Residency

UTHealth Houston Emergency Medicine Residency

People-Focused. Purpose-Driven. Patient-Centered.

Our Residency Program offers a rigorous, high-acuity training environment grounded in clinical excellence, academic inquiry, and service to the underserved. Residents train across two of Houston’s busiest and most diverse emergency departments: Memorial Hermann-TMC, the nation’s busiest Level I trauma center, and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, one of the highest-volume emergency centers in the city, gaining unparalleled exposure to complex pathology and critical care.

At its core, the program is driven by a shared commitment to advancing emergency care through leadership, research, and compassionate service. The culture is one of mutual respect, continuous learning, and a deep-rooted passion for delivering care to all patients, especially the most vulnerable.

Explore what sets this program apart and discover why so many have found not just a place to train, but a place to thrive.

Our Program

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Our residency offers a comprehensive, hands-on training experience designed to prepare residents for the full spectrum of emergency medicine. Through exposure to diverse patient populations, high-acuity cases, and multiple clinical environments, residents develop the knowledge, procedural skills, and confidence necessary to excel in any practice setting.

Memorial Hermann Hospital – Texas Medical Center (TMC)

  • One of the largest and busiest Level I trauma centers in the country
  • Serves as the referral hub for the Memorial Hermann Health System
  • Adult ED: 64 beds
  • Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatric ED: 40 beds, Level I pediatric trauma center
  • Exposure to complex adult and pediatric emergencies, critical illness, and high-acuity trauma
  • Fast-paced, technologically advanced academic environment

Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Hospital

  • Houston’s busiest emergency department, serving a diverse, underserved population
  • Adult ED: 52 beds, including dedicated trauma area
  • Level III trauma center designation (soon to be Level I)
  • Pediatric patients comprise roughly 8% of ED visits, providing experience with children alongside adults
  • Exposure to advanced disease presentations and medically complex cases not typically seen elsewhere

Children’s Memorial Hermann – Pediatric ED

  • Level I pediatric trauma center
  • Pediatric ED: 40 beds
  • Inpatient pediatric beds: 8 beds with Intermediate Care Unit (IMU) capabilities
  • Extensive training in PEM
  • Opportunities to perform pediatric procedures and manage critically ill children

Across all sites, residents develop advanced procedural competence, critical decision-making skills, and team-based care expertise. This training prepares them for careers in any emergency medicine setting, from high-acuity academic centers to community hospitals.

Educational Highlights

Our residency program emphasizes both clinical excellence and professional development.

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Key features include:

  • Longitudinal curriculum covering core EM topics, procedures, and simulation-based learning
  • Weekly resident conferences, case discussions, and specialty-focused sessions
  • Opportunities for research, quality improvement (Q/I) projects, and leadership development
  • Participation in national conferences, including ACEP, SAEM, and CORD
  • Mentorship from faculty experts in emergency medicine, pediatric EM, ultrasound, EMS, and disaster medicine

Residents leave our program well-rounded, confident, and prepared to lead in the field of emergency medicine.

Inside McGovern EM: Tours, Panels, and Perspectives

Get a deeper look into life at UTHealth Houston through our collection of videos. From a virtual tour of our training sites to candid pre-interview panels featuring current residents and faculty, these videos offer valuable insight into what makes our program unique.

Hear firsthand about the clinical experience, the culture, and the people who make EM feel like home.

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Tour Our Program

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Pre-Interview Panel #1

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Pre-Interview Panel #2

Whether you’re gearing up for an interview or just checking us out, we’d love for you to dive in and see what makes our residency program so special.

Why Live in Houston

Houston is a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming city with a rich history of growth, innovation, and culture, an ideal home for residents seeking a dynamic mix of professional development, cultural experiences, and lifestyle amenities.

Founded in 1836, Houston has grown from a small port town to the fourth-largest city in the United States, blending its historic roots with a modern metropolitan environment. Today, it is a hub for healthcare, energy, aerospace, and the arts, offering residents a unique and thriving urban experience.

Urban and Cultural Life

  • Diverse and Inclusive: A true cultural melting pot with international cuisine, neighborhoods, and festivals.
  • Arts & Culture: Explore the Theater District, Museum District, and enjoy live performances, exhibits, and galleries.
  • Entertainment: From professional sports to live music, Houston offers endless recreational opportunities.

Affordable and Convenient Living

  • Cost of Living: Approximately 6% below the national average, with housing costs lower than many major metro areas.
  • No State Income Tax: Greater financial flexibility during residency.

Outdoor and Active Lifestyle

  • Parks and Trails: Over 52,000 acres of parkland for jogging, biking, or relaxing outdoors.
  • Recreation: Kayaking, running trails, and green spaces provide balance during demanding schedules.

Community and Cuisine

  • Friendly and Welcoming: Residents value connection, diversity, and community engagement.
  • World-Class Dining: A thriving culinary scene featuring international cuisine and fine dining options.

Living in Houston offers a perfect combination of historical richness, professional opportunity, cultural diversity, and quality of life, making it an ideal setting for your residency years.

Ask A Resident

Our Chief Residents are here to support you throughout the interview process and beyond. If you have questions about the program or want a resident’s perspective, don’t hesitate to reach out, they’re happy to help!

2025-2026 Chief Residents

Feel free to reach out, just click on a name below to contact any of our Chief Residents directly via email.
Christina Anderson, MD | Jonathan “Jay” Harrell II, MD | Ryan Johnson, MD | Cait Minutella, MD
25-26 Chief Residents

L to R: Ryan Johnson, Jonathan “Jay” Harrell, Christina Anderson, Cait Minutella

Dedicated leaders and approachable mentors, our Chiefs are ready to share insight, advice, and their experiences at UTHealth Houston.

Get Started

We invite motivated students and future emergency physicians to explore our program and join our team. Residents thrive here not only through rigorous clinical training but also by engaging in a vibrant community and enjoying all that Houston has to offer.

For more information, contact:

Novate Creeks
Peighton Longsworth