Kim Barra, DO
Where are you from?
I am a native Tucsonan! Born and raised
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I chose this program for a few different reasons. I was looking for a program that offered training in broad-spectrum Family Medicine with an emphasis on serving underserved communities, both of which this program offers. I was really drawn to the South campus track and the opportunity to work with and in rural communities. I also completed a sub-I rotation, in which I could see that the program really cares for and looks after their residents, while also creating such a warm and welcoming environment for every individual on the team. On top of all of that, the idea of being close to my family and support system while serving the community in which I grew up in, was just the cherry on top!
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I am most excited about being close to my family and close friends, continuing to be surrounded by beautiful nature and endless hiking trails, and of course all the amazing food!
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I love staying active, including lifting weights, hiking, yoga, riding my bike on the Loop, or going on sunset walks. I also am a huge fan of coffee shops, breweries, and exploring new food spots in town.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
My professional interests within medicine include continuing to work with underserved communities, specifically Hispanic patient populations, as well as addiction medicine, global health, and rural medicine.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Getting a nice workout in, taking my pup out for a long walk or hike, and catching up on a good TV series or movie!
Top item on your "Bucket list"?&
Acatenango Volcano overnight hike in Guatemala!
Jordan Bourg, MD
Where are you from?
Pierre Part, Louisiana
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
UA family medicine was the most friendly and complete interview that I had the opportunity to experience. I could tell that the program prioritized resident education and mental health. One of the main characteristics I was looking for in a program was an emphasis on rural FM practice. The south campus tract caught my eye for this reason.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
As an avid outdoorsman, Tucson speaks volumes to me. In my short period of time here I have already had the opportunity to explore so much. The wilderness here is vast and holds so many secrets that are just waiting to be explored! On top of this the people here are very inviting and friendly.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I love camping, hiking, biking, boating, cooking, and playing music. My wife and I also have two pups who love to go on walks.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
I enjoy learning about wilderness medicine as well as some aspects of critical care. Outside of these, my main goal with family medicine is to stay as broad as possible and learn as much from every specialty that I can.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Recently, it has been taking my family to explore a new place with friends! Whether it be on the mountains or in the parks they have all led to rewarding experiences.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
Sailing around the world on a catamaran!
Joshua England, MD
Where are you from?
Anchorage, Alaska and rural Minnesota
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I thought the program was a perfect mix of training in facilities with lots of resources and diverse patients and training in underserved rural locations. I want to practice full spectrum family medicine and I thought this program provided excellent training for that.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I like the bike trail infrastructure the city has built, and I am looking forward to visiting the national parks nearby. I am also excited about the winter which is when I am told things get to a reasonable temperature.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I like outdoor recreation like cycling, hiking, and camping. I also like to read about history, economics, and fantasy.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
I am interested in rural medicine, obstetrics, community medicine, and preventative medicine.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, just talking or playing games.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
It’s not realistic, but I want to go to Mars.
Abigail Glenn, MD
Where are you from?
Washington State
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I liked the chance to explore different rural areas and also work at a FQHC.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
There are always things to do, and there are so many outdoor activities to do.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I really like to paint and also do crafts such as knitting or sewing.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
I’m interested in rural medicine, as well as palliative care.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
I love to spend time with friends in the morning, and maybe go on a walk. In the afternoons, I like to spend some time reading a good book.
Top item on your "Bucket list"
I really want to visit the Tucson Art Museum sometime
Ani Gururaj, MD
Where are you from?
St. Louis, MO
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I was seeking a residency program that truly provided full-spectrum training, allowed residents to explore their interests, and actively encouraged community engagement. UA Family Medicine checked all the boxes, ranging from strong training in adult medicine/pediatrics/women’s health and unique opportunities in integrative medicine to global/border health and robust community partnerships. I have also always wanted to explore the incredible geographic and cultural diversity of the American Southwest and am very excited to call Tucson home for the next three years!
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
Unlimited outdoor activities, authentically delicious food, and supportive community
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
Racket sports, trying new food, spending time with family and friends, and travel
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Local and global (“glocal”) medicine, integrative/functional/non-Western healing modalities, wilderness/austere medicine, healthcare for patients with complex and chronic illnesses, and physician health/well-being
Favorite way to spend a day off?
A combination of sleeping in, going on a hike or bike ride followed by a swim, finding a hole-in-the-wall food spot, and enjoying a sunset with ice cream and friends
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
Visiting every country, learning a new language every 5-7 years, and becoming a master chef
Tommy Magurany, MD
Where are you from?
Cochise AZ
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
My goal is to practice medicine in rural and remote parts of the state and the UA program offered rural rotations in many of the areas I would like to practice. They also offer many different tracks options I felt would help me tailor my training to my goals.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
Being close to family, monsoon season and the Arizona sunsets
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
Working on my project cars, gardening and ranching
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Rural, frontier, wilderness and complimentary medicine
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Working on projects around the house or on the farm/ranch
Top item on your "Bucket list"
See the northern lights
Clarissa Palacios, MD
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in El Paso, TX
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I chose UA Family Medicine for its commitment to underserved populations and culturally competent care. I’m excited for the rotations that allow us to practice border medicine and care for indigenous and refugee communities.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I’m looking forward to exploring Tucson’s beautiful mountains, desert scenery, and diverse culinary scene!
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I enjoy doing crafts, spending time with my family, and cuddling with my pup.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
I am interested in full spectrum family medicine, rural medicine, global health and women’s health.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Sleeping in and spending time with my friends and family!
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
Witnessing the northern lights!
Giovana Soares, MD
Where are you from?
I am from Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I chose UA Family Medicine because of its strong commitment to the community, especially the underserved population, and its dedication to providing education in full-spectrum family medicine. The opportunities to work in mobile clinics, rural areas, and global health are particularly appealing to me.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
The sun! The desert landscape is beautiful, with colorful sunsets every day and monsoons in the summer. Tucson is also known for being a food city and has great seasonal fairs and festivals.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I love to travel and being outdoors. Walking at the loop is my favorite way to unwind at the end of the day.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
I am interested in health equity, rural medicine and global health.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
I enjoy taking more time for breakfast and spending some time cooking.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
Traveling to the national parks with my family, starting with Zion National Park.
David Yang, MD
Where are you from?
Durham, North Carolina.
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I hope to work among underserved populations in the future and felt this was a strong component of the UA FM residency program. I appreciate the supportive, academic environment and the opportunities for full-spectrum training in rural and low-resource areas. It’s a wonderful program and I am grateful to be here.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I enjoy the diversity of the city. Since its only an hour away from the border, there is a large Spanish-speaking population. I hope to be able to practice and improve my Spanish!
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
Bike-riding, trying new food.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Clinical informatics, POCUS, preventative medicine.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Probably go to the beach.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
I’d love to visit Taiwan again (where my parents are from).