General Surgery Residents

Steven Bozell, MD

Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Favorite thing about program: The relationships I've made and lots of cases.

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: The variety of places to go out and enjoy yourself.

Deanna Gonzalez, MD

Medical School: University of New Mexico

Favorite thing about program: Exposure to surgical subspecialties early in training. Excellent trauma experience. The rural rotation is also a program gem!

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: Great climbing community and easy access to nearby ski resorts and hiking trails.

Yazmin Irazoqui-Ruiz, MD

Medical School: UNM Medical School, Albuquerque, NM

Favorite things about program: I was elated for the opportunity to continue my training in New Mexico because of the diversity of the providers, ancillary staff, and population we get to serve while learning to become surgeons. The attendings are approachable and our co-residents are incredibly supportive of each other. This provides the perfect environment to gain autonomy from the beginning while managing medically and surgically complex patients.

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: New Mexico is uniquely rich in culture: food, people, and activities. There are so many beautiful hikes, camping grounds and nearby national monuments. We have the International Balloon Fiesta every fall—I highly recommend experiencing mass ascension on an early morning with a cup of piñon coffee and a Blake's green chile breakfast burrito.

Clement Jose, MD

Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Favorite thing about program: Amount and variety of cases, approachability of faculty, helpfulness of residents/colleagues, and ability to pursue your field of interest. Emphasis on wellness and high standards for surgical training and ethics.

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: Robust outdoor experiences (skiing, hiking, kayaking, camping, etc.). I love the food here as well!

Alyssa Justus, MD

Medical School: University of New Mexico SOM

Favorite thing about this program: My class of residents

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: Hiking, breweries, green chile, the culture, the weather

Lexi Mang, MD

Medical School: UNM Medical School, Albuquerque, NM

Favorite things about program: The comradery among the residents and faculty.

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: Green chile, the Balloon Fiesta, sunsets, and the mountains.

Brenda Saucedo, MD

Medical School: UT Houston, Houston, TX

Favorite things about program: Great trauma and down-to-earth co-residents

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: Laid-back atmosphere and scenic mountains

Antonio Diaz Zepeda, MD

Medical school: Boston University SOM, Boston, MA

Favorite things about the program: High case load, complex ACS/trauma cases, and fantastic co-residents and attendings that love teaching.

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: The food here is seriously good, being from Arizona the weather is fantastic, sunny but not hot. Lots of activities to do in the area or within driving distance all without the traffic/congestion of a major city.

Tiffany Emery, MD

Medical school: University of New Mexico SOM, Albuquerque, NM

Favorite things about the program: Getting to train in an environment that really values learners/learning. I also love opportunities to see my co-residents and catch up!

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: The unparalleled sunsets and all of the lovely, unique local coffee shops!

Lauren Marek, MD

Medical school: University of New Mexico SOM, Albuquerque, NM

Favorite things about the program: Faculty and co-residents. This is an incredibly supportive, kind group of people to learn from. Operative exposure is also excellent, with a wide variety of complex cases.

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: New Mexico is a beautiful state with exceptional outdoor recreation. There's plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and skiing that is easily accessible.

Pierce Massie, MD

Medical School: Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL

Favorite things about program: This program provides amazing case volume, autonomy, and resident cohesion.

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: Albuquerque is affordable, has great weather, and a plethora of outdoor activities to stay happy and healthy.

Yosef Souri, MD

Medical school: University of Jordan

Chu-Yu Cheng, MD

Abdul Al Tannir, MD

Medical School: American University of Beirut

Favorite things about the program: Early autonomy, comradery across residents, heavy operative experience, and unparalleled support from faculty and staff in developing outstanding clinical and academic surgeons

Favorite things about ABQ: Diversity of cuisines, outdoor scenery, and various breweries

Diana Dy, MD

Medical School: St. George's University

Dany Hopkins, MD

Medical School: University of Louisville

Jennifer Ledezma Dominguez, MD

Jordan Noe, MD

Medical School: University of Louisville

Favorite things about the program: The residents are excellent, and we feel like a family. I always am happy seeing and operating with everyone. The attendings are very supportive and push you to be your best. The appropriateness of operative autonomy — I am given increasing independence each time I demonstrate that I can correctly perform an operation or procedure.

Favorite things about ABQ: New Mexico is an incredibly underrated state. There is great weather and incredible access to the mountains and rivers for outdoor recreation. This has been a huge plus as I can easily get outside and enjoy the state on my days off.

Payton Sandoval-Eddy, MD

Medical School: University of New Mexico

Favorite things about the program: The people. My co-residents make going to work something I look forward to every day!

Favorite things about ABQ: The weather! Sunny all year round, making it perfect for any outdoor activity. New Mexican food. I am a queso enthusiast.

Michael Sjoquist, MD

Medical School: University of Arizona

Nicholas Maamari, MD

Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

Shreya Nuguri, MD

Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK

Vince Popolizio, MD

Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA

Micaela Resta, MD

Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM

Khizar Salar, MD

Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan

Deepthi Thadasina, MD

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN

Rosemary Vergara, MD

Medical School: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI

Zaiba Dawood, MD

Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical College

Ryan Nguyen, MD

Medical School: John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii

Isabella Reitz, MD

Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Arizona

Muhammad Safdar, MD

Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical College

Bassel Tfayli, MD

Medical School: American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine

Jasmine Xi, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Luke Chao, MD

Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Elizabeth Cinquegrani, MD

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Andrea Iturralde Carrillo, MD

Medical School: Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas

Syeda Kazmi, MD

Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical College

Daniel Pinos, MD

Medical School: Universidad de Las Américas, Facultad de Ciencias de Salud

Erin Risotto-Urbanowicz, MD

Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University

Favorite thing about program: Early autonomy, welcoming culture, and working with a diverse patient population

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: The weather and the view of the Sandias daily

Tram Le, MD

Medical school: University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK

Favorite things about the program: The supportive, inclusive environment among residents. Early operative experience. Faculty who are invested in your learning and training. The genuine care that UNM has for its uniquely underserved patient population.

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: Albuquerque has the benefits of both a small town and mid-sized city. Everything is a short drive away, and there's almost never any traffic. There are always events happening around town – growers markets, wine festivals, United and Isotopes games. If none of that appeals to you, then you are only 20 minutes away from escaping to the mountains for camping, hiking, skiing, and enjoying natural hot springs. This city is a hidden gem.

Thanh-Tin Nguyen, MD

Medical school: Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR

Favorite things about the program: Great operative experience

Favorite things about ABQ/NM: Beautiful scenery, easygoing culture