Long before she was scrubbing into surgery, Banner University
Medical Center surgical resident Maya Meijiao Lowney was lacing up ballet shoes. This double major in Dance and Physiology and Anatomy spent her days moving between dance studios and science labs, where precision, artistry, and discipline met a growing fascination with the human body that would change her life.
“Deciding to double major was one of the best decisions I made,” Maya said. “It allowed me to explore both of my passions while gaining a more holistic view of our anatomy.”
After being adopted from China as an infant, Maya grew up in Hawaii, raised by her parents, who practiced naturopathic and homeopathic medicine. Caring for her younger sister, who has Smith-Magenis syndrome, sparked the desire to help others. Today, she’s completing her surgical residency at Banner University Medical Center with plans to pursue a fellowship in plastic surgery.
More than a decade after arriving in Tucson, she calls this place home. Here are just a few of her recommendations to try when you’re in the Old Pueblo.
By Tucson Guide Editor Stacey Gregory
Maya’s Tastes of Tucson
While it’s known for its creative vegetarian menu, Tumerico is a place she says even dedicated meat-eaters will enjoy for its depth of flavor. Her go-to order is the Ropa Vieja, their take on the Cuban classic and one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. For celebrations or a memorable dinner out, Maya heads to Wild Garlic Grill.
“The atmosphere is great, the owners are wonderful, and you definitely won’t leave hungry,” she said. “I can usually get two, maybe even three meals from one entrée.”
Then there’s Time Market, a place that’s tied to some of her favorite college memories. She says you can’t go wrong with a slice of pizza and a salad, or simply browsing the grocery section and picking out fresh cheeses or pastries from the bakery.
For sweet treats, Maya recommends checking out CERES Pasta and Noodies, two Italian cafes created by chef and owner Carolyn O’Connor that feature handmade pasta and gelato.
“The gelato is my favorite part,” she said. “There are rotating specials every week with interesting flavor combinations.”
Maya’s Tour of Tucson
Staying fit and active is important to Maya, so of course, she loves taking advantage of all of the hiking trails. A perfect Tucson morning starts early before the desert heat settles in at Sabino Canyon, where there are plenty of trails to choose from, and parking is a breeze.
“Blackett’s Ridge is probably my favorite hike. It’s definitely a climb, but when you get to the top, you can see all of Tucson,” she said. “
Seven Falls is fun because you can cool off at the end, and Phoneline has beautiful views almost the whole way without quite as much elevation.”
Between the wildlife, desert gardens, and live animal demonstrations, she always recommends spending a day at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Part museum, part zoo, this special place offers visitors a chance to learn more about the desert and its inhabitants.
“You really get to experience the desert in a way you can’t anywhere else, and it’s one of the places that reminds me just how unique Tucson really is,” she said.
For something a little less expected, Maya suggests spending an afternoon at Rocks and Ropes, an indoor climbing and bouldering studio located downtown on Toole Avenue. Trivia nights are another favorite for Maya and her friends, who gather at local breweries like Barrio Brewing to flex their minds and have some fun.
Her list of favorite things to do in Tucson comes full circle. While she considers herself a retired dancer these days, Maya still likes to have some fun boot scootin’ on the dance floor at The Maverick with her fellow surgical residents.
“What I love is that everybody’s there, from young people to retirees and beginners up to pros,” she said. “You never feel self-conscious. Everyone is just having a great time.”