Our Residents

Residency Class 2023-2024

 

Resident Resident Information
Vishal Bansal, MD
Academic Chief Resident
PGY-4

Medical School: CMU School of Medicine, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles
Undergraduate:
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario, Canada

“Born and raised in Ontario, Canada but Houston has become home for the past 2-3 years. I’m a huge fan of the multiculturalism and different cuisines here in Houston, similar to my hometown, Brampton. I enjoy activities that keep me physically engaged such as Muay-Thai, outdoor hiking and hitting up the gym. I was fortunate to meet some of the faculty and residents prior to applications who were all amazing and helped solidify my decision to choose UTHealth Houston/TIRR. I have a future interest in Interventional Pain medicine and look forward to more exposure and experience in the field.”

Claudia Martinez, MD
Administrative Chief Resident
PGY-4
Medical School:
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Undergraduate:
University of Houston 
Hometown:
Brawley, California

I believe I am the first patient of TIRR to become a resident in our program. I learned about the field of PM&R while I was admitted to TIRR for neurorehabilitation after I suffered a stroke during my last brain surgery that initially left me unable to function from the neck down. I look forward to pursuing a career in Brain Injury Medicine and using my experience as a patient to help bridge the gap between patient and doctor. My other interests include healthcare disparities and diversity & inclusion.

Taylor Moore, DO, DC, MS
PGY-4
Medical School:
Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Undergraduate:
University of Houston
Hometown:
Friendswood, Texas

Blue belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu, Hiking, Camping, Outdoors.

Lenart Vega Leyva, MD
PGY-4
Medical School:
Higher Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana, Cuba
Hometown: Houston, Texas

I was born, raised and trained in Cuba. I have lived in Houston since I came to America. Houston is a beautiful city, plenty of lovely people. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching sports/movies, and running. I am grateful to be part of UT PM&R program and learn from one of the best in this field.

Colton Besett Colton Besett, MD
PGY-3
Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston 
Undergraduate:
Navarro College; The University of the Incarnate Word
Hometown: Cedar Park, Texas

As a visiting medical student at TIRR, I felt like I was a part of the family from the first day, and I am so honored to be a UTHealth PM&R resident now. My mission as a physiatrist is to be a source of healing for people even when there is not a cure, and my professional interests include: sports, MSK, ultrasound, and trigger point therapy. Outside of my career, I love spending time with my wife and our golden doodle, named Griffey! We enjoy working out together, playing basketball, and having game nights with our friends.

Morgan Cowan Morgan Cowan, DO
PGY-3
Medical School:
Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine  
Undergraduate:
Florida State University 
Hometown:
Clearwater, Florida

As an athlete growing up, rehab and sports medicine were very consistently in my life. I spent plenty of time working with physicians and other healthcare professionals to make sure that I not only was able to overcome injuries, but also help prevent future issues. Because of these interactions and my love for sports, I decided pursuing a career in PM&R Sports Medicine was a perfect fit for me. In my free time I enjoy being on the water in any way, exploring local breweries and restaurants and spending time with my chocolate lab, Oakley.

Melanie Quoilin Melanie Quoilin, MD
PGY-3
Medical School: Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Belgium
Hometown:
Jalhay, Belgium

I was born and raised in Belgium. I started my PM&R residency in my home country before I got the incredible opportunity of crossing the globe to continue my training in Houston. My strong interest in neurorehabilitation and the warm weather of Houston all year long made this program an easy choice! I am an active person who loves travelling, outdoors activities and yoga. I also enjoy discovering new breweries and restaurants.

Peter Vu Peter Vu, MD
PGY-3
Medical School: Texas A&M College of Medicine
Undergraduate:
University of Houston 
Hometown:
Houston, Texas

As a native Houstonian, I am a bit biased in saying the opportunities of the TMC, UTHealth Houston, and TIRR/Memorial Hermann amongst the backdrop of a historic, cosmopolitan city are second to none. Outside of medicine, I am a huge college sports fanatic (Go Coogs! Gig ‘Em!) and enjoy woodworking, hiking, and spoiling my 10-year-old Bull Terrier mix rescue, Nicki Minaj. Welcome to our program, we’d love to show you around!

Diana Ekechukwu, MD
PGY-2
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

As a Dallas native, I can honestly say Houston lives up to the hype. The opportunities here are truly unlimited, especially here at UT Houston. I am thrilled to be a part of such a welcoming and distinguished program, and I’m honored to be able to explore my passions within PM&R at TIRR. Whether new to the field or certain of your path, you will receive the support you need to excel in your professional career. Outside the hospital, I enjoy basking in Texas’ long and sunny days, traveling, exploring Houston’s art and live music scenes, and trying out new restaurants with my friends and fantastic co-residents (if you’re a foodie, welcome home!).

Lauren Haney Lauren Haney, MD
PGY-2

Medical School: Long School of Medicine at UTHealth San Antonio
Undergraduate: UTSA (Go Runners!!!)
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

As a diehard San Antonio girl, I way underestimated how much I would love Houston. I can’t imagine a more supportive, friendly program and I’m pumped to be part of the first all female class!! My Aussie mix Leela has been my partner in crime since college and I will definitely show you unsolicited pup pics if we meet. You can find me running around Htown most mornings before any human should be awake and I would love to incorporate female athlete health/running medicine into my future practice!

Aila Malik Aila Malik, MBBS
PGY-2
Medical School: C.M.H. Lahore Medical College
Hometown: Long Prairie, Minnesota

I am beyond happy to be a part of the UT Houston PM&R family. No matter what your passion is, here you will be surrounded by teachers, mentors, and friends who will help you carve your path and are truly invested in your professional development. Although I have been in Houston for a relatively short while, the city already feels like home thanks to its southern charm and hospitality. Here you will come across people from all walks of life, vibrant museums and theaters, and a culinary scene which will give any food capital a run for its money. Also, Houston is a great place if you like sitting by the pool most of the year and working on your golf game year-round. When not on the golf course, I enjoy watching sports, especially tennis and basketball, going to concerts, and discovering new coffee shops.

Mara Martinez-Santori Mara Martínez-Santori, MD
PGY-2
Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: St. Bonaventure University
Hometown: Boquerón, Puerto Rico

As a Caribbean girl, coming to the warm weather of Texas for residency was one of my priorities. After doing an away rotation at TIRR, one of the best rehab hospitals in the US, and seeing for myself the amazing teaching culture of the UTH residency, the decision was obvious. Since moving to Space City, I enjoy getting together with my lovely co-residents (Team Girl Power) for food and pickleball, taking long walks at Hermann Park, going to outdoor concerts, movies and Astros games. I’m also a former collegiate tennis player, house plant enthusiast and a proud dog mom looking for any excuse to show off my pup, Yogi, to the Houstonian community.

Ryane Adams, MD
PGY-1
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Undergraduate:  Xavier University of Louisiana
Hometown:  Houston, Texas

“As a native Houstonian, it is an absolute honor to be able to train and serve the city where I grew up. Having the opportunity to train at UT Houston and rotate through some of the top hospitals in the country like Memorial Hermann, MD Anderson, and especially TIRR, is unmatched! I love this program for so many reasons, but mainly because of the people. All of leadership and residents are supportive, caring, and absolutely hilarious! I am immensely proud and excited to be able to be a part of such a distinguished program. In my free time I love to catch a sporting event, explore the city, enjoy a nice brunch with friends, and work on my podcast: The Balanced Grind!”

Gregory Blazek, MD
PGY-1
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Undergraduate:  Duke University
Hometown:  Coppell, Texas
Ovie Enaohwo, MD
PGY-1
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Undergraduate:  Rutgers University
Hometown:  Newark, New Jersey

“Although I’m a New Jersey native, Houston has felt like home so far. The city is vibrant and full of culture, cool events to attend, an amazing food scene, and great weather year round. During my free time I enjoy exercising, going on hikes with my dog Nova, traveling, and trying the plethora of food and event spaces that Houston has to offer. I am thrilled to be starting my journey with the incredible support of the UT Houston PM&R family.”

Alexa Ryder, MD, MBA
PGY-1
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Undergraduate:  University of Texas at Austin
Hometown:  Phoenix, Arizona