2024-2025 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 Texas Medical Center. We are so excited to share our program with you, and we hope you will find a home in the residency program here.
Based in 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 all corners of the United States and the world. Despite the size, you will find that the interns, residents, faculty, and staff are all bonded together in our pursuit to deliver high-quality, effective healthcare and advance scientific endeavors. We share a passion for excellence of patient care regardless of social circumstances and a dedication to the wellness of our communities in Greater Houston and that of our residents.
We look forward to welcoming you to Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and to our family!
Courtney McNeely
Where are you from?
Dallas, TX
Medical School
UT Southwestern
Why UTHealth Houston?
The best thing about UTHealth Houston is the people! The clinical training is phenomenal (what would you expect from the largest medical center in the world), but the culture of the program was what drew me in. Even in a large academic institution, UTHealth does a fantastic job of creating a personalized experience for each resident that fosters genuine human growth and connection. I’ve been blessed to form many lifelong friendships that have already spanned birthdays, weddings, and babies…and it’s crazy to think I didn’t know any of these people three years ago!
What are your interests outside of work?
As someone who did not grow up in this city, I love exploring new spots in Houston! Even after three years here, I am constantly finding new restaurants and bars to check out. One of my all-time favorite restaurants is Xin Chao, run by chef Christine Ha (who may or may not be related to one of our Memorial Hermann attendings). I also love to run, so I frequently take advantage of Houston’s beautiful parks. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed running along the Buffalo Bayou trail.
Future Plans?
After chief year, I plan to pursue fellowship training in cardiology.
Pets?
I have a maltipoo death eater named Bellatrix Lestrange (or Bella), who has been with me since my first year of medical school. She is also very excited for her chief year.
Ugochi Ebinama
Where are you from?
Abuja, Nigeria; Dallas TX
Medical School
Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Foster School of Medicine, El Paso TX
Why UTHealth Houston?
UTHealth Houston attracted me for many reasons, especially during my residency interview. I was impressed by the welcoming and friendly nature of the Internal Medicine faculty, residents, and chief residents. Their positive attitude made me feel comfortable and gave me a sense of the program’s culture. The program offers excellent mentorship opportunities. I’ve taken advantage of ample research opportunities at the Medical Center and LBJ, our county hospital. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some brilliant colleagues in the clinical setting, which has enriched my experience at UTHealth. Houston’s diversity and varying cultures have also added to my enjoyment of living and working here.
What are your interests outside of work?
I love doing yoga and trying different types of food in Houston with my church and residency program friends. We often visit restaurants that serve Nigerian, Indian, Mexican, German, etc. cuisine. I also enjoy concerts at Houston’s Toyota Center and NRG Stadium, where I can see a variety of artists from different genres. Attending the Houston Rodeo is also a yearly tradition for me, and it’s always a unique and enjoyable experience.
Future Plans?
After chief residency, I plan on pursuing a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology
Pets?
Unfortunately, I do not have pets at the moment, but plan on getting a Golden Retriever or Chihuahua during my chief year.
Naveen Subramanian
Where are you from?
Austin, TX
Medical School
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Why UTHealth Houston?
I was drawn to UTHealth Houston for many reasons. The first (and most important) was the culture that emanated from every interaction I had with the faculty and residents (even from a computer screen!) during my interview day. It was clear that there was a camaraderie not just between the residents and faculty, but especially between the residents themselves. That has very much been the case throughout my years as a resident here! The program values work-life balance for their residents above everything, which made the experience much more enjoyable.
Getting to not only work in, but also experience, the Texas Medical Center was also a draw for me to UTHealth, and it has exceeded my very high expectations! It has something for everyone, whether it be opportunities to train with world-renowned faculty in a tertiary care center or chances to explore every possible subspecialty you may have your eye on. Whether you’re interested in primary care or a specific fellowship (like me), there will be plenty of clinical experiences and research opportunities at UTHealth for you to excel in any career path you choose after residency.
Finally, living in the city of Houston itself has been an eye-opening experience! I thought I knew about big-city living, but seeing and partaking in the sheer variety of food and entertainment options has been particularly exciting. From the people to the opportunities to the city (especially the food), I have enjoyed every aspect of my residency experience!
What are your interests outside of work?
If I’m not at work, you can usually find me playing tennis with whoever is available at that time (even when it’s summer). I also enjoy watching every sport I can and trying out as many restaurants as I possibly can. I also enjoy going on walks and runs, and although it’s been tough, I like to travel and experience as many different places as I have time for!
Future Plans?
After my chief year, I plan to apply for a hematology-oncology fellowship.
Pets?
Not yet! It’s something I’m thinking about once I’m done with my training.
Curtis Lee
Where are you from?
Irvine, CA
Medical School
New York Medical College
Why UTHealth Houston?
Growing up in Southern California and doing school on the east coast, I was ready for a change for residency and Texas was high on my list! I couples matched and my wife was a medical student at McGovern at the time. As such, I had a vague idea of what the program was like, but I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming all the residents and faculty were on interview day and how accessible they were later in the match process. It turns out that everyone is even cooler and more friendly in person!
My co-residents are the most amazing, hard-working people who inspire me to be the best resident I can be. I am also thankful for the opportunity to train in the Texas Medical Center where we see patients from all walks of life who run the gamut from bread-and-butter medicine to the craziest and rarest presentations. Lastly, Houston is a wonderful, diverse city. I can never get enough of the delicious food and the vibes are immaculate!
What are your interests outside of work?
I’ve enjoyed playing basketball and guitar all my life, but I have been working on my golf game since the start of residency. I’m a huge LA sports fan (Go Lakers!). Like many of my co-residents, I’ve been eating my way through the Houston food scene. I’m three years in and still have so many places to try! However, my go-to spot is Chinatown, and you can find me there at least every other week. I am also a huge sneakerhead (and possibly the biggest hypebeast in our program). Lastly, my favorite way to unwind is to watch some TV, K-Dramas, or anime and relax!
Future Plans?
After chief year, I plan to apply for fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care.
Pets?
No pets right now! I hope to have a dog one day, but for now, I’m content with seeing my parents’ Maltese on the weekends.
Jillian L. Smith
Where are you from?
Denver, CO
Medical School
Perelman School of Medicine (University of Pennsylvania), Philadelphia, PA
Why UTHealth Houston?
The great humans who make up our program! I can’t imagine having gone through residency without the inspiring co-residents and friends around me. The camaraderie and collegiality in the hospital stand out to me. I feel treated like a colleague, not just a resident. The TMC is the largest medical center in the world, with so many patients of high complexity and acuity. It’s been a phenomenal experience that has pushed me to be better. Houston has also been a fantastic, affordable place to live and work in for residency (see below!). After being in the Northeast for medical school, one of my priorities was to have my very own washer and dryer during residency – I am living the dream!
What are your interests outside of work?
The food! Houston is a phenomenal city for foodies. Once a week I try and check out somewhere new – highlights include Handies Duozo, Uchi, Tiny Champions, Mia Bella Trattoria, Street Food Thai, and the list could keep going! A few years ago some of us residents started Nerdy Book Club for science fiction/fantasy fans – we meet about once a month at a local restaurant/bar and talk books and residency! During the winter months in Houston, the weather is beautiful, and I try and get outside as much as possible – fantastic parks throughout the city (Hermann Park is right across from the TMC!), outdoor dining, etc. During the summer months, it’s more about indoor activities, board games, and my Netflix queue.
Future Plans?
To Be Determined
Pets?
It is my great ambition to get a puppy in the next few years.
Alexandria Koney
Where are you from?
Houston, Texas
Medical School
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (Long School of Medicine)
Why UTHealth Houston?
Houston hosts the largest Medical Center in the world, which makes for a great learning environment with access to many specialists and the opportunity to see rare patient presentations. Our program director, Dr. Swails, values resident opinion and is always seeking to improve. There are no 24-hour shifts. The 4-2-2 schedule helps balance intense rotations with lighter rotations. And all of this in the great city of Houston, which has a variety of cultures, great food, and is a major stop for most concert tours! Overall, I knew that this program would help mold me into the best physician I can be.
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy reading, especially famous autobiographies, Christian lifestyle books, and fiction. Love spending time with family. I’ve probably attended 20+ concerts. I never get bored eating out in Houston. My favorites foods are Soul Food, Mexican, Ghanaian, Sichuan, and Cava! I love getting lost in a new TV series, including Married at First Sight, Secret Chef, White Lotus, Diagnosis, and Easy Bake Battle.
Future Plans?
After chief year, I plan to become a Hospitalist.
Pets?
My Blue Merle Australian Shepherd puppy, Nola. She’s fluffy, friendly, and smart.