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Sascha Delzepich, MD
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Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Research/Clinical Interests: Interventional Psychiatry, Genetic basis of schizophrenia, Child and adolescent, underserved/community
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Growing up in Arizona, I have always felt a deep responsibility to give back to the community that shaped me. I chose UACOM-P in partnership with Banner because their commitment to serving the community and providing patient-centered care perfectly aligns with my professional mission. Beyond the robust clinical exposure, what truly stood out during the interview process was the program's genuine emphasis on resident well-being and its supportive, close-knit atmosphere. I am thrilled to train in my home state—a place where I've built strong roots and where I can continue to enjoy Arizona's incredible landscapes and outdoor opportunities while growing into a well-rounded psychiatrist.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Hiking, Weightlifting, Reading.
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Natalie Dvorak, MD MS
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Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Research/Clinical Interests: Peripartum Psychiatry
Genome targeted therapy
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose to attend the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix because of my strong connection to the city and the community I came to know during medical school. Training here allowed me to work with diverse patient populations and better understand the unique health challenges facing the region. I wanted to continue serving the Phoenix community while further developing my clinical skills in a program that values both academic excellence and community engagement. I believe the state of Arizona has developed thoughtful and well-adapted laws surrounding mental health care, and I was interested in pursuing residency here to further learn how to practice psychiatry within the state's legal and clinical framework.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Golfing, Gardening, & Yoga.
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Brisa S. Fernandes, MD, PhD
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Medical School: Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre
Research/Clinical Interests: Precision Medicine, Mood Disorders, Biomarkers
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: I chose the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix because of its strong clinical training and research track. The program's translational research infrastructure aligns closely with my scientific interests, and the combination of rigorous clinical experiences across Banner University Medical Center, the VA, and Phoenix Children's Hospital with dedicated research time offers a rare environment to develop both as a clinician and as a scientist. I am excited to be part of this program and to train in a city with a vibrant academic medical community.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Reading and listening to podcasts.
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Anusha Gollapalli, MD, MHS
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Medical School: University of Washington
Research/Clinical Interests: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Consult-Liaison Psychiatry
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Coming from the Pacific Northwest, Phoenix felt like such an exciting and sunny adventure for me and my husband. After visiting, we were so excited by the incredible food scene, beautiful scenery, and all the fun things to do in and around the area. I chose this program because I was drawn to its supportive culture, strong clinical training, and clear investment in resident wellbeing. Throughout the interview season, every interaction I had with faculty and residents felt warm and genuine. People spoke openly about their experiences and the sense of camaraderie within the program, which made it easy to picture myself growing both personally and professionally here. I immediately felt that this was a place where I would be encouraged and supported to become the best physician I can be.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Trying new restaurants, cooking, makeup and skincare.
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Samirah Qabazard, DO
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Medical School: Midwestern University - Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Interventional Psychiatry, Integrative Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: During my Sub-Internship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, I was immediately struck by how supportive, kind, and approachable the residents and faculty were. That culture, combined with the strength of the clinical environment and facilities, made a lasting impression. It felt like the kind of training environment where I could both grow and feel genuinely supported.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Traveling, Art, Yoga, Meditation, and Cooking.
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Samantha Sinder, MD
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Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
Research/Clinical Interests: Psychotherapy, interventional psychiatry, child/adolescent psychiatry
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Growing up in Indiana, I regularly traveled to Phoenix during spring breaks to visit my family in the area, and it quickly became my favorite time of year. It has been nearly a decade since I have lived near my family, and I am really looking forward to being closer again. I have always felt drawn to the mountains and desert, and it truly feels like a dream to now be able to live and work in the area. I have also been hoping to live in a vibrant city that embraces both sports and the outdoors, which makes Phoenix an especially exciting place to be. I chose UACOM-P because of its strong emphasis on psychotherapy training and its supportive, collaborative environment. I was especially drawn to the sense of camaraderie among residents and the focus on developing well-rounded psychiatrists.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Traveling, self-care, reading about conspiracy theories.
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Adam Thompson, MD, MS
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Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Research/Clinical Interests: Child/adolescent psychiatry, addiction medicine, LGBTQ+ advocacy/policy
Why University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix: Arizona has always been home to me. I was born and raised in the greater Phoenix area and I feel a strong sense of commitment to the communities that shaped me. I am deeply passionate about serving the diverse patient populations in Phoenix and working to improve the mental health of the communities I grew up alongside. Being close to my friends and family, while also enjoying the sunny environment that has always grounded me, made returning home an easy choice. My decision was further solidified during my away rotation at Banner/COM-P, where I experienced firsthand the strength of the faculty and the genuinely supportive, welcoming culture among the residents. Additionally, Phoenix offers a unique advantage for my continued work in advocacy and policy, given its proximity to Arizona’s state capitol.
Hobbies and Personal Interests: Coffee/matcha making, photography, traveling.
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