Serena Stephens, MD

Where are you from? Ocean Springs, Mississippi

What are your personal interests/hobbies? Formula 1 racing, hanging out with my cats (Memphis and Talladega) and stress baking. I've been running for two years, but I'm starting triathlon training soon.

What are your professional interests? Community advocacy, rural medicine and pediatric hospital medicine

Why did you choose U of A emergency medicine? I knew I wanted to pursue a combined EM and pediatrics program, and I absolutely fell in love with the people in Tucson. Between meeting both online and in-person for a second look, I truly felt like I could fit in. The mountains are just a bonus. 

What is your favorite activity in Tucson or what attracted you to Tucson besides the residency program? Coming from the deep South, the dry heat was a huge selling point for me. Yes, it gets incredibly hot in Tucson, but coming from 100% humidity heat, it's almost like a breath of fresh air. I've also always loved the outdoors, and there are so many different options to get outside in Tucson, whether it be hiking, camping or sitting outside to eat at some really good restaurants around town!

What are your nonmedical goals during residency? Keep reading for fun (I read about 150 books in medical school), stick to my running training plans as much as possible and try as many new places to eat as possible.