PGY-1 Pediatric Residents – Spokane

Cheyanna Bratt, MD
Education: BS of Biology from University of Arizona
Medical School: Poznań University of Medical Sciences
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies: I really enjoy baking, playing tennis/pickleball, skiing, spending time outdoors, spending time with family and friends and traveling as much as humanly possible.
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? I have always felt I had a natural connection with children, they bring out the most genuine parts of who I am. I find so much joy in their curiosity, energy and resilience. Choosing pediatrics felt like the natural path for me. It allows me to care for kids through all stages of life, from infancy to adolescence and to support their families along the way. I love the challenge of turning tough moments into opportunities for growth and I value the trust that is built between physician, patient and parent. There’s something truly special about watching a kid thrive, and knowing you played even a small part in that journey, it’s deeply meaningful to me.

Marcela Garza, MD
Medical School: Tecnologico de Monterrey School of Medicine
Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Hobbies: Hiking with my husband and two little boys, crafts and photography.
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? I chose pediatrics because I am committed to improving the health and well-being of children. I find great meaning in building long-term relationships with patients and their families and supporting them through every stage of childhood. Pediatrics offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact, combining compassionate care with problem-solving and advocacy. I’m inspired by the resilience of children and motivated to be a part of their journey toward a bright future.

Elijah Hale, MD
Education: BA in Spanish and MS in Health Professions Education from University of Rochester
Medical School: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Hobbies: Cooking, rock climbing, and rowing.
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? I have always loved working with children and supporting their growth from infancy through adolescence. Pediatrics allows me to build long-term relationships not only with patients, but also with their families! Pediatrics felt like a natural fit for my interests and my desire to make a meaningful impact on the next generation.

Evan Moore, DO
Education: BS in Biochemistry; Biology; Chemistry from the University of Utah
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
Hometown: Santee, CA
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Hobbies: Reading, Soccer, Surfing, and most things nerdy (especially Lord of the Rings).
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? From the first time I saw a St. Jude’s commercial in the movie theatres I knew I wanted to work with children. I have been lucky enough to have chances to work with children and see the curiosity and child-like wonder at the world which continues to inspire me. It is the most rewarding and incredible environment that I find fulfilling. I hope to provide a positive and valuable experience to those I work with even during hard times.

Carlo Reidy, MD
Education: Bachelor of Science in Cellular & Molecular Biology, Western Washington University
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Hometown: Vancouver, WA / Kapolei, HI
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies: Singing/Music, Martial Arts, volunteering with Younglife
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? Growing up with severe asthma caused me to spend a lot of time at the hospital and/or doctor’s appointments, which helped me feel safe and healed when receiving medical care. I also appreciated that over the years, doctors would provide age-appropriate explanations to my questions when I asked. This grew my fascination with pathophysiology, and inspired me to become a doctor that can still remember how it felt to be in their place, but now has the tools to provide the knowledge and comfort I had been given myself.
PGY-2 Pediatric Residents – Spokane

Lara Khalil, MD
Education: BS in Biology, minor in neuroscience and chemistry
Medical School: Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Hometown: Ramallah, Palestine
Languages Spoken: Arabic, English
Hobbies: Reading, Being outside in nature, and spending time with family
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? Being the oldest of six kids, it was second nature to me. Plus they are too adorable!

Lindsey Klein, DO
Education: BS in Biology from University of Washington-Bothell
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Kent, Washington
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as much as possible. I am also an avid skier and golfer, but enjoy a quiet evening reading a book, playing games, or watching TV shows or movies.
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? My interest in being a pediatrician was inspired in no small part by my own doctor growing up. He made a significant effort to build a relationship with me and my family. Not only that, but he always prioritized including me in discussions about my health and encouraged me to advocate for myself and ask questions. I look forward to building relationships with my patients and their families, as well as guiding them through the wide range of ailments that impact pediatric patients. I hope that I can follow in my pediatrician’s footsteps and empower my own patients from a young age to take charge of their healthcare and, hopefully, not see coming to the doctor as a scary experience.

McKenna Skinner, DO
Education: BA in Biology from Willamette University
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University
Hometown: Rifle, Colorado
Languages Spoken: English, some Spanish
Hobbies: My hobbies include baking, sewing clothes, gardening, and adding to my ever-growing collection of house plants. My fiancé and I love to make elaborate meals together and enjoy being outside as much as possible, year round!
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? Children are incredibly resilient and positive, it brings me so much joy to work with them. I love teaching kids about the human body and working with parents to promote healthy habits. I am excited to form long-lasting relationships with my patients and their families, and watch them grow into amazing young adults over the course of my career.

Parvin Uddin, MD
Education: BA in Psychology from Florida International University
Medical School: American University of Antigua
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies: I really enjoy weight lifting, baking, spending time with family, and traveling.
Why did you decide to become a pediatrician or want to work with children? I truly believe that the magic of children never fades, and I hold that magic close to my heart. I have a connection with the kids! I chose pediatrics because I find the energy and resilience of children inspiring. I also enjoy the unique challenges and rewards of caring for young patients during crucial stages of growth and development. Plus the fact that parents will always do what’s best for their children, whereas in adult medicine, there can be some challenges with compliance in patient care.
