Why UTSW Psychiatry?

There were many reasons that led me to choose UT Southwestern for residency. UT Southwestern attracted me because of the breadth of its clinical sites, the diversity of patient populations treated, and its strong research and community mental health components. Many programs have these (or, at least, claim that they do), but what makes UTSW stand out is the support and innovative spirit within the program shared by faculty, administration, and residents.

UT Southwestern was the first interview I attended during interview season. Due to COVID-19 precautions, we had virtual interviews. I was nervous with this format of interviewing, but from the beginning, everyone was so kind and welcoming. My interviewers were approachable and seemed genuinely interested in knowing me as a person and future physician, and not just as an applicant. In retrospect, I’m glad that it was my first interview because I used it as a benchmark for the rest of my interviews throughout the cycle, though it was hard to beat!

Another factor that led me to rank UTSW as my top choice for residency was the expectation that I would be challenged but supported to grow as a future psychiatrist. In connecting with existing residents at UTSW, I learned they shared similar sentiments. Residency is a short period in the entirety of my career as a physician, so I want to learn and experience as much as I can. I knew from my interview day and research that residents work at large academic settings (Clements), large community hospitals (Parkland), the VA, Terrel State Hospital, and many clinics. Some of the sickest and most complicated patients in the region are treated by the residents, giving them unique learning opportunities unavailable to residents at many other programs.

The final piece of the puzzle for my decision was personal. I am from Texas and plan to stay in Texas to practice psychiatry. My family is in Texas, and my husband is from Dallas! From the start of our relationship, he celebrated Dallas. I had never lived in Dallas but was able to get to know its distinctive Texas charm when we would visit his family. Dallas is a great place to live, with plenty of sites and activities, and I love living here.

So far, the residency has exceeded my expectations. I have worked with amazing attendings and co-residents. I have been able to explore research interests, advocacy, and education as well as form great friendships. I have grown as a psychiatrist, scientist, and clinician and cannot see myself anywhere else.

Career Goals

After residency, I would like to pursue an addiction psychiatry fellowship. I would love to stay in Dallas at UT Southwestern for fellowship so I can also continue to work in neuromodulation and research. After residency, I would like to work in academic medicine. I enjoy the idea of working with medical students and residents as they learn psychiatry while also having the ability to participate in curriculum building and research. Outside of medicine, I hope to continue my work with LGBTQ+ mental health as well as increasing visibility for doctors with disabilities.

Education