PGY-1 Family Medicine Residents – Pullman
Olesya Didyuk, MD
Education: BS in Biological Sciences from Wayne State University.
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences.
Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Languages Spoken: English, Ukrainian, and Polish.
Hobbies: I love to travel and discover new things. Most of the time, I do this through cooking, baking, and learning new international recipes! In the background, I enjoy working on fermentation projects like kombucha, ginger beer, and pickling. I also love exchanging postcards and letters with my friends living far away.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? Family medicine offers the variety that I was always seeking in my medical career, specifically the opportunity to care for patients of all ages and backgrounds while engaging in a broad scope of practice. I find the most rewarding part of this field is building trusting relationships with my patients, which serves as the foundation for quality continuity of care. Within family medicine, I am most passionate about preventative healthcare and lifestyle medicine, as this is the vital care that maintains healthy lives at the individual level and, on a broader scale, the community level. I am truly excited to be building a career in family medicine.
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? I am excited to train in Pullman because of its strong sense of community and the excellent opportunity it provides to practice high-quality rural medicine. I chose WSU because I am confident this residency will help me grow into the quality, community-oriented physician that I aspire to become. Outside of learning and training, I find Pullman to be a beautiful, charming town. From the stunning rolling hills to the unparalleled kindness of the locals, I am genuinely excited to call Pullman my home and contribute to the health of our community.
Shaunicy Knudson, MD
Education: BS in Neuroscience and Minor in Entrepreneurship from University of Southern California.
Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV.
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish.
Hobbies: Horseback riding, fitness, skiing, hiking, cooking, crocheting, and reading.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? I chose family medicine because I love getting to know people and being able to care for them through all stages of life. I’m particularly drawn to rural communities, where physicians tend to practice broad-spectrum medicine and truly become a part of the community they serve. I love that on any given day I might be managing chronic disease, delivering a baby, handling an emergency, or just helping someone through a difficult time in life. More than anything, I love that family medicine is built on relationships and trust, and that I will walk alongside my patients for years to come.
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? I’m excited to train in Pullman because it offers the opportunity to learn broad-spectrum rural family medicine in a close-knit community that truly values patient relationships and continuity of care. I’m especially looking forward to developing hands-on skills, caring for patients across all stages of life, and becoming part of a community that reflects the kind of place I hope to serve throughout my career.
Zhengtao Zhang, MD
Education: BASc in Electrical Engineering from University of British Columbia.
Medical School: Trinity Medical Sciences University School of Medicine.
Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin.
Hobbies: Fitness, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, hiking, 3D printing, and VR table tennis.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? I came to medicine through a non-traditional path, transitioning from a career in engineering. What drew me in was the human connection, something I found deeply meaningful. Family medicine allows me to build long-term relationships with patients, understand their goals, and support them through different stages of life. I value the opportunity to grow alongside my patients, learning from their experiences while helping them navigate their health through continuity, trust, and shared decision-making.
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? I’m excited to train in Pullman because it gives me the opportunity to return to the Pacific Northwest, a region I’ve grown to appreciate both personally and professionally. The program offers a full-spectrum training experience that will help me develop into a well-rounded family physician. During my interview, I was struck by how welcoming and supportive everyone was, and that culture really stood out to me. The program director, in particular, was fantastic and genuinely invested in the success and growth of each resident. It felt like a place where people work hard, have fun, and truly enjoy being part of the community.
PGY-2 Family Medicine Residents – Pullman
Risper Kirui, MD
Education: BA Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Hamilton College, New York
Medical School: Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Hometown: Moscow, Idaho
Languages Spoken: English, Swahili, Kipsigis and (basic Hebrew that can get me around a shopping center)
Hobbies: Cooking stews, hiking, reading, watching documentaries especially on pbs and natgeo, spending quality time with friends and family.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? For me, family medicine is compelling because it offers a meaningful avenue to create broad and lasting change at the individual, family, and community levels. My deep connection to this field originates from my childhood in a rural, underserved community in Kenya, where I witnessed the stark realities of limited healthcare access. As my medical education progressed, I became increasingly conscious of the pervasive health disparities that continue to exist. Family medicine resonates with my desire to actively address the social determinants of health and work towards more equitable healthcare systems. By empowering individuals and dismantling systemic barriers, I aspire to contribute to a healthcare vision built on equity, social justice, and sustainability.
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? I am excited to train in Pullman because it feels like home in many ways. I grew up in a small town in Kenya, so I naturally love the sense of community, connection, and slower pace that Pullman offers. Being close to my family who live in Moscow is incredibly important to me, and having that support nearby makes this opportunity even more meaningful. The few years I’ve spent in the area, I’ve been struck by the beauty of the landscape and the kindness of the people. I also look forward to the many outdoor opportunities Pullman provides, from hiking to exploring the surrounding nature — it’s the perfect environment for both personal growth and professional development.
Corey Pendergraft, MD
Education: BS in Physics – University of British Columbia
Medical School: Trinity Medical Sciences University School of Medicine
Hometown: Osoyoos, BC, Canada
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies: Golfing, weightlifting, hiking, camping, woodworking, renovation projects and binge-watching TV series.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? I purposefully entered medical school with an open mind regarding specialties. During my first Family Medicine clinical rotation, I realized it was the perfect match for me. Family Medicine offers the opportunity to help individuals and families throughout their lives, build lasting relationships, and work in a medical field with the broadest scope—one that requires constant learning, improvement, and adaptation to new discoveries throughout my career. It provides the ability to address acute issues while also focusing on preventive care. And to have the chance to do all of this in a rural community? Sign me up!
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? Having grown up in British Columbia, I am thrilled to finally return to the Pacific Northwest. The people from Pullman whom I met during the interview process have been incredibly kind and welcoming. The city has a distinctive charm and beauty, and I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the community. My partner and I are truly so excited to make it our new home.
Nathan Swallow, DO
Education: BS in Music from Utah Valley University
Medical School: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Sammamish, WA/South Jordan, UT
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and friends, playing games, making music, cooking and eating good food, exploring nature, and acquiring new hobbies.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? I became a physician to help people achieve their health goals and live fulfilling, healthy lives. I’m drawn to the opportunity to build lifelong, meaningful relationships with my patients, working together through every stage of life. I also want to empower patients by helping them better understand their health and the healthcare system, so they feel confident navigating both. Family medicine aligns perfectly with my goals of offering the breadth and continuity of care I value most, along with the chance to serve my patients and the broader community.
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? After being away from the Pacific Northwest for so long, I am excited to return and train in a rural community where there are ample opportunities to learn and grow as a physician. I am excited to learn about and tackle the unique healthcare challenges in Pullman. Additionally, performing arts medicine is a special interest of mine, and I look forward to supporting the health and wellbeing of performing artists in the region.
PGY-3 Family Medicine Residents – Pullman
Kelsey Mader, MD
Education: Bachelor of Science- Lake Superior State University
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Languages Spoken: English, French
Hobbies: Softball, hiking, scrapbooking, working out, cooking.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? I decided to become a family medicine physician because of the relationships you build with your patients. I love getting to know people and building trust with them. Family medicine allows me to be there for every member of the family (babies, parents, grandparents). I love being able to teach patients about their conditions and truly setting themselves up for success. Family medicine gives me all the time to be able to teach and continuously follow up with my patients.
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? I am excited to train in Pullman because I absolutely love the community. I felt so welcomed by both the staff and the members of the community. My goal is to practice in a rural community and Pullman is exactly the place I want to learn to train.
Tuarum Nayab Shakir, MD
Education: BA in Medical Anthropology/Global Health and Human Evolutionary Biology
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean -SOM
Hometown: Covington, WA
Languages Spoken: Urdu, English
Hobbies: I enjoy being outdoors and exploring the PNW with my mini Australian Shepard. I love reading during my down time. I am always up for trying new things! This year I have tried skiing, ice-skating and pottery.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? I chose family medicine because it aligns with my passion for comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. In family medicine, I have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients of all ages, providing continuity of care and addressing a wide range of medical needs. I value the holistic approach of family medicine, which emphasizes preventive care and health promotion. Additionally, the diversity of cases and the challenge of diagnosing and managing various conditions keeps me intellectually stimulated and engaged. Ultimately, I believe that by practicing family medicine, I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families by helping them achieve and maintain optimal health and well-being.
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? I chose Pullman for my residency program for several reasons, each rooted in my personal and professional aspirations. Firstly, returning to my home state was important to me because I wanted to come back to the community that helped raise me. Training in Pullman for my residency allows me to give back to the community that shaped me, fostering a sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Moreover, in selecting a residency program, I prioritized finding a supportive environment where I could thrive both personally and professionally. During my interview with the WSU Family Medicine program, I found just that—a program where colleagues and mentors feel like family. This sense of camaraderie and support not only enhances my training experience but also strengthens my commitment to serving the community I call home.
Karly Perin, MD
Education: BS in Biology from The University of Lethbridge.
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
Hometown: Taber, Alberta
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies: I enjoy playing board games, spending time with friends and family, weightlifting and live music.
Why did you decide to become a family medicine physician? I knew family medicine was right for me because it affords you the ability to build long-term patient relationships and provide care throughout many phases of life. I believe these physician-patient relationships are essential to be able to provide the best possible care. I am excited to further my passions in preventative medicine and women’s health throughout my family medicine training.
Why are you excited to train in Pullman? I spent my childhood living in a rural community and am excited to train in the environment that inspired me to become a family physician. I have heard wonderful things about the Pullman community and cannot wait to become a part of it. The rural training atmosphere will also allow me to train in the full spectrum of family medicine while becoming a part of a thriving community.