Class of 2027
Jasmine Al-Zahiri, DO
Undergraduate: University of Jordan’s School of Medicine, Jordan
Medical School: University of Jordan’s School of Medicine, Jordan
I was born and raised in New Jersey until the age of 15. For the remainder of high school, I moved to Amman, Jordan (my parent’s hometown); where I experienced a different culture and lifestyle that certainly connected me to my roots. In 2021, I graduated from the University of Jordan’s School of Medicine and decided to pursue my passion for Pediatrics for the rest of my medical career. Being part of a child’s physical, social, and emotional growth is what draws me the most to this field.
Knowing that Arizona is a hiker's paradise and Tucson a city of sunshine, I was sure it is the place for me. It is also known for its very diverse and heavy Pediatric population; I am looking forward to the impact it will have on my growth as a pediatrician. I chose to be a resident at THMEP because I appreciate a program that feels intimate and grows together like a family.
Outside of medicine, I love roller-skating, contemporary dancing, water coloring, bouldering, writing poetry, puzzling, hiking, acro-yoga, reading, and spending quality time with my partner.
Varshini Athipathy, MD
Undergraduate: PSG Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Medical School: PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research/Christian Medical College Hospital, India
I was born into the snowfall of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was raised in the frosty and dynamic town of Westborough, Massachusetts, along with my lovely younger sister, Nikhita. My childhood dream was to become a pediatrician. After graduating high school, I set off to India, my parents’ homeland, to pursue medical school.
TMC was my top choice for my residency training because of its focus on teaching and education. I absolutely loved the close-knit community feel I had when I visited. I was drawn to Tucson's warmth, natural beauty, and its abundance of outdoor activities. My subspecialty interests are pediatric cardiology and adolescent medicine.
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, swimming, yoga, listening to music, and spending time with family and enjoying my parents’ yummy homemade food. a lot and with sun all year round I believe it would be a pleasant experience.
Dallon Maxwell, DO
Undergraduate: Southern Utah University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, St. George
I was born and raised in Utah and attended Southern Utah University for my undergraduate degree. Prior to undergrad, I spent two years in Peru which kick started my medical journey. I attended Rocky Vista University in St. George, Utah for medical school. During my education, I became a father of 2 beautiful daughters. My wife and I are extremely excited and grateful to be a part of the THMEP family.
THMEP was our first choice for residency. We really wanted a small program to get more one-on-one training and be able to develop lifelong relationships with fellow residents. After interacting with the faculty and staff through zoom activities and a sub-internship, we knew this was the place for us. This program felt like a home away from home and everyone treated us like family. The diversity of Tucson will provide a perfect environment to become a community-based pediatrician as well as ample opportunity to maintain my fluency in Spanish. As an added bonus, the program aligned with our geographical preference because we love the sun and heat.
My family and I have a special love for the desert, lakes, and red rock. During our free time we love visiting Lake Powell which is located in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. We enjoy boating, traveling (especially cruising), and nearly everything outdoors from camping in the mountains to walking to the park.
Alexander Lizarraga, MD
Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: Michigan State University, East Lansing
I have always had the pleasure of calling Tucson home. I was born just down the road at University Medical Center, graduated high school here, and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona where I majored in Physiology. My medical education took me to Michigan State University (Go Green!), where I’ve been fortunate enough to complete my schooling in the cities of Lansing and Flint.
To say I am excited to return home for the next step in my training would be an understatement. I can’t think of a better way to begin this chapter of my career than to bring what I have learned in the Midwest back to the community that raised me. Knowing TMC and their commitment to Tucson, I look forward to the opportunities the program will provide to challenge myself in a way that prepares me for my future career while simultaneously allowing me to improve upon the health of the next generation of Tucsonans.
Aside from medicine, I love music (playing, listening, all of it), cooking, and being outdoors whenever possible. This year especially, you will find me getting reacquainted with the sun and desert of my hometown.
