CA-1 Residents
Grace Able, MDHometown: Wichita, KS
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
What do you like to do in Houston?: I love exploring all that Houston has to offer! There's always something to do, and I love trying new things with my co-residents!
What do you like about our program?: Everyone I've met has been so kind! At our first class meet up, Dr. Markham knew my name and remembered about my life, which meant a lot - especially since it is a larger program. Everyone I've met has made me feel like I belong!
Fun Fact: I did a pre-med study abroad trip in college and traveled to 13 countries in 3 months!
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
What do you like to do in Houston?: I love exploring all that Houston has to offer! There's always something to do, and I love trying new things with my co-residents!
What do you like about our program?: Everyone I've met has been so kind! At our first class meet up, Dr. Markham knew my name and remembered about my life, which meant a lot - especially since it is a larger program. Everyone I've met has made me feel like I belong!
Fun Fact: I did a pre-med study abroad trip in college and traveled to 13 countries in 3 months!
Kwasi Aboagye, MDHometown: Seat Pleasant, MD
Medical School: Temple University LKSOM
What do you like to do in Houston?:
Exploring the food spots right now. Never knew I needed Oxtails and Grits in my life until I came here.
What do you like about our program?: I like how accessible and laid back everyone is. I also like how what feels like every week there's something social going on.
Fun Fact: I'm a Baltimore Ravens, Sacramento Kings, Duke Basketball, Canes Football, Manchester United, New York Yankees, Ghana Black Stars fan. Also KD is from Seat Pleasant too.
Medical School: Temple University LKSOM
What do you like to do in Houston?:
Exploring the food spots right now. Never knew I needed Oxtails and Grits in my life until I came here.
What do you like about our program?: I like how accessible and laid back everyone is. I also like how what feels like every week there's something social going on.
Fun Fact: I'm a Baltimore Ravens, Sacramento Kings, Duke Basketball, Canes Football, Manchester United, New York Yankees, Ghana Black Stars fan. Also KD is from Seat Pleasant too.
Armando Arizpe, MDHometown: La Porte, Texas
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
What do you like to do in Houston?:
Eat, Eat again and then eat some more. I am always hungry and wanting to try new restaurants and when it comes to Houston the options never end. Thankfully keeping myself fed also allows me to run and bike through the city.
What do you like about our program?:
Everyone in the program is very friendly and across UT Health. We also have a very supportive program here; the Anesthesiology leadership team continues to step up to the plate when it comes to advocating for us as residents allowing us to feel seen and heard.
Fun Fact: I biked across the United States
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
What do you like to do in Houston?:
Eat, Eat again and then eat some more. I am always hungry and wanting to try new restaurants and when it comes to Houston the options never end. Thankfully keeping myself fed also allows me to run and bike through the city.
What do you like about our program?:
Everyone in the program is very friendly and across UT Health. We also have a very supportive program here; the Anesthesiology leadership team continues to step up to the plate when it comes to advocating for us as residents allowing us to feel seen and heard.
Fun Fact: I biked across the United States
Katrina Baca, MDHometown: Albuquerque, NM
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: The food scene is hard to beat, and I have been enjoying exploring Houston's diverse cuisine. Astros games and live music are other great ways to spend some time.
What do you like about our program?: The people are the best part of the program. Everyone from the leadership to my co-residents has been welcoming, supportive, and caring.
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: The food scene is hard to beat, and I have been enjoying exploring Houston's diverse cuisine. Astros games and live music are other great ways to spend some time.
What do you like about our program?: The people are the best part of the program. Everyone from the leadership to my co-residents has been welcoming, supportive, and caring.
Vanshika Balayan, MDHometown: Atlanta, GA
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
What do you like to do in Houston?: You can usually find me on a walk at one of Houston's beautiful parks (Memorial and Eleanor Tinsley are my favorites) or getting through my six page long Houston bucket list of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants.
What do you like about our program?: Moving across the country for the first time has been so much easier with 26 new best friends. I really love how big our program is and how supportive everyone has been. It's always a good time when we get together as a class.
Fun Fact: I am fluent in five languages.
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
What do you like to do in Houston?: You can usually find me on a walk at one of Houston's beautiful parks (Memorial and Eleanor Tinsley are my favorites) or getting through my six page long Houston bucket list of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants.
What do you like about our program?: Moving across the country for the first time has been so much easier with 26 new best friends. I really love how big our program is and how supportive everyone has been. It's always a good time when we get together as a class.
Fun Fact: I am fluent in five languages.
Joshua Broniszewski, MDHometown: San Antonio, TX
Medical School: McGovern Medical School
What do you like to do in Houston?: I love that Houston has so much to do year-round. There are lots of great parks, restaurants, breweries, food festivals, etc. that always keep my fiancée and I busy!
What do you like about our program?: The best part about the program is the people! I wanted to train at a large volume institution that will provide me with excellent training, and UTH Anesthesia is exactly that. However, the people they attract and choose for the program makes residency training so much more enjoyable.
Fun Fact: I have a pet bunny named Sunny
Medical School: McGovern Medical School
What do you like to do in Houston?: I love that Houston has so much to do year-round. There are lots of great parks, restaurants, breweries, food festivals, etc. that always keep my fiancée and I busy!
What do you like about our program?: The best part about the program is the people! I wanted to train at a large volume institution that will provide me with excellent training, and UTH Anesthesia is exactly that. However, the people they attract and choose for the program makes residency training so much more enjoyable.
Fun Fact: I have a pet bunny named Sunny
Zoe Brown, MDHometown: Chicago, IL
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston: I’m a caffeine connoisseur and have loved making my way through all the coffee shops in HTX.
What do you like about our program: My co-residents! We have a wonderful group of people who genuinely enjoy each other’s company both in and outside of work. I'm very fortunate to be training to be the best anesthesiologist possible with such a supportive team.
Fun fact: I’ve run in half marathons in over 30 different states
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston: I’m a caffeine connoisseur and have loved making my way through all the coffee shops in HTX.
What do you like about our program: My co-residents! We have a wonderful group of people who genuinely enjoy each other’s company both in and outside of work. I'm very fortunate to be training to be the best anesthesiologist possible with such a supportive team.
Fun fact: I’ve run in half marathons in over 30 different states
Kyle Chi, MDHometown: Southlake, TX
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston?: I enjoy exploring Houston’s food scene and spending time with friends from medical school and residency.
What do you like about our program?: By the time my fourth year of medical school came around, I knew this was the program I wanted to receive my medical training. The faculty and residents are all incredibly supportive and kind. They are brilliant and eager to teach and learn from one another. Furthermore, the program offers endless opportunities in general and specialized anesthesia training, mentorship, and research to become a well-rounded and skilled anesthesiologist.
Fun fact: I love to ride rollercoasters!
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston?: I enjoy exploring Houston’s food scene and spending time with friends from medical school and residency.
What do you like about our program?: By the time my fourth year of medical school came around, I knew this was the program I wanted to receive my medical training. The faculty and residents are all incredibly supportive and kind. They are brilliant and eager to teach and learn from one another. Furthermore, the program offers endless opportunities in general and specialized anesthesia training, mentorship, and research to become a well-rounded and skilled anesthesiologist.
Fun fact: I love to ride rollercoasters!
Rodan Devega, MDHometown: Copperas Cove, TX
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock, TX
What do you like to do in Houston?:I like trying new restaurants and living near the coast so I can kayak
What do you like about our program?: I like my co-residents and the quality of training UTHealth Houston has to offer
Fun Fact: I was an extra on the TV show "Better Call Saul"
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock, TX
What do you like to do in Houston?:I like trying new restaurants and living near the coast so I can kayak
What do you like about our program?: I like my co-residents and the quality of training UTHealth Houston has to offer
Fun Fact: I was an extra on the TV show "Better Call Saul"
Peter Duong, MDHometown: Houston, TX
Medical school: Texas A&M College of Medicine
What I like to do in Houston: Bouldering/rock climbing, attending Rockets games, tennis, and of course, exploring the food scene here.
What I like about our program: Our program has a great blend of strong educational opportunities with great faculty support. Additionally, the leadership is very grounded and in-tune with the residents.
Fun fact: I once watched a toddler get tackled by deer in Nara, Japan (the toddler was fine, but those deer are aggressive!)
Medical school: Texas A&M College of Medicine
What I like to do in Houston: Bouldering/rock climbing, attending Rockets games, tennis, and of course, exploring the food scene here.
What I like about our program: Our program has a great blend of strong educational opportunities with great faculty support. Additionally, the leadership is very grounded and in-tune with the residents.
Fun fact: I once watched a toddler get tackled by deer in Nara, Japan (the toddler was fine, but those deer are aggressive!)
Brooke Gangwish, DOHometown: Grand Island, NE
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
What do you like to do in Houston?: Trying out new restaurants, breweries, Astros, Rockets and Texans games. What else do you need?
What do you like about our program?: The people are what make the program. From Dr. Markham and the faculty to the upper anesthesia residents, there was so much support and encouragement from the start. Also, the happy hours are nice.
Fun Fact: My most prized possession is an autographed Lebron James ball from his McDonald's All-American game
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
What do you like to do in Houston?: Trying out new restaurants, breweries, Astros, Rockets and Texans games. What else do you need?
What do you like about our program?: The people are what make the program. From Dr. Markham and the faculty to the upper anesthesia residents, there was so much support and encouragement from the start. Also, the happy hours are nice.
Fun Fact: My most prized possession is an autographed Lebron James ball from his McDonald's All-American game
Monica Ha, MDHometown: Muskogee, Oklahoma
Medical School: University of Oklahoma - Tulsa School of Community Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Connecting with an unparalleled diversity of people over endless authentic food options
What do you like about our program?: I was drawn to the encompassing sense of approachability I felt since my first exposure to the residency. From co-interns to upper levels, those in different specialties to faculty and beyond - everyone I have encountered has an air of openness and willingness to engage that I find remarkable and makes this program special given its size.
Fun Fact: In 7th grade, I broke one of my front teeth playing the guard in a gym game called, "Chinese Wall". My friend ended up with 7 stiches to his forehead and jokingly called me cannibal for the rest of middle school.
Medical School: University of Oklahoma - Tulsa School of Community Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Connecting with an unparalleled diversity of people over endless authentic food options
What do you like about our program?: I was drawn to the encompassing sense of approachability I felt since my first exposure to the residency. From co-interns to upper levels, those in different specialties to faculty and beyond - everyone I have encountered has an air of openness and willingness to engage that I find remarkable and makes this program special given its size.
Fun Fact: In 7th grade, I broke one of my front teeth playing the guard in a gym game called, "Chinese Wall". My friend ended up with 7 stiches to his forehead and jokingly called me cannibal for the rest of middle school.
Casey Horani, DOHometown: Plano, TX
Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Go to sporting events (Astros, Dynamo), try new food, explore the city with my wife and family, and spend time with co-residents.
What do you like about our program?: The camaraderie between everyone is amazing. Everyone supports each other and is willing to help each other out. Our frequent socials also allow for interactions with everyone in the program early on.
Fun Fact: I used to shoot archery competitively in undergrad.
Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Go to sporting events (Astros, Dynamo), try new food, explore the city with my wife and family, and spend time with co-residents.
What do you like about our program?: The camaraderie between everyone is amazing. Everyone supports each other and is willing to help each other out. Our frequent socials also allow for interactions with everyone in the program early on.
Fun Fact: I used to shoot archery competitively in undergrad.
Lauren Jameson, MDHometown: Duncanville, TX
Medical School: Long School of Medicine - UT Health San Antonio
What do you like to do in Houston:
I enjoy trying new restaurants and visiting the many museums Houston has to offer. There is always something new to experience here in Houston!
What do you like about our program:
The people! I have had such a great time getting to know my co-residents and faculty in the department. I feel very supported here. Dr. Markham goes above and beyond to ensure that we all feel like we are a part of the UTHealth Houston Anesthesiology family. Having the opportunity to train at the largest medical center in the world is also such a privilege.
Fun Fact: I am a huge Dallas Mavericks fan! I had the incredible honor of meeting Dirk Nowitzki when he received the H. Neil Mallon Award for his humanitarian work in the U.S. and abroad.
Medical School: Long School of Medicine - UT Health San Antonio
What do you like to do in Houston:
I enjoy trying new restaurants and visiting the many museums Houston has to offer. There is always something new to experience here in Houston!
What do you like about our program:
The people! I have had such a great time getting to know my co-residents and faculty in the department. I feel very supported here. Dr. Markham goes above and beyond to ensure that we all feel like we are a part of the UTHealth Houston Anesthesiology family. Having the opportunity to train at the largest medical center in the world is also such a privilege.
Fun Fact: I am a huge Dallas Mavericks fan! I had the incredible honor of meeting Dirk Nowitzki when he received the H. Neil Mallon Award for his humanitarian work in the U.S. and abroad.
Yan Levitsky, MDHometown: Brooklyn, NY
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston: Eat at all the fantastic restaurants. Visit the museums and the Houston Symphony.
What do you like about our program?: The diversity of training opportunities in the Department of Anesthesiology.
Fun fact: I own two 3D printers and do original 3D designs!
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston: Eat at all the fantastic restaurants. Visit the museums and the Houston Symphony.
What do you like about our program?: The diversity of training opportunities in the Department of Anesthesiology.
Fun fact: I own two 3D printers and do original 3D designs!
Oleg Makarevich, MDHometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Eat sushi, play video games, eagerly anticipate cooler weather.
What do you like about our program?: There is good camaraderie between residents. The faculty are down-to-earth and willing to talk to residents (even new ones!).
Fun Fact: I was born in Belarus.
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Eat sushi, play video games, eagerly anticipate cooler weather.
What do you like about our program?: There is good camaraderie between residents. The faculty are down-to-earth and willing to talk to residents (even new ones!).
Fun Fact: I was born in Belarus.
Spandana Mandaloju, MDHometown: Dallas, TX
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston?: I love visiting new coffee shops and exploring the restaurant scene here! Even after being here 4 years for medical school, there are still so many amazing places I haven't been to yet!
What do you like about our program?: I love that our program leadership shows they care about resident well-being and how easy it is to talk to my co-residents.
Fun Fact: I fulfilled my childhood dream of being a barista in the months before starting residency at a coffeeshop in Midtown!
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston?: I love visiting new coffee shops and exploring the restaurant scene here! Even after being here 4 years for medical school, there are still so many amazing places I haven't been to yet!
What do you like about our program?: I love that our program leadership shows they care about resident well-being and how easy it is to talk to my co-residents.
Fun Fact: I fulfilled my childhood dream of being a barista in the months before starting residency at a coffeeshop in Midtown!
Angela Nguyen, DOHometown: Fort Worth, TX
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Exploring all the different restaurants and happy hours with friends! There's always something going on, you'll never be bored on your off days.
What do you like about our program?: Dr. Markham and the rest of the leadership are so supportive and always advocating for us. My co-residents are pretty cool too.
Fun Fact: When I grow up, I want to be an astronaut.
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Exploring all the different restaurants and happy hours with friends! There's always something going on, you'll never be bored on your off days.
What do you like about our program?: Dr. Markham and the rest of the leadership are so supportive and always advocating for us. My co-residents are pretty cool too.
Fun Fact: When I grow up, I want to be an astronaut.
Russell Petersen, DOHometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Take my dog to the Bayou park, Astros games, Dynamo games, happy hours, and exploring all the amazing food.
What do you like about our program?: Very supportive leadership and faculty. Also, a genuinely kind, humble and down to earth group of co-interns and residents.
Fun Fact: I couple’s matched with my girlfriend who is a general surgery intern here at UTH.
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston?: Take my dog to the Bayou park, Astros games, Dynamo games, happy hours, and exploring all the amazing food.
What do you like about our program?: Very supportive leadership and faculty. Also, a genuinely kind, humble and down to earth group of co-interns and residents.
Fun Fact: I couple’s matched with my girlfriend who is a general surgery intern here at UTH.
Jonathan Selva, MDHometown: New Orleans, LA
Medical School: LSU - New Orleans
What do you like to do in Houston?: I'm a big fan of Buffalo Bayou Trail; I run, bike, and walk the trail whenever possible. They have skateparks, restaurants, basketball & volleyball courts, and calisthenics gyms along the trail too - so that's pretty sweet. I'm also trying to discover the best margarita in the city... I have a lot of work to do.
What do you like about our program?: The people within the program are fantastic. From co-residents to upper levels and staff, the anesthesiology team is happy, helpful, respectful, and understanding. It really makes a big difference.
Fun Fact: I've never seen the Lion King, but I know the plot because everyone talks about it so much.
Medical School: LSU - New Orleans
What do you like to do in Houston?: I'm a big fan of Buffalo Bayou Trail; I run, bike, and walk the trail whenever possible. They have skateparks, restaurants, basketball & volleyball courts, and calisthenics gyms along the trail too - so that's pretty sweet. I'm also trying to discover the best margarita in the city... I have a lot of work to do.
What do you like about our program?: The people within the program are fantastic. From co-residents to upper levels and staff, the anesthesiology team is happy, helpful, respectful, and understanding. It really makes a big difference.
Fun Fact: I've never seen the Lion King, but I know the plot because everyone talks about it so much.
Logan Tomlinson, MDHometown: New Braunfels, TX
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston?: I enjoy exploring the different restaurants all around Houston and going for walks in the numerous parks with my wife and dog.
What do you like about our program?: The leadership in this program is very supportive and my co-residents are awesome. I also think the patient acuity and variety of pathologies seen in the TMC allows for incredible training.
Fun Fact: I have a miniature Aussiedoodle who is extremely spoiled.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston?: I enjoy exploring the different restaurants all around Houston and going for walks in the numerous parks with my wife and dog.
What do you like about our program?: The leadership in this program is very supportive and my co-residents are awesome. I also think the patient acuity and variety of pathologies seen in the TMC allows for incredible training.
Fun Fact: I have a miniature Aussiedoodle who is extremely spoiled.
Andres Urrutia, MDHometown: San Marcos, Texas
Medical School: Texas A&M
What do you like to do in Houston?: Explore! From coffee shops, to restaurants, parks, the zoo, the medical center, there's so much to see and do, and that includes the greater Houston area. It feels like no matter how much I explore there's always more to see and do.
What do you like about our program?: The people. From the top of the program to my co-interns, it really seems like the program prides itself on finding good humans. Everyone has been supportive, kind, and incredibly helpful with learning how to intern. In terms of the area and having a family, it was important to me to be able to look for buying a home which we were able to do in the area. The depth, and breadth, of patient pathology here is unmatched and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to train here.
Fun Fact: I have two dogs, Sheldon and Cooper who both suffer from a chronic condition called profound laziness. You will typically find them on my couch not doing a single thing, but they're cute so it's all good.
Medical School: Texas A&M
What do you like to do in Houston?: Explore! From coffee shops, to restaurants, parks, the zoo, the medical center, there's so much to see and do, and that includes the greater Houston area. It feels like no matter how much I explore there's always more to see and do.
What do you like about our program?: The people. From the top of the program to my co-interns, it really seems like the program prides itself on finding good humans. Everyone has been supportive, kind, and incredibly helpful with learning how to intern. In terms of the area and having a family, it was important to me to be able to look for buying a home which we were able to do in the area. The depth, and breadth, of patient pathology here is unmatched and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to train here.
Fun Fact: I have two dogs, Sheldon and Cooper who both suffer from a chronic condition called profound laziness. You will typically find them on my couch not doing a single thing, but they're cute so it's all good.
Kelsi Williams, MDHometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Medical School: University of Oklahoma
What do you like to do in Houston? Try new restaurants, bars, Astros games; basically, any event that includes carbs and entertainment I’m there! You can ask around, but I take my pickleball a little too seriously. Memorial Park has several trails and tennis courts I frequent on my off days.
What do you like about our program? The program feels like a large family with someone always in your corner. You also get great exposure to a variety of cases, do plenty of procedures, and have great mentors all while living in a fun big city.
Fun Fact: I taught myself to juggle because I was bored one day.
Medical School: University of Oklahoma
What do you like to do in Houston? Try new restaurants, bars, Astros games; basically, any event that includes carbs and entertainment I’m there! You can ask around, but I take my pickleball a little too seriously. Memorial Park has several trails and tennis courts I frequent on my off days.
What do you like about our program? The program feels like a large family with someone always in your corner. You also get great exposure to a variety of cases, do plenty of procedures, and have great mentors all while living in a fun big city.
Fun Fact: I taught myself to juggle because I was bored one day.