Women in Medicine and Science - Michelle Huddleston, MD

Michelle Huddleston, MD, serves as the director of the Medicine and Pediatrics (Med-Peds) Residency Program and as a clinical assistant professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. Since joining the Med-Peds faculty in 1999, Dr. Huddleston has been dedicated to training and mentoring compassionate physicians, guiding them through the complexities of the two specialties.

“I chose Med-Peds because it allows me to truly care for patients of all ages — from birth to geriatrics,” Dr. Huddleston shared. “While I have a special place in my heart for teenagers, I appreciate the flexibility to care for any age group. This specialty prepared me to work as both a hospitalist and a primary care physician.”

Dr. Huddleston is deeply committed to addressing health care access challenges, particularly those influenced by social determinants of health. She actively contributes to the Homeless Youth Outreach Program at Phoenix Children’s, where she provides care to marginalized children and young adults across Maricopa County.

“We have mobile units that coordinate medical visits with organizations throughout Phoenix, connecting patients with acute care, primary care and mental health services,” she explained. “I also see patients weekly at Florence Crittenton, an all-girls group home, and at the United Methodist Outreach Mission shelter. This work is truly the bright spot in my week.”

She defines success as “Finding joy in what I do each day. Connecting with my patients on a personal level — learning more about their lives, hobbies and stories — is what keeps me coming back to work every day. Practicing medicine is a privilege, and building these connections brings me immense joy.”

As a mentor, Dr. Huddleston hopes to inspire the next generation of physicians by demonstrating how gratifying it is to provide bedside medicine. “Some of my favorite memories as a resident were with faculty who took the time to teach me physical exam skills or how to effectively communicate with patients,” she recalled. “I hope, in some small way, I can do the same for my learners.”

Dr. Huddleston is also a strong advocate for women in medicine. “It’s critical to surround yourself with strong, successful women,” she said. “I developed Women Elevating Women in Medicine to support women in residency and fellowship programs. The group intersects with the Women in Medicine and Science organization, helping trainees transition into academic careers.”

Reflecting on the evolution of her specialty, Dr. Huddleston notes significant changes over the last 29 years, particularly with the rise of hospitalist roles. “It’s rare to find a Med-Peds trained physician working in both the hospital and office as a primary care physician now,” she said.

She added, “The shift allows for better work-life balance and focused patient care. I’m excited that Med-Peds training offers so many opportunities — from subspecialty care to hospitalist and primary care roles. Looking ahead, I hope to see continued excellence in Med-Peds training, producing outstanding physicians across all fields.”

Dr. Huddleston earned her medical degree from the East Carolina School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Phoenix Children’s and Banner – University Medical Center. Driven by a passion for adolescent care, she founded the first dedicated Adolescent Clinic at Phoenix Children’s and developed the Teen Tot Clinic to support young parents. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Huddleston has focused on recruiting and training compassionate physicians within the Med-Peds program.

Read more Women to Watch in Medicine and Science profiles