CUEVA Family Medicine Residents
Family Medicine Residents - PGY III
Julie Alvarez, DO
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: South Canaan, Pennsylvania
Why Dignity Health: As a graduate of Arizona State University I was hoping to return to Arizona for residency. When I learned about the new family medicine program Dignity Health was bringing to the East Valley I was immediately intrigued. After meeting with the faculty during my interview day and seeing the facilities during my second look, I knew this program would be able to train me to be the family physician I want to be.
Julie Alvarez, DO
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: South Canaan, Pennsylvania
Why Dignity Health: As a graduate of Arizona State University I was hoping to return to Arizona for residency. When I learned about the new family medicine program Dignity Health was bringing to the East Valley I was immediately intrigued. After meeting with the faculty during my interview day and seeing the facilities during my second look, I knew this program would be able to train me to be the family physician I want to be.
Carl Epolite, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Why Dignity Health: I chose the Dignity Health East Valley Family Medicine Residency for multiple reasons. Being a new program ensures that the clinic will be state of the art, with all the tools at our disposal that we will need. The 2-week blocks with alternating Family Medicine rotations every other block ensure plenty of time getting practice in the new clinic. Being a part of the first class of family medicine residents at this program also allows us more influence on some of the electives and things we would like to see incorporated into the program.
Carl Epolite, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Why Dignity Health: I chose the Dignity Health East Valley Family Medicine Residency for multiple reasons. Being a new program ensures that the clinic will be state of the art, with all the tools at our disposal that we will need. The 2-week blocks with alternating Family Medicine rotations every other block ensure plenty of time getting practice in the new clinic. Being a part of the first class of family medicine residents at this program also allows us more influence on some of the electives and things we would like to see incorporated into the program.
Christian Javier, DO
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Why Dignity Health: I chose to join the Dignity Health family because I wanted to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to serving people. A career in medicine is a career of service - I want to use what I learn here at Dignity to further integrate into the community and work alongside others to help individuals achieve their health goals. I am also excited to help shape the direction and culture of our new program and am excited to serve as a leader in this aspect. My interests in medicine include preventative medicine, behavioral health, and geriatrics.
Christian Javier, DO
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Why Dignity Health: I chose to join the Dignity Health family because I wanted to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to serving people. A career in medicine is a career of service - I want to use what I learn here at Dignity to further integrate into the community and work alongside others to help individuals achieve their health goals. I am also excited to help shape the direction and culture of our new program and am excited to serve as a leader in this aspect. My interests in medicine include preventative medicine, behavioral health, and geriatrics.
Rachel Lowe, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Cave Creek, AZ
Why Dignity EV: I chose Dignity Health East Valley FM Residency because it was clear this program demonstrated innovation, service, and teamwork as pillars of the program. Further, I could sense the desire to teach full spectrum family medicine from the faculty during my interview. The East Valley is also an incredible place to live with easy access to the outdoors.
Rachel Lowe, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Cave Creek, AZ
Why Dignity EV: I chose Dignity Health East Valley FM Residency because it was clear this program demonstrated innovation, service, and teamwork as pillars of the program. Further, I could sense the desire to teach full spectrum family medicine from the faculty during my interview. The East Valley is also an incredible place to live with easy access to the outdoors.
Matthew Moran, MD
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Hometown: Cerritos, CA
Why Dignity Health East Valley Family Medicine Residency: “Throughout my life, I thrived in environments where I helped build something from the ground up whether that be starting a new professional club, music group, or mental health awareness teaching at local high schools. Thus, the unique opportunity to play a leadership role in a new program was enticing to me especially in a beautiful area surrounded by nature and close to home!”
Matthew Moran, MD
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Hometown: Cerritos, CA
Why Dignity Health East Valley Family Medicine Residency: “Throughout my life, I thrived in environments where I helped build something from the ground up whether that be starting a new professional club, music group, or mental health awareness teaching at local high schools. Thus, the unique opportunity to play a leadership role in a new program was enticing to me especially in a beautiful area surrounded by nature and close to home!”
Zachery Sanders, DO
AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
Why Dignity Health: I chose Dignity Health because they offer a full spectrum of family medicine training while still balancing work and personal life and gives me the ability to train and then practice in my hometown of Gilbert.
Zachery Sanders, DO
AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
Why Dignity Health: I chose Dignity Health because they offer a full spectrum of family medicine training while still balancing work and personal life and gives me the ability to train and then practice in my hometown of Gilbert.
Family Medicine Residents - PGY II
Austin White, DO
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Plain City, Utah
Why did you choose CUEVA: I chose Dignity Health East Valley Family Medicine mainly because of how good I felt when speaking with the faculty and current residents. Everyone I met from the program seemed so genuinely happy and enthusiastic. Also, I felt that because it is a newer program, my co-residents and I will have a unique opportunity to help shape the culture and curriculum under the direction of the faculty. I really liked how the schedule gives residents a chance to be back in clinic seeing their patients every two weeks, which allows for a level of continuity that few other programs are able to match.
Austin White, DO
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Plain City, Utah
Why did you choose CUEVA: I chose Dignity Health East Valley Family Medicine mainly because of how good I felt when speaking with the faculty and current residents. Everyone I met from the program seemed so genuinely happy and enthusiastic. Also, I felt that because it is a newer program, my co-residents and I will have a unique opportunity to help shape the culture and curriculum under the direction of the faculty. I really liked how the schedule gives residents a chance to be back in clinic seeing their patients every two weeks, which allows for a level of continuity that few other programs are able to match.
Christopher Denetso, MD
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Hometown: Kinlichee, Arizona
Why CUEVA: I chose DHEV Family Medicine because it aligns perfectly with my passion for comprehensive, patient-centered care. DHEV's commitment to integrating evidence-based medical practices with a holistic approach to health resonated with my belief in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. The emphasis on community engagement and preventive care mirrors my own dedication to improving patient outcomes within my community upon completion of residency. The program has its own unique approach to training, not found in other programs in Arizona but the ability to stay within the state and to remain close to family was an important factor for me.
Christopher Denetso, MD
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Hometown: Kinlichee, Arizona
Why CUEVA: I chose DHEV Family Medicine because it aligns perfectly with my passion for comprehensive, patient-centered care. DHEV's commitment to integrating evidence-based medical practices with a holistic approach to health resonated with my belief in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. The emphasis on community engagement and preventive care mirrors my own dedication to improving patient outcomes within my community upon completion of residency. The program has its own unique approach to training, not found in other programs in Arizona but the ability to stay within the state and to remain close to family was an important factor for me.
Grant Hughes, DO
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
Why did you choose Creighton University East Valley of Arizona FM Residency - My first ever hospital volunteering experience took place at Mercy Gilbert in 2014, was familiar with Dignity growing up just a couple miles down the road and have known several family/ friends who have been patients at Mercy Gilbert very pleased with the care they received. These beliefs were reinforced during my interview and second look where I was met with professionalism and warmth, and being from the area it only felt natural to rank Dignity Health as my number 1 residency choice.
Grant Hughes, DO
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
Why did you choose Creighton University East Valley of Arizona FM Residency - My first ever hospital volunteering experience took place at Mercy Gilbert in 2014, was familiar with Dignity growing up just a couple miles down the road and have known several family/ friends who have been patients at Mercy Gilbert very pleased with the care they received. These beliefs were reinforced during my interview and second look where I was met with professionalism and warmth, and being from the area it only felt natural to rank Dignity Health as my number 1 residency choice.
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Kelly (Connor) Ogden, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Kennesaw, Georgia
Why CUEVA: I chose Dignity Health because of the amazing experience I had during my one month sub-internship with the program. During this time with the residents, staff, and faculty I felt valued, respected, and stretched intellectually. I had never felt more “at home” on any rotation as I did with this program. I also loved the attention that was placed on patient care. From training of the residents to how the clinic was organized, everything was intended to optimize patient well-being. Because of that experience, I knew this is where I wanted to spend the next 3 years pursuing my medical training. Although it’s a new program, I could see what they were creating, and I wanted to be a part of it.
Kelly (Connor) Ogden, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Kennesaw, Georgia
Why CUEVA: I chose Dignity Health because of the amazing experience I had during my one month sub-internship with the program. During this time with the residents, staff, and faculty I felt valued, respected, and stretched intellectually. I had never felt more “at home” on any rotation as I did with this program. I also loved the attention that was placed on patient care. From training of the residents to how the clinic was organized, everything was intended to optimize patient well-being. Because of that experience, I knew this is where I wanted to spend the next 3 years pursuing my medical training. Although it’s a new program, I could see what they were creating, and I wanted to be a part of it.
Mariano Maniscalco, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: New Berlin, WI
Why I chose CUEVA: Love the AZ sun, met my wife in school and she is from the Gilbert area, parents live close by, this residency offers broad training so I will feel confident wherever I end up post-residency.
Mariano Maniscalco, DO
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: New Berlin, WI
Why I chose CUEVA: Love the AZ sun, met my wife in school and she is from the Gilbert area, parents live close by, this residency offers broad training so I will feel confident wherever I end up post-residency.
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Sebastien (Winston) Sorhaitz
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Lindon, Utah
Why CUEVA: I chose CUEVA Family Medicine Residency because it was an exciting opportunity to be part of something new and innovative. I was impressed with Dr. Kratche, Dr. Ihms and all the faculty and felt they were putting together a curriculum that would allow me to become an excellent family physician with the flexibility to pursue my personal interests within medicine. On top of that Gilbert, Arizona is a great location for my family and I. There is so much to do and it’s only growing!
Sebastien (Winston) Sorhaitz
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Lindon, Utah
Why CUEVA: I chose CUEVA Family Medicine Residency because it was an exciting opportunity to be part of something new and innovative. I was impressed with Dr. Kratche, Dr. Ihms and all the faculty and felt they were putting together a curriculum that would allow me to become an excellent family physician with the flexibility to pursue my personal interests within medicine. On top of that Gilbert, Arizona is a great location for my family and I. There is so much to do and it’s only growing!
Family Medicine Residents - PGY I
Andrew Barnes, MD
Creighton University School of Medicine
Your hometown: West Haven, Utah
Why did you selected CUEVA for your residency: Being married to a Gilbert native and having lived just down the road from Mercy Gilbert for the past four years, I have heard nothing about good things from those around me regarding the high quality of care they have received Mercy Gilbert. It was only natural for me to be very interested when I heard about their new family medicine residency program. Rotating with dignity health as a 4th year I was pleased to see the healthy and collaborative culture between residents and faculty, as well as innovative approaches for patients to improve their diagnostic skills and patient care. All of these experiences have made it easy to see that Dignity Health was the perfect residency for me.
Andrew Barnes, MD
Creighton University School of Medicine
Your hometown: West Haven, Utah
Why did you selected CUEVA for your residency: Being married to a Gilbert native and having lived just down the road from Mercy Gilbert for the past four years, I have heard nothing about good things from those around me regarding the high quality of care they have received Mercy Gilbert. It was only natural for me to be very interested when I heard about their new family medicine residency program. Rotating with dignity health as a 4th year I was pleased to see the healthy and collaborative culture between residents and faculty, as well as innovative approaches for patients to improve their diagnostic skills and patient care. All of these experiences have made it easy to see that Dignity Health was the perfect residency for me.
Blake Gerken, MD
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Hometown: Queen Creek, AZ
Why I chose CUEVA: I have lived in Arizona for the majority of my life, and my family also lives in the East Valley. Not only was Dignity Health close to home for me, but it also has a great work-life balance, allowing me to be more present for my family. I was also drawn to the new clinic and facilities that I would be able to train at. I was also really impressed by the residents and faculty who showed so much energy and excitement towards the program and helping the community. I have also wanted to become proficient in using ultrasound in my clinical practice, and Dignity Health East Valley was the best program to help me achieve that goal.
Blake Gerken, MD
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Hometown: Queen Creek, AZ
Why I chose CUEVA: I have lived in Arizona for the majority of my life, and my family also lives in the East Valley. Not only was Dignity Health close to home for me, but it also has a great work-life balance, allowing me to be more present for my family. I was also drawn to the new clinic and facilities that I would be able to train at. I was also really impressed by the residents and faculty who showed so much energy and excitement towards the program and helping the community. I have also wanted to become proficient in using ultrasound in my clinical practice, and Dignity Health East Valley was the best program to help me achieve that goal.
Shelby Hall, DO
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Your hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Why you selected CUEVA for your residency: I chose Dignity Health because of my sub-internship experience. I was impressed by the calibre of character in staff, faculty, and my future co-residents. The working environment in the clinic is an added bonus! I knew by choosing Dignity Health, I would be in the right environment with the right mentors to grow exponentially during my training.
Shelby Hall, DO
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Your hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Why you selected CUEVA for your residency: I chose Dignity Health because of my sub-internship experience. I was impressed by the calibre of character in staff, faculty, and my future co-residents. The working environment in the clinic is an added bonus! I knew by choosing Dignity Health, I would be in the right environment with the right mentors to grow exponentially during my training.
Benjamin Mills, DO
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Your hometown: Sheboygan, WI
Why you selected CUEVA for your residency: I chose Dignity Health because during my rotation with the program in my fourth year of medical school, I saw a cohesive team of residents and faculty dedicated to serving their patients and providing the best care possible. It was an excellent environment that aligned with my goals of training to practice full-spectrum family medicine with the intent to pursue a focus on sports medicine. I also fell in love with Arizona during my time in medical school and knew I wanted to remain in the area for residency and my practice afterward.
Benjamin Mills, DO
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Your hometown: Sheboygan, WI
Why you selected CUEVA for your residency: I chose Dignity Health because during my rotation with the program in my fourth year of medical school, I saw a cohesive team of residents and faculty dedicated to serving their patients and providing the best care possible. It was an excellent environment that aligned with my goals of training to practice full-spectrum family medicine with the intent to pursue a focus on sports medicine. I also fell in love with Arizona during my time in medical school and knew I wanted to remain in the area for residency and my practice afterward.
Priya Nayak, MD
University of California San Diego School of Medicine
Hometown: Van Nuys, California
Why CUEVA: I am excited to continue my medical training at Dignity Healthy for the opportunity to serve the greater Phoenix community as part of a (new!) program that values collaboration, mentorship, balance, and innovation.
Priya Nayak, MD
University of California San Diego School of Medicine
Hometown: Van Nuys, California
Why CUEVA: I am excited to continue my medical training at Dignity Healthy for the opportunity to serve the greater Phoenix community as part of a (new!) program that values collaboration, mentorship, balance, and innovation.
Ryan Orlando, DO
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Hometown: Morgan Hill, CA
Why I CUEVA: I chose Dignity Health East Valley Family Medicine Residency Program for its excellent location in Gilbert, AZ, modern facilities, and strong focus on outpatient family medicine training which aligns with my career goals. Additionally, the opportunity to practice osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is important to me, and I appreciate the program’s encouragement in this area. Most importantly, I found that this program fosters a healthy culture and prioritizes physician well-being, creating an ideal setting for both professional and personal growth during residency.
Ryan Orlando, DO
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Hometown: Morgan Hill, CA
Why I CUEVA: I chose Dignity Health East Valley Family Medicine Residency Program for its excellent location in Gilbert, AZ, modern facilities, and strong focus on outpatient family medicine training which aligns with my career goals. Additionally, the opportunity to practice osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is important to me, and I appreciate the program’s encouragement in this area. Most importantly, I found that this program fosters a healthy culture and prioritizes physician well-being, creating an ideal setting for both professional and personal growth during residency.