Class of 2028

Resident

Brief Bio

Amal Altaf
Amal Altaf

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Gastroenterology, Hospital Medicine, Global Health
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Phoenix has been my home for the past nine years, and I’m excited to keep it that way a little longer! During my rotations at UA COM-Phoenix, I experienced a supportive culture, faculty who genuinely invest in their trainees, and abundant opportunities to care for a diverse patient population. It’s exactly the kind of place where I know I’ll grow into the physician I want to be.

Marcel Awasi
Marcel Awasi

Undergraduate: University of Yaounde-1, Cameroon
Medical School: Vinnitsa National Pirogov Memorial Medical University
Career Interests: Rheumatology, Hospital Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I felt welcomed, and the camaraderie between the residents was so refreshing. I enjoyed my interview with program leadership; it made me feel I will be supported in my training, and overall, Phoenix is home to me, so it was an easy decision to choose U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix for residency.

Hend Bcharah
Hend Bcharah

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Career Interests: Cardiology, PCCM
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Patient population, diverse clinical training, positive and uplifting culture, and being able to stay close to home.

Michael Bembenek
Michael Bembenek

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Career Interests: Pulmonary/Critical Care and Hospital Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix for two reasons: the people and the medicine. During my sub-internship, everyone I came in contact with was welcoming and supportive. I made connections with residents, many of which lasted well beyond my time on rotation. I was also impressed with the high level of care provided at BUMC-P, and wished to continue to train in that environment.

Melissa Brown
Melissa Brown

Undergraduate: Grand Canyon University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Undecided
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I had a wonderful and educational rotation in the ICU at BUMCP. All of the residents I worked with were wonderful and seemed very competent.

David Chen
David Chen

Undergraduate: Duke University
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train here because I felt welcome and a sense of excitement about my future here. The vibrant city of Phoenix, combined with my personal interactions with the program's compassionate and skilled residents, made it a top choice for me.

Brooke D'Agostini
Brooke D'Agostini

Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Infectious Disease & Critical Care Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose internal medicine residency here because I truly enjoyed my time rotating as a medical student. One of my favorite weeks of medical school was my week on nights as a sub-intern!

Aneal Dayal
Aneal Dayal

Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria
Career Interests: Gastroenterology and Hospital Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: The combination of robust learning opportunities, exposure to various subspecialties, a diverse patient population, and a culture of supportive and collaborative faculty and residents made it an easy decision—especially on top of the fact that my family lives in the Phoenix area.

Blake Formanek
Blake Formanek

Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: University of Queensland School of Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology, PCCM
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program because of its culture. After speaking with residents and Dr. Holland, I saw a genuine commitment among everyone to each other’s growth. I wanted to be a part of this family, contribute to its success, and hopefully inspire future residents.

Vienna George
Vienna George

Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program for its strong academic foundation, diverse patient population, and the opportunities for VA training and medical education. Having lived in Phoenix before, it feels like coming home. What stood out most was how happy and supportive the residents were throughout the interview process. I knew this was where I’d thrive both personally and professionally.

Rachna Guntu
Rachna Guntu

Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Phoenix is home! I'm so excited to stay close to family and work more closely with the Phoenix community. I've had such wonderful experiences with all the residents and attendings here at UACOMP throughout medical school.

Jordan Johnson
Jordan Johnson

Undergraduate: University of Utah
Medical School: Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah
Career Interests: Cardiac Electrophysiology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train at U of A – Phoenix because it offers impressive, well-rounded internist training, strong fellowships, and chances to work with impactful mentors. I am also excited for the many opportunities to serve in this community.

Nadia Khan
Nadia Khan

Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Endocrinology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was born at Banner University Medical Center while it was still Good Samaritan Hospital. I've lived in Arizona my whole life and have always dreamed of serving the community here. I also want to teach medical students one day and work with underserved populations. I chose University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to make these dreams possible and because the program trains compassionate physicians.

Brandon Klor
Brandon Klor

Undergraduate: Grand Canyon University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Undecided
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: When I rotated here as a medical student, I appreciated the respect I was shown as a trainee and on a personal level. Phoenix has become home and so I am also excited for the opportunity to train locally.

Ghena Krdi
Ghena Krdi

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Academic Medicine, Women’s Health & Primary Care, Hospitalist Medicine, possibly Rheumatology or Allergy
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I rotated at UA as a third-year medical student for the majority of my rotations and enjoyed my time while on internal medicine. I found it to be a very supportive and welcoming environment for learning and growing. I appreciate the variety of patient cases and the availability of various subspecialties at both Banner and the VA. I know this program will offer me the tools and experience to become the physician I aspire to be.

Andrew Lataille
Andrew Lataille

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Career Interests: Cardiology, Academic Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train here because of its high-quality training, close-knit environment, and strong emphasis on resident education. During my Sub-I, the residents made me feel like part of the family, and I knew this was where I wanted to train. Phoenix is home, and I’m thrilled to continue my journey surrounded by friends and family!

Celeste Moreland
Celeste Moreland

Undergraduate: University of San Diego
Medical School: Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah
Career Interests: GI, Infectious Disease, Hospitalist
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I love the Phoenix area and am passionate about the patient populations that they work with.

Darshti Patel
Darshti Patel

Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to train here because of the program's strong emphasis on resident wellness and work-life balance without sacrificing education. This program also allows me to live closer to my brother.

Kathleen Pavy
Kathleen Pavy

Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Medical School: California Northstate University College of Medicine
Career Interests: Primary Care Physician
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I knew I wanted to train at a program with a Primary Care Track and opportunities to serve in rural and medically underserved communities. My interview was great, and when I came to visit for a second look, the residents consistently emphasized how happy they were at UACOMP. The program leadership and residents prioritize lifestyle, which was another important consideration for me.

Joseph Penn
Joseph Penn

Undergraduate: Rhodes College
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology, Hospitalist, Medical Education
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program because of its collaborative and friendly atmosphere and the ability to work with a large, diverse patient population. During my interview day, I found the faculty to be extremely kind, and I knew it would be a program where I would feel supported.

Rebecca Schiff
Rebecca Schiff

Undergraduate: Tulane University
Medical School: University of Queensland School of Medicine
Career Interests: Gastroenterology and Hospital Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I wanted an academic program that would allow me to explore all facets of medicine and was impressed by the supportive environment and focus on resident wellness. I know that I will have all the tools needed to become the best physician I can be here.

Nicholas Scuderi
Nicholas Scuderi

Undergraduate: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Medical School: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine
Career Interests: Pulmonary/Critical Care
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program for its strong clinical training, supportive environment, and the sense of community I felt during interviews. I grew up in Western Massachusetts and was ready for a change—Phoenix offered something completely new. The chance to care for a diverse patient population, work with underserved communities, and be near family made it an easy choice. And as someone who loves hiking and being outdoors, having the mountains and desert right outside the city was a huge plus.

Konrad Slabinski
Konrad Slabinski

Undergraduate: University of Miami
Medical School: University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Great work-life balance and a supportive environment that clearly places an emphasis on resident wellness, all in a strong academic training program. Also, I love Arizona and its beautiful natural access and am excited to call Phoenix my home for the coming years.

Anupama Somaratna
Anupama Somaratna

Undergraduate: UC San Diego
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Career Interests: Rheumatology, Hematology & Oncology, Hospital Medicine
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose this program for its strong clinical training across multiple hospital sites, such as the VA and Banner, which expose me to a broad spectrum of pathologies and patient populations. I was also impressed by the supportive, friendly culture and numerous opportunities to personalize my education through scholarly activity, electives, and fellowship exploration.

Conor Willson
Conor Willson

Undergraduate: The University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Career Interests: Cardiology, Pulmonary/Critical Care
Why U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I had many clerkship and elective rotations at BUMCP or the VA and thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the residents, attendings, and patient population! The culture is a welcoming one, and the training is excellent. With the huge variety in patient populations, there is a myriad of disease presentations and plentiful opportunities to learn.