program’s commitment to helping residents pursue their individual career goals, and I’m excited to train in a place that fosters both strong clinical skills and a sense of community.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Traveling and exploring new places, hiking, watching Formula 1
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Cecil Babul
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Undergraduate: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago
Career Interests: Gastroenterology, Academic Medicine, Hospital Medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: What drew me to U of A Phoenix was the opportunity to train in a system that cares for a diverse, high-need patient population, including refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities. I was especially drawn to the breadth of training at Banner, from a Level I trauma center to complex quaternary referral care. I want to train in a program where cultural humility, clinical complexity, and service to patients facing real social and financial barriers are all central to the work.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Basketball, video games, and exploring new food spots
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Nicole Bacha
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Undergraduate: University of Kentucky
Medical School: University of Louisville
Career Interests: I am interested in both hospital medicine and primary care. Also interested in obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine. I am also exploring GI!
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was really drawn to the University of Arizona because of the supportive, collaborative culture. It felt like a place where people genuinely look out for each other and want you to grow. The diversity of training also stood out, with exposure to a wide range of patient populations and clinical experiences that will help me become a well-rounded physician. Phoenix also felt like the right fit for me, and having a strong support system there makes it feel like a community I can truly be part of and thrive in.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Travel, spending time outdoors/in nature, art, exploring coffee shops/restaurants, hiking
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Jake Baldasare
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Undergraduate: University of Colorado
Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Career Interests: I would like to pursue a fellowship after residency. I'm currently exploring Hematology/Oncology (with a focus on solid tumors, particularly GU), Nephrology, and Sleep Medicine.
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was drawn to the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix for its strong culture of mentorship and how intentionally it invests in resident education. I’m especially excited by the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population while continuing to grow as a teacher. Being in Phoenix, with everything the city has to offer, just made it feel like the right place to train and live!
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Hiking, PC Gaming, and Fantasy Novels.
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Ipsha Banerjee
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Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley
Graduate School: Arizona State University - Biomedical Informatics
Medical School: New York Medical College
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix felt like a natural fit for me, both personally and professionally. Arizona is home, where I completed my early education, earned my master’s degree, and began my clinical journey at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Training here gives me the opportunity to care for a community I understand deeply and that has shaped who I am, while staying close to my family.
What stood out to me about the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix was the genuine sense of collaboration and support I felt during my interview day, along with a culture that values both innovation and thoughtful patient care. I was particularly drawn to the program’s engagement with clinical informatics, as I hope to integrate data-driven approaches into my future practice. Together, these qualities made it a place where I could see myself growing into the kind of physician I aspire to be.
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Sophia Carbajal
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Undergraduate: Grinnell College
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: I am considering hospital medicine or fellowship in rheumatology.
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I rotated through the program during medical school and loved my experience. The faculty are eager to teach and the residents are collaborative and welcoming. I am also an Arizona native and wanted to stay in Phoenix to care for my community and be close to family.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Baking, crocheting and volleyball
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O'Neil Filloon
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Interested in heme/onc fellowship, community setting, and primarily an outpatient clinic setting.
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I wanted to continue serving the Phoenix area so I can stay in touch with my friends and family, and I loved rotating here as a medical student!
Hobbies and Personal Interests: I love sports and can talk about football and basketball all day. I also love music, I listen to country and anything 70s and 80s. Finally, I love exploring new restaurants and patio bars with either live music or a lively outdoor and fun scene!
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Cole Gardner
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Undergraduate: DePauw University
Medical School: Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train at UACOMP because I wanted an academic program that would give me a strong, well-versed foundation in internal medicine while supporting my career goals. I noticed the camaraderie amongst residents and faculty during my interview, and appreciated the emphasis on wellness without sacrificing the quality of training.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Sports, hiking, reading
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Tyler Grenier
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: Midwestern University - Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Interesting in either fellowship (cardiology/PCCM) or hospitalist
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Experience during Sub-I, resident and attending culture, arizona native (proximity)
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Ice Hockey, golf, my Goldendoodle (Margot)
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Mai Harris
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Undergraduate: University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Medical School: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Career Interests: After residency, I hope to pursue a fellowship in Gastroenterology.
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: What stood out to me most about the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix was the people. Speaking with residents and faculty, I immediately felt at home. The warmth, the collaboration, and the genuine sense of community being cultivated here made it clear that this was the right choice for me. I confidently feel that this is a place where I will be supported, challenged, and have access to the resources and opportunities needed to continuously grow and develop as a physician. Also, having lived in Canada, I truly missed the warm weather, and Arizona felt like the perfect place to call home. I am so excited to begin my journey here!
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Outside of medicine, I grew up in a warm climate and really enjoy outdoor activities. Whether that's swimming, hiking, hosting a backyard BBQ, or simply sitting on a patio on a beautiful day, Arizona is the perfect place for that, and I'm so excited to be here.
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Brittnay Hong
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Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Graduate School: Global Medicine at University of Southern California
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Career Interests: Gastroenterology, Hospital Medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix because Phoenix is home, and I am excited to stay close to my family and partner while continuing to serve a diverse and growing community. During my time here as a medical student, I experienced a strong sense of camaraderie among residents and faculty who are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in teaching. I was also drawn to the program's balance of strong clinical training and its emphasis on resident well-being, which made it feel like the right fit for me.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Crocheting/knitting, snowboarding, pickleball, and collecting "emotional support" penguins
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Wyatt Koolmees
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Undergraduate: University of California Santa Barbara
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix
Career Interests: Fellowship
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I moved out here for medical school, and fell in love with the area of phoenix. I get the chance to stay next to my family in the area and around the friends I've made out here. Additionally I felt like the training environment I was in during my years in medical school was excellent and I was happy to continue here in residency.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Basketball, golf, reading/writing
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Connor McCaskey
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Undergraduate: University of Oklahoma
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton
Career Interests: Fellowship
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The variety of patient populations and exposure to a broad spectrum of pathologies were especially appealing to me. The program’s strong emphasis on resident education, collaborative and supportive culture, and robust in-house fellowships make it an ideal place to learn and grow throughout residency. Additionally, being in Phoenix, with its access to the mountains and desert, is something I value and look forward to.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Hiking, golf, skiing
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Nicole McPhillips
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Undergraduate: College of Saint Mary - Omaha, NE
Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Geriatrics
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix because it offers strong, well-rounded clinical training in a supportive and collaborative environment. During my interview, I was particularly struck by how approachable and engaged the residents and faculty were, which made it clear that people here are genuinely invested in each other’s growth. I also appreciate that the program emphasizes caring for a diverse patient population, including underserved communities. Lastly, Phoenix provides the opportunity to explore new experiences, both personally and professionally, in a completely different setting.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: I love storm chasing, hiking, and baking. They’re a fun mix that keeps me busy and entertained outside of work.
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Joshua Midthun
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Undergraduate: Grand Canyon University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Global Health, Hospital Medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Close to my wife and I's support system, positive work/teaching culture, diverse pathologies, and opportunities to explore my interest in hematology/oncology fellowship.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Hiking, cooking, making music.
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Raquel Moore
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix
Career Interests: Gastroenterology
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train here because of the great experiences I had during my rotations in medical school and proximity to family.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Reading, traveling
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Esai Ponce
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Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Graduate School: Arizona State University - Structural and Materials Engineering
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine - Phoenix
Career Interests: Cardiology/PCCM Fellowships or Hospital Medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Phoenix is home. BUMC is a large academic hospital (largest in AZ) that takes care of a diverse patient population with exposure to opportunities in specialty care and research. The residents all seemed happy as well and heard many good things about the program.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Soccer, Playing the Drums/Bass, my PS5
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Ashley Ponce
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Undergraduate: Grand Canyon University
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine - Phoenix
Career Interests: Hospital medicine, although I am open to fellowship in PCCM or infectious disease.
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train here because my entire support system is in the Phoenix area, so staying local was my top priority. The program is also well-rounded in terms of patient population and disease complexities with rotations at both Banner and the VA. Lastly, after speaking with the residents, they expressed how supported they were by faculty and admin, which makes me confident that I will become the physician I aspire to be here.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Going to the gym, spending time with family, and cooking/baking.
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Jonathan Roe
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Graduate School: Medical Humanities and Bioethics
Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Career Interests: Primary care, Endocrinology, Academic medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The University of Arizona is a strong academic program and I was drawn to the primary care track. During my interview and applicant visit it was immediately apparent how happy everyone was and how much they all liked each other. I could sense there was a true sense of collegiality and camaraderie. I'm excited to receive world class training in a healthy work environment.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Helping my son train to be the next Tucson Rodeo mutton bustin' champ, cooking and hosting themed dinner parties, leather working and crafting custom bolo ties
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Josh Schumacher
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Undergraduate: Augustana University
Medical School: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology or Pulmonary/Critical Care
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train at University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix because it allowed me to train at a large, academic center which would expose me to the full breadth of internal medicine. Additionally, the balanced schedule, emphasis on teaching, focus on resident wellness, and the friendly people I met during my interview day/social were draws to the program for me. Finally, Phoenix is a large city that also offers a ton of options for outdoor activities nearby. The warm winters will also be a nice change of pace from South Dakota winters.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Playing sports, any outdoor activities, reading fiction
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Nicholas Smith
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Undergraduate: Northern Arizona University
Medical School: Midwestern University AZCOM
Career Interests: Academic hospitalist, Cardiology
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: UA Phoenix offers many valuable qualities. The program offers a stellar training which is greatly influenced by the wonderful faculty and residents contributing to the program's culture. The abundance of academic resources and opportunities for growth also lend to the program's success in supporting residents to reach their goals. Lastly, being a Phoenix local, training at this program also means I am able to continue serving the community I cherish most.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Running, Snowboarding, Board Games
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Lily Younan
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Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Career Interests: I am interested in pursuing a career as a hospitalist or as a primary care physician.
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I have lived in Phoenix since I was 8 years old and my parents/family reside in Peoria as well. I left Phoenix to complete my undergraduate and medical degree in Tucson but felt that it was time to return to serve the community I call home. I also enjoy the fast paced environment of a larger city and am excited to explore parts of Arizona I have not experienced before!
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Hot yoga, cooking/baking, trying new bakeries, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
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