Current Residents
First-Year Residents
Samuel Lobel, DO, JD
It’s been a long and winding journey from Dallas, TX to El Rio, but I’m grateful to have landed here. Stops along the way included picking up a Theatre degree from Grinnell College in Iowa and a Judicial Doctorate from Cardozo Law in NYC. I earned my medical degree from ATSU-SOMA, which allowed me to spend three years of that education embedded here at El Rio serving the vibrant community that is the heart of Tucson, a city I’m thrilled to call home. I’m a proud Teamster and an honored member of the Director’s Guild of America. I believe in whole-person health care that respects the complex interplay of an individual’s mind, body and spirit. I find fulfillment in serving others, and I love a good taco. Heck, I pretty much love all tacos.
Nova Claire Phillips-Latham, MD
Howdy, y’all! I’m Claire Phillips-Latham. While I am Texas born-and-raised, my brother spent 20 years here in Tucson, so some of my favorite childhood memories include hiking up Tumamoc, vising Mount Lemmon, and eating Ethiopian food from Zemam’s. I fell in love with this beautiful landscape, and the vibrant culture here.
While medicine has been my dream since childhood, I also spent some time teaching fifth grade science and completed my Master of Public Health degree before finally gearing up to make family medicine my life’s work. Being from a rural, underserved area, I know the difference an engaged family physician can make to the health of an area and am deeply inspired by the work here at El Rio. I know that together, we can overcome boundaries and empower the strength of this vibrant community.
Home, for me, is the place where I can write poetry, do bootcamp workouts, and spend time with my husband, daughter, dog, and three crazy cats!
Jasim El-Ali, MD, PharmD, MLS, BCPP
My name is Jasim El-Ali. I am from the beautiful city of Tucson, AZ, and have spent my entire life here! I attended the University of Arizona for all my degrees. In undergrad, I studied microbiology, and I later graduated from the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, followed by the James E. Rogers College of Law, where I received my Master of Legal Studies degree while working full time as a community/retail pharmacist. I also worked as a pharmacist at a local behavioral health hospital, which allowed me to sit for the Board of Pharmacotherapeutic Specialists psychiatric pharmacist exam. My passion for addiction and behavioral health, along with my desire to take care of patients holistically, attracted me to El Rio’s Family Medicine program, a place where I always imagined my career path to help care for the underserved patients of the city that I will forever call home.
When I’m not studying or working (or injured), I play basketball and volleyball competitively, play video games, and enjoy my time with my veterinarian partner, our friends and families, and our eight cats.
Arif Saied, DO
Hey, my name is Arif Saied. I’m originally from Sacramento, but Arizona quickly became home for me after my family moved to Phoenix. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from UC Santa Cruz while working as a medical scribe and nursing assistant. Those experiences gave me the opportunity to study the bedside manner of amazing providers and actively help patients in a variety of settings, confirming my desire to pursue a career in medicine. I then attended Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine. When looking for residency programs, I knew I wanted to stay in Arizona to be close to my family. Tucson stood out to me with its welcoming atmosphere, rich culture, and commitment to caring for underserved populations.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing basketball and table tennis, swimming, strategy games, and practicing Arabic calligraphy. I’m excited to begin this next chapter in Tucson and look forward to getting to know you all while continuing to grow as a physician.
Second-Year Residents
David Beckett, DO
My name is David Beckett. Originally being from Phoenix, I went to NAU for undergrad where I decided to pursue medicine. After working in clinical research and obtaining a masters degree, I decided to go to Western University in Lebanon, Oregon where I had the opportunity to work with underserved populations and be one of the leaders for a local free clinic that predominately assisted Spanish speakers and those without insurance. With this being one of the highlights of my medical school experience, I knew I wanted to continue that type of care into residency. That led me to return to Arizona and join El Rio where I am surrounded by other like-minded individuals dedicated to helping others.
When I am not working on my studies and working, I enjoy lifting weights, participating in races, watching the Seahawks, and hanging out with my son, wife, and bulldogs.
Alejandra Pagan Cruz, MD
My name is Alejandra M Pagan, I am originally from Puerto Rico. My interest in medicine started when my youngest sister became ill, and I witnessed the compassion and dedication of the physicians involved in her care. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in medicine.
I completed my medical education at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, and did my clinical rotations in Tucson, Arizona. During that time, I fell in love with the community and its diverse population. I am grateful to continue my training and practice at El Rio Health, where I am committed to giving back to the community that has given me so much. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and hiking.
Juan Sanchez, MD
My name is Juan Sanchez. I am originally from the Phoenix-metropolitan area and moved down to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona for undergrad. I instantly noticed Tucson’s vibrant community, enriched with various cultures, cuisines, and a multitude of hiking trails and outdoor activities. I ultimately decided to return to Tucson and attend medical school at the University of Arizona. Throughout my medical education, I frequently heard about El Rio Health’s commitment to providing equitable and affordable care to the community, aligning with my own values and making my decision to apply to El Rio clear.
Ethan VanDemark, MD
My name is Ethan VanDemark, and I am a first-year family medicine resident at El Rio Health. I moved to Arizona at a young age and have since called this great state home. I grew up in the Phoenix area before attending the University of Arizona, where I studied neuroscience and cognitive science with an emphasis in cognition, along with minors in biochemistry and chemistry. During my college years, largely influenced by the widespread impact of COVID-19, I decided to pursue a career in medicine. I was accepted to Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona, where I spent four meaningful years learning allopathic medicine while working with a diverse patient population in the Phoenix area.
I already had extensive knowledge of Tucson from my time in college and knew it would be a place where I would be happy long term. When applying for residency, Tucson was high on my list. Since starting at El Rio Family Medicine this summer, I have been very surprised and thankful for the amazing opportunities provided. I have found a strong sense of purpose serving the Tucson community. Residency feels very different from medical school, in a positive way. Being a PCP for a wide range of patients is a privilege and something I look forward to each and every day.