News and events
This is where you will find the latest Emergency Medicine program news and events information. Please check back for updates.
Charity Casino Night
January 2024
Thank you for joining us!
The inaugural Emergency Medicine GME Charity Casino Night was a fun event that truly showcased the collective spirit of our community; as well as showing some competitive natures in the Poker Tournament. The Dignity Health team, both Foundation and Clinical, is profoundly grateful for the generosity extended by friends like you.
Here's a snapshot of the remarkable evening at the Forum in Chandler:
A welcoming party of 106 philanthropic hearts in attendance
Exciting poker tournament with top prizes being a trip to Costa Rica, Suns floor seat tickets, and a Coyotes private box experience
Silent auctions that piqued interest and generosity
Over 2 dozen incredible prizes were donated
100% of the funds raised will support the Emergency Medicine residency program. This is a significant milestone toward ensuring excellent health care in the East Valley now and into the future. Thank you to everyone who attended or donated!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! My name is Xander and I was born in Tampa, Florida but have lived in Arizona most of my life. I am happily married going on six years and have been blessed with a son, William, who just turned one. I love fishing, going to the gym, sports, and I was a former varsity Rugby player for Arizona State University. In my free time, you will find me with my family, especially my little guy as he learns to take his first steps. You will also find me playing with, wrestling, and going on walks with our 115 pound German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix dog, Maximilian.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! My name is Xander and I was born in Tampa, Florida but have lived in Arizona most of my life. I am happily married going on six years and have been blessed with a son, William, who just turned one. I love fishing, going to the gym, sports, and I was a former varsity Rugby player for Arizona State University. In my free time, you will find me with my family, especially my little guy as he learns to take his first steps. You will also find me playing with, wrestling, and going on walks with our 115 pound German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix dog, Maximilian.
What are your favorite things to do in Phoenix?
The first thing that comes to mind is taking my family to the OdySea Aquarium. OdySea offers a multitude of exhibits with countless fish and sea creatures. I definitely recommend spending a good 3-4 hours there. Second, the award winning Phoenix Zoo is another excellent place to visit, centrally located near Papago Park, and is a fun outdoor excursion for families, date night, or alone. Papago Park has its own draw of bike trails, hiking, the Desert Botanical Garden, park spaces amongst the desert scenery, and the infamous, Instagram-worthy, “Hole in the Rock.” Finally, during our beautiful sunshine days (that are cool enough to be outdoors), biking the miles of canal trails throughout the valley.
Favorite restaurant?
Ponchos on Central Ave in Phoenix! Bill Clinton ate here during his presidency and the restaurant has a mural of him at a table with the secret service watching over your meal. ;)
What made you want to join the residency education team?
I have always had an interest in the medical profession. I graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences from Arizona State University and began my career as a medical scribe. I then transitioned to Administrative Assistant overseeing the scribe program and providing admin support for the emergency departments at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert. The administrative side of medicine is complex and joining the residency education team is an opportunity to learn more and to help develop medical residents into tomorrow’s doctors.
What has been your experience like working at Dignity Health?
Nothing but positive! I have worked at Dignity Health facilities for nearly eight years. It is a great place to work with supportive coworkers who embody “Hello humankindness.”
What are you most looking forward to with the residency?
The emergency medicine residency is new to these hospitals, and I am looking forward to helping pave the road to a successful program with longevity and highly skilled graduates.
