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Tanner Huyck, MD
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Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Research/Clinical Interests: Adult Congenital Cardiology, Critical Care Medicine, Primary Care, and Medical Education
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: As someone from the Southeast, I was seeking a change in scenery but most importantly a robust program that served a very broad/diverse patient population as well as one that would support me throughout the ups and downs of residency. During my interview, I could immediately tell this was a very collaborative program that prioritized not only my learning but also my personal growth. I felt that from a career exploration perspective all doors were open and that faculty would support any and all career aspirations. Additionally, Phoenix as a city has so much to offer! Excited to be a part of such an amazing program!
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Cooking, Golf, Skiing, Any and All Clemson Sports (Go Tigers), and trying out new restaurants/happy hours with friends.
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Paulette Kourouma, DO
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Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine - Phoenix
Research/Clinical Interests: Infectious Disease, Public Health, and Disparities
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: The people, the opportunities, and the beauty of nature. I love Arizona and the wonderful people I have met. During my rotation at Banner University Medical Center in my 4th year of medical school, I had the wonderful opportunity to see the great training I would receive as a medicine-pediatrics resident. The administrators and residents are wonderful and so kind! I knew this was a place I could build lifelong relationships while becoming a great med-peds physician
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Hiking, dancing, and spin.
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Varshini Methuku, MD
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Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Research/Clinical Interests: Combination of primary care and hospitalist medicine, care for underserved populations
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I loved working with the faculty and the residents during my fourth-year med-peds rotation and knew I wanted to train here. This program has a very supportive environment plus a broad exposure to complex pediatric and adult medicine that will help me become a well-rounded physician. Furthermore, I am so excited to serve the community I grew up in
Hobbies and Personal Interests: crochet, pickleball, hiking, painting, attend concerts, trying new desserts, and watch detective shows.
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Mackenzie Peterson, DO
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Medical School: University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Combined Med-Peds Hospitalist, Medical Spanish, Point of Care Ultrasound
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Throughout my interactions with the program, I was met with a culture of support, collaboration, and camaraderie. I was drawn to a program that would challenge me academically while providing strong mentorship and a community invested in my growth. The opportunity to train at a free-standing children's hospital and the VA while serving diverse and underserved populations aligns perfectly with my goals. The program's compassionate care and commitment to developing well-rounded physicians made it clear that U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix is where I can thrive
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Playing field hockey and pickleball, watching the latest and greatest shows and movies, trying new restaurants, traveling to and exploring National Parks, and enjoying live country music!
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Maria Rincon Olivares, MD
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Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Caring for underserved communities, Combined Med-Peds hospitalist, global health, Spanish-speaking communities
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: College of Medicine – Phoenix had the perfect mix of all the things I had been looking for in a residency program, such as training at a free-standing children's hospital, steady patient volumes with a diverse range of acuity on both sides, and a strong focus on resident wellness and development. I felt that there were a great number of faculty involved in programs to meet the needs of diverse and at-risk populations in the area, which really aligned with my career goals! During my interview, I felt that College of Medicine – Phoenix's program leadership and residents were genuinely kind individuals who cared about cultivating a supportive environment for all learners
Hobbies and Personal Interests: In my free time, you might find me taking practicing salsa, picking up a new artistic hobby, doing yoga, or catching up on reality TV.
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Hannah von Werder, MD
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Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Interested in pulmonology and critical care, both in pediatric and adult settings. Other interests include medical education and LGBTQ+ care/advocacy.
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: As a lifelong Midwesterner from Indiana, I was drawn to complete my Med-Peds residency at the University of Arizona Phoenix because it offered the best combination of everything I was looking for in a program. First and foremost, our program provides a wide variety of training experiences across multiple hospital settings and diverse patient populations with a strong commitment to robust training in both internal medicine and pediatrics. During my interview day, the program left a lasting positive impression on me. The residents were genuinely happy with their decision and were clearly well-supported by their co-residents and faculty. Additionally, the leadership was very approachable and really took the time to get to know me in and outside of medicine, which remains true to this day! It was evident that the program values and listens to resident feedback by creating an environment where we have a voice in shaping our training and educational experience. I was particularly encouraged by the established Med-Peds presence with dedicated Med-Peds faculty involved on both sides and in multiple leadership roles. Since moving here, I felt immediately welcomed into the Med-Peds family while also seamlessly blending into both the pediatrics and internal medicine departments. I am excited to begin this next chapter in a program that will help me grow both personally and professionally, while also being closer to my partner's family and having the opportunity to explore my new home in the Southwest!
Hobbies and Personal Interests: I love to explore museums, local events, live music shows, and restaurants with my partner, Anthony. We love to spoil our cat, Evan. I love entertaining and hosting friends for all occasions! I am an avid puzzler, trinket collector, karaoke enthusiast, and crafter (scrapbooking, crochet, painting). I also grew up dancing for over 20 years, so I enjoy attending pick-up dance classes with friends!
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