INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM RESIDENTS
CLASS OF 2021 Martin Joseph, DO Why HonorHealth?: The people! I am so lucky to learn from and grow with the amazing people here at the TPK and throughout HonorHealth. Future plans: I am interested in Infectious Disease and Toxicology. Fun facts: Gym, tan, laundry (just kidding). But really, I like to stay active, travel, eat different kinds of food, play video games, watch movies, and listen to electronic dance music.
Paige McCleary, MD Why HonorHealth?: I wanted a small-sized program where I knew my work would be valued. To me the HonorHealth IM Residency was the program that would make my personal growth and development as a physician a priority. Future plans: Critical care Fun facts: Apart from medicine, I love competitive sports! I am always interested in forming a fantasy football league or playing a pick-up game of soccer.
Ahh Nguygen, DO Why HonorHealth?: I had the chance to rotate with the HonorHealth IM Program as a Sub-I during my fourth year of medical school. Not only did I learn a great deal during my rotation, but I was impressed with how kind and supportive everyone in the program was. The program may be young, but that does not limit our ability to become great physicians. I am proud to be a part of the Third Class of this program. Future plans: I will be looking to pursue a fellowship after I complete my residency at HonorHealth. Fun facts: I love rainy days, outdoor activities, drawing, cooking, traveling, and hanging out with my peers!
Jacqueline O'Neill, MD Why HonorHealth?: I chose HonorHealth because everyone here has genuine investment in the residents and our careers. In addition, I wanted to be somewhere that enabled me to make a difference. Future plans: My future goals are to work as a hospitalist. In addition, I want to work with Global Health and Health Policy. Fun facts: My favorite thing to do outside of medicine is travel and learn about different cultures and their history.
Lydia Taranto, MD Why HonorHealth?: I grew up in rural northern Arizona working in the outdoors in my family’s home businesses. I decided to go into the medical field when my niece was born with complex congenital heart defects, inspired by her journey. I attended Northern Arizona University for undergrad (Biology, Chemistry and Economics) and the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson for medical school. Initially I thought I would go into surgery, but after one year in residency here in the Valley, I decided that I would rather be involved in patient care through medicine rather than surgery. I love cardiology and especially the pathophysiology of congenital heart disease, particularly in the adult. Future plans: My goals are to enter cardiology and do an additional fellowship to emphasize care of the adult with congenital heart disease. Fun facts: When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my horse, oil painting, exploring as much of the world as possible, and my daily favorite, gym time!
Jonathan Theriot, DO Why HonorHealth?: Three things about the HonorHealth IM Residency stood out to me: One, I did not have to relocate my family! Two, an unbeatable quality of life as a resident. Three, I really got a sense that the faculty is truly dedicated to teaching. Future plans: My future plan is to work in rural inpatient medicine. Fun facts: I have two little kiddos and a working wife so "me time" is quite rare. I wanted to go to culinary school at one point. As a result, I was challenged by Dr. Markus, our Program Director, to a gumbo cook-off.
CLASS OF 2022 Dannah Farah, MD Why HonorHealth?: Among the many reasons, my top 3 are: 1: Residents that value teamwork; a supportive environment that fosters learning for the success of each resident, 2. Mentorships with engaging faculty, and 3. A program that places value in the health, happiness, and overall well-being of its residents. Future plans: I plan on pursuing a cardiology fellowship. Fun facts: I love finding social ways to stay active – volleyball, hiking, boxing, yoga – and then celebrating our achievements by discovering new places to eat. It is a goal of mine to eat my way around the world.
Jasmine Beebe, DO Why HonorHealth?: I was drawn to the HonorHealth Thompson Peak Internal Medicine residency program because of the diverse Phoenix population, the smaller class size, and the emphasis on resident wellness. Future plans: Particularly interested in diabetes management and other endocrine disorders. Fun facts: I am particularly interested in diabetes management and other endocrine disorders. Interests and hobbies including textile arts like knitting and weaving, dance, hula hooping, yoga, bowling, board games, and gardening.
Ben Gifford, DO Why HonorHealth?: I wanted a residency that I could be proud of. I wanted a residency that would prepare me well for my professional career in medicine and was outstanding in the areas of teaching, performance, and respect. The residents and faculty are genuinely invested in each other here. Future plans: To be determined – considering fellowship or hospital medicine. Fun facts: I love scuba diving, mountain biking, fly fishing, home remodeling, landscaping, and learning new skills and hobbies.
Shiva Malaty, DO Why HonorHealth?: I completed a Sub-I at this program and was blown away by the warmth and friendliness from attendings, residents, and faculty as well as their dedication to teaching. This program truly values resident health and goes above and beyond to ensure happiness of residents in innovative ways. The sense of family that comes with this program is invaluable and I am sure will be key in fostering the learning environment needed to be the best physician I can be. Future plans: I would like to pursue fellowship training after completing internal medicine residency – thinking mostly about rheumatology. Fun facts: I love exploring new food places, watching documentaries, and taking Zumba classes.
Andrea Schneider, DO Why HonorHealth?: I had the opportunity to do a sub-I at Honor Health during my 4th year and the positive atmosphere, the encouragement, and time spent helping me grow as a provider stood out. The small program size and location were important factors as well. Fun facts: I enjoy working out at the gym, hiking/walking with my dog, cooking, reading, trying new foods, and spending time with my family and significant other.
CLASS OF 2023 Zachary Abid, MD Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Clinical Interests: Nephrology and hospitalist medicine. Why HonorHealth? HonorHealth stood out among other residency programs in terms of emphasis on wellness, resident class size, and resources made available to help ensure time is spent on becoming high quality independently practicing physicians Fun facts/hobbies: My interests include hiking, natural science, and hanging out with friends. I’m passionate about music and playing the drums.
Elena Cho, DO Medical School: Midwestern University Clinical Interests: I grew in Southern California. I enjoy the collaborative aspect of internal medicine, along with its diversity in pathology and population. I see myself dividing my time as a hospitalist and outpatient primary care physician. Why HonorHealth?: I saw a lot of my interests and passions align with HonorHealth when I researched the program. I wanted to be a resident at a non-profit program, with great outreach programs, and a focus on the patient and community. HonorHealth also provided a fabulous location in Scottsdale, inclusive environment among its staff and residents, thoughtful wellness and leadership classes, excellent educational opportunities and exceptional benefits for its residents. I felt that I would receive an outstanding education, to allow me to be the best physician I can be, in a welcoming and nurturing environment. Fun facts/hobbies: I enjoy good food, baking, reading up on current events and being active with running, yoga and Pilates. I also find great joy in helping others, community service, preventative care and educating patients on how to be their best advocate.
Sheridan James, MD Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine Clinical Interests: I am interested in going into Primary Care with an emphasis in Preventative and Lifestyle Medicine. While I am a firm believer in Western Medicine, I also have a passion for understanding the way our everyday habits play a role in disease and how we can best mitigate disease by adopting healthier lifestyles. Why HonorHealth? HonorHealth as a program stood out to me as an environment where I feel supported and provided with an incredible opportunity to learn from Attending Physicians, while encouraged to grow into my own career. Fun facts/hobbies: Outside of work I love to do anything active including running, walking my two dogs, lifting weights, and cycling. I also love spending time with my husband and family.
Melissa Kerkelis, MD Medical School: University of Queensland Clinical Interests: I chose internal medicine because it is a challenging and thoughtprovoking field. I am currently undecided about whether to sub-specialize, although I have taken a special liking to infectious disease. Why HonorHealth?: What drew me to HonorHealth was the smaller class size, the friendly interview experience, and its location in sunny Scottsdale. I feel this program will give me the direction and instruction that I need to develop professionally as a physician, while affording me a good work-life balance. Fun facts/hobbies: Outside of working and studying, I enjoy watching stand-up comedy, musicals, racquet sports, reading, and road trips!
Klaire S.Y. Kim, MD Medical School: Dartmouth School of Medicine Why HonorHealth?: Among many reasons, “good people” is the main reason I chose HonorHealth. I found warm, inspiring mentors who will bring me up to a caring, competent physician, and “good people” whom I wanted to be lifelong friends with. Fun facts/hobbies: Dog training, product design, fruit seed sprouting/planting
Mark Shoukry, MD Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Clinical interests: I am interested general internal medicine and hope to practice as a hospitalist or in an academic setting. Why HonorHealth?: The positive and supportive atmosphere among faculty, staff, and residents despite the rigorous curriculum at Honor Health initially caught my attention and make me proud to be part of the program. Fun facts/hobbies: I enjoy bike riding, hiking, and most things outdoors. Travel has been a lifelong passion and hope after completing my residency I can use my medical training globally to support others wherever I may be.
Preliminary – PGY-1 Class of 2024 Guy Charest, DO Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Clinical interests: Prevention, early detection and surgical treatment of skin cancers in my patients. Why HonorHealth?: Growing up in Texas and attending medical school in New Mexico, I knew it was important I continued my career in the Southwestern USA. I chose Honor Health/ Affiliated Dermatology because of their dedication to managing skin cancer in the higher risk population of Arizona. Fun facts/hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy working on my family’s ranch, hunting, golfing and watching football.
Zeke Clemmens, DO Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Clinical Interests: Musculoskeletal medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine Why HonorHealth?: As a native of Arizona, I was really excited to see a new program in my chosen field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I feel HonorHealth has established a wealth of resources to help patients and provides amazing training to become a well-rounded Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doc. Fun facts/hobbies: Hiking, camping, movies, genealogy, football, and travel. Spending time with my wife and two daughters, Panda Express, and connecting with others.
Ariel Kerry-Gnazzo, DO Medical School: Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine Clinical interests: Mohs surgery, dermatopathology, and neurocutaneous disorders. Why HonorHealth? HonorHealth has long been a facility I was interested in since I began volunteering at the hospitals there my first year of medical school. My interest was further heightened during my surgery rotation third year at JCL where I experienced first-hand the amazing faculty. I had the pleasure of then rotating with Affiliated Dermatology during my fourth year of medical school which completely solidified my desire to be a part of HonorHealth. Between the top-notch facilities, the clerical organization and professionalism, the amazing tight knit group of employees, and of course the outstanding physicians, I couldn’t hope to be at a more wonderful program! Fun Facts/hobbies: Long distance running, soccer, Eagles football, every form of culinary art (emphasis on baked goods), reading, hot yoga, charcuterie boards, and of course skin care!
Samuel Martin, DO Medical School: A.T. Still University Why HonorHealth?: One of the things that stood out to me most about the HonorHealth programs was the friendliness and positivity of the staff and residents. The interactions and connections I made throughout the interview season greatly influenced my decisions with The Match. Fun facts/hobbies: I am a fitness enthusiast and enjoy variety in my training; I also enjoy training others and was a personal trainer prior to medical school. I am passionate about rehab and overcoming the obstacles that prevent us from living and performing to the best of our abilities.