Resident Profiles

PGY-3 Residents

Jeannie Autry, M.D.


Medical School: University of Medical and Health Science

Hometown: Milford, Michigan

Career Goals: Still exploring my options

One person I would like to meet and why: Fred Rogers from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood because I respect his contribution to childhood development with emphasis on empathy and kindness for over three decades.

Something you would never guess about me is: I have been an anime fan since the 90's.

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso: The residents and faculty were warm, inviting, and genuine.

Tek Bista, M.D.


Medical School: Kist Medical College

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

Career Goals: To be a well-rounded pediatrician.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would be honored to meet Cristiano Ronaldo, as I greatly admire his work ethic, including his hard work, discipline, and dedication. It would be an invaluable experience to learn from him personally and gain insight into how he embodies these qualities.

Something you would never guess about me is:I have a deep appreciation for exploring snow-covered mountains. There's something truly invigorating about the serene beauty and the challenge of navigating such landscapes.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose to come to Texas Tech Health El Paso because I want to become a well-rounded, efficient, and multi-skilled pediatrician. The diversity of the patient population and the range of pathologies that Texas Tech Health El Paso offers make it an ideal place for me to achieve these goals.

Cyrus Blanco, M.D.


Medical School: University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical School

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Career Goals: At this moment, I’m interested in pursuing allergy and immunology but am definitely open to all possibilities. Just simply trying to survive the next three years is the goal for now. 

One person I would like to meet and why: I would personally want to meet Princess Diana to find out all the chisme over afternoon tea. 

Something you would never guess about me is: Something you would never guess about me is I have an almost 300-day streak on DuoLingo trying to learn Spanish. 

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: Honestly, I chose this program for the good vibes it brought during the interviews. Everyone was so nice and accommodating, and it really felt like a good fit for me. 

Omobolanle Obajeun, M.D.


Medical School: Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

Career Goals: From a young age, as young as my teenage years, I have always wanted to become a champion for children’s health. This still holds true today.
From a specialty point of view, I aspire to become well known in the world of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, caring for children and their families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children, not only through the care I provide, but also by advocating for them and contributing to a future where more children can overcome their illnesses and thrive.

One Person I Would Like to Meet and Why: Oh…that child warrior in the ward, fighting to stay here and thrive.
I want to help him write his history, to be part of his story, and to walk alongside him on his journey to wellness. I draw resilience from this child warrior, from his courage to keep fighting and from the way he trusts that, even in this chaotic world, there are people who want him to live and thrive.

Something You Would Never Guess About Me: I completed a 26.2-mile marathon in under 4.5 hours! What makes it even more memorable is that the longest distance I had ever run before the marathon was a one-time trial of 13 miles.
I guess sometimes you never really know how far you can go until you decide to keep going!

Why I Selected TTUHSC El Paso: I chose TTUHSC El Paso for two reasons that are very close to my heart.
First, I have a deep emotional connection with the city of El Paso. My first child was born at Las Palmas Medical Center here in El Paso. Interestingly, my decision to pursue my residency in El Paso was also born in the labor room of that very hospital. So, in many ways, El Paso was already part of my family’s story before it became part of my journey as a pediatrician.
The second reason was the warmth I felt during my interview and the reception I received from the residents. As they shared their stories and experiences, there was something genuine about the way they spoke about the program and about one another. I immediately felt a sense of connection and belonging.
I remember saying to myself, “This is the place!”
And looking back now, I am grateful that I listened to that feeling.

Kavin Pannerselvam, M.D.


Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University India

Hometown: Passaic, New Jersey

Career Goals: To become a successful pediatric cardiologist and to set up a free primary care clinic in a rural area in India.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would like to meet MS Dhoni. He is one of the greatest cricketers in the world, but fame has not changed his character. He is a very humble and down-to-earth person.

Something you would never guess about me is: I represented my college tennis team during medical school.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because I love the city of El Paso. The program is great and the people are very friendly. I also have family here in El Paso. 

Linyer Perez-Moux, M.D.


Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts

Hometown: Florida, Puerto Rico

Career Goals: Acquire a solid foundation in general pediatrics while exploring various pediatric sub-specialties. Ultimately, my goal as a pediatric resident is to emerge as a well-rounded physician prepared to provide exceptional care to children and adolescents, whether in primary care or specialized settings, and to contribute meaningfully to advancing pediatric medicine through clinical practice, research, and education.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would like to meet Keanu Reeves. Aside of being a fan of his movies, I found his personal story very inspiring.

Something you would never guess about me is: I have a deep passion for horse riding and have dedicated time to training in riding techniques and horse care.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I felt a sense of belonging and comfort during the interview process with the program. Also, Texas Tech Health El Paso provides a solid foundation for training, and offers diverse clinical experiences, including exposure to a wide range of patient demographics and medical conditions.

Beatriz Rey Garcia, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad Latina de Costa RicaHometown
Havana, Cuba

Career Goals: During my time as a medical student, I developed a strong interest in gastroenterology, and I am looking forward to pursuing it in the future.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would love to meet Jordan Peterson. I admire his work and as a clinical psychologist; he provides valuable understanding of human behavior and mental health. His discussions on existential philosophy, personal responsibility, and self-improvement are inspiring and thought-provoking.

Something you would never guess about me is: I love mountains! They really do offer a special kind of connection to nature.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: They really do offer a special kind of connection to nature. My interview day was absolutely amazing! I was greeted with so much enthusiasm and kindness from everyone I met. I honestly felt like I was already part of the team. I remember them saying how incredibly nice people are here, and I can definitely vouch for that. El Paso is truly made special by its wonderful people -- they make all the difference.

 

Deliana Rivas, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad del Salvador- Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela

Career Goals: I want to be an amazing pediatrician who can help and support my patients.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would love to meet Sarah J. Mass; she is one of my favorite authors. Her books always made me feel many beautiful feelings, so I would love to have coffee with her.

Something you would never guess about me is: I love to dance! I love Latin music and dancing to Latin music is one of the most fun things!

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso:I selected Texas Tech Health El Paso because of my origins as a Hispanic and an immigrant. I really loved the mix of culture and the proximity to immigrants that this program has to offer. For me, it is a full circle to be an immigrant and now being able to provide care to immigrants.  

Deepti Sharma, M.D.


Medical School: International American University College of Medicine, Saint Lucia

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Career Goals: With choices like child psychiatry and cardiology, the decision is a tough one. However, at the moment, my primary focus is on training and refining my skills as a competent physician.

One person I would like to meet and why: Alan Watts, a great philosopher, an inspiration and the one who paved my journey to Zen, Buddhist and Tao philosophy. He ignited my passion about philosophy of mind. One of his famous quotes from his book, Wisdom of Insecurity, is: “You do not play a sonata in order to reach the final chord, and if the meanings of things were simply in ends, composers would write nothing but finales.”

Something you would never guess about me is: I used to play rugby as inside and outside center. What a thrilling sport!

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: Calgary is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, and El Paso, marking the southern edge of the Rockies in Texas, feels like an extension of home to me. With the warm, hospitable people and the incredibly accommodating program, El Paso was an easy choice.

Nancy Tiday, M.D.


Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Hometown: Cap-Haïtien, Haïti

Career Goals: I find the brain to be both complex and fascinating, so a fellowship in neurology is a possibility.

Something you would never guess about me is: I love to write poetry, and I am a huge Marvel fan.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso:I had a wonderful interview experience; the familiarity among the residents was both refreshing and reassuring. The opportunity to serve communities across the border appealed to my passion for global medicine.

PGY-2 Residents

Odaro Adu, M.D.


Medical School: Meharry Medical College

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Career Goals: I would love to be a well-rounded, compassionate, and HAPPY pediatrician.

One person I would like to meet and why: Fela Kuti. I would love to see his creative process and a day in his life. Also, how he became so brave in his approach to his artistry.

Something you would never guess about me is: I do Pilates

Why you chose TTUHSC El Paso: El Paso is really beautiful; the people are extremely welcoming, and the food choices are awesome. The residents have a great vibe, and everyone is so nice and accommodating.

Kanza Ahmad, M.D.


Medical School: Rashid Latif Medical College

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

Career Goals: I enjoy hands-on clinical work and procedures, which is why I am especially drawn to subspecialties like Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology that offer both complexity and opportunities for active involvement in patient care

One person I would like to meet and why: I would love to meet Ms. Rachel because of her remarkable empathy and unwavering dedication to children’s development. I deeply admire how she uses her platform to promote inclusivity, understanding, and early childhood education. Her passion and advocacy continue to inspire me as I pursue a career in pediatrics.

Something you would never guess about me is: I used to be a photographer and I enjoy playing video games with my husband

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because of its strong commitment to caring for all children, regardless of their background. The hospital’s broad range of pediatric subspecialties and focus on inclusive, high-quality care align closely with my goal of becoming a pediatrician who advocates for equitable healthcare and serves diverse communities.

Unaisa Bhayat, M.D.


Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Career Goals: Physician-Scientist or academic medicine in child neurology and genetics.

One person I would like to meet and why: If I was picking someone historical, I would love to have a conversation with thinkers like Avicenna or Leonardo da Vinci. If we’re focusing on someone currently alive, I would love to meet Dr. Iain McGilchrist. All three of there people saw connections between science philosophy, and the human experience. As some passionate about child neurogenetics with a strong interest in meaning-making, I am drawn to minds that integrate(d) disciplines to better understanding both the body and the soul.

Something you would never guess about me is: I once applied to Jungian theory to Mean Girls and it actually made sense.

Why you selected TTUHSC-El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because with a background in neurogenetics and developmental medicine, the diverse and complex patient population really drew me in. More importantly, there is such a strong emphasis on advocacy here centered around patient care that resonates with me deeply. Here, I can get the perfect care that resonates with me deeply. Here, I can get the perfect balance between clinical excellence and meaningful community impact, which will definitely train me to be a great physician-scientist.

Ephasia Goodall, M.D.


Medical School: The Medical University of Lublin

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Career Goals: To become a compassionate and skilled pediatrician with a focus on underserved communities. I am passionate about advocacy, preventive care, and ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to quality healthcare. Long-term, I hope to combine clinical work with community outreach and health education activities.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would love to meet Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. Her advocacy during the Flint water crisis exemplified courage, integrity, and the power of physician’s voice in protecting children’s health. I admire how she used her medical knowledge and moral conviction to speak truth to power and create lasting change.

Something you would never guess about me is: I am a first-generation American and the first doctor in my family. I grew up navigating wo cultures, and that experience has shaped my empathy, resilience, and drive to be strong advocate for families facing barriers in healthcare.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because of its strong community, cultural humility, and service to border populations. I wanted a program where I could grow not only clinically but also as a leader and advocate. The warmth of the faculty and the opportunity to serve diverse pediatric patients made it the perfect fit.

Diana Moreno, M.D.


Medical School: Teas Tech Health- Paul L. foster School of Medicine

Hometown: El Paso, Texas

Career Goals: General Pediatrics

One person I would like to meet and why: I would like to meet Mother Teresa. She dedicated her life to service with impactful compassion and humility. Her legacy inspires me to see medicine as much more than just science: it is a profound act of service to humanity.

Something you would never guess about me is: I play the violin and love to sing.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: El Paso is my home and the community I hope to serve long-term. My favorite things about the city include the people, culture, weather, mountains, and sunsets.

Nora Ofei, M.D.


Medical School: Meharry Medical College

Hometown: Fairfield, OH

Career Goals: General Pediatrics

One person I would like to meet and why: I want to meet Martin Luther King Jr. because I admire his pursuit of justice, peace, and the betterment of human beings.

Something you would never guess about me is: I have been actively learning to playing an instrument for more than five years.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose this program because I felt aligned with the values of Texas Tech Health El Paso. This community seemed like a vibrant yet serene area with plenty of unique opportunities to serve and learn from generations of people.

Andres Ortega Lozada, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad de Carabobo

Hometown: Valencia/ Cumaná (Venezuela)

Career Goals: To continue a lifelong learning pathway of academic medicine, and to never fully retire.

One person I would like to meet and why: Frank Herbert. I often find myself quoting the Lithany against fear and love sci-fi.

Something you would never guess about me is: I can squat 500 lbs. and working on adding more.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: El Paso is an underserved community, mostly migrant like me, with deep Latino roots. This connects me to my journey and fuels my desire to keep helping not only them, but others.

Kristos Papadakis, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara

Hometown: El Paso, Texas / Ciudad Juarez

Career Goals: My goal is to become an excellent well-rounded pediatrician. I am still undecided on what fellowship to pursue, but I am interested in cardiology, neonatology, and pediatric intensive care.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would like to meet Tim dunce “The Big “fundamental”. I always admired his work ethic, dedication, consistency, and his team work. What is more impressive is how he managed to do all this while being one the humblest athletes in the game. It would b an exceptional experience to understand his thought process and how he managed to be great for so long.

Something you would never guess about me is: I love sports. I used to play baseball and was fortunate enough to represent a state in Mexico and be able to travel to multiple locations due to playing baseball.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso since it is my hometown. I am excited to give back to the city that has given me so much. I also love how unique El Paso is since it lies on the U.S./Mexico Border. Texas Tech Health El Paso offered me an excellent well-rounded training opportunity.

Priyanka Parab, M.D.


Medical School: SMT Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Career Goals: General Pediatrics or Neonatology

One person I would like to meet and why: My future self!! Maybe 10 years from now… I would want to know how my choices today have shaped my future.

Something you would never guess about me is: That I can stat dancing anywhere randomly lol.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: The range diversity of cases we get to see here!

Roberto Reynoso Figueroa, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, unidad Valle Dorado

Hometown: Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

Career Goals: I have not yet decided whether to pursue a fellowship, but the most likely scenario is that I will remain a Primary Care Pediatrician, living in peach and enjoying my family.

One person I would like to meet and why: Jesus, I am a true believer. Evan as an outsider of the faith, I would want to met the man who divided history and whose teachings remain relevant and spread around the world to this day.

Something you would never guess about me is: I am eager to write (and maybe direct) the next blockbuster of all time.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I had been to El Paso once, and it felt like home. Due that it is my native culture, the Latino culture and the kindness of its people made me feel like they could serve as a support system, and in El Paso, there are a lot of Latinos. That’s precisely what I felt during the interview with the attending, program director, and the coordinators. The rest is history.

Mariana Sierra Gallego, M.D.


Medical School: Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia

Career Goals: At this moment, I’m interested in pursuing neurology but I’m definitely open to all possibilities.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would like to meet Sarah J Mass, she is one of my favorite authors. I would love to ask her about her creative process writing all her books. She is an amazing writer that will always take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

Something you would never guess about me is: Something you would never guess about me is that I did a lot of musicals growing up. I’ve always loved to sing and dance.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose TTUHSC EP because of the Hispanic community, I felt that it was where I could help the most and felt like I could fit right in, I also love the emphasis the program has on helping the community as much as possible.

Christina Vasquez, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara

Hometown: Yuma, Arizona

Career Goals: My main career goal is to promote higher education with the goal to help continue reducing rates of teen pregnancy and maternal mortality. Adolescence is a critical time where many decisions are made prior to forming a family. By introducing adolescents to the concept of socioeconomic status and its correlation with long-term outcomes throughout the lifespan, I hope to positively influence the decisions my patients make for their futures.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would have liked to meet the author, Rosario Castellanos. Her final publication was in 1974, however her writings are still applicable to today and it would have been interesting to discuss the topics she wrote about.

Something you would never guess about me is: My favorite movie is Top Gun.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because El Paso is similar to my hometown. My hometown is also on the border and located in the Sonoran Desert, so I feel at home here.

PGY-1 Residents

Gift, Akpama, M.D.


Medical School: University of Calabar College of Medical Sciences

Hometown: Georgia

Career Goals: Become a compassionate general pediatrician who provides high quality medical care to children.

One person I would like to meet and why: Michelle Obama because of her leadership, empathy, and dedication to empowering others.

Something you would never guess about me is: A random fact about me: I find styling hair surprisingly relaxing.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because it felt like a place where I could grow both personally and professionally. The diverse patient population, Border Health and Spanish curriculum, and supportive environment made it the right fit for me.

Mohamed Albshir, M.D.


Medical School: Alzaiem Alazhari University

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Career Goals: My career goal is to become a compassionate and knowledgeable general pediatrician who provides high-quality, family-centered care. I hope to build lasting relationships with children and their families while promoting preventive medicine, education, and healthy development. In the future, I also hope to serve underserved communities and advocate for improving access to pediatric healthcare.

One person I would like to meet and why: Mother Teresa. Her lifelong dedication to serving the poor, compassion for others, and selfless commitment to humanity continue to inspire me to practice medicine with kindness, humility, and empathy.

Something you would never guess about me is: I enjoy camping in the middle of the forest with no internet or cell phone service. Disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature helps me recharge and appreciate the outdoors.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because of its supportive and diverse culture, its strong commitment to serving the border region, and its dedication to caring for underserved communities. I value the opportunity to train in an environment that emphasizes cultural humility, community engagement, and comprehensive pediatric care while learning from a diverse patient population.

Talita Da Silva Gomes Blanco, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad Adventista del Plata

Hometown: Anapurus, Maranhão- Brazil

Career Goals: To have the capacity to see my patients beyond the physical even after years, not be desensitized by the routine.

One person I would like to meet and why: Not meet, but if I had opportunity to reunite with a beloved I lost, I’d tell her that we made into residency and I'm doing ok.

Something you would never guess about me is: After high school, my dad made me record a Christian CD, and I sang for three years in church before medical school.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I saw in the program an opportunity to grow as a doctor. It’s a nice community to raise my kids and has opportunities for my husband to work as well, so I think Texas Tech Health El Paso has the complete package for me and my family.

Andrea De Santiago, D.O.


Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Hometown: Sunland Park, New Mexico

Career Goals: My goal is to become a community general pediatrician. I was a catcher in softball, and I like to think that primary care is like playing catcher because you have a broad view of what's happening, you coordinate with everyone on the team and help guide each play.

One person I would like to meet and why: Michelle Obama. I admire her dedication to education, public service, and advocating for children's health and well-being.

Something you would never guess about me is: I have Gilbert syndrome, which causes my bilirubin levels to be slightly elevated whenever I'm stressed or sick.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because it gives me the opportunity to train while serving the community that helped shape me.

Mehreen Enam, M.D.


Medical School: Dow International Medical College

Hometown: Irvine, California
Karachi, Pakistan

Career Goals: I am interested in becoming a general pediatrician and would like to open my own private clinic in the future.

One person I would like to meet and why: John Gottman. I would love to discuss his research on relationship dynamics. His research has shown me the importance of effective communication and empathy when interacting with others, and made me realize the way I communicate with both my patients and my loved ones.

Something you would never guess about me is: I love learning about other cultures and new languages. I currently know four languages and am planning on learning Spanish next to better interact with my patients!

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I love the strong sense of community I see amongst El Pasoans, and chose this program because of the warm and friendly faculty and residents. I also appreciate how I get exposure to diverse and interesting cases I wouldn't be able to see anywhere else. It is important to me that I make a positive and meaningful impact on my patients, and I feel like I'm able to fulfill that calling at Texas Tech Health El Paso.

Laith Hamdan, M.D.


Medical School: Gulf Medical University

Hometown: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Career Goals: I hope to become a well-rounded pediatrician and continue expanding my knowledge throughout my career. While I'm still exploring which pediatric subspecialty I want to pursue, I know that I'd like to complete a fellowship after residency and continue learning so I can provide the best possible care for my patients.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would like to meet Nelson Mandela because I admire his commitment to peace, his resilience, and his pursuit of equal rights for his people.

Something you would never guess about me is: I was part of my school's swimming team during middle school. We competed against other branches of my school from across the country, and it was a fun experience that helped me build lifelong lessons in teamwork and perseverance.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I liked how friendly and welcoming everyone was. I also liked how deeply the program cares about the community it serves and the wide variety of clinical cases, which made it feel like a great place to learn.

Tamara Licciardi, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)

Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Career Goals: My career goal is to become a pediatrician dedicated to promoting children’s health and development. I believe every child –regardless of their starting point- deserves the same chance to grow up healthy, strong and capable of reaching their fullest potential, while supporting their families every step of the way.

One person I would like to meet and why: I would like to meet Leonardo da Vinci because he inspires me to stay curious and keep learning. His passion for asking questions and exploring new ideas reminds me to always be open to learning and improving, both as a doctor and as a person.

Something you would never guess about me is: When I was 17 years old, I started volunteering at a children’s home. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in pediatrics and showed me the impact that compassion and care can have on a child’s life.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because of its unique mission of serving a diverse border community. Training on the U.S.-Mexico border provides an opportunity to care for children from different cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds while learning how social determinants of health influence pediatric care.

Yohan Liyanage, M.D.


Medical School: General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University, Sri-Lanka

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Career Goals: Pediatric Cardiology/Pulmonology

One person I would like to meet and why: Peter Cullen, aka the voice actor for Optimus Prime in Transformers. Growing up, Optimus Prime was one of my childhood heroes.

Something you would never guess about me is: I am an avid LEGO collector and Master Builder. The UCS Death Star is my most prized possession.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: Everyone in the program is amazing. I enjoyed the cool vibes during the interview process. I also love the sense of community in El Paso.

Hatim, Lokhandwala, M.D.


Medical School: Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Career Goals: I plan to pursue a career in pediatrics, with a strong interest in providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children and their families. While I have not yet decided on a fellowship, I am excited to explore different pediatric subspecialties during residency and find the area where I can make the greatest impact.

One person I would like to meet and why: Dr. Christina Rahm – I would love to meet Dr. Rahm because of her multidisciplinary background in science, medicine, and innovation. I admire people who think beyond traditional boundaries, combine research with real-world problem solving, and inspire others to pursue lifelong learning and meaningful change.

Something you would never guess about me is: I genuinely enjoy solving logic puzzles and brain teasers for fun. Give me a difficult clinical case or a Sudoku, and I'll probably get equally excited about both. (Although I still occasionally spend five minutes looking for my phone while it's in my pocket.)

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: Texas Tech Health El Paso stood out to me because of its outstanding commitment to serving a diverse patient population, its strong emphasis on resident education, and the supportive, family-like culture among faculty and residents. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to train in a program that values clinical excellence, mentorship, and community service. El Paso itself offers a welcoming, safe, and vibrant environment with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful desert landscapes, and an exceptional quality of life. I felt it was a place where I could grow not only as a pediatrician but also as a person.

Aria Minjarez, D.O.


Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown: Windsor, Colorado

Career Goals: To serve my community as a well-rounded and compassionate general pediatrician

One person I would like to meet and why: I would love to meet Princess Diana because of the compassion, courage, and humanity she consistently demonstrated throughout her life. I especially admire her advocacy amidst the AIDS crisis, helping change public attitudes by showcasing empathy over fear.

Something you would never guess about me is: I've witnessed two tornados in my life.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because I fell in love with the distinctive and rich culture while visiting my husband's family here. This program also offers excellent training beyond general pediatrics, including border health and community advocacy.

Abraham Radovich, M.D.


Medical School: Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina

Hometown: El Paso, Texas! Having grown up in vibrant Mexico with deep roots right here in the border region, this incredible place feels like absolute home to me—filled with amazing energy, culture, and unforgettable memories!

Career Goals: To completely crush residency training, master my board certifications, and build an extraordinary career in pediatrics! While my absolute peak interests right now are locked in on medical education and the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the PICU, residency is opening my eyes to so many fantastic new areas of study. Since a fellowship is definitely on the horizon, I am keeping my mind and heart totally open and on the lookout for whatever amazing pathway feels right!

One person I would like to meet and why: The legend himself, Cristiano Ronaldo! I would love to sit down with him because of his mind-blowing discipline and unbreakable character. He proves every single day that through pure, relentless daily effort, elite resilience, and unmatched work ethic, you can achieve greatness and become the GOAT!

Something you would never guess about me is: My background is a total plot twist! I’ve got Croatian and Japanese great-grandparents, I was born in the USA, and I grew up in Mexico—making for a wonderfully unique and worldly mix of heritage and life experiences!

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: For so many awesome reasons, but topping the list is having my family right here, which is simply essential to me! On top of that, our incredible bicultural environment brings an amazing variety of fascinating pathologies, letting me give back and proudly serve the exact community that watched me grow up and helped me reach this thrilling moment!

Mohammad Ibrahim Rasool, M.D.


Medical School: Kabir Medical College

Hometown: Lake Elsinore, California

Career Goals: Hospitalist

One person I would like to meet and why: Program Director Conrad Fischer. He always kept the field fun and interesting while being in tough times of medical school.

Something you would never guess about me is: I use to be a professional swimmer.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: I chose Texas Tech Health El Paso because of the true similarities of patient population from where I was working in Pakistan with refugees.

Skye Van Zandt, M.D.


Medical School: UNM School of Medicine

Hometown: Las Cruces

Career Goals: Undecided

One person I would like to meet and why: Unsure

Something you would never guess about me is: I don't drink coffee.

Why you chose Texas Tech Health El Paso: Closer to my family.

 

Pediatrics Residency Program

For any questions or assistance, please contact:

Angelica Fuentevilla
Email: afuentev@ttep.edu

Sandra Dominguez
Email: sanddomi@ttep.edu