Nate Davidson, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I grew up around Iowa City, IA. I ended up leaving for Chicago to study Biomedical Engineering during college (Go ‘Cats) before eventually returning to the University of Iowa for my medical school training.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
I chose the University of Utah for it’s amazing faculty and the Division’s integration with the engineering colleges throughout the university. I knew I wanted to train with individuals that cared deeply about their patients and had a genuine curiosity in not only the medicine they were providing – but how to positively impacted the world around them – and I found that in the faculty and residents I worked with during my away rotation. I also wanted to choose a program that valued outdoor activity as much as work, and the opportunities to stay active and get into nature, while living in downtown SLC, are unparalleled.
What particular aspects of the program do you think have been most beneficial to you?
The positive and collaborative nature of the PM&R Division truly shines and is evident throughout the staff and the trainees that come to the University of Utah. While striving to reflect those values, even while working as an Internal Medicine intern, and bringing a good attitude to work every day, I’ve found colleagues and patients that are excited to learn and work alongside anyone who is willing to do the same.
What is your most memorable experience during your residency?
2020-2021 were some memorable years for everyone.
Do you have a mentor? If so, who is it? And how has this person helped you?
I am not one to have a single mentor, I have a number of colleagues and friends that I respect and trust who I go to for help or advice in particular arenas of my life.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
I love spending time outside in the dirt, hiking, backpacking, and gardening. In the winter though, we ski :)
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
Several months after my wife and I both plunged into our medical internships, we took an amazing trip to the Sawtooth Mountain range where we soaked in natural hot springs along freezing rivers, hiked to glacial lakes, and reconnected with old friends.
Omar Rachdi, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I’m from Portland, Oregon, I am a dual-citizen (Moroccan-American) and I went to Western University COMP-Northwest in Lebanon, Oregon.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
I remember having this feeling of, “Woah, these folks are the real deal” after my interview. The training resources are incredible for the UofU PM&R residency, but really it’s the people that made me want to come. The faculty and staff are genuinely invested in our wellbeing and success. I can’t imagine training anywhere else.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
I really love gardening, listening to Sam Cooke and watching my chickens just do their chicken thing.
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
Definitely hiking Arches with my friend Ryan and thinking we were going to fall during our hike from how windy it was. Haven’t felt wind like that since I lived in Oregon.
Casey Fenger, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I am from Driggs, ID and I went to the University of Utah School of Medicine.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
The people here are incredible. Everyone likes to have fun and is so very supportive. The access to the great outdoors puts this place over the top!
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
Where to begin! It's a 50/50 split between skiing and mountain biking.
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
My wife and I are doing a mountain bike race with Andrea Carefoot (current PGY4) and her husband. We spend the weekends together riding as many miles as we can to see how much suffering we can take!
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
My wife and I are doing a mountain bike race with Andrea Carefoot (current PGY4) and her husband. We spend the weekends together riding as many miles as we can to see how much suffering we can take!
Chase Young, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I am from St. Louis, Missouri and went to medical school at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
After my interview, I had gotten a very positive vibe from everyone and felt like this program would foster a very healthy learning environment that would not only offer me great training but also would encourage me to be a whole person with interests and hobbies outside of medicine. Plus the moutains...the access to incredibly beautiful nature/outdoor activities here is second to none.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
I have really enjoyed all the hiking since I came here and lately gotten very into pickleball
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
Hiking Lake Blanche in early fall and enjoying a beer or two at the top with a bunch of my co-residents.