2028 Residents
Chandni Aghera
Medical School: VCOM – Carolinas
Undergrad: East Carolina University
Hometown: Wake Forest, NC
Activities/Hobbies: Trying new restaurants/breweries, playing with my pups, cooking, being outdoors, video games, hanging out with friends/husband, watching Friends
Why McGovern: I did a rotation as a medical student and I was so impressed by the residents and faculty here because they were all so confident and good at what they do. Everyone I met during my rotation was so welcoming and willing to teach so I knew I would be supported here. Also I knew that being at one of the busiest level 1 trauma centers with such a high patient volume, acuity, and diversity allowed me to challenge myself and grow to become the best physician I could be. Plus, Houston has so much good food and entertainment, it would’ve been a shame to pass up an opportunity to live in this amazing city!
Interests Within EM: Sports Medicine, Ultrasound, MedEd
Fun Fact: I have a birthmark on my right eyeball.
Aqeeb Ali
Medical School: Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Stephen F. Austin State University
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Flag football, Volleyball, Traveling, Running
Why McGovern: I chose UTHealth Houston because of the strong relationships I observed between residents and attendings. During my away rotation, seeing how they interacted with one another showed me that this program fosters a supportive environment for residents. Training at one of the busiest trauma centers in the country also offers an incredible opportunity to grow clinically into an excellent emergency medicine physician. Additionally, being from Houston, it is meaningful for me to train in and serve an amazing and diverse community that I’m proud to call home.
Interests Within EM: Ultrasound, MedEd, Critical Care
Fun Fact: I am certified to teach chemistry (7th-12th grade) in the state of Texas.
Samantha Boever
Medical School: A.T. Still University
Undergrad: Grand Canyon University
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
Activities/Hobbies: Volleyball, pilates, hiking, traveling, reading, and being involved at church
Why McGovern: I was instantly drawn to this program during my virtual interview, and a few weeks later, I flew to Houston to experience it firsthand. The faculty and residents were incredibly welcoming and supportive, and it was clear that the training here is exceptional. I am truly blessed and grateful to be part of this team!
Interests Within EM: Critical Care
Fun Fact: While playing college volleyball, I once got hit so hard in the face with a ball that I ended up as an ED patient myself.
Samuel Buske
Medical School: UTHealth Houston – McGovern
Undergrad: The University of Texas at Austin
Hometown: Cibolo, Texas
Activities/Hobbies: Running, boxing, relaxing
Why McGovern: McGovern is home! From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I felt like this program’s faculty and staff had my back. That, along with the breadth of opportunity at Memorial Hermann TMC, awesome co-residents, and everything Houston has to offer, made ranking McGovern #1 a no-brainer.
Interests Within EM: Sports Medicine, MedEd
Fun Fact: I worked as an electrical engineer for Lockheed Martin before medical school.
Kaycee Fillmore
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Wyoming
Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Activities/Hobbies: Crochet, camping, hiking, spending time with my fiancé, family, and friends, buying plants, watching football (go Broncos) and documentaries, attending concerts and games, playing yard games, and cooking.
Why McGovern: I chose McGovern for training because of its expectational clinical sites and people. Having the chance to learn Emergency Medicine within a massive academic hospital and also within a county hospital is a great opportunity. Memorial Hermann is a very well-known institution that is consistently nationally ranked and has one of the busiest trauma centers in the country. The opportunities this affords are endless. I also wanted the chance to work with and serve people from all walks of life, and Houston is the most diverse large city in the country, making it the perfect place for that. And finally… Even though this program is so impressive and academic, they still manage to prioritize camaraderie, wellness, and kindness. The faculty and residents were awesome and personable during my interview, making my decision to rank UT Houston #1 an easy one.
Interests Within EM: MedEd, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine
Fun Fact: I was the lead “singer” in my Air Band for three consecutive years for a competition that was held by my middle school. Our band took 1st, 3rd, and 2nd place, respectively. I was a dedicated Joan Jett, Axl Rose, and Dee Snider. May these images never surface.
Elliot Flint
Medical School: University of Houston Fertitta College of Medicine
Undergrad: Texas A&M University
Hometown: Texarkana, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Biking the Houston bayous, thrifting and sewing my clothes, and eating!
Why McGovern: I knew I wanted to work at a program with multiple sites and a diverse population. Access to a county hospital coupled with an academic center was the perfect combination. After 4 years of working in Houston, I already knew I loved the city and the people in it.
Interests Within EM: Global Health, Disaster Medicine
Fun Fact: My Houston restaurant list has 100 spots on it and counting
Isabelle Gefke
Medical School: UTHealth Houston – McGovern
Undergrad: Emory University
Hometown: Boulder, CO
Activities/Hobbies: Weightlifting, trying new restaurants (especially Szechuan!), reading, traveling
Why McGovern: I came to Houston as a medical student and quickly fell in love with the city and its welcoming community. From the start, McGovern stood out for its ability to bring together some of the most down-to-earth and compassionate people I’ve ever met — it didn’t take long for it to feel like home. The faculty have consistently challenged and supported me to grow not only as a physician but as a person. Training here has given me the privilege of caring for a diverse patient population and managing a wide spectrum of pathologies and life experiences. I’m truly honored to continue my journey at McGovern as a resident and excited for the opportunities and growth that lie ahead!
Interests Within EM: Social EM, Advocacy, Medical Education
Fun Fact: Growing up I had all sorts of pets including dogs, cats, fish, salamanders, frogs, and geckos!
Hunter Harbold
Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine
Undergrad: Texas Tech University Health Science Center
Hometown: Weatherford, Texas
Activities/Hobbies: I enjoy all things related to food! I enjoy cooking, trying new restaurants and sharing meals with family and friends. I also enjoy exercising and playing piano.
Why McGovern: As a native Texan, I wanted to train in Texas. During my interview and second look at McGovern, I felt an immediate connection. The faculty and residents were kind, down-to-earth, and genuinely interested in getting to know me. At the second-look breakfast, they greeted me by name and remembered details about me, making it clear this was where I belonged. Additionally, Houston offers incredible diversity and complex, critically ill patients I get to learn from.
Interests Within EM: As a Critical Care paramedic and EMS educator, I’m naturally interested in EMS and critical care.
Fun Fact: I have an identical twin brother who is a pilot!
Ethan Heh
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Undergrad: California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo
Hometown: Fullerton, CA
Activities/Hobbies: Powerlifting, Pickleball, Competitive Shooting, Video Games, Dogs
Why McGovern: High volume and high acuity at the busiest level 1 trauma center Family in Houston Incredible food
Interests Within EM: Tactical Medicine, Ultrasound
Fun Fact: I adopted a 50lb chihuahua from the pound.
Neha Kuderu
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Undergrad: Rutgers University
Hometown: Marlboro, NJ
Activities/Hobbies: Baking, Anything crafty, Dance, Rock climbing
Why McGovern: After coming here for my away rotation, I truly felt supported and encouraged by the faculty. They did a really good job of assessing my abilities and pushing me out of my comfort zone. The acuity at this program is truly unmatched. All the interns I worked with were high functioning, highly skilled and knowledgeable and I knew I wanted their training.
Interests Within EM: MedEd, Ultrasound
Fun Fact: I was a D1 rower for 3 months in freshman year of college. I was recruited for the walk-on team, but I was not meant for the athlete life. I’ve been a dancer my whole life and indoor erg workouts are too boring for me.
Jennifer Lee
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University
Hometown: Leonia, NJ
Activities/Hobbies: Snowboarding, arcade/video games, escape rooms, hanging with my family and friends
Why McGovern: McGovern hit all the things I was looking for in a residency program: high acuity, high volume, strong commitment to resident education, opportunity to work with underserved communities, and all within a very diverse city. I really felt like I would come out prepared after my time training here. I had never been to Houston before my second look, but I had an amazing time meeting residents and faculty when I visited, and also had an awesome time exploring the city of Houston.
Interests Within EM: Ultrasound, Palliative
Fun Fact: When I was ten, I gave my 10-year-old goldfish a proper backyard burial. The next morning, it was gone. Pretty sure a raccoon turned it into a midnight snack. RIP Goldie, you deserved better 🙁
Tommy Maloney
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Undergrad: Lyon College
Hometown: Jonesboro, Arkansas
Activities/Hobbies: Basketball, weightlifting, hanging out with my wife and daughter, playing video games, reading
Why McGovern: I wanted a program that would prepare me for my career after residency. When looking at programs, I wanted to be at a place where there were a high volume of sick patients, and a faculty that would support me throughout my training. Here, we are able to train at one of the busiest academic trauma centers in the country, and we are also able to train at a county hospital that provides care for an underserved population. During interview day and socials, it was obvious to me that the residents really enjoyed spending time with each other, and that the faculty was very engaged and supportive. In short, I thought it was a great place to train, with people I would enjoy working with!
Interests Within EM: Rural Medicine, Ultrasound
Fun Fact: I have two cockapoos named Tux and Winnie
Madison Matsuda
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Undergrad: Florida International University
Hometown: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Activities/Hobbies: Ice cream, traveling, petting all the dogs, writing, watching true crime, dabbling in local stand up comedy, watering my plants, participating in family shenanigans
Why McGovern: During my away rotation at McGovern I was first amazed by the scale and quality of the program’s facilities, teachers, and patient population. Over time, what stood out to me the most was how welcoming and kind all the people were and how they supported one another with a tight-knit and fun camaraderie. I also love the diversity of Houston and being able to care for people from all walks of life.
Interests Within EM: Global Health, LGBTQ+/Reproductive Care, Social EM, Trauma
Fun Fact: One of my ancestors was a samurai who chose to leave the famous 47 Ronin, ensuring my existence!
Linda Nguyen
Medical School: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation
Undergrad: University of Houston – Clear Lake
Hometown: Houston, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Traveling, Sports, Hanging out with family and friends, petting and sweet talking all animals
Why McGovern: I remember volunteering here as a college freshman and telling myself that I’d return here to be a doctor some day. When I came back as a 4th year visiting medical student, I met the most supportive people – from the house cleaning staff to the medical director of the Emergency Department – who welcomed me with open arms. I immediately felt at home. The opportunity to train at the best institution in the biggest medical center in the world is unmatched. Couple that with the best people and it’s a no-brainer!
Interests Within EM: Global Health, EMS
Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to 19 countries across 6 continents!
Neil Orton
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Activities/Hobbies: Rock climbing, exploring and traveling with my wife, coffee brewing, dog walking, board games, dancing, and skiing
Why McGovern: What stood out about McGovern was the genuine sense of community among residents and faculty. The program offers high-acuity training in a diverse clinical environment, preparing residents to practice confidently in any setting. During the interview process, it was clear that residents felt both challenged and supported, with strong mentorship and approachable leadership. The fact that they also enjoyed life outside the hospital spoke volumes about the culture. Additionally, the program’s connection to cutting-edge opportunities in space medicine made it an especially exciting and forward-looking choice.
Interests Within EM: Space Medicine, Education, Critical Care
Fun Fact: My wife and I met on an Indian-Fusion dance team in college.
Rahi Patel
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Undergrad: University of Akron
Hometown: Troy, Michigan
Activities/Hobbies: Listening to Olivia Rodrigo, Taco Bell, Going on walks, Dancing
Why McGovern: I was looking for a program with a high patient volume and a strong focus on medical education. I was fortunate to rotate here and was truly impressed by how much I was exposed to and learned in just a few short weeks. It became clear to me that training here would provide an incredible opportunity for continued growth and learning. Plus, the warm Houston winters were definitely an added bonus!
Interests Within EM: Medical Education, Administration, Research
Fun Fact: I broke my foot on the first day of medical school! It was a great icebreaker 🙂
Justin Peoples
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Rutgers University NJ
Hometown: Chatsworth, NJ
Activities/Hobbies: Fishing, disc golf, barbecue, running, auto mechanic, farming, baking, diving, visiting national parks(passport book),Philly sports(go birds) and family.
Why McGovern: Over the past decade, I’ve built strong roots in Texas, and UT Houston stood out as the ideal place to continue that journey. The program offers unmatched clinical volume, diverse pathology, and early hands-on responsibility within the largest medical center in the world. From day one, I knew I would be challenged to grow both clinically and academically. UT Houston provides the breadth and depth of training that will prepare me for any future role in emergency medicine, whether in academics, community practice, or fellowship, ensuring that every opportunity remains open after graduation.
Interests Within EM: Cardiac emergencies, Critical Care, Operational and Prehospital Medicine, Undersea and Hyperbarics, and Rural and Underserved EM.
Fun Fact: Former B-52 flight surgeon with the 96th Bomb Squadron(FTB), where I earned the call sign ORBIT.
Elias Perli
Medical School: Texas A&M University College of Medicine
Undergrad: University of St. Thomas (Houston)
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
Activities/Hobbies: Reading books, running, weightlifting, muay-thai, boxing, tennis, traveling with my wife, and playing with my dogs.
Why McGovern: My decision to pursue Emergency Medicine at McGovern was shaped by my away rotation, during which I had the privilege of training at both Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital and Memorial Hermann. These clinical environments offered an unparalleled combination of volume, acuity, and diversity, providing a rigorous and rewarding training experience unlike any other. What stood out to me was the deep sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the Emergency Medicine team and the multidisciplinary staff, all united in their mission to deliver exceptional care to Houston’s community. At McGovern, I see the embodiment of the physician I strive to be: someone who can think critically under pressure, respond with compassion in moments of crisis, and treat every patient with dignity—whether in a trauma bay or at the bedside of someone experiencing homelessness. I am honored to be part of a program that not only challenges me clinically but also aligns with my core values of service and humanism in medicine.
Interests Within EM: EMS and pre-hospital medicine, global health, ultrasound, and medical education.
Fun Fact: I have three passports—Venezuelan, Italian, and American.
Alyssa Poe
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Undergrad: Florida State University
Hometown: Gulf Breeze, Florida
Activities/Hobbies: Running, paddle boarding, snorkeling, hiking, traveling, pottery
Why McGovern: I was fortunate to rotate with UTHealth Houston and knew instantly after my rotation that I wanted to be part of this family. This program offers a wide breadth of pathology while serving a diverse patient population. Their commitment to the local community is unmatched and doesn’t stop at the doors of ED. The residents and staff were so welcoming and made me feel right at home! What drew me in the most, though, was how much I enjoyed splitting my time between LBJ and Memorial Hermann, gaining both academic & community EM experience. Though both hospitals serve Houstonians, the patient population is different, and each facility is rewarding in its unique ways.
Interests Within EM: Global health, Social EM, Rural Medicine, Palliative Care
Fun Fact: I am a HUGE adrenaline junkie- next on my list is to go bungee jumping in New Zealand!
Delaney Rahl
Medical School: The Florida State University College of Medicine
Undergrad: The Florida State University
Hometown: Parkland, Florida
Activities/Hobbies: Working on cool puzzles, Playing Tennis and/or Pickleball, Baking, Rollerblading, and Playing Monopoly Deal with my family
Why McGovern: During my interview at UT Houston, I was struck by how welcoming and down-to-earth the faculty were—they took the time to truly connect. As someone who values mentorship and community, their approach made me feel excited and supported from day one. I knew I wanted to train somewhere that prioritizes people as much as clinical excellence, which is robust here. This program quickly felt like home. We just clicked!
Interests Within EM: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Global Health, EMS (as a former EMT!), MedEd
Fun Fact: I biked across America at 17 years old (physically dipped the back tire of my bike into the Atlantic ocean, rode for 6 weeks, then dipped my front tire in the Pacific ocean)! Cooler (weirder) fact was that we had to complete the trip without a cellphone
Kevin Taylor
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Texas A&M University
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Weightlifting and running, reading fantasy novels, walking his dogs, watching football and soccer, and enjoying movies.
Why McGovern: I chose McGovern due to its strong academic reputation, collaborative environment, and high-volume clinical exposure across diverse patient populations. The program’s emphasis on systems-level care, community outreach, and medical education strongly aligned with his values and career goals.
Interests Within EM: Patient Education, Clinical Ops, EMS, Lifestyle Medicine
Fun Fact: I’m an Eagle Scout and a founding member of my medical school’s Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group. One of my most memorable experiences was participating in a regional disaster drill as a mock victim, complete with moulage makeup!