Meet the Residents: Class of 2023 our Chief's
Class of 2023
Brandon Anhalt, MD 
Undergrad: University of Arizona for Undergraduate
Degree
Med School: Medical College of Wisconsin for Medical
School
Where are you from?
Tucson, AZ
Why did you choose UA Obstetrics and Gynecology?
I loved everyone I met when I interviewed here and Tucson is home. The program has everything I was looking for and gives me the opportunity to be in a place that I love.
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
The mountains and the Mexican food
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?
Swimming, hiking, tennis, scary movies, fantasy novels, and board games
What are your professional interests within obstetrics and gynecology?
I am interested in general OBGYN practice when I graduate residency and I am considering a focus on family planning.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Go for a swim in the morning, try a new restaurant for lunch, play board games with friends in the afternoon, and finish the night with a scary movie and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.
Favorite restaurant in Tucson?
Café Poca Cosa
Favorite Vacation Spot?
I don’t have a favorite vacation spot, but I love going to new places I have never been to.
Top "Bucket list" item?
See The 1975 perform live in concert
Favorite Hike or outdoor activity in AZ?
Tanque Verde Falls (during monsoon season)
Favorite Arizona getaway?
Sedona, AZ
Emily Budden, MD 
Undergrad: Kansas State University – Go Cats!
Med School: The University of Kansas Medical School
Where are you from?
I’m from Salina, a rural town in Kansas.
Why did you choose UA Obstetrics and
Gynecology?
I love the variety. During my third year of medical
school I truly enjoyed every rotation and I found OBGYN had bits and pieces of everything. We practice preventative medicine, we operate, and we deal with emergencies. We do it all!
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
I love all the outdoor activities in Tucson. There are miles of hiking trails within a short walk from my home. It makes it easy to spend my time off doing something fun.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?
Hiking, sloths, reality tv, board games
What are your professional interests within obstetrics and gynecology?
I plan to practice as a generalist. I am passionate about cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination. I also enjoy advocating for the underserved, especially rural communities.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Hiking in Sabino Canyon.
Favorite restaurant in Tucson?
Aqui con el nene
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Anywhere with a beach
Top "Bucket list" item?
Going to space!
Favorite Hike or outdoor activity in AZ?
Hiking to Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon. My husband and I were the first people there in 2020.
Favorite Arizona getaway?
Sedona is absolutely beautiful (and easy to do as a day trip)
Dagnie Lamb, MD 
Undergrad: Scripps College, Claremont, CA
Where are you from?
Portland, OR
Why did you choose UA Obstetrics and
Gynecology?
I wanted a program that would train me to be a
strong generalist, whether or not I ultimately decide to pursue fellowship. I also wanted to find a place where I would be able to enjoy the outdoors and maximize my work-life balance!
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
My favorite thing about living in Tucson would have to be the weather. There is nothing like sunshine and gorgeous mountain views to brighten your mood after a long call shift!
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?
I love hiking (which Tucson is amazing for!), painting, and have recently started dabbling in digital art.
What are your professional interests within obstetrics and gynecology?
I love everything about OBGYN, so for the moment I am planning on pursuing a career as a generalist. Research will likely remain a big part of my career, though!
Favorite way to spend a day off?
I would start the day with breakfast with my fiancé, Beau, and my dog, Rocky. From there we would go for a nice morning hike, followed by cooling down at the pool. Then we would end the night by cooking dinner together, curling up in the living room with our fur-child, and binge-watching our current favorite TV show.
Favorite restaurant in Tucson?
Seis kitchen is our current favorite. The co-chata (coffee and horchata) and breakfast burritos are a to-die-for brunch combination!
Favorite Vacation Spot?
I grew up on the Oregon coast, so I have a soft spot for the ocean. San Diego is just a 6-hour drive away and has made for some of the best golden weekend getaways!
Top "Bucket list" item?
Visit every continent at least once. 4 down, 3 to go!
Favorite Hike or outdoor activity in AZ?
It is probably a tie between Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon.
Favorite Arizona getaway?
Sedona, for sure. The views there are breathtaking!
Amanda McWhirter, MD
Undergrad: University of Colorado
Where are you from?
Boulder, Colorado
Why did you choose UA Obstetrics and Gynecology?
The people! I felt that both residents and faculty alike were very supportive, which is incredibly important in a residency program.
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
Even though it is a larger city, it truly has a small town feel. Also, it is almost always pool weather.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?
Being outdoors in general- hiking, biking, and snowboarding (although I don’t get to do much of that in Tucson!)
What are your professional interests within obstetrics and gynecology?
High risk pregnancy and international medicine.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Hanging out by the pool and cooking with friends.
Favorite restaurant in Tucson?
Proof- they have amazing wood-fired pizza
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Anywhere with a beach or mountains (I’m not picky!)
Top "Bucket list" item?
Sailing around the world
Favorite Hike or outdoor activity in AZ?
Hiking in Sabino Canyon!
Favorite Arizona getaway?
Flagstaff is beautiful and has a lot of great hiking and outdoors activity.