Internal Medicine Residents
Class of 2026
Zeinab Alnahas, M.D.
Dr. Zeinab Alnahas was born and raised in the city of the Great Pyramids--Giza, Egypt, and attended Cairo University for her medical education. She received a master’s degree in public health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Alnahas chose THMEP for her internal medicine residency because it is a well established system with an excellent reputation in medical education and training. She was attracted to the welcoming and supporting environment of the program that will enable her to achieve her goals. Outside of working, She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, painting and traveling.
Riyadh Al-Saffar, M.D.
Dr. Riyadh Al-Saffar was born in Baghdad. He graduated from Almustansiriya Medical College and worked as primary care provider in his private clinic.
Dr. Al-Saffar wanted to continue his training in Tucson because he enjoys what Tucson has to offer. He particularly likes the diversity of food, music and cultures around town. During his free time, he enjoys time with his family and friends, as well as travel, exploring new restaurants, playing football, swimming, shooting trap and skeet.
In 2018 he joined Avalon University School of Medicine to update his clinical skills. In 2022 he worked as a primary care provider in Tucson under a transitional training permit. Dr. Al-Saffar treats his patients with empathy and respect. He promises that he will provide the highest level of care to them and their families.
Dr. Al-Saffar is proud that he has achieved his dream of joining the THMEP Internal Medicine Residency and to continue his journey of learning.
Shatha Elemian, M.D.
Dr. Shatha Elemian was born and raised in Amman, Jordan. She completed her medical degree at Yarmouk University and went on to pursue two years of transitional residency training at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), a premier institution in Jordan. Seeking to expand her clinical experience, she moved to New Jersey, where she completed the first two years of her internal medicine residency.
Dr. Elemian is excited to continue her training at the Tucson Hospitals Medical Education Program (THMEP). She was drawn to THMEP for its strong academic foundation, diverse patient population, and supportive teaching environment that fosters both professional and personal growth.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Elemian enjoys the vibrant community and natural beauty of Tucson. She appreciates the city's perfect balance of outdoor recreation and cultural life. In her free time, she enjoys hiking the scenic trails around Tucson, playing tennis, and spending time with her friends and family.
Arif Itmam, D.O.
Dr. Arif Itmam obtained his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. Following that, he attended A.T. Still University for medical school and completed his clinical rotations in Cincinnati, where he developed a keen interest in hospital and critical care medicine.
Dr. Itmam is thrilled to start his journey at THMEP, where he hopes to build on his clinical and procedural skills under the guidance of astute physicians. Returning to Arizona is particularly special for his wife, Victoria, and him as it is home to both of them.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading, working out, playing with his cats, listening to podcasts and playing sports. He also has a passion for food, both cooking and eating, and is eager to sample the diverse culinary offerings of the area.
He has visited Tucson multiple times to go hiking and looks forward to exploring the mountains again. Additionally, as Southern Arizona is known as an “astronomer's delight,” he is excited to go stargazing.
Fady Mikhael, M.D.
Dr. Fady Mikhael was born and raised in Cairo and earned his medical degree from Cairo University Faculty of Medicine.
Apart from being a proud husband and father, he finds great satisfaction in the field of medicine, building connections with people and spending quality time with loved ones. In his leisure, he indulges in playing squash, watching Netflix, keeping up with Premier League matches, and occasionally, unwinding with PlayStation.
Driven by his eagerness to learn and desire to expand his horizons, he was drawn to the THMEP Internal Medicine Residency. The program's reputation for providing exceptional education and training opportunities, along with its supportive atmosphere, caught his attention. His interview experience reinforced his belief that this is the ideal program for him.
Amritpal Singh, M.D.
Dr. Amritpal Singh was born and raised in Punjab, the northern state of India. He did his medical school and post graduation in critical care and anesthesia from Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of medical sciences, Amritsar, India. He worked as an intensivist in India before moving his family to the United States.
Dr. Singh visited Arizona many times before, and he liked the weather, hiking and mountain views. His wife and son are excited to live in Tucson.
Dr. Singh feels that as a resident in the new internal medicine program, he will have more opportunity to learn directly from consultants and will have more direct patient care and hands-on experience.
In his spare time, he usually hangs out with his friends and family. He loves gardening, gymming, jogging, and watching science documentaries.
Yousif Youhana, D.O.
Dr. Yousif Youhana was born in Baghdad and lived there for most his childhood. He moved to the United States in 2008 and lived in Michigan for two years. It was freezing, so his family moved to the nearest desert, which was Arizona! He attended Arizona State University Tempe Campus where he graduated with a microbiology degree. Dr. Youhana then went on to attend Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Southern Utah.
Dr. Youhana is excited about THMEP and living in the Tucson area. He is particularly excited about two things: the small class size of residents, where he can develop close bounds with his co-residents; and staying in a hot desert environment, similar to the beloved desert he grew up in and became accustomed to.
For fun, Dr. Youhana enjoys hiking and exploring unique national parks. He enjoys the lovely sport of soccer. Despite breaking his left distal radius and his right patella, he still finds joy in playing the sport. Other hobbies include playing FIFA on the PS5 and making online comedic medical videos for people to watch and enjoy.
Class of 2027
Ernest Algabre, M.D.
Dr. Ernest Algabre was born and raised in the beautiful tropical islands of the Philippines. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology at the University of the Philippines Diliman and attended the Cebu Institute of Medicine for his medical education. He worked as a physician in an underserved community back home and subsequently trained in internal medicine prior to moving here in Arizona.
Dr. Algabre is ecstatic to be a part of an amazing THMEP family and is eager to immerse himself in a learning and collaborative environment with his mentors and colleagues, with a greater aim of serving the Tucson community. On top of that, he cannot wait to try the sumptuous cuisine and gorgeous scenery that Tucson has to offer.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Algabre loves spending time with his family, traveling, discovering new eats, hiking, working out, and is a sports aficionado particularly in basketball.
BIlaval Javed, M.D.
Dr. Bilaval Javed grew up in Pakistan and went to medical school in Lahore. He loves Tucson for its beautiful landscape and endless hiking and enjoys walking through the beautiful sunsets!
Dr. Javed was drawn by the close-knit community of THMEP and the opportunity to train in a mixed community/academic health setting. The program’s rich learning environment and dedicated faculty sealed his decision to apply to THMEP, and getting to stay in Tucson was an added bonus.
His hobbies include soccer, running, hiking and anything outdoors.
Pream Kadevari, D.O.
My name is Pream Kadevari. I was born in La Jolla, California, and grew up all throughout Southern California, including the San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles areas. I attended college at California State University, Fullerton, and earned my medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Knoxville, Tennessee.
I chose to pursue a career in internal medicine because of my broad clinical interests during medical school and my training experiences in both rural and urban settings, which exposed me to a wide range of medical conditions and patient populations. I hope by becoming an internist I will be able to practice in similarly diverse environments. Caring for patients from all walks of life, each with unique medical needs and social challenges, is what drives my passion for medicine every day.
I am excited to train with THMEP in Tucson, Arizona, as it offers a unique and diverse patient population, along with the opportunity to train in both community and federal healthcare facilities. I believe that, combined with the personalized training at THEMP, this dynamic learning environment will prepare me to care for patients with complex medical needs in any practice setting.
Beyond the diversity and facilities at THEMP, I am further attracted to Tucson’s desert landscape. This type of atmosphere is very familiar to me as I spent countless hours growing up in the Palm Springs area, where my family originally resided. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy surfing, playing guitar, practicing nature photography and traveling in my free time.
Awais Khan, M.D.
Coming Soon
Sachin Mishra, M.D.
Dr. Sachin Mishra was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, and has lived in Virginia, Louisiana, and now Tucson. Dr. Mishra moved to Tucson in 2016 after completing an undergraduate degree in environmental health at UNC-Chapel Hill. He loves the variety of outdoor activities that Tucson offers, as well as its deep historical and cultural influences that are still felt around the city today.
Dr. Mishra chose THMEP because of its close ties to physicians in the community and its small class size, believing that medicine is about serving people and building personal connections with patients. He is excited to work alongside the pillars of the medical community in Tucson to serve the people of the city and Southern Arizona.
Satanay Omar Mahmoud, M.D.
Dr. Satanay Omar Mahmoud is originally Circassian but was raised and educated in the multicultural community of the United Arab Emirates. Recently moving to Tucson, Dr. Omar Mahmoud fell in love with the natural splendor and the warmth of the people.
Passionate about a career in medicine, Dr. Omar Mahmoud is an advocate for health and pursuing a healthy lifestyle. As a sports enthusiast, she can often be found at the gym, hiking, or trying a new diet style.
Having been nurtured in a diverse community, Dr. Omar Mahmoud has an innate curiosity for exploring new cultures and traditions.
Garvita Singhal, M.D.
I was born and raised in the beautiful desert state of Rajasthan in northern India. I graduated from Dr. S.N. Medical College in April 2022. My passion for medicine, especially Internal Medicine, developed during my clinical rotations in the US and throughout medical school. To strengthen my practical skills and complement my theoretical knowledge, I spent a year working as a medical officer in Pulmonology in India.
My aspiration has always been to become a doctor who connects deeply with patients, helping them achieve their healthcare goals. Outside of my medical career, I find joy in cooking and baking, which provide me with a much-needed relaxation after a busy day. I also like to spend my spare time doing oil painting, kitchen gardening, and swimming.
I am thrilled to join the THMEP family, where I look forward to building lifelong friendships with my colleagues, faculty members, and staff. The prospect of starting my life in Tucson excites me, as its weather reminds me of home in Rajasthan. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, and to move closer to my dream of becoming a well-rounded Internal Medicine physician.
Michael Staren, D.O., M.S.
Dr. Michael Staren was born in Chicago, IL. In 2011, he moved with his family to Arizona and has since called Arizona home. Dr. Staren graduated from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University, with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, followed by a master’s degree in the science of health care delivery.
Dr. Staren completed medical training at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. During this time, he developed a passion for internal medicine. Through participation in the THMEP Internal Medicine Residency Program, he is excited to manage a wide variety of pathophysiological conditions through the excellent training provided by Tucson Medical Center, practice medicine in his home state of Arizona, and learn how to optimize the quality of care provided to patients, making a difference in their lives.
In his spare time, Dr. Staren enjoys playing golf and tennis, and is a proud Disney nerd, and most importantly, finds joy in spending time with friends and loved ones.
Class of 2028
Fatima Aslam, M.D.
I was born and raised in Pakistan and completed my medical education at Services Institute of Medical Sciences in Lahore. I have fond memories of my time there—not only because of the strong clinical training, but also the meaningful friendships I formed, which continue to be an important part of my life.
I completed most of my U.S. clinical rotations in Tucson, including at THMEP, where I immediately felt at home. The close-knit community, supportive residents, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population left a lasting impression on me. With my family living nearby and my love for sunshine, Tucson truly became a home away from home.
In my free time, I enjoy painting, hiking, exploring different cuisines, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Himanshi Banker, M.D.
I’m a first-generation doctor in an Indian family of engineers, born in a small city in Maharashtra and raised in the vibrant and bustling city of Delhi. I completed my medical education at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi.
What drew me to THMEP for residency was the strong sense of inclusivity and diversity that was evident even during the interview process. I’ve always dreamed of training at a place where I can grow not just as a clinician, but as someone who contributes meaningfully to the future of the field — and THMEP truly embodies that spirit.
Tucson’s incredible hiking trails, breathtaking sunsets, and amazing food scene make it all the more exciting to begin this next chapter here. Outside of medicine, I enjoy painting and diving into books, particularly philosophical works and biographies. I’m also a huge sports enthusiast and a lifelong Ronaldo fan.
I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful community of people who share a passion for practicing compassionate, evidence-based medicine.
Arya Bisen, M.D.
I grew up in the suburban regions of Central India, surrounded by the forests that inspired The Jungle Book. Early exposure to both the richness of nature and the challenges posed by limited access to quality healthcare sparked my purpose to pursue medicine and shaped my desire to contribute meaningfully to underserved communities.
I graduated from Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College in Pune, India, in 2024 and gained clinical experience in Michigan and New York. These experiences deepened my dedication to pursuing robust training in Internal Medicine and serving with both competence and compassion.
I am excited to train at THMEP, a program I chose for its academic excellence, exceptional clinical learning, and supportive leadership—elements that I believe will foster my growth both professionally and personally. Being in Tucson also brings me closer to my sibling, and I look forward to exploring the outdoors.
Beyond clinical work, I am involved in research and public health outreach. I have led health initiatives through the International Federation of Medical Students Associations and contributed to the WHO’s yoga-based wellness program. Outside medicine, I enjoy yoga, graphic design & medical content creation, playing ukulele on YouTube, and performing stand-up comedy. I strive to bring both my mind and heart into everything I do—whether as a physician, teammate, or lifelong learner.
Vivek Mahadevaiah, M.D.
I grew up in the heart of Bangalore, but spent part of my early childhood in a quiet rural area—which gave me the best of both worlds: fast city vibes and peaceful roots. I went to medical school at Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and later completed my MD in Emergency Medicine, where I learned to never sleep during shifts, juggle chaos, and run on way too much coffee.
I was drawn towards Internal medicine which gave me the space to slow down (just a little), dive into complex cases, and build real connections with patients—so I made the switch.
I’m super excited to be at THMEP. It felt like the kind of program where people genuinely care, the training is strong, and the exposure is solid. Tucson felt like home when I rotated here and it’s a major win—sunsets, mountains, space to breathe… basically everything Bangalore traffic never offered.
When I’m not nerding out, you can find me hiking to find the best views in town, getting my fingers dirty in the garden, or trying out new recipes that might be a little experimental (but usually tasty!). I also have a soft spot for writing and getting lost in books—whether it's about medicine or something random to get my mind off the grind.
Nipakumari Patel, M.D.
I am originally from a small farming village in India. I completed my medical education at Soochow University in China, where I built a strong academic foundation. After working as a general physician in India, I moved to Canada and continued to grow through clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings in the United States. These experiences deepened my interest in hospital medicine and strengthened my commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care.
The program’s reputation for exceptional education and training, along with the supportive and welcoming environment I experienced firsthand as an observer, affirmed my belief that this is the ideal place to begin my residency journey. My interview experience further reinforced that conviction. Tucson’s sunny skies, beautiful hiking trails, and friendly community make it a wonderful place to live and learn.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy practicing yoga, hiking, and experimenting with spicy recipes in the kitchen. I look forward to making Tucson my home during residency and contributing meaningfully to the community.
Athira Penghat, D.O.
My name is Athira Penghat, and I was born in Toronto, Canada. When I was ten, my family then moved to Cupertino, CA in the San Francisco Bay Area. I earned my bachelor’s degree in a few disciplines—anthropology, human biology, and human health—at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, followed by a master’s degree in biochemistry at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA.
I then went to medical school at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, where I developed a passion for critical care medicine. I chose to pursue an internal medicine residency at THMEP because I was impressed by the combination of exceptional educational opportunities and supportive faculty and staff at Tucson Medical Center. I am also excited to explore the ample culture and diversity of Tucson.
In my spare time, I enjoy doing arts and crafts, collecting knick-knacks and artwork at flea markets, trying new restaurants, watching the trashiest reality TV, and spending time with my two cats, Jeera (cumin) and Malli (coriander) a.k.a. my Spice Girls!
Joseph Rivera, D.O.
Dr. Joseph Rivera lived in Tucson, Arizona most of his life. After serving in the US Air Force, he chose to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Physiology. Following that, he attended medical school at A.T. Still University and completed his clinical rotations here in Tucson.
Driven by his passion for learning and building meaningful relationships with people, Dr. Rivera chose to pursue a career in community medicine. He looks forward to his training through THMEP’s internal medicine residency so he may have opportunities to learn directly from adept senior residents and seasoned attending physicians. He feels absolutely privileged to remain in his hometown where he will stay to practice as an attending physician, providing compassionate care for fellow members within the community he loves.
In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities, fitness, reading science and philosophy, and listening to music. He enjoys spending peaceful time and sharing foodie adventures with friends and loved ones.
Divya Shivakumar, M.D.
Hey! I’m Divya Shivakumar. I was born in Kerala, India, and raised in Hyderabad, India, leading to a multicultural upbringing. I finished medical school at Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Center in Hyderabad, India.
I was very inclined to internal medicine since medical school, and now that I am a resident, it is very exciting. I love the diagnostic challenges that the specialty poses and the multi-disciplinary approach by collaborating with different teams. Tucson truly reminds me of my hometown, Hyderabad, resembling the weather and food. Hyderabad is known for its food, and so is Tucson- a UNESCO gastronomy city, hence my top choice.
I love travelling and exploring new places, I aim to visit as many countries as possible by the end of my life. I also love to cook, sing and paint.
Muhammad Zammam, M.D.
I was born in Sialkot, Pakistan - a city known worldwide for its sporting goods. I later moved to Karachi, where I attended one of the oldest high schools in the city, dating back to the 18th century, and graduated in 2011. I went on to complete medical school at Dow Medical College, Karachi, in 2019.
Sports have always been a part of my DNA. I started with cricket (because, of course - I’m from Pakistan), had a short-lived affair with football, and then discovered squash during med school. It was love at first racquet, YES, I said it, and I stand by it. My friends always joked that if I wasn’t in class or buried in the library, I was definitely on the squash court. At one point, I was even ranked the #4 seed in my state. Sadly, squash took a serious hit during the COVID years... we don’t talk about those dark times.
Tucson genuinely feels like a home away from home. The desert vibes, the warmth (both literal and from the people), it all just clicks. I first heard about TMC through a fun fact on Facebook back in 2016 or 2017, claiming it used to be the largest one-floor hospital in the country. I mean, how cool is that? The more I learned about Southern Arizona, the more I knew TMC was where I wanted to train. As one of the largest referral centers in the region, it offers an incredible range of complex cases and a dynamic learning environment.
In my free time, I play squash whenever I get the chance, hang out with friends, and travel. So far, I’ve mostly traveled solo- not because I’m mysterious or anything... I just haven’t found a travel buddy yet. But hey, that might be changing soon.
