Jared Blackwell, MD
Where are you from?
I was born in Phoenix, AZ, however, during middle and high school I lived in Virginia and New York.
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I absolutely loved my time here as a medical student and it has been my experience that everyone genuinely supports each other. I also knew I would receive excellent training and ample opportunities to excel in my professional interests.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
The people, the community, and the amazing food.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I have played basketball my entire life and continue to do so, I also weight-lift.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Focusing on preventative medicine and how to optimize all aspects of health including mental, social, and physical well-being.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
On my days off you can find me in the gym lifting weights and/or playing basketball, taking my dog on long hikes, and searching for new TV shows to binge watch.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
Currently, I want to learn how to play the piano.
June Jasmine Chabayta, MD
Where are you from?
Tucson, AZ
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I chose the University of Arizona Family Medicine Residency Program because it perfectly aligns with my personal and professional aspirations. As a Tucson native, it was a dream of mine to return and serve the community that raised me. As a Latina, I believe in representing and advocating for underserved communities, especially in my hometown. The University of Arizona's program stood out to me because of its commitment to diversity and the opportunity for exposure to a wide range of patient backgrounds. The mentorship and investment in creating well-rounded physicians at this institution are unmatched. I am confident that the training and support I will receive here will prepare me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my patients and the community I hold dear.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I look forward to spending time with my family and friends. I also look forward to visiting some of my favorite local restaurants and hiking trails.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I like hiking, binging Netflix shows, family movie/game nights, trying new restaurants, and painting.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
The best thing about family medicine is that I can care for patients of all ages. Some of my interests include women’s health, adolescent health, geriatric patients, and preventative and integrative medicine.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
I love to sleep in on my days off and spend quality time with family or friends.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
I would love to visit New Zealand and Australia for a month or two.
Robert Fernandez, MD
Where are you from?
Detroit, MI
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I chose UA Family Medicine for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to have more exposure to Spanish speaking and underserved patients. Second, everyone I met during my interview and second look was super friendly and supportive which left a great impression on me. Third, the 2+2 curriculum sounded really appealing, especially with how busy residency can be.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
Food! I’ve heard great things about the food scene in Tucson so I am excited to try out a bunch of restaurants. Another thing I’m looking forward to doing is going on hikes! There aren’t that many hiking or nature trails near Detroit, so I’m hyped to explore nature around Tucson.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
Big Michigan Football fan and enjoy college football in general. I’ve been to almost every home Michigan football game in the last ten years. Go Blue! Additionally, I also enjoy weightlifting, running, trying different restaurants and playing video games.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Not sure at the moment, but I am currently thinking about doing outpatient with some urgent care work after residency.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Hanging out with friends, going on a hike, watching sports, playing video games, or trying out a new restaurant.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
Go to Japan during cherry blossom season, and also attending a Mexico soccer game during the 2026 World Cup.
Ashton Kathleen Henley, MD
Where are you from?
Jacksonville, Florida AKA DUUUVAL
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
As someone who is passionate about Integrative Medicine, applying to this program was a no-brainer given that the Andrew Weil center for Integrative Medicine is essentially the “birthplace” of Integrate Medicine! The entire interview process with U of Az was seamless and it was clear that the program prioritized patient relationships, especially with the unique 2x2 schedule. This type of schedule ensures that residents can see their own patients in clinic at least 2 weeks out of the month so that continuity is prioritized! I was also surprised by how much community outreach the program is involved in and emphasis on caring for the underserved.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I first visited Tucson in May of 2023 and was in awe of the stunning mountain views and of course, saguaros! I am most excited to explore the entire state of Arizona and western side of the US during any breaks I have.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
Family/friend time! I am always texting or talking on the phone to my family or friends. I also love shopping, yoga, meditation, plants, herbs, and teas. My favorite flower is a hibiscus which doubles as a tasty treat! I love to mix the dried flower with lemongrass, mint, and oatstraw for the perfect pick me up drink.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Integrative Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Women’s Health, Palliative Care
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Not setting an alarm, hike/explore outdoors, a little shopping, followed by dinner at a new or favorite restaurant, then FaceTimeing my family or friends to end the evening
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
Cage dive with sharks off the coast of South Africa
Amreeta Jammu, DO
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA.
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
For so many reasons! I would say, in general, family medicine was the one specialty that fit everything I desired: developing long-term relationships with your patients, being center of a person’s health, establishing preventative care, and just being able to be knowledgeable of all subject matters without limiting myself to one specific field.
UA specifically is the hub for integrative medicine I was seeking in all my residency programs but never had a program as robust as UA. It also had so many alternative tracks to craft your particular skillset and niches, which is another thing I wasn’t able to find in other programs. And mostly, I am very big into disability care and UA has strong ties and opportunities to get involved and impact this patient population directly.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
The nature and the food! I will miss my beaches of course, but I am excited to explore what the desert life has to offer and to become immersed within this community.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
Latin dancing (salsa, bachata, etc), hiking, ocean sports, skiing, getting more into yoga/meditation, and always down to try anything involving exercise and mental well-being J
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Advocacy for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Integrative Medicine, Healthcare policy/advocacy, OMT, immigration health
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Multiple ways:
-a great hike/bike ride/workout, followed by an awesome brunch spot
-farmers market exploring/ cooking at home and hosting people for dinner
-exploring the city/road trip
-surfing/anything in the ocean
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
TBD
Anthony L McCoy, MD
Where are you from?
I am originally from France but was raised in many countries including the US, Switzerland, Cameroon, the Netherlands, and Ivory Coast. I have lived in Tucson since 2008 and gladly call Tucson my home.
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I have been at the University of Arizona since arriving in Tucson and have grown to love the welcoming environment and mentality of this institution as I completed my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and worked in the Physiology department for years. I knew from experience this was the best place for me to have a complete education in preparation of my future career in primary care.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I am very happy to live near my family and friends as well as being able to continue to enjoy great weather in a beautiful city surrounded by mountains. Tucson has a great mixed feel of big and small city. I’m excited to continue to serve my community.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I am a huge fan of movies and entertainment media in general. I watch all genres and love discussing the art of cinema. I am also an avid sports fan and follow everything from soccer to basketball, football to tennis, F1 to MMA. I grew up playing video games and reading comics, which continues to be a hobby.
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
I want to continue my education with a fellowship in sports medicine or integrative medicine to allow me to offer more to my patients. Having been in education for years I would like to continue to be involved with medical education and mentoring students from underprivileged backgrounds to make it through the perilous path to medicine.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Watching a good movie or TV show with my wife, playing with my son and daughter, catching up on sporting events I missed, or relaxing playing a good video game.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
Seeing the pyramids, traveling to Japan, writing and publishing a book
George Norwood, MD
Where are you from?
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I liked the program's people and mission to train physicians capable of taking on the challenges that come with serving diverse and underserved patient populations. I also liked how the program offers unique opportunities to develop the skills to treat patients holistically, through the Integrative Medicine curriculum, as I believe this is a crucial part of becoming an effective primary care physician. I am excited for the 2+2 scheduling structure helping provide better continuity with my patient panel than what many other programs offer. I appreciate the program’s commitment to helping its residents maintain a great work/life balance.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I’m excited for the food! I love that just about every type of cuisine you could ask for can be found here. I am also excited about the mountains and desert landscapes as it reminds me of home. I also look forward to much warmer winters!
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I love getting outdoors and spending time with my family. I am a huge sports nut; I love reading epic fantasy novels, board games, and video games.
What are your professional interests in Medicine?
I am interested in full-spectrum Family Medicine, but also have a particular interest in Addiction Medicine and would like to explore Integrative Medicine more as well.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Relax (or stress!) on the couch to watch one of my favorite sports teams bring me joy (or let me down) and then unwind with my family doing something outdoors and exploring our new surroundings!
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
I would love to spend quite a bit of time exploring Australia and New Zealand.
Austin Tyler Smarsh, DO
Where are you from?
Westland, MI
Why did you choose UA Family Medicine?
I chose UA Family Medicine for so many reasons, but some of the reasons were the program’s focus on health equity, health education, community advocacy, Integrative Medicine, and the chance to work alongside so many healthcare providers & staff in the local area. As a native Michigander, I also have to say the sun in the winter months will most definitely be appreciated.
What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?
I am very excited to live in a place with so much history, culture, and community to learn all about. I’m also really looking forward to exploring an entirely new place, making new friends, and becoming a member of the community with my wife and our pup, Mason. We love exploring the desert and mountains surrounding Tucson and we are, of course, looking forward to trying any and all restaurants (recommendations always welcome).
What are your interests or hobbies outside of Medicine?
I genuinely appreciate spending time with friends and family, regardless of what we’re doing. My wife and I do our best to go hiking, go to concerts, and explore the local parks, shops, and restaurants when we can. I’m a big fan of all types of movies and music, and I love the show, Jeopardy! so if I’m free and it’s on, you’ll know where to find me. Since coming to Tucson, I’ve also started trying bachata and some yoga!
What are your professional interests within Medicine?
Doctor-Patient Relationship, Social Determinants of Health, Health Equity, Community Health, Health Education & Communication, Public Health, Food as Medicine, Integrative medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)
Favorite way to spend a day off?
My perfect day off would be getting up early to drive out to and explore a new trail or nature area with my wife for most of the day (hopefully with a reasonable temperature outside…) followed by a slice (or two) of pizza and coming back home to rest and hang out with our pup.
Top item on your "Bucket list"?
I struggle to just pick one, so I would either love to visit Italy (especially Rome) with enough time to explore and tour everything or I would love to go on an extended, adventure-type vacation in South America, hiking through the Andes Mountains and seeing Patagonia.