Internal Medicine Residency

322

Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2023

64K+

Patient Encounters

92

Active Clinical Trials

About Our Residency

Our Program Faculty
Melina Awar
Melina Awar, MD, FACP, FHM
Program Director
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend a Tuesday?
I would go shopping at a farmers market to buy locally-grown, fresh products and cook up a fun recipe for my family.


Favorite Dessert:  I will always go for the New York Style Cheesecake!


Beach holiday or ski trip?  As a girl who grew up in Hawaii, the beach is my happy place. There is nothing more soothing to me than the sound of waves and the feel of soft, white sand.

J Marietta Clewing
J. Marietta Clewing, MD
Associate Program Director
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


What is on the top of your Bucket List?  To travel to Iceland, Alaska and Japan.


Best kitchen gadget you couldn't live without:  Our built-in Miele coffee maker!


Coffee or tea?  Both! I'm sure one would expect a straight answer from a German, but it really depends on time and occasion. I could elaborate on the tea and coffee culture much more. I can't live without my latte extra hot, but I equally like my 4 o'clock tea when I have the time to make a real tea (no tea bags).

Henry Ellison
Henry Ellison, MD
Associate Program Director
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


What person from history would you add to Mt. Rushmore?  I'm not falling into the trap of having my first question be political! It may be cliche but if we are judging based on unwavering service to the country in uncertain times, the first name that comes to my mind is Dr. Anthony Fauci. Not a president, but hey, maybe he should have been.


Your go-to TV show:  I don't have a real go-to that I'll watch over and over. I tend to have a show that I'm really watching attentively. Right now that's Succession (which I highly recommend). But it's also important to have an easier, decompression watch which for me currently is Suits.


Hotel or AirBNB?  I tend to gravitate to hotels. When I'm traveling I don't like to spend much time at the place I'm staying. I want to be out exploring. So a convenient, dependable hotel is what I usually go for.

Engler
Amy Engler, MD
Associate Program Director
Primary Care Clinic Faculty


What is something on your bucket list?  To visit every national park.


What do you consider the best dessert?  Ice Cream! Specifically coffee ice cream with crushed Oreos from Amy's Ice Cream.


Dog or Cat?  Cat.

Taffet
George Taffet, MD, FGSA, FACP
Vice Chair of Education


What person from history would you add to Mt. Rushmore?  Maybe John F. Kennedy, for the Camelot experience and then for reminding us how fragile the country can be.


Your go-to TV show:  Love watching the Astros. Have some rerun games that I watch during the off-season when I need that perking up!


Coffee or tea?  I drink decaf. From all the years of drinking coffee my tastebuds are shot so I can even drink Folgers without a problem.

Michelle Henderson
Michelle Henderson
Academic Education Manager


Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend a Tuesday?  At the spa or on vacation at the spa!


Best kitchen gadget you couldn't live without:  Electric wine bottle opener - takes the work out of it.


Dog or cat:  Dog

Sneha Ajit
Sneha Ajit, MD
Primary Care Clinic Faculty


Something interesting we wouldn't know about you just by looking at you:
I am a nature girl. I wither away when not exposed to sunshine (**remembers long days in residence with a shudder**). I've recently discovered a love for hiking and am planning our next national park trip to Glacier in Montana!


Dog or Cat?  Dog for sure. I had a dog growing up; her name was Lucky.


Hotel or AirBNB?  An AirBnB in a beautiful, isolate location.

Lara Colton
Lara Colton, MD, MEd, FACP
Primary Care Clinic Faculty
Designated Institutional Office


What is your Super Power?  Easy - multitasking! I am pretty good at juggling my various work roles and my responsibilities as a wife and mother of two kids and one dog.


Best kitchen gadget you couldn't live without:  That's tough because I don't really cook much. Does microwave count? Maybe my air fryer.


Dog or cat:  Currently we have a dog, but we had cats for nearly 20 years. My kids also have a leopard gecko.

Cam Duong
Cam Duong, MD
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


Something interesting we wouldn't know about you just by looking at you:  I was born and grew up in France.


Who is the most famous person you've met?  Zinedine Zidane


Hotel or AirBNB?  Both. Depends on duration of stay and travel purpose.

Christopher Force
Christopher Force, MD
Assistant Clerkship Director, TAMU
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


What is your super power?  Emptying cups of coffee!


Favorite restaurant in Houston:  Depends on what kind of food I'm looking to eat that day, though I always enjoy El Tiempo Cantina on Richmond.


Beach holiday or ski trip?  I've been trying to make it to Bora Bora for a beach holiday!

Heidi Matus
Heidi Matus, MD
Medical Director
Primary Care Clinic


What is on the top of your Bucket List?  Traveling to every continent.


Best kitchen gadget you couldn't live without:  Big fan of the mini chop, immersion blender and soda stream.


Beach holiday or ski trip:  Neither! However, you will find me in the mountains not skiing.

Victor Narcisse
Victor Narcisse, MD
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend a Tuesday?
Road cycling and (mostly digital) photography. These are chicken soup for the soul and a means to create and express. However, I love what we do at work and would love to continue to influence the lives of patients and our team. I see our work as a vocation rather than a profession. I hope that we make a positive impact.


Best kitchen gadget you couldn't live without:  Microwave (my grandmothers are rolling over as we speak). In New Orleans culture, meals represent community rather than solely sustenance. This, along with fantastic cultural convergence, lead to the best cuisine.


Coffee or tea:  Generically tea, with the exception of New Orleans Cafe au Lait which has a great history!

Ryan Neal
Ryan Neal, MD
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


What person from history would you add to Mt. Rushmore?
Martin Luther King, Jr.


Your go-to TV show:  Frasier


Dog or cat:  Dog

Toan Nguyen
Toan Nguyen, MD
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend a Tuesday?
I would wake up, get the kids ready for school, spend a few hours doing charity care, learn new skills like woodworking or welding and read. In the afternoon, I would help my kids do their homework and we would spend family time together like building a lego set, coloring or painting.


Favorite restaurant in Houston:   The one that my wife likes!


Beach holiday or ski trip:  The cheaper one.

Martina Ogbonna
Martina Ogbonna, MD
Assistant Clerkship Director, TAMU
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend a Tuesday?
When I no longer have to work, I plan on joining Mercy Ships. A Medical Ship that sails off the coast of Africa and provides free surgical and medical care on board the ship which is equipped with operating rooms, physical therapy rooms, etc.


Who is the most famous person you've met:  I have not met any truly famous people but I have been blessed by many who have sown kindness and wisdom into my life and I strive to carry that on.


Beach Holiday or ski trip?  Definitely a beach holiday, swaying in a hammock on the beach and reading a good book.

Cherry Onaiwu
Cherry Onaiwu, MD
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


What is on the top of your Bucket List?  To go hiking in Switzerland.

Your go-to TV show:  The Wonder Years (the original).

Hotel or AirBnB:  Hotel

Rohith Reddy
Rohith Reddy, MD
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


Favorite Restaurant in Houston:  Breakfast Klub - best chicken and waffles I've ever had!


Hotel or AirBnB:  AirBnB


Dog or Cat:  Dogs. I have a 4-year-old lab mix named Zuko.

Leena Samuel
Leena Samuel, MD
Clerkship Director
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


What is on the top of your Bucket List?  To eat my way through Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.


Favorite dessert:  European chocolate.


Coffee or tea:  Both. Why are you asking me to pick between my 2 favorite drinks? Coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon please!

Egor Sukharutski
Yahor "Egor" Sukharutski, MD
Hospitalist, UTS Faculty


What is your super power? Wanna see me finish my whole meal before you even unwrap yours? Wanna see me do it again?


What is on the top of your bucket list? Travel to Japan. Hoping to do that in the next year or two.


Dog or Cat? Both. Grew up with 5 indoor dogs. Now a proud dad to two cats.

Curriculum

Schedule

 

  • Our curriculum is X+Y, organized in a 6+2 structure.
  • Example:  4 weeks on UTS, 2 weeks on inpatient elective, 2 weeks on ambulatory elective.


Curriculum 2024-2025

 


Didactics

 

We are proud of our excellent educational conferences including:

 

 

  • Resident-led Morning Report
  • Board Review
  • Game Show Style Board Review
  • Journal Club
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • System-Based Practice (Morbidity & Mortality)
  • Quality Improvement/Patient Safety

 

Didactics

 

Most conferences are resident-led which allows for development of research and presentation skills.  Morning Reports are often joined by subspecialist attendings who add valuable expert opinion and context to the case being discussed.

 

 


Bootcamp

 

An annual week-long orientation that focuses on developing skills to allow our interns to excel during residency.  Boot Camp consists of mock-code simulations, introduction to POCUS, EKG reviews, writing notes, and practicing safe patient hand-offs.

Eligibility and Application

Application Process
  • Houston Methodist participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Note: in ERAS and NRMP, we are listed under the name METHODIST HOSPITAL (Houston).
  • Applications must be processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
  • While we preferentially review applications from those who signal our program, we also consider applicants who do not signal us, particularly those who have indicated a geographic preference for the Texas area.
  • All applications are carefully reviewed. Selected applicants are notified electronically to interview through ERAS/THALAMUS.
  • All PGY1 positions are offered through the NRMP.
  • "Pre-Match" positions are not offered.

Application Requirements
All applicants must submit the following:

 

  • Common ERAS application form
  • MSPE (Dean's letter)
  • At least three (3) letters of recommendation (one letter can be the Chairman Letter or Standard Letter of Evaluation).  All letters of recommendation should be current or within the last two years.
  • Official medical school transcript
  • Personal statement
  • Photograph

 

Additional Requirements:

  • Applicants must have passed all USMLE or COMLEX on first attempt. We will consider COMLEX in lieu of USMLE for osteopathic students
  • Applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last three (3) years
  • Application deadline is November 8, 2024.

Additional Requirements for International Medical Graduates (IMG):
  • Must be ECFMG-certified
  • Must submit USMLE Step 2 (CK/CS) results by application deadline (November 8, 2024)
  • Must submit an official English translation for all application materials
  • U.S. Clinical Experience (USCE) is required, preferably in an academic medical center.
  • Must document USCE/observerships with a letter of recommendation by a supervising physician
  • Only J-1 Visas are offered

 

Drug & Tobacco Screening:  Applicants will be tested for nicotine and drug usage during the post-offer physical.  If an applicant tests positive for nicotine use, including nicotine gum and patches, the offer will be rescinded, and individuals will be given the opportunity to participate in a free Houston Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program.  Applicants wishing to reapply after testing positive for nicotine may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was rescinded.

 

If the applicant tests positive for drug use, the offer will be rescinded.  Job seekers wishing to reapply after the drug screening is positive may do so one year after the date the initial offer was rescinded.

 

Background Check:  Prior to employment start date, job seekers must complete a criminal background check.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research Manny CROPPED Scholarly 01

 

Residents can spend up to two months during their residency training participating in research projects of their own selection. Houston Methodist offers an ideal environment for scientists and clinicians to come together with common goals of discovery and improving patient care. Over 690 clinical trials spread throughout nine departments (cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and epigenetics, diabetes and metabolic disease, infectious disease, neurosciences, transplantation biology, genomic medicine, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine) are ongoing. Research mentors are available to help residents find opportunities in areas that most closely match their interests. Search our faculty >

 

Houston Methodist emphasizes the pursuit of research, including publications and presentations, and residents are able to work together with our well-recognized research mentors on projects. Many of our residents present their work at important meetings and have been very successful in having their work published.

 

 

   Scholarly 04 Scholarly 03

 

   Scholarly 02


Mentorship

Bi-Directional Mentorship

At HMH we see our residents as a critical link in the chain of mentorship, both as mentees for our senior residents and faculty, but also as mentors to medical students and new residents as they progress in training.

 

Formal Faculty Mentorship

At the beginning of your intern year you will be assigned a faculty member for your three years.  Through this relationship you will have immediate access to career development resources such as research opportunities and fellowship or job search planning.  Our goal is to create long-lasting mentoring relationships that support our residents in their personal and professional lives, even beyond the end of residency.

 

Informal Resident Mentorship

Our residents also benefit from informal mentorship from senior residents and chief residents.  It speaks to the culture of our institution that so often senior residents seek ways to give back to the program and its residents through deeply personal connections and mentorship.  We have a unique structure of both PGY4 and PGY3 chiefs who seamlessly bridge the gap between the end of internal medicine training and future endeavors as they go through and learn from it themselves.

 

Residents as Teachers

At HMH we see our residents not just as mentees, but also as relevant mentors for medical students and junior residents.  We highly value our growing connection with Texas A&M's Engineering Medicine Program; our residents and faculty are engaged with teaching students at all levels of their medical school journey, from basic preclinical lectures to Acting Internships on the wards during their final year.  Our residents also receive formal training in how to effectively teach and mentor.  We are thrilled to see the fruit of these endeavors in how many of our students choose to stay and complete their residencies at HMH and complete the cycle as they begin to serve as mentors themselves.

 

 

mentorship

Our Residents
Hassanain
Hala Hassanian, MD - PGY4
Co-Chief Resident

Hala Hassanain is a distinguished alumna of Alfaisal University's medical program in Saudi Arabia. She moved to Detroit, Michigan where she completed her intern year. Hala's pursuit of knowledge led her to Houston Methodist where she has excelled as a resident. Her exceptional abilities and leadership qualities were recognized and she was appointed as the PGY-4 Chief Resident. Hala is driven by her passion for hematology/oncology, with a keen interest in basic and translational research. Beyond her medical pursuits, Hala embraces an active lifestyle with Pilates and yoga. But what stands out most is her vibrant collection of happy socks, adding a splash of color with every pair!
Killough
Kirsten Killough, MD - PGY4
Co-Chief Resident

Kirsten Killough is from Boerne, TX. She studies at Abilene Christian University and UT Houston McGovern Medical School before making her way down the street to Houston Methodist for Residency. Kirsten plans to pursue a career in hospital medicine and is incredibly honored to serve as Chief Resident this year. In her free time, Kirsten enjoys trying out Houston's amazing restaurants, hanging out with her friends and co-residents, and lounging at home with her best friend (aka her chubby cat of which she will show you pictures of whether you want to or not!).
Saad
Jean Michel Saad, MD - PGY3
Co-Chief Resident

Jean Michel Saad is excited and honored to serve as Chief Resident for 2024-2025. Jean Michel was born and raised in Byblos, Lebanon. He achieved his MD at LAU School of Medicine before moving to Houston, TX. There, he joined the Houston Methodist Hospital for his Internal Medicine residency. Jean Michel hopes to pursue a career in Cardiovascular Disease with a focus on cardiac imaging, research and medical education. When not spending time at Houston Methodist, he enjoys traveling, eating his way through Houston's diverse culinary scene, and getting plenty of sleep (failing miserably most of the time).
Shayan Amini
Shayan Amini, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Undergrad: University of Houston-Main Campus
Medical School: Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I got stung by a scorpion and took it with me to the ED to show the doctor.

Neal Bhachawat
Neal Bhachawat, DO - PGY3

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Undergrad: Southern Methodist University
Medical School: University of North Texas HSC at Fort worth-Texas COM

An interesting fact about yourself:
I like coffee.

Alexandra Cloutet
Alexandra Cloutet, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Mandeville, LA
Undergrad: Louisiana State University
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine Shreveport

An interesting fact about yourself:
I used to be a competitive swimmer.

Siddharth Das
Siddharth Das, DO - PGY3

Hometown: Spring, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas
Medical School: University of North Texas HSC at Fort Worth-Texas COM

An interesting fact about yourself:
I enjoy swing dancing - mostly lindy hoop and east coast but a little of shag, blues, etc. I randomly picked it up in undergrad and continued learning at Houston Swing Dance Society, a nonprofit, where I occasionally volunteer. I recently tried picking up country swing with some co-residents. I'm always down to go social dancing!

Ameesh Dev
Ameesh Dev, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Lubbock, TX
Undergrad: Texas Tech University
Medical School: The University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
One of my life long goals is to travel to all 7 continents. I'm currently at 2/7.

Helene DiGregorio
Helene DiGregorio, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas HSC at Houston

An interesting fact about yourself:
I love traveling! My favorite recent travel destinations are Makarska Croatia, Jamaica and the US Virgin Islands. I am planning to visit Australia some time this year!

Alexsandra Drinnon
Alexsandra Drinnon, MD - PGY3

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Undergrad: Trinity University
Medical School: Texas Tech University School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I've written two novels in my spare time, neither of which will likely ever see the light of day, but still fun nonetheless!

Robert Jameson
Robert Jameson, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M University
Medical School: Texas Tech University HSC School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I love iced tea. Sweet, unsweetened or a refreshing arnold palmer.

Meera Khosla
Meera Khosla, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I moved to New Delhi India when I was 7 years old and attended an international school.

Kirsten Killough
Kirsten Killough, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Boerne, TX
Undergrad: Abilene Christian University
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas HSC at Houston

An interesting fact about yourself:
I've been in the Guinness Book of World Records.

James Kurian
James Kurian, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: UT Austin
Medical School: The University of Texas HSC at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I like to build computers.

Patrick Nguyen
Patrick Nguyen, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Undergrad: The University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: The University of Texas HSC at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
Milk first, then cereal.

Jerrin Philip
Jerrin Philip, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas at El Paso
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I am a first generation US citizen and was originally born in the UAE.

Jacqueline Rios
Jacqueline (Jackie) Rios, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
Undergrad: Rice University
Medical School: Texas Tech University HSC School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I have never ridden a horse. I was born in Mexico.

Jean Michel Saad
Jean Michel Saad, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Byblos, Lebanon
Undergrad: Lebanese American University LAU for Biolocy
Medical School: LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
Learning to recreate some of my favorite Lebanese dishes on my own. Can make a mean tabouli. Not as good as my mom's though - not sure it's possible!

Amir Saeed
Amir Saeed, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: Texas Tech University
Medical School: Texas Tech University HSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I've spent time as a football coach and plan on coaching part-time after residency.

Fadl Zeineddine
Fadl Zeineddine, MD - PGY3

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Undergrad: American University of Beirut
Medical School: American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I have a keen interest in boxing.

Muneeb Ajaz
S. Muneeb Ajaz, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Arlington, TX
Undergrad: UT Southwestern
Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

An interesting fact about yourself:
I have a twin sister.

Alwin Alias
Alwin Alias, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Missouri City, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M
Medical School: Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
In 6th grade, I was unfortunately passed up for the role of Aladdin in the school play for being "too brown".

Andrew Chung
Andrew Chung, MD, PhD - PGY2

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Undergrad: University of California Berkeley
Medical School: Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I can make my own Korean bbq, but I am not a fan of all you can eat Korean bbq.

Elia (Eli) El Hajj
Elia El Hajj, MD, PhD - PGY2

Hometown: Mansourieh, Lebanon
Undergrad: Loyola
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans

An interesting fact about yourself:
When we were 13, my twin brother and I raised chickens and sold fresh eggs in our small town.

Noah Giese
Noah Giese, MD, MEng - PGY2

Hometown: College Station, TX
Undergrad: UT Austin
Medical School: Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I love to host social gatherings like Friendsgiving and White Linen Night!

Brianna Hamilton
Brianna Hamilton, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Bronx, NY
Undergrad: Temple University, Philadelphia
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I love to travel! The last place I traveled to was Bali, Indonesia.

Deepak Jagannath
Deepak Jagannath, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
Undergrad: UT Austin
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I have broken the same tooth three times!

Drew Levy
Drew Levy, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: Duke University
Medical School: Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
When I'm not at the hospital, you can find me playing golf with family and friends, enjoying a good book or playing pickleball with my co-interns, especially Freddie.

Jessica Lowe
Jessica Lowe, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergrad: Washington University, St. Louis
Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

An interesting fact about yourself:
Sat front row at a presidential debate.

Hannah O'Neill
Hannah O'Neill, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Smithton, IL
Undergrad: Purdue University
Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
My R&R activities are painting and running.

Ashmi Patel
Ashmi Patel, MD, MEng, MS - PGY2

Hometown: New Albany, Ohio
Undergrad: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Medical School: Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
Between medical school and residency, I summited Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii at an elevation of 13,800 feet!

Rishi Patel
Rishi Patel, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Muenster, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M
Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

An interesting fact about yourself:
I am writing a sci-fi book!

Yousf Radwan
Yousf Radwan, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: University of Houston
Medical School: Texas Tech University HSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I really enjoy cooking complex dishes.

Chandni Vashee
Chandni Vashee, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Kitwe, Zambia
Undergrad: Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Medical School: Texas Tech University HSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I made my international TV debut at age 12 on KTV, with my face stuffed in a bowl of flour. This was for a competition to see who can find the most hidden M&Ms. I came in second place and wore my KTV gear everywhere I went as a badge of honor.

Lien Vu
Lien Vu, MD - PGY2

Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Undergrad: University of New Orleans
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine New Orleans

An interesting fact about yourself:
I like to experiment with Asian fusion cuisine during my free time.

Frederick Wang
Frederick Wang, MD - PGY2

Hometown: Amarillo, TX
Undergrad: UT Dallas
Medical School: Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I own Raising Cane's pajamas and absolutely love getting Canes; Caniac Combo, no coleslaw, extra sauce, Dr. Pepper no ice. Also, I can eat 3 Popeye's chicken sandwiches in one sitting.

Kenneth Williams
Kenneth Williams, DO - PGY2

Hometown: Georgetown
Undergrad: Texas A&M
Medical School: University of North Texas HSC at Fort Worth - Texas COM

An interesting fact about yourself:
My wife and I love trying new food at all the diverse restaurants Houston has to offer.

Abdurrahman
Selma Abdurrahman, MD - PGY1

Hometown: McAllen, TX
Undergrad: University of TX Rio Grande Valley
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch

An interesting fact about yourself:
I can wiggle my ears (but can't prove it to anyone).

Ahmad
Hala Hassanian, MD - PGY4

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Undergrad: St. Mary's Catholic School, Fujairah, UAE
Medical School: Aga Khan University

An interesting fact about yourself:
If I wasn't a doctor, I would have probably been a tennis player, or a cricketer. Also, I make the best biryani!

Ahmed
Taha Ahmed, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine @ Temple University

An interesting fact about yourself:
I did research on jumping spiders in college!

Azim
Faizan Azim, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Gainesville, VA
Undergrad: University of Texas-Austin
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University

An interesting fact about yourself:
If I wasn't training to be a physician, I would be training to be a professional food critic!

Heck
Ashley Heck, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Hemphill, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas-Austin
Medical School: McGovern Medical School, Houston

An interesting fact about yourself:
I won a baking competition in college.

Ijaz
Zara Ijaz, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Mobile, AL
Undergrad: University of South Alabama
Medical School: USA Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I never chew a full piece of gum. I'll always split it in half, no matter how small it is.

Jeon
D. Kelly Jeon, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Wonju, South Korea
Undergrad: University of Texas at El Paso
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

An interesting fact about yourself:
Every time I get coffee, I order one sweet drink and one black coffee.

Jilani
Taha Jilani, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Spring, TX
Undergrad: University of Houston
Medical School: Texas Tech University HSC School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I love baking different types of desserts in my free time.

Khan
Shahrukh Khan, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Lake Charles, LA
Undergrad: McNeese State University
Medical School: LSU New Orleans School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I like to watch international food vloggers while I eat.

Lalee
Zahra Lalee, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergrad: Duke University
Medical School: McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX

An interesting fact about yourself:
In elementary school, my sister and I created our own newspaper and distributed it to family and friends.

Naqvi
Amna Naqvi, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: University of Texas HSC at San Antonio

An interesting fact about yourself:
I completed a wilderness medicine course in medical school and am certified in Wilderness Life Support!

Ouranos
Konstantinos Ouranos, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Kos, Greece
Undergrad: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Medical School: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I am a huge LEGO fan!

Papineni
Vinayika Papineni, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M University
Medical School: Texas A&M College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
My roommates and I had a pet snake named Chance the Wrapper in college. We would throw him birthday parties.

Peytavin
Sarah Peytavin, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Reserve, LA
Undergrad: LSU
Medical School: LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I caught a cowbell from Will Ferrell at Mardi Gras.

Ray
Nandini Ray, MD - PGY1

Hometown: Amarillo, TX
Undergrad: Texas Tech University
Medical School: Texas Tech University HSC School of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
I spent two weeks backpacking across the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Saul
Benjamin Saul, DO - PGY1

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Undergrad: The University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: University of North Texas HSC at Fort Worth-Texas COM

An interesting fact about yourself:
I'm a huge Texas football fan and have proudly held season tickets for the past 10 years! Hook'em!

Zaidi
Minhal Zaidi, MD - PGY

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Undergrad: University of Houston
Medical School: Texas A&M College of Medicine

An interesting fact about yourself:
When I was in undergrad, I used to make painting TikTok videos.

After Residency Information

 

Our Internal Medicine

Residency Program has a

 

96%

 

ABIM Rolling Pass Rate!


 

 

Post-Graduate Careers 2019 thru 2023

 

HospvsSpecvsPC2023 

 


Institutions where our residents have matched 2019-2023:

Class of 2024

  1. Cardiology Fellowship - Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  2. Cardiology Fellowship - Texas Tech University (El Paso)
  3. Cardiology Fellowship - Dartmouth (Lebanon, NH)
  4. Gastroenterology Fellowship - Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  5. Geriatrics Fellowship - Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)
  6. Hematology/Oncology Fellowship - Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  7. Hematology/Oncology Fellowship - Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  8. Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship - Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  9. Rheumatology Fellowship - UT Southwestern (Dallas, TX)
  10. Rheumatology Fellowship - Scripps (San Diego, CA)

 

Class of 2023

  1. Cardiology Fellowship - Scripps (San Diego, CA)
  2. Cardiology Fellowship - Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  3. Gastroenterology Fellowship - Baylor, Scott & White (Austin, TX)
  4. Gastroenterology Fellowship - State University of New York (Syracuse, NY)
  5. Geriatrics Fellowship - Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)
  6. Geriatrics Fellowship - UT Southwestern (Dallas, TX)
  7. Nephrology Fellowship - UTMB Galveston (Galveston, TX)
  8. Nephrology Fellowship - Stanford (Stanford, CT)
  9. Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship - Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  10. Rheumatology Fellowship - University of South Florida (USF) (Tampa Florida)

 

Class of 2022

  1. Cardiology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital  (Houston, TX)
  2. Cardio Metabolic Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  3. Endocrinology Fellowship – University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston, TX)
  4. Gastroenterology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  5. Geriatrics Fellowship – Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)
  6. Heart Failure Fellowship – University of Texas (Houston, TX)
  7. Hematology/Oncology Fellowship – Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)
  8. Hematology/Oncology Fellowship – Scripps Green (San Diego, CA)
  9. Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship – Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)


Class of 2021

  1. Cardiology Fellowship – University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
  2. Cardiology Fellowship – University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
  3. Gastroenterology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  4. Gastroenterology Fellowship – University of Texas – Houston (Houston, TX)
  5. Geriatrics Fellowship – University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
  6. Hematology/Oncology Fellowship – Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL)
  7. Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  8. Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)


Class of 2020

  1. Cardiology Fellowship – University of Missouri (Columbia, MO)
  2. Critical Care Fellowship – University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)
  3. Endocrinology Fellowship – Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)
  4. Endocrinology Fellowship – University of California Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
  5. Gastroenterology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  6. Hematology/Oncology Fellowship – City of Hope (Los Angeles, CA)
  7. Hematology/Oncology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  8. Infectious Diseases Fellowship – University of Colorado (Aurora, CO)
  9. Infectious Diseases Fellowship – University of Texas – Houston (Houston, TX)
  10. Nephrology Fellowship – University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
  11. Rheumatology Fellowship – University of Texas – Houston (Houston, TX)


Class of 2019

  1. Cardiology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  2. Cardiology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  3. Cardiology Fellowship – Ochsner Medical Center (New Orleans, LA)
  4. Cardiology Fellowship – University of Arizona (Phoenix, AZ)
  5. Critical Care Fellowship – University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)
  6. Endocrinology Fellowship – University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
  7. Gastroenterology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  8. Hematology/Oncology Fellowship – Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX)
  9. Nephrology Fellowship – University of California Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
  10. Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship – Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)

 

Get In Touch

Education Manager

Michelle Henderson
713.441.5114
imresidencycoordinator@houstonmethodist.org

Upcoming Academic Events

Grand rounds, tumor boards, regularly scheduled series and case presentations are offered in multiple clinical disciplines and Houston Methodist locations.
Center for Neuroregeneration Visiting Lecture series - Amy Kuceyeski
Houston Methodist Hospital

Amy Kuceyeski, PhD

Nov 05 @ 9AM

See Details
Center for Neuroregeneration Visiting Lecture series - Erin Purcell, Ph.D
Houston Methodist Hospital

Erin Purcell, Ph.D

Nov 05 @ 9AM

See Details

55

Grand Rounds conducted in 2023
These educational events are held according to varying schedules by departments and divisions within the Houston Methodist Academic Institute

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