PGY-4
|
|
 Emily Gray Robillard, MD
|
Medical School: Elson S Floyd College of Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Pediatric Ophthalmology
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix / Banner University Medical Center program for the opportunity to join as the first inaugural call and have an opportunity to leave her mark on the program. I enjoy the faculty / resident interactions and there opportunity to tailor the experience to my interests
Hobbies and personal interests: When I'm not in the clinic or the operating room, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing soccer, exploring the outdoors, and working on my painting skills. Professional Interests: I have a strong interest in pediatric ophthalmology and will be applying for a fellowship this coming year. I enjoy working with children and families of all ages and look forward to continuing this focus in the next phase of my career.
|
|
Christine Lopez Yang, MD
|
Medical School: Universidad de Monterrey Facultad de Medicina
Research/Clinical Interests: Diabetic retinopathy, pediatric IOL, macular degeneration
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix has given me the opportunity to be part of the initial class in its Ophthalmology program and it has been an inspiring journey. It has been exciting to be able to contribute to its growth and development in a significant way by having direct feedback with faculty and program leadership and seeing those changes take place. Look forward to see this program continue to expand!
Hobbies and personal interests: Running, national parks, cat enthusiast.
|
PGY-3
|
|
Liya Solomon Ayalew, MD
|
Medical School: University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health sciences- Gondar Ethiopia
Research/Clinical Interests: Retina, glaucoma
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Phoenix has a rapidly growing and diverse population, which provides exposure to a wide spectrum of ophthalmic diseases. I also appreciate the collaborative medical community and the opportunity to care for underserved patients. Combined with my family's presence here, it was the place where I felt I could thrive both personally and professionally
Hobbies and personal interests: spending time with my family, movies, cooking.
|
|
 Jack Kanouzi, MD
|
Medical School: Universidad Europea de Madrid
Research/Clinical Interests: Oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, orbital surgery, microsurgery, and medical education
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix for its outstanding clinical training, strong surgical experience, collaborative culture, and exceptional faculty, whose innovations have helped advance the field of ophthalmology worldwide. Beyond clinical education, the program has provided opportunities to engage in ophthalmology advocacy, including participation in the American Academy of Ophthalmology Mid-Year Forum in Washington, D.C.
Hobbies and personal interests: Outside of medicine, I enjoy soccer, golf, hiking, snowboarding, exploring philosophy, and traveling.
|
PGY-2
|
|
Carmen Victoria Chacon Orellana, MD
|
Medical School: Central University of Venezuela, Luis Razetti Medical School
Research/Clinical Interests: Diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, vitreoretinal diseases, and improving patient outcomes and quality of life in ophthalmology
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: As a Venezuelan physician, I am drawn to this program’s location in Phoenix, where the warm climate and growing Hispanic community allow me to contribute meaningfully through my cultural background. I look forward to training in a rigorous and diverse clinical environment, particularly at the Veterans Affairs site, with its exposure to complex ophthalmic disease. The program’s strong emphasis on hands-on experience and surgical simulation aligns with my goal of mastering advanced ophthalmic surgery. I am especially inspired by the leadership of Drs. Misha Faustina and Mandi Conway and the opportunity to learn from their outstanding faculty
Hobbies and personal interests: karaoke, jogging, hiking, salsa dancing, spending quality time with family and friends, and exploring new places and cultures through local and international travel.
|
|
 Aron Sebhat, MD, MPH
|
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine – Chicago
Research/Clinical Interests: Glaucoma, Anterior Segment, Epidemiology
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I was drawn to U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix because of its supportive culture and commitment to resident education. During my interview, I was impressed by how approachable the faculty were and how invested they seemed in helping residents grow. The opportunity to work closely with attendings who are eager to teach and provide individualized mentorship made the program stand out as an ideal place to train
Hobbies and personal interests: running, hiking, exploring new restaurants.
|
PGY-1
|
|
Folahan Ibukun, MBChB, MPH
|
Medical School: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Research/clinical interests: Inherited retinal diseases, glaucoma outcomes monitoring, multimodal imaging and AI use in corneal ulcer management
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I learned about the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Ophthalmology residency through the NMA Residency Preparatory Program, and I was immediately drawn to the program’s warmth, supportive culture, and focus on professional growth. I would be honored to contribute to the University's tradition of compassionate care and help strengthen the curriculum of such a promising program
Hobbies and Personal Interests: I enjoy experiencing different time periods and places through film, musicals, and books.
|
|
 Pablo Vendrell, MD
|
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Health Equity, Global Medicine
Why the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the University of Arizona Phoenix Ophthalmology program because of its commitment to serving a diverse and rapidly growing patient population, including many Spanish-speaking communities that I feel especially passionate about caring for. Growing up in Santa Fe gave me a deep appreciation for the Southwest, and Phoenix feels like a natural place to continue that connection. Further, I was drawn to the opportunity to help shape a new residency program with tremendous potential to expand access to ophthalmic care in an underserved region
Hobbies and personal interests: I like running, live music, board games.
|