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Announcement | Community | Press Release
Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) celebrates and thanks the 2024 graduating class of residents in its Family & Community Medicine Residency Program for their contributions to the hospital, the community, and their patients.
Launched in 2013, the residency program at YRMC was created to tackle the shortage of primary care doctors, especially in rural areas like Yuma. This comprehensive three-year training program benefits not only the doctors and their careers but also the citizens of Yuma County, as it brings qualified and passionate professionals to the community.
“The Family & Community Medicine Residency Program has significantly impacted our healthcare system and the well-being of our Yuma community,” said Family and Community Medicine Residency Program Director Kristina Diaz. “Our residents are dedicated professionals who have chosen to make a difference in Yuma through various local wellness initiatives, and we are proud to support their journey.”
Since 2013, 58 family medicine doctors and four sports medicine fellows have graduated from YRMC. The program has grown from its initial class size of six to 27 residents, with plans to expand to 36 soon. During their residency, these doctors become an integral part of the Yuma community by participating in local health fairs, healthcare career camps, and community outreach activities like providing sports physicals to student-athletes.
This close community involvement often encourages residents to stay in the community after graduation. This year, the following three graduates have chosen to continue their medical careers in Yuma:
- Dr. Konkankit: Joining Yuma Regional Medical Center
Dr. Veerauo Konkankit was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned her bachelor of biological sciences degree from UC Irvine in Irvine, California, pursued a master of physiological science from UCLA in Los Angeles, California, and finally a medical doctorate from Saint James School of Medicine in Anguilla. Dr. Konkankit’s areas of clinical interest include ambulatory and hospital medicine, lifestyle and integrative medicine, community medicine and sports medicine. She is a strong advocate for her patients and believes in the importance of working together with patients as a team.
“When I embarked on this path as an intern in 2021, I saw my residency as an opportunity for personal growth and development and over these three years, I have witnessed significant improvements in the quality of patient care, the implementation of advanced medical technologies, and the expansion of specialized services. This progress is a testament to the strong leadership at YRMC, which has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.”
- Dr. Aman: Joining Yuma Regional Medical Center Foothills Medical Plaza
Dr. Sana Aman is originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Carleton University and her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St. Kitts & Nevis. Dr. Aman’s clinical interests are ever-expanding and currently lie in urgent care, preventive medicine, behavioral science and aesthetic medicine where she brings a down-to-earth approach of connecting with her patients. She has an interest in helping underserved communities and strives to help patients understand the healthcare system and their individual health.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at YRMC and to be a part of a healthcare team dedicated to excellence and compassion. The support from my patients has been incredibly rewarding, and I am committed to continuing to provide the highest standard of care. Yuma has become not just a place of work, but a home where my passions and professional aspirations converge, creating a fulfilling life journey for me and my family.”
- Dr. Ayala: Joining Hospice of Yuma
Dr. Reina Ayala is originally from San Diego, California. She studied biology at the University of California Berkeley, where she discovered her passion for medicine before receiving her medical degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Mexico. Dr. Ayala strives to increase community partnerships, eliminate health disparities and promote health literacy and she is especially dedicated to providing care to the underserved, including the elderly and minority communities.
“As a Mexican American fluent in Spanish, I am dedicated to representing the Latino community in Yuma. My goal is to enhance their understanding and comfort with hospice services, ensuring they receive compassionate and culturally sensitive end-of-life care. I look forward to caring for patients in their homes, educating and assisting their families and truly focusing on providing quality medical care.”
As the residency program continues to grow, YRMC remains committed to supporting its staff and ensuring the highest standards of care for the community. By investing in the growth of new physicians, YRMC not only addresses current healthcare needs but also builds a foundation for future medical excellence in Yuma.
YRMC is excited to welcome its next class of residents, continuing its tradition of excellence in medical education and community care.
For more information about YRMC’s Family & Community Medicine Residency Program, please visit https://www.yumaregional.org/careers/residency-and-training/family-community-medicine-residency/.
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