Southern Colorado Family Medicine Residency
Located in Pueblo, CO since 1975, our program provides robust full-scope family medicine physician training. Our faculty prepares residents for many areas of medical care, including underserved outpatient clinic environments, inpatient adult medicine service, inpatient pediatric service, and OB service with deliveries and cesarian sections.
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Program Summary
Southern Colorado Family Medicine (SCFM) has been training resident physicians for over four decades and many of the primary care physicians in our town trained in our program. Our faculty team has a passion for comprehensive family medicine and seeks physicians who cherish learning underserved family medicine in an unopposed environment. Our program offers an individualized approach to training family medicine physicians with many tracks, procedures, and high-volume inpatient and obstetrics (OB) care that creates a unique training environment. We are a diverse team of professionals who thrive in a positive, educational, and fun environment providing high-quality patient care around the clock.
Program AIMS
- Produce competent full-scope family physicians.
- Train physicians to be experts in meeting their community healthcare needs.
- Produce physicians who will improve the quality of health care in their communities.
- Implement a curriculum that is flexible and sensitive to the needs of our residents and community.
- Train physicians to provide primary care in an underserved population with emphasis on social determinants of health.
- Mentor physicians on becoming members of a multidisciplinary team and caring for patients in the hospital, outpatient, continuity clinic, and nursing home settings.
- Promote the discovery and dissemination of knowledge important to clinical practice.
"We are a compassionate team providing quality family-centered health care to the Southern Colorado community. We seek to build relationships across the lifespan, partner with St. Mary-Corwin to serve those in need, and train well-rounded physicians. We will lead through excellence, collaboration, innovation, and scholarship."
Questions about our program and training opportunities
1008 Minnequa Avenue
Medical Arts, Suite #115
Pueblo, CO 81004
Program Coordinator/Nancy Hamilton: 719-557-5872
Administrative Fax: 719-557-4780
Southern Colorado Family Medicine Resident Application
Southern Colorado Family Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational program and activities.
Meeting the following recommendations does not guarantee an interview. Being interviewed does not guarantee being ranked for the match.
General Application Information
All applications (allopathic, osteopathic, international and SOAP must be made on ERAS. As a participant in NRMP, we do not offer positions outside the "match." Priority is given to applications completed by November 5.
1. Completed ERAS applications include the Dean's Letter (if available at time of application), Transcript, Personal Statement including reference to applicants desire to train in family medicine, and association with Colorado, 3 Letters of Reference including at least one from a Family Medicine Preceptor, and all USMLE/COMLEX scores. Passing USMLE/COMLEX 2 and CS/PE, scores are available in ERAS by February 1.
2. We look for physicians committed to practicing in the Southeast CommonSpirit Health system service area (southeast Colorado, southwest Kansas, northern New Mexico).
3. We look for physicians who can receive an unrestricted medical license by the state of Colorado and a DEA license at the beginning of the second year of residency.
4. We look for applicants with 3 years or less between medical school graduation and start of residency. Individual exception may be made in the case of US Military personnel honorably separating from military service, with active medical service as general medical officers or flight surgeons during their active duty.
5. Invitations for interviews will be sent electronically through ERAS. Interviews will be held through January.
6. If you have previous residency training, a letter of reference and/or an evaluation from the Program Director is also required.
International Applicants
SCFM is unable to sponsor or accept anyone requiring sponsorship for a visa. SCFM does not offer positions outside the match.
7. All of the information in the General Application Information section applies.
8. Applicants must have an ECFMG certificate prior to January 31 of the year in which they desire to start residency.
Southern Colorado Family Medicine (SCFM) provides learning opportunities for both osteopathic and allopathic medical students.
Third-Year Osteopathic Rotations
SCFM offers out-patient rotations to third-year osteopathic and allopathic students who are interested in family medicine. During this 4- to 6-week rotation students will rotate with faculty and resident physicians in the SCFM clinic. Students will also be able to experience specialty and procedure clinics. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Nancy Hamilton.
Fourth-Year Rotations
Fourth-year rotations are available for both allopathic and osteopathic students. Interested fourth-year students are required to:
- Provide a letter from the dean of the medical school stating that the applicant is a student in good standing.
- Provide proof of medical insurance.
- Provide proof of medical malpractice liability insurance.
- Download the clerkship application and email it to the program coordinator, Nancy Hamilton.
Family Medicine Inpatient Service
Students work with interns and upper-level residents on the internal medicine team, caring for medical patients in the hospital setting. Students can also participate in an outpatient experience, plus any of the specialty and procedure clinics. This rotation provides students with the broadest exposure to the residents, faculty and staff.
Once a week, resident physicians rotate in our Migrant Clinic in Avondale, CO and provide care to a predominantly Spanish-speaking farming community. Our resident physicians also rotate in our weekly outreach clinic at the Colorado Health Networks needle access in Pueblo and work with an underserved high-risk population. All these clinics are part of the continuity experience. SCFM also does a once weekly outreach clinic to Pueblo’s un-housed community.
- Injections, including joint and trigger point injections
- Women’s health to include family planning, endometrial biopsies, colposcopy and LEEP procedures
- Ultrasound skills (AAA screening, obstetrics and musculoskeletal point of care ultrasounds)
- Skin biopsies, including punch biopsies and excisions
- Osteopathic manipulative medicine
- Acupuncture
- Suturing skills
- EKG reading
- Cryotherapy
- Colonoscopies
- Circumcisions
Over half of our graduates stay in Colorado and serve in rural areas after their residency. We have graduates each year who choose fellowships in many areas of family medicine. Some graduates also pursue hospitalist work, private practice, and full-scope family medicine. With an individualized education and diverse skill set developed during training, our graduates are prepared to practice anywhere in the world.
- PGY-1 residents will spend 1-2 half days/week
- PGY-2 residents will spend 2-4 half days/week
- PGY-3 residents will spend 3-5 half days/week
Our program offers tracks in osteopathic manipulation therapy, surgical or nonsurgical OB, and colonoscopy. In addition, many residents have taken part in a sports medicine track during training.
In collaboration with Valley-Wide Health and with San Luis Valley Hospital, residents spend their first year in Pueblo and second and third year in Alamosa, CO.
Faculty
Location Information
Our program is located on campus at St Mary-Corwin Hospital and offers complete family care. A safety net clinic in the Pueblo community, we offer care to patients with all insurance types and provide full-scope care for OB, pediatrics, and many onsite medical procedures. Onsite behavioral health and case management services are also available to our patients.
Residents rotate with specialist in a 1:1 setting at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital as well as Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, CO.
Pueblo, CO information
Pueblo, CO is a 40-minute drive south of Colorado Springs. It has an arid climate, few snowy days, and over 350 beautiful days of sunshine a year. It is a town of 150,000 people with affordable homes and family activities, and many outdoor opportunities, including 100 miles of paved bike paths, water sports like kayaking and fishing, and mountain adventures.
Pueblo is also home to small local theaters, a symphony, fine restaurants, and shopping.
About Johnathan M. Emahiser
Johnathan is a father to two young sons who keep him young. He spends his evenings skateboarding with his family, studying, or hiking when he has the time.
Why he chose this program
Johnathan’s biggest priority when selecting a residency was opportunities for involvement in the community. His passion is homeless outreach, and he is very eager to work with SCFM to care for his new neighbors, regardless of status.
Special interests
Osteopathic manual treatment, behavioral medicine and counseling, obstetrics
About Julie Funfrock
During Julie’s undergraduate, she worked as a home health aide and spent time learning and researching in various countries. These experiences had an enormous impact on her and led her to pursue medicine. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family as well as hosting potlucks, game nights, and endless card games.
Why she chose this program
Julie chose SCFM because she wants to train with a program that has many opportunities in full-spectrum family medicine and works with an underserved patient population. While looking for a residency, it was important to her to be a part of a medical community that values teamwork in a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to become the best physician possible. Julie is grateful to learn from such an amazing group of physicians and to serve the community of Pueblo to the best of her abilities.
Special interests
Obstetrics, fertility awareness, pediatrics, osteopathic manipulation treatment
About Spencer Hegerhorst
Spencer grew up in a small town in Oregon where he learned to love the outdoors. When he is not learning medicine, he can be found hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking.
Why he chose this program
Spencer chose SCFM because of the emphasis the program places on rural, underserved populations. Coming from a small town, he has always known he wanted to practice rural medicine and SCFM has all the tools to help him achieve that goal.
Special interests
Rural medicine, emergency medicine, wilderness medicine
About Naman Jain
Naman enjoys singing and songwriting, cooking, and traveling in his free time. He speaks five languages, has been to nine countries, and dreams of getting his pilot’s license.
Why he chose this program
Naman is looking forward to offering his osteopathic and clinical skills to an area where there is great need. Also, he wants to become certified to do colonoscopies and c-sections as part of providing holistic care to his patients.
Special interests
Holistic and preventative care, osteopathic medicine, pharmacologic management, biotechnology
About Kamal Lazar
Kamal was born in Sri Lanka and migrated with his parents to the United States when he was 18. Oregon has been his second home since 2007 and is where he completed his higher education and medical school. During his undergraduate years, he had the opportunity to volunteer on a medical mission to Arusha, Tanzania, which was pivotal in pushing him to pursue a life in medicine.
Why he chose this program
SCFM was Kamal’s first choice when ranking residency programs. He wanted to serve in a diverse community where socioeconomic hardships are prominent. The faculty, residents, and administrative staff are amazing, and they are another huge reason he wanted to train with SCFM. He hopes to draw from his life experiences to serve and connect with his patients to provide the best care he can offer.
Special interests
Osteopathic manipulation treatment, global health, pediatrics, adult neurology
About Blake Reichert
Blake grew up in Minnesota, but once he moved to Colorado for his undergraduate education, he never left. Blake likes to participate in the many activities that beautiful Colorado offers.
Why he chose this program
Blake is excited about the broad, full-scope training at SCFM. Through this program he will be able to learn more about rural medicine, women’s health, and a multitude of other areas to prepare him to give the best treatments possible.
Special interests
Rural medicine, substance use treatment, geriatrics, women’s health
About Hunter Ries
Hunter was born and raised in northeast Ohio. She is excited to be in Pueblo as he loves being outdoors and staying active. A lot of her free time is spent playing volleyball, reading, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.
Why she chose this program
Hunter has taken a few trips to Colorado in her life, and they were always over too fast. She knew she could see herself living there long-term. SCFM had everything that he was looking for in a program; with options to continue her osteopathic manipulative therapy training and work closely with many high-risk pregnancy patients as well as bond with the close-knit group in the program.
Special interests
High-risk obstetrics, outpatient procedures, osteopathic treatment, inpatient pediatrics
About Lexie Skelton
Lexi spent her early childhood in Colorado Springs, and while she loved growing up in Indiana and the Midwest, she knew she had to return to the Rockies. She loves hiking, skiing, DIY projects, global missions, investing in her faith, and snuggling with her fur babies.
Why she chose this program
Lexi chose to further her medical education at SCFM for the full-spectrum practice opportunities, comradery between attendings and fellow residents, and of course all the natural beauty and community to be found in Pueblo.
Special interests
Obstetrics, pediatrics, adult medicine, surgical and procedural, outpatient medicine
About Antony Aranyos
Antony grew up on the space coast of Florida, where he served his community as a youth camp manager and then middle school science teacher. His love for science persisted into medicine as he sought an even greater platform to teach and develop habits for a lifetime.
Why he chose this program
SCFM provided Antony with truly full spectrum training in an underserved community with limitless opportunities, including scope training, cognitive behavioral therapy and sports medicine at the Olympic center. Pueblo also provides easy access to unplug outdoors on the hiking and mountain biking trails.
Special Interests
Rural medicine, sports medicine, colonoscopy training, teaching/academic medicine, OMT
About Isabella De Castro
Isabella is a nature enthusiast who grew up in Brazil and is excited to explore the beauty of Colorado. She is passionate about animal rescue and is proud to have found loving homes for four adorable sibling puppies within the residency program.
Why she chose this program
Isabella was drawn to this program due to its full-spectrum curriculum and the chance to serve underprivileged communities. SCFM also stood out because of its outstanding faculty and residents, who create a supportive environment where the residency experience is tailored to individual passions and interests.
Special interests
Health equity, immigrant health, integrative medicine
About Minh Di Le
Minh grew up in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States as a teenager. He has lived in Texas previously and is now enjoying his residency and the beautiful landscapes of Colorado. He has a fiancée and a parrot pet that are the joys of his life. Outside of medicine, he enjoys reading fantasy and detective novels, open-world sci-fi video games, Star Wars, Harry Potter, hiking and swimming.
Why he chose this program
Minh chose SCFM for its high-quality full-scope family medicine curriculum and its friendly, supportive environment among the faculty, staff, and residents. He is also excited to learn in-depth about various procedures including colonoscopy, OMT, and delivery.
Special interests
Colonoscopy, OMT, obstetrics, rural medicine, behavior health
About Tina Liu
Tina grew up in Wisconsin and loves all things cheese (On Wisconsin!). She recently adopted a puppy whose siblings were also adopted by co-residents. She loves having puppy play dates and their company at didactics.
Why she chose this program
Tina appreciated the easy-going feel of the program and was able to bond well with residents and faculty. She also wanted to live somewhere with mountains.
Special interests
Preventative care, lifestyle medicine, OMT
About Ryan Lofthouse
Ryan was born and raised in Utah, is married, and has three kids and an Australian Shepherd that keep life interesting. He enjoys basketball (Go Utah Jazz!), open world video games, board games, hiking, watching all things Marvel and Star Wars and reading fantasy and science fiction.
Why he chose this program
Ryan chose SCFM due to its high quality full-scope family medicine curriculum and the positive, friendly culture amongst the residents and faculty. He is excited for the opportunity to gain experience in various procedures including colonoscopies and c-sections as well as additional honing of OMT skills all while working with a group of people who clearly enjoy what they're doing.
Special Interests
Obstetrics, addiction medicine, behavioral health, rural medicine
About Jamie Roemer
Outside of medicine, Jamie loves to stay physically and socially active. She loves playing all sports, especially basketball and golf, and her friends and family are always a top priority.
Why she chose this program
Jamie chose SCFM for multiple reasons. The location allows her to stay in the southwest, work with underserved populations and Spanish speaking patients. Also, the program fosters a friendly environment to people of all backgrounds and puts resident’s training and wellbeing first.
Special interests
Family medicine, emergent and urgent care, health equity
About Tyler Daniels
Tyler grew up in a small town in Florida and later moved to Mississippi, where he developed a strong interest in rural medicine and primary care. Tyler is passionate about serving rural/underserved communities and improving access to quality medical care. In his spare time, he enjoys going to fun events and new restaurants with his wife, as well as exploring the vast wilderness areas of Colorado and climbing its highest peaks.
Why he chose this program
Tyler chose SCFM-Alamosa Rural Track because he felt it would prepare him for the challenges he will one day face as a rural physician. The program is best of both worlds with a “1+2” longitudinal curriculum model and the excellent residents/faculty he has the opportunity to work with in both Pueblo and Alamosa. Spending his intern year in a larger rural setting will give him an excellent knowledge base and unique experiences before moving to the smaller community of Alamosa. He hopes to learn the intricacies of rural family medicine and go on to serve a rural community following graduation.
Special Interests
Rural medicine, emergency medicine, sports medicine, wilderness medicine, colonoscopy/endoscopy
About Kyle Christiansen
Kyle was born and raised in rural Utah. He is a United States Air Force captain and will be returning to active duty service upon completion of his residency. Outside of medicine, Kyle enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, hunting, rockhounding, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife, two kids and dog.
Why he chose this program
Kyle chose SCFM due to its robust, full-scope family medicine training, including procedures such as colonoscopy and high-volume obstetrics. He was drawn to the positive and friendly culture created by both the faculty and residents, as well as the program’s emphasis on rural and underserved populations. Kyle hopes to return to work in a rural community upon completion of his training.
Special Interests
Rural medicine, obstetrics, colonoscopy training, sports medicine.
About Grace Cook
Grace spent the first decade of her life creating fond memories in Colorado Springs. Her family then moved to Tennessee, where she met her wonderful husband and attended Milligan College, before moving to central Florida to work in a hospital as a rehabilitation tech. Saddened by the suffering caused by preventable diseases, she applied to medical school to become a primary care provider. Outside of medicine, Grace enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, traveling to see family and friends, hiking, skiing, biking and scuba diving.
Why she chose this program
While in training, Grace fell in love with family medicine, unapologetically declaring it to be the “best” specialty. She is excited about forming long-term relationships with families throughout different stages of life and partnering with patients on health and wellness goals. To achieve this, Grace searched for a program with robust training in obstetrics, pediatrics and osteopathic manipulation treatment; a well-established clinic; integrated behavioral health; and a strong emphasis on continuity of care. She found all of these at SCFM.
Special Interests
Osteopathic manipulation treatment, outpatient pediatrics, women’s health, lifestyle medicine, mental health, addiction medicine, palliative care, social determinants of health
About Athri Kodali
Athri’s journey in medicine began in southern India, where she developed a strong desire to help underserved communities. Her passion for family medicine was cultivated during her studies at Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in her home country and deepened through her clinical experiences. Athri’s medical journey took her to the United States, where she gained invaluable experience through clinical rotations, volunteering as a heart health coach and researching. She relishes the opportunity to explore Colorado’s diverse landscapes and indulge in her hobby of cooking, particularly experimenting with local ingredients.
Why she chose this program
Athri chose this program for its commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care and comprehensive training in full-scope family medicine. She was particularly drawn to the program’s dedication to underserved communities and a supportive, collaborative culture among faculty and residents. Athri is enthusiastic about working in a rural setting and gaining hands-on experience in a community that values personal well-being and professional growth. The supportive environment and the opportunity to work closely with skilled mentors and peers further solidified her decision.
Special Interests
Primary care, community outreach, rural medicine, preventative health measures, holistic health management, lifestyle medicine, women’s health, geriatrics, colonoscopies, patient-centered care across all age groups.
About Terry Liefde
While Terry grew up in Guyana, the only English-speaking country in South America, she spent the majority of her life in Lithonia, a suburb of Atlanta. Pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biology from Kennesaw State University in Georgia gave Terry the opportunity to make friends from all over Georgia and the world. She received her medical degree from the American University of Antigua in the Caribbean and moved to Colorado to pursue a master’s degree in biostatistics. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two Doberman Pinschers.
Why she chose this program
Terry’s favorite part of family medicine is educating patients and partnering for their long-term health care.. She appreciates the program at SCFM for its robust training structure and many training tracts, including osteopathic manipulation therapy, surgical or nonsurgical obstetrics, and colonoscopy. Terry is also impressed by the dedication to creating physicians equipped to serve the underserved population. She is looking forward to providing care in the migrant clinic, where farm workers who serve the community can find dignified and compassionate care.
About Julia Nakagaki
Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Julia eventually moved to the United States to work as a registered nurse, an opportunity that led to her fulfilling her lifelong dream to become a doctor. She believes that it is possible to rise above your circumstances and achieve your dream. While in medical school, Julia also completed her master’s degree in business administration because she believes that education is the most powerful way to change the world. When not studying or working, she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, running and backpacking.
Why she chose this program
Julia chose this program because it will give her the opportunity to serve people from all walks of life, regardless of race, color or creed. Family medicine allows her to serve the Underserved, while the robust obstetrics program would introduce her to caring for patients from birth to old age.
Special Interests
Obstetrics, pediatrics, women’s health, lifestyle medicine, emergency care, medical care for the homeless.
About Rider Rivera Hart
Rider was born and raised in Puerto Plata, a small town on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. He completed his medical studies at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, graduating with honors. Following graduation, Rider relocated to south Florida, where he assisted patients in transitioning from hospital care to home settings. He also served as a provider in a free clinic, dedicated to supporting the underserved community surrounding his church. Rider enjoys running, hiking and martial arts, as well as spending time with his three sons and wife.
Why he chose this program
Rider chose the SCFM rural track due to its longitudinal curriculum structure and the opportunity for a personalized learning experience fostered by the one-on-one resident- attending relationships. Additionally, he is drawn to Colorado’s diverse natural landscapes and outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running and skiing.
Special Interests
Sports medicine, outpatient medicine, obesity medicine, procedural, community outreach
About Karen Ruiz-Aragon
Karen grew up in a large Mexican family in New Jersey before moving to Philadelphia for medical school. Witnessing health disparities in immigrant communities firsthand, coupled with her desire to make a tangible difference, motivated her to pursue family medicine. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Karen wishes to continue addressing and alleviating health care challenges faced by underserved populations, striving to ensure equitable access and quality health care for all. In her free time, Karen enjoys traveling with her fiancé, hiking with her dogs, playing tennis and listening to true crime podcasts. She is excited to explore new hobbies in Colorado like skiing and rock climbing.
Why she chose this program
Karen chose SCFM because it checked all the boxes in a residency program: full-scope family medicine, osteopathic manipulation treatment/acupuncture, women’s health, medication assisted treatment, a migrant clinic and much more. Having enjoyed the camaraderie among residents and faculty during the interview process, Karen saw herself fitting in and growing into a well-rounded family medicine physician.
Special Interests
Underserved populations, women’s health, osteopathic manipulation treatment/acupuncture, medication assisted treatment
About Abby Trinh
Abby grew up in Southern California and enjoys hiking, road biking, swimming, traveling and taking part in medical missions abroad. She is thrilled to be a part of the SCFM residency and to discover the stunning scenery of southern Colorado.
Why she chose this program
Abby chose the SCFM residency because of the excellent, full-scope training in family medicine and the positive, welcoming and supportive environment fostered by the outstanding faculty and residents. She also appreciates Pueblo’s great weather, beautiful scenery and variety of outdoor activities.
Special Interests
Preventive care, lifestyle medicine, global medicine
