Eddie Vargas, MD

Where are you from? Tucson, Arizona

What are your personal interests/hobbies? Hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants and breweries, watching thrillers, listening to podcasts, and Arizona sports. 

What are your professional interests? Advanced emergency medicine ultrasonography, medical education, quality improvement and patient safety.

Why did you choose U of A emergency medicine? On my first day as a subintern at the Banner – University Medical Center Tucson Emergency Department during medical school, I found myself in my first unexpected resuscitation. Once the chaos settled, residents, attendings and nurses came over to ask if I was doing OK and kept checking on me throughout the shift. That small act of kindness said a lot. This is a place where people work hard, take great care of patients and still look out for each other. U of A emergency medicine became my clear top choice because it offers high-acuity training in the community where I was born, alongside residents, faculty and staff who push me to grow clinically and make me proud to train here.

What is your favorite activity in Tucson or what attracted you to Tucson besides the residency program? I love that Tucson has a way of feeling like home very quickly, whether you grew up here or just got lucky enough to spend time here. The food, sunsets, mountains, monsoons, Arizona basketball and the close-knit community all make it special. My favorite Tucson activity is probably getting good Mexican food with friends or family and catching a desert sunset after.

What are your nonmedical goals during residency? Learn new recipes, hike as much as possible, stay connected with my friends and family, and build awesome friendships with my co-residents.