PGY1

Brief Bio

Michael Ang, DMD, MS
Michael Ang, DMD, MS

Undergraduate: University of Illinois Chicago
Dental School: Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine - Arizona
Personal Interests: Studying languages, being outdoors, traveling, and trying new restaurants
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Dental school brought me to Arizona four years ago, and I’ve enjoyed being here ever since. I’ve come to appreciate the outdoors and the friendships I’ve made along the way. During dental school, I spent time with the U of A OMFS program and was impressed by the cases, faculty, residents, and culture. The attendings are knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to training competent surgeons, while the residents are collaborative, supportive, and genuinely great people. I don’t feel that my time in Arizona is up yet, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue my training with UA OMFS.

Olivia C. Bartholomew, DDS
Olivia C. Bartholomew,DDS

Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh
Dental School: University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Personal Interests: Road trips, cheering on all the Pittsburgh sports teams, listening to music’s of all genres and decades, rating and reviewing local coffee shops and restaurants.
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Having spent my entire life in the Midwest and East Coast, I had never been to Arizona. What completely drew me to the University of Arizona – Banner OMFS program was the exceptional reputation of the training itself. I was looking for a program with full-scope Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, paired with a supportive environment. I am incredibly fortunate to be training alongside people who challenge and support each other every single day!

Yawen Chen, DMD
Yawen Chen, DMD

 

John McKearney III, DMDJohn (Jack) McKearney III, DDS

Undergraduate: Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University
Dental School: Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Personal Interests: golf, basketball, movies, making ice cream
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I grew up in Tucson and completed my undergraduate education in Phoenix, so I was excited for the chance to return home. I was drawn to the program's busy clinical setting, the high standards modeled by the residents and faculty, and its culture of humility and teamwork. The broad scope of the OMFS service and variety of trauma offer excellent opportunities to learn. I also appreciated the emphasis on mentorship and attention to detail in everything from patient interactions to surgical technique. I've already learned so much in my short time here and look forward to continuing to improve throughout the year.

Seth B. Kroll, DDS
Seth B. Kroll, DDS

 

Syed (Junaid) Qadir, DDS
Syed (Junaid) Qadir, DDS

Undergraduate: Virginia Tech
Dental School: University of Maryland School of Dentistry
AEGD Residency: University of Florida
OMFS Internship: JPS Hospital
Personal Interests: Basketball, tennis, pickleball, hiking, paddleboarding, working out, cooking
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: From my very first interactions with the residents and attendings, I felt that this program had an unmatched culture of teamwork, strong work ethic, and genuine camaraderie. The program fosters a family-like environment while maintaining high standards of excellence, which immediately stood out to me. In addition, the diversity and depth of clinical training mixed with the strong didactic curriculum makes this program an exceptional place to become a highly competent and well-rounded oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In addition to the program and team here, Phoenix has a great quality of life with beautiful weather, outdoor adventures, and vibrant community. Altogether, the University of Arizona felt at home. I have always believed the saying, “You get out of residency what you put into it,” and I was also advised to choose a place where I would be happy living and surrounded by people I would want to spend four years with. This program embodies both of those ideals, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to train here.

 

PGY2

Brief Bio

Nipun Mahajan, DDS
Nipun Mahajan, DDS

Undergraduate: Christian Medical College, Punjab,  India
Dental School: UCSF School of Dentistry
Personal Interests: Spending time with my wife and dog, hiking, cycling, Soccer, watch enthusiast.
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: The OMFS service at  UofA/BUMC is a busy Trauma service and provides a well-rounded exposure to all aspects of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The program has a culture of professionalism, respect and collegiality which is hard to come by in surgical programs across the country. I love the southwest and the cultural diversity it provides. I feel fortunate and proud to continue my training here. 

Daniel Shin, DMD
Daniel Shin, DMD

Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley 
Dental School: A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health 
Personal Interest: Eating good food with family and friends, finding new TV series to watch, building Legos.
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I have spent the past four years in Arizona for dental school, and during that time, I grew to love the area. It has become my second home and continuing to stay in Arizona just made sense especially after seeing what the program had to offer. What stood out to me was how the attendings truly created an environment for learning and how the program cares about the well-being of the residents. The program also provides great exposure to trauma and management of medically complex patients. Lastly, the residents all work together and genuinely help each other succeed. 

PGY3 

Brief Bio

Daniel Jameson, DMD
Daniel Jameson, DMD

Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago
Dental School: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Personal Interests: Spending time with my fiancé and cats, photography, hunting, fishing, cooking, hiking, golf
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I’ve had ties to AZ since the early 2000’s; my father commuted frequently for work. I fell in love with the area over the years, and it is a welcome change of pace. I could tell through speaking to the residents and attendings while interviewing this program has a phenomenal culture with everyone having strong values. Every person was so welcoming and truly showed they were happy to be a part of this team. Hearing about the responsibilities and exposure each resident has demonstrated that this program clearly prepares surgeons well. From day one, I felt like I was trusted to make decisions and provide quality care, while knowing I have a support system at my disposal whenever I need it. On a weekly basis, you can expect patient exposure within the clinic, emergency department, trauma bay, inpatient rooms and operating room. Our resident team works so well together — I never feel isolated. I am learning at a pace I never thought possible, and I am so grateful for my time here thus far!

Sydney Woods, DDS
Sydney Woods, DDS

Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis 
Dental School: University of Iowa College of Dentistry 
Personal Interests: College volleyball, Nebraska Football, hiking with my dog, trying new restaurants around Phoenix 

Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: I loved University of Arizona's blend of excellent surgical experience, comradery between the residents and attendings, and promoting academic excellence. It's such an amazing opportunity to see trauma cases I thought I would only ever see in academic journals. Phoenix is a great place to work hard and learn a lot but also get sunshine all year round!

PGY4 

Brief Bio

Justin Cerrito, DDS
Justin Cerrito, DDS

Undergraduate: North Carolina State University
Dental School: University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Personal Interests: Sports, cooking, spending time outdoors, traveling, finding new ways to beat the Arizona heat
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: One aspect that stood out to me was the blend of excellent surgical experience with a residency environment that encourages camaraderie and collaboration amongst residents and attendings. One part of our training that appeals to me is the high volume of trauma cases that we get to treat. They expose the residents to a wide variety of complex surgeries. All of that combined with year-round sunshine and warm temperatures makes for a great overall residency experience.

Travis Pero, DDS
Travis Pero, DDS

Undergraduate: The University of Akron
Dental School: The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Personal Interests: Dog-lover, Ohio State Buckeyes Football, cooking, restaurant hopping with friends, exploring nearby Arizona towns and parks.
Why Arizona and the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix: Having spent a year as non-categorical intern in a heavy dentoalveolar program, I was excited by the opportunity to expand my surgical education with a fuller scope residency experience.  I was lucky enough to find both in this program—major pathology cases, a high volume of trauma, TMJ, in office Botox, pre-prosthetic surgery, extractions, and complex implant cases.  The part time faculty here are also a huge benefit, always willing to teach, inviting residents to join interesting cases, hosting journal clubs, etc...  And the best part is, I honestly believe the best is yet to come at Banner University OMFS!