2027 Residents
Mariah Arneson
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Undergrad: University of Minnesota Rochester
Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Activities/Hobbies: Photography, painting, jewelry making, traveling, exploring new restaurants
Why McGovern: During my time auditioning at UTH Houston, it became evident that the program offered a unique opportunity to develop well-rounded EM competency in academic, county, and community settings, with robust exposure to trauma and pediatrics. The high patient volume and acuity created an environment where I knew I would be both challenged and supported by the knowledgeable and passionate faculty. The department’s robust quality improvement system and faculty commitment to innovation and healthcare improvement were impressive and aligned with my passions. In my interview, the leadership team expressed genuine interest in my individual interests and career goals, instilling confidence that I would receive the necessary support and mentorship to achieve my post-residency aspirations. Additionally, the institution’s dedication to serving its underserved population, both within and beyond the hospital, resonated with my values.
Interests Within EM: Quality Improvement, Social EM, Education, Ultrasound, Global Health
Fun Fact: I was a competitive ballroom dancer in college!
Lorenzo Baeza
Medical School: McGovern Medical School – UTHealth Houston
Undergrad: Sam Houston State University
Hometown: Houston, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Bike riding, trying out new restaurants, anything active
Why McGovern: I went to medical school here and learned so much from the EM residents and faculty. They truly cared about my learning experience and taught me what I know/use in my practice today. Not to mention being able to stay in my hometown with the best co-residents was an extra bonus!
Interests Within EM: Ultrasound, Education, Critical care
Fun Fact: I competed in state and national powerlifting competitions during high school and college. I squatted up to 700lbs at one point and my back reminds me of it everyday!
Allison Grim
Medical School: University of Toledo COM
Undergrad: University of Toledo
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
Activities/Hobbies: Concert-going, moshing, crowd surfing, hiking, yoga, strength training, true crime documentaries, point-and-click mystery/simulation video games, watching Red Wing hockey, and petting all of the dogs at Hermann Park.
Why McGovern: I did an away rotation at UTHealth Houston last summer, and I was buzzing the entire month. Clinically, I was the most fulfilled I’d ever been in the ED and I could really see myself training here for residency. The robust emotional and clinical support from residents, faculty, nursing, and ancillary staff was evident from my very first shift. These were the people that I wanted to learn and grow with over the course of my residency career. Everyday I was caring for high acuity patients coming from a diverse set of backgrounds with a heavily Spanish speaking population. It’s an honor to train at one of the busiest Level 1 trauma centers in the country while also gaining valuable community ED experience at our other sites.
Interests Within EM: Austere Medicine, Critical Care, and LGBTQ+/Reproductive Healthcare
Fun Fact: Half of my tattoos are matching food items! One is a cabbage (ATLA reference) that I got with my stepdad. The other tattoo is a chrusciki (Polish angel wing pastry) that I got matching with my mom, my sister, and my aunt.
Jaden Hattery
Medical School: University of Nebraska COM
Undergrad: Wayne State College
Hometown: Norfolk, NE
Activities/Hobbies: Run clubs, CrossFit, baking sourdough, playing fetch with my pups, painting
Why McGovern: The acuity and volume of the patient population is next level. The opportunity to train at both a massive academic center and a smaller county hospital gives us a very well rounded experience for potential practice. The faculty are experts in the field and encouraged stepping out of our comfort zone in order to learn. During my second look, everyone was super welcoming and seemed genuinely happy to be there.
Interests Within EM: Critical Care, Social EM, Quality Improvement/Administration
Fun Fact: I met Condoleezza Rice in seventh grade after winning a philanthropy award for sewing pillowcases for hospitalized children.
Carra Honderich
Medical School: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Undergrad: Baylor University
Hometown: Magnolia, TX
Activities/Hobbies: CrossFit, reading, and hanging with the hubby and our dog & cat
Why McGovern: I was so impressed by the residents and faculty when I did a sub-I here. Everyone was so good at what they do and were the kindest and most genuine group of people. I knew I would be supported here. Additionally, my parents and family live in Houston so that was a bonus.
Interests Within EM: Still unsure at this point! I love teaching so would can see myself in some sort of academic setting eventually? Maybe?
Fun Fact: I hate mac and cheese.
Cade Johnson
Medical School: McGovern Medical School – UTHealth Houston
Undergrad: Lamar University
Hometown: Lumberton, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Running, Cooking, Homebrewing
Why McGovern: I chose UTHealth Houston for residency because, as a student, my experiences with this program were a formative experience. The breadth, depth, and volume of the experience here are unmatched.
Interests Within EM: Trauma, Ultrasound, Education
Fun Fact: My comfort food is fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
Hannah Mainor
Medical School: University of Utah SOM
Undergrad: University of Utah
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Activities/Hobbies: Yoga, snowboarding, climbing, art, concert-going
Why McGovern: So many reasons! To name a few- Incredible trauma experience, diverse faculty and patient population, and dedication to treating underserved patients, especially at LBJ.
Interests Within EM: TBD, I’m intrigued by everything!
Fun Fact: I am an amateur tattoo artist
Abbey Pastorelle
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: University of Oklahoma
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Spin classes, watching New Girl (again), shopping, finding the best restaurants in Houston, and doing literally anything with my husband/family/friends
Why McGovern: I was amazed by the Texas Medical Center when I first visited Houston in 2014 as a freshman in college and thought that if I were to have the opportunity to practice medicine, it would HAVE to be here. When I did my second look in December and saw just how amazing our hospitals are and learned that Memorial Hermann is the busiest level 1 trauma center in the nation I was sold. I knew I would get the BEST training and be prepared for any career path that Emergency Medicine could take me. The residents and faculty are all so supportive, fun, and genuinely interested in our lives seeing all of us succeed. UTHealth Houston was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Interests Within EM: Medical Education, Sports Medicine
Fun Fact: I am actually a 2 time world champion cheerleader. Please don’t ask me to do a flip, I will hurt myself.
Sager Patel
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM)
Undergrad: Indiana University
Hometown: Terre Haute, Indiana
Activities/Hobbies: Snowboarding, Concerts/Music Festivals, Dogs, Reading, Being Outside
Why McGovern: I chose UTHealth because of the opportunity to train at one of the busiest trauma centers in the country. The supportive faculty and diverse patient population offer a unique learning environment that prepares residents for any challenge in emergency medicine. Houston’s vibrant city life and rich cultural diversity add to the appeal, making it the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally.
Interests Within EM: Ultrasound, Social EM, Critical Care
Fun Fact: I met my wife while traveling in Tibet.
Kenneth Paul
Medical School: McGovern Medical School – UTHealth Houston
Undergrad: University of Houston
Hometown: Pasadena, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Running, Walking, Hiking, Going to the gym, Watching movies, Visiting breweries, Trying new food, Video games
Why McGovern: As a medical student at McGovern rotating through the ED, I always felt at home. I enjoyed coming to my ED shifts because the residents and attendings here are phenomenal teachers, and I knew I would get top tier training. I wanted to train at a program that will continually challenge me to grow in my confidence and knowledge to be the best physician and teacher I can be. Also, Houston has an endless amount of good food, craft beer, events and entertainment, and more.
Interests Within EM: Ultrasound, EMS, Critical Care
Fun Fact: I was born at LBJ Hospital, and now I get to be a doctor there!
Hunter Pope
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Undergrad: Ferris State University
Hometown: Imlay City, MI
Activities/Hobbies: Guitar, piano, woodworking, DIY home renovation, hiking, drawing, skiing
Why McGovern: My first experience with UTHealth Houston residents was a virtual social prior to my interview, and I knew then that this program was special. There was a great sense of comradery, which was more impressive with it being a virtual format. My interview and second look only further confirmed my impression of the community, friendship, and shared values between residents and faculty here. With its unparalleled clinical exposure and devoted faculty, I had every confidence I would become the EM doc I wanted to be by coming here. Throw in all the excitement (and food!) Houston has to offer, there was no way I could pass up this opportunity.
Interests Within EM: EMS, Critical Care, Rural Medicine
Fun Fact: I have a painting hanging up in Little Caesars Arena in Detroit!
Tiffany Shields
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Hometown: Snellville, GA
Activities/Hobbies: Painting, dancing, gym, binge watching Gossip Girl and Jane the Virgin
Why McGovern: I chose UTH because I knew that having the opportunity to train at the busiest level 1 trauma center in the country would set me up to be prepared for anything I’m faced with as an attending. I was also very drawn to the patient population here, and looked forward to serving such a diverse community. And ofc the endless food options around to try post- shifts 🙂
Interests Within EM: US, Global Health, EMS
Fun Fact: I drove an ATV over the world’s longest suspension bridge for vehicles located in Puerto Vallarta! It was over 1500ft :O
Bailey Singleton
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences COM
Undergrad: University of Arkansas
Hometown: Rogers, AR
Activities/Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, reading, and playing with my mini weenie dogs – IV and Doxy(cycline)!
Why McGovern: The people, the program, the vibes!! Plus having the chance to practice at both a large academic center with its own pediatric ED and a smaller county hospital is an incredible training opportunity.
Interests Within EM: Education, Ultrasound, Social EM
Fun Fact: I have unofficially adopted all the stray cats in my neighborhood (4 so far). My favorite is a toothless old lady that I’ve named Mammaw.
Lizzie Smith
Medical School: Midwestern University Glendale Campus
Undergrad: University of Arizona
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Activities/Hobbies: Hiking, running, cooking, reading
Why McGovern: So many reasons! I wanted to train at a busy level one trauma center with great pediatrics exposure and UT Houston fit all these criteria. I am also interested in medical education and UT Houston has many opportunities to get involved in teaching. I had a really positive experience on interview day and decided to attend the in-person second look day. After coming in person for second look, I was completely blown away by the residents, faculty, coordinators, and facilities. I am so grateful I matched here and have the chance to train in the Texas Medical Center.
Interests Within EM: Medical Education, Critical Care, Wilderness Medicine
Fun Fact: I worked at lululemon prior to attending medical school!
Riya Sreenivasan
Medical School: Texas A&M University System Health Science Center COM
Undergrad: UT-Austin
Hometown: Katy, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Being a pup and plant mom, vibing at the local (and not so local) music scene, and learning how to make vegan food delicious. Things that make me happy: thrift shopping, a well-pulled espresso shot, and a good psycho-thriller.
Why McGovern: I wanted to give back to the Houston community that inspired my medical career, and UT Health Houston seemed perfect. Its diverse patients, focus on social and psychological support, and commitment to top-notch education made it stand out. After visiting on an away rotation, I was beyond impressed by the residents’ skill, the challenging patient cases, and the program’s passion for teaching. I’m thrilled with my choice!
Interests Within EM: Social EM, Education, EMS
Fun Fact: I’m a third-degree black belt!
Jordan Wallis
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie
Undergrad: University of North Florida
Hometown: Hilliard, Florida
Activities/Hobbies: Being outdoors, listening to podcasts, archery, hiking, and fishing
Why McGovern: I chose this program for so many reasons! We have a very unique training experience working in both a quaternary care medical center within TMC and at an underserved hospital across town. There’s almost no pathology we don’t see from rare congenital pediatric diseases most only read about to the busiest trauma center in the country. The sky is the limit here and we have access to almost every career niche available with experts in their field. The faculty are amazing educators and truly go out of their way to support you. We also have a great work-life balance, truly treat each other as family, and an amazing food scene!
Interests Within EM: Critical Care, Clinical Reasoning, ECMO/ECPR, Echocardiography, EMS
Fun Fact: My fiancé and I have two awesome dogs, a golden retriever named Maverick and a black lab named Myla!
Dailey Watson
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn Campus
Undergrad: Troy University
Hometown: Sylacauga, Alabama
Activities/Hobbies: True crime podcasts, concerts, audiobooks, Sunday morning farmers markets, and movie nights with my people + my pup!
Why McGovern: To put it simply– I wanted a program that would push me to become the best physician I could be. I wanted to train in an environment that would guarantee a certain level of exposure, that would foster confidence in even the most difficult clinical scenarios, and that would support me throughout the intensity of that training. After interviewing with UTHealth Houston, I knew without a doubt that this program was the perfect fit for me. I genuinely loved every conversation I had with both the current residents and the program leadership, and I could sense the connection they all felt to one another. These people had each other’s backs, they were happy, and they got the experience of working at the busiest level 1 trauma center in the country… I mean, what more could you ask for? It was truly the easiest choice I’ve ever made, and I feel so lucky to be here with all these amazing humans.
Interests Within EM: Health policy and advocacy work are both super important to me, but I’m still pretty undecided. So, TBD!
Fun Fact: I collect vinyl records! My most prized possession is my 1987 original release Def Leppard Hysteria album
Chloe Wentland
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn Campus
Undergrad: University of Mobile
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Activities/Hobbies: Working out, volleyball, being out on the water, hiking, and exploring new places
Why McGovern: I wanted to be part of a program that would challenge me with patient volume and high acuity while emphasizing serving the community. I wanted to be in a supportive environment, surrounded by co-residents and attendings that are genuine, passionate, and there for me if needed. UTH provides that and allows caring for underserved patients in different ways at the county hospital, LBJ, and the busiest level 1 trauma center, Hermann. I did a 2nd look here and knew it was where I wanted to be.
Interests Within EM: Critical Care
Fun Fact: I once ate 52 Chick-fil-A Nuggets after a volleyball match in college
Bre Williams
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton
Undergrad: University of Houston
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Brunch with friends, wine night, traveling, fishing
Why McGovern: UT Houston stood out to me on my interview day and when I came for the in-person second look, I immediately felt the program was meant for me. Everyone was so welcoming and EXTREMELY down to earth. Seeing other who looked like me and were DO physicians, I felt like I would be supported. I can’t wait to serve the diverse patients that the Houston community has.
Interests Within EM: EMS, Social EM, Sports Medicine
Fun Fact: Being biracial, Spanish was my first language
Evan Wolff
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
Undergrad: LSU
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Activities/Hobbies: Video/Board Games, Golf, Movies
Why McGovern: The people. Everyone was genuine and passionate during my interview day, which left a lasting impression. This program also offers the opportunity to train at both a county style hospital with a vulnerable patient population, as well as a high volume level one trauma center. I thought that if I could train here, I could take my skill set to any setting and succeed.
Interests Within EM: Ultrasound
Fun Fact: I used to collect and eat way too many Moon Pies during Mardi Gras parades.
Angela Yu
Medical School: McGovern Medical School – UTHealth Houston
Undergrad: Tufts University
Hometown: Austin, TX
Activities/Hobbies: Going to Costco, playing sports (volleyball, soccer, golf, pickleball, and more!), playing video games, watching crime shows and HGTV
Why McGovern: At UTHealth Houston, I love that we get to train at both a large academic trauma center and a county hospital. At each site, there is a strong sense of teamwork within the ED which creates close relationships within the department and in our community. I am very excited to meet people from all different backgrounds, work with an extremely diverse population, and learn from a passionate group of peers and mentors. All while enjoying some incredible food!
Interests Within EM: Medical Education, Sports Medicine, Pediatric EM
Fun Fact: I can tell you the plot of any and every episode of Law & Order SVU or Criminal Minds