Our Current Fellows

Karl Uppleger, MDKarl Upplegger, MD, PGY-6

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Residency: University of New Mexico

Why UTHealth Houston: I chose UTHealth Houston for the opportunity to navigate complex medical histories of patients with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and treat severely ill patients at one of the largest trauma centers in the world while working and learning from great faculty and staff.

Fun Fact: I have been fortunate to explore many countries, live amongst those with different cultures/traditions, and grow in my understanding of other’s beliefs by traveling to every continent by 18 years old.

Andrea Pollack, MD, PGY-5

Hometown: New York, NY

Residency: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Why UTHealth Houston: Despite interviewing virtually, thank you COVID, it was apparent that the faculty care about supporting fellows in all aspects of their training. I knew I would get amazing trauma exposure at the busiest level 1 trauma center in the country and that I would be supported in whatever research or education endeavors I choose pursue during fellowship.

Fun Fact:I thought I was going to be a photographer and went to art school before stumbling into medicine later in life. Never looked back!

Meena Awasthi, MD, PGY-4

Hometown: Houston, TX

Residency: Baylor College of Medicine / Texas Children’s Hospital

Why UTHealth Houston: UTHealth Houston demonstrates consistent commitment to delivering the highest standard of care with a compassion and dedication unique to the organization. I feel fortunate to be joining a community that values trainee scholarship and well-being in a fast-paced environment with diverse patient populations and autonomous clinical experiences.

Fun Fact: In college, I was voted Best Supporting Actress for my role as Anita in West Side Story!

Jebha Babu, MD, PGY-4

Hometown: Bombay/Louisiana/Houston

Residency: UTHealth Houston Pediatrics

Why UTHealth Houston: I wanted to work with a diverse and underserved population while seeing unique pathologies and expanding on Ultrasound and procedural skills. UTHealth offers just that under a warm, supportive faculty and staff at one of the biggest trauma centers in the country with the benefit of living in a multicultural city like Houston.

Fun Fact: Currently exploring new hobbies: playing Volleyball, salsa dancing, and making silly TikTok dance videos with my sister.