Dr. Abbas was born in Syria. He initially trained in France and after moving to the US he completed his Internal Medicine training at St Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri.�He is Board Certified through the American Board of Internal Medicine. In addition, Dr. Abbas is an Adjunct Professor at Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clinical Professor of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.�

Dr. Abbas is fluent in English, French, Kurdish and Arabic.�He has worked as a Hospitalist for several years in local hospitals. He currently works as an Internist in two offices; one in Sun City and the other in Surprise. Dr. Abbas is married to Wanda and has one daughter.�He enjoys reading and loves his work!

Dr. Jonathan W. Agins completed his training in Urology at SUNY Brooklyn and at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, receiving an education by the world’s foremost scholars in all aspects of Urology. He has practiced in good standing in Milburn, New Jersey for 3 years, acting as a leader and a pioneer amongst his peers, offering the latest surgical techniques to his community and his colleagues.

Dr. Agins has been a valued physician to his community. He has acted as a Federal Investigator with the National Institute of Health (NIH), and he has led many seminars as the keynote speaker in Urology. His work in Pediatric Urology has been featured in Parents Magazine, and ultimately, his work in Prostate Cancer has been recognized on NBC News in New York City. In addition to his outstanding achievements as a General Urologist, Dr. Agins is a specialist in NeuroUrology, practicing a new technique for the treatment of refractory overactive bladder and chronic pelvic pain--Interstim. (A bladder pacemaker that is implanted over the sacral spine).�

Dr. Amdemariam received his Medical Degree from the Gondar Medical School in Gondar Ethiopia. He then completed his General Surgery Residency at Leipzig University Hospital in Leipzig Germany and his Internship and Internal Medicine Residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Amdemariam is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He provides in-patient ICU, acute, subacute, long term care and out-patient care in an office and urgent care setting.�

Dr. Anderson established the Phoenix Neurology and Sleep Medicine in May 2006 and currently serves as the Director of Neurology and Staff Neurologist at Banner Estrella Hospital and Staff Sleep Specialist SunHealth Sleep Center. After receiving his BA in Chemistry from the California State University of Dominguez Hills, CA, he continued on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from the Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, in Loma Linda, CA. He then served as a Flight Surgeon at the Naval Operational Medicine Institute in Pensacola, FL. In 2003, Dr. Anderson completed his Neurology Residency at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Dr. Anderson has received numerous honors and awards and has extensive research and academic experience. He is married with three children and enjoys philanthropic and community involvement as well as marathons, triathlons, water sports, skiing, and golf.

Dr. Arya received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Arizona State University and his Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his Residency in Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX.

Dr. Arya is professionally affiliated with the American Academy of Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery. He has received numerous honors and awards and has published in his field.

Dr. Brad Baker is an experienced, fellowship trained Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist, focusing on Arthroscopic Surgery of the Shoulder and Knee. He is uniquely double Board Certified in both Orthopedic Surgery and the Subspecialty of Orthopedic Sports Medicine.

Dr. Baker joined Valley Orthopedics in 2008. Born and raised in the Midwest, he received his undergraduate degree at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He then received his medical degree at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. After completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Kansas -Wichita, he pursued an additional year of Fellowship training in Sports Medicine at the Taos Orthopedic Institute in New Mexico, working with the United States Ski and Snowboard Team medical staff. From 2001 to 2008, Dr. Baker practiced in Sioux Falls, SD where he served as the team physician for several professional, elite-amateur, and collegiate teams; as a Clinical Professor at the medical school; built up a respected sports medicine program; and treated recreational athletes and non-athlete patients with shoulder or knee problems.

Dr. Baker is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and American College of Sports Medicine. He has instructed orthopedic surgeons on advanced techniques in arthroscopy of the shoulder and knee, published orthopedic literature, and has been featured at lectures and on radio and television programs. Dr. Baker is married with two young boys and enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, biking, and golf.

Dr. Bargan received his Medical Degree from the Kishinev Medical University, Kishinev, Republic of Moldova and his PhD from the Moscow Medical Academy in Moscow, Russia. He has researched extensively and is published in the diagnosis and treatment of liver and spleen disorders and diseases. Dr. Bargan has further internship and residency training in Family Medicine and OB/GYN from the University of Arkansas, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Rio-Grande Hospital, TX.

Dr. Bargan is certified in Advanced Neonatal Life Support, Advanced Pediatric Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice. He is married with a daughter.

Dr. Robert Barricks received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. He completed his Internship at St. Paul Ramsey Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Barricks served as a Physician in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Major. Prior to joining IMS, Dr. Barricks worked in Private Practice in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Barricks has teaching experience with the United States Air Force, Creighton University School of Medicine, University of Min- nesota, and Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Barricks is a Member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, Minnesota State Medical Association, Arizona State Medical Association, Maricopa County Medical Association, amongst many others. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Minneapolis Association for Retarded Citizens and the Fraser Community Services for the Handicapped. Dr. Barricks is Board Certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Dr. Bhakta completed his B.S. Biochemistry at the University of Arizona in 1994 and completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at the Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix.�He is Board Certified through the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as an Associate Member of the American College of Physicians.�In addition, Dr. Bhakta is an Adjunct Professor at Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Clinical Professor of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.�Furthermore, Dr. Bhakta is a Medical Director for Essensa MediSpa.�He is also trained and certified in Advanced Fillers and Hyperhidrosis Techniques, Botox® and Restylane injections along with Mesotherapy and Sclerotherapy. �

Dr. Bhakta speaks fluent English, Spanish and conversational Gujarati (Indian language).�He has worked as a Hospitalist for several years in local hospitals.�He currently works as an Internist/Primary Care in two offices; one in Sun City and the other in Surprise. Dr. Bhakta is married to Ann and has two children.�He enjoys reading and likes most sports, especially Basketball.�He is very patient and is also a good listener.

Dr. Megan Blackburn received her Doctorate of Medicine from University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. She completed her Family Medicine Residency Program in Phoenix, Arizona. She is Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and was a Member of the Academic Affairs Committee. Dr. Blackburn is a Member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Kirstine Blackshear received her Bachelor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. She completed the following Clinical Rotations at various Clinics in Phoenix, Arizona: Primary Care, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, General/Vascular Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. Kirstine came to Southwest Family Medicine with Medical experience at Bryan’s Extended Care Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Kirstine received the Dow-Roberta Puckett Scholarship, was in the Who’s Who of American College Students, Sul Ross State University Dean’s List and was the Sul Ross State University Biology Department Undergraduate of the Year. She is a Member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Shawn Blick,M.D. is the founder and president of his expanding urology group, Valley Urologic Associates, P.C. He has practiced in Phoenix, Arizona for 7 years.

He completed his medical school training at Mount Sinai Medical School with honors, and he performed his residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. In addition, his residency required him to complete 6 months of oncology (cancer) training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.�

As a urologist in private practice, Dr. Blick has continued to advance his knowledge and skills. He has attended multiple courses on advanced techniques for penile prosthesis insertion for erectile dysfunction, pelvic floor reconstruction for pelvic prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, laser surgery for BPH, cyroablation and robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies for prostate cancer, and hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomies for kidney cancer.�

In the community, Dr. Blick has proven himself to be an excellent educator. He is an Adjunctive Faculty Member at Midwestern University (Osteopathic College of Medicine) and has been given an award for his teaching skills. He has delivered multiple lectures to patients and physicians on the topics of erectile dysfunction, overactive bladders, stress urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. He has hosted his own radio talk show (“Topics in Urology”), and he was featured on Fox 10 News for his work with “Penile Prosthesis Insertion” and “Pubovaginal Slings for Stress Urinary Incontinence”.

Dr. Lynn W. Blunt, Jr. completed his residency in Urology at The McGraw Medical Center of Northwestern University in 2003.

Prior to joining Valley Urologic Associates, Dr. Blunt served as The Chairman for the Division of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago.�During his term as Chairman, Dr. Blunt was responsible for educating residents and medical students at the The University of Chicago Urology Residency Program and The Chicago Medical School, respectively.�Furthermore, Dr. Blunt also served as the institution’s Physician Liaison to The Commission on Cancer for The American College of Surgeons, making Dr. Blunt a leading authority in Urologic Oncology.

Dr. Blunt is experienced in all areas of general urology; however, Dr. Blunt is an expert in the evaluation and management of traumatic urologic injuries as well as reconstructive urology.�Dr. Blunt’s former experience was at a Busy Level-One Trauma Center, providing Dr. Blunt with a unique and special skill set for the Phoenix Market.

Dr. Blunt is Board Certified by The American Board of Urology.

Dr. Bowne received his B.S. in Biology from the Southwest Missouri State University, and his Medical Degree from the Saint Louis University Medical School in 1997. He then completed his Otolaryngology Residency at the Saint Louis University Hospital and continues to take AAOA Allergy Fellowship courses. Dr. Bowne is AAO-HNS Board Certified.

Dr. Bowne is professionally affiliated with the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, and American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. He has made numerous lectures and presentations on ENT related topics to local medical and community groups and is well published.

Dr. Charous received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY and then completed his Doctor of Medicine from New York University School of Medicine, New York City in 2000. He completed his Residency in Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. He is licensed in PA and AZ.

Dr. Charous is professionally affiliated with the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, and American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. He has published and presented numerous times in his field. Dr. Charous enjoys golf, skiing, scuba diving, and computers.

Rukiya Chavers completed her Associate of Arts in Nursing at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, NM and then continued on to receive both her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science/Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Phoenix. Ms. Chavers performs comprehensive care from neonate to geriatric as well as patient assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, well and sick visits, patient education and counseling, women’s health, and diabetes care. As a full time nurse practitioner, she also treats and manages very complex co-morbid conditions. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American Academy of Diabetic Educators and is fluent in Spanish.