Current Residents
Classes of 2024-2026
Cameron Arakaki, DO
PGY 3
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine – San Antonio, TX
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, fishing, swimming, volunteering and hanging out with family and friends
Life before medical school: I was born and raised in Southern California where I grew up swimming competitively and spending time outdoors. After undergrad, I worked in a molecular biology research lab at Loma Linda University prior to moving to Texas for medical school.
Why Lubbock: TTUHSC offers everything I was looking for in a program from a great group of people to a location at an academic center that serves a large catchment area offering exposure to a wide array of pathology along with a Level 1 Trauma Center status.
Neil Bishop, MD
PGY 3
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Undergrad: Brigham Young University
Medical School: University of Colorado
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and kids, playing and watching sports, traveling, enjoying time with friends and eating ice cream
Why Lubbock: Lubbock provided the opportunity to be close to family while training in a very supportive environment committed to and enthusiastic about having residents in the ED.
Kyle Conley, MD
PGY 3
Hometown: Richland, WA
Undergrad: University of Washington
Medical School: University of Washington
Hobbies/Interests: Time with kids and wife, exercise, foodie, history, geopolitics, psychology, study design, medical evidence, global health, contrarianism and religion
Life before medical school: Minor league ballplayer in St. Louis Cardinals organization
Why Lubbock: Personable faculty, level 1 trauma designation, longitudinal Peds EM, tertiary care hospital, family town, serves large catchment of rural counties.
Jonathan Kouts, DO
PGY 3
Hometown: Safford, Arizona
Undergrad: Brigham Young University – Hawaii
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) at Arkansas
State University
Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, hiking, shooting, snowboarding (not the best snow in Hawaii, Arkansas or Arizona I know), fitness, making memories with my wonderful wife, spoiling my two fur babies and I aspire to learn to play the guitar!
Life before medical school: I grew up on a farm in a small town in Southern Arizona where I learned what it means to work HARD. I served a mission in South America on behalf of my church where I became fluent in Spanish and learned a ton from the diverse culture. I worked as a fitness instructor and strength coach to put myself through college while living up the Hawai’i lifestyle. I met and married my beautiful wife while we attended undergrad in Hawai’i. After which, we moved to Lubbock where I worked as an Anesthesia Technician for 3 years while my wife finished her bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech. I then moved to Arkansas to attend Med School while my wife attended professional school in Arizona- long distance sucks but we are stronger because of it!
Why Lubbock: After living in Lubbock for 3 years before med school, it just feels like home. The people are great, the traffic is light, it has amenities of a big city with a small-town feel, and the BBQ can’t be beat. Lubbock offers a great “catch-all” geographic location to learn and practice Emergency Medicine being the only level 1 trauma center in the area. The faculty are truly invested in the learning and growth of the residents, and it shows from their involvement both inside and outside of the hospital.
Brenda Martinez, MD
PGY 3
Hometown: Denver City, TX
Undergrad: Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Lubbock, TX
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy gardening, caring for my family of four, volunteering at my children's school and party-planning. We also have the tiniest backyard ranch that includes chickens, a cow, and a steer. This, too, takes space in my hobby category and helps keep me busy.
Medically, I have a true love of the pediatric population. I have worked specifically with them for the past few years, but I look forward to caring for our adult population as well. I have a special interest in trauma, and I plan on pursuing ways to further explore this area of emergency medicine.
Life before medical school: Busy! My husband and I were young parents, and we hit the ground running during my undergraduate years. I had an assortment of jobs during this time. I was an insurance agent, legal assistant, middle school substitute teacher, and volunteered at nursing homes and my child's elementary school during my spare time.
Why Lubbock: We’ve chosen Lubbock to be our home because it is such a family-friendly place! We have loved raising our children here and establishing good family relationships with friends in our community. This city, a true medical center of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, provides a fulfilling place to continue my medical career, and we plan on calling this region our home for many years to come.
Michael Mitchell, DO
PGY 3
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Outdoor activities, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Weight training, Football, Basketball
Life before medical school: I have lived in Texas almost my entire life and studied biology and business at UT Austin before headed to medical school.
Why Lubbock: I was immediately drawn to the program because of the infrastructure that was in place. As someone who enjoys teaching it seemed like a great opportunity to have both a medical school and an undergraduate campus so close to the hospital, only a few programs could offer that. I had wanted to stay in Texas and after having the opportunity to meet some of the residents in the program I felt like the culture was incredible and I would be very happy in Lubbock!
Bradley Mott, MD
PGY 3
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Undergrad: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ
Hobbies/Interests: Woodworking. playing piano and guitar, film of all sorts, especially classic film noir, basketball and watch collecting.
Life before medical school: Studied English and music. Had various jobs including building telescope mirrors and sterile processing.
Why Lubbock: I rotated here for an away rotation during fourth year and really enjoyed the residents and faculty in the program as well as the city. However, I still do not own any cowboy boots — some things take time.
Jamie Tran, DO
PGY 3
Hometown: Port Arthur, TX
Undergrad: Lamar University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Sciences Center
Hobbies/Interests: cooking food, eating food, travel, basketball, video games, making music, listening to music, and playing with my baby daughter
Life before medical school: Not much honestly, went straight from undergrad to medical school. Previously I worked at H-E-B and love the company to death. Along the way I met my wife and we started our family in Lubbock.
Why Lubbock: It’s a dusty town, but it definitely has its charm. The city itself is growing and booming, and it’s a great place to build a family. The culture at Tech is also awesome, and it’s something I’m happy to be a part of.
Juan Aragon, MD
PGY 2
Hometown: Crane, TX
Undergrad: Texas Tech University
Medical School: TTUHSC- Lubbock
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking/camping, exercising, trying new food and watching sports (Go Tech)!!
Life before medical school: I grew up in West Texas until high school when I moved to an international boarding school inside of a castle for 2 years. I then started my undergraduate studies at TTU followed by a Masters in Medical sciences before going to medical school
Why Lubbock: I have been fortunate to call Lubbock my second home since starting undergrad. Lubbock is where I met my wife, where we are raising our daughter and where I have created life-long friendships.
Clark Azubuike, MBBS
PGY 2
Hometown: Ibeme, Imo state, Nigeria
Medical School: Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin
Hobbies/Interests: I am an AVID sports fan. I enjoy mostly watching, but occasionally participating in, basketball, football(Association and American) boxing, tennis, 8-ball pool and golf. I also enjoy hiking, trail running and camping. I also like to stay informed about news, history and current events. I read a lot and listen to podcasts on those themes.
Life before medical school: What life?!? I pretty much went straight to medical school without a gap.
Why Lubbock: Super friendly people nestled within a blossoming city with a small town feel, fantastic and supportive program (from faculty to co-residents).
Amanda Garrity, DO
PGY 2
Hometown: Idaho Falls, ID
Undergrad: Brigham Young University- Provo, UT
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Party planning, traveling, special effects make-up, historical sewing, piano, home renovations YouTube videos, and true crime podcasts
Life before medical school: In college, I studied Chemistry and worked in an organic chemistry lab, as well as tutoring and freelance wedding makeup on the side. My favorite job, however, was working as a waitress at Olive Garden- though the breadsticks were unfortunately not a free perk!
Why Lubbock: The people! The large catchment area, diverse pathology and low cost of living were the initial draws, but the faculty and residents were what made Tech a clear choice. Everyone was so warm and it was obvious how much they all cared about the success of the program and the residents.
Chris Hidalgo, DO
PGY 2
Hometown: Glendale, AZ
Undergrad: Grand Canyon University
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and kids. I also enjoy woodworking/carpentry, mountain biking and hiking/trail running.
Stephanie Perea-Neal, DO
PGY 2
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Undergrad: Our Lady of the Lake University- San Antonio, TX
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine- Las Cruces, NM
Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, hiking, traveling, napping, watching Steelers football, reading, continually adding to my to-do list, attending live music shows, amateur drone flying and stopping to ask people if I can pet their dog.
Life before medical school: Volleyball was my life before medical school. I started playing before I could walk and continued playing through undergrad. When I couldn't play competitively anymore, I coached youth volleyball teams.
Why Lubbock: At first, I didn't know what to expect from Lubbock, however, after completing an audition rotation at Texas Tech, I was sold! This program provided all the opportunities that would help me achieve my goals. Other selling points are an incredible group of faculty, staff, and residents. The catchment area serves a large population which gives exposure to many different pathologies.
Josh Preator, DO
PGY 2
Hometown: McKinney, TX
Undergrad: Brigham Young University- Provo, UT
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine- Meridian, ID
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and kids, golf, watching movies and TV shows, camping, reading. I am also a BIG Dallas Cowboys fan!
Life before medical school: I spent 2 years serving a mission for my church in Brazil where I learned to speak Portuguese. I worked several jobs during undergrad that included filling vending machines on campus, selling pest control door-to-door in the summer and helping my wife run a photography business.
Why Lubbock: I had the opportunity to do an away rotation in Lubbock and had an awesome experience. The residents and faculty were so friendly and willing to teach. I knew this residency program would be an amazing place to train. My wife and I felt that Lubbock would be a great city to raise our family with an affordable cost of living and many fun things to do. It was a no-brainer for us to want to come here!
Daniel Saeang, MD
PGY 2
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Undergrad: University of California- Irvine
Medical School: Ross University SOM
Hobbies/Interests: Weightlifting, video games, spending time with family and friends, BBQing and football
Life before medical school: I grew up in sunny southern California and in my youth I enjoyed wrestling, jujitsu, MMA surfing and snowboarding. I was even a Buddhist monk for a short period in my life. I graduated with a degree in economics and worked in finance and IT for almost 10 years prior to deciding to go to medical school.
Why Lubbock: I was drawn to Lubbock because of the way people raved about this small college town. Everyone described Lubbock as a great place to live, learn, grown and start a family. I love the friendliness of the community and how it brings everyone together.
Will Wanzor, MD
PGY 2
Hometown: Clovis, MN
Undergrad: Texas Tech University HSC
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean SOM
Hobbies/Interests: I really enjoy hanging out with my wife and kids, watching ball games, movies or trying new places to eat. I also enjoy woodworking, working on vehicles and fixing stuff up around the house.
Life before medical school: While always wanting to be a physician, I've lived a varied life. After high school, I served in the US Navy for 6 years. I then went into law enforcement for a few years before getting my nursing degree, I worked in the ER and MICU for 10 years before starting medical school. It's been a long adventure to reach my goal, but luckily I've had great support from my wife and kids to get me through it all.
Why Lubbock: I've lived in Lubbock for over a decade and really love the people. They are very nice and welcoming. Plus, we have a great variety of new restaurants/food trucks to try which is a big plus!
Lara Ammermann, MD
PGY 1
Hometown: Montrose, CO
Undergrad: Hardin-Simmons University- Abilene, TX
Medical School: TTUHSC- Lubbock
Hobbies/Interests: Participating in sports (especially playing softball), watching sports, coaching, reading, hiking, snowboarding, going to the movies, eating good food and spending time with my husband and three dogs!
Life before medical school: I was born and raised in Minnesota before moving to Colorado for high school. After high school graduation I moved to Abilene, Texas to attend Hardin-Simmons University where I played four years of collegiate softball and graduated with a major in Biology, minors in Biochemistry and Leadership. Once I finished undergrad, I took two gap years during which I worked as a scribe in an emergency department. I also worked as a rehab tech and unit secretary at a local rehab hospital, volunteered at a hospice facility and did pitching/hitting lessons. Additionally, I got the opportunity to play on multiple women and co-ed slow pitch softball teams!
Why Lubbock: After moving to Lubbock for medical school, I realized how amazing the people here are. Everyone is so caring, helpful, friendly and truly want you to be the best version of YOU. Staying here for residency I knew I would have the best opportunity to learn all that I needed to in order to be a well-rounded Emergency Medicine physician when I graduate. It’s a great community to be a part of with affordable living!
Lauren Bennett, DO
PGY 1
Hometown: Denver, CO
Undergrad: University of Colorado at Boulder
Medical School: Rocky Vista COM
Hobbies/Interests: Cycling, working out, shopping at Costco, talking about my dogs to anyone who will listen.
Life before medical school: I was an ER scribe, which is where I fell in love with emergency medicine. I was also a collegiate athlete as a member of the University of Colorado’s cycling team.
Why Lubbock: I felt so supported by the attendings and residents during my rotation during my 4th year of medical school, so ranking it at the top of my list for Match was an easy decision. Every time I’m in the ER, I feel grateful that I matched with Texas Tech for my EM residency.
Caleb Collette, DO
PGY 1
Hometown: Breaux Bridge, LA
Undergrad: University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Skateboarding and hiking
Life before medical school: I came straight from undergrad where I was in biochemical research and worked at a shop full time in addition to school
Why Lubbock: A big city with a small town vibe. The people here are very welcoming and friendly.
Laurel Dacus, MD
PGY 1
Hometown: I moved frequently growing up, so I don’t have just one hometown! I have lived in
Colorado, Washington, Texas, and California
Undergrad: University of California Santa Barbara
Medical School: TTUHSC El Paso Paul L. Foster SOM
Hobbies/Interests: Running, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my rottie! Outside of EM, I’m very passionate about rescuing, fostering, and volunteering with dogs in shelters; my goal is to start my own rescue shelter in the near future!
Life before medical school: I scribed for a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon.
Why Lubbock: I rotated here and absolutely loved it. The residents all seemed super happy, and I felt as though the experience and training I would get at this program would best prepare me to practice in any setting after residency. Also, my sister lives here, and being close to family was an important deciding factor for me.
James Drury, DO
PGY 1
Hometown: Riverton, UT
Undergrad: Southern Utah University
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and kids, watching and playing sports, water/snow skiing.
Life before medical school: I spent 2 years serving a church mission in Montreal. I worked several different CNA jobs, including the ED, in a Behavioral health unit and in a Transitional Rehab facility through high school and undergrad.
Why Lubbock: After spending a month rotating in the department it was hard to imagine training anywhere else. The people were great and the training was equally as good. It was an obvious choice for me and my family.
Korbin Gage, MD
PGY 1
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Undergrad: University of Tulsa
Medical School: OU-TU School of Community Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, golf, huge sports fan, disc golf, hunting, novice 3D printer, and spending time with my fiancé and our Australian shepherd.
Life before medical school: I started med school immediately after undergrad. During undergrad I worked as a retail pharmacy technician and a valet at a local hospital. Leadership development has always been a passion of mine. I was heavily involved with leadership in Sigma Chi both during undergrad as an active member and during med school as a member of the chapter advisory committee.
Why Lubbock: Many attendings and residents talk about building clinical gestalt and procedural skills in the emergency department, and that always comes back to numbers. The massive catchment area, diverse pathology, and longitudinal pediatrics here in Lubbock ensure that you will see and be confident handling a wide variety of pathology, but the people really set this program apart. Everyone I’ve met in Lubbock is extremely welcoming and friendly. Seeing everyone enjoy themselves, both in and out of the hospital, makes residency fun. I also love that this is an academic center, the commitment to teaching and striving to do the best for our patients is evident on every shift.
Ryan Philip, DO
PGY 1
Hometown: Irving, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas- Arlington
Medical School: UNT-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I love to barbeque and hangout with my friends. Some of my favorite memories is slow cooking some ribs and brisket during the summer while watching some sports. I also enjoy playing pool, traveling, trying new foods and meeting new people!
Life before medical school: Before medical school I was a scribe for an orthopedic surgeon and a biller for a Home Health care agency. I was also involved in my church and would play in basketball and flag football tournaments.
Why Lubbock: Texas Tech Lubbock jumped to the top of my rank list after I did my Sub-Internship with them. I felt that everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and it was a great environment to be able to learn and hone my skills as a physician. Being a level one trauma center and the variety of patients and diseases that I saw made me feel confident that I would finish residency as a proficient emergency medicine physician.
Morgan Shreve, MD
PGY 1
Hometown: Jacksonville, Texas
Undergrad: Stephen F. Austin State University
Medical School: TTUHSC SOM Lubbock; Amarillo campus for clinical rotations
Hobbies/Interests: Aquariums, terrariums, plants, learning to paint with old Bob Ross videos
Life before medical school: I was an ER Scribe for 6 years!
Why Lubbock: : I had some family here, but when interviewing here I truly felt that I would gain family being a part of TTUHSC. The staff and students here are just superb, friendly, and genuine.