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Amaya Alarcon
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Dr. Alarcon was born and raised in Ciego de Avila, Cuba. She later moved to Florida, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health at the University of South Florida before attending A.T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona for medical school. Her professional interests include global health, advocacy, and caring for underserved populations. Outside of medicine, she enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, and hiking with her husband and two beagles.
Why OB/GYN:
it is the specialty that allows me to pursue everything I am passionate about: advocacy, continuity of care, and surgery. Most importantly, caring for women through adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause is deeply fulfilling to me, especially when helping to bridge language barriers for Spanish-speaking patients and their families. I love the diversity of the specialty and the opportunity care for patients across the full spectrum of reproductive health. Above all, I am grateful for the privilege of being part of some of a family's most meaningful milestones.
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
I had an incredible experience working with the residents during my sub-internship as a fourth-year medical student. They were welcoming, caring, and supportive of my learning and made me feel like part of the family from day one. The high volume, acuity and diversity of the patient population were also key factors in my decision. I felt like I found a new home!
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Katrina Botto
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Dr. Botto was born and raised in Redwood City, California, where she competed in gymnastics for 15 years. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before working in clinical research, microbiology research, and as a medical assistant prior to medical school. She went on to earn her medical degree from A.T. Still University. Outside of medicine, Dr. Botto enjoys baking, watching and playing sports, tackling escape rooms, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with her incredible family and friends.
Why OB/GYN:
I was first drawn to the complexity, where patient care can change hour to hour, requiring intricate medical decision-making and surgical expertise across every stage of life. However, my greatest passion lies in patient education. As someone who grew up without seeing physicians who looked like me, I am committed to providing culturally responsive care and hope to serve as a source of representation for diverse communities. I hope to have those open conversations surrounding topics that have historically been overlooked, including sexual health, menopause, hormonal health and recurrent pregnancy loss. Additionally, these gaps continue to inspire me to research unanswered questions and advocate for meaningful progress.
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
This truly felt like home from the moment I rotated here. I was immediately welcomed by supportive faculty, engaged attendings who were deeply invested in teaching, and a family-like culture among the residents that extended across every class. I was also drawn to the high-volume obstetric and high-risk patient population, along with the unique opportunities to tailor my training through experiences such as integrative medicine education. It was the "Disneyland of OB/GYN," and that impression has only grown stronger. I could not imagine a better place to train than alongside exceptional physicians, mentors, and residents who inspire curiosity, foster individualized growth, and truly become a family away from home.
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Sarah Brady
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Dr. Brady was born in Georgia, raised in Florida, and has lived in Arizona since the last month of Freshman year of high school (thanks mom). She originally thought she would write the great American novel and majored in English Literature at ASU. She later returned for a degree in Biomedical Engineering. She has three rambunctious cats – Baby Bee, Lady Gray, and Love Bug, as well as a slightly less rambunctious husband. She loves fantasy novels, lying on the couch, and gardening.
Why OB/GYN:
The honest answer about when I knew OB/GYN was the career for me is that I can't remember. I went into med school knowing it was my future and never once questioned that plan. There's just something about it – exhilaration, joy, challenge, advocacy. This field is both intellectually demanding and grounded in hands-on skills.
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
My first year of medical school, I shadowed on L&D and saw my first deliveries with the UACOM-P residents. I could see how deep their bonds ran, and I knew it was a place I would get the support and skills I needed to become an amazing doctor. 'Nuff said.
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Benjamin Ellsworth
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Dr. Ellsworth grew up in Tempe and Mesa, Arizona. After serving a church mission in Morelos, Mexico, he returned to AZ to complete his BA in Psychology at ASU and studied medicine at the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix. He enjoys discovering new music, playing drums and singing, reading books with his wife and relaxing at home with his pets.
Why OB/GYN:
During medical school, I realized how much I enjoyed working with pregnant and gynecology patients. I love supporting my patients during some of the happiest and most challenging moments of their lives. I am also passionate about health equity and improving access to care, and am excited for the opportunities presented in OB/GYN to help underserved patients.
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
I love the residents! From my first OB/GYN rotation at UACOMP, it was obvious how much the residents cared for and looked out for each other. Additionally, our faculty and mentors are super involved in our learning and work really hard to make sure we get excellent training. Finally, Arizona has been my home for many years, and I'm so glad I get to stay near family and friends while I complete my education.
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Benjamin Hinatsu
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Dr. Hinatsu was born and raised in Idaho before studying molecular biology and chemistry at Brigham Young University, then medicine at Rocky Vista University-Southern Utah. He enjoys practicing judo, all activities involving family and friends, pretending to cook on Master Chef, and—most of all—enjoying family time with his wife, two rambunctious boys, and pet bunnies.
Why OB/GYN:
I love the opportunity to advocate for women's health and care for patients across the variety of environments of OBGYN, from fast-paced clinics and emergent settings to some of the most meaningful and most challenging moments of their lives in labor and delivery and the operating room. I am especially excited by the surgical and procedural aspects of this specialty with the continued development and rigor it demands. I knew this is where I needed to be.
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
I wanted to train at a program with outstanding surgical training and strong exposure to high-acuity and medically complex patients—but also true camaraderie among residents, faculty, and staff. At UACOM-P, I found a community of outstanding colleagues who make those goals a reality and genuinely invest in each other's success, so I knew this would be the place where I could truly belong and contribute.
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Zackary Philpot
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Dr. Philpot was born in Phoenix and raised in Flagstaff, Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona where he earned his Bachelor's degree, majoring in Neuroscience, as well as his Masters in Healthcare Management. He then achieved his medical degree from Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine in Meridian, Idaho. You will find Dr. Philpot in the mountains trail running, snow skiing, camping, fishing and hunting.
Why OB/GYN:
Impacting individuals and making it a little easier to be human is my goal and mission. OB-GYN encompasses a breadth of medicine unlike any other discipline focusing on delivering healthy babies, preventative care with longitudinal patient relationships, complex pathology and surgical management. The ability to be an advocate for women and their families in moments of great joy and immense challenge allows me to realize my mission.
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
As a fourth-generation Arizonan, serving patients in the Grand Canyon State has always been my objective. It wasn’t until rotating at UACOM-P, however, that I realized the rumors were true. UACOM-P is second to none in building a community of tight-knit, caring residents, and exceptional attendings who invest in your success. The high volume of obstetrics and gynecologic surgeries, accompanied by peers and educators unmatched in their support make UACOM-P my ideal training program.
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Kailey Simonson
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Dr. Simonson was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and attended Arizona State University where she majored in biomedical sciences. After her undergraduate studies, she worked for Banner Health in Patient and Physician Experience! She then attended medical school at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State. She enjoys running, spending time outdoors with friends and family and throwing the ball for her miniature dachshund, Frankie!
Why OB/GYN:
I chose OBGYN because it's the perfect blend of medical and surgical expertise while also working with the best patient population in medicine. I love that I can be an advocate and trusted partner for patients throughout their lifespans and through some of the most critical and vulnerable moments. I remember my first delivery I got to participate in and then couldn't imagine doing any other specialty!
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
As a 5th generation Arizonian, being able to serve my home community is such a special privilege. It has been my dream to train with the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix and Banner Health since I worked here before my medical journey began. This program trains highly skilled OBGYNs while also supporting our wellbeing and making work enjoyable. This program has high volume obstetrics and gynecologic surgery while also having balance and an absolutely excellent team! It's truly my dream come true to train here!
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Rachel Weber
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Dr. Weber was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. She went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for undergrad and the University of Nebraska Medical Center for medical school. She enjoys spending time with family, baking, reading trashy romance books, traveling, and catching up with friends over a happy hour.
Why OB/GYN:
I love surgery, and I also love to build relationships with my patients! This specialty allows me to do both, and every day is different. I'm excited to be an advocate for women's health as well as an educator. This is the only specialty I would wake up at 3am for!
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
I needed a change from the cold weather!! I also wanted to go to a program that had a strong community between the residents and staff, and work with people who are passionate about teaching others. It helps that I have some family and friends in the Phoenix area :)
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Megan Witsoe
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Dr. Witsoe was born in Canada, lived in Texas & Georgia during early childhood, but moved to Arizona in middle school and has been here ever since. She attended the University of Arizona – Tucson and earned a bachelor degree in Physiology and went to Creighton University – Phoenix for medical school. She loves spending time with her husband, Noah, and son, Woods. As a family they enjoy golfing, skiing, playing card games, traveling, and trying new restaurants!
Why OB/GYN:
I fell in love with women's health during my undergrad when I had the opportunity to volunteer at a free pregnancy clinic. I learned how exciting and nerve-racking pregnancy can be and the importance of support during this time. I wanted to be someone who women could rely on to offer help with their physical health but also how to navigate the effects pregnancy and parenting has on life.
Why the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix:
I loved how UACOM-P prioritized both the families of the people they cared for and the families of the people they work with. It was very encouraging to see as I was just starting a family of my own. Additionally, all my husband and I's extended family live in Phoenix and I was hoping to stay close to them, in fact, my sister-in-law works as a PA at UACOM-P too!
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