Natalie Vela, MD

Where are you from?    

Clarkston, Michigan

Why did you choose U of A Family Medicine?    

I was seeking to explore a new region of the country and be in a place where I could work with a larger Spanish-speaking/Latinx/Hispanic community. I wanted to have good access to outdoor activities and more sunshine. Tucson was a great fit. I was also particularly drawn to U of A Family Medicine for its strong, broad-spectrum training with unique opportunities in integrative medicine, global and rural health, refugee health and a Spanish language and health care disparities track, all of which fit very well with my interests and what I was seeking in a residency program.

What are you most excited about for life in Tucson?    

I’m looking forward to finally escaping Midwest winters for a bit. I am also excited to try more Sonoran cuisine, go hiking/camping on nearby Mount Lemmon and all over Arizona, and I want to check out the many festivals and markets that come through town. I also want to get a bike so I can start riding on The Loop and participate in El Tour de Tucson at some point during residency.

What are your interests or hobbies outside of medicine?    

I love most outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, backpacking, running, biking, swimming and kayaking. My co-residents have gotten me back into pickleball and rock climbing as well. I also love cooking and trying new foods, live music, Latin dancing and traveling.

What are your professional interests within medicine?    

I am passionate about language justice, including promoting language-concordant care and safe/effective interpreter use. I am very interested in integrative and lifestyle medicine and how to implement those practices in lower resourced and culturally diverse communities. Naturally, as a family doc, I enjoy practicing preventative care and managing chronic illness to improve quality of life. I also enjoy adolescent and women’s health and have a specific interest in weight-neutral approaches to PCOS.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?    

Having a slow morning. Doing something active with friends. Going to the farmer’s market. Facetiming friends and family, including my baby niece.

What is the top item on your bucket list?

I really want to get scuba certified and travel to major scuba diving destinations all over the world. I’m already manifesting a postgrad trip to do the Camino de Santiago/Camino Portugues. I also want to travel to every state in Mexico.