2025-2026 Internal Medicine Chief Residents
Message from the Rising Chief Residents
Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. We are so excited to share our program with you, and we hope you will find a home here in the residency program.
Based at the largest medical center in the world, we are a diverse and eclectic residency program with more than 60 residents in our PGY1 year, including categorical, preliminary, and off-service trainees from across the United States and around the world. Despite our size, you will find that the interns, residents, faculty, and staff are all bonded together in our pursuit of delivering high-quality, effective healthcare and advancing scientific endeavors. We share a passion for excellence in patient care, regardless of social circumstances, and a dedication to the wellness of our communities in Greater Houston and our residents.
We look forward to welcoming you to Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and our family!
Richard G. Johnson III, MD
Where are you from? Glendora, CA
Medical School: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Why UTHealth Houston? The opportunity to work at a Safety Net Hospital in Lyndon B Johnson, a tertiary care center in Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, a comprehensive cancer center in MD Anderson, and the largest VA in the country in Michael E. DeBakey was what drew me to the program. The diversity of clinical sites is almost as diverse as the city itself and creates a great environment for a robust clinical training that will prepare you to work in almost any clinical setting.
What are your interests outside of work? I enjoy running and run so I can eat! Houston is a great city for both with plenty of parks and green spaces and unmatched culinary diversity. Houston restaurant weeks in the summer is a great intro to the food scene at an affordable price, and the Houston marathon in the January is always an event to see even if you are not running.
Future plans? Hopefully, a pulmonary critical care fellowship
Pets? I recently welcomed a new addition to the household in the form of a new puppy!
Drew Sullivan, MD
Where are you from? Cypress, TX
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Why UTHealth Houston? I did medical school here, so I had a bit of insight on what I was signing up for. I wanted training that would push me and ultimately let me stand on my own two feet as a clinician, and this program delivered. Bouncing between Memorial Hermann, LBJ, the VA, and MD Anderson means you see everything, and you learn fast how to adapt when the resources and patient populations shift under you. But the real answer is the people. My co-residents turned into some of my closest friends, and that’s not something you can tell from a rank list. I’m genuinely grateful for how much I’ve grown here, as a physician and as a person!
What are your interests outside of work? I’m a Texas football fan, which is either a personality or a medical condition depending on the season. I spend an unreasonable amount of time hunting down good light roast coffee around Houston. I also collect vinyl, still fully committed to sitting down and listening to a record start to finish. I dabble in amateur golf and love playing my guitar. Most of my time outside the hospital goes to my wife, Alexa, and our family and friends.
Future plans? After my chief year, I’m hopefully heading to GI fellowship!
Pets? An Australian Shepherd named Archie, who is fully convinced he should be included in everything we do, including rounds.
Cristina Natha, MD
Where are you from? Sweetwater, TX
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Why UTHealth Houston? I chose UTHealth Houston because of the people and the variety of training experiences. I loved the camaraderie among the residents and how supportive the faculty were. Training at a large academic center, MD Anderson, LBJ, and the VA has given me the opportunity to work with such a diverse patient population in very different clinical settings. I’ve also really enjoyed living in Houston, especially having so much to do and so many great places to eat!
What are your interests outside of work? I love traveling, and Japan and Germany have been two of my favorite trips so far! I also love music and going to concerts, and I’ve been able to attend quite a few during residency. I enjoy being outdoors, especially riding bikes at Buffalo Bayou Park and taking the pedal boats out at Hermann Park. I’m also a big foodie and love trying new restaurants and checking out different boba and matcha shops around Houston.
Future plans? I plan to pursue a fellowship in Gastroenterology!
Pets? No pets yet, but I would love to have one someday!