Current Residents
PGY-1
Michael Nicholls, DO
My name is Michael Nicholls and I am an Arizona native having grown up in rural Yuma, AZ. I studied psychology at the University of Arizona and discovered a passion for psychotherapy through my honors thesis in emotion regulation. I completed my medical training at A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona where I completed rotations throughout Arizona in Phoenix, Tucson, and my hometown of Yuma. My professional interests include psychotherapy, interventional psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry and addiction medicine.
I look forward to contributing to El Rio’s mission of providing compassionate care to underserved communities. Over the past decade, my family and my education have allowed me to grow strong ties to Tucson and I look forward to raising my growing family here. Outside of work, I enjoy CrossFit, cooking, mentoring pre-medical students and spending time with my family and kids.
TJ Song, MD
My name is TJ Song, and I’m originally from the Bay Area. I earned undergraduate degrees in Human Evolutionary Biology and Psychology from Harvard University, where I became fascinated by how our bodies and minds evolved – and what that might reveal about the human experience. While I haven’t uncovered the secrets of the universe, I’ve continued exploring my place within it through a diverse mix of careers and creative pursuits.
Before medicine, I worked in marketing for startups and investment firms, designed for music labels and fashion AI companies, and conducted research at the Stanford Design School and School of Medicine, exploring the intersection of design thinking and human-centered healthcare. This work ultimately led me to CHSU-COM, where I discovered psychiatry as the perfect intersection of my interests in neuroscience, human behavior, and lived experience. I hope to pursue a career in addiction or interventional psychiatry, with some forensic psychiatry along the way.
El Rio has been an incredibly supportive program with very talented leadership providing quality training while encouraging me to explore my interests. I’m happy to call Tucson home and enjoy spending my free time hiking and exploring the surrounding nature. Outside of medicine, I’ve recently become passionate about personal finance and had the opportunity to design the cover of a book coauthored by Dr. James Dahle of The White Coat Investor. I’m also an avid photographer, musician/producer, and writer, and I’m always excited to collaborate on creative or professional projects.
Vanessa Mackey-Bradley, DO
Growing up in Detroit, I witnessed the effects of untreated mental illness within my family which ultimately motivated and inspired me to pursue a career in Psychiatry and to serve underserved communities.
During my psychiatry rotations at El Rio, my passion for psychiatry was solidified and intensified. I was drawn to El Rio Psychiatry Residency due to the longitudinal relationships with patients, interdisciplinary care and commitment to serve the community by a whole patient approach. El Rio Psychiatry Residency exudes a steadfast commitment to community-based and culturally sensitive psychiatric care within the FQHC model.
As a former high school teacher, I hope to incorporate teaching throughout my career. Outside of medicine, I enjoy Pilates, archery, traveling, and spending time with my husband and son.
Yumna Siddique, MD
I chose Psychiatry because I love getting to know my patients and understanding how their experiences have shaped them. El Rio Health seemed like a natural fit for me due to its focus on serving diverse patient populations. I’m originally from Southern California but moved to Arizona for medical school. Having spent the last few years in Arizona, I was excited to make Tucson home and explore its culinary scene and outdoor activities. I love traveling, trying new coffee shops, Pilates, yoga, watching reality TV, and spending time with my cats.
PGY-2
Benjamin Pope, MD
My name in Ben Pope, originally from Tempe, Arizona. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Arizona State University, where I developed a deep interest in understanding the complexities of the human mind. During my studies, I worked as a preschool teacher at ASU’s on-campus preschool, supporting children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities. That experience solidified my passion for child and adolescent psychiatry, a field in which I plan to pursue fellowship training.
I attended the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and am happy to now call Tucson home. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my partner, cooking, baking, and exploring new restaurants.
Marlene Gonzalez-Anguiano, MD
My name is Marlene Gonzalez-Anguiano, and I was raised in the small border town of Douglas, Arizona. After graduating from high school, I joined the Navy Reserve and earned an associate degree from Cochise College. I then transferred to the University of Arizona, where I began my path toward a career in medicine—ultimately completing both my bachelor’s degree and medical school there. I’ve lived in Tucson for the past eight years, and it has truly become my second home.
I chose El Rio Health to pursue my psychiatry training because I wanted to go to a program where I could continue working with underserved communities and give back to a community that is similar to the one that raised me. I’m thrilled to continue my training in Tucson, especially at a program that values community advocacy and fosters a supportive, inclusive environment.
Osama Mobayed, MD
My name is Osama Mobayed, a Syrian American raised in San Diego, CA. I studied Biology at UC Irvine and later worked as a tutor, supporting K–12 students, ACT/SAT prep, and teaching Arabic on weekends. I went on to attend A.T. Still University–Arizona for medical school, where I had the opportunity to rotate in Phoenix, New York, and Tucson.
Over the past year, Tucson has quickly become a second home. I’ve come to value its sense of community, family-owned businesses, and natural beauty. My decision to pursue psychiatry training at El Rio Health grew out of my rotation there, where I was struck by the genuine compassion shown not only to patients but also within the team itself.
My passion for serving the underserved began early, shaped by witnessing the humanitarian crises in the Middle East. El Rio has given me the opportunity to honor that calling in a community I admire and feel proud to serve.
Peter Somoza, MD
I’m originally from Phoenix, AZ, and completed my undergraduate, graduate, and medical education at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Before medical school, I worked in behavioral health serving underserved patients, which gave me firsthand insight into the challenges of accessing equitable mental health care. These experiences strengthened my commitment to psychiatry and deepened my dedication to advancing health equity through compassionate, culturally responsive care.
During my audition rotation at El Rio, I was inspired by the program’s mission to serve underserved communities and support Tucson’s large Spanish-speaking population. I felt welcomed by the supportive leadership and faculty and found a strong alignment between El Rio’s mission and my own dedication to community service, advocacy, and expanding access to mental health care.