CA-2 Residents
James “Taylor” Abercrombie, MDHometown: Abilene, Texas
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like about Houston? I enjoy drinking on patios, exploring Houston’s ever-changing food scene, and going on evening walks around my neighborhood.
What do you like about our program? The faculty, staff, and co-residents! The wonderful people are what distinguish our program from others.
Hobbies: Cooking and baking for friends, video games and bingeing Succession on HBO.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like about Houston? I enjoy drinking on patios, exploring Houston’s ever-changing food scene, and going on evening walks around my neighborhood.
What do you like about our program? The faculty, staff, and co-residents! The wonderful people are what distinguish our program from others.
Hobbies: Cooking and baking for friends, video games and bingeing Succession on HBO.
D’Andrea Ceasar, MDHometown: Houston, Texas
Medical School: UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Love to find new places to eat and fun things to do. The city has something for everyone so there are a ton of hidden gems to explore.
What do you like about our program? The emphasis on mentoring and building relationships with not only one another, but faculty as well was a huge draw for me. Also, being able to come back home and train at one of the busiest/largest trauma centers among a diverse patient population was just as important.
Hobbies: I love to eat/cook, box, read, binge on anime/Harry Potter, and naps.
Medical School: UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Love to find new places to eat and fun things to do. The city has something for everyone so there are a ton of hidden gems to explore.
What do you like about our program? The emphasis on mentoring and building relationships with not only one another, but faculty as well was a huge draw for me. Also, being able to come back home and train at one of the busiest/largest trauma centers among a diverse patient population was just as important.
Hobbies: I love to eat/cook, box, read, binge on anime/Harry Potter, and naps.
Seungwon Choi, MDHometown: Incheon, Korea
Medical School: Kyungpook National University
What do you like to do in Houston? I enjoy trying new food.
What do you like about our program? Various case mix and volume.
Hobbies: Cooking, eating, running, and Netflix.
Medical School: Kyungpook National University
What do you like to do in Houston? I enjoy trying new food.
What do you like about our program? Various case mix and volume.
Hobbies: Cooking, eating, running, and Netflix.
Hadyn Craft, MDHometown: Pflugerville, TX
Medical School: Texas A&M - Round Rock
What do you like to do in Houston? Anything with my cats or co-residents. Happy hour, restaurants, ordering Uber Eats, Astros games, sitting on the couch and watching TV, hosting parties, going to HEB.
What do you like about our program? So many things but #1 is the class size. I have made the best group of friends and work is so much fun with a close, cohesive class. I like that we have the volume and support to spend time together outside of work, and our program leadership orchestrates fun events for us year round. The patient volume and acuity and facilities and clinical experiences are fantastic here and above average by the number – but the residents & faculty we have here are unmatched. Honorary mention goes to the structure of intern year and trauma experience!
Fun fact: I have 3 cats and a dog and love nail art.
Medical School: Texas A&M - Round Rock
What do you like to do in Houston? Anything with my cats or co-residents. Happy hour, restaurants, ordering Uber Eats, Astros games, sitting on the couch and watching TV, hosting parties, going to HEB.
What do you like about our program? So many things but #1 is the class size. I have made the best group of friends and work is so much fun with a close, cohesive class. I like that we have the volume and support to spend time together outside of work, and our program leadership orchestrates fun events for us year round. The patient volume and acuity and facilities and clinical experiences are fantastic here and above average by the number – but the residents & faculty we have here are unmatched. Honorary mention goes to the structure of intern year and trauma experience!
Fun fact: I have 3 cats and a dog and love nail art.
Esmeralda Espinosa, MDHometown: Weslaco, Texas
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston? I’ve never been much of a “foodie” but since moving to Houston I’ve tried so many types of new food that I never thought I would. I would say my top 3 experiences are: the presentations at Musaafer, food truck pupusas, and grasshoppers at Xochi.
What do you like about our program? My experiences as a medical student at McGovern really drilled it in. I had residents and faculty along the way that nurtured my inquisitive spirit but also continually challenged me to think of my patients as a whole and not just their main reason for hospitalization. I saw myself thriving in this environment and becoming the kind of physician I wanted to be.
Hobbies: I love being active. Whether its soccer, volleyball, or even just walking across the street to Hermann Park to soak in the sun, I am in! I’m eagerly waiting for the UTHealth rec sports to start up again.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston? I’ve never been much of a “foodie” but since moving to Houston I’ve tried so many types of new food that I never thought I would. I would say my top 3 experiences are: the presentations at Musaafer, food truck pupusas, and grasshoppers at Xochi.
What do you like about our program? My experiences as a medical student at McGovern really drilled it in. I had residents and faculty along the way that nurtured my inquisitive spirit but also continually challenged me to think of my patients as a whole and not just their main reason for hospitalization. I saw myself thriving in this environment and becoming the kind of physician I wanted to be.
Hobbies: I love being active. Whether its soccer, volleyball, or even just walking across the street to Hermann Park to soak in the sun, I am in! I’m eagerly waiting for the UTHealth rec sports to start up again.
Carlos Galeano, DOHometown: Lakeland, Florida
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Trying different types of foods and restaurants. Going running and biking at different parks and spending time outdoors. Shopping is also fun. Exploring Houston, going to museums, and seeing the Houston symphony. Meeting people and hanging out with friends while enjoying good food!
What do you like about our program? The diversity of people. That it is a united and supportive working community. The number of opportunities available for training, research, teaching, and service. That it is the world’s largest medical center driving forward the latest advances in modern medicine. And that it is UT Health.
Hobbies: Playing the guitar, camping, cycling, swimming, running, rock climbing, hiking, gardening, cooking, music, and digital art.
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Trying different types of foods and restaurants. Going running and biking at different parks and spending time outdoors. Shopping is also fun. Exploring Houston, going to museums, and seeing the Houston symphony. Meeting people and hanging out with friends while enjoying good food!
What do you like about our program? The diversity of people. That it is a united and supportive working community. The number of opportunities available for training, research, teaching, and service. That it is the world’s largest medical center driving forward the latest advances in modern medicine. And that it is UT Health.
Hobbies: Playing the guitar, camping, cycling, swimming, running, rock climbing, hiking, gardening, cooking, music, and digital art.
Bobby Gosey, MDHometown: Austin, Texas
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? I like to explore new food cuisines in Houston, I am foodie at heart.
What do you like about our program? I like the family atmosphere within the program. Senior residents are inviting and forthcoming with tips and tricks for surviving the wards.
Hobbies: I love BBQ-ing, playing basketball, photography, video gaming, and taking on DIY projects.
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? I like to explore new food cuisines in Houston, I am foodie at heart.
What do you like about our program? I like the family atmosphere within the program. Senior residents are inviting and forthcoming with tips and tricks for surviving the wards.
Hobbies: I love BBQ-ing, playing basketball, photography, video gaming, and taking on DIY projects.
Rachel Hanke, MDHometown: Orlando, Florida
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? I like visiting parks as well as exploring the many food options in Houston with friends.
What do you like about our program? I like how supportive everyone is and the breadth of experiences we will have exposure to.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing volleyball, baking, hiking, and learning languages.
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? I like visiting parks as well as exploring the many food options in Houston with friends.
What do you like about our program? I like how supportive everyone is and the breadth of experiences we will have exposure to.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing volleyball, baking, hiking, and learning languages.
Devonne Harris, MDHometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston? As a foodie, I love trying out new restaurants or happy hours with friends. Whenever the Houston heat and humidity subside, I also enjoy taking a stroll through Hermann Park or biking around Rice University.
What do you like about our program? Although it may be cliché, I really enjoy the people at UT Houston. The faculty and residents are very supportive and a pleasure to be around. The program also offers a great deal of opportunities such as exposure to a wide array of cases and subspecialties, moonlighting, mission trips, and a challenging yet safe environment to grow as anesthesiologist.
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, watching movies, cooking/baking, and listening to music.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston? As a foodie, I love trying out new restaurants or happy hours with friends. Whenever the Houston heat and humidity subside, I also enjoy taking a stroll through Hermann Park or biking around Rice University.
What do you like about our program? Although it may be cliché, I really enjoy the people at UT Houston. The faculty and residents are very supportive and a pleasure to be around. The program also offers a great deal of opportunities such as exposure to a wide array of cases and subspecialties, moonlighting, mission trips, and a challenging yet safe environment to grow as anesthesiologist.
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, watching movies, cooking/baking, and listening to music.
Rafat Hossain, DOHometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Being foodies, my wife and I love to try new restaurants in Westheimer, Bellaire, and Rice Village. Also (when it’s not too hot out), I enjoy exploring the parks nearby.
What do you like about our program? What solidified my interest was just seeing the residents interact on my interview day – everyone seemed to enjoy being a resident at UT and have lots of fun doing it. Being in such a huge medical center, I also look forward to the challenge of taking care of some really sick patients and, hopefully, become a better physician because of it. Living in Houston is awesome, too.
Hobbies: Soccer, FIFA, cooking, eating, hanging out with my wife, going on park walks, and eating again.
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Being foodies, my wife and I love to try new restaurants in Westheimer, Bellaire, and Rice Village. Also (when it’s not too hot out), I enjoy exploring the parks nearby.
What do you like about our program? What solidified my interest was just seeing the residents interact on my interview day – everyone seemed to enjoy being a resident at UT and have lots of fun doing it. Being in such a huge medical center, I also look forward to the challenge of taking care of some really sick patients and, hopefully, become a better physician because of it. Living in Houston is awesome, too.
Hobbies: Soccer, FIFA, cooking, eating, hanging out with my wife, going on park walks, and eating again.
Norhan Ibrahim, DOHometown: Queens, NY
Medical School: Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine – Seton Hill
What do you like to do in Houston? Biking, walking, going to coffee shops, and going food shopping at Central Market.
What do you like about our program? The people!!! I could not have asked for a better community to train alongside. We are very fortunate to have an exceeding amount of support from our PD, chiefs, faculty, and co-residents.
Hobbies: traveling, walking, yoga, and cooking.
Medical School: Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine – Seton Hill
What do you like to do in Houston? Biking, walking, going to coffee shops, and going food shopping at Central Market.
What do you like about our program? The people!!! I could not have asked for a better community to train alongside. We are very fortunate to have an exceeding amount of support from our PD, chiefs, faculty, and co-residents.
Hobbies: traveling, walking, yoga, and cooking.
David Lee, Jr, MDHometown: San Francisco, California
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
What do you like to do in Houston? The food, beautiful views, the abundance of parks and museums, the rain (when it doesn’t flood!), and the food! Did I mention the food?
What do you like about our program? I love that everyone looks out for one another and how the staff, residents, and attendings truly have your back in terms of wellbeing and education. The clinical experience is in a league of its own and I have no doubt that I will receive the best clinical training alongside an amazing group of co-residents.
Hobbies: Hiking, snowboarding, computers, NBA, billiards, escape rooms, rock climbing, board games, true crime podcasts, and traveling.
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
What do you like to do in Houston? The food, beautiful views, the abundance of parks and museums, the rain (when it doesn’t flood!), and the food! Did I mention the food?
What do you like about our program? I love that everyone looks out for one another and how the staff, residents, and attendings truly have your back in terms of wellbeing and education. The clinical experience is in a league of its own and I have no doubt that I will receive the best clinical training alongside an amazing group of co-residents.
Hobbies: Hiking, snowboarding, computers, NBA, billiards, escape rooms, rock climbing, board games, true crime podcasts, and traveling.
Sueung Myung Lee, DOHometown: Irvine, CA
What do you like to do in Houston? Go for walks in the park, dog parks, try new restaurants, and going to the beach on a nice day.
What do you like about our program? Variety of cases, supportive mentors, leadership, and co-residents.
Hobbies: Tennis, soccer, and shows.
What do you like to do in Houston? Go for walks in the park, dog parks, try new restaurants, and going to the beach on a nice day.
What do you like about our program? Variety of cases, supportive mentors, leadership, and co-residents.
Hobbies: Tennis, soccer, and shows.
Monica Lu, MDHometown: Plano, TX
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston? I like checking out cute new restaurants and coffee shops! The rodeo is also a must do for anyone visiting or new to Houston.
What do you like about our program? Diversity of cases and a lot of trauma, supportive attendings and amazing co-residents.
Hobbies/fun fact: vintage shopping, boba, and interior design.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston? I like checking out cute new restaurants and coffee shops! The rodeo is also a must do for anyone visiting or new to Houston.
What do you like about our program? Diversity of cases and a lot of trauma, supportive attendings and amazing co-residents.
Hobbies/fun fact: vintage shopping, boba, and interior design.
Linh Luong, DOHometown: Houston, Texas
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? I am constantly searching for amazing restaurants and boba shops.
What do you like about our program? Training in the Texas Medical center is an amazing opportunity and makes me feel confident about my future as a physician. The leadership gives off great vibes and high energy, inspiring me to work hard, but also to have fun during residency.
Hobbies: Re-creating my favorite boba drinks, Korean dramas, reading, traveling, photography, and home decor.
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? I am constantly searching for amazing restaurants and boba shops.
What do you like about our program? Training in the Texas Medical center is an amazing opportunity and makes me feel confident about my future as a physician. The leadership gives off great vibes and high energy, inspiring me to work hard, but also to have fun during residency.
Hobbies: Re-creating my favorite boba drinks, Korean dramas, reading, traveling, photography, and home decor.
Nneka Madu, MDHometown: Houston, Texas
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston? I love to hang out with my close friends and explore different restaurants in the area!
What do you like about our program? I like the camaraderie that exists between residents!
Hobbies: Watching Bollywood films and creating content on YouTube.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston? I love to hang out with my close friends and explore different restaurants in the area!
What do you like about our program? I like the camaraderie that exists between residents!
Hobbies: Watching Bollywood films and creating content on YouTube.
Nicholas Merutka, MDHometown: Honolulu, Hi
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston? Play at one of the many awesome disc golf courses around the city, try new Thai restaurants, go on Houston history tours, sand volleyball at Third Coast or Wakefield Crowbar, soccer sports leagues through the UT rec or at Sportscreek.
What do you like about our program? Supportive and invested leadership and exposure to a high volume of high acuity cases early in your training.
Fun Fact: In medical school, I was a conductor for the Hermann Park railroad.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston? Play at one of the many awesome disc golf courses around the city, try new Thai restaurants, go on Houston history tours, sand volleyball at Third Coast or Wakefield Crowbar, soccer sports leagues through the UT rec or at Sportscreek.
What do you like about our program? Supportive and invested leadership and exposure to a high volume of high acuity cases early in your training.
Fun Fact: In medical school, I was a conductor for the Hermann Park railroad.
Bailey Monsour, MDHometown: Shreveport, Louisiana
Medical School: Tulane University
What do you like to do in Houston? So far I’m loving the restaurant scene, museums, and spending time enjoying the outdoors. Big fan of breakfast tacos & HEB.
What do you like about our program? I love that it’s a large program at an even larger medical center – opportunities to see everyone and everything!
Hobbies: Cooking, podcasts, getting outside, and hanging with my dog Moose.
Medical School: Tulane University
What do you like to do in Houston? So far I’m loving the restaurant scene, museums, and spending time enjoying the outdoors. Big fan of breakfast tacos & HEB.
What do you like about our program? I love that it’s a large program at an even larger medical center – opportunities to see everyone and everything!
Hobbies: Cooking, podcasts, getting outside, and hanging with my dog Moose.
Kenneth Perry, DOHometown: Modesto, California
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
What do you like to do in Houston? Explore the great restaurants and cool outdoor bars, live country music, and running along the bayou.
What do you like about our program? The opportunity to train at such a large institution and trauma center that provides a well rounded training experience. The large class size brings a strong sense of camaraderie and creates a fun working environment
Hobbies: Golf, basketball, college football, barbecuing, and happy hour.
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
What do you like to do in Houston? Explore the great restaurants and cool outdoor bars, live country music, and running along the bayou.
What do you like about our program? The opportunity to train at such a large institution and trauma center that provides a well rounded training experience. The large class size brings a strong sense of camaraderie and creates a fun working environment
Hobbies: Golf, basketball, college football, barbecuing, and happy hour.
Amanda Rodriguez, MDHometown: Miami, FL
Medical School: Florida International University
What do you like to do in Houston? I like to enjoy the music scene, catch happy hours, go out to eat, and hang out with my co-residents and friends.
What do you like about our program? My co-residents and our PD/APD’s!! Any time there’s something going on in out lives they reach out to make sure we’re okay and to see how they can help. They send frequent reminders that they’re there for us, often in the form of cookies, lunches, snacks, boba tea, etc. which doubles as a great morale booster. They’ll also send out kind words of encouragement that keep you going on tough days. I could go on forever but essentially I love how supported I feel and I love the incredible family feel that our program has.
Hobbies: I like going out on the boat or to the beach, going to concerts, playing sports and watching games. To relax I like to draw or paint, reach books, and practice mindfulness.
Fun fact: I really want to learn how to play guitar.
Medical School: Florida International University
What do you like to do in Houston? I like to enjoy the music scene, catch happy hours, go out to eat, and hang out with my co-residents and friends.
What do you like about our program? My co-residents and our PD/APD’s!! Any time there’s something going on in out lives they reach out to make sure we’re okay and to see how they can help. They send frequent reminders that they’re there for us, often in the form of cookies, lunches, snacks, boba tea, etc. which doubles as a great morale booster. They’ll also send out kind words of encouragement that keep you going on tough days. I could go on forever but essentially I love how supported I feel and I love the incredible family feel that our program has.
Hobbies: I like going out on the boat or to the beach, going to concerts, playing sports and watching games. To relax I like to draw or paint, reach books, and practice mindfulness.
Fun fact: I really want to learn how to play guitar.
Gabrielle Santiago, MDHometown: Houston, TX
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston? Explore new bars and restaurants with friends.
What do you like about our program? I’ve met some of my best friends in this program, and I love how supportive everyone is of each other in both personal and professional endeavors.
Hobbies: spending time with friends and family, watching baseball, and playing intramural sports.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UT Health
What do you like to do in Houston? Explore new bars and restaurants with friends.
What do you like about our program? I’ve met some of my best friends in this program, and I love how supportive everyone is of each other in both personal and professional endeavors.
Hobbies: spending time with friends and family, watching baseball, and playing intramural sports.
Artraeu Simms, DOHometown: Garland, Texas
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Run at parks and eat at restaurants.
What do you like about our program? The clinical training, didactic delivery, location, and diversity.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, weight training, jogging, playing basketball, reading, and meal prepping.
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Run at parks and eat at restaurants.
What do you like about our program? The clinical training, didactic delivery, location, and diversity.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, weight training, jogging, playing basketball, reading, and meal prepping.
Swathi Sridhar, DOHometown: Houston, Texas
Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Find and explore restaurants, coffee shops, plant shops, bars, and pop up exhibits!
What do you like about our program? The support and inclusiveness. Other residents are always willing to help you and the faculty are very approachable.
Hobbies: Trying new recipes, painting, and growing my plant babies!
Medical School: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Find and explore restaurants, coffee shops, plant shops, bars, and pop up exhibits!
What do you like about our program? The support and inclusiveness. Other residents are always willing to help you and the faculty are very approachable.
Hobbies: Trying new recipes, painting, and growing my plant babies!
Kevin Truong, MDHometown: Frisco, TX
Medical School: UT Southwestern
What do you like to do in Houston? Go out to eat and hang out with friends.
What do you like about our program? How close we all are.
Fun fact: My wife is also a resident at UT Houston.
Medical School: UT Southwestern
What do you like to do in Houston? Go out to eat and hang out with friends.
What do you like about our program? How close we all are.
Fun fact: My wife is also a resident at UT Houston.
Alissa Urich, MDHometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Medical School: University of Kansas
What do you like to do in Houston? Finding places with good air conditioning in the summer, trying new food, going to Hermann park and a good happy hour.
What do you like about our program? Opportunity for fellowships, excellent clinical exposure, how all the residents in the program go above and beyond to help you and large class sizes.
Hobbies: Playing volleyball, watching sports (go chiefs!), and being on the water/water sports.
Medical School: University of Kansas
What do you like to do in Houston? Finding places with good air conditioning in the summer, trying new food, going to Hermann park and a good happy hour.
What do you like about our program? Opportunity for fellowships, excellent clinical exposure, how all the residents in the program go above and beyond to help you and large class sizes.
Hobbies: Playing volleyball, watching sports (go chiefs!), and being on the water/water sports.
Jennifer Witek, DOHometown: South Elgin, Illinois
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Explore the food scene, visit the parks, and be outdoors.
What do you like about our program? The amazing people, the training environment, and the opportunities to become an excellent and experienced physician.
Hobbies: Being a foodie, traveling, birding, photo/videography, hiking, and board/video games.
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
What do you like to do in Houston? Explore the food scene, visit the parks, and be outdoors.
What do you like about our program? The amazing people, the training environment, and the opportunities to become an excellent and experienced physician.
Hobbies: Being a foodie, traveling, birding, photo/videography, hiking, and board/video games.
Chad Zhao, MDHometown: Houston, Texas
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston? Tennis, going to Chinatown, and kayaking at the bayou.
What do you like about our program? The faculty are amazing and incredibly supportive. You’ll have the opportunity to see almost every type of case imaginable here and receive excellent training that will prepare you for anything you want to do in the future.
Hobbies: Tennis, video games, reading, and baking.
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
What do you like to do in Houston? Tennis, going to Chinatown, and kayaking at the bayou.
What do you like about our program? The faculty are amazing and incredibly supportive. You’ll have the opportunity to see almost every type of case imaginable here and receive excellent training that will prepare you for anything you want to do in the future.
Hobbies: Tennis, video games, reading, and baking.