Psychiatry Residency - PGY1 Residents

Lauren Butler, MD

Undergraduate: University of Virginia
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix​: With family in CA and UT, AZ felt like a perfect new adventure. Once I visited Phoenix, I quickly fell in love with the natural beauty and local culture and knew I would spend years to come exploring the desert landscapes. I chose the Banner program because it is clear the residents are supported, and the program emphasizes wellness of patients and providers alike. The early opportunities for CAP exposure and excellent affiliated children’s hospital also made this an ideal program for my career goals.

Connor Sheridan, MD

Undergraduate: Northern Arizona University
Medical School: University of Northern Dakota
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix​: Being born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, I was eager to return home after medical school to be near friends, family, and the community that shaped me. I love Arizona’s diverse landscapes with endless opportunities to get outdoors, from desert hikes to snowboarding at 12,000ft. I chose Banner because it allows me to care for the psychiatric needs of the community I grew up in. After my interview, I felt the program had the friendliest faculty and the happiest residents. It stood out as the most well-rounded program with a strong emphasis on resident well-being, amazing faculty, robust exposure to psychiatric treatments and subspecialties, and a relaxed, close-knit atmosphere that immediately felt like a great fit.

Jay Vasilev, MD

Undergraduate: Saint Louis University
Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix​: I moved to Phoenix for Medical school and quicky fell in love with the nature, warm weather, and abundance of food options and outdoor activities. I enjoy getting away on the weekends, and Phoenix’s central location makes that easy -camping spots are incredibly accessible, and pickleball courts are everywhere! I also have a passion for travel; before medical school, I lived in Europe and visited over 20 countries. Phoenix’s convenient airport makes it easy to continue exploring the world. I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix for my psychiatry training because of its strong emphasis on medical education and residents wellness. Throughout the application cycle, everyone – from faculty to residents - was genuinely kind, open and eager to share their experiences. The culture of support and community was immediately evident, and it made me feel truly welcome. 

Valeria Valverde, MD

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix​: Arizona is home for me, a place where I’ve built strong connections and seen firsthand the need for culturally competent psychiatric care. I’m dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent underserved communities from accessing the mental health care they deserve. UACOM-P, in partnership with Banner, not only shares this commitment but also fosters a supportive environment where I can grow as a psychiatrist and develop the skills to make a meaningful impact.

Joshua Willis, MD

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix​: I have lived in Arizona my entire life and have always felt a strong desire to give back to the community that shaped me. Growing up in the Valley, I’ve also come to appreciate the unique lifestyle it offers—whether it’s year-round golfing and hiking or being just a short drive away from snowboarding in the winter. I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix because of its close-knit culture and comprehensive training, including its partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital for child psychiatry and the expanding opportunities in interventional psychiatry within the department.

Charles Wen, MD

Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Why Arizona and U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix​: I chose Banner because the program was perfectly aligned with my professional and personal goals. Banner offers all the opportunities of a large academic center packed in to a small close-knit class that fosters mentorship and camaraderie. The opportunities to train across the major clinical centers in Phoenix such as Banner University Medical Center, the VA, and Phoenix Children's will prepare me well to serve the patients of the Valley when I am an attending. Additionally, Phoenix is my home, and after many years away for schooling, I am thrilled to finally return to my family and friends for my training.