OB/GYN Residency - Current Residents - PGY1

Evan Austin, MD

Evan Austin grew up in Sierra Vista, AZ, then completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona in Tucson before moving up to Phoenix to for medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. Outside of work, he loves to be outdoors trail running or escaping the Phoenix heat for a trip in the mountains.

Why OB/GYN: I had no idea I wanted to go into OB/GYN when I started medical school. Once I got some exposure to it, I quickly fell in love with how much variety exists in the specialty. I loved the idea that one day I could be seeing patients in the clinic, the next I could be in the operating room and another day I could be on the L&D floor delivering babies. I also enjoyed seeing how OB/GYN’s can develop deep relationships with their patients that carry an emotional intensity not seen in many other specialties.
Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix: I can’t say enough good things about this program, and it truly feels like home to me! Although I know everyone mentions it, the culture here is incredible! Everyone is so incredibly kind and supportive while obtaining outstanding clinical training. It is so fun to go into work every day with great friends that feel like family!

Danielle Jenks, DO

Danielle Jenks is from Chandler, Arizona, and attended the Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her hobbies and interests include spending time with her husband, adorable son and three frenchies; traveling as much as they can; and a good glass of wine and exploring new restaurants as a self-proclaimed "foodie."

Why OB/GYN: The moment I started my OB/GYN rotation, I knew I had found where I belonged. I love the diversity of this specialty, as each day is wonderfully different. What other specialty allows you to not only be a great clinician, but also a kick-butt surgeon, patient advocate and deliver babies!
Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was able to rotate at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix as a medical student and the amount of support and positivity amongst the residents and attendings was unparalleled. Everyone here not only loves each other, but loves what they do — you see and feel that. It makes you excited to come to work each day. I feel blessed to be at a program that supports you both in and out of the hospital.

Morgan Mackey, MD

Morgan Mackey is from Choctaw Oklahoma. She received her medical degree from Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Clinically, she is interested in medical education, ultrasound and Native American Health. Outside of the work, she loves trying out different types of yoga, plant propagation, hiking, listening to audiobooks and watching stand-up comedy on Netflix.

Why OB/GYN: Having the skills to treat patients both medically and surgically during some of the most memorable moments of their lives cultivates a patient-provider relationship that I value tremendously.
Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix: During my interview, I could tell that everyone in the program genuinely cared about each other, and I knew in my gut I would love it here! I was also looking for a diverse patient population that included the opportunity to take care of Native women in an urban setting.

Maya Milton, MD

Maya Milton is from Folkston, GA. She attended the Medical College of Georgia and plans to practice as a generalist! In her free time, she enjoys finding new trails to explore, cooking, eating, FaceTiming with her family and catching up with friends.

Why OB/GYN: My interest in OB/GYN was first sparked after the birth of my first niece. My love for this specialty continued to grow as my immediate family expanded by seven more babies over the years. Having the opportunity to be present for their deliveries opened my eyes to pursuing this field early on. During my third-year OB/GYN rotation as a medical student, I got a better understanding of what this specialty encompasses and fell in love with it even more! I enjoyed every moment of the OB/GYN clerkship, from surgery days to outpatient clinic days! I think this was the only rotation I didn't mind getting up early for!
Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix: I got a sense of southern hospitality during my virtual interview that I could not ignore. The comradeship between the residents during the social hour event reflected genuinely. This was something I desired in a residency program and can honestly say I got! I am grateful to call the College of Medicine – Phoenix my home away from home.

Julie Mina, MD

Julie Mina is from Reading, PA, well known for its railroad and property on the Monopoly board. She attended Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, exploring new restaurants and bars, hanging by the pool, and forcibly cuddling her dog.

Why OB/GYN: It’s such a great specialty because it includes primary care, surgery and high-risk medicine.
Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix: I love the people and was excited about the patient population and patient volume. Phoenix is unlike any place I’ve lived before, and I was really excited about the hiking, sunshine and year-round outdoor activities.

Kaitlyn Oelkers, MD

Kaitlyn Oelkers grew up in Phoenix, AZ. She attended the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. She has a strong passion for public health, which is why she participated in the MD-MPH program; and she hopes to focus on maternal morbidity. Outside of work, she loves to run, hike and spend time in the sun! She also adopted a pup who is always happy to play and walk around the neighborhood.

Emma Pindra, MD

Emma Pindra is originally from Togo, but has been transplanted a few times (from Maine to New Mexico) and currently calls Albuquerque home. She attended medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Her professional interests include the vaginal microbiome, substance use disorder in pregnancy and quality improvement. Her hobbies and interests include hiking and finding large bodies of water, attempting to grow culinary mushrooms, finding late night coffee shops and going to house shows.

Why OB/GYN: It’s one of the few specialties that allows you to move between multiple clinical settings — from inpatient, to surgical, to outpatient care. I love the idea of satisfying my restlessness with so much variety. Also, women are superhuman.
Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix: Halfway through my interview, my gut knew I was going to rank Banner number one. I knew I needed a place that was warm year-round and above all else, I wanted somewhere that valued resident wellness and made concrete structural moves toward ensuring it. It was also clear to me that the people here would be a good time, and I have yet to be disappointed!

Delia Shash, MD

Delia Shash is from Gardner, Colorado. She went to medical school at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Her professional interests include addressing the racial disparity in maternal mortality, Native American health, postpartum hemorrhage research and medical education. She likes to ski, hike, read mystery novels, discover new music, write songs and binge watch new shows on Netflix.

Why OB/GYN: I am very passionate about women’s health and advocating for women’s rights. I love seeing a woman throughout her pregnancy and then getting the privilege of helping to bring a new life into the world. I also love the OR and getting to perform intricate procedures or surgeries with my hands. My mother is also a Certified Nurse Midwife, so I guess it runs in the family!
Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix: I feel like everyone says this but honestly the people! I could tell from the second I met everyone (even virtually on Zoom) that this was a program where the residents truly care about/for each other. I wanted to find a program that would support me through the fun and the hard times of residency, a place that could feel like home. I really do believe that the College of Medicine – Phoenix embodies all of this and more!

Suhitha Veeravelli, MD

Suhitha Veeravelli was born in India and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a Wildcat for Life after attending the University of Arizona in Tucson for undergrad, the College of Medicine – Phoenix for medical school and staying here for residency! She enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her dog Max! She loves trivia and board games and even auditioned for Jeopardy!

Why OB/GYN: My first shadowing experience was with an OB/GYN, and I was immediately drawn to the specialty. I love the diversity of medical and surgical practice within the field, empowering my patients in their reproductive and overall health decisions, being an advocate for women's health throughout their entire lives, and I feel so privileged and grateful to be part of the most vulnerable and personal parts of their lives! 
Why the College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was lucky to rotate at Banner for my OB/GYN rotations and loved the culture and camaraderie between the residents, the patient population we work with, the passion for learning and teaching, and the emphasis on wellness!