Current Residents

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: coffee shops, road trips, and music.

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty?: I was drawn to the combination of longitudinal and acute care, the broad scope of practice, and the fun, dynamic team environment.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?: The location, the people I met during my interview, and the program offering comprehensive training along with opportunities to be involved in research and medical education.

Professional/Clinical Interests: Diagnostic challenges, cancer prevention, and evidence-based medicine.

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: Breaking Bad, Scrubs (TV shows)

Random fact about yourself: I have tried every Matcha spot in town.

Plans after Residency: To be determined.

Hometown: Katy, TX

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Reading, embroidery, crochet

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty?: Family Medicine is appealing because it allows me to see patients of all ages. I also enjoy being able to follow my patients long-term through all the stages of their life.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?: I chose El Paso because of the supportive family medicine program as well as the abundance of sunshine!

Professional/Clinical Interests: Full-spectrum primary care, preventative medicine

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: The Health Gap by Micheal Marmot

Random fact about yourself: I enjoy calculus.

Plans after Residency: Outpatient primary care

Hometown: Falun, Sweden

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Spend time with family, Health & Fitness, travel, dance, and read

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty?: I chose family medicine because I love the variety it offers and the chance to care for patients across their lifespan. Building long-term relationships through continuity of care is deeply meaningful to me. I am also passionate about prevention—helping people stay healthy rather than just treating illness—I am excited to incorporate sports medicine to support active lifestyles. Family medicine perfectly combines these interests, allowing me to make a lasting difference in my community.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?: El Paso has become home, with a warm, welcoming community and great weather. After attending medical school in nearby Las Cruces and having both children here, strong roots have been established.

Professional/Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine, preventative medicine

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: "Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." - Rocky; “Life before death, strength before weakness, Journey before destination” - Brandon Sanderson

Random fact about yourself: I love combining travel and running; my favorite way to explore a new city/town is by running their streets and trails.

Plans after Residency: Sports Medicine fellowship

Hometown: Plano, Texas

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: My ideal weekend to unwind consists of exploring the local food scene and watching a good scary movie. I also enjoy having a creative outlet such as drawing and photography to help me stay grounded.

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty?: I am drawn to Family Medicine because of its emphasis on continuity of care, prevention, and community health. It is also a field where advocacy, creativity, and communication intersect—skills I value and strive to grow in every day.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?: El Paso’s border community and strong focus on underserved care deeply align with my values. I hope training in an area where language, culture, and social context are so intertwined with health will make me a more empathetic and effective physician.

Professional/Clinical Interests: underserved medicine, emergency medicine

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: “We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear most. Failure is an answer. Rejection is an answer. Regret is an eternal question you will never have the answer to.” – Trevor Noah, Born a Crime

Random fact about yourself: I collect vintage film cameras and develop my own photos.

Plans after Residency: After residency, I plan to work in Texas where I help increase access to care in immigrant populations and underserved areas.

Hometown: Harlingen, Texas

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Cooking, baking, trying new cuisines/dishes and restaurants, video games, and word puzzles

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty?: I appreciate the flexibility and variety in Family Medicine. There are many opportunities to form long-term patient relationships, integrate teamwork in decision making, educate, encourage personal involvement in one’s healthcare, and further self-understanding.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?: I was excited to improve my Spanish-speaking skills and experience the mountains and a new environment. My time visiting El Paso revealed kind-hearted individuals and a welcoming place to grow and learn.

Professional/Clinical Interests: Lifestyle, preventive, integrative medicine

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: Anything with a little mystery draws me in! A TV show I really enjoyed was Dark.

Random fact about yourself: I am a night owl

Plans after Residency: I am keeping an open mind and remaining flexible, but I hope to do work in underserved areas.

Hometown: El Paso, TX

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Outside the hospital, I enjoy staying active through weightlifting, spending time outdoors, and playing recreational sports. I also value quality time with friends and family.

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty?: I chose Family Medicine because it enables me to connect with and support individuals of all ages in my community. I'm especially passionate about integrating primary care with sports medicine to promote long-term health, function, and performance.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?: I chose to train in El Paso because it’s home for me. Growing up here, I’ve developed a strong connection to the community and a deep understanding of its unique healthcare needs. I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back and grow as a physician in the place that shaped me.

Professional/Clinical Interests: My professional interests center on primary care and sports medicine.

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: Favorite Quote: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius; Favorite Movie: Friday Night Lights; Favorite Book: The Strongest Shall Survive by Bill Starr

Random fact about yourself: Before residency, I taught high school and college science courses—education has always been a core part of my journey.

Plans after Residency: After residency, I plan to pursue a Sports Medicine fellowship with a focus on concussion management, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and ultrasound-guided procedures. My long-term goal is to integrate primary care with advanced sports medicine techniques to deliver high-quality, movement-focused care for athletes and active individuals across all ages.

Hometown: Miami, FL

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Hiking, working out, exploring national parks and new restaurants, and playing my PS5

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty?: I enjoy being the go-to doctor for a wide range of everyday health concerns and building lasting relationships with patients across all stages of life.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?: The program’s strong clinical opportunities, supportive environment, and El Paso’s unique geography and affordable cost of living made it a perfect fit.

Professional/Clinical Interests: Lifestyle medicine, male-pattern baldness, preventive care, and sports-related injuries

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: Favorite quote: “Discipline equals freedom.” – Jocko Willink; Favorite TV shows: Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Mr. Robot — too many to pick from; Favorite movies: Pulp Fiction, Avatar, Avengers, Sinners — too many good ones to choose; Favorite book: The Great Gatsby

Random fact about yourself: I speak four languages—English, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole—and often help translate for patients.

Plans after Residency: Pursue a Sports Medicine fellowship and practice in a community-focused clinic that blends preventive and performance care

Hometown: Cienfuegos, Cuba

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: I enjoy going to the gym, exploring new places, and spending time reflecting, journaling, or listening to music. I also enjoy meaningful conversations, especially when they challenge me to grow. But above all, what I cherish the most is spending time with my family.

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty?: Family Medicine is the cornerstone of primary care and aligns perfectly with my values of continuity, connection, and service. I’m drawn to its versatility, the ability to care for patients of all ages and backgrounds, and the privilege of building long-term relationships that go beyond isolated visits. It allows me to treat the whole person, serve underserved communities, and grow into a well-rounded, compassionate physician.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?: From the vibrant food scene to the beautiful mountains that surround the city, El Paso offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and community. As one of the largest binational metropolitan areas in the U.S., it is home to a rich, diverse population that reflects my own background and values. As a Latino physician, I feel deeply connected to this community and passionate about providing care to those who are often underserved or face language and access barriers. The warmth and support I’ve experienced here are unlike anything I’ve felt elsewhere, making El Paso not just a place to train, but the perfect place to grow as both a physician and a person.

Professional/Clinical Interests: Community Medicine, Preventive Care, Global Health, and Health Equity. I’m also passionate about mentoring students and supporting their growth. I’ve recently developed a strong interest in Pain Management as a way to help patients stay active, improve function, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: “What is most needed for learning is a humble mind.” – Confucius. No matter how far I’ve come, I don’t have all the answers and I believe everyone, in their own way, has something to teach.

Random fact about yourself: There’s music playing pretty much anytime I’m not working or asleep. Life’s better with background music, so I just add mine.

Plans after Residency: Work in primary care with a focus on preventive medicine and community health, aiming to improve access and long-term outcomes through education and continuity of care

Hometown: Cabot, Arkansas

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: fishing, gardening, baking, sewing, and reading

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? I love the variety, and no other specialty allows me to build long-term relationships with my patients while providing “cradle to grave” care like family medicine does!

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? El Paso first appeared on our radar when my husband got orders to Fort Bliss. We were both charmed by the desert, and the welcoming atmosphere made us determined to stay for residency!

Professional/Clinical Interests: Patient education & health literacy

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:
Quote: “Do not spoil the wonder with haste!” – JRR Tolkien
TV Show: Downton Abbey
It’s impossible to choose a favorite movie or book… 

Random fact about yourself: Despite my best efforts, I’ve never been able to learn to whistle!

Plans after Residency: I’m keeping an open mind, but I’d love to open up my own clinic one day.

Hometown: El Paso, Texas 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Hiking, spending time with family and three dogs– Waffles, Maple, and Pup Pups, traveling, working out. 

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? Family medicine 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?  After completing my medical education in Galveston over four enriching years, my heart remained steadfastly set on returning to my roots in El Paso, the community that shaped me. As a proud native El Pasoan, I can attest to the unparalleled sense of belonging and diversity found here. This vibrant tapestry of cultures offers boundless opportunities for growth and collaboration. My desire to return home was not merely fueled by nostalgia, but by a deep-seated commitment to give back to the place that fostered my dreams. Armed with the insights gained from my experiences in a different locale, I eagerly anticipate the chance to enrich my residency with diverse perspectives and approaches. 

Professional/Clinical Interests:  Preventive medicine, sports medicine, bordertown health, Latinx/Hispanic health disparities. 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:  “Learn your rules. You better learn your rules. If you don’t you’ll be eaten in your sleep. Rawhhhhhr.” ~Dwight Schrute, The Office

Random fact about yourself: I used to be a veterinarian technician, I love animals. It’s mandatory to show me pictures of your furry friends!

Plans after Residency:  I am committed to serving the vibrant community of El Paso with the utmost dedication as a family medicine physician. My passion lies in the integration of integrative health and sports medicine, and I aim to weave these disciplines seamlessly into my practice, offering comprehensive care to all those I have the privilege to treat.

Hometown: Springfield, MO 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Game Nights with Friends, Reading, Painting, Travel, and Playing with my THREE German Shepherd Dogs 

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? I wanted to be the type of physician who could confidently treat any patient that walked through my clinic doors. Family Medicine treats everything and everyone. It’s the perfect place for me! 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? I have spent the last decade living and working in the Borderlands. This is home. These people are my friends, neighbors, and support system. When the opportunity arose to stay and do my residency here, I couldn’t let it pass me by! 

Professional/Clinical Interests: I have a special interest in the medical management of healthy aging and longevity, including the wide variety of interventions available to support patients in achieving their aesthetic goals throughout life. 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:  “If there is no wind, row!” -Latin Proverb

Random fact about yourself: Prior to going back to medical school, I did physical therapy and first came to the American Southwest on a work contract for a travel physical therapy company. I fell in love with the place and have been here ever since.

Plans after Residency: I will spend a few years working for the VA as fulfillment of a scholarship program. After that, I’d like to open my own private practice and eventually create a therapeutic ranch using equine/canine therapy, the great outdoors, and group therapy to provide PT/OT and mental health support to those that need it.

Hometown: Phoenix

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Exploring national parks, hiking, competitive badminton, volleyball

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? Variety, flexibility, being able to take care of the most people, most of the time 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? The mountains and sunshine

Professional/Clinical Interests: Full spectrum primary care 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: Knives Out  

Random fact about yourself: "I’ll find a way". 

Plans after Residency: live my best life 

Hometown: Glendale, AZ

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Exploring the city and finding events to attend such as local sports, farmer markets, or festivals. With my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, working out, and playing videogames. 

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? There are quite a few reasons. I was always drawn to family medicine because of the emphasis and value on long-term relationships in patient care. Another reason was the flexibility of your practice including hours, scope, and your target population. Lastly, I hope to one day be able to work with my community to help address health equity issues by focusing on preventative medicine and community education. 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? For me, it was 90% about the FM residency program itself. I felt that the residents and faculty genuinely were invested in one another here. Furthermore, being so close to the border would allow me to practice my medical Spanish and would expose me to more unique clinical scenarios.

Professional/Clinical Interests: Health equity, community medicine, addiction medicine.

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:

Favorite quote: "If you can't pay it back, pay it forward"

Favorite TV show; Fallout (series and games), GoT/House of Dragon

Favorite recent movie; Godzilla minus one

Favorite classic; Lord of the Rings trilogy 

Random fact about yourself: I hope to visit all 30 MLB stadiums and I'm currently at 8 out of 30. 

Plans after Residency: Not sure yet, I would eventually like to have my own practice but I am keeping my possibilities open at this time. 

Hometown: Houston, TX 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Cooking, going to the movie theater, reading  

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? I am very much a believer in building trust with patients over time. I appreciate the ability to form longstanding relationships with patients from all walks of life and take a comprehensive approach to patient health. 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? El Paso is a wonderful city with a diverse community I am eager to live and practice in. All the sunshine is a major plus as well! 

Professional/Clinical Interests: Preventative medicine, geriatrics, palliative care, general practice

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:
“Every second counts.”
Movie- Badlands
TV show- The Wire
Book- Slaughterhouse V by Kurt Vonnegut

Random fact about yourself: I earned my undergraduate degree in mathematics before pursuing a career in medicine.

Plans after Residency: Practice in Texas in a predominantly outpatient setting.

Hometown: Houston, Texas 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Crochet, digital art, and gardening

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? The opportunity to work with patients throughout different stages of their life and establishing long term rapport was very appealing to me. I was also drawn to the variety found in the practice and scope of family medicine in terms of patient populations and procedures.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? I was born and raised in Texas in a Spanish speaking family and felt that I could contribute to the needs of the community. I also found the local culture and scenery in El Paso to be appealing.

Professional/Clinical Interests: Behavioral/mental health, geriatric medicine

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:
Favorite movie – The Wizard of Oz
Favorite TV Show – The Good Place

Random fact about yourself: I enjoy collecting different kinds of yarn to try out for my crochet projects.

Plans after Residency: I am looking forward to pursuing fellowship opportunities after the completion of my residency. 

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: I love spending time with my family and going to church. I also enjoy cooking and trying different recipes. And of course, video games and sports

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? I chose family medicine because throughout medical school I found myself liking each aspect of medicine and I felt as if family medicine was a specialty that would allow me to care for multiple different ages and provide comprehensive medicine. I also feel as if family medicine physicians form a unique relationship with their patients and community that goes beyond just medicine.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?  My significant other is from Mexico and  throughout the years she has helped me grow an appreciation for the Mexican culture. The residency program here in El Paso was one of the first programs I researched due to high Hispanic population and its location near Mexico. My appreciation for the various Hispanic cultures has grown so much over the years that I’ve made it one of my goals to serve and give back to this community that has openly accepted me. I also fell in love with the beauty of the mountains of El Paso coupled with the bright night lights of the city.

Professional/Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:
Favorite quote: “If God is for us, who can be against us” Romans 8:31

Random fact about yourself: I played clarinet in my high school band

Plans after Residency: Outpatient family medicine practice

Hometown: Benbrook, Texas 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Cuddle my dog, watch movies in the theater, hiking 

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? I wanted a job where I can form long term relationships with my patients and really become part of a community of caring genuine people

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? El Paso is a beautiful city and has everything you could need but still feels like a small town. The mountains are gorgeous and I love knowing Mexico is right there. 

Professional/Clinical Interests: LGBTQA+-focused medicine, reproductive rights, mental health, preventative medicine 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: On my book shelf there is a copy of “The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie the Pooh” that I have had since I was 9. A lot of what I learned about being a kind caring human is thanks to Pooh Bear. 

Random fact about yourself: I am a competitive powerlifter! 

Plans after Residency: Only the future knows! 

Hometown: Dallas, Texas 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Play soccer, game night with friends. 

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? In addition to the prominent emphasis on patient interactions, I liked the fact that I could start off my career as a general practitioner and eventually tailor my career to any 30+ subspecialties down the line. Having that flexibility while having ample opportunity to establish relationships with patients was one of the driving forces that led to choosing Family Medicine.  

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? After attending medical school here at Texas Tech Health El Paso, the city has become home for me. The city, the people, and the school all made me feel like a genuine El Pasoan. And after I factored in all the other common features an applicant looked for in a residency program, I knew that the best place to choose for me would be one that would make me happy both on and off campus. El Paso and our Family Medicine program was that place. I’ve learned that the faculty and staff treat you like family and will undoubtedly love and support you like you’re one of their own. So, in addition to El Paso feeling like home, I chose this city to train also because it’s where I feel like I have family.  

Professional/Clinical Interests:  

• Public health 
• Serving underserved populations  
• Serving homeless communities  

• Academia and teaching 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:   

• Quote: “Damn it! I can’t find my driving moccasins anywhere.”  
• Book: The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende 

Random fact about yourself:  

• I did not know how to speak Spanish until I turned 20. During undergrad, I studied abroad in Spain to learn Spanish and returned fluent.   

Plans after Residency:  

• Fellowship in street medicine and a career in teaching. 

Hometown: Brownsville, Texas 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: I enjoy spending quality time with my family, especially my son. When spending quality time together, we enjoy the outdoors. I particularly enjoy going for runs while my son rides his bike. I also enjoy being a good role model by staying active at the gym and lifting weights. 

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? I have an array of experiences that have led me to desire serving my patients without restrictions. My interests include geriatric, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and preventative medicine. These interests stem from my very closeness to my grandmother and learning the specific attention and love the geriatric population needs. The birth of my son led me to become in love with OB/GYN and pediatrics. Lastly, having the privilege of practicing preventive medicine, women’s health, and primary care provided me with the confidence to do more for my community. 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? I was born and raised in the border-city town of Brownsville, Texas, which has a diverse and underserved population like El Paso. The first time I visited El Paso, I immediately fell in love with the beautiful mountains that give El Paso a picturesque and gorgeous scenery. As a bonus, I have a good friend of mine who currently resides at El Paso. 

Professional/Clinical Interests: Inpatient and outpatient work, geriatrics, hospice and palliative care, and sports medicine. 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: Remember the days you prayed for the things you have now. Everything is hard, but you choose your hard.  

Random fact about yourself: I enjoy playing chess. 

Plans after Residency: Work inpatient and outpatient. I would like to one day open my own clinic and also provide hospice and palliative care. 

Hometown: Austin, TX 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Spending time with my wife and corgi, videogames, watching Texas Longhorns games.  

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? The wide breadth of training, the opportunity for forming longitudinal relationships with patients, and the flexibility of work after residency.  

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? I wanted to work with Hispanic patients and continue to practice my Spanish speaking. The mountains and delicious food also don’t hurt.  

Professional/Clinical Interests: Behavioral health, addiction medicine, PRP/prolotherapy. 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book: “Sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else” – Uncle Iroh. 

Random fact about yourself: When I was little I knew how to speak some Euskara (Basque)!  

Plans after Residency: Undecided 

Hometown: Nicaragua 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Cooking! I love challenging myself with new recipes. I also love trying different breweries and cycling.  

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? Because I believe that Family Medicine provides a unique opportunity to manage a wide range medical conditions, while also developing close relationships with patients and their families. 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? My goal is to become a well-prepared physician who provides quality care to all of my patients, regardless of their background or circumstances, and El Paso, being a border city, requires special attention to hispanic and underserved communities. 

Professional/Clinical Interests: Women’s health and Obstetrics  

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:  Friends, Documentaries and movies/TV shows based on true stories. 

Random fact about yourself: I’m an Irish twin! My brother and I are only 10 and a half months apart. 

Plans after Residency: Pursue an Obstetric fellowship and work with underserved communities. 

Hometown: Aguada, Puerto Rico 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Love to travel, go on walks, visit parks, listen to podcasts. 

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? I chose Family Medicine because it gives me the opportunity to build a relationship with patients and their families.  I enjoy how diverse the specialty is and the opportunity I have as a provider to educate my patients. 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?  The people and their kind souls. The warmth of the patients and the community in general. The fact that working in a border city  provides great advantages in my training career  due to unique cases that can be seen in this type of population.  

Professional/Clinical Interests: Community health and preventative care.

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:  What if you knew that you were never meant to get it right the first time, but to build it through trial and error?- Brianna Wiest, The Pivot Year

Random fact about yourself: I’m half Mexican/ half Puerto Rican but I don’t like pasteles or tamales. I might not be the best representation. 

Plans after Residency: Practicing community medicine. 

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: Travel, hiking, yoga (been practicing for over 12 years)

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? I decided to pursue a family medicine residency because I have a strong passion for providing comprehensive and continuous care to patients of all ages and backgrounds, and I believe that family medicine offers a unique opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and make a positive impact on their lives.

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency? I chose to go to El Paso, Texas for my residency because I was drawn to the city's rich cultural diversity and vibrant community, which I believe will provide me with valuable exposure to a wide range of patient populations and medical cases, enhancing my clinical skills and broadening my understanding of healthcare disparities. Additionally, El Paso's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border presents unique opportunities to address cross-cultural healthcare needs and contribute to improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

Professional/Clinical Interests: academic medicine/research/public health/pain medicine/integrative medicine/point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:

Favorite quote: “Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost 

Favorite movie: “Lost in Translation” and “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” Favorite TV show: The Office/Breaking Bad/Portlandia/Doctor Who

Book: “The Catcher in the Rye” by JD Salinger 

Random fact about yourself: I am an aviation geek, and a certified soap maker. 

Plans after Residency: After completing my family medicine residency, my plan is to specialize in Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) and pursue a career in either pain medicine or integrative medicine, with a focus on academic research and teaching. 

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada 

Favorite things to do outside the hospital: paint, draw 

What led you to choose Family Medicine as a specialty? Throughout medical school, I was unsure of what field to pursue as I enjoyed aspects of every specialty and subject I studied. Though I enjoyed my family medicine rotation as a third year medical student, I had the opportunity to do a family medicine sub internship as a fourth year. As a sub intern, I had many more responsibilities than I did as a third year and felt like I was actually part of the treatment team. I especially enjoyed taking care of patients of all ages with a wide range of diseases. This experience was incredibly enjoyable and rewarding and ultimately drove me to pursue family medicine. 

Why did you choose El Paso to train for residency?  I learned Spanish in school from first to twelfth grade but I never had much opportunity to speak it until I lived in Spain for two months before starting medical school. Due to my lack of use though, I had lost a lot of what I learned in school. America has a growing Spanish-speaking population and to be able to speak Spanish would help provide quality health care for them. Located on the border of Mexico, El Paso would help me learn medical Spanish as well as brush up on my casual conversational Spanish. Secondly, I have lived in Nevada my entire life and so I have always wanted to see how medicine in done in other parts of the country. Lastly, having grown up in Las Vegas, I have always enjoyed warmer weather compared to colder weather.  

Professional/Clinical Interests:  General practice 

Favorite quote/movie/TV show/book:  Being Mortal Illness, Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande 

Random fact about yourself: I taught myself painting and digital art 

Plans after Residency:  I hope to return to Las Vegas where there is a great need for primary care physicians. If there is a certain subspecialty that catches my eye, I would do a fellowship after residency.