Ï㽶ֱ²¥

Name: Heba Alghoul, MD

Medical School: Islamic University of Gaza, 2016

Hometown: United Arab Emirates

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I really enjoy the lovely family and friends, all get together events and parties.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? The diversity and friendly environment.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Working with friends.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Practice as PCP in outpatient settings.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Drawing and painting, especially on woods.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I can't live without tea.

Why did you choose this program? To work on friendly environment and to stay near my family.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? To cover all patients populations and all age groups.

Who fits in our program? Someone who's willing to work as a team member.

Name: Trina Dinh

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2023 

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? What's better than getting to hang out with your friends at work?!??

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Everyone is so friendly and willing to help.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Outpatient clinic with focus on preventative care, women's health and obesity medicine.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Eat, sleep and watch K-drama.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I was born and raised in Vietnam and I am (mostly) fluent in Vietnamese.

Why did you choose this program? Robust program with great exposure for both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I like continuity of care and getting to know my patients and their families.

Name: Mohamed Elsaadani

Medical School: Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Egypt (2016)

Hometown: Mansoura, Egypt

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Sense of camaraderie

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Focus on the needs of the local population and neighboring rural communities.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? My co-residents are my friends, we motivate each other.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Outpatient medicine

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Reading, hiking, and fishing

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? Back in Egypt, my friends called me "Allo" since I was 10. The reason is there were "Mohameds" around and it is difficult to call you by your last name in the playground during soccer matches and everyone should have an easy nickname. The name dragged on and followed me even after I moved to the US. My co-residents and faculty calls me my childhood nickname which is sweet. I expect one day I will walk into a patient room and hear it from the patient.

Why did you choose this program? The program values team players and hard work. It fosters a supportive learning environment free from toxic behavior or judgment.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I will never get bored with family medicine. I can encounter pediatrics, OB, Gyn, geriatrics, dermatology, and sports medicine all in one day. Patients build a strong trust in you as a primary care physician if you are compassionate, listen, and strive to help them.

Who fits in our program? If you are compassionate, eager to learn, and a team player

Name: Joseph Greene

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 2023

Hometown: Levelland, Texas

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I like having a positive impact on my patients.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Dedicated to patient care.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? One day at a time. I would like to do a mix of inpatient and outpatient medicine.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Enjoy saltwater fishing and hunting.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I have officiated a wedding.

Why did you choose this program? Went to school here and liked the people.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I like rural medicine.

Who fits in our program? Friendly and kind people.

Name: Karim Kibaa

Medical School: Mansoura university school of medicine

Hometown: Egypt

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? The supportive and the collegial culture

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Diversity and support

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Seeing the results of helping people live fuller lives through prevention and patient centered care.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Full-spectrum family medicine

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Hiking and Bqq-ing

Why did you choose this program? For it's continuity of care model, strong outpatient and inpatient training and hands on exposure.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? It reflects the way I see healthcare as a long life journey, not a series of isolated visits . The variety of conditions keep me challenged, but the relationships with my patients keep me inspired.

Name: Julie Luu

Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, 2023

Hometown: Fort Worth, Tx

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Being surrounded by friends and great mentors at work!

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Everyone is willing to help each other. We work hard but also do our best to keep each other smiling.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Coffee 😆

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Combination of inpatient, outpatient, FMOB

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Cooking, sewing, photography, shopping!

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I’m an identical twin, and she is also a doctor!

Why did you choose this program? Everyone during my interview made me feel very welcomed. They addressed every question I had with sincerity, and everyone I met was genuinely interested in and motivated to do their job. Early on, I sensed that the program would be able to provide great mentorship.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? Because why not?! Family Medicine is so diverse and fun. Every day is different from the last, and we are surrounded by so many aspects of medicine. FM allows me to practice full spectrum medicine, includes many hands on procedures, and I enjoy getting to wear so many hats in one day.

Who fits in our program? Someone who is fun yet knows how to work hard. We welcome all team players to our family.

Name: Nora Martinez

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Hometown: Riverside, CA

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I love working in clinic and I love our staff! I enjoy the opportunity to take care of patients of all ages and seeing continuity in my clinic.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Caffeine!

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I will be working in an outpatient setting!

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? My hobbies include reading (my kindle is always in my bag!), exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, going out! I'm the opposite of a homebody.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I'm the current social chair for our residency program!

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose Family Medicine because it really is the best specialty!

Name: Benjamin Merrill

Medical School: Ï㽶ֱ²¥ School of Medicine 2023

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I love the camaraderie with my fellow residents and other healthcare team members.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? I appreciate how collaborative everyone is. There is not a competitive culture between students and residents.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I try to focus on my patient's needs and tune out the other distractors as much as possible.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I plan to work in an outpatient clinic seeing all ages of patients, but no obstetrics. I plan to continue to emphasize women's health. I also plan to keep up with inpatient medicine by working occasional inpatient shifts.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? PC gaming, cooking, board games, fantasy novels.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I speak Tagalog! I picked it up in the Philippines when I lived there for a few years after high school.

Why did you choose this program? I chose this program because it includes rigorous training in both the inpatient and outpatient settings and I feel it will prepare me to feel comfortable practicing medicine in the setting of my choosing. I also felt that I fit in well with the other residents right away and everyone was so welcoming.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose family medicine because I want to be able to take care of patients of all different ages. I like the versatility of being able to practice in an emergency setting or in clinic or the inpatient setting. I want to be able pride myself on being someone's doctor

Who fits in our program? Anyone who wants to have a full spectrum family medicine experience.

Name: Dayne Moore

Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2023

Hometown: Lehi, UT

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Working with such great patients and coworkers!

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? The learning environment. Everyone is looking to teach and help learners. There is so much support to learn new procedures and treatment plans.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? My wife and three kids are my biggest motivation.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Sports Medicine Fellowship with likely future split of family medicine and sports medicine.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Sports Medicine Fellowship with likely future split of family medicine and sports medicine.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I love Brazilian barbecue. I’ve spent way too much time in my life trying to make the best barbecue possible.

Why did you choose this program? Great balance of Clinic, Hospital Medicine, OB, and MSK opportunities. Great breadth of training with some of the kindest people I’ve ever worked with.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? Couldn’t decide what I liked best. No, it was the opportunity to have the best relationship with my patients and do the procedures I was interested in.

Who fits in our program? Someone who works hard, is devoted to their patient care, and interested in a full spectrum learning experience.

Name: Colin O'Pry

Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2023

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Working and learning from other residents and fellows, not only in the Family Medicine department, but also with the many different specialties here at Ï㽶ֱ²¥.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Freedom to tailor your education and training to what you want to do.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? the occasional free food.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Sports Medicine and Primary Care hybrid practice

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Watching and playing sports, spending time with my family.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? My wife and I had our first son in April.

Why did you choose this program? Interested in being trained in full-spectrum family medicine. Also liked the vibes of the residency during my interview and second look.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I couldn't make a decision in medical school about what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I knew I enjoyed seeing people of all ages.

Who fits in our program? Someone who has a fun, easy-going personality and likes to learn/work, but also have fun.

Name: Ren Shirai

Medical School: TCOM, 2023

Hometown: Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Everyone is friendly and approachable.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Outpatient/inpatient, short term mission work

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Fishing, hiking, cooking, traveling with my wife, learning history

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I enjoy the wide scope of practice. There is something new to be learned everyday. I also enjoy the continuity of care.

Name: Brad Zwart

Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2023

Hometown: Dell Rapids, South Dakota

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I've enjoyed building great relationships with my fellow class, other family medicine residents, attendings, and residents of other specialties.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? It is a culture of growth and support. People genuinely care about the patients, and the people are fun to hang out with outside of work as well!

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? It is a culture of growth and support. People genuinely care about the patients, and the people are fun to hang out with outside of work as well!

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Practicing in a more rural setting, having a broad scope of abilities and knowledge that I get to use every day.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Rock climbing, technology, running, racketball.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? Prior to medical school, I managed a rock climbing wall and taught climbing safety to climbers and staff.

Why did you choose this program? It has a great mix of academic and community medicine, the 'fit' felt great during the interview, I thought this was one of the best programs to help me be confident in what I want to do, and the lower cost of living during residency is huge plus.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? There are so many reasons. I like being able to take care of all ages and can take care of the whole family unit in whatever that may look like, I never get bored of the variety, can practice preventive medicine and emergency medicine, and is a specialty that focuses on more than just the medical problems someone has.

Who fits in our program? Someone that fits into our program has an upbeat attitude, is dependable, willing to learn and grow with the team, and has compassion for others.

Name: Lama N. Akhras

Medical School: Alfaisal University College of Medicine. 2018

Hometown: Chicago

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Delivering babies

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? I love how diverse our program is, and how we all care for one another. I appreciate how our directors not only care for our well being but also for our family and kids. I appreciate Ï㽶ֱ²¥â€™s strong emphasis on support for the underserved populations.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Knowing that I have the privilege to make a change in this world. I try to always walk into the hospital remembering the Quranic verse "and whoever saves one [life], it is as if he had saved mankind entirely".

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Inpatient care and women's health. I LOVE delivering babies !

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I enjoy baking and going to the park and spending quality time with husband, toddler and baby.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I'm a Twin and all my siblings and I names start with an L. I'm the first female Dr. in my family. I went sky diving even though I'm afraid of heights. I'm still trying to get over the fear of cats and dogs. I'm Palestinian by origin, born in Chicago and raised in Saudi Arabia.

Why did you choose this program? I could sense that it was a family friendly program. Many previous residents had children. It was strong on OB. It truly has broad, full-spectrum family medicine. Diversity.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I actually had a patient in OB clinic just ask me this today! I chose family medicine because I value long-term relationships with patients and the chance to care for people across all stages of life. I’m drawn to its diversity — from preventive care to chronic disease management, and even opportunities to do OB work and deliver babies. I love that I can build strong patient connections while practicing broad, community-focused care that truly makes a difference.

Who fits in our program? Someone who will contribute their enthusiasm and diverse multicultural experience to our program. Someone who Demonstrates adaptability, resourcefulness, and readiness to work broadly. Someone who shows interest in community health, underserved populations, health equity. One who values continuity of care and relationship-building. One who is committed to broad, full-spectrum family medicine. Someone who wants to serve rural, underserved, or border communities.

Name: Matthew Boineau

Medical School: Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown: West Columbia

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Treating a wide variety of patients.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Everyone is very welcoming and always willing to help each other.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Celebrating the small wins when you make meaningful change with my patients.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Work in a small town.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Sports, hiking/camping, board games, reading.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I can juggle.

Why did you choose this program? I felt very comfortable with all the attendings and residents that I meant during my interview. Everyone seemed to enjoy their time here and the culture seemed very positive, but also valued hard work.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I like seeing patients of all ages. Being able to care for people across all ages is exciting and fun.

Who fits in our program? Someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Enjoys working hard, but also having a good time. Someone who is willing to help others at the drop of hat.

Name: Alex Drusch

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Class of 2024

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Job satisfaction from treating acutely ill patients to continuity of care and seeing babies in clinic that you had delivered.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? The collaborative environment. Our residency program is very much a team-based environment. Additionally, our faculty are incredible teachers and mentors

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? With a good night sleep and 2-3 Celsius's in my backpack.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Sports medicine, hospitalist, and clinic

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Playing with my two sons, exercise, playing and watching sports.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I have 2 sons (ages 5 and 2) that when I come home from a long day are always down to play (mostly wrestle).

Why did you choose this program? I volunteered/shadowed here before even going into medical school and met the incredible faculty and saw all of the support they give to their residents.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? Easy. Scope of practice.

Who fits in our program? Anyone who is willing to be a part of a team! Our program thrives off of the selflessness and hard work of the residents.

Name: Caleb Hawkes

Medical School: 2024

Hometown: Madison, SD

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Becoming friends with my patients!

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Ï㽶ֱ²¥ has a good-natured and happy attitude.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? "Always gotta work hard to be a better doctor!"

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Full-scope Family Medicine in the Midwest after a potential Sports Medicine fellowship.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? The most meaningful and favorite of my hobbies are those I can do together with my wife and kids. That category can span all activities from visiting friends and family outside the USA to mountain hikes or leisure walks, all of which are equally enjoyable. Other hobbies I enjoy are sports and opportunities to be physically active. I prefer a pick-up game to organized sports, where the ugly side of competition is substituted with the joy of the game, with my favorite being a rousing game of ultimate frisbee. For a relaxing evening activity, I will always enjoy a quality movie, particularly internationally acclaimed films. As every resident knows, time for hobbies outside of academic endeavors can be challenging to find, so I am sure to be intentional with the hobbies I pursue to make my life fulfilling and meaningful.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I speak Danish

Why did you choose this program? The quality friends I have in this program and city are unmatched anywhere else!

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I love seeing people in clinic and following up with them about anything that affects their lives.

Who fits in our program? People who are kind.

Name: Jared Ivan

Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine 2024

Hometown: Pleasant Grove, Utah

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? The commroderie between all of the residents, faculty, and other staff members. We really are a family.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? That we are all a family and that people actually care about each other.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? By reminding myself I'm one day closer to finishing residency.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I eventually want to open up my own private practice.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I like playing basketball, pickleball and just about any sport. I also love watching football.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I have a twin brother who is a family medicine resident and an older brother who is a family medicine doctor.

Why did you choose this program? I choose this program because of the full scope training it offered and the cheap cost of living Lubbock has to offer.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I choose family medicine because of the flexibility and variety it offers. You can truly make your practice what you want it to be when you finish training.

Who fits in our program? Someone who is hard working but also likes to have fun. Someone who is easy to get along with and isn't too much of a gunner but likes to learn

Name: Mayra Leyva

Medical School: Texas Tech School of Medicine - Covenant Branch

Hometown: Presidio, Tx

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I love the community. Everyone is so supportive of each other. It feels like family.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Absolutely everything! I couldn’t survive without the support we have from everyone in our program and our co residents. Even our off service rotations are so enjoyable.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I remind myself of the privilege that it is to be able to take care of another person in need. Being surrounded by great like minded people also makes such a difference.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Outpatient clinic with emphasis on women’s health and Spanish speaking demographic.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love to cook and bake!!

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I have a 15 month old baby who runs my life! Being a mother and wife have complimented my life in such an imaginable way.

Why did you choose this program? I grew up in a small West Texas town. My goal in life has always been to serve those who supported and believed in me throughout my life. This program’s mission is just exactly that. To provide primary care for the underserved communities in the area.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose FM because I Love everything and everyone! I get to deliver babies, take care of pregnant moms, talk with grandma and help Grandpa with their conditions! It is so fulfilling to take care of a whole family!

Who fits in our program? Anyone that believes we are stronger as a team rather than an individual is someone who would thrive in our program.

Name: Jayton R Makuta

Medical School: Texas Tech 2024

Hometown: Lubbock

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I love the continuity of care, helping during trials and tribulations and celebrating the small wins along the way.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? West Texas Hospitality, the people here are the kindest in the world!

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? The trust that pts and their families have in allowing me to provide their care is a daily motivator.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? To practice evidence-based medicine and provide the best care for the community that I can.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Basketball, Hiking, Reading, and chess

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I enjoy scouting and making a draft guide of NBA prospects for the NBA draft in my free time.

Why did you choose this program? Because this program provides the resources and support to practice full-spectrum family medicine and become prepared for anything you see yourself doing after graduation.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? Watching patients grow and change over years — even decades — is incredibly fulfilling. There’s a real emotional connection, and that sense of trust fuels my sense of purpose.

Who fits in our program? Anyone willing to work hard, learn, and have a positive attitude.

Name: Thomas Rubio

Medical School: Texas Tech School of Medicine, 2024

Hometown: Midland

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? My favorite part is when patients and families come see me after they have been in the hospital and thank you for the work we did during their hospital stay.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? I appreciate the hard work and dedication to helping educate and treat patients.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I stay motivated by making sure that I am being re-energized when I’m off work (church, hobbies, exercise). At work, I try to focus on the next task at hand and keep a healthy perspective and attitude.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I plan to practice in the outpatient setting somewhere in Texas!

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Texas Tech sports, pickleball, weightlifting, boxing, church

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee during middle school!

Why did you choose this program? I chose this program because I rotated there during my third year and enjoyed all the residents and attendings. I could tell it was a very strong program.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose Family Medicine because I love the ability to deliver a baby, see people in the clinic, and take care of patients in the hospital.

Who fits in our program? People with an encouraging attitude, caring heart, and strong work ethic.

Name: Madison Shelton

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - School of Medicine (Lubbock)

Hometown: Round Rock, Texas

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? The people!

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? The friendliness, everyone is like family and wants to see you succeed.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Seeing my patients get better.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Outpatient clinic with obstetric medicine.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Reading, Running, Crocheting, Golfing

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I’ve got rare blood! (AB-);1% of the population

Why did you choose this program? The residents and attendings really are amazing. I knew I would be supported every step of the way.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I wanted to be of the greatest utility to the greatest number of people.

Who fits in our program? People who want to grow as physicians.

Name: Matthew Steffensen

Medical School: Rocky Vista University Southern Utah Campus 2024

Hometown: Holladay, UT

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Working with some amazing coworkers and interacting with patients. Best part is when I’m able to see my patient improve from my recommendations and being able to see my own personal growth in the process.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Very collaborative! I feel like my coresidents have my back and my faculty members care about my life. It is refreshing to feel comfortable within my own department and I often look forward to being with my coresidents.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Sometimes you just gotta do it. I’m a huge day dreamer and often look into future career opportunities and love to plan out my life. It helps me to know that residency is only 3 years. It will pass. It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Sports medicine fellowship, followed by either private practice, team physician work, and/or medical education with both inpatient and outpatient.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Sports (love football), PC gaming, and hanging out with my family.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I had compartment syndrome when I was 18 in my thigh! They did a dermaclose on my incision and now my quad bulges out all funny along the scar.

Why did you choose this program? Broad spectrum family medicine. While I’m not interested in OB in my future practice, I did not want to close any doors. I’ve also learned that programs that took OB seriously tended to take everything seriously. With that, I knew this was an amazing program.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? The breadth is amazing. I’ve always enjoyed primary care and had an interest in Sports Medicine since undergrad. Never liked surgery, so it was the perfect fit.

Who fits in our program? If you love anything and everything, love collaboration and are able to be a team member, you’ll do great here. If you’re undecided on your future goals in FM and want an academic preference, this is an amazing program to help you with whatever you want to do.

Name: Mario Valeriano, MD

Medical School: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, 2020

Hometown: San Pedro Sula

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Working with great faculty and friends every day.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Supportive environment from everyone.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Watch the smile of my patients after every interaction in the hospital or clinic.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Interested in Sports Medicine and Hospital Medicine

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Sports, Cars, Gym, Cooking

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I was Semi-Professional Soccer player in Honduras.

Why did you choose this program? Academic Center, great exposure to Inpatient Medicine, management of patients with complex medical conditions. In-house fellowships.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? Ablity to provide comprehensive care to patients from all ages.

Who fits in our program? Someone who would like to train in a friendly environment, with supportive faculty in a setting with a great patient exposure to develop the skills required to be a great FM physician.

Name: Asmaa Bkhet

Medical School: Monoufia University school of medicine

Hometown: Egypt

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to work closely with patients, listen to their stories, and support them through their care journey. Every interaction allows me to make a meaningful difference, while also learning and growing both personally and professionally.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? welcoming, collaborative environment that values diversity, teamwork, and growth. Faculty, residents, and staff genuinely support one another, creating an atmosphere that not only prioritizes excellent patient care but also fosters continuous learning and professional development.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I stay motivated at work by reminding myself of the positive impact I can have on patients’ lives and by focusing on continuous growth. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, collaborate with my team, and contribute to meaningful outcomes, which keeps me inspired and driven.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? My future practice goals are to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while serving diverse and underserved populations. I also aspire to continue advancing my clinical skills, contribute to medical education, and engage in research that improves patient outcomes.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy walking and spending quality time with my daughter. These moments help me recharge, stay active, and maintain balance in my personal and professional life.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? A unique fact about me is that I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and adding my own creative twist to traditional dishes.

Why did you choose this program? I chose this program because of its supportive and collaborative learning environment, strong commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities, and the outstanding opportunities for both personal and professional growth. I felt it was the ideal place to develop into the kind of physician I aspire to be.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose Family Medicine because it allows me to build long-term relationships with patients and provide comprehensive, patient-centered care across all ages. I enjoy the variety in practice, the opportunity to manage both acute and chronic conditions, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on the health of individuals, families, and communities.

Who fits in our program? The program is a great fit for individuals who are compassionate, collaborative, and dedicated to providing patient-centered care. It suits those who are eager to learn, value teamwork, and are committed to serving diverse and underserved communities.

Name: Clarissa Clifford

Medical School: SOM, 2025

Hometown: Amarillo, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I really enjoy building relationships with patients and working alongside a supportive, collaborative team here at Ï㽶ֱ²¥.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? I appreciate the friendly, encouraging atmosphere, it truly feels like everyone wants you to succeed.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I stay motivated by finding joy in helping others and easing their discomfort.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I hope to practice in a rural area where I can care for patients and their entire families over the years, building strong, lasting relationships.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love hiking and kayaking, watching Star Trek, knitting, gardening, and spending time with my cats, family, and friends.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I grew up on a small ranch with horses, cows, and chickens.

Why did you choose this program? I enjoyed my time at Ï㽶ֱ²¥ SOM and felt right at home with the Family Medicine team here. Plus, staying close to my family in Amarillo means a lot to me.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I love the variety in Family Medicine—pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health—and I’m especially passionate about preventative care.

Who fits in our program? Kind, friendly humans who enjoy the full scope of family medicine.

Name: Devika Chandran, MD 

Medical School: Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic

Hometown: Dubai, U.A.E.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? I appreciate Ï㽶ֱ²¥â€™s friendly, family-like, and approachable culture, where attendings create a supportive environment reflected in residents and staff equally

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I stay motivated by treating every case I experience as a unique chance to learn, and by the encouragement and support I receive from my peers & attendings

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Astronomy, Swimming, Volunteering at health camps, Alternative medicine & Regression in healing

Why did you choose this program? This program offers a unique opportunity to pracitice in multiple sites, exposing residents to a wide variety of patient population, thus making graduates confident to practice any where.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose family medicine because the training allows a physician to become a well rounded practionner. I have enjoyed taking care of patients in various clinical settings ranging from high acuity in hospitals to continuity care in various clinics. I especially enjoy doing various procedures, from skin biopsies to delivering babies in the L&D.

Who fits in our program? Those who value a family-oriented environment, appreciate flexibility across different work settings, and are passionate about maternal and fetal medicine would be a great fit for our program.

Name: Keegan Dunn

Medical School: Ï㽶ֱ²¥ Class of 2025

Hometown: Lubbock, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? My favorite part of my job is getting to see my patients in clinic and being able to help them live their best lives.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? I appreciate that everyone is supportive of one another and that we are all on one team with a goal of helping our patients.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Reminding myself of patient encounters that were especially uplifting helps me stay motivated.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? In the future, I would like to work in a private practice clinic here in Lubbock.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love spending my free time with my husband and our toddler.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? A fun fact about me is that I used to work as a kickboxing instructor!

Why did you choose this program? I was born and raised here in Lubbock and I am a Texas Tech alumni from both undergrad and med school. The decision was obvious to stay here in Lubbock, and it's a bonus that everyone in the program is great too.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose family medicine because I love getting to see patients of all ages and stages of life and getting to continue seeing them for years and years.

Who fits in our program? People that love feeling supported by both the program and the community would fit in great here.

Name: Jenna Hooten

Medical School: Ï㽶ֱ²¥ - 2025

Hometown: Amarillo, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I love being able to support patients through difficult times, and seeing good outcomes makes the hard times worth it! It’s been great to use the knowledge I gained in med school to help treat my patients.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Everyone I have worked with has been kind and helpful. I think our culture is dependent on good teamwork and truly caring for our patients.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I remember all of the difficulties and challenges I have faced and that despite how difficult it may have been, I made it through. Now I can use my knowledge and experience to help others who are struggling.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I want to do FMOB and have a women’s health centered practice.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I like to play with my dog, cooking, playing disc golf, or playing video/board games with my husband and friends

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I am the first and only doctor in my family!

Why did you choose this program? Everyone was so kind and friendly, I could tell they genuinely loved the program and their fellow residents. We get a lot of women’s health exposure which was a big draw for me.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I loved (almost) all of my rotations during med school. Being able to do anything from peds to procedures to women’s health to inpatient to clinic is very appealing to me.

Who fits in our program? Someone who is kind, helpful, and genuinely cares for their patients and their coworkers!

Name: Delaney Jenschke. M.D.

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 2025

Hometown: La Vernia, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I love the patient population we serve. Not only do we serve a wide population in West TX, but we also serve patients from eastern New Mexico. In one day, I am able to meet patients from so many walks of life. Our patients have such interesting life stories, and there is something we can learn from each of them!

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? I love that Ï㽶ֱ²¥ is like a family. Everyone here is so supportive, collaborative, and quick to help their colleagues.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I always remember why I started on this path.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I plan to practice in a rural area in Texas. My biggest goal is to one day start my own free clinic, to serve patients without health insurance.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love to read, watch Gilmore Girls, spend time with my husband, and take my dogs on walks!

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I have never broken a bone!

Why did you choose this program? West Texas has become a second home to me - and I was eager to stay here for my residency training. I also love the culture of this program.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I love that I am about to serve patients from all walks of life in family medicine. In one day, I can deliver a baby, do a teen well child check, manage chronic conditions, and serve a patient on hospice. The continuity of care really helps me to see my patient’s lifestyles and what social determinants might be affecting their healthcare.

Who fits in our program? Our program is so diverse, so I think everyone can fit in! Anyone who is open-minded, willing to support their co-residents, and is eager to serve West Texas will feel right at home in our program!

Name: AnaClaire Huebner

Medical School: ttuhsc  2025

Hometown: San Angelo, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Getting to know my patients and the amazing people we work with!

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Everyone is so kind and positive.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Caring for my patients, working with great teams, and having a great support system at home!

Goals: What are your future practice goals? As of now, I would like to do a mix of inpatient hospital medicine and outpatient primary care.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog Fitz, reading, traveling, and hiking when able!

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I am the youngest of 5 older brothers.

Why did you choose this program? Going to school at Ï㽶ֱ²¥, I knew the program provided great training, and everyone was so kind and seemed like they enjoyed their job and the people they worked with!

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose family medicine for the long-term relationships you can build with your patients, the focus on preventative medicine, the different patient populations you get to work with, and the variety of medicine you encounter.

Who fits in our program? Someone hard-working, eager to learn, kind-hearted, and a team player!

Name: David McDaniel

Medical School: Ï㽶ֱ²¥ SOM 2025

Hometown: Ballinger Texas

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Patient care is by far the best part of the job. I enjoy being able to see the changes my treatments can make in a patient’s life.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Ï㽶ֱ²¥ is a friendly and collaborative culture, especially in the FM department. You can be assured your colleagues and attending physicians will support you throughout your learning as a resident.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Hearing my patients’ success stories of how their lives and health have improved from our treatment.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I want to practice in a rural setting with a broad scope of practice.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Rebuild cars, play video games with my friends, movies with the family.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I’m a first-generation doctor.

Why did you choose this program? I grew up in west Texas and hope to practice medicine here.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I want to work in a rural setting with continuity of care and a wide scope of practice
Who fits in our program? Someone who is willing to work hard and can work well with others.

Name: Calista Moses

Medical School: Ross University SOM, Graduated in 2024

Hometown: Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? The endless opportunities available here to shape my education and prepare me for a future in medicine.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? The support and comradery between coworkers that I've felt since the day I interviewed for this position.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I stay motivated at work by thinking about how grateful I am to be able to treat patients everyday and see their health improve. Being in a country where the majority of people have access to medicine is a blessing and I just love to be part of it!

Goals: What are your future practice goals? My future goals are very broad at the moment but one thing is sure I have a passion for skin and wound care. I'm aiming to join a family medicine practice where I can help bridge the gap in care from primary providers to dermatologists and wound care specialists. Lastly, I would love to spread medicine globally with medical outreaches across the world.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Quality family time, travelling, exercising, outdoor activities, cooking, growing plants, and eventually I plan to start an aqua garden.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I trained for the USA Rugby Olympic Team, and I graduated college with a degree in Geosciences.

Why did you choose this program? I chose this program because I heard a lot of positive experiences from previous residents.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? Family Medicine is an all encompassing specialty that allows full spectrum training to it's physicians, and this is why I chose FM. I've travelled to many countries where people are suffering from the lack of health care availability. Family medicine is one of the few specialties' that allows me to address nearly every problem that can present itself in my future clinic.

Who fits in our program? Everyone with a passion for improving access to healthcare.

Name: Muhammad Hamza Qureshi

Medical School: King Edward Medical University, 2020

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Daily interactions with my coworkers and patients and the mentorship at offer in this program.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Supportive, close-knit, and genuinely here for each other while providing autonomy and giving confidence since the start.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Seeing progress—whether it’s a patient’s health improving or me learning a new skill—keeps me going.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Build a strong Family Medicine career, with a focus on inpatient and some ER experience in rural communities.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Working out, cooking, long walks, exploring new places to eat, and spending time with my cat.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? I track my workouts and steps like a science experiment… and fuel it all with a couple of Monsters to get me through the day.

Why did you choose this program? Strong community vibe, diverse patients, and faculty and seniors who are always available to help you in any way they can.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I like caring for all ages, building relationships, and never having the same day twice.

Who fits in our program? Team players who are adaptable, hardworking, solution oriented and collaborative.

Name: Shivam Patel

Medical School: Ï㽶ֱ²¥ 2025'

Hometown: Henderson, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to work with medical students. Their curiosity, energy, and drive to learn inspire me every day. I find it very fulfilling to mentor them, answer their questions, and help them connect classroom learning to real-world clinical application.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? What I appreciate most about the culture at Ï㽶ֱ²¥ is the friendliness of everyone I work with. Whether it’s faculty, staff, or students, people are approachable and willing to help, which makes it a very supportive place to work.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I stay motivated at work because of my passion for learning. Each day brings new opportunities to expand my knowledge, whether through teaching, collaborating with colleagues, or engaging with students.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? My future practice goals are rooted in the tradition of the old-time family doctors who managed a wide variety of health needs. I want to provide that same breadth of care, but also integrate today’s advancements in medicine to give patients the best of both worlds.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? My hobbies include sports and cooking. I love the teamwork and energy that come with sports, and I find cooking to be a fun way to bring people together.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? One fun fact about me is that I grew up in a hotel, which made for some pretty memorable experiences and stories.

Why did you choose this program? I was drawn to this program because it supports my long-term goals as a physician. The training, mentorship, and opportunities here will prepare me for a full-scope family medicine practice.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I chose Family Medicine because it allows me to build long-term relationships with patients and their families. I value being a consistent part of their healthcare journey and supporting them through every stage of life.

Who fits in our program? Those who fit in this program are curious, collaborative, and committed to broad, patient-centered care. They value relationships, continuity, and the chance to grow into well-rounded physicians.

Name: Juan Carlos Santis Mejía

Medical School: Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, 2020

Hometown: Guatemala

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? One of my favorite parts of working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥ is being part of a team that’s truly committed to making a difference. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to something meaningful. I genuinely enjoy the collaborative environment and the sense of purpose that comes with supporting healthcare education and innovation. It’s incredibly motivating to know that the work we do has a real impact on people’s lives.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? What I truly appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture is the respectful and supportive environment. It’s a place where collaboration is encouraged, diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone is committed to helping each other succeed. That kind of atmosphere makes it easy to stay motivated and feel proud of the work we do together.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I stay motivated at work by making time for the things that recharge me outside of it. I love going to the university recreational center—it’s a great way to stay active and clear my mind. Spending quality time with my wife also keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do. That balance between work and personal life helps me stay focused, energized, and ready to take on new challenges

Goals: What are your future practice goals? "My future practice goals include working in rural medicine, where I can provide comprehensive care to underserved communities. I'm especially passionate about chronic disease, geriatrics and obstetric care areas that are vital in rural settings and often lack consistent access. I hope to build strong relationships with patients and families, offering continuity of care that supports both individual health and community well-being.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of work, I really enjoy listening to Spanish rap music—it’s a genre that speaks to both rhythm and storytelling, and I love discovering new artists and lyrics that resonate. I also enjoy spending time in good conversation with interesting people. Whether it’s sharing ideas, learning from different perspectives.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? Sometimes I say things the wrong way because I’m thinking in Spanish first. And occasionally, I might say something inappropriate without meaning to but I always end up laughing about it afterward.

Why did you choose this program? I believe there's a common bias in thinking we always choose our path freely from all possible options. In reality, material circumstances and the opportunities available often shape where we end up. This program was my first choice in my ranking, and I’m incredibly grateful to be here. But looking back, I realize there were more factors out of my control than I initially understood. Life brought me here, and I’m embracing the experience fully. Enjoying every moment of the journey.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I like to think that Family Medicine chose me. At one point in my life, I considered other career paths, but Family Medicine drew me in by exposing the real health challenges—especially the inequality in access to care among the most vulnerable populations. Its broad scope allows me to serve in many areas, making it a practical and impactful way to help those in need.

Who fits in our program? Someone who fits in our program is brave enough to pursue their dreams all the way to the end, no matter the challenges. They’re willing to sacrifice short-term comfort and convenience for long-term purpose and security. Most importantly, they value friendship, support, and the kind of camaraderie that makes the journey worthwhile. It’s not just about becoming a great physician it’s about growing alongside others who share the same passion and grit.

Name: Allayna Scheumann

Medical School: Kansas City University-2025

Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I love the people at our program and overall, the community in Lubbock. Everyone is so nice and welcoming, so it has been the greatest transition from Kansas to Lubbock, Texas (it helps that I'm a KC Chiefs fan and fit right in with the Mahomes fans here, of course).

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? I believe our culture is the perfect mix of challenging but supportive. Our faculty attendings (and peers) are always encouraging us to take on more responsibility and be the best we can be, but never at the risk of feeling too overwhelmed. You feel supported every step of the way. I think this is the only successful way to truly grow and learn, so I'm very thankful for our culture.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? My biggest motivation is my family and my fiancé. They all know my heart and my "why" for going into medicine, and they always encourage me to focus on that, even on the longer days. My fiancé is also a resident at Texas Tech and he is the hardest worker I know, so I stay inspired and motivated by him. Alani nu energy drinks help too, of course:)

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I ultimately see myself practicing solely outpatient medicine in my future. I am extra passionate about incorporating pediatrics, dermatological outpatient procedures, and women's health into my future outpatient scope.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? When I'm not at work, I enjoy reading on my Kindle at home and watching movies with my Fiancé and our two dogs. I've also set up a home gym that I enjoy using with Livestream workouts or just going for walks to get movement.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? The day after I moved to Lubbock, I went straight to Lubbock Animal Services and adopted a puppy. It was the most impulsive but also the best thing I've ever done. I have a passion for rescuing dogs and would love to have the means to save more animals with my own foster program in the future.

Why did you choose this program? My fiancé and I chose Texas Tech to pursue our respective residency trainings because of the community you get to serve in Lubbock, and the opportunities this program gives you to just dive right into hands-on training. Ultimately, Texas Tech serves so much more than West Texas, as you also get a large patient population from NM and even OK. This means there is such a demand for qualified and compassionate doctors. This demand is even more amplified specifically in the setting of Primary Care, so the training we get here is so well-rounded.

Why did you choose Family Medicine? I went into medical school knowing that I wanted to provide continuity of care to my future patients. I fell in love with Family Medicine because it allowed me to meet patients of all ages and support them in all stages of life. Additionally, I love being able to have visits with husbands and wives, and parents with their kids in my clinic. I feel like you can offer so much more to a patient not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, when you also know and support their loved ones. Family medicine is such an incredible specialty to be this form of a "constant" in our patients' lives.

Who fits in our program? I believe that anyone who is a hard-worker with a passion for providing compassionate care to all members of the community fits in our program. Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and knows that teamwork is key in residency.

Name: Grant Tekell

Medical School: 2025

Hometown: Tahoka, TX

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? I thoroughly enjoy connecting with patients to understand their needs and working collaboratively to find solutions that positively impact their lives. It's such a cool profession.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? My favorite part about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture is the family oriented, community-centered, and collaborative environment modeled by the faculty and carried forward through the residents and students.

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? I stay motivated by knowing my purpose and keeping perspective on why I do what I do... and also thinking about dinner.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? Rural medicine; impacting a community by helping one patient at a time.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Basketball, pickleball, CS Lewis literature, and Dude Perfect.

Fun Fact: What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? Eli Manning once called me Superman.

Why did you choose this program? Texas Tech is home. Having completed both my undergraduate and medical education here, it's only natural to continue my journey as a Red Raider in this incredible Family Medicine residency program. Raider Power!

Why did you choose Family Medicine? Family Medicine aligns perfectly with my vision to make lasting impacts on both individuals and communities. The specialty’s broad, comprehensive knowledge base empowers physicians to diagnose, treat, and refer patients regarding a wide range of health issues. This equips me to build enduring relationships with patients, supporting them through all stages of life, and creating positive, even unseen, ripple effects that will benefit future generations.

Who fits in our program? Cool people.

Name: Jenish Shrestha

Medical School: Nepal Medical College, 2020

Hometown: Kathmandu

Favorite Part of the Job: What do you enjoy most about your job or working at Ï㽶ֱ²¥? Working as a resident in Ï㽶ֱ²¥, every day feels meaningful because we’re united by a mission to serve West Texas. I appreciate how the team treats residents as colleagues. Our attendings are approachable and consistently invested in our growth, helping us become better physicians for tomorrow, and this is what I enjoy the most.

Culture: What do you appreciate about the Ï㽶ֱ²¥ culture? Ï㽶ֱ²¥ values teaching without seniority barriers. It’s a place where questions are welcomed, feedback is timely, and graduated autonomy is encouraged, so you feel supported while steadily growing into an independent physician. I’m grateful for the culture of a welcoming, respectful environment that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives

Motivation: How do you stay motivated at work? Caring for patients over time and witnessing their progress gives me professional satisfaction and helps me stay motivated.

Goals: What are your future practice goals? I am planning to explore my options during residency and am currently leaning toward Sports Medicine.

Hobbies & Interests: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I enjoy playing guitar and watching movies during my leisure time.

What is a fun or unique fact about yourself? Beyond medicine, I am passionate about entrepreneurship. I enjoy traveling to build networks for my work and keep myself engaged

Why did you choose this program? Lubbock already felt like home through my family and community connections. Additionally, it is a University based program with multiple fellowship opportunities

Why did you choose Family Medicine? You get to do a bit of everything without limiting yourself to a single age group or specialty, and you’re often the first point of contact for patients

Who fits in our program? Those who are community-minded, team-oriented, adaptable, proactive communicators and hungry to learn would be the best fit.