Eric Ensign, MD

Where are you from? The grand motherland that is Farmington, New Mexico.

What are your personal interests/hobbies? CrossFit and fitness in general (i.e., being a meathead), cooking at home although debatably I like eating it more, spending time with friends and family whether we’re just chilling or doing the most, yapping uncontrollably, traveling, listening/dancing to great music (defined by me, duh) at any chance that I get, fashion and spending time amongst the queer community (we love the gays)!

What are your professional interests? I love the flexibility and freedom in the emergency room, plus the diversity in patients and their presentations, so I think I plan to stay purely in the ED. I’d love to pick up travel contracts at some point to be able to experience new places without committing to fully moving cities until I can figure out my forever home. As someone who initially started with interests in plastic surgery, I’d love to pursue a side gig in the realm of aesthetics and possibly open up my own medical spa so that I can not only work to save lives in the ED but to better the lives of others in a different setting as well (and all while not ever having to think about being a surgeon again too, thank god). 

Why did you choose our program? I’m a born and raised southwestern boy to the core who has never lived outside the region; its beauty, landscape, people, culture and food hold a special place in my heart, along with my family and the people I’ve met and grown to love. Tucson holds many similarities to Albuquerque, where I’ve lived since finishing high school, but could also provide me an outstanding educational opportunity and a new start without having to completely let go of my past in New Mexico. To be honest, out of all of my interviews, I absolutely felt the best connection and overall vibes with U of A EM, which is what steered me most toward this program. 

Favorite activity in Tucson, or what attracted you to Tucson besides the residency program? I was definitely attracted to the hiking and access to trails, and I’m looking forward to exploring the food scene. I’m actually incredibly excited to be in more warmth because I can barely handle New Mexican winters and would rather bask in the sun like a lizard. I’ve also got some nearby friends in Phoenix and the opportunity to travel to some cool new places only a couple of hours away!

What are your non-medical goals during residency? I plan on maintaining my physical fitness to help maintain my mental well-being as one of my top priorities! I’d also love to learn how to sew and create clothing that’s catered for myself, figure out how to function more independently with my relocation and actually feel like a full-fledged adult, meet some new people who are fun and kind (and attractive wouldn’t hurt either) who I can grow with while maintaining my current friendships, and to live a full life outside of residency (and balancing it all well). It would probably be helpful to figure out my plan for life beyond residency, but honestly what I want the most over the next few years is to just enjoy myself and have an absolute ball along the way!