Last month, the University of Utah’s Division of Family & Community Medicine proudly celebrated the Class of 2025 at its annual Residency and Fellowship Graduation. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff, the graduates commemorated a meaningful milestone—one that reflects years of intensive training, long hours in clinics, and an unwavering commitment to family medicine.
The ceremony honored those who completed the Family Medicine Residency program and fellowships in Obstetrics, Pharmacy, and Sports Medicine.
To begin the celebration, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine Chair John Barrett, MD, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to the residents’ supporters and mentors for the important role they’ve played in each graduate’s success.
Division Chief Bernadette Kiraly, MD, shared her perspective on the evolving nature of patient care and the deep connections within the discipline of family medicine. “I believe we’re experiencing a more human side to medicine. Patients are no longer content with fragmented care. They want relationships, and they want a champion in their corner. Patients want someone who knows their stories, not just their symptoms. They want to share in the joys and hardships of life. And that is exactly what family medicine offers. We are entering a world that is hungry for connection, and you are trained to deliver that," she said.
Dr. Kiraly also praised the graduating class as a generation of physicians who speak up, advocate for their communities, and demonstrate resilience and readiness.
Associate Professor Tiffany Ho, MD, delivered the keynote speech reflecting on her time with the graduating class and the meaningful connections they’ve built together over the years. Dr. Ho shared some of her favorite “pro tips” for entering the next chapter of their career, encouraging the graduates to lean on their colleagues, lead with intention, and foster supportive cultures in the workplace.
Closing the evening, Family Medicine Residency Program Director Kirsten Stoesser, MD, shared a message of confidence and encouragement. “Whether you pursue clinical practice, academic medicine, or leadership roles, I hope you carry with you the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve already made a difference,” she said.
The Class of 2025 is embarking on the next chapter of their medical careers, taking on a wide variety of appointments. See the list of the residents and fellows below.
Family Medicine Residents
Kayla Jordanova, MD | Adjunct Faculty, University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT
Brian Bertsche, MD | Primary Care Provider – Seattle, WA
Daniel Brandley, MD | Physician, Intermountain Health – Syracuse, UT
Prashanth Fenn, MD | Family Medicine Hospitalist, University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT
Annie Gensel, MD | Full Spectrum Provider, UC Davis – Sacramento, CA
Caitlin Henry, MD | Family Medicine Clinical Attending, University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT
Sarah Hourston, MD, ND | Family Medicine Physician, University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT
Siri Loken, MD | Primary Care Provider, Sutter Health – San Francisco, CA
Leila Noghrehchi, MD | Family Medicine Physician, Northern Arizona Healthcare – Flagstaff, AZ
Mario Pucci, MD | Locums Tenes Physician, Comphealth
Tommy Troy III, MD | Primary Care Provider – Lexington, KY
Obstetrics Fellows
Joel Manzi, DO | Family Medicine Obstetrics Attending, Hopitaly Vaovao Mahafaly – Mandritsara, Madagascar
Natasha Scaria, MD | Greater Lawrence Family Health Center – Lawrence, MA
Sarah Miller, MD, MPH | To Be Determined
Zorica Ljubic, MD | Primary Care, Labor & Delivery, & Hospitalist, Denver Health – Denver, CO
Pharmacy Resident
Makenzie Daniels, PharmD | Primary Care Clinics, University of Utah – Taylorsville, UT
Sports Medicine Fellow
Jennifer Kordell, MD | Family & Sports Medicine, Colorado Permanente/Kaiser – Aurora, CO