Tara Ahmadi, MD, MPH – First Hill                                                               
Tufts University School of Medicine  Pronouns: (She, Her, Hers)

I was born and raised in Iran, land of arts-from colorful tiles and earthenware potteries to symbolic geometries and paisley designs-, poetry, traditional music, and flavorful cuisine. After high school, I moved to the United States, where I studied chemical biology at the University of California, Berkeley (Go Bears!), and taught chemistry and biology for a few years. Later, I moved to Boston, Massachusetts to do my Master’s in Biomedical Sciences, as well as Public Health with a concentration in global health at Tufts University School of Medicine, where I also did my medical school with a research concentration (A triple Jumbo!).

In medical school, my passion for working with immigrant and refugee populations, building stronger communities, advocacy for LGBTQIA+ communities, working with unhoused populations, incarcerated individuals, the health of individuals identifying as woman or individuals with a uterus and cervix – and reproductive justice grew significantly.

I have been involved in different research projects during and after medical school with a focus on public health and advocacy. Some of my research interests are health inequities and medical ethics, reproductive health and rights, narrative medicine, and health of LGBTQIA+, refugees and immigrant populations. I had the honor of co-teaching a nutrition course for the Tufts University Prison Initiative of Tisch College (TUPIT). I also was one of the co-instructors and program coordinators of Tufts Community Health Workers Engaging in Integrated Care (COHERE), to train Tufts’ neighboring BIPOC community members to become community health workers to support capacity building in the communities.

In addition, I have done public health research on HIV both locally (MA) and globally (Namibia). As a former member of the Sexual Health and Reproductive Experiences (SHARE) lab, I did qualitative research on HPV vaccination attitudes and experiences among transgender and gender diverse young adults assigned female at birth (AFAB).

I love theatre, literature, soccer (both women’s and men’s), running, reading, listening to music and narrative medicine. I look forward to training at Swedish First Hill Family Medicine Residency Program, where I can connect with the local community, advocate for vulnerable patients, and develop the skills needed to become a thoughtful and compassionate physician.

Rebecca Chen, MD – DFM                                                                 
Baylor College of Medicine Pronouns: (She, Her, Hers)

After moving from Massachusetts to Minnesota to Connecticut to Texas, I now consider myself a Texan and say y'all with pride. I attended Rice University for undergrad, where I majored in English and minored in too many things (Biochemistry, Sociology and Medical Humanities). My experiences beyond the classroom helped shape me most. I tutored other students, led a service trip on disability stigma, and dipped my toes into advocacy.

During medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, I expanded on my interest in serving vulnerable members of our community. I co-founded and led Health Professionals Against Interpersonal Violence, chaired our asylum-seeker clinic in partnership with Physicians for Human Rights, and created diversity initiatives to bring about community-grounded change. I am passionate about providing quality care, especially reproductive and mental health care, to marginalized populations.

I love reading books, watching reality TV, exploring new places, and hiking. I also love to eat and run a burgeoning baking Instagram (baking__my_way_downtown).

Briana Corkill, MD - Ballard
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Pronouns: (She, Her, They, Them)

I am passionate about delivering high quality, compassionate, patient-centered care. I do my best to really get to know my patients and earn their trust within a system that has not treated all people equitably. My focuses include OB-gyn, reproductive health including abortion care, and LGBTQ+ care with trans-affirming medicine. 

          In my spare time I can be found mountain biking or hanging out with my spouse and our four dogs, two turtles, one hamster, two fish, and tarantula! 

Shirin Ferdosian, MD – DFM Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine Pronouns: (She, Her, Hers)

When I encountered the term “full-scope family medicine,” I immediately realized it accurately described the kind of practice for which I was desperately searching. I envision myself as a family physician practicing obstetrics and providing holistic, exceptional, and compassionate medical care to everyone regardless of their background, especially refugees and underserved communities. I believe that family doctors provide the most holistic care possible and are not afraid to face significant healthcare barriers. My diverse background will help me lead with confidence and become my patients best advocate—one who strives to build and commit to long-term patient relationships and not only prevent and treat illnesses but also provide comfort and support to them.

I enjoy drawing, painting, and reading books on psycho-social dynamics. I also enjoy watching Persian TV series and played on a local Persian volleyball team.

Wendy Goldman, MD - First Hill Tufts University School of Medicine Pronouns: (She, Her, Hers)

I grew up in small town Maine with my parents and older siblings and have spent my entire life on the east coast so far. I was lucky enough to stay in Maine for undergrad at Bates college and medical school with the Tufts Maine Track and loved learning from the wonderful people of my home state. I’m so excited to be heading to Seattle to join my siblings on the west coast for a new adventure (sorry mom and dad!).

Between college and medical school, I worked as a medical assistant in an OBGYN practice in the middle of Boston while simultaneously volunteering with Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program’s women’s clinic. These clinics were only a mile apart physically but were worlds apart in the resources they had access to. My third year of medical school was spent in rural northern Maine where I once again saw the challenges patients faced in accessing necessary healthcare. These experiences cemented my clinical interests which include reproductive justice, addiction medicine, and gender affirming care. I was drawn to Swedish First Hill because I know this program will provide me with exceptional training to become both a physician and an advocate for my patients.

Outside of medicine I enjoy reading (preferably on the beach with books that make me cry), cooking and eating elaborate meals with friends, and facetiming with my nieces. I’m looking forward to exploring my new home in the PNW!

Jennifer Lee, MD - Ballard                                                                 
Washington State University School of Medicine                                                                                                                     Pronouns:                                                                                                                                                     (She, Her, Hers)                                        

Family Medicine has shown me that the art of practicing medicine is complemented by compassionate patient-centered care and healthcare advocacy. As a result, I hope to partner with a program that will train me to practice broad-spectrum Family Medicine in both urban academic and rural areas and provide me with additional opportunities to navigate limitations to care, help improve health literacy, and serve a diverse patient panel for a variety of concerns. As a resident, I plan to increase my responsibility in healthcare advocacy by learning and offering the resources available to the community. Inspired by the intersection of acute medical conditions and social determinants of health, I will provide empathetic inpatient care and offer patients the chance to establish with me as their primary care provider after discharge. My experiences have shown me how community engagement offers a path towards health equity, and I look forward to doing so alongside other Family Medicine physicians who have dedicated their careers to being the first point of contact for underserved patients.

Outside of medicine, I like to spend my weekends exploring day hikes in the Pacific Northwest; my favorite is Hidden Lake Lookout. Next summer, I hope to conquer a thru hike through The Enchantments! I also love trying new recipes, an interest that came from watching my mom cook throughout my childhood. My other interests include supporting local coffee shops, reading memoirs, and perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe—a labor of love that makes six cookies per batch, but they're worth it every time.

Amanda Maxwell, MD - First Hill                                                              
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston                                                                                                             Pronouns:                                                                                                                                                                             (They, Them, Theirs)

Family medicine appeals to me because I like continuity of care and want to treat patients of all ages. I also found that I can integrate my diverse interests in LGBTQ+ health, HIV care, reproductive justice, behavioral health, and caring for underserved populations on a daily basis. Another aspect of family medicine which appeals to me is the emphasis on health maintenance, and I hope to work towards reducing barriers to access preventive care for populations who have struggled to access it in the past.

I enjoy playing a variety of music, including classical and instrumental versions of top hits. I learned how to cook and bake from my mom. Cooking Vietnamese food has been a way for me to engage in and share my culture with others. I have also been working to perfect my chocolate chip cookie recipe. I enjoy reading books, usually mystery or LGBTQ+, and listening to true crime podcasts. I also love playing board games and have a collection of over 30.

Malia Schram, MD - First Hill                                                             
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine                                                                                                         Pronouns: (They, Them, Theirs)                            

I grew up on the wild Eastern side of the state in Spokane, Washington. My parents are small business owners and built the business from the ground up during my childhood, instilling a love for thrifting, volunteering, and cats in me and my sister. My extended family are farmers in rural Montana and surfers in Southern California, giving me the best experience of the West.

I moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for college to earn a degree in Biomedical Sciences, where I cemented my love of family medicine, community activism, and began advocating for LGBTQ+ people. I had the amazing privilege of performing bassoon in tiny towns in Italy and spent my summers working as an x-ray crystallographer.

In another Midwestern leap, I attended medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. I made some of my best friends, dedicated myself to all activities focused on family medicine, and taught LGBTQ+ healthcare at the university, local, and international level, including some moderately embarrassing news reports. I was awarded the National Health Service Corps scholarship and look forward to my two years of dedicated federal service.

My goal is to be a physician focused on the humanity and beauty in medicine with an emphasis on equitable care for all. I will have focuses on reproductive justice, gender affirming care, health equity, and antiracism. I found that Swedish First hill shared these values, making me unbelievably grateful to join my first choice program.

Outside of medicine, I love listening to anything audio (music, podcasts, books, etc.), foraging, generally exploring, rescuing cats, and playing bassoon. I’m always down for good food, a bad dance party, and meeting new furry friends.

Fatema Shipchandler, MD - First Hill                                                                    
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston  Pronouns: (She, Her, Hers)

I was born, raised, and educated in the rodeo capital and microcosm of the world, Houston, Texas—to which I attribute my appreciation of diverse cultures, farm animals, and deep-fried desserts (in moderation).

I pursued Nutrition studies at the University of Houston and became immersed in community wellness initiatives, health disparities research, and immigrant-and-refugee health projects. My passion for health equity strengthened as an Albert Schweitzer Junior Fellow and Certified Community Health Worker, conducting a social-and-emotional learning curriculum for newly-settled female youth in the Gulfton community. During my senior year, I assisted with curricular development for the University of Houston’s new medical school, assessing the health needs of the neighboring historically-Black community Third Ward.

While at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth Houston), I gained firsthand experience in healthcare policymaking as a Graduate Archer Fellow and realized my desire to promote accessible, evidence-based, equitable healthcare both in the clinic and at a systems-level. I was introduced to full-spectrum family medicine by my incredible mentors; I found it to lie neatly at the intersection of my varied interests—preventative health, maternal and child health, health equity, reproductive justice, minority health, advocacy, and policy.

Swedish First Hill is the ideal place to be equipped with the full scope of tools to empower my patients in the context of their family, community, and environment. I look forward to continue feeling galvanized by the warm, devoted folks in this program. I am also stoked to explore the Pacific Northwest trails with my husband.

Isabella ‘Bella’ Stokes, MD - First Hill                                                                                                                      University of Washington School of Medicine                                                                                                                      Pronouns:                                                                                                                         (She, Her, Hers)

Growing up in North Bend, Washington, the Cascades were my backyard. I grew up with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, playing in the mountains year-round. As a result, I’ve found it very difficult to leave the Pacific Northwest!

I stayed close to home for college, attending the University of Washington. I was a Peer Health Educator, teaching other students about mental health, consent, and sexual health. This job taught me what’s possible when someone is empowered with knowledge about their body. After graduating from UW with my degree in Public Health, I worked as a sexual health educator for Planned Parenthood. I facilitated workshops on birth control, gender and sexuality, STIs, puberty, and led a group of ten high school peer educators! While working for Planned Parenthood, I started volunteering with the Northwest Abortion Access Fund and continued to volunteer throughout medical school.

In medical school at the University of Washington, I quickly fell in love with family medicine. My mom is a family medicine PA in practice for over 25 years, and I’ve seen the joy that her long- term patient relationships have brought her. Practicing family medicine feels familiar to health education in many ways as patients, providers, and other community partners work together to empower people with knowledge and resources. Family medicine also works to dismantle structural inequities and racism that create disparities in health.

These are the values that brought me to Swedish First Hill. As a resident, I am thrilled to continue building the tools I need to provide full spectrum family medicine including obstetrics, abortion care, and gender affirming care to my community.

Margaret ‘Maggie’ Turner, MD - DFM                                                                                                                                      RUSH University                                                                                                                               Pronouns:                                                                                                                                 (She, Her, Hers)

I grew up in central IL, in a town called Normal. I left the Midwest for college, where I attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs and majored in molecular biology with focuses in biochemistry and comparative literature. As I became involved in my new community, I discovered  passions for mental health crisis care,  addiction medicine support for pregnant folks, and basic science research. Previously unaccustomed to hills, I also developed a love for the mountains and sitting by fires while my friends skied.

Following graduation, my interests in health care and research led me back to IL. I worked for two years in a translational research lab at Northwestern University, where we aimed to elucidate a molecular target for therapeutic intervention that could decrease morbidity and mortality for children with severe influenza A infection.

I stayed in Chicago for medical school and attended Rush University. I was drawn to Rush's commitment to community engagement and the opportunity to work in one of the country's largest saftey net hospitals, Cook County. Here I confirmed my desire to provide broad-scope, high quality care and continue to fight for a more equitable system that better serves the needs of all community members. I am incredibly excited to be continuing my training at a residency program with similar values.

My clinical interests include addiction medicine, correctional health, behavioral health integration into the primary care setting, reproductive justice, adolescent medicine/youth outreach, teaching, and promoting and expanding primary care research efforts. In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction and plays, hiking and camping,  playing board games, attending comedy shows, and watching movies.