Residents

First Year Residents

Hannah Fadenrecht, DO

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, but my family is now all based in Northern California.

Undergraduate College:

Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA

Where did you attend Medical School?

Western University of the Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, CA

Why did you choose PTHA?

Upon a strong recommendation from a classmate, I rotated at PTHA to experience firsthand “the best kept secret in family medicine.” I couldn’t dispute his claim, and fortunately went on to interview and match here. The largest draw for me to PTHA was the spirit factor. It is becoming easier to find places where the mind-body connection is acknowledged and leveraged, but to find a place that aligned with my spirit was special. PTHA is family and community-oriented, and values diversity and growth. I am excited to return to the Pacific Northwest to learn from and serve the Indigenous communities here.

What are your interests?

My favorite area within osteopathic family medicine is perinatal care--caring for the whole family before, during, and after a birth. I’m also interested in working with elder and LGBTQ populations, and coaching patients through big changes in their lives. I spent an extra year in medical school teaching osteopathic manipulative medicine, and incorporate this modality frequently. 
Outside of medicine, I seek creative outlets and ways to connect with people and the natural world. These might include singing, dancing, writing, cooking, travel, hiking, studying mysticism and attending farmers markets and communal rituals.

What are some fun facts about you?

Prior to residency I went on a month-long solo backpacking trip around Europe. Prior to medical school, I went on a month-long solo road trip across the western half of the US. Following college, I spent three months living in Hanoi, Vietnam--where I studied for the MCAT and took online physics (and had my own rental scooter to get around). I played rugby (fullback) in college until I had too many concussions. I’ve been stung seven times by scorpions (and am still not scared of them).

Brittany Boyd, DO

Where are you originally from?

San Diego, California

Undergraduate College:

University of California, Santa Barbara

Where did you attend Medical School?

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose PTHA?

During my interview day I felt like I genuinely clicked with the community and am so excited I found my people at PTHA.

What are your interests?

My interests in medicine include nutrition and lifestyle medicine, full spectrum family medicine including OB, breastfeeding medicine and working with underserved communities.

What are some fun facts about you?

When I'm not at work, I love spending time with my husband, 1.5 year old daughter, and my 3 rescues (2 dogs, 1 cat). I love trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, making sourdough bread and drinking kombucha.

Paige Almond, DO

Where are you originally from?

Kenmore, WA

Undergraduate College:

University of Washington

Where did you attend Medical School?

Pacific Northwest University

Why did you choose PTHA?

Being a smaller program, PTHA has a close-knit family feel that I was searching for. I love the Tacoma area and am very thankful to be able to stay near my family and friends during residency. I want to become a rural full-spectrum family medicine doctor so I am excited for the diverse learning settings PTHA provides.

What are your interests?

I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy cooking (especially soup or pasta), playing card games, reading mystery novels, exploring the outdoors, catching up on my favorite crime shows or cheesy sit-coms, doing simple arts and crafts, and trying new foods and drinks.

What are some fun facts about you?

I am the oldest of 4 siblings. I was a synchronized swimmer for many years and competed nationally. I am the proud aunt of 2 nieces and 1 nephew. I have been to 22 of the 63 national parks and hope to visit all of them one day.

Frances Sebastian, DO

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Cebu City, Philippines, and moved to Indiana at age 6.

Undergraduate College:

Indiana University Bloomington

Where did you attend Medical School?

Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose PTHA?

I got the chance to rotate with PTHA in my fourth year of medical school and I loved my experience working with the staff, residents, and attendings. As a student, I felt seen, valued, and considered as a member of the team and I knew I wanted to be part of that. I am also passionate about working with underserved communities, and I wanted to be in a residency which provided the resources and the support to pursue this endeavor. Lastly, I chose PTHA because it is a full-spectrum unopposed program, and I believe I will be trained well and to my fullest potential here.

What are your interests?

Professionally, my interests include lifestyle and preventative medicine, women's health, and behavioral health including addiction medicine and managing chronic pain with alternatives to pharmacological treatment. Outside of medicine, my interests include reading (historical romance for fiction, natural history for nonfiction), crafting, crocheting, hiking, taking fun exercise classes, climbing, trying out new restaurants and coffee shops, thrifting, finding new music, watching YouTube videos on tiny homes and interior design, and spending time with friends and family.

What are some fun facts about you?

My favorite color is pink, my favorite fruit to eat is mangos (honorable mentions: coconuts, watermelons, cotton candy grapes), I can still speak my native dialect, I have a huge sweet tooth, and I once swam with whale sharks.

Second Year Residents

Rabia Malik, DO

Where are you originally from?

Chicago, IL

Undergraduate College:

University of Illinois at Chicago

Where did you attend Medical School?

Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (Harrogate, TN)

Why did you choose PTHA?

From the many reasons why, I chose to rotate with PTHA as a medical student due to the opportunity to be able to work with underserved populations. Being immersed in a unique culture, I immediately fell in love with faculty, staff, residents, and patients! The teamwork at the clinic and family-like atmosphere was one I wanted to be a part of. PTHA also provides the ability to practice broad spectrum family medicine and was a huge proponent of osteopathic manipulation/treatment which coincides with my interests

What are your interests?

My medical interests are, but not limited to, health disparities, underserved populations, health literacy, women’s health, obstetrics, osteopathy, sports medicine, and dermatology/cosmetics. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking, home décor (on a budget!), yoga, hiking, playing sports, and board games.

What are some fun facts about you?

I LOVE donuts, a lot. My guilty pleasure is definitely watching reality television. I am pretty much an open book so this question is quite difficult!

Matthew Shoemaker, DO

Where are you originally from?

Las Vegas, Nevada

Undergraduate College:

University of Southern California

Where did you attend Medical School?

Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose PTHA?

PTHA really checked all of the boxes I was looking for in a residency - a supportive team, the belief that a person's health encompasses all aspects of their life, and training in both an urban and rural environment. PTHA's emphasis on community, both within the program and within the community we serve, really stuck out to me. All of that, mixed together with the fantastic location (I now have no excuse to not go hiking) made PTHA the logical choice for me!

What are your interests?

In terms of my medical career, I'm interested in practicing primary care with an emphasis on nutrition and preventative medicine. Dealing with any health issue takes up so much time, effort, and energy on the part of the patient - I want to educate my patients, to prevent as much as possible so that they can enjoy their lives fully when they're out of the office. Outside of medicine, I love trying new recipes for meals to impress my friends (my eggplant parmesan recently got rave reviews), gardening, exploring new restaurants and bars, and badly dancing at raves and concerts.

What are some fun facts about you?

I'm usually in charge of cooking the meat when I go out for KBBQ. Unlike most people with seafood allergies, I'm allergic to fish but shellfish is A-OK. I grew up in Las Vegas and prefer bingo to poker.

Josh Wright, DO

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Seattle, but spent most years growing up in the Puyallup and Tacoma areas.

Undergraduate College:

University of Washington, Tacoma

Where did you attend Medical School?

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Why did you choose PTHA?

I was actually inspired to become an osteopath after shadowing Dr. Aaron Rhyner at PTHA, during undergrad. Over the course of nearly two years, Dr. Rhyner graciously showed me what culturally-competent care truly looked like and the delicate balance of mind, body, and spirit that facilitates wellness. While I certainly enjoyed sunny Florida, I simply could not find another residency with as much soul and conviction as PTHA. We are the product of our environment, and saw an incredible opportunity to give back to the communities that shaped me into who I am today. Combine this with unopposed training at incredible facilities, a Native American and osteopathic curriculum, as well as the chance to bring my wife and son back home, PTHA represents EVERYthing I could hope for!

What are your interests?

Where to begin! Professionally, I am passionate about genuinely knowing those I serve, osteopathy, lifestyle medicine, mindfulness, and the future possibilities of telehealth platforms. Beyond healthcare, I am always seeking new travel adventures with family and friends—especially finding the best burger spots! I can't help but take tons of photos and videos with my phone, commemorating trips with fun movies! My hands like to stay busy so in my free time I'm slowly learning how to work on my MINI Clubman. At the end of the day, I enjoy winding down by watching paranormal investigations on YouTube or playing video games with my wife!

What are some fun facts about you?

Recovering potato chip addict (honestly, just carbs in general; I blame my former soccer coaches). I'm bulletproof...well, I drink bulletproof coffee each morning at least...never. enough. butter! Moderately fluent in baby babble but can get around town in Spanish, if needed. Played guitar for 12 years and slowly learning piano. I originally considered architecture before deciding to attend med school with a history degree; my senior paper explored how acupuncture was bringing a Chinese cultural influence BACK into Tacoma—believe it or not, Tacoma's waterfront had a Chinatown until the late 1800s! I also have two spoiled chiweenies named Mia and Kailani.

Third Year Residents

Austin Rubinson, DO

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina

Undergraduate College:

Cleveland University Kansas City

Where did you attend Medical School?

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose PTHA?

Osteopathy has been a primary motivating force in my health care journey. PTHA as a clinic (providers and patients) has a respect for Osteopathy that appealed to me. I felt I could explore my passion and be surrounded by people who also valued it. During my visit, I got along great with residents and knew I could find friends as well as colleagues here. Being near such vast nature is also quite refreshing!

What are your interests?

In medicine my first passion is osteopathy. Outside that I enjoy travel (and trying all the local food), hiking, climbing, surfing (learning), hanging out with good people.

What are some fun facts about you?

This is my first time living in the PNW! Prior to starting osteopathic medicine I spent time exploring chiropractic. One day I hope to have a pet chameleon. I met Jack Johnson... Well more like I swam very fast to get out of his way on a wave.

Craig Wolfe, DO

Where are you originally from?

Colville, Washington

Undergraduate College:

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho and a Master of Arts in Medical Sciences degree from Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington.

Where did you attend Medical School?

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, Washington

Why did you choose PTHA?

I chose PTHA foremost because of the authenticity of its faculty, staff, and residents. It was clear that everyone truly enjoyed being a part of this program and encouraged residents to immerse themselves in the community, not be apart from it. The rigorous curriculum covers all aspects of traditional family medicine while also providing a very unique approach to treating rural and underserved communities, which aligns with my personal and professional interests.

What are your interests?

My medical interests include collaborative care, rural medicine, and behavioral health. Outside of medicine, my wife and I have two young boys who keep us very busy. We love spending time together outdoors going on hikes, enjoying wildlife, and just playing in dirt.

What are some fun facts about you?

When I was young, I learned how to tie my shoes by dreaming. When driving, I have a knack for missing the exit. If I ate tacos for breakfast and dinner every day for the rest of my life, I would still pick a taco to be my last meal on Earth. I was today years old when I learned the FedEx logo has an arrow in it. Lastly, I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.

Thomas Morello, DO

Where are you originally from?

Philadelphia, PA

Undergraduate College:

Oberlin College

Where did you attend Medical School?

Western University of Health Sciences - College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Why did you choose PTHA?

Wow, where to begin! First, as an occupant of this land-- and having been blessed with immense privilege in my life-- the opportunity to leverage my medical education to serve Indigenous communities felt meaningful and important to me. During my time rotating at PTHA as a medical student, the closeness of the community and beauty of the clinic itself formed a strong impression. I felt at home. Second, I was looking for a program with a sincere interest in osteopathic medicine, which I found at PTHA to extend from residents to attendings to patients. Beyond the patients and the osteopathy (not that I needed a beyond), the natural beauty of the PNW has been easy to fall in love with.

What are your interests?

Medically, I am interested in the areas where healthcare overlaps with social justice and an exploration of what it means to be fully human: structural origins of health disparities, population health, behavioral health, women’s health, group visits, hospice & palliative care, and traditional osteopathic medicine. Personally, I am easily lost in music and nature (I am a former DJ and a fledgling backpacker), and love connecting deeply (or shallowly!) with dear pals.

What are some fun facts about you?

Prior to medical school, I worked as a community organizer, paralegal, after-school teacher, and meditation instructor. In 4th grade, I won the MVP at a basketball camp-- my skills have been downtrending ever since. Bill Murray once threw me a beer on a golf course which my parents saved in the basement until I turned 21, at which point it was decided that we should probably just pour that old can down the drain.

Nicole Labban, DO

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from Phoenix, Arizona. The past 3 years, I have been living in Washington, D.C. for Medical School (living in DC has had a huge impact on my personal and professional development, I have to mention it!)

Undergraduate College:

I graduated from Arizona State University & Barrett, The Honors College in 2016, where I got my degrees in Biological Sciences with an emphasis on Genetics and Cellular Biology, along with Spanish. Through Barrett, I was able to defend an undergraduate thesis: The Immune Blockade Therapy in Metastatic Osteosarcoma, under the excellent guidance of the Blattman Laboratory.

Where did you attend Medical School?

I attended A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona for medical school. 1 year was spent in Arizona, with the subsequent 3 years spent in D.C. working with Unity Health Care.

Why did you choose PTHA?

PTHA was the natural next step for my growth as a Physician committed to caring for our most vulnerable populations. In medical school, I had the opportunity to work long-term in underserved communities of Washington D.C. (wards 1, 7 & 8, consisting of primarily Black, Immigrant and Homeless communities), which profoundly altered the way I would see and choose to practice medicine. PTHA appealed to my desire to combine my values in life, with my career; namely, to learn about and serve minority populations and People of Color in the United States, along with working on advocacy & community/preventative health for these populations. I am thrilled to work with the Puyallup tribe of Washington state, learn about both their unique culture and barriers to care, and to receive rigorous training in a setting that balances in-patient and outpatient services. Similarly, I am excited to work alongside individuals who share similar values to me.

What are your interests?

My interests include Mutual Aid, advocacy work, equity (racial, gender, LGBTQ+) in medicine and reading all the books (current book list: The Selected Works of Audre Lorde, Pleasure Activism and From Beirut to Jerusalem). I also love gardening and propagating plants, third-gen coffee, bouldering and creating (in whatever way possible). I am very invested in my spirituality and community. I’m also trying to learn more languages - Portuguese and Arabic!

What are some fun facts about you?

I am fluent in Spanish, first-generation Lebanese-American, and while in DC, was very involved in the art scene, making album art and music videos for local rappers. I’ve also made art for social change (selling works for donations to different NGOs)