Internal Medicine PGY1 Residents
Class of 2029
Hamza Chaudhry, M.D.
Dr. Hamza Chaudhry grew up in Lahore, Pakistan, where his early education at Aitchison College helped shape his appreciation for leadership and resilience. He earned his medical degree from CMH Lahore Medical College and later completed an internship before pursuing a research fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, with a focus on evidence-based practice and patient advocacy.
Dr. Chaudhry was drawn to internal medicine for its clinical complexity and the opportunity to understand the human stories behind each patient’s care. He is excited to train at THMEP because of its diverse patient population and learning experiences across community and federal healthcare settings. He also looks forward to making Tucson home and exploring the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Chaudhry enjoys horseback riding, playing volleyball, hiking, and taking in Tucson’s scenic sunsets.
Saamia Ibrahim, M.D.
Dr. Saamia Ibrahim was raised in Lahore, Pakistan, a city known for its warmth, hospitality, and vibrant culture. She earned her MBBS from King Edward Medical University.
Dr. Ibrahim was drawn to THMEP because of its curriculum, one-on-one mentorship, and balance of independence with close supervision, qualities she valued during her rotation with the program. She is excited to continue her training in Tucson, where the desert sunsets, welcoming community, and sense of connection have made the city feel like a home away from home.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Ibrahim enjoys singing, reading, taking long walks, spending quiet time outdoors, and relaxing with a cup of tea.
Divya Joshi, M.D.
Dr. Divya Joshi was born in Anand, Gujarat, India, and completed her medical education at Pramukhswami Medical College.
Dr. Joshi was drawn to THMEP for its strong training culture and supportive learning environment, where residents are encouraged to learn, grow, and build confidence throughout their training. She appreciates Tucson’s wide open skies, scenic hiking trails, beautiful sunsets, and welcoming community.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Joshi enjoys spending time in nature, tending to plants, and listening to music.
Bala Kalyansundaram, M.D.
Dr. Bala Kalynasundaram grew up in Vellore, a small city in southern India, and attended medical school in Coimbatore.
Dr. Kalynasundaram is excited to train at THMEP and work alongside his colleagues while continuing to experience the diversity and beauty of the Sonoran Desert. His appreciation for Tucson has grown as he has explored more of the region and its unique landscape.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Kalynasundaram enjoys motorcycling, hiking, traveling like a local, and discovering new places, food, and brews.
Manish Mahesh, M.D.
Dr. Manish Mahesh was born in Mysore, India, and spent part of his early childhood in Boca Raton, Florida, before moving to Bangalore. He graduated from Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital in 2023 and later worked in basic science research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, where he focused on genetic drivers of metabolic syndrome.
Dr. Mahesh was drawn to THMEP because of its close-knit community, academic excellence, strong clinical training, and emphasis on meaningful community impact. He is excited to train in Tucson and continue growing as a physician in a supportive environment.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Mahesh enjoys playing basketball, following Formula One, cricket, tennis, and soccer, and exploring hiking and nature.
Sahithi Mallyala, M.D.
Dr. Sahithi Mallyala was born and raised in Hyderabad, India, and completed her medical education at Bhaskar Medical College. With the support of her family, she has pursued medicine with a commitment to personal growth, compassion, and service.
Dr. Mallyala views medicine as an opportunity to support patients during vulnerable moments and strives to be a dependable, grounded physician. She was drawn to THMEP after experiencing a welcoming, supportive environment at TMC and is excited to begin this next chapter in Tucson, a city whose mountains, sunsets, and warmth already feel like home.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Mallyala enjoys walking, spending time with loved ones, sewing, cooking, creating new recipes, and appreciating slower moments.
Muhammad Sarfraz, M.D.
Dr. Muhammad Sarfraz was born and raised in a small village in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Inspired by his parents’ encouragement and belief in education, he pursued medicine and earned his medical degree from King Edward Medical University, where he developed a strong clinical foundation and commitment to patient-centered care.
Through clinical rotations and research experience in Arizona, Dr. Sarfraz developed an appreciation for the professional environment and sense of community in the United States. He was drawn to THMEP because of its welcoming atmosphere, commitment to diversity, and supportive culture, and he looks forward to strengthening his clinical skills while contributing meaningfully to the field of medicine.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Sarfraz enjoys spending time with friends, playing table tennis, cricket, and pickleball, exploring Tucson’s hiking trails and food scene, and experimenting with cooking.
Sameena Sheeba Sararullah, M.D.
Dr. Sameena Sheeba Safarullah is originally from India and completed her medical education at Al-Azhar Medical College in Kerala. She later worked as a resident medical officer in the emergency department, a formative experience that helped shape her clinical path. After moving to the United States in 2022, she continued building her clinical experience in Texas, particularly in internal medicine.
Dr. Safarullah’s rotation at THMEP played an important role in her interest in the program. She was drawn to the camaraderie among residents and faculty, the supportive and collaborative learning environment, and the balance between teaching and autonomy. She is also excited to call Tucson home, with its sunny weather, welcoming community, and proximity to family.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Safarullah enjoys singing Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi songs, performing on stage, playing throwball, watercolor painting, and spending time with friends and family.
Dalton Svoboda, D.O.
Dr. Dalton Svoboda was born and raised in Arizona. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physiology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Arizona before attending Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale and completing clinical rotations in Tucson.
Dr. Svoboda is excited to continue his training at THMEP because of its excellent educators, staff, and learning opportunities. Having spent much of the last decade in Tucson, he values the city’s diversity and culture and looks forward to continuing to learn from and serve the community.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Svoboda enjoys woodworking, camping, locksport, gaming, and ham radio.
Mustafa Tawaha, M.D.
Dr. Mustafa Tawaha was born and raised in Hofa, a small town in Jordan, and earned his medical degree from Yarmouk University. His interest in internal medicine grew through complex cases and the opportunity to think deeply about patient care.
Dr. Tawaha chose THMEP for its strong training, diverse patient population, and supportive environment where faculty and staff invest in resident growth. Tucson’s dry air, sunshine, and desert landscape remind him of home, and he and his wife are excited to make Tucson their new home.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Tawaha enjoys video games, playing soccer, and spending time with his growing family of cats.
