Meet the Residents: Class of 2024 our Chief's
Class of 2024
Sarah Hendricks, MD
Undergrad: University of Montana
Med School: University of Washington
Where are you from?
Missoula, MT
Why did you choose UA Obstetrics
and Gynecology?
There are few OB/GYN programs in the
NW and I wanted to stay a reasonable distance from family. I was absolutely blown away on my interview day: everyone was incredibly warm and welcoming and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me to determine how I would fit in their program, I was impressed by the number of faculty who had themselves completed their residencies here and chose to stay, as part of the interview they did a low-key simulation/game on the Lap Box to assess coordination and communication and teamwork and I had a blast, and lastly, I thought the new facilities were beautiful and proximity to clinic, convenient---overall, I just felt like I’d be right at home here and I’d get plenty of holistic support and I have not been disappointed.
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
It’s a good, medium sized city! I’ve never had to sit in traffic but yet, there is nothing that I don’t really have access to. I am looking forward to Arizona “winter,” weather too.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?
I love to travel, go on hikes with my dog, Moose, cook/bake for my boyfriend, Jeremy, or host get-togethers with friends. My free time lately has been consumed with landscaping of late and I’m not upset about it.
What are your professional interests within obstetrics and gynecology?
I’m interested in international medicine and providing care in remote and low resource areas--I’ve established several relationships in Dhulikhel, Nepal which I plan to continue to develop.
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Sometimes I just love being a couch potato and watching Netflix—binging Bob’s Burgers or Schitt’s Creek or Parks and Rec or The Office or the like—taking my dog to a park and letting him run for a bit and finishing off the day with a good meal and bubble bath.
Favorite restaurant in Tucson?
Union
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Nepal, trekking in the Himalaya …. Or Thailand for a more relaxing/treat-yo-self trip
Top "Bucket list" item?
Cage-dive with sharks?
Favorite Hike or outdoor activity in AZ?
Feliz Paseos Trail is a great dog-walking spot!
Favorite Arizona getaway?
I don’t know, I’m still super new! Open to recommendations.
Hillary Lee, MD 
Undergrad: New York University for Bachelor of Arts
Med School: University of Missouri- Columbia for
Medical Degree
Where are you from?
St. Louis, MO
Why did you choose UA Obstetrics and
Gynecology?
I wanted a close knit community within a large academic
center. I wanted access to attendings who were doing amazing research in the field while also gaining practical skills in a supportive environment. I wanted to do residency in a place surrounded by nature, making it easy to relax and de-stress on my days off. Tucson checked every box for me.
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
The mountains! No matter where you look it’s a beautiful view and the sunsets over the mountain are something I’ve never experienced before.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?
Hiking, bullet journaling, game night, trying new foods, DIY projects
What are your professional interests within obstetrics and gynecology?
Family planning
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Eating, sleeping, reading a new romance novel, and exploring new hiking trails
Favorite restaurant in Tucson?
Prep and Pastry. Key tip, you can get half orders of entrees to try more things!
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Pre-COVID cruises
Top "Bucket list" item?
New Zealand
Favorite Hike or outdoor activity in AZ?
Tumamoc Hill, we love it so much my partner proposed to me on the trail
Favorite Arizona getaway?
Sedona, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe bend. It’s endless
Maria Ruiz, MD 
Undergrad: UC San Diego
Med School: UCLA-Drew
Where are you from?
Linda, CA
Why did you choose UA Obstetrics and Gynecology?
I wanted to train at an academic program with diverse
patients.
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
Everyone is SO nice and there is great food everywhere!
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?
Exploring nature, dancing, cooking
What are your professional interests within obstetrics and gynecology?
Working with underserved patients, family planning
Favorite way to spend a day off?
With my dog at the park
Favorite restaurant in Tucson?
Taco Fish
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Anywhere near the beach
Top "Bucket list" item?
Go skydiving
Favorite Hike or outdoor activity in AZ?
Going to the zoo
Favorite Arizona getaway?
I don’t have one yet. I’ve been trying not to go to too many places due to COVID.
Stephanie Runke, MD
Undergrad: University of California, Los
Angeles.
Masters in Public Health: University of
Southern California
Medical School: University of California,
Riverside
Where are you from?
I grew up in Hacienda Heights, CA a
suburb of Los Angeles.
Why did you choose UA Obstetrics and Gynecology?
I chose U of A OBGYN because of how highly the residents spoke of the program and how supportive the faculty is of the residency program.
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
My favorite thing about Tucson is the beautiful landscape I get to enjoy on my drive to and from home.
What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?
My husband and I enjoy traveling any chance we get from a quick day trip around Arizona to international adventures.
What are your professional interests within obstetrics and gynecology?
I plan on working as a general practice OBGYN
Favorite way to spend a day off?
Trying out new restaurants in Tucson and getting outside.
Favorite restaurant in Tucson?
My favorite restaurant is Prep and Pastry because my favorite meal is breakfast and they have the best brunch in town.
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Anywhere I can get outside and relax.
Top "Bucket list" item?
I have always wanted to hike to Machu Picchu.
Favorite Hike or outdoor activity in AZ?
Heading to my community pool in the summer.
Favorite Arizona getaway?
Sedona is a favorite place to hike and experience the Arizona desert landscape.