Arihant Kalidindi, MD

Where are you from? Voorhees, New Jersey

What are your personal interests/hobbies? I enjoy all things outdoors. I mostly spend my time cycling, hiking and running when I'm outside, and when I'm indoors, I'm usually baking or reading.

What are your professional interests? Sports medicine, medical education

Why did you choose U of A emergency medicine? A huge draw for me was that this program has, I believe, the ideal split of training between a community emergency department and large, Level 1 trauma center. Exposure to both and the different ways of practicing in each is essential to being a well-rounded EM physician. During my interview and in all the interactions I had with residents and faculty, I got the impression that the program fosters a very welcoming and supportive community where everyone has each other's back. I know this is the sort of environment I want to train in, and it made the decision to move away from the East Coast that much easier.

What is your favorite activity in Tucson or what attracted you to Tucson besides the residency program? All the outdoor activities. I've never lived in Tucson, but I have visited often the past couple years to participate in bike races and to enjoy the riding and hiking up in the mountains. I'm excited to live in a city that's lively without being crowded, has tons of great food and great weather all year.

What are your nonmedical goals during residency? Participating in the Tour of the Gila is something that's been on my bucket list for the longest time, and it will be a tough ask during residency, but I hope to make it happen. There's also the Tucson Bicycle Classic and El Tour de Tucson.