Chandler Regional Medical Center | General Surgery Residency

Program Description

The East Valley-based, Creighton University East Valley Arizona General Surgery Residency Program is an ACGME-accredited, five-year program dedicated to training highly-skilled, compassionate and well-rounded surgeons. Located within the active health care landscape of Phoenix, Arizona, our program provides comprehensive surgical education grounded in a broad clinical experience, preparing residents for independent practice and/or subspecialty fellowship training.

Program Highlights

Clinical research:

Research and scholarly activity: Engaging in clinical research is vital for establishing expertise and broadening medical knowledge within your surgical subspecialty of choice. These foundational efforts link residents to the expansive global surgical network through various scholarly pursuits.

Faculty-guided research endeavors: Collaborate with our experienced faculty to sharpen your investigative skills, spanning from fundamental scientific inquiry to clinical outcomes research.

Our program protects dedicated time for these activities and provides access to the following institutional resources:

Support from clinical statisticians
REDCap data management tools
Dignity Health Research Institute
Dignity Health online library resources
TQIP and various clinical databases
Dignity Health Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Professional mentorship

Comprehensive educational curriculum:

Robotic-assisted simulation
Quality Improvement and Patient Safety initiatives
Didactic resident lectures
Preparation for written and oral examinations

Welcome Message from Program Director

Welcome to the Creighton University East Valley Arizona General Surgery Residency at Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center, where we are dedicated to training the next generation of compassionate, expert surgeons. Operating within our Level I Trauma Center, we are proud to align our clinical excellence with the healing mission of CommonSpirit and the academic prestige of the Creighton University School of Medicine. We invite you to discover a program committed to rigorous surgical education, clinical innovation, and service to our east valley community.

Curriculum and didactics schedule:

Patient Safety Quality Improvement (PSQI) conferences held weekly
Case-based teaching sessions every week
Service-specific conferences and tumor boards on a weekly basis
Training and simulation curriculum delivered bimonthly
Mock oral exam prep sessions occurring biannually
Journal Club meetings twice a month
Business of Medicine lectures each quarter
Grand Rounds conducted monthly
Quarterly wellness-focused sessions

Additional Curriculum Experiences

Extensive surgical training:

The program offers exposure to the entire scope of general surgery, including acute-care, trauma, bariatric, oncologic, vascular, pediatric, plastic and thoracic surgery, along with endoscopy and various electives.

Diverse clinical environments:

Residents practice at leading sites such as Chandler Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, ensuring high-volume experience with a wide array of cases.

Structural Education:

Professional growth is supported by a comprehensive framework consisting of clinical rotations, didactic lectures, journal clubs, and grand rounds.

We understand that in our world of ever-evolving medical breakthroughs and discoveries, training and technology should always be fueled by up-to-the-minute clinical data, health care data and knowledge of changing protocols. The resources listed below provide important information to stay up-to-date.

Dignity Health and CommonSpirit Health research and education resources include:

CommonSpirit Health in Arizona Research
Library Services in Arizona

Rotations

Our general surgery rotations place you alongside experienced surgeons and faculty, who will help you fine-tune surgical skills in all specialties while giving you a deep understanding of optimal patient outcomes for the diverse community in which we practice.

Technology and skills training

FES program training: To prepare you for FES certification, our lab adheres to the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) curriculum. This training includes virtual reality simulations for GI endoscopies, assessments of psychomotor and technical skills and didactic presentations.

Robotics training:

We offer instruction in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery to help you get ready for certification in this evolving surgical field.

Creighton University East Valley Arizona training facilities

Train at Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, featuring modern technology and care ranging from primary to quaternary levels.

Training Locations

Residents join an integrated network focused on humankindness within one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

Rotation Sites:

Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center

A 465-bed Level I Trauma Center providing acute to quaternary care.

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center

A 219-bed acute-care hospital recognized for its healing environment and comprehensive services, including emergency and cardiovascular care.

St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center

General surgery residents have a pulmonary transplant rotation in year 4 with the the internationally-renowned Barrow Neurological Institute and Norton Thoracic Institute.

Phoenix Children's Hospital

General surgery residents have year 1 and year 3 rotations at one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems.

Valleywise Health

Burn Center: General surgery residents have year 2 rotations at this nationally recognized treatment center.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary

PGY-1: $68,875.00
PGY-2: $71,799.00
PGY-3: $75,569.00
PGY-4: $79,054.00
PGY-5: $82,959.00
Additional Chief Stipend $5,000.00

Health & Insurance

Medical (tiered options) for employee and family
Dental (tiered options) for employee and family
Vision for employee and family
Health savings account
Child Care savings account
Life insurance
Short term disability (optional)
Accidental death/dismemberment

Our Community

Our surgical program is proud to serve the vibrant East Valley, a region anchored by Chandler—the thriving commercial and technology hub of Arizona—alongside the dynamic communities of Gilbert and Mesa. We draw inspiration from this landscape of constant innovation, mirroring the region’s spirit by blending cutting-edge surgical excellence with a deep commitment to compassion and integrity. Beyond the hospital, our residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life, benefiting from the area's robust cultural scene and vast array of outdoor recreational activities. By grounding our training in this thriving environment, we align our mission with a shared vision of a healthier future for all—inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity.

How to Apply

Applications to the Creighton University East Valley Arizona General Surgery Residency Program are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). We participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

The Creighton University East Valley Arizona General Surgery Program ACGME / ERAS ID is 4400300001.

Key application requirements include:
Official medical school transcript
Dean's Letter (MSPE)
USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK/CS (or COMLEX equivalents) scores
Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a surgeon is strongly recommended)
Personal statement detailing your interest in general surgery
Medical school graduation within a reasonable timeframe (specific details often found on FREIDA)
For international medical graduates: ECFMG certification is required before the start of residency, and U.S. clinical experience is highly recommended.

Creighton University East Valley Arizona residency programs follow the dates and deadlines as other programs throughout the country, as shared by ERAS and NRMP. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual application status updates prior to interview invitations.

Faculty

Clarence Clark, MD, MBA

Role: Program Director
Specialty: Colorectal Surgery
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine
Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Fellowship: Chistus Santa Rosa

Adatee Okonkwo, MD

Role: Associate Program Director, Simulation Director
Specialty: Colorectal Surgery
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Residency: Morehouse College of Medicine
Fellowship: Baylor University Medical Center

Ronald Gagliano, MD

Role: Surgery Department Chair
Specialty: Colorectal Surgery
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
Residency: Madigan Army Medical Center
Fellowship: University of Minnesota

James Cooper, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: General Surgery
Medical School: The University of Arizona College of Medicine
Residency: Banner University Medical Center

James Mankin, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: General Surgery
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Residency: University of Alabama

Nicholas Thiessen, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Trauma/Critical Care
Medical School: University of Iowa
Residency: St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Fellowship: UCSF - Fresno

Daniel Cucher, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Trauma/Critical Care
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine
Residency: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tuscon
Fellowship: University of Maryland

John Watt, MD

Role: Faculty, SICU Rotation Director
Specialty: Trauma/Critical Care
Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University
Fellowship: University of Arizona College of Medicine

Jessica Sloan, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Trauma/Critical Care
Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Residency: University of Arizona Phoenix
Fellowship: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Vafa Ghaemmaghami, MD

Role: Faculty, Trauma Medical Director- CRMC, Trauma Rotation Director
Specialty: Trauma/Critical Care
Medical School: University of Texas McGovern Medical School
Residency: University of California Davis
Fellowship: University of Texas Southwestern

Adil Lokhandwala, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Trauma/Critical Care
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Arizona Tucson
Fellowship: University of Arizona Tucson

Amanda Marsh, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Trauma/Critical Care
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Residency: Florida Atlantic University
Fellowship: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Joel Tate, DO

Role: Faculty, MGMC Site Director
Specialty: General Surgery
Medical School: Kansas City University of Medical and Biosciences
Residency: Creighton University School of Medicine Phoenix

Andrew Kinahan, MD

Role: Faculty, Trauma Medical Director- MGMC
Specialty: General Surgery
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
Residency: Creighton University School of Medicine Phoenix

Justin Galvis, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: General Surgery
Medical School: University of California, Davis School of Medicine
Residency: Creighton University School of Medicine Phoenix

Christian Shults, MD

Role: Faculty, Cardiac Rotation Director
Specialty: Cardiac Surgery
Medical School: Georgetown University of School of Medicine
Residency: Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
Fellowship: Emory University School of Medicine

Bianca Vazquez, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Endocrine Surgery
Medical School: Ponce Health Science University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, General Surgery
Fellowship: Mayo Clinic - Rochester

John Davis, MD

Role: Faculty, Breast Rotation Director
Specialty: Breast Surgery
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Residency: Creighton University School of Medicine Phoenix
Fellowship: Mayo Clinic - Rochester

Kevin Foster, MD

Role: Faculty, Burn Rotation Director
Specialty: Burn Surgery
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Residency: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Fellowship: Harborview Medical Center

Albert W. Harrison, MD

Role: Faculty, Vascular Rotation Director
Specialty: Vascular
Medical School: Texas A&M College of Medicine
Residency: University of Missouri - Kansas City
Fellowship: University of Nebraska Medical Center

Brett Siegrist, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Vascular
Medical School: Georgetown Medical School
Residency: Louisiana State University Health Science Center
Fellowship: Louisiana State University Health Science Center

Sarah Counts, DO

Role: Faculty, Thoracic Rotation Director
Specialty: Thoracic
Medical School: University New England College Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Yale New Haven Hospital
Fellowship: Yale New Haven Hospital

Ashwini Arjuna, MD

Role: Faculty, SJHMC Site Director
Specialty: Pulmonary Transplant
Medical School: Bangalore Medical College
Residency: Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Fellowship: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Fellowship: University of Florida Pulmonary Transplant

Mark Molitor, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine
Residency: University of Arizona Affiliate Hospitals
Fellowship: University of Utah School of Medicine

Jamie Harris, MD

Role: Faculty, Pediatric Rotation Director
Specialty: Pediatric Surgery
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine
Residency: Rush University
Fellowship: Lurie Children's Hospital - McGaw Medical Center of Northwest University

Joshua Nelson, MD

Role: Faculty, Plastic Rotation Director
Specialty: Plastic Surgery
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Residency: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Fellowship: Lenox Hill Hospital

Joshua Kelley, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Plastic Surgery
Medical School: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Residency: Michigan State University - Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners
Fellowship: Baylor College of Medicine

Shawn Stevenson, DO

Role: Faculty
Specialty: MIS/Bariatrics
Medical School: Midwestern University
Residency: University of Arizona College of Medicine

Gregory Robertson, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: MIS/Bariatrics
Medical School: Harvard Medical School
Residency: University of Arizona Affiliate Hospitals

Van Leavitt, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: MIS/Bariatrics
Medical School: Midwestern University
Residency: Beaumont Health - Michigan State University
Fellowship: Banner Gateway Medical Center

Mark Runfola, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Surgical Oncology/HBP
Medical School: State University of New York - Buffalo School of Medicine
Residency: University of Arizona Affiliate Hospitals
Fellowship: Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Jaime Pineda, MD

Role: Faculty
Specialty: Surgical Oncology/HBP
Medical School: Universidad Libre de Colombia
Residency: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Fellowship: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Residents

PGY-1

Aundra Stovall, DO

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
PGY-1 Categorical

Bhavya Sharma, MD

Carle Illinois College of Medicine
PGY-1 Categorical

Joshua Olatunde, MD

University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine
PGY-1 Categorical

Mathias Tevendale, MD

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
PGY-1 Prelim

Frederick Schroeder, DO

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
PGY-1 Prelim

Stephen Wong, DO

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
PGY-1 Prelim

PGY-2

Jarrett Judkins, MD

Medical College of Wisconsin

Jessica Wang, MD

Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine

Elliott Markell, MD

University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine

PGY-3

Michael Abala, MD

California Northstate University College of Medicine

Erin Yang, MD

Creighton University School of Medicine

Jonathan Brown, DO

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

PGY-4

Travis Martin, DO

University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas COM

Rebecca Paxton, MD

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

PGY-5

Devon Raja, MD, MBA

University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine- Galveston

Jesus Leyva, MD

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

Omar Rizvi, MD

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

Helpful Links

More about Dignity Health Arizona
ERAS
NRMP
FREIDA
Arizona Medical Board
ACGME

Contact Information

Jelaya McNair-Rivers, MHA - Program Coordinator
jelaya.mcnair-rivers@commonspirit.org
Office: (480) 728-4979

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