Erin Rieck, DO

Where are you from? Richmond, Virginia

What are your personal interests/hobbies? Hiking (specifically to do so in every U.S. National Park), backpacking, trail and road running, skiing, making ceramics, playing volleyball, baking gluten-free desserts and tending to my 40+ little green babies (houseplants).

What are your professional interests? Wilderness/austere medicine; ultrasound (pure wizardry and deserves way more hype); EMS education.

Why did you choose our program? U of A checked all my boxes: high volume, a large catchment area, unique environmental exposures, and the opportunity to care for Latino and Native communities — all things that mattered deeply to me. During my interview, the resident camaraderie was undeniable — the kind of soul-saving support that’s critical in EM. I knew right away I’d feel at home here. Being part of a residency family is so valuable to me.

Favorite activity in Tucson, or what attracted you to Tucson besides the residency program? The Four Corners region has my whole heart. Give me sun, high desert, and mountains and I’m happy. I also hear there is gluten-free bruschetta at a Tucson restaurant?! UNHEARD of!

What are your non-medical goals during residency? Running an ultramarathon (maybe putting that info here will hold me accountable?), throwing large-scale ceramic pieces and improving my fluency in Spanish.