Current Residents

Shanaz Ahmad, M.D.

• Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Science- St. Kitts, Caribbean
• Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno
• Career Goals: To establish a practice that is all encompassing: primary care, preventive medicine, community medicine, lifestyle medicine and women’s health; while also tending to my passion for academic medicine.
• Hobbies: Being outdoors! Hiking, biking, paddle boarding, snow shoeing, skiing, yoga, hanging in my hammock, reading, dedicating time for charity work, learning about the world and the people in it, cooking & finding new places to eat, and my most favorite thing ever- is being a Mom!

"Choosing the University of Nevada, Reno- Family Medicine Residency was probably one of the easiest things to do! I was born and raised here in Reno, NV, so choosing to train in an area that I know so well and love so much, really felt right.  The constructive, driven and collaborative environment here at UNR-FM, made me feel like there are no barriers to my growth.  After completing residency, I look forward to giving back to the same community that has treated me so well for all these years!"

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Christianah Akinola, M.D., M.H.A.

• Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno
• Career Goals: Upskilling to optimize medical resources for a rapid, coordinated and innovative patient care; addressing, catering and responding to the medical needs of the community.
• Hobbies: Listening to music, making DIY projects, exploring interior decorating ideas and designs.

"Offerings of the UNR Med Family Medicine program triangulates my career goals in both scholarly delivery and the embrace of ingenuity, excellence, and inclusion, equipping me to give back to my 27-year homestead."

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Nicole Clifton, D.O.

• • Medical School: Touro University Nevada
  • Undergraduate College: University of California, Davis
  • Career Goals: Full-spectrum Family Medicine with emphasis in musculoskeletal medicine, wound care and volunteer work.
  • Hobbies: Fencing, skiing, country line dancing

"This is home! I’ve always had Reno pride from growing up here. It was great to see that UNR had such a strong Family Medicine program. After running into a high school classmate who was a current resident, then meeting more of the residents and faculty, I felt that this was the program for me. Everyone was immediately welcoming and receptive to my interests. There is always something exciting to do: diverse rotations (ski clinic, Burning Man, rural), meaningful clinic visits, conferences, hikes, ski days and downtown activities. I’m looking forward to it all."

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Alexandra Kurek, M.D.

• • Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
  • Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno
  • Career Goals: Women’s health, advocacy
  • Hobbies: Weight lifting, cooking, traveling

"As a premedical student, I shadowed UNR family medicine physicians and that experience had a massive influence on choosing the specialty. The physicians I worked with were approachable, caring, and excited to teach. It was those qualities and the opportunity to receive broad-spectrum training in family medicine that made me choose UNR Med. Reno is also a great place to live with something to do for everyone. I am excited to be back in Reno and honored to be training with those same physicians!"

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Mohammad Saba, M.D.

• • Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
  • Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno
  • Career Goals: Provide care to socioeconomically disadvantaged and underserved communities. Be involved with medical education.
  • Hobbies: In addition to spending time with family and friends, I enjoy fishing, playing basketball, following professional sports, and reading about history and philosophy. 

"I grew up in Reno so it only made sense to come back home and serve my community. Also, given that the program is both academic and community based, it was a major incentive for me in relation to my career goals. Last but not least, the family medicine program here is like one big family, pun intended! I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing group of genuine and kind individuals."

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Brandy Soltz Isaacs, M.D.

• • Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
  • Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, California State University San Bernardino
  • Career Goals: Rural family medicine
  • Hobbies: Travel, scuba diving, kayaking, camping, quilting and crochet

"Reno has become near and dear to my heart over the last four years while completing medical school. The close-knit community and its sheer beauty quickly made Reno home, and I truly could not think of doing my residency in family medicine anywhere else. In fact, one of the reasons I chose to attend medical school in Reno was for the family medicine residency program. The relationships I formed with the family medicine attendings and residents throughout medical school solidified my decision. I realized quickly that I had found 'my people.' The UNR Med Family Medicine Residency is devoted to patient centered care with a commitment to medical education. I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of this remarkable team."

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Laura Wozniak, M.D.

• • Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
  • Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno
  • Career Goals: Academic medicine, full spectrum family medicine
  • Hobbies: Skiing, backpacking, surfing, knitting

"Here at UNR Med, they truly practice 'cradle-to-grave' family medicine. In the clinic and the wards, they see newborns, adolescence, women’s health, adult health, and geriatrics almost all on a daily basis. I felt confident in my choice with UNR Med because I knew I would be a well-rounded and a well-trained family physician after finishing this program. Furthermore, the faculty and residents her are so welcoming and eager to teach which makes any residency experience a much greater one. Also, you cannot beat Lake Tahoe with what it offers year round, from kayaking, hiking, to world-class skiing!"

Danielle Ginsburg, D.O

• Medical School: William Carey University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Undergraduate College: Western Colorado University
• Career Goals: Sports Medicine with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine as well as general Family Medicine!
• Hobbies: Rock Climbing, Skiing, nature walks with my dogs, or really anything outdoors!

"I immediately felt like I found 'my people' when I was on my rotation with UNR Med Family Medicine. I was immediately welcomed by everyone and thoroughly enjoyed my time. I also was born and raised in Reno, NV which was an added bonus to come back home and train as well as provide care to the community that helped raise me!"

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Josef Heller, M.D.

• Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
• Undergraduate College: West Virginia University
• Career Goals: Part-time primary care, part-time locum rural emergency medicine
• Hobbies: Guitar, singing, piano, church, family time, working out, video games

"I moved all around the country growing up as a Navy brat. I enjoyed getting to see so many different places and meet so many new people every couple of years, but Nevada was always home—the place we came to visit extended family on holidays and between moves. In 2018, I finally moved back to Carson City to be with family. I worked at Carson Tahoe Hospital while I applied and was accepted into medical school at UNR Med. I was fortunate to be able to stay in Reno for my Family Medicine residency; I look forward to serving the population of Northern Nevada long after I complete my training. Home means Nevada!"

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Robert Higley, M.D.

• Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
• Career Goals: Sports Medicine and Diversity within my practice
• Hobbies: music, spending time in Tahoe, and sports such as baseball, football, skiing, and basketball.

"I was born and raised in Reno, attending McQueen High School and then the University of Nevada, Reno where I majored in Biology. Following my undergraduate studies, I obtained my MBA and participated in UNR Med’s Post Baccalaureate program where I then ultimately attended medical school.

"I love the community I grew up in and am excited at the opportunity to serve the people I share it with. During my off time I enjoy music, spending time in Tahoe, taking my huskies on hikes, and sports such as baseball, football, skiing, and basketball."

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Nalee Little, D.O.

• Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of Washington Seattle, WA
• Career Goals: Full Spectrum Care, Women’s Health, OMT, and Palliative Medicine
• Hobbies: cooking, reading, writing, painting, hot yoga, weight-lifting, rock climbing, paddle-boarding, meditation, hiking and trail running with my golden retriever!

"I grew up in the Seattle area of Washington state and obtained my medical degree from Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima, Washington. I was drawn to Family Medicine for its continuity: watching my patient panel grow and seeing my patients heal and invest in themselves is why I chose this specialty! Currently, I hold strong interests in palliative medicine, lifestyle medicine, newborn care, and women’s health. I love seeing everyone, at any age, and enjoy doing a plethora of procedures in the clinic such as skin biopsies, circumcisions, IUDs, and more, and enjoy performing osteopathic manipulative treatment to help facilitate tissue healing, especially in those with chronic pain and other musculoskeletal ailments. Ultimately, my daily work centers around my passion for patient-centered care, considering all aspects of every individual to promote health in a way best suited to each of their needs.

"I was attracted to the Family Medicine program at UNR for so many reasons – my co-residents are amazing, the faculty here are supportive, and I have a strong love for the outdoors. I am excited to spend the next several years taking care of the Reno community and hope to see you during my time here!"

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John Russell, M.D., M.P.H.

• Medical School: Our Lady of Fatima University, College of Medicine
• Graduate College: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno
• Career Goals: Public Health, Health Policy, Preventative and Lifestyle Medicine
• Hobbies: Spending time with family, traveling, tech, finance, motorsports

"It was a great feeling to be selected in the Match to come back 'home' to Reno after living overseas and out-of-state during my medical school training. I wanted to be part of this program’s well-earned reputation for its outstanding training in full-spectrum primary care. Its faculty & residents are beyond exceptional, and it was easy to connect with them throughout the interview season. I’m delighted for the opportunity to train here!"

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Taylor Thomas, M.D.

• Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
• Undergraduate: University of San Diego
• Career Goals: Full spectrum family medicine of all ages with involvement in LGBTQIA+ health and Women’s health
• Hobbies: Golfing, cooking, traveling, art and spending time outside

"Growing up in Reno I knew that I would eventually make my way back home. The faculty and residents of UNR family medicine are truly some of the most compassionate and dedicated people I have met. It was an easy decision to choose this program, knowing that I would be able to explore my interests, learn broad spectrum medicine and grow as a physician."

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Edward Urtiaga, M.D.

• Medical School: University of California Riverside
• Undergraduate: California State University Long Beach
• Career Goals: Own my own business/private practice
• Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Golf, Snowboarding

"I was initially drawn to UNR Med Family Medicine due to the location. Growing up my family and I would always go camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains and I love the endless outdoor activities this area offers. I was also impressed with the strong comradery amongst the residents and between the resident classes. Furthermore, the faculty and rotation preceptors truly love to teach and create an environment conducive to learning. I appreciate that this program will help mold me into the physician I want to be, and I look forward to serving this community as a physician."

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Jessica White, M.D.

• Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
• Undergraduate: Emory University
• Career Goals: Broad-spectrum outpatient primary care vs. maybe hospice/palliative care fellowship
• Hobbies: Knitting, watercolor painting, hiking, camping, trying out new foods and restaurants!

"I chose UNR Med Family Medicine because I felt a very strong connection to the people I met during my interviews and I knew from visiting family in Reno that I would feel right at home in the area. As an east coast transplant, I felt very welcome here in Reno from the moment we arrived. Not to mention the views of the mountains and amazing hikes and camping in the area! From meeting my amazing co-residents to working with all of our faculty on rotations, I'm happy to say that this was definitely the right choice for me. If you're looking for a program with very strong community ties, truly broad-spectrum training in both outpatient and inpatient settings, and a group of co-residents that genuinely do hang out with each other and support each other, then look no further!"

Bowen (Bo) Anderson, M.D.

• Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of Kentucky
• Career Goals: Primary Care Family Medicine, Sports Medicine
• Hobbies: Cooking and Baking! Love to try out new recipes. Foodie so I love trying and finding new restaurants/cuisine, working out (swimming, running, weight lifting), outdoors (hiking, camping), reading
  

"Loved the area (have family in town and originally from Reno), lots of outdoorsy fun stuff to do nearby, strength in Sports Medicine (between elective opportunities, the fellowship, success in matching residents to fellowship, and resources), unique respect and appreciation of Family Medicine in the community and at Renown hospital I felt is special."

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Chad (Royal) Cole, D.O.

• Medical School: Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Undergraduate College: Idaho State University
• Career Goals: Full-spectrum family medicine, with special interest in Sports Medicine
• Hobbies: Family time with my wife and kids, rock climbing, skiing, hiking/backpacking, trail running, piano, music.
  

"UNR Med Family Medicine was a perfect fit for my family and I, both personally and professionally. I was initially drawn to the program due to the location with close proximity to the Sierra Nevada, and Reno was the type of community where my family could thrive. After interviewing and meeting faculty and residents at other events, I could see that this was a family-friendly program, and one that put an appropriate emphasis on resident wellness and camaraderie. It was also readily apparent that I could get the robust training I was looking for, with vast opportunities to individualize the training to my professional goals and interests. I was particularly impressed by the opportunities in Sports Medicine and Wilderness Medicine, areas of interest for me.

"Ultimately, UNR Med Family Medicine had the exact mix of robust training, family-friendly lifestyle, location, and close-knit peers that I was looking for. I am eager to serve and be a part of this community!"

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Holly Furlong, D.O.

• Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of Phoenix, University of Colorado Denver
• Career Goals: Full scope rural medicine
• Hobbies: Gardening, hiking and being outside, fishing, games, anything my kids are into at the moment.
  

"Through the interview process, I enjoyed all my interactions with residents and faculty and could tell this was a team that is also a family. I am also excited for all the opportunities for strong training in wilderness medicine, sports medicine, and caring for several marginalized and underserved populations. The added benefit of having family nearby made this program a great choice for me!"

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Nicole Guzolek, D.O.

• Medical School: Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of Oregon
• Career Goals: Outpatient medicine with an emphasis on Women's Health and LGBTQIA+ inclusive
• Hobbies: Trying new restaurants and bars, cooking, craft projects.
  

"I chose UNR Med because I saw faculty and alumni with the kinds of careers I could see myself having in the future. The residents and faculty I met throughout the application process were supportive of each other, excited and passionate about their program. Meeting everyone in person and starting working here solidified that I made the right decision. Being so close to Lake Tahoe and all the activities and restaurant/breweries in town are a bonus I am still exploring."

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Madisyn Moak, D.O.

• Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of California Merced
• Career Goals: My goals are to work as a general practitioner serving a rural/underserved community.
• Hobbies: I like hanging out with my fiancé and our two cats and trying new restaurants. 
  

"I chose the UNR Med Family Medicine Residency program because of their commitment to providing quality care to all those in the Reno and surrounding areas regardless of background or circumstances. I also felt that the faculty and residents created a supportive and welcoming environment."

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Addison Morales, M.D.

• Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno
• Career Goals: Work at a federally qualified health center helping underserved communities, and/or sports fellowship.
• Hobbies: Board games, Legos, gym, video games.
  

"It's a strong and well-rounded program. Love the faculty and love Reno."

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Emilio Tovar, M.D.

• Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
• Undergraduate College: University of Iowa (BA Medical Anthropology)
• Career Goals: Interested in sports and wilderness medicine, full-spectrum family medicine.
• Hobbies: Ultrarunning, rock climbing, coaching and playing soccer!
  

"I loved the comradery that I saw between residents and attendings, everyone was incredibly welcoming, they have phenomenal sports medicine training opportunities, and the access to world-class outdoor activities is unbeatable!"

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Menka Webster, D.O.

• Medical School: A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
• Undergraduate College: University of Nevada, Reno 
• Career Goals: Full spectrum family medicine, lifestyle medicine, sports medicine, OMT, wilderness medicine, global health, and working with medically underserved communities.
• Hobbies: Skiing, traveling, acting, fire spinning, hiking, yoga, and baking. I also love adventuring with my husband, son, and dog (not necessarily in that order)!
  

"Reno is home and I am thrilled to be serving a community that I love and care about. I also did an audition rotation with this program, and the residents and faculty truly made me feel like part of the family. Finally, I’m excited for the rotations that this program offers - ski clinic, lifestyle medicine, sports medicine and wilderness medicine. It is a perfect fit for me!"