Meet Our Residents

PGYI

Lenis Alvarado, M.D.

 Lenis was born and raised in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico.  She always knew she wanted to be a doctor ever since she was a little girl.  She attended Universidad De Puerto Rico where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Anthropology.  While in undergrad, she traveled to China and Tibet with the International Scholar Laureate Program, there she toured Chinese and Tibetan hospitals.  She graduated with her M.D. from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poznan Poland, and hopes to work in a rural community as well as travel to areas that are in need of healthcare.  In her spare time she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, dancing and music.

Joanna Coolidge, M.D.
Joanna was born in Boston MA, and lived in the area until she moved to Salt Lake City, UT in 1998.  She earned a BA from Harvard University in 1995 in Visual and Environmental Studies; her area of practice was photography.  She returned to school at the University of Utah to complete her pre-medical requirements and traveled to Grenada to attend St. George's University.  She completed their MD/MPH program with a practicum in Trinidad and trained in New York City during her clinical years.  Joanna is a NOLS Wilderness Medicine alumna and enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, back country skiing, and white water paddling.  Her medical interests include Emergency Medicine, OB/GYN and Native American health issues.

Bryan was born in North Dakota and moved to Northern California wine country as a teen.  He attended Sonoma State University where he majored in Biology with a Chemistry minor.  Upon completion of his Bachelors of Science degree he attended and graduated Western States Chiropractic, but after practicing for four years, he decided to return to medical school to fulfill his goal of becoming a medical doctor.  He attended medical school at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poznan, Poland.  Bryan hopes to practice in a rural area, as well as travel abroad to treat patients who have limited access to healthcare.   In his spare time he enjoys traveling and outdoor activities which include but are not limited to fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and water sports.

Bilal Khan, M.D.
Bilal grew up in Lawrenceville, GA, where he attended Georgia Perimeter College for his undergraduate studies.  He completed his Bachelor of Health Science degree and later received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Medical University of the Americas in Nevis.  His interests in Family Medicine include preventive medicine and patient education.  He was also actively involved with the underserved community in his hometown as a volunteer for which he received an Award of Excellence for Dedication to the Community.  Outside of medicine, he enjoys traveling, amateur photography and spending time with his wife, family and friends. Bilal is excited to be a part of the PCMH committee.

Tharenie Sivarajah, M.D.
Tharenie was born on the island of Sri-Lanka and immigrated to New York with her family in 1999 due to the civil war in her country.  She has witnessed a bloody civil war which has claimed thousands of innocent lives because there were not enough doctors.  Since that time her dream has been to practice medicine.  She graduated with Chemistry honors from City University of New York and earned her MD from American University of Antigua.  Tharenie still pursues her interest as a dancer and participates in stage shows with her twin sister (also a physician), where they perform a unique style of Bollywood dancing with a mix of Western hip-hop.  She also enjoys running, watching TV series, like "Game of Thrones" and cooking; especially desserts.  Tharenie is also excited to be a part of the PCMH committee.

Catherine Sundsmo, M.D.
Cathy was born and raised in San Diego, CA; where she grew up living an active lifestyle.  During her years at the University of Arizona, Cathy studied Psychology and Spanish and played soccer for the women's soccer team (Go Cats!)  After graduating, Cathy spent time in Tanzania as an HIV/AIDS educator and volunteering in Mexico, and these experiences solidified her desire to pursue medicine. She continued her passion for traveling, volunteering, and working with the underserved at Ross University where she earned her MD.  Cathy chose the University of Wyoming Family Medicine Residency Program at Cheyenne because if offers the best broad-spectrum training, the opportunity to do many procedures, good exposure to OB, outstanding faculty and residents, and the program feels like one big family.  Cathy enjoys Family Medicine because she likes building relationships and providing comprehensive care to a wide range of patients with diverse medical and social issues.  Cathy's interest outside of medicine include playing soccer, running, hiking, gardening and spending time with her husband, Andrew and their dog Mila.  While not at the hospital, Cathy is looking forward to exploring the great state of Wyoming, learning to fly fish, ride horses, mountain biking and take up winter sports.

PGY II

Paul Denna, M.D.
Paul was raised in northern California, and after serving a two-year mission in Ireland for his church; enlisted in the US Army.   He was in Special Operations as a Ranger and later as a sniper in reconnaissance units.  During his eight-year enlistment, Paul almost lost his son to meningitis, and from that moment on decided to become a physician to help others.  After leaving the Army Paul earned his BS in biology at California State University, Sacramento.  He then earned his MD from Saba University School of Medicine.  During his clinical training, he gained excellent experience by doing clerkships at Yale University , University of Louisiana, University of Miami and University of Washington affiliated residency programs and hospitals.  He loves to spend time with his family and enjoys distance shooting, mixed martial arts, reading, history, power lifting and church activities.

Jennifer Pimentel Jahns, M.D.
Born in Califonia, Jenn spent most of her life in the Pacific Northwest.  Jenn attended Seattle University, where she earned her BS.  At Ross University she served as the Women's Health Coordinator, was an indoor cycling instructor, Webmaster/Newsletter editor and choir director for the Catholic Student Association.  She was a member of a volunteer group for clean-up efforts after hurricane Katrina.  Jennifer's husband is an organic farmer.  Any outdoor activities, such as hiking, gardenting, bike riding, and fly-fishing are things Jenn enjoys in her free time.  She also enjoys reading fictional perieod novels, and most recently has discovered an interest in reading accounts of the early American experience.

Afzal Khan, M.D.
Afzal completed his undergraduate education at Arizona State University, and his MBA from Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI.  He has been described as hard working, well motivated and responsible with good leadership qualities.  His desire to serve those most in need is evidenced by his volunteerism with the under privileged.  Spending time with family and friends, basketball, football, running and travel are Afzal's interests outside of medicine.

Tammy Koop, M. D.
Tammy received her BA from Northwest University, Kirkland, WA and initially pursued a career in business.  She applied to medical school when she decided that she wanted something different-something challenging and meaningful.  Continuity of care, including medical missions is what drew her to Family Medicine.  Outside of medicine Tammy plays tennis, golf, and enjoys outdoor recreation and is a beginner pianist.  Owning a FKC vitamin store keeps her involved in the business world.

Thanh-Thao Le, M.D.
TT was born in Saigon, Viet Nam, and immigrated from Vietnam with her family as a teen.  Overcoming language and cultural barriers, her family settled in Houston, TX.  She attended Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI where she received both her BS and MBA.  TT serves as a Vietnamese interpreter for Language Line Services, which is an international company that translates for 911 emergency calls, hospital and doctor's offices, insurance companies, Medicaid and Medicare services, the police department and banks. Family is an important part of her life, but she also like spending spare time with her husband, reading mysteries and writing, watching medical dramas and documentaries, listenting to music, traveling and learning about cultures.  She is learning new cuisines and perfecting her Vietnamese cooking.

Maharaj (Alex) Tomar, M.D.
Alex was born in La Paz, Bolivia and lived in Venezuela before his family moved to the US when he was 6 years old.  He received his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.  Alex is fluent in Spanish.  Running is a part of his daily routine and he enjoys playing soccer on the week-ends.  His other interests include, developing his own photographic prints, cooking for friends and family, and is an avid music collector and attends live music concerts when he has the opportunity.

PGYIII

Nima Azarbehi, D.O.
Nima attended Southern Oregon University for his undergraduate degree, before enrolling at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  He has worked as a professional ski patroller in Colorado, California and Oregon.  He has many sports interest, including skiing, soccer, volleyball, cycling and rafting.  Nima also enjoys piano, guitar and road trips.  Nima was the Soccer Club president at Touro.  While in medical school he served as the on-campus Kaplan representative, and was a member of a group of assistants researching the use of osteopathic manipulative treatments to improve patient lung functions.  Nima is also enjoying serving on the PCMH committee.

Jeffrey "Jake" Behringer, M.D.
Jake earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina with a degree in Geology, but feeling the urge to provide relief to the less fortunate, he joined the Peace Corps, which in turn led to his path to medical school.  He received his MD degree from Ross University School of Medicine.  Jake participated in the couple's match with his wife Kristina.  Being active is an important component in his life and he loves to build and restore furniture and surfboards.  He enjoys being outdoors doing almost anything, especially surfing, camping and cycling.  He feels lucky to have a family that enjoys being active with him.  His other interests includes music (playing guitar and saxophone.)

Kristina Behringer, M.D.
Kristina's undergraduate degree was completed at the University of Colorado and she earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine.  While at Ross Kristina was a member of the Wilderness Medical Society.  Kristina was part of a couples match with Jake Behringer.  With their children they enjoy hiking with their dogs, and she and her daughter share the love of horses.  Kristina's hobbies include horses:  jumping, training, trail riding, jewelery making, furniture upholstering, sewing and knitting.  Her future plans are to work within a rural setting.

Derek Nevins, M.D.
Derek, a native of Wyoming attended the University of Wyoming, where he received a BS degree in Zoology and Physiology.  As a WWAMI medical student he attended the University of Washington where he received his medical degree and completed one year of residency at the University of Washington Department of Surgery.  In going forward with his medical career, Derek joined the University of Wyoming Family Medicine Residency Program at Cheyenne.  When time permits Derek enjoys sports of all kind, including:  golf, tennis basketball and football.  He also enjoys spending time with his wife, baby boy and traveling.

Robert Oravec, M.D.
Originally from Illinois, Robert earned a BS degree from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL and his MD from Ross University School of Medicine.  Prior to medical school Robert's career included varied business experiences.  He started his career as an engineer, and became the owner of a manufacturing company, providing metal fabrication services as well as complete building maintenance services.  He was also Vice President of a nursing education company.  He developed a fascination with the medical arts at an early age, and was further inspired by his extensive volunteer work in hospitals and medically underserved communities.  He enjoys outdoor sports, especially mountain biking, hiking and camping.  Robert also likes foreign travel and gardening.

Yusuf Ruhullah, M.D.
Although Yusuf attended high school in the U.S. he opted to attend medical school in India and received his medical degree from Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences.  He enjoys swimming, hiking, camping, hunting and bush craft, reading classic and contemporary American literature, watching wild-life and science documentaries, theoretical physics and electroplating.  He is impressed with Family Medicine because he feels that it requires detailed knowledge of all specialties to be efficient.

Aaron Wilson, M.D.
Aaron, a native of Indiana, completed his undergraduate studies at Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN.  He earned his MD from the American University of the Caribbean.  In his spare time, Aaron enjoys all kinds of team sports, hiking, SCUBA, golf, snow skiing, traveling, cars, computers, learning Spanish, learning history, some movies and fixing things.  He has traveled extensively throughout the world, doing both missionary work and while doing his clinical training during medical school.

2012 Graduates

Katie Fife Karlson, M.D.
Katie left a small town in Utah to attend George Washington University in DC, on academic and diving scholarships.  She received her BS degree in biology and attended three years of medical school at George Washington University School of Medicine.  She finished her medical degree with Ross University.  Her lifelong dream has been to serve others as a caring physician.  She was thrilled to have completed her residency with the University of Wyoming Family Medicine Residency PRogram at Cheyenne.  She enjoys running, biking, cooking, playing Scrabble, frozen custard, the color red and a good hair day.  Katie, and her husband are now in Washington where  she has joined a Family Medicine group in Kennewick.

Cara Johnson, D.O.
Cara's experience with health care, first started as a home health aide several years ago, which inspired her to go on to medical school.  Family Medicine was an easy choice for her make, as it combined the opportunity to work with patients of all ages with the challenges of utilizing a wide knowledge base.  It has always been her hope that once finished with her education that she would be able to return to Wyoming and resume caring for its' residents in a greater capacity as a Family Medicine physician.  A self-professed science junkie, Cara enjoys astronomy, computer science, and botany, as well as spending time with husband, son and their dogs.  Cara will be furthering her education as a Geriatric fellow in Arizona.  Her future plans still include returning to Wyoming and caring for Wyoming's aging population.

Joanna Plonska, M.D.
Joanna spent her formative years in Poland where her mother worked as a nurse.  She immigrated to the U.S. when she was sixteen.  Although nervous, she was excited about the opportunities that would arise with this life-changing experience.  Joanna enrolled in Rutgers, where her mentors encouraged her to pursue options in medicine, and where she received a BA degree.  After completing a clerkship at the U.W. Family Medicine Residency Program at Cheyenne, Joanna was convinced that the Program would provide the kind of training she would need to become an excellent physician.  Traveling and exploring new places and spending time outdoors are some of the interests Joanna enjoys away from medicine.  Joanna will be hanging up her shingle in Boulder, CO.

Sandra Plybon, M.D.
Sandra is from Slovakia, which was under communist control, until she was eight.  She met her husband, an American, while in medical school.  While living in the U.S. she has immersed herself in the U.S. healthcare system.  She appreciates the opportunity for long-term interactions with families that still exists in the practice of Family Medicine which drew her to this speciality.  The idea of whole and complete wellness is where her focus lies, and her aim is for her patients to have healthy life experiences.  Having traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. she has enjoyed many different cultures.  She intends to travel to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia next.  She jogs most days and swims often.  She enjoys hiking both in her homeland and in the Rocky Mountains.  Sandra should be able to do plenty of hiking in the Rocky Mountains as she will be joining a Family Medicine clinic in Glenwood Springs, CO.

Maida Sehgal, M.D.
Maida's interest in medicine started with the enjoyment of science and motivation from her mother, who is a physician, which further stimulated her curiosity and fascination with medicine.  She grew up in one of the largest cities in Pakistan, where she graduated from medical school.  Maida spent time after graduation from medical school doing critical care research at a Chicago medical school and had the honor of making an oral presentation of her work at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions.  She also gained clinical experience in the U.S. by doing sub-internships at Yale New Haven hospitals as well as Mayo Clinic.  Maida believes that her enthusiasm to learn and dedication to her career has helped her become a good family physician.  Working out, cooking, traveling and spending precious time with her family is what fills Maida's free time.  She has joined her physician husband in Ohio.