Emergency Medicine Residents

Juan Aragon, MD

PGY 3

Hometown: Crane, TX
Undergrad: Texas Tech University
Medical School: TTUHSC- Lubbock

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking/camping, exercising, trying new food and watching sports (Go Tech)!!

Life before medical school: I grew up in West Texas until high school when I moved to an international boarding school inside of a castle for 2 years.  I then started my undergraduate studies at TTU followed by a Masters in Medical sciences before going to medical school

Why Lubbock: I have been fortunate to call Lubbock my second home since starting undergrad.  Lubbock is where I met my wife, where we are raising our daughter and where I have created life-long friendships.

Clark Azubuike, MBBS

PGY 3

Hometown: Ibeme, Imo state, Nigeria
Medical School: Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin

Hobbies/Interests: I am an AVID sports fan.  I enjoy mostly watching, but occasionally participating in, basketball, football(Association and American) boxing, tennis, 8-ball pool and golf.  I also enjoy hiking, trail running and camping.  I also like to stay informed about news, history and current events.  I read a lot and listen to podcasts on those themes.

Life before medical school: What life?!? I pretty much went straight to medical school without a gap.

Why Lubbock: Super friendly people nestled within a blossoming city with a small town feel, fantastic and supportive program (from faculty to co-residents).

Amanda Garrity, DO

PGY 3

Hometown: Idaho Falls, ID
Undergrad: Brigham Young University- Provo, UT
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: Party planning, traveling, special effects make-up, historical sewing, piano, home renovations YouTube videos, and true crime podcasts

Life before medical school: In college, I studied Chemistry and worked in an organic chemistry lab, as well as tutoring and freelance wedding makeup on the side.  My favorite job, however, was working as a waitress at Olive Garden- though the breadsticks were unfortunately not a free perk!

Why Lubbock: The people!  The large catchment area, diverse pathology and low cost of living were the initial draws, but the faculty and residents were what made Tech a clear choice.  Everyone was so warm and it was obvious how much they all cared about the success of the program and the residents.

Ahmed Hammad, 

PGY 3

 

Chris Hidalgo, DO

PGY 3

Hometown: Glendale, AZ
Undergrad: Grand Canyon University
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and kids.  I also enjoy woodworking/carpentry, mountain biking and hiking/trail running.

Stephanie Perea-Neal, DO

PGY 3

Hometown: El Paso, TX
Undergrad: Our Lady of the Lake University- San Antonio, TX
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine- Las Cruces, NM

Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, hiking, traveling, napping, watching Steelers football, reading, continually adding to my to-do list, attending live music shows, amateur drone flying and stopping to ask people if I can pet their dog.

Life before medical school: Volleyball was my life before medical school.  I started playing before I could walk and continued playing through undergrad.  When I couldn't play competitively anymore, I coached youth volleyball teams.

Why Lubbock: At first, I didn't know what to expect from Lubbock, however, after completing an audition rotation at Texas Tech, I was sold!  This program provided all the opportunities that would help me achieve my goals.  Other selling points are an incredible group of faculty, staff, and residents.  The catchment area serves a large population which gives exposure to many different pathologies.  

Josh Preator, DO

PGY 3

Hometown: McKinney, TX
Undergrad: Brigham Young University- Provo, UT
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine- Meridian, ID

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and kids, golf, watching movies and TV shows, camping, reading.  I am also a BIG Dallas Cowboys fan!

Life before medical school: I spent 2 years serving a mission for my church in Brazil where I learned to speak Portuguese.  I worked several jobs during undergrad that included filling vending machines on campus, selling pest control door-to-door in the summer and helping my wife run a photography business.

Why Lubbock: I had the opportunity to do an away rotation in Lubbock and had an awesome experience.  The residents and faculty were so friendly and willing to teach.  I knew this residency program would be an amazing place to train.  My wife and I felt that Lubbock would be a great city to raise our family with an affordable cost of living and many fun things to do.  It was a no-brainer for us to want to come here!

Daniel Saeang, MD

PGY 3

Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Undergrad: University of California- Irvine
Medical School: Ross University SOM

Hobbies/Interests: Weightlifting, video games, spending time with family and friends, BBQing and football

Life before medical school: I grew up in sunny southern California and in my youth I enjoyed wrestling, jujitsu, MMA surfing and snowboarding.  I was even a Buddhist monk for a short period in my life.  I graduated with a degree in economics and worked in finance and IT for almost 10 years prior to deciding to go to medical school.

Why Lubbock: I was drawn to Lubbock because of the way people raved about this small college town.  Everyone described Lubbock as a great place to live, learn, grown and start a family.  I love the friendliness of the community and how it brings everyone together.

Will Wanzor, MD

PGY 3

Hometown: Clovis, MN
Undergrad: Texas Tech University HSC
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean SOM

Hobbies/Interests: I really enjoy hanging out with my wife and kids, watching ball games, movies or trying new places to eat.  I also enjoy woodworking, working on vehicles and fixing stuff up around the house.

Life before medical school: While always wanting to be a physician, I've lived a varied life.  After high school, I served in the US Navy for 6 years.  I then went into law enforcement for a few years before getting my nursing degree,  I worked in the ER and MICU for 10 years before starting medical school.  It's been a long adventure to reach my goal, but luckily I've had great support from my wife and kids to get me through it all.

Why Lubbock: I've lived in Lubbock for over a decade and really love the people.  They are very nice and welcoming.  Plus, we have a great variety of new restaurants/food trucks to try which is a big plus!

Lara Ammermann, MD

PGY 2

Hometown: Montrose, CO
Undergrad: Hardin-Simmons University- Abilene, TX
Medical School: TTUHSC- Lubbock

Hobbies/Interests:  Participating in sports (especially playing softball), watching sports, coaching, reading, hiking, snowboarding, going to the movies, eating good food and spending time with my husband and three dogs! 

Life before medical school:  I was born and raised in Minnesota before moving to Colorado for high school. After high school graduation I moved to Abilene, Texas to attend Hardin-Simmons University where I played four years of collegiate softball and graduated with a major in Biology, minors in Biochemistry and Leadership. Once I finished undergrad, I took two gap years during which I worked as a scribe in an emergency department. I also worked as a rehab tech and unit secretary at a local rehab hospital, volunteered at a hospice facility and did pitching/hitting lessons. Additionally, I got the opportunity to play on multiple women and co-ed slow pitch softball teams! 

Why Lubbock:  After moving to Lubbock for medical school, I realized how amazing the people here are. Everyone is so caring, helpful, friendly and truly want you to be the best version of YOU. Staying here for residency I knew I would have the best opportunity to learn all that I needed to in order to be a well-rounded Emergency Medicine physician when I graduate. It’s a great community to be a part of with affordable living! 

Lauren Bennett, DO

PGY 2

Hometown:  Denver, CO
Undergrad:  University of Colorado at Boulder
Medical School:  Rocky Vista COM

Hobbies/Interests: Cycling, working out, shopping at Costco, talking about my dogs to anyone who will listen.

Life before medical school: I was an ER scribe, which is where I fell in love with emergency medicine. I was also a collegiate athlete as a member of the University of Colorado’s cycling team.

Why Lubbock: I felt so supported by the attendings and residents during my rotation during my 4th year of medical school, so ranking it at the top of my list for Match was an easy decision. Every time I’m in the ER, I feel grateful that I matched with Texas Tech for my EM residency. 

Caleb Collette, DO

PGY 2

Hometown: Breaux Bridge, LA
Undergrad:  University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: Skateboarding and hiking

Life before medical school:  I came straight from undergrad where I was in biochemical research and worked at a shop full time in addition to school

Why Lubbock: A big city with a small town vibe. The people here are very welcoming and friendly.

Laurel Dacus, MD

PGY 2

Hometown: I moved frequently growing up, so I don’t have just one hometown! I have lived in Colorado, Washington, Texas, and California
Undergrad: University of California Santa Barbara
Medical School: TTUHSC El Paso Paul L. Foster SOM

Hobbies/Interests: Running, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my rottie! Outside of EM, I’m very passionate about rescuing, fostering, and volunteering with dogs in shelters; my goal is to start my own rescue shelter in the near future!

Life before medical school: I scribed for a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon.

Why Lubbock:  I rotated here and absolutely loved it. The residents all seemed super happy, and I felt as though the experience and training I would get at this program would best prepare me to practice in any setting after residency. Also, my sister lives here, and being close to family was an important deciding factor for me.

James Drury, DO

PGY 2

Hometown:  Riverton, UT
Undergrad:  Southern Utah University
Medical School:  Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies/Interests:  Spending time with my wife and kids, watching and playing sports, water/snow skiing.

Life before medical school:  I spent 2 years serving a church mission in Montreal.  I worked several different CNA jobs, including the ED, in a Behavioral health unit and in a Transitional Rehab facility through high school and undergrad.

Why Lubbock:  After spending a month rotating in the department it was hard to imagine training anywhere else.  The people were great and the training was equally as good.  It was an obvious choice for me and my family.

Korbin Gage, MD

PGY 2

Hometown:  Tulsa, OK
Undergrad:  University of Tulsa
Medical School: OU-TU School of Community Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, golf, huge sports fan, disc golf, hunting, novice 3D printer, and spending time with my fiancé and our Australian shepherd.

Life before medical school: I started med school immediately after undergrad. During undergrad I worked as a retail pharmacy technician and a valet at a local hospital. Leadership development has always been a passion of mine. I was heavily involved with leadership in Sigma Chi both during undergrad as an active member and during med school as a member of the chapter advisory committee.

Why Lubbock:  Many attendings and residents talk about building clinical gestalt and procedural skills in the emergency department, and that always comes back to numbers. The massive catchment area, diverse pathology, and longitudinal pediatrics here in Lubbock ensure that you will see and be confident handling a wide variety of pathology, but the people really set this program apart. Everyone I’ve met in Lubbock is extremely welcoming and friendly. Seeing everyone enjoy themselves, both in and out of the hospital, makes residency fun. I also love that this is an academic center, the commitment to teaching and striving to do the best for our patients is evident on every shift.

Greer Guthrie 

PGY 2

 

Ryan Philip, DO

PGY 2

Hometown:  Irving, TX
Undergrad:  University of Texas- Arlington
Medical School:  UNT-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: I love to barbeque and hangout with my friends. Some of my favorite memories is slow cooking some ribs and brisket during the summer while watching some sports. I also enjoy playing pool, traveling, trying new foods and meeting new people!

Life before medical school: Before medical school I was a scribe for an orthopedic surgeon and a biller for a Home Health care agency. I was also involved in my church and would play in basketball and flag football tournaments.

Why Lubbock:  Texas Tech Lubbock jumped to the top of my rank list after I did my Sub-Internship with them. I felt that everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and it was a great environment to be able to learn and hone my skills as a physician. Being a level one trauma center and the variety of patients and diseases that I saw made me feel confident that I would finish residency as a proficient emergency medicine physician.  

Morgan Shreve, MD

PGY 2

Hometown: Jacksonville, Texas
Undergrad: Stephen F. Austin State University
Medical School: TTUHSC SOM Lubbock; Amarillo campus for clinical rotations

Hobbies/Interests: Aquariums, terrariums, plants, learning to paint with old Bob Ross videos

Life before medical school:  I was an ER Scribe for 6 years!

Why Lubbock: : I had some family here, but when interviewing here I truly felt that I would gain family being a part of TTUHSC. The staff and students here are just superb, friendly, and genuine.

Carine Afidata, MD 

PGY1

 

Matija Barrett, DO

PGY1

 

Ben Burkhalter, MD

PGY1

Hometown: Knickerbocker, TX

Undergrad: Texas A&M University

Medical School: TTU SOM

Hobbies/Interests: Church, Family, Fishing

Life before medical school: RN

Why Lubbock: EM Residency, the people

Jaden Cooley, DO

PGY1

Hometown: Logan, Utah

Undergrad: Utah State University 

Medical School: Rocky Vista University, Utah Campus 

Hobbies/Interests: Mountain biking, running, hunting, fishing, golf, smoking meat and making homemade pizza 

Life before medical school: I spent a few years working as a small engine mechanic, fixing lawn and snow removal equipment—machines that don’t always cooperate. I eventually transitioned into healthcare, taking a job as an anesthesia tech at the local hospital. Outside of work and school, I loved spending time in the mountains hunting, hiking or biking with my wife and our dog, who’s always convinced every trail is her personal playground.

Why Lubbock: It really comes down to the people. Whether it’s in the hospital or at the grocery store, the kindness and warmth of this community are unmatched. That, combined with the incredible opportunity to train at a Level 1 trauma center with such a high volume and variety of pathology, made the decision an easy one. Dr. Morris always says Lubbock is “sticky,” and I get it now—I truly couldn’t imagine training anywhere else.

Reann Esparza, DO

PGY1

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Undergrad: Trinity University

Medical School: Kansas City University

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, working out, traveling, spending times with family and friends

Life before medical school: Reading, working out, traveling, spending times with family and friends

Why Lubbock: I rotated in Lubbock as a 4th-year medical student and immediately loved it. The residents were genuinely happy, the program culture was unmatched, and the faculty fostered a strong learning environment. The people are welcoming, and the large catchment area offers a wide range of pathology—making training here both comprehensive and impactful.

Jake Gibbs, MD

PGY1

 

Brady Gunter, MD

PGY1

 

Haddon McIntosh, DO

PGY1

 

Josh Molter, MD 

PGY1

Hometown: Snyder, Texas

Undergrad: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center SHP

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Hiking/Anything outdoors

Life before medical school: I worked as a medical technologist in Midland and in Lubbock at Covenant Medical Center. 

Why Lubbock: West Texas is home for me. Both my wife and I have family that live here, so that was another reason huge reason for us to stay. A lot of people say Lubbock is a big city with a small town vibe and I think that pretty accurately describes it. The people that live here are friendly and it has everything we need from food to entertainment. Plus, it takes no more than 20 minutes to drive across town if you need something. The lower cost of living compared to other big cities is another plus, so you can make your dollar stretch much farther here!