Internal Medicine PGY2 Residents
Class of 2028
Fatima Aslam, M.D.
Dr. Fatima Aslam was born and raised in Pakistan and completed her medical education at Services Institute of Medical Sciences in Lahore, where she developed strong clinical training and lasting friendships.
Dr. Aslam completed most of her U.S. clinical rotations in Tucson, including at THMEP, where she quickly felt at home. She was drawn to the program’s close-knit community, supportive residents, strong mentorship, and opportunity to care for a diverse patient population. With family nearby and a love for sunshine, Tucson has become a home away from home.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Aslam enjoys painting, hiking, exploring different cuisines, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Himanshi Banker, M.D.
Dr. Himanshi Banker is a first-generation physician from an Indian family of engineers. She was born in Maharashtra, India, raised in Delhi, and completed her medical education at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi.
Dr. Banker was drawn to THMEP because of the program’s inclusivity, diversity, and commitment to compassionate, evidence-based medicine. She is excited to train in a place where she can grow as a clinician and contribute meaningfully to the future of the field. She also looks forward to enjoying Tucson’s hiking trails, sunsets, and food scene.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Banker enjoys painting, reading philosophical works and biographies, following sports, and cheering for Ronaldo.
Arya Bisen, M.D.
Dr. Arya Bisen grew up in Central India, surrounded by the forests that inspired The Jungle Book. Early exposure to the beauty of nature and the challenges of limited access to quality healthcare helped shape his desire to pursue medicine and serve underserved communities.
Dr. Bisen graduated from Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College in Pune, India, in 2024 and gained clinical experience in Michigan and New York. He chose THMEP for its academic excellence, exceptional clinical learning, and supportive leadership, and looks forward to growing both professionally and personally in Tucson while being closer to his sibling.
Beyond clinical work, Dr. Bisen is involved in research and public health outreach, including health initiatives through the International Federation of Medical Students Associations and the WHO’s yoga-based wellness program. Outside of medicine, he enjoys yoga, graphic design, medical content creation, playing ukulele on YouTube, and performing stand-up comedy.
Vivek Mahadevaiah, M.D.
Dr. Vivek Mahadevaiah grew up in Bangalore, India, and also spent part of his early childhood in a rural area, giving him an appreciation for both city life and quieter surroundings. He attended Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and later completed his MD in Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Mahadevaiah was drawn to internal medicine for the opportunity to engage with complex cases and build meaningful connections with patients. He is excited to train at THMEP because of its caring environment, strong training, and broad clinical exposure. After rotating in Tucson, he felt at home among the city’s sunsets, mountains, and open spaces.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Mahadevaiah enjoys hiking, gardening, trying new recipes, writing, and reading.
Nipakumari Patel, M.D.
Dr. Nipakumari Patel is originally from a small farming village in India. She completed her medical education at Soochow University in China, worked as a general physician in India, and later moved to Canada before gaining clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings in the United States. These experiences deepened her interest in hospital medicine and strengthened her commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care.
Dr. Patel was drawn to THMEP because of its reputation for exceptional education and training, as well as the supportive and welcoming environment she experienced firsthand as an observer and during her interview. She looks forward to making Tucson home while enjoying its sunny skies, hiking trails, and friendly community.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Patel enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, and experimenting with spicy recipes in the kitchen.
Athira Penghat, D.O.
Dr. Athira Penghat was born in Toronto, Canada, and moved to Cupertino, California, with her family when she was ten. She earned bachelor’s degrees in anthropology, human biology, and human health from Emory University, followed by a master’s degree in biochemistry from Tulane University. She completed medical school at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona.
Dr. Penghat developed a passion for critical care medicine and chose THMEP for its exceptional educational opportunities and supportive faculty and staff at Tucson Medical Center. She is also excited to explore Tucson’s culture and diversity.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Penghat enjoys arts and crafts, collecting knick-knacks and artwork at flea markets, trying new restaurants, watching reality TV, and spending time with her two cats, Jeera and Malli.
Joseph Rivera, D.O.
Dr. Joseph Rivera has lived in Tucson, Arizona, for most of his life. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he pursued a career in medicine, earning his bachelor’s degree in physiology from the University of Arizona and completing medical school at A.T. Still University. He also completed his clinical rotations in Tucson.
Dr. Rivera chose community medicine because of his passion for learning and building meaningful relationships with patients. He is excited to train through THMEP’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, where he will learn from senior residents and attending physicians while continuing to serve the community he calls home.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Rivera enjoys outdoor activities, fitness, reading science and philosophy, listening to music, spending peaceful time with loved ones, and exploring local food with friends and family.
Divya Shivakumar, M.D.
Dr. Divya Shivakumar was born in Kerala, India, and raised in Hyderabad, India, giving her a multicultural upbringing. She completed medical school at Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Center in Hyderabad.
Dr. Shivakumar has been drawn to internal medicine since medical school and enjoys the specialty’s diagnostic challenges and multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Tucson reminded her of Hyderabad through its weather and food culture, and its designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy made it an especially appealing place to train.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Shivakumar enjoys traveling, exploring new places, cooking, singing, and painting.
Muhammad Zammam, M.D.
Dr. Muhammad Zammam was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, a city known worldwide for sporting goods, and later moved to Karachi. He graduated from one of Karachi’s oldest high schools in 2011 and completed medical school at Dow Medical College in 2019.
Dr. Zammam was drawn to TMC and Southern Arizona after learning more about the region and the hospital’s role as a major referral center. He is excited to train in a dynamic learning environment with exposure to a wide range of complex cases, and Tucson’s desert landscape and warm community have made it feel like a home away from home.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Zammam enjoys squash, sports, spending time with friends, and traveling.
