Resident Life
About Me: Hello hello! I’m Jeff Woods, resident class of 2026. I grew up in rural northern Michigan and finished high school and college in Austin, TX (hook ’em!), then completed med school here in Houston at McGovern/UTHealth. Outside of work, I enjoy sourcing and brewing high quality coffee, I like writing (recently purchased a 1950s typewriter), and I recently got into pickleball and am SO hooked. When the caffeine has worn off, you can find me on my couch with my wife, dog, and pet gecko watching fantasy/sci-fi or reading philosophy/poetry.
Why I chose UT Houston Psychiatry: The TMC is Disney World for doctors, all of your dreams can come true. I joke, but in all seriousness, you can be interested in the most obscure/niche corner of psychiatry and there is almost certainly a someone nearby with similar interests to mentor or collaborate with you. And the work-life balance at our program permits a generous amount of time to engage in academic projects, moonlighting, or weekend travel. And if you like staying busy, some of us do all of the above!
Why I love Houston: Houston is the epitome of a cultural melting pot. It’s big and can be intimidating at times with its traffic, high end restaurants, numerous major sporting events/concerts/conferences, and highbrow museum/art scene. But there’s also innumerable pockets where you can find local bakeries, neighborhood jazz nights, low brow art scenes, and quaint corner cafes of all cultures. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the city, you can usually find reasonably priced flights to anywhere from the two major airports.
Long term plans: My career interests are primarily in neuropsychiatry and education, so I’ll likely pursue an academic general adult psychiatry position upon graduating residency.
About Me: Hi everyone! My name is Shveta Abraham and I am a PGY3 in Psychiatry here at UT Health Houston. I am a lifelong Houstonian and love this city. I went to the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) and graduated with a major in Biology and minors in Medicine and Society and Psychology. After graduating, I attended Baylor College of Medicine for medical school. When I’m not at work, I enjoy singing, binge-watching tv shows and movies (batman is my go-to), writing a variety of things, baking and organizing resident outings (karaoke time!).
Why I chose UT Houston Psychiatry: The first thing I noticed about this program during my interviews was the warmth I felt. Instead of feeling questioned, the interviews felt like real conversations. Due to my strong interest in education, I was drawn to the program and institution’s emphasis on teaching and mentorship, something I have experienced while here. I also noticed how the residents all seemed to really like each other-and now that I’m here, I can vouch for how close the classes are! I really enjoy the friendships I’ve made during my time here.
Why I love Houston: I might be a tad biased, but to me Houston is the best city in the world. As a lifelong Houstonian (as I mentioned above), I find myself still discovering aspects of the city I didn’t know about. Whether it’s the cuisine heaven, the downtown theater scene, the museums, escape rooms, parks or countless other attractions, Houston is a wonderful place to live and have fun while doing so. And on days when our lack of weather kicks in, there’s always good old fashioned movie marathons!
Long term plans: I plan on pursuing a career in adult psychiatry in Houston and am currently deciding on specific plans. Wherever I find myself, I plan to be involved in education, as I will be forever grateful for the impact good educators have had in helping me achieve my dreams!
About me: Hi everyone! My name is Olivia Zhao, a current PGY3 at UTHealth Houston Psychiatry Residency Program. I graduated from Duke University with degrees in biology and global health. Then I spent one year as an English teacher in Japan before moving to Houston for medical school at UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School. After matching to residency, I joined the Research Track at our program, and my current research focuses on biological psychiatry, specifically on epigenetic mechanisms and biomarkers in mood disorders. I like to spend my free time taking my dog Twinkie to the park with my husband, baking, traveling to new cities, and exploring the world-class cuisine that Houston has to offer with family and friends.
Why I chose UT: Since I already went to medical school here, I had the opportunity to know our psychiatry department before applying to residency. Mentorship has always been important to me as I developed my career, and I cannot tell you how many times the attendings here have opened their doors to me for hour-long conversations about my career and personal life, big or small. Our faculty members really care about resident mental health and will try their best to accommodate each resident individually.
Why I love Houston: Houston is a paradise for foodies like myself. The city is home to a diverse and vibrant food scene, with restaurants serving up everything from Tex-Mex to Vietnamese to Ethiopian cuisine, and everything in between. There are plenty of affordable but authentic eateries, as well as high-end restaurants that offer world-class cuisine. If music and bar scenes are your style, Houston will surely satisfy your need. I love having access to all the amenities of a large fast-pace city, but also be able to drive out into the suburbs of Greater Houston and enjoy the nature and laid-back lifestyle. It’s the best of both worlds!
My plans moving forward: I plan on pursuing fellowship in the future, so I am hoping to explore different subspecialty practices more in-depth this year. I plan to be involved in research and medical education in my long-term career so I would like to continue developing projects in these areas to gain more experience.
About Me: Hi there! My name is Lauren Brown and I am a PGY2 here at UTHealth Houston Psychiatry Residency Program. I grew up in Lawrenceville, GA right outside of Atlanta. I graduated with a biology degree from Florida State University (Go Noles!). I then attended Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University for medical school. During my free time I like to crochet, host dinner parties and catch up on my favorite reality shows.
Why I Chose UT? During my interview with UT I felt very heard and supported. After starting here, I can say that that feeling has only been reinforced. The faculty here love to teach residents and are strong advocates for us. I have only been here a short while and I have already been connected with so many faculty who are eager to help me develop into a strong physician.
Why I Love Houston? As much as I hate to say it as an Atlantan the food scene in Houston cannot be beat! I have had the best food of my life here. I also love visiting museums and Houston is home to some great museums that frequently host new exhibits. The diversity here is also really great and the people are so kind and helpful.
My plans moving forward: I plan to pursue fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I also have an interest in trauma informed care and hope to develop my research interests in this realm in the future.
About me: Greetings! I am Pooja Chaudhary, one of the resident-moms, and a PGY3 in the UTHealth Houston Psychiatry Residency Program. I grew up in India, where I completed my medical school, an internship with UNICEF and a residency in Preventive Medicine, with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. My passion for mental health promotion, cognitive, and behavioral sciences led me to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and a fellowship focused on leadership education in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities (LEND) at UTHealth. I am currently enrolled in psychotherapy and child fast track at my program. When I’m not at the hospital or with my kids, you will find me working with clay on a potter’s wheel, sculpting, painting or exploring Houston’s diverse culinary scene.
Why I chose UT: I chose UTHealth for its strong academic reputation, cutting-edge psychiatric research, mentorship and collaboration opportunities, and its people. And my decision proved to be right. During my intern year, while living away from my husband and children for almost 10 months, I found a warm and supportive culture in my program. Despite the challenges of being separated from my family, I was able to feel at home!
Why I love Houston: My family and I share a special bond with Houston, and we are thrilled to spend the next chapter of our lives in this beautiful city. Houston is renowned for its largest medical center, affordable housing options, extensive culinary scene, warm hospitality, and a vibrant, diverse culture. Its well-rounded enriching environment make you fall in love with this city in a heartbeat. As a parent, Greater Houston area’s strong school education system made it our first choice.
My plans moving forward: There is nothing more blissful than finding your tribe, and I have found mine here at UTHealth. I am beyond thrilled to embark on this journey of service, self-discovery and human experience. Moving forward, I intend to combine research, and clinical patient care at an academic center.
Here’s to the pursuit of mental wellness and my exciting journey as a psychiatry resident!
About me: Hi there! My name is Precious Obehi Eseaton. My friends call me Preci-B. I am a current PGY-2 adult psychiatry resident at UT Houston. I was born and raised in Benin city, Nigeria. I went to medical school at the University of Benin in Nigeria (Greatest UBEMSA!!!). Outside of psychiatry, I love to cook, spend time with my husband and daughter “Uhunoma” and binge watch Korean movies.
Why I chose UT Houston: During the interview process, I had an effortless connection with what UT had to offer. These include providing care to the underserved, robust mentorship opportunities and strong didactics. I am elated to be training here. It is difficult to describe the supportive nature of the faculty towards residents’ learning and overall wellness. It’s something one has to experience. As an International Medical Graduate, I have enjoyed immense support from both faculty and co residents which has made my transition much easier.
Why I chose Houston: Houston has one of the largest population of Nigerans in the United States. Most importantly, training here gives me the opportunity to be together with my husband and have our daughter grow up in the midst of a strong Nigerian community.
My plans moving forward: I am interested in both Child & Adolescent and Addiction. With the plethora of opportunities and mentors available at UT Houston, I am excited to see what the future holds for me. Irrespective of whatever career path I take, my goal is to be a psychiatrist who puts the needs of the patient first. I want to be that doctor, a colleague would gladly recommend for his or her family if the need ever arises.
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