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Transitional Year Residency

Marija Shahid, M.D.

Medical School
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

Future Advanced Program
Anesthesiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Program

Why did you choose NW Transitional Year Residency?
I chose Northwest because of its supportive learning environment, strong inpatient medicine training, and the flexibility to explore my interests before starting anesthesiology. From the interview day, it felt like a place where residents were genuinely valued and where I could grow both clinically and personally during a transitional year.

What were your favorite electives during your TY residency?
My favorite electives were anesthesiology, interventional pulmonology, and critical care. They allowed me to build skills directly relevant to my future career while strengthening my understanding of perioperative medicine, airway management, and the care of critically ill patients.

What are your professional interests within your specialty?
I am pursuing anesthesiology and am particularly interested in pediatric anesthesia and global medicine. I enjoy the combination of physiology, pharmacology, procedural skills, and patient advocacy that anesthesiology offers.

What did you enjoy most about life in Tucson?
Tucson has always felt like home. I loved the sunshine, the mountain views, and the sense of community. Being close to family and friends while completing residency made the year especially meaningful.

Favorite way to spend a day off?
My favorite way to spend a day off is with family and friends, exploring a local restaurant (food scene in Tucson is incredible), being outdoors, and watching a movie at The Loft with my husband.

Any advice for future interns?
Give yourself grace. Intern year can feel overwhelming at times, but remember that you are learning every day, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Ask questions, lean on your co-residents, take care of yourself outside the hospital, and don’t lose sight of why you started this journey in the first place.

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