2021 Graduates
Aaron C. Hechtman, DO

I am so very proud of the surgeon he has grown into and is becoming. He is exactly the kind of trainee that makes this job so rewarding. He will be greatly missed when he graduates. I would hire him back as a partner without hesitation if he chose to return to Arizona. I am confident that he will not only master his craft and provide exceptional care to patients, but he will advance the science and improve the way we care for patients and their pathology. [Elizabeth M.N. Ferguson, MD, FACS]

Undergraduate Education

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Medical School

A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Kirksville, Missouri

Residency Program

Creighton University School of Medicine/Maricopa Medical Center

General Surgery Residency

Phoenix, Arizona

Additional Study

Bariatric Surgery Fellowship

Reading Hospital

Reading, Pennsylvania

Personal

Hobbies: Hiking, Road biking, Traveling, Science fiction novels/movies




Emily Ann Helmick, DO

Dr. Helmick was excellent in the operation room with steady hands and a cool, calm demeanor. She had good clinical acumen in the CTICU and great compassion for the patients. Her work ethic was highly impressive and she was always willing to go above and beyond for the ultimate good of the patient. She is tireless and her energy is infectious.[Ross Bremner, MD, PhD]

Undergraduate Education

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas

Medical School

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

Glendale, Arizona

Residency Program

General Surgery Residency

Creighton University School of Medicine/Maricopa Medical Center

Phoenix, Arizona

Future Work Experience

TBD – Thoracic Fellowship Match on 5/12/21




Christopher R. Mellon, DO

Chris is a superb Chief resident who manages patients very well and independently. He is self-motivated, with superb clinical knowledge and skill. He possesses excellent critical thinking and bedside manner.

[Kaveh Najafi, DO]

Undergraduate Education

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

Medical School

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

Phoenix, Arizona

Residency Program

General Surgery Residency

Creighton University School of Medicine/Maricopa Medical Center

Phoenix, Arizona

Future Work Experience

Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Honor Health Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona




Tina W. Wong, MD, PhD

Tina is a Program Director’s dream – hard working, affable, responsible, intelligent, keen and perceptive. She possesses all of the intangibles that cannot be taught: drive, motivation, insight and intellectual curiosity. She has an uncanny ability to connect almost immediately with patients and their families, putting them at ease at what can be a terrifying, devastating time for them. She is the very definition of perseverance, dedication, compassion, drive and integrity. [Elizabeth M.N. Ferguson, MD, FACS]

Undergraduate Education

Williams College

Williamstown, Massachusetts

Medical School

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Rochester, Minnesota

Residency Program

General Surgery Residency

Creighton University School of Medicine/Maricopa Medical Center

Phoenix, Arizona

Future Work Experience

Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship

Virginia Commonwealth University/Massey Cancer Center

Richmond, VA

Personal

Pet: Pepper (kitty)

Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, violin, singing, medical/surgical mission work, Habitat for Humanity building projects