Housestaff Mentoring Network

Are you an intern, resident, or fellow looking for a faculty mentor? Leverage Housestaff Mentoring Network to search for a mentor based on a variety of criteria, such as areas of interest or mentor profile information.

Housestaff Mentoring Network Introduction
Learn more about the new Housestaff Mentoring Network with this quick overview!

Find a Mentor

Finding a mentor can be done in 3 simple steps:

Review the provided list of “Areas of Interest” in which you would like to receive mentoring. Areas of Interest topics include:
- Department/Specialty Specific Guidance
- Developing a Research Career
- Diversity Guidance
- Family and Child Care as a Physician
- Leadership Training
- LGBTQ+ Topics
- Patient Care in the Era of COVID-19
- Religion in Medicine
- Single-Parenting as a Physician
- Wellness
- Women’s Topics
After you have identified your “Area of Interest,” select the topic to see the drop-down gallery of faculty mentors and his/her respective profile information.
Once you have reviewed and identified a mentor, you may contact him/her to schedule a meeting.

Become a Mentor

Being a faculty mentor is crucial as it provides learners with valuable guidance and a supportive environment, fostering their academic and personal growth while helping them navigate the challenges of their educational journey.

Areas of Interest

Department/Specialty Specific Advice
Department/Specialty Specific Advice

Jump to …
Anesthesiology & Pain Management

Ejike (Nicholas) Okoro, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Religion in medicine, Wellness, Personal finance

I currently focus on liver transplantation and obstetric anesthesiology in addition to general anesthesiology. I also serve as an associate program director for the department's residency program. I have participated in formal and informal mentorship programs throughout my education and training, and I am excited about this opportunity. Outside of medicine, I love to travel and run. One is easier to do than the other is during the pandemic. I am a practicing Catholic. I would love to share my insights about religion in medicine, wellness, diversity, personal finance or any other topic.

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Biral Patel, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness

Medical education is testing throughout the process. It certainly is valuable to obtain guidance that can hopefully circumvent obstacles that may come across your path. I've spent a significant amount of time in private practice prior to transitioning into an academic practice. The interaction with trainees and to truly impact medicine moving forward is personally very gratifying for me. Wellness, diversity, parenting, and overall positivity are just a few of the topics I feel I have a pretty strong command on that I can hopefully share with future trainees.

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Humair Rana, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology & Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Wellness

I was born and raised in Texas and have lived here most of my life. I stayed in academic medicine because I found I had a passion for teaching and it allowed me to explore other areas of interest including administration and research. I have held several leadership roles and serve as a mentor on multiple levels of life from high school to fellowship. I believe you should be passionate about what you do but your job should also complement your life. Wellness is something that should be cultivated early in life and I find this through personal pursuits. I read avidly and have taken courses in business and finance. I also enjoy sports and my family.

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Tonia Sabo, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Pain Management, and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Dermatology

Rajiv Nijhawan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Dermatology Department
Surgical Dermatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness

I am a Mohs surgeon in the Department of Dermatology. I am originally from New Jersey, went to college and medical school at the University of Miami, and completed all of my training in New York City. I feel strongly that I would not be in my current position if it were not for my mentors, and thus teaching and mentoring others allows me to give back to our great field.

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Emergency Medicine

Mengchen Cao, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Wellness

Teaching and working with medical students and residents is what motivates me to be in academic medicine. Besides small group and bedside clinical education, I enjoy mentoring learners who are interested in various aspects of EM. Other areas I can offer advice for are Wellness and Family/Children as a busy physician. I grew up in the North Texas area and love living in Dallas! Hobbies include traveling, cooking, reading, and trying new restaurants.

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Daniel (Mark) Courtney, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Wellness

I have been in academic emergency medicine for 20 years. However, I’ve only been one year at UTSW. I came here to help augment scholarship in the Department of Emergency Medicine as the Executive Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs. I am a Past President of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the largest group of academic faculty, fellows and over 3,000 residents in emergency medicine in the world. I am sensitive to the challenges and opportunities our specialty is experiencing now, and will continue to encounter in the future. I aim to help in particular those students and residents looking for opportunity beyond simple ED shifts, to contribute creatively to emergency/on-demand care in the decades ahead.

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Ava Pierce, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics

I completed my undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, earned my medical degree at LSU School of Medicine at Shreveport, and completed an emergency medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine. I am the Associate Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Emergency Medicine here at UT Southwestern and an EM attending at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems. I am the Director of the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program and a faculty liaison for Housestaff Emerging Academy of Leaders (HEAL) program, which focuses on professional development and mentoring for residents and fellows who are underrepresented in medicine. I served as the President for the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM) in 2018-2019 and am currently a member-at-large on the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Board. I am committed to making innovative changes that will enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion and improve excellence in health care. My research interests include medical education, diversity and inclusion, and cardiac resuscitation. I enjoy music, dancing, traveling, and shopping. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors and enjoy helping others as they pursue their careers in medicine.

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Robert Rash, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19

I graduated from UTSW residency in EM. My interests are in clinical operations, leadership, and EM department flow.

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Juan Marcos (Mark) Rendon, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness

I was born in the Dallas area and have always lived in Texas. I completed both medical school and residency here at UTSW/Parkland, so I am very familiar with our institution. I enjoy educating and mentoring learners at all levels. I'm active in the UTSW Medical School Academic Colleges, as well as work closely with residents in the Emergency Medicine residency program. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the personal and professional development of our students and housestaff. I am married, and my wife and I have a daughter. Wellness is very important to me, so I find that having hobbies outside of medicine is essential.

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Larissa Velez, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness, Women’s topics, Graduate medical education, Finding your niche

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My residency in emergency medicine was also at the University of Puerto Rico. I arrived at UTSW in 1999 for a fellowship in medical toxicology. I have always been interested in medical education, so I worked my way to eventually become the emergency medicine program director. Last year, I took over as Associate Dean for GME. I am married to another UTSW EM faculty member and have teenager twin boys.

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Dustin Williams, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, LGBTQ+ topics, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness

I grew up and was raised on a farm in a small town in central Texas. I always knew I wanted to practice Emergency Medicine since my freshman year in high school. I have always had a passion for service and teaching, and EM ties the two nicely together. I followed my sister, the first in my family to attend college, to Texas A&M where I completed my Biomedical Science degree at Texas A&M. I continued my training at UT-Health San Antonio for medical school and then continued to residency at Indiana University. I currently serve as the Program Director for our Emergency Medicine residency training program.

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Yijun (Mike) Yang, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness

I'm from Oklahoma and trained in Philadelphia for residency. I went straight through college/med school/residency to being an attending. I'm in academics because as a resident, I thought working with attendings I liked was the best part of the job, and I wanted that relationship to form the basis for my career. Outside of work, I'm usually sitting at home playing video games or cooking.

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Family & Community Medicine

Tamara McGregor, M.D.
Associate Professor
Family & Community Medicine and Internal Medicine Department
Family Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospice and Palliative care as a subspecialty

I am a family medicine physician from a small town in Texas and have a special love for the holistic care of patients and their families. I have specialized as well in Hospice and Palliative medicine having served as a hospice medical director and a palliative care consultant at UTSW university hospitals and Parkland as well. My love for teaching medical students and residents and fellows and others comes from the knowledge that while I can only take care of a finite number of patients, I can contribute to more compassionate care for many other patients by educating their doctors.

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Internal Medicine

Marconi Abreu, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Wellness, Job searching, J1 waiver

I am originally from Brazil. I completed my residence at University of Connecticut where I also served as a chief resident. I did a J-1 waiver job in Massachusetts as a private practice internist. I came to UTSW to pursue a fellowship in endocrinology, where I stayed as faculty after I completed my training. I have mentored several medical students, residents and fellows. My love to teach drove me into academics. I help those who struggle the most to adapt to a new environment and those having issues during their training. I also help my fellows regularly with job seeking tips. I love to see my mentees' growth during their training. My hobbies include stock market and playing guitar.

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Bethany Agusala, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Wellness, Women’s topics, Lifestyle and preventive medicine

I am a general internist who specializes in lifestyle medicine, preventing and treating chronic disease through evidence-based recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep and reduction of harmful substances. My passion is to share this knowledge with patients and to ensure this is a core part of medical training. In my time at UTSW, I have also served as a mentor to trainees and peers promoting careers in primary care. Originally from Michigan, I'm a transplant to Texas. My husband and I are both physicians with two small kids so I have experience balancing family life and career. In my precious spare time, I like to cook, hike and do yoga.

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Bonnie Bermas, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology Department
Rheumatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Women’s topics

I completed my internal medicine training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and rheumatology training at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and the NIH. Initially envisioning a career in basic science, I switched courses and ended up in a career in academic clinical medicine. For two decades, I was part of the faculty at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where I had several administrative roles. I joined the faculty of the Division of Rheumatic Diseases at UTSW in 2017. I think that being a rheumatologist is the best job I could imagine. I love the long-term relationships I have with patients. I particularly enjoy working with patients as they make decisions about whether to be childfree or include parenting in their plans. Married to another academic physician, I understand the challenges of trying to blend career and family. While we did manage to raise three children, something had to give, and more often than not, we had "breakfast for dinner." I have enjoyed serving as a mentor for medical students, residents, and fellows both academically and as they navigate a work-life balance. My biggest career honor was when my former fellows and colleagues gave me the inaugural "Life Mentor" award.

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Rachel Bonnema, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness, Women’s topics, Developing an academic career, Medical education

I am an associate division chief of general internal medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of South Dakota and completed my internal medicine residency in the Women's Health Track at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where I also completed a General Internal Medicine fellowship with a concentration in Women's Health and received a master's degree in medical education. It was during my time in residency and fellowship where I found my path in academic medicine as a clinician educator. My academic interests include women's health and communication skills, often working with interdisciplinary partners on projects. I have developed a keen interest in professional development for students, residents, and faculty and have been involved in educational leadership including 8 years as an associate program director for residency. I enjoy travelling, reading, cycling, and listening to podcasts while walking my dog.

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Lianne Cagnazzi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Wellness, Women’s topics

I am originally from New York. I completed my Internal Medicine residency training in Chapel Hill at UNC in 2019 and joined the UTSW Division of General Internal Medicine as a faculty member. My academic interests and experience include undergraduate and graduate medical education. I am a primary care physician because I value the opportunity to know patients and their families over time and throughout a wide variety of medical and life experiences. My practice emphasizes evidence-based care tailored to the individual patient. I'm passionate about general internal medicine (GIM) and would be thrilled to share my experiences with a mentee that is considering GIM. In addition to being a physician, I'm also a dog mom, home cook, and gardener.

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Kelly Chin, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician

I am a pulmonary and critical care physician with a subspecialty interest in pulmonary hypertension. I spend about 2/3 of my time on patient care; this involves spending time on an inpatient pulmonary service, pulmonary hypertension clinic, and occasional procedures. The remainder of my time is spent on clinical research and administrative tasks, including work on multicenter clinical trials, UTSW studies on pulmonary hypertension outcomes, and work as an associate editor. I had a somewhat circuitous route towards my current career, including 2 years as a hospitalist prior to fellowship, 2 years in pulmonary private practice prior to joining UT Southwestern, and later changing from a clinical track to the clinical scholar track a few years into my academic career. Happy to provide advice on specialty / subspecialty decisions, private practice vs. academics, and research vs. non-research pathways. On a personal note, I have two kids who arrived pretty early in my career; for fun, I enjoy riding my bike around area trails (White Rock and such), and in the summer I try to spend as many weekends as I can at Lake Lavon skiing and tubing with friends.

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Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Primary care medicine, Population health management

I went to medical school at the University of Michigan, did my residency at UTSW in Internal Medicine, and finished in 1991. I stayed on the faculty for six years after that and then went into private practice in Irving for the next 13 years. I returned to the faculty at UTSW in 2011 and practice primarily ambulatory general internal medicine. I was heavily involved in the UTSW Accountable Care Organization from 2012-2020 and served as a medical director for our affiliated primary care physician network during this time. If you have an interest in primary care internal medicine I think I can help advise you about what that experience has been like (both in the academic and private world) and what it might be like in the future to help you with your decision. Hint: it is not much like PCIM so please don't use that experience as a basis for a career decision for or against general internal medicine.

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Leah Cohen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Women’s topics, Clinical expert

One of the many reasons I strived to become a Clinical Educator was my love of teaching. My mentors during medical school, residency, and fellowship helped shape my path and clinical interests into a full-fledged career in Pulmonary and Critical Care and a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. Currently, I have had the opportunity to mentor residents who are interested in Pulmonary and Critical care as well as CF with case reports and retrospective reviews that have led to poster presentations at national conferences and publications. On a personal note, I am a Jewish woman who grew up in Houston, Texas. I grew up with a very close family who loves sports, especially the teams from Houston. I trained at UT San Antonio for Medical school, Vanderbilt University for residency, and Emory University for fellowship.

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Anita Hegde, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hospital Medicine at Parkland Hospital Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Patient safety

I grew up in Kansas City, trained in Boston and moved to Texas because I felt a special connection with Parkland. I have special interests in patient safety and in working with underserved populations, particularly Spanish speaking patients. As a hospital medicine physician at Parkland, I practice acute care medicine, teach residents and students on the wards, and participate in quality improvement projects.

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Randall Hughes, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hematology and Oncology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Wellness

I have spent my life and career in Texas. I have a varied background that allows me to offer insight into the choices made in terms of a career. For instance, life style, priorities, values, maybe gaining some wisdom by observing patients, and I have practiced both academic and private medicine. As an oncologist, I interact with patients who are acutely aware of the uncertainties that we all face. I enjoy listening and teaching. I like being around the best because it makes me better, and that's one reason I came back to UTSW.

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Raksha Jain, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Women’s Topics

I serve as Medical Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis clinical and research program at UT Southwestern. I oversee an active laboratory where we have numerous clinical and translational studies largely addressing care and treatment of people with CF. My particular area of interest is in sex disparities and why women with CF have worse outcomes than men. We take a bench to bedside approach to this question and study the effects of estrogen on innate immunity and the impact of sex hormones on lung function and inflammation. I enjoy teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows and have led a number of our trainees in writing first author publications. I also serve on a number of national committees including a Women's Health Research Committee and CF national registry committee, which allows for lots of collaboration. I love blending my career with patient care, research and teaching and do my best to find a balance between work and family. I have 2 boys (ages 10 and 13) and spend most of my time outside of work watching them play basketball, baseball, guitar, or going on Boy Scout campouts.

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Swee-Ling Levea, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Nephrology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Ildiko Lingvay, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Population & Data Sciences Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I was born and raised in Romania, but my nationality is Hungarian. I moved to the U.S. after completing my medical school. All my major career choices were influenced by outstanding mentors, and therefore I owe it to the next generation to pay it forward and help them navigate the complex (and often overwhelming) world of medicine and clinical research. I am an endocrinologist and a clinical scientist. My area of interest is the pathophysiology and treatment of people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic complications (like cardiovascular disease, NASH, nephropathy, retinopathy, etc). I have mentored many medical students, residents and fellows, and we completed many research projects and manuscripts together. I have two teenage girls and I like to stay active outside of work. While alpine skiing is my passion, I enjoy any water sports, yoga, or gym workout. I love to travel and my goal is to visit at least a handful of countries on each continent.

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Tamara McGregor, M.D.
Associate Professor
Family & Community Medicine and Internal Medicine Department
Family Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospice and Palliative care as a subspecialty

I am a family medicine physician from a small town in Texas and have a special love for the holistic care of patients and their families. I have specialized as well in Hospice and Palliative medicine having served as a hospice medical director and a palliative care consultant at UTSW university hospitals and Parkland as well. My love for teaching medical students and residents and fellows and others comes from the knowledge that while I can only take care of a finite number of patients, I can contribute to more compassionate care for many other patients by educating their doctors.

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Mary Elizabeth Paulk, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, LGBTQ+ topics, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Single-parenting as a physician, Women’s topics, Palliative care

I am a single mother (by choice) of twin girls, and have worked at UT Southwestern since 1996. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, went to Wellesley College, Emory Medicine School, and then moved to Dallas for my training in Internal Medicine. I was motivated to pursue a career in medicine by a desire to help mitigate disparities in healthcare, both by providing outstanding healthcare to underserved populations and investigating ways to overcome barriers to care for low-income populations. My area of specialization is Palliative Care, with a research focus on care of diverse and underserved populations. I am a lesbian, and actively involved with the UT Southwestern LGBT Business Resource Group. My hobbies include knitting, birdwatching, reading, and hanging out with my girls. My interest in being a mentor is driven by a desire to ensure that everyone who joins our community feels at home, and finds the niche in which they can thrive.

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Bonnie Prokesch, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Women’s topics, Facing failures

I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and a career in medicine did not come easy. I applied to 18 medical schools as a senior in college only to receive 19 rejection letters because one school sent me two rejections. I took a year off and retook the MCATs and ultimately went to medical school. After that, while I matched for residency at my top choice, I did not match for fellowship and had to scramble. All of these experiences have made me the human and physician that I am today. I do not take for granted the privilege of caring for patients and teaching trainees. I was in private practice for a couple of years and then returned to academic medicine after realizing it was a better fit for me. In addition, I believe that we all need to feel safe and secure in who we are such that we can give our patients the best care - but this is fostered in a safe environment with a mentor who is open and honest and shows vulnerability. I am currently a colleges mentor in the medical school and have mentored many residents and fellows (men and women from all walks of life) in my tenure at UTSW.

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Christiana Renner, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hospital Medicine at Parkland Hospital Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Medical education

My focus since my undergraduate years at Texas A&M University have been working with underserved communities, both in understanding and overcoming the effects of bias, both implicit and explicit, and in using education to advance the lives and careers of others. I began by studying both English Literature and Chemistry at Texas A&M University. After earning B.A. degrees in both, I began teaching ninth grade English in an inner city school in Houston, Texas. To advance my own education, I moved to New York to pursue a M.S. in publishing, concentrating on both book and electronic publishing at New York University, while working at Lippincott Williams &Wilkins. This catalyzed a latent interest in attending medical school. I returned to Texas after acceptance at UT Southwestern and developed a passion for working with the population of underserved patients at Parkland Hospital. I remained at UT Southwestern for residency training in Internal Medicine. I joined the faculty at UT Southwestern in 2011 and have continued to practice with the underserved population at Parkland Hospital. I have assisted with the growth of my division, serving in multiple leadership capacities in the group. I remain passionate about understanding the role that bias plays in medicine, including race, language, gender, substance use, and social situation, not only from the physician perspective, but also from the patient perspective. I am also passionate about education at both the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate level, including teaching faculty in medicine how to improve their teaching skills.

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Rosechelle Ruggiero, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. I have been at UTSW for the past 15 years, which included my residency and fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care. I love academic medicine because I get to work with and shape trainees, and I love the collegiality that it offers as well. I am a single mother by choice to twins and can provide insight and guidance into the joys and tribulations of that path. I have always enjoyed mentoring - I completed the Mentoring Excellence program offered here and I am also one of the Internal Medicine APDs where I get to mentor in an informal way the residents I am assigned. As for hobbies, cooking, eating, wine, and running.

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John Rutherford, M.D.
Professor
Clinical Operations and Internal Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Wellness, Patient experience/Clinical Operations

I am a cardiologist, born and trained in New Zealand. I went to Brigham & Women's Hospital in 1976 to do cardiac physiology research for two years, and joined the Harvard Faculty in 1978, became Co-Director of the Coronary Care unit and later Co-Director of Clinical Cardiology. In 1988-89 I won the George Thorn Clinical Education award from the House staff. In 1993, I was recruited to UT Southwestern to lead Clinical Cardiology, and in 2001 was appointed VP of Clinical Operations at UT Southwestern. I am a Colleges Mentor. My clinical interests have been myocardial infarction, cardiovascular physiology and heart disease in pregnancy. My wife and daughter are both academic physicians. My administrative job is largely solving problems and advancing patient access and experience. I like cooking, playing golf, and movies.

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Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Negotiation, Job search

I specialize in Palliative Care at Clements University Hospital and Simmons Cancer Center. I earned my medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA and completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. My primary area of academic interest is providing and studying communication skill development and training for clinicians at all levels and am the Program Director for UT Southwestern's VitalTalk Advanced Communication Training Program. I have national certification as a VitalTalk faculty member, and teach the communications methodology across the country. I have mentored students and residents in curriculum development projects from design to analysis and manuscript development. I am married, with one son, and greatly value and strive for work-life balance. I have a 28ish year old horse who I've had for the better part of my lifetime (competed in three-day eventing) and is spoiled in retirement on "Comfort Care.”

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Kyaw Soe, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, LGBTQ+ topics, Academic teaching

I was born and raised in Myanmar, a Southeast Asia country. I have the diverse cultural background and understand the importance of nurturing the diversity in academic environment. I have been deeply involved in medical education and mentoring of medical students, residents and fellows since 2011 while I was at the Ohio State University. My area of clinical and research interest are male hypogonadism and transgender care. I am currently conducting the clinical trials in the field of testosterone and lipid medications and investigator initiated research project related to transgender at Dallas VA. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and working with housestaff closely and has always looking forwards to such opportunities. Current and past chief residents can vouch for my passion.

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Pranavi Sreeramoju, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Wellness, Healthcare delivery improvement, Healthcare epidemiology

My mentoring philosophy is based on healthy mentor-mentee relationships and nudging and coaching and providing resources to help a mentee towards learning, growth and making sound choices. Most of the choices I have helped mentees make are professional in nature, but some mentees have also felt comfortable sounding out personal dilemmas with me, which I was glad to help out with. I am trained in infectious diseases and epidemiology, and I have an executive MBA in healthcare organizational leadership. I have mentored high school students, medical and graduate students, residents and fellows as well as junior faculty. I also believe in the power of lateral mentoring of peers, and I have been a proud recipient of the same. I love reading, traveling, and blogging. My favorite forms of exercise are walking and yoga. I grew up and went to medical school in South India, and came to the US when I was 26 years old. I am a Hindu, but I love learning about all religions, and recently got interested in the role of spirituality in medicine. It's probably sufficient to say that I have many diverse interests and would love to mentor trainees in a topic of their choice.

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Julie Trivedi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospital epidemiology, Coaching

Hi! I'm the medical director of infection prevention for the UTSW Health system and although that sounds intimidating, I too started as a medical trainee, albeit what feels like many years ago! The journey to where I am now took me through internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship followed by my first job as an ID attending at Hopkins. There were plenty of ups and downs, personal and professional, and through it all, I've been learning more about myself, what inspires me and what brings me joy. I've lived all throughout the Northeast and New England and recently transplanted to Dallas in 2017 as a single mom with a leadership role raising 2 girls in a complex world. If you want to talk, my door is open, whether it is about nothing in particular or about family life, children, medicine, mental health, hospital epidemiology, infectious diseases, cooking, or the intricacies of being a woman, much less one who is South Asian and in medicine. I want you to feel supported and to feel encouraged.

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Rebecca Vigen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness, Women’s topics

I am a noninvasive cardiologist. I am originally from Louisiana and went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. I completed my residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease, both at UT Southwestern. I also completed a cardiovascular outcomes research fellowship and master's degree in clinical sciences at the University of Colorado and a master's degree in public administration at Syracuse University. My research interests include quality and outcomes research and value in health care. I am a proud mother of two young children.

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Sarah Wingfield, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Geriatrics Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Vlad Zaha, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Leadership training

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Neurological Surgery

Venkatesh Aiyagari, M.D.
Professor
Neurological Surgery and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neuro Critical Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Negotiating visa issues for FMGs from India

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Neurology & Neurotherapeutics

Venkatesh Aiyagari, M.D.
Professor
Neurological Surgery and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neuro Critical Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Negotiating visa issues for FMGs from India

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Anik Amin, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
General Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness, Improving quality and cost-effectiveness in healthcare

I graduated from the BCM-Rice M.D./MBA program in Houston, TX in 2011. I then went out of state for adult neurology residency (Rush in Chicago) and EEG-epilepsy fellowship (UW in Seattle). After 8 years of exploring Chicagoland and the Pacific NW with my wife, we moved back to Dallas. I enjoy working at UTSW since it is such a dynamic place with various opportunities in clinical medicine, research, leadership, and teaching. I like to dabble in a variety of things. I spend most of my clinical time on the general neurology inpatient services at PHHS and CUH. I also do some stroke service, Parkland Epilepsy clinic, and general neurology clinic. Beyond clinical neurology, I have interests in quality improvement, cost-effectiveness research, finding innovative ways to improve the quality/cost ('value') of our healthcare system to both individual patients and populations. Before COVID-19, I loved trying out new restaurants and playing basketball. Now I am starting to do more running/biking, singing with my toddler, and even baking.

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Elisabeth Golden, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neuro Muscular Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Women’s topics

I am a clinician-educator neurologist with subspecialty focus in neuromuscular and autonomic disorders. I have done my entire training (med school and on) at UTSW and so have a lot of experience navigating the system as a trainee and while starting a family. I came into residency thinking I would become a private practice general neurologist, but found a passion for the discovery and education mission of academia. I have had some really special mentors who have walked this road before me and shared their experiences (the good, bad, and crazy!) and so I would love to pay this forward, particularly as a woman in medicine.

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Michelle Machie, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Wellness, Women’s topics, African-American experience, Imposter syndrome

I am a first generation Nigerian American woman who went to UT Austin for undergraduate education. I was a leader in the Black Health Professions Organization at UT at a time when the faculty were not supportive of our goals. We were told that the projects we wanted to complete were likely to fail. I will never forget that. We went on to create a statewide symposium that remains successful to this day. I want to make sure every person choosing medicine has the support they need to be confident in their choices. I chose Academic medicine in Neonatal Neurology because I felt a special connection to the patient population and wanted to focus all of my energy and research attention on these patients and families. I am the only Black faculty in the Division of Pediatric Neurology at UTSW. I want to help minorities and women find success in Academics and to never feel intimidated in their field. I am getting married and hope to start a family soon. As far as hobbies, I am a vocalist and sing in The Women's choir of Dallas, and a travel and wine enthusiast as well!

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Padraig O'Suilleabhain, M.D.
Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Movement Disorders Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Wellness, M.D.-MBA degrees, Developing clinical research portfolio

After medical school in Ireland I immigrated to the U.S. I have been on faculty at UTSW as a neurologist since residency. In recent years, through the colleges program, I have appreciated the opportunity to have longitudinal relationship with medical students. I would like to be of service to others, to pass the torch forward, for renewal of this caring profession. My career awareness is limited to academic neurology in UTSW, but this includes 20+ years of medical practice, training, clinical research, and administration. I acquired some practice in coaching and leadership through an MBA program. If I can be of help, I welcome the opportunity!

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Tonia Sabo, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Pain Management, and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Obstetrics & Gynecology

Bonnie Bermas, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology Department
Rheumatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Women’s topics

I completed my internal medicine training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and rheumatology training at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and the NIH. Initially envisioning a career in basic science, I switched courses and ended up in a career in academic clinical medicine. For two decades, I was part of the faculty at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where I had several administrative roles. I joined the faculty of the Division of Rheumatic Diseases at UTSW in 2017. I think that being a rheumatologist is the best job I could imagine. I love the long-term relationships I have with patients. I particularly enjoy working with patients as they make decisions about whether to be childfree or include parenting in their plans. Married to another academic physician, I understand the challenges of trying to blend career and family. While we did manage to raise three children, something had to give, and more often than not, we had "breakfast for dinner." I have enjoyed serving as a mentor for medical students, residents, and fellows both academically and as they navigate a work-life balance. My biggest career honor was when my former fellows and colleagues gave me the inaugural "Life Mentor" award.

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Patricia Santiago-Muñoz, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics & Gynecology Department
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics

I am the program director for our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. I have mentored several ob/gyn residents and MFM fellows throughout their years in training, and I participate in the UTSW mentoring programs for 1st year med students. I have completed the CS&E and LEAD programs on campus, and oversee a quarterly humanism in medicine program for our ob/gyn senior residents: we discuss everything from racism and sexism experienced as a woman in the workforce to sex trafficking to abortion. I have a strong passion for Women's Reproductive Rights. I am originally from Puerto Rico, I speak Spanish, and I'm the mom to two teenage girls. I think I do a pretty good job at maintaining work life balance, enjoying all the arts opportunities that Dallas has to offer. I live for academic medicine because I love teaching as well as learning from students and residents, and I enjoy all opportunities for mentoring, whether formal or informal, long or short term.

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Orthopaedic Surgery

Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

I have been a physician in Texas for 40 years and managed a group of 30 orthopaedic surgeons from 1987 till 2005. I joined the faculty at UTSW: Department of Ortho Surgery in 2005 as Medical Director of Ortho Spine clinic. I also served as Resident Program Director from 2011 until 2019. I currently work in the UTSW Spine Clinic along with PMR, Neurosurgery and Anesthesia faculty. I have Masters in Medical Management degree to supplement my work in Ortho Surgery. I have served as Chair of the Privilege and Credentials Committee at UTSW for more than 10 years. I am happy to meet you and help in current plans along with career management.

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Megan Sorich, D.O.
Assistant Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Women’s topics

I was born and raised in Chicago. I traveled all over the country (St. Louis, Washington State, New Jersey, Minnesota, etc.) for my 11 years of medical education, and I am thrilled to be here at UTSW. I am an Orthopedic Surgeon who is passionate about taking care of the older adults with broken bones and musculoskeletal injuries. I enjoy mentoring because I did not have an easy time through medical education and training, and I enjoy inspiring others - if I got through it so can you! In my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, playing/watching sports, attempting to dance and glass blowing.

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Otolaryngology

Ashley Agan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department
Adult Otolaryngology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Wellness, Women’s topics

I am from a small town in North Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. A love for human anatomy and physiology led me to a career in medicine. I am an Otolaryngologist, and I love working in an academic medical center. I get to take care of patients but also teach residents and medical students. Lifelong learning is a goal that I try to instill in every teaching interaction that I have. To develop a love of learning is to set oneself up for a successful future. Curiosity also allows us to have more meaningful interactions with our patients and our colleagues. Human interaction is what separates us from artificial intelligence, and it is important that we, as physicians, maintain the ability to connect with our patients. In addition to teaching and patient care, I am medical director of otolaryngology satellite clinics and graduated with an MBA in 2020. In my free time, I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

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Felicity Lenes-Voit, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department
Pediatric Otolaryngology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics, Dual professional marriages (though not dual-physician), Infertility treatment or fertility preservation while in training

I'm a surgical subspecialist who started my family as a resident and encountered significant difficulties with grief and "balancing" family and a demanding training program. I've undergone IVF, dealt with the diagnosis of cancer in and then loss of my mother, and miscarried much-wanted pregnancies as a trainee. Despite all of this, my program hired me as a Fellow and then as Faculty. I'm grateful to them and enjoy the opportunity to teach, provide support for our trainees, and treat complex patients for whom our Academic center provides needed access to health care. Happy to chat about career planning cognizant of your broader goals, potential challenges, and/or be a cheerleader in tough times. Residency is hard, and it's not the way the rest of your life will be.

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Pathology

Mengyi Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Pathology Department
Mingyi Chen Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Transnational research

I am a physician scientist. I have devoted my career to cancer research with a focus on hematologic disease. My long-term research goals are to define the molecular pathogenesis of disease. Thus, my laboratory primarily focuses on both the genetic and epigenetic alterations of endothelial cells and hematopoietic cells, with each project guided by methods intended to elucidate basic principles as well as practical solutions. The pathogenesis of malignant lymphoma, leukemia and other cancer stem cells are the primary diseases against which advancements in my laboratory are targeted, but the goal is to provide insights that will be applicable to a number of other cancer types, tumor immunology and metabolic/degenerative disorders. Through cutting-edge technologies and broadly collaborative approaches, I am also committed to build a strong, unique and competitive research program that will ultimately benefit patients.

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Pediatrics

Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Pediatric Hospitalists Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Women’s topics, Medical education

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Sari Bar, D.O.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Developmental Behavior Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Women’s topics

I received my medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and continued my pediatric residency and fellowship training at Northwell Health Cohen Children's Medical Center in New York. Originally from Fort Worth, I moved back to my native state of Texas and accepted a position at UT Southwestern in 2017. I am the Medical Director of the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics clinic and Down syndrome clinic at Children's Health in Dallas. I chose a path in academic medicine because of my love for teaching and strong interest in resident education. I serve as the Developmental Behavioral Pediatric residency rotation-training director and mentor several medical students and residents with expressed interest in the field. During my fellowship training, and in the last several years, I mentored several residents and fellows about potential career paths, academic medicine versus private practice, parenting and family life during training, and navigating life with a new baby and young children. I had several mentors when I was building a family in residency and have enjoyed the opportunity to mentor others.

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Priya Bhaskar, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Critical Care Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Women's topics

I work primarily in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care unit. My primary training background is Pediatric Critical Care. Although I am a naturalized U.S. citizen, I grew up in India, completed Medical school, and then moved to the U.S. with my husband. Due to my background, I think I can relate very well with trainees who grew up in one country and moved to the U.S. due to various personal reasons. I also practice in a very specified area, so I strongly feel I can mentor trainees who are interested in either Pediatric Intensive Care or Cardiac Intensive Care.

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Christina Chan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Neonatal & Perinatal Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Women’s topics, Integration of academic practice into community care settings, Conflict resolution, Team building, Dual career academic physician families

I am the medical director of a neonatal intensive care unit in a community hospital where I focus on team building, conflict resolution, and integration of academic practice in a community setting. As a clinician-educator, I love to share why I chose neonatology, but also love mentoring those who will be our collaborators. Medicine is a team sport where the best patient outcomes occur when we have good compassionate doctors in all positions on the team. I am married and am walking the path of family, parenting, and partnering with another academic physician in balancing our individual and mutual goals. I am also Christian but appreciate how faith of many backgrounds informs medical practice. I am grateful to the people in my life who have mentored me in my career, many who were not neonatologists, and am happy to return that to the medical community. I love to cook (sometimes badly), read science fiction, watch YouTube videos on gardening, playing with my kids and walking our dog.

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Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Emergency Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Women’s topics

I am from Ann Arbor, MI and graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine located in Detroit, MI. I did my pediatric residency and pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas/Children's Medical Center of Dallas. During my third year of fellowship, I served as a chief fellow. Research Interests: Sepsis, Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction Mentor Interests: Anyone interested in Pediatric Emergency Medicine!

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Olivia Hoffman, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Critical Care Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Wellness, Women’s topics, Quality improvement, Experience as chief resident and chief fellow

I joined the UTSW pediatric critical care faculty in August 2019, and I spend my clinical time in the CVICU and PICU at Children's Medical Center. I attended medical school at UCLA, completed my pediatric residency and a chief year at University of Colorado, Denver, and my pediatric critical care fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital, spending my last year as a chief fellow. I am developing an academic niche in quality improvement and implementation science. I enjoy mentoring and teaching at the bedside, and more formally – currently I am developing our division's journal club experience and a QI curriculum for our fellows. I am happy to be a resource to help trainee's grow during the challenges of graduate medical education.

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Nancy Kelly, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor
Pediatrics Department
General Pediatrics Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Education, Curriculum development, Immunizations delivery, Advocacy, Community partnerships

I have been a general pediatrician for 30 years. I always knew I wanted to be in academia because I love the combination of patient care, teaching and research. I could not decide on just one sub-specialty, so I got an MPH and did an Academic General Pediatric fellowship. Main areas of interest: resident education in community pediatrics and advocacy, building community partnerships, increasing immunizations delivery, medical student curriculum development, health education in the community, injury prevention, and primary care. Current Mentoring: Seldin Colleges mentor to medical students and mentor for pediatric residents' scholarly projects in advocacy.

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Michelle Machie, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Wellness, Women’s topics, African-American experience, Imposter syndrome

I am a first generation Nigerian American woman who went to UT Austin for undergraduate education. I was a leader in the Black Health Professions Organization at UT at a time when the faculty were not supportive of our goals. We were told that the projects we wanted to complete were likely to fail. I will never forget that. We went on to create a statewide symposium that remains successful to this day. I want to make sure every person choosing medicine has the support they need to be confident in their choices. I chose Academic medicine in Neonatal Neurology because I felt a special connection to the patient population and wanted to focus all of my energy and research attention on these patients and families. I am the only Black faculty in the Division of Pediatric Neurology at UTSW. I want to help minorities and women find success in Academics and to never feel intimidated in their field. I am getting married and hope to start a family soon. As far as hobbies, I am a vocalist and sing in The Women's choir of Dallas, and a travel and wine enthusiast as well!

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Tonia Sabo, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Pain Management, and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Meghana Sathe, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics Department
Gastroenterology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Women’s topics

I went to medical school in Miami, Florida and came to UTSW for Residency and Fellowship. I am an Associate Fellowship Director and co-Medical Director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. My interests are medical education and cystic fibrosis. I have combined my two passions and in the last 5 years begun to train GI fellows to have a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. My motivation in academic medicine is seeing my mentees grow and succeed. I enjoy sharing my passion with them. I also feel that it is important to learn how to balance a family life and work life, how to find happiness in your individual goals, and learn to measure successes that focus on your individual goals. I believe in working hard and giving it your best. My motivation comes from my 70-year-old mother who did two residencies in Ob/Gyn in India and then in the U.S. and practiced till this year when COVID forced her into retirement. Her passion for her career and her patients continues to motivate me every day.

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Naomi Winick, M.D.
Professor
Pediatrics Department
Hematology and Oncology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Women’s topics

I came to UTSW, in 1985, after completing a pediatric internship and residency at Columbia, and a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, assuming I would stay in Dallas for a year, finish my fellowship in pediatric oncology and return to "civilization"! That was many years, one husband (pediatric surgeon, UTSW), three children, a new grandson and an interesting career ago. I've been reasonably successful in pediatric oncology and am currently the Vice-Chair for the NCI's Pediatric Leukemia Lymphoma Steering Committee. I have been thrilled to mentor many within the Children's Oncology Group and pediatric heme/onc fellows here at UT. Two of them, in particular, have become very well known for the work they started here. Now, in Seattle, one studies cardiotoxicity in the context of cancer therapy and, the other, now in Cincinnati, is establishing national quality metrics for hospice and palliative care. I was a mentor in the Colleges system at UT until 2018 but became a part-time faculty member, at that point, because I chose to pursue a Master's in Public Health. I'm happy to listen, share experiences, learn, and support.

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Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Karen Kowalske, M.D.
Professor
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, LGBTQ+ topics, Women’s topics

I have been at UT Southwestern for 30 years. I'm a professor and former department chair. I'm a lesbian with 2 children who are now 18 and 20. I spent the last 20 years doing activities with them. Now I enjoy outdoor activities, exercising, and travel.

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Plastic Surgery

Andrew Zhang, M.D.
Associate Professor
Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training

I was born and raised in China. I immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17. I went to a public high school in Southern California knowing very little English at the start. I watched TV to learn how to speak English – favorite TV show was "Married with Children."" I got into Claremont McKenna College and studied Chemistry and Biology. After making friends with some pre-med students and volunteering at a hospital, I decided to pursue medicine. I graduated 2nd in my class and went on to Stanford medical school. I loved anatomy. At first, I was fearful of a career in surgery due to perceived lifestyle, but I immediately fell in love after doing the surgery core rotation. Plastic surgery was especially appealing due to its problem-solving nature. I got into Stanford plastic surgery residency and added on one more year of hand surgery fellowship. I married my friend and classmate just before residency. We had our two daughters during residency. I did not sleep much for 7 years. I came to Texas as soon as I could. I was faculty at UTMB for 5 years, had a blast, and really enjoyed teaching residents. I was recruited to UTSW in 2016 and became PD of plastic surgery residency. I did a lot of growing personally and professionally in the past few years. I look forward to what the future holds.

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Population & Data Sciences

Ildiko Lingvay, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Population & Data Sciences Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I was born and raised in Romania, but my nationality is Hungarian. I moved to the U.S. after completing my medical school. All my major career choices were influenced by outstanding mentors, and therefore I owe it to the next generation to pay it forward and help them navigate the complex (and often overwhelming) world of medicine and clinical research. I am an endocrinologist and a clinical scientist. My area of interest is the pathophysiology and treatment of people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic complications (like cardiovascular disease, NASH, nephropathy, retinopathy, etc). I have mentored many medical students, residents and fellows, and we completed many research projects and manuscripts together. I have two teenage girls and I like to stay active outside of work. While alpine skiing is my passion, I enjoy any water sports, yoga, or gym workout. I love to travel and my goal is to visit at least a handful of countries on each continent.

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Psychiatry

Adriane dela Cruz, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Psychiatry Department
Mood Disorders Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics, Medical education

I am an addiction psychiatrist, and I'm engaged in medical education (medical student, resident, and fellow), research, and clinical practice. My husband is a family medicine physician in community private practice (we met in medical school), and we have two children – one was born when I was a resident and one when I was a fellow. Our older son has a genetic syndrome, and I'm happy to talk about parenting both my typical child and my child with disabilities. We are also an interracial and interfaith family. I'm passionate about teaching evidence based medicine and about finding new ways to help learners engage with the literature. I've received funding from the UT Southwestern Academy of Teachers (SWAT) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) to develop educational materials/programs. I'm a graduate of the UT Southwestern LEAD faculty development program, and I have been recognized for outstanding mentorship in the psychiatry residency program.

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Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Leadership training, Women’s topics, Legislative advocacy

I am a Board Certified Neuropsychologist at Children's Medical Center Dallas (CMCD). I have extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment of medically complex children and adolescents. I serve as Research Director for the CMCD Neuropsychology Service. I head an active research lab investigating genetic and intrapersonal factors influencing neurocognitive outcomes in medically complex children, adolescents, and young adults, with a particular focus on pediatric oncology and rare brain diseases. I serve as a research mentor for students in the Clinical Psychology graduate program at UTSW and the Pediatric Oncology Fellowship Program at CMCD. I can offer a variety of opportunities for research involvement to interested interns, residents, and fellows. I served as President of the Texas Psychological Association in 2019. I am currently an elected Board member for the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences. I have been a faculty mentor for the National Academy of Neuropsychology for several years. I would be happy to mentor interns, residents, and fellows in the development of leadership skills. Outside of work, I (a Dallas native) enjoy traveling, baking, horseback riding, and throwing endless tennis balls for my rescue Lab/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. My younger brother, Dr. Steve Spurgin, is currently a cardiology fellow at Children's.

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Mili Khandheria, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Psychiatry Department
Pediatrics Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician

I graduated medical school with a joint M.D./MBA degree in 2012, went on to do my psychiatry residency at UTMB Galveston, and then completed my fellowship in child psychiatry in 2017. I worked in the community for three years prior to returning to UT Southwestern as faculty and as the medical director of the newly formed Child Psychiatry Access Network program. I was very excited to come back to academic medicine and grow this new program. I would love to mentor someone interested in child psychiatry and on how to balance family and medicine during training. I am originally from Lubbock, TX where much of my family still resides. I have two sons and my husband is an ENT surgeon at Baylor. I love my peloton tread, eating/cooking (hence the need to work out), reading, and traveling (pre COVID 19). I would have loved a mentor throughout my training and am excited to be a part of this program!

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Lia Thomas, M.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Women’s topics

I serve as an Associate Program Director for the Psychiatry Residency Program at UT Southwestern. My academic interests are in the transition between medical school and residency, advocacy, and resident workforce issues. I'm a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA, and received my medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I completed my psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern, and upon completion of my training, joined the VA North Texas Health Care System. I am the Medical Director of the outpatient Mental Health Trauma Services team, an interdisciplinary team focused on providing evidenced based care to Veterans with PTSD.

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Radiology

Basak Dogan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Radiology Department
Breast Imaging Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Women’s topics

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Elliot Rinzler, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiology Department
Pediatric Radiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Military medicine, Ethics, Medical writing

I am a former flight surgeon with the U.S. Air Force, now trained as a radiologist with subspecialty training in pediatrics and interventional radiology. I work primarily at Children's Medical Center as a pediatric interventional radiologist. I'm involved in expanding the capabilities of our department in the areas of interventional oncology and palliative care.

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Surgery

Kareem AbdelFattah, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General & Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Careers in education

I am a South Florida transplant to Texas, graduating from the University of Florida (undergrad) and then the University of South Florida for medical school, before the Match brought me to UT Southwestern. My clinical practice is focused in Burns, Trauma, and Acute Care Surgery, and I am married to a physician practicing MFM in Fort Worth (also a UTSW residency/fellowship grad). We have two young children, and balancing our busy careers with family life is a unique challenge that we love to share about. I also have the privilege of serving as the Program Director for the General Surgery program. My research interests are focused on improving the clinical learning environment and improving the systems by which we train medical students and residents. My learning curve as faculty as far as developing a career in Education is where I can help a young physician who might know that this is the career path they wish to pursue.

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Chiaka Akarichi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Women's topics, Burn surgery, General surgery, Surgical critical care

I am a black, female surgeon of Nigerian descent. I completed general surgery training, followed by acute and reconstructive burn surgery fellowship and surgical critical care training. I am married and have a daughter. I am more than happy to serve as a mentor to any trainee who can or wishes to identify with any of the attributes that I have mentioned. I would love to assist any current trainee in their quest for self-exploration while in the midst of the rigors of training.

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Adam Alder, M.D.
Associate Professor
Surgery Department
Pediatric Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training

I've been at UTSW since 2002. I've been a resident, fellow, and staff here. I worked before and under work hour restrictions. I'm excited about the future of training and education in Surgery. It is critical to me to assist trainees and future leaders with the skills and tools needed for success.

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John Mansour, M.D.
Professor
Surgery Department
Surgical Oncology HPB Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Wellness

I am a husband of over 20 years and a father of three children ranging in age from grade school to college. I grew up in Ohio and have been educated and trained in Indiana, Wisconsin, and New York City. I am a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist specializing in GI cancers including pancreas cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and other similar problems. I am the Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Leader of the GI Cancer Disease Oriented Team at the Simmons Cancer Center. I am interested in helping learners and trainers develop a balanced, values-based, professional approach to a medical career.

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Caroline Park, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Wellness, Women's topics, Education, Simulation, Trauma

I am an acute care and trauma surgeon in the Division of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma. My interests are in surgical education, simulation in trauma and introduction of new technologies as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors or spinning on my bike!

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Javier Salgado Pogacnik, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
Colorectal Surgery Division

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David Schindel, M.D.
Associate Professor
Surgery Department
Pediatric Surgery Division

I attended UT Southwestern for medical school and graduated in 1992. I enjoyed my surgical rotations and then matched at the Indiana University Medical Center. I decided upon a career in Pediatric Surgery and attended fellowship at St Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. After a five year stint in private practice, I joined the pediatric surgery department at UT Southwestern/Children's Health in 2003-2004. In this capacity, I help train and mentor many medical students, residents and fellows. My favorite task is to assist a trainee, who often has some interest in a pediatric surgery career but not always, identify a passion that will ignite an inextinguishable flame of interest and excitement.

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Urology

Tolulope (Tolu) Bakare, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Urology Department
Adult Urology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Wellness, Women's topics, Surgery, Urology

As a black female urologist, I've had my share of challenges and victories. I would be happy to help mentor others as they navigate the surgical world or the world of medicine in general.

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Developing a Research Career

Mengyi Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Pathology Department
Mingyi Chen Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Transnational research

I am a physician scientist. I have devoted my career to cancer research with a focus on hematologic disease. My long-term research goals are to define the molecular pathogenesis of disease. Thus, my laboratory primarily focuses on both the genetic and epigenetic alterations of endothelial cells and hematopoietic cells, with each project guided by methods intended to elucidate basic principles as well as practical solutions. The pathogenesis of malignant lymphoma, leukemia and other cancer stem cells are the primary diseases against which advancements in my laboratory are targeted, but the goal is to provide insights that will be applicable to a number of other cancer types, tumor immunology and metabolic/degenerative disorders. Through cutting-edge technologies and broadly collaborative approaches, I am also committed to build a strong, unique and competitive research program that will ultimately benefit patients.

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Sreekanth (Sree) Cheruku, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology & Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19

I am a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and intensive care physician at the Clements Hospital CVICU. My research projects currently include a randomized trial evaluating the impact of ambulation in cardiac surgery patients, a retrospective study evaluating the impact of regional anesthesia techniques on minithoracotomy aortic/mitral valve replacement patients and a multi-center registry of COVID-19 patients. I am looking for long-term (1 year at least) mentees interested in research in the following areas: 1. Outcomes after cardiac, thoracic and major vascular surgery, 2. Outcomes after solid organ transplant surgery, and 3. Outcomes after COVID-19 disease.

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Kelly Chin, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice

I am a pulmonary and critical care physician with a subspecialty interest in pulmonary hypertension. I spend about 2/3 of my time on patient care; this involves spending time on an inpatient pulmonary service, pulmonary hypertension clinic, and occasional procedures. The remainder of my time is spent on clinical research and administrative tasks, including work on multicenter clinical trials, UTSW studies on pulmonary hypertension outcomes, and work as an associate editor. I had a somewhat circuitous route towards my current career, including 2 years as a hospitalist prior to fellowship, 2 years in pulmonary private practice prior to joining UT Southwestern, and later changing from a clinical track to the clinical scholar track a few years into my academic career. Happy to provide advice on specialty / subspecialty decisions, private practice vs. academics, and research vs. non-research pathways. On a personal note, I have two kids who arrived pretty early in my career; for fun, I enjoy riding my bike around area trails (white rock and such), and in the summer I try to spend as many weekends as I can at Lake Lavon skiing and tubing with friends.

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Maralice Conacci-Sorrell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Cell Biology Department
Conacci-Sorrell Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Women’s topics

I have scientific interest in nutrient utilization and biomass production in cancer cells. I am a Latin female immigrant, mother of two, and the first person in my family to attend to complete elementary education. I was born and raised in Brazil and lived trough numerous social and economic crises. Importantly, I was the only caregiver for my mother and my daughter who developed cancer. My mother passed away and my daughter is well. These experiences taught me strategies on how to balance life, prioritize my work, maintain a balanced head, and persist. I have mentored female and minority students and postdocs informally for the past 4 years on how to deal with difficult situations, how to effectively communicate and understand other cultures, and on how to balance family and a demanding career.

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Basak Dogan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Radiology Department
Breast Imaging Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

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Fred Grinnell, Ph.D.
Professor
Cell Biology Department
Grinnell Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Ethical issues in the practice of medicine

I have been on the UT Southwestern faculty since 1972. Continuously funded by NIH from 1973-2014 doing research on cell-extracellular matrix interactions, clinical studies on chronic wounds, and training both dermatology and surgery fellows as well as cell biology graduate students. During this time much of my work also concerned philosophy of science and biomedical ethics. These latter topics, along with science education, have become the current focus of my teaching and research as described at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/grinnell/

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Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Legislative advocacy

I am a Board Certified Neuropsychologist at Children's Medical Center Dallas (CMCD). I have extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment of medically complex children and adolescents. I serve as Research Director for the CMCD Neuropsychology Service. I head an active research lab investigating genetic and intrapersonal factors influencing neurocognitive outcomes in medically complex children, adolescents, and young adults, with a particular focus on pediatric oncology and rare brain diseases. I serve as a research mentor for students in the Clinical Psychology graduate program at UTSW and the Pediatric Oncology Fellowship Program at CMCD. I can offer a variety of opportunities for research involvement to interested interns, residents, and fellows. I served as President of the Texas Psychological Association in 2019. I am currently an elected Board member for the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences. I have been a faculty mentor for the National Academy of Neuropsychology for several years. I would be happy to mentor interns, residents, and fellows in the development of leadership skills. Outside of work, I (a Dallas native) enjoy traveling, baking, horseback riding, and throwing endless tennis balls for my rescue Lab/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. My younger brother, Dr. Steve Spurgin, is currently a cardiology fellow at Children's.

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Raksha Jain, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I serve as Medical Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis clinical and research program at UT Southwestern. I oversee an active laboratory where we have numerous clinical and translational studies largely addressing care and treatment of people with CF. My particular area of interest is in sex disparities and why women with CF have worse outcomes than men. We take a bench to bedside approach to this question and study the effects of estrogen on innate immunity and the impact of sex hormones on lung function and inflammation. I enjoy teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows and have led a number of our trainees in writing first author publications. I also serve on a number of national committees including a Women's Health Research Committee and CF national registry committee, which allows for lots of collaboration. I love blending my career with patient care, research and teaching and do my best to find a balance between work and family. I have 2 boys (ages 10 and 13) and spend most of my time outside of work watching them play basketball, baseball, guitar or going on Boy Scout campouts.

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Ildiko Lingvay, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Population & Data Sciences Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I was born and raised in Romania, but my nationality is Hungarian. I moved to the U.S. after completing my medical school. All my major career choices were influenced by outstanding mentors, and therefore I owe it to the next generation to pay it forward and help them navigate the complex (and often overwhelming) world of medicine and clinical research. I am an endocrinologist and a clinical scientist. My area of interest is the pathophysiology and treatment of people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic complications (like cardiovascular disease, NASH, nephropathy, retinopathy, etc). I have mentored many medical students, residents and fellows, and we completed many research projects and manuscripts together. I have two teenage girls and I like to stay active outside of work. While alpine skiing is my passion, I enjoy any water sports, yoga, or gym workout. I love to travel and my goal is to visit at least a handful of countries on each continent.

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Carrie McAdams, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
McAdams Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Wellness, Women’s Topics, Cognitive neuroscience

I am a cognitive neuroscientist and a psychiatrist. I have been juggling multiple interests and roles throughout my life. I double-majored in college in biochemistry and behavioral science then completed an MD and PhD program. I came to UTSW for residency in psychiatry in 2006. I have built an NIH-funded research program examining the relationship between social perceptions, brain function, and body physiology. I believe physician scientists have a unique responsibility to take our clinical experiences to identify new areas of research. However, this path is not easy, and as such my career has been characterized by obtaining sponsorship and mentorship in unconventional ways. This has provided me with an extensive depth of knowledge about the challenges facing physician scientists in academic culture. Finally, I have both personal and professional expertise related to the unique challenges of being a woman in academic medicine, both as a mother of four, a female neuroscientist, and a psychiatrist specialized in women's mental health.

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Shawn McClintock, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
McClintock Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: LGBTQ+ topics

I am a clinical neuropsychologist in the Department of Psychiatry. My research interests center around neurocognitive function, mood disorders, and antidepressant neuromodulation intervention development. I have and continue to mentor students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty members. I believe mentoring is integral to career development and take great pride in mentoring.

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Faisal Qureshi, M.D.
Associate Professor
Surgery Department
Pediatric Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Advanced degrees

I am an immigrant to the U.S. and have benefitted from the opportunities here. I have been a mentor to a diverse group of individuals in and out of medicine and have a different viewpoint than others. I believe the mentor-mentee relationship to be a partnership to improve the mentees’ career and enlighten the mentor. Here is a good webpage on the role of a mentor (https://thriveglobal.com/stories/the-role-of-a-mentor). I look forward to helping others reach their goals (https://utswmed.org/doctors/faisal-qureshi).

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John Rutherford, M.D.
Professor
Clinical Operations and Internal Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Patient experience/Clinical Operations

I am a Cardiologist, born and trained in New Zealand. I went to Brigham & Women's Hospital in 1976 to do cardiac physiology research for two years, and joined the Harvard Faculty in 1978, became Co-Director of the Coronary Care unit and later Co-Director of Clinical Cardiology. In 1988-89 I won the George Thorn Clinical Education award from the House staff. In 1993, I was recruited to UT Southwestern to lead Clinical Cardiology, and in 2001 was appointed VP of Clinical Operations at UT Southwestern. I am a Colleges Mentor. My clinical interests have been myocardial infarction, cardiovascular physiology and heart disease in pregnancy. My wife and daughter are both academic physicians. My administrative job is largely solving problems and advancing patient access and experience. I like cooking, playing golf and movies.

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Michael VanPelt, D.P.M.
Associate Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness

I am a DPM Foot and Ankle surgeon who has been faculty at UTSW for 13 years now. I was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I attended undergrad in Arkansas and Medical schooling in Chicago, IL. My residency training was at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Fellowship training occurred in Miami, FL. I was the first DPM in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery here at UTSW and African American male full time faculty. I have mentored several undergraduate students who have matriculated into medical school and teach/guide current residents in the Orthopaedic Surgery department. What motivates me in academic medicine is to provide a good representative of an academic DPM foot and ankle surgeon who can provide comprehensive care of the foot and ankle. Many MDs do not get experience to a well-trained DPM, so their perception is not always good regarding the scope of care that a DPM can provide. I like to change that perception while trainees are learning the basics to provide a good representation of the DPM physician. Hobbies are off road biking (mountain biking). I like mentoring because I like to see young people grow and improve their personal development.

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Rebecca Vigen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

I am a noninvasive cardiologist. I am originally from Louisiana and went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. I completed my residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease, both at UT Southwestern. I also completed a cardiovascular outcomes research fellowship and master's degree in clinical sciences at the University of Colorado and a master's degree in public administration at Syracuse University. My research interests include quality and outcomes research and value in health care. I am a proud mother of two young children.

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Dawn Wetzel, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Biochemistry Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Women’s topics

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Naomi Winick, M.D.
Professor
Pediatrics Department
Hematology and Oncology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I came to UTSW, in 1985, after completing a pediatric internship and residency at Columbia, and a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, assuming I would stay in Dallas for a year, finish my fellowship in pediatric oncology and return to "civilization"! That was many years, one husband (pediatric surgeon, UTSW), three children, a new grandson and an interesting career ago. I've been reasonably successful in pediatric oncology and am currently the Vice-Chair for the NCI's Pediatric Leukemia Lymphoma Steering Committee. I have been thrilled to mentor many within the Childrens Oncology Group and pediatric heme/onc fellows here at UT. Two of them, in particular, have become very well known for the work they started here. Now, in Seattle, one studies cardiotoxicity in the context of cancer therapy and, the other, now in Cincinnati, is establishing national quality metrics for hospice and palliative care. I was a mentor in the Colleges system at UT until 2018 but became a part-time faculty member, at that point, because I chose to pursue a Masters in Public Health. I'm happy to listen, share experiences, learn and support.

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Vlad Zaha, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

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Diversity Guidance

Marconi Abreu, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Job searching, J1 waiver

I am originally from Brazil. I completed my residence at University of Connecticut where I also served as a chief resident. I did a J-1 waiver job in Massachusetts as a private practice internist. I came to UTSW to pursue a fellowship in endocrinology, where I stayed as faculty after I completed my training. I have mentored several medical students, residents and fellows. My love to teach drove me into academics. I help those who struggle the most to adapt to a new environment and those having issues during their training. I also help my fellows regularly with job seeking tips. I love to see my mentees' growth during their training. My hobbies include stock market and playing guitar.

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Chiaka Akarichi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics, Burn surgery, General surgery, Surgical critical care

I am a black, female surgeon of Nigerian descent. I completed general surgery training, followed by acute and reconstructive burn surgery fellowship and surgical critical care training. I am married and have a daughter. I am more than happy to serve as a mentor to any trainee who can or wishes to identify with any of the attributes that I have mentioned. I would love to assist any current trainee in their quest for self-exploration while in the midst of the rigors of training.

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Tolulope (Tolu) Bakare, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Urology Department
Adult Urology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics, Surgery, Urology

As a black female urologist, I've had my share of challenges and victories. I would be happy to help mentor others as they navigate the surgical world or the world of medicine in general.

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Priya Bhaskar, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Critical Care Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Women's topics

I work primarily in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care unit. My primary training background is Pediatric Critical Care. Although I am a naturalized U.S. citizen, I grew up in India, completed Medical school, and then moved to the U.S. with my husband. Due to my background, I think I can relate very well with trainees who grew up in one country and moved to the U.S. due to various personal reasons. I also practice in a very specified area, so I strongly feel I can mentor trainees who are interested in either Pediatric Intensive Care or Cardiac Intensive Care.

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Maralice Conacci-Sorrell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Cell Biology Department
Conacci-Sorrell Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Women’s topics

I have scientific interest in nutrient utilization and biomass production in cancer cells. I am a latin female immigrant, mother of two, and the first person in my family to attend to complete elementary education. I was born and raised in Brazil and lived through numerous social and economic crises. Importantly, I was the only caregiver for my mother and my daughter who developed cancer. My mother passed away and my daughter is well. These experiences taught me strategies on how to balance life, prioritize my work, maintain a balanced head, and persist. I have mentored female and minority students and postdocs informally for the past 4 years on how to deal with difficult situations, how to effectively communicate and understand other cultures, and on how to balance family and a demanding career.

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Clarice Grimes, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Wellness, Women’s topics

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas Woman's University and a Doctorate of Medicine Degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine. I completed my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. After completion of my residency, I earned a Master's in Public Health from the University of Texas at Houston School of Public Health. In 2000, I joined the UT Southwestern Medical Center faculty. Currently, I serve as a staff physician at Parkland Health & Hospital System and its affiliated university hospitals. Active in medical education, I have served as a mentor and advisor for several programs: the Doctor of Nurse Practice Program, International Medical Education Capstone Project Program, Student National Medical Association Organization, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty Advisor to fourth-year medical students, and Resident Education Advisor in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. For eleven years, I have been a mentor in the Academic Colleges. I am a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Karen Kowalske, M.D.
Professor
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, LGBTQ+ topics, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I have been at UT Southwestern for 30 years. I'm a professor and former department chair. I'm a lesbian with 2 children who are now 18 and 20. I spent the last 20 years doing activities with them. Now I enjoy outdoor activities, exercising and travel.

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Michelle Machie, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, African-American experience, Imposter syndrome

I am a first generation Nigerian American woman who went to UT Austin for undergraduate education. I was a leader in the Black Health Professions Organization at UT at a time when the faculty were not supportive of our goals. We were told that the projects we wanted to complete were likely to fail. I will never forget that. We went on to create a statewide symposium that remains successful to this today. I want to make sure every person choosing medicine has the support they need to be confident in their choices. I chose Academic medicine in Neonatal Neurology because I felt a special connection to the patient population and wanted to focus all of my energy and research attention on these patients and families. I am the only Black faculty in the Division of Pediatric Neurology at UTSW. I want to help minorities and women find success in Academics and to never feel intimidated in their field. I am getting married and hope to start a family soon. As far as hobbies, I am a vocalist and sing in The Women's choir of Dallas, and a travel and wine enthusiast as well!

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Rajiv Nijhawan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Dermatology Department
Surgical Dermatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am a Mohs surgeon in the Dept of Dermatology. I am originally from New Jersey, went to college and medical school at the University of Miami, and completed all of my training in New York City. I feel strongly that I would not be in my current position if it were not for my mentors, and thus teaching and mentoring others allows me to give back to our great field.

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Ejike (Nicholas) Okoro, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Personal finance

I currently focus on liver transplantation and obstetric anesthesiology in addition to general anesthesiology. I also serve as an associate program director for the department's residency program. I have participated in formal and informal mentorship programs throughout my education and training, and I am excited about this opportunity. Outside of medicine, I love to travel and run. One is easier to do than the other is during the pandemic. I am a practicing Catholic. I would love to share my insights about religion in medicine, wellness, diversity, personal finance or any other topic.

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Caroline Park, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics, Education, Simulation, Trauma

I am an acute care and trauma surgeon in the Division of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma. My interests are in surgical education, simulation in trauma and introduction of new technologies as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors or spinning on my bike!

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Biral Patel, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

Medical education is testing throughout the process. It certainly is valuable to obtain guidance that can hopefully circumvent obstacles that may come across your path. I've spent a significant amount of time in private practice prior to transitioning into an academic practice. The interaction with trainees and to truly impact medicine moving forward is personally very gratifying for me. Wellness, diversity, parenting, and overall positivity are just a few of the topics I feel I have a pretty strong command on that I can hopefully share with future trainees.

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Ava Pierce, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics

I completed my undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, earned my medical degree at LSU School of Medicine at Shreveport, and completed an emergency medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine. I am the Associate Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Emergency Medicine here at UT Southwestern and an EM attending at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems. I am the Director of the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program and a faculty liaison for Housestaff Emerging Academy of Leaders (HEAL) program, which focuses on professional development and mentoring for residents and fellows who are underrepresented in medicine. I served as the President for the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM) in 2018-2019 and am currently a member-at-large on the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Board. I am committed to making innovative changes that will enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion and improve excellence in health care. My research interests include medical education, diversity and inclusion, and cardiac resuscitation. I enjoy music, dancing, traveling, and shopping. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors and enjoy helping others as they pursue their careers in medicine.

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Faisal Qureshi, M.D.
Associate Professor
Surgery Department
Pediatric Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Advanced degrees

I am an immigrant to the U.S. and have benefitted from the opportunities here. I have been a mentor to a diverse group of individuals in and out of medicine and have a different viewpoint than others. I believe the mentor-mentee relationship to be a partnership to improve the mentees’ career and enlighten the mentor. Here is a good webpage on the role of a mentor (https://thriveglobal.com/stories/the-role-of-a-mentor). I look forward to helping others reach their goals (https://utswmed.org/doctors/faisal-qureshi).

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Patricia Santiago-Muñoz, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics

I am the program director for our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. I have mentored several ob/gyn residents and MFM fellows throughout their years in training, and I participate in the UTSW mentoring programs for 1st year med students. I have completed the CS&E and LEAD programs on campus, and oversee a quarterly humanism in medicine program for our ob/gyn senior residents: we discuss everything from racism and sexism experienced as a woman in the workforce to sex trafficking to abortion. I have a strong passion for Women's Reproductive Rights. I am originally from Puerto Rico, I speak Spanish, and I'm the mom to two teenage girls. I think I do a pretty good job at maintaining work life balance, enjoying all the arts opportunities that Dallas has to offer. I live for academic medicine because I love teaching as well as learning from students and residents, and I enjoy all opportunities for mentoring, whether formal or informal, long or short term.

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Kyaw Soe, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: LGBTQ+ topics, Specialty specific advice, Academic teaching

I was born and raised in Myanmar, a Southeast Asia country. I have the diverse cultural background and understand the importance of nurturing the diversity in academic environment. I have been deeply involved in medical education and mentoring of medical students, residents and fellows since 2011 while I was at the Ohio State University. My area of clinical and research interest are male hypogonadism and transgender care. I am currently conducting the clinical trials in the field of testosterone and lipid medications and investigator initiated research project related to transgender at Dallas VA. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and working with housestaff closely and has always looking forwards to such opportunities. Current and past chief residents can vouch for my passion.

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Megan Sorich, D.O.
Assistant Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I was born and raised in Chicago. I traveled all over the country (St. Louis, Washington State, New Jersey, Minnesota, etc.) for my 11 years of medical education, and I am thrilled to be here at UTSW. I am an Orthopedic Surgeon who is passionate about taking care of the older adults with broken bones and musculoskeletal injuries. I enjoy mentoring because I did not have an easy time through medical education and training, and I enjoy inspiring others - if I got through it so can you! In my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, playing/watching sports, attempting to dance and glass blowing.

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Pranavi Sreeramoju, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Healthcare delivery improvement, Healthcare epidemiology

My mentoring philosophy is based on healthy mentor-mentee relationships and nudging and coaching and providing resources to help a mentee towards learning, growth and making sound choices. Most of the choices I have helped mentees make are professional in nature, but some mentees have also felt comfortable sounding out personal dilemmas with me, which I was glad to help out with. I am trained in infectious diseases and epidemiology, and I have an executive MBA in healthcare organizational leadership. I have mentored high school students, medical and graduate students, residents and fellows as well as junior faculty. I also believe in the power of lateral mentoring of peers, and I have been a proud recipient of the same. I love reading, traveling, and blogging. My favorite forms of exercise are walking and yoga. I grew up and went to medical school in South India, and came to the US when I was 26 years old. I am a Hindu, but I love learning about all religions, and recently got interested in the role of spirituality in medicine. It's probably sufficient to say that I have many diverse interests and would love to mentor trainees in a topic of their choice.

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Lia Thomas, M.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I serve as an Associate Program Director for the Psychiatry Residency Program at UT Southwestern. My academic interests are in the transition between medical school and residency, advocacy, and resident workforce issues. I'm a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA, and received my medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I completed my psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern, and upon completion of my training, joined the VA North Texas Health Care System. I am the Medical Director of the outpatient Mental Health Trauma Services team, an interdisciplinary team focused on providing evidenced based care to Veterans with PTSD.

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Michael VanPelt, D.P.M.
Associate Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness

I am a DPM Foot and Ankle surgeon who has been faculty at UTSW for 13 years now. I was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I attended undergrad in Arkansas and Medical schooling in Chicago, IL. My residency training was at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Fellowship training occurred in Miami, FL. I was the first DPM in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery here at UTSW and African American male full time faculty. I have mentored several undergraduate students who have matriculated into medical school and teach/guide current residents in the Orthopaedic Surgery department. What motivates me in academic medicine is to provide a good representative of an academic DPM foot and ankle surgeon who can provide comprehensive care of the foot and ankle. Many MDs do not get experience to a well-trained DPM, so their perception is not always good regarding the scope of care that a DPM can provide. I like to change that perception while trainees are learning the basics to provide a good representation of the DPM physician. Hobbies are off road biking (mountain biking). I like mentoring because I like to see young people grow and improve their personal development.

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Larissa Velez, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Graduate medical education, Finding your niche

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My residency in emergency medicine was also at the University of Puerto Rico. I arrived at UTSW in 1999 for a fellowship in medical toxicology. I have always been interested in medical education, so I worked my way to eventually become the emergency medicine program director. Last year, I took over as Associate Dean for GME. I am married to another UTSW EM faculty member and have teenager twin boys.

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Rebecca Vigen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

I am a noninvasive cardiologist. I am originally from Louisiana and went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. I completed my residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease, both at UT Southwestern. I also completed a cardiovascular outcomes research fellowship and master's degree in clinical sciences at the University of Colorado and a master's degree in public administration at Syracuse University. My research interests include quality and outcomes research and value in health care. I am a proud mother of two young children.

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Dawn Wetzel, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Biochemistry Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Women’s topics

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Yijun (Mike) Yang, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I'm from Oklahoma and trained in Philadelphia for residency. I went straight through college/med school/residency to being an attending. I'm in academics because as a resident, I thought working with attendings I liked was the best part of the job, and I wanted that relationship to form the basis for my career. Outside of work, I'm usually sitting at home playing video games or cooking.

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Vlad Zaha, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

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Family and Child Care as a Physician

Kareem AbdelFattah, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General & Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Careers in education

I am a South Florida transplant to Texas, graduating from the University of Florida (undergrad) and then the University of South Florida for medical school, before the Match brought me to UT-Southwestern. My clinical practice is focused in Burns, Trauma, and Acute Care Surgery, and I am married to a physician practicing MFM in Ft. Worth (also a UTSW residency/fellowship grad). We have two young children, and balancing our busy careers with family life is a unique challenge that we love to share about. I also have the privilege of serving as the Program Director for the General Surgery program. My research interests are focused on improving the clinical learning environment and improving the systems by which we train medical students and residents. My learning curve as faculty as far as developing a career in Education is where I can help a young physician who might know that this is the career path they wish to pursue.

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Marconi Abreu, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Job searching, J1 waiver

I am originally from Brazil. I completed my residence at University of Connecticut where I also served as a chief resident. I did a J-1 waiver job in Massachusetts as a private practice internist. I came to UTSW to pursue a fellowship in endocrinology, where I stayed as faculty after I completed my training. I have mentored several medical students, residents and fellows. My love to teach drove me into academics. I help those who struggle the most to adapt to a new environment and those having issues during their training. I also help my fellows regularly with job seeking tips. I love to see my mentees' growth during their training. My hobbies include stock market and playing guitar.

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Bethany Agusala, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Lifestyle and preventive medicine

I am a general internist who specializes in lifestyle medicine, preventing and treating chronic disease through evidence-based recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep and reduction of harmful substances. My passion is to share this knowledge with patients and to ensure this is a core part of medical training. In my time at UTSW, I have also served as a mentor to trainees and peers promoting careers in primary care. Originally from Michigan, I'm a transplant to Texas. My husband and I are both physicians with two small kids so I have experience balancing family life and career. In my precious spare time, I like to cook, hike and do yoga.

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Sari Bar, D.O.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Developmental Behavior Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I received my medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and continued my pediatric residency and fellowship training at Northwell Health Cohen Children's Medical Center in New York. Originally from Ft. Worth, I moved back to my native state of Texas and accepted a position at UT Southwestern in 2017. I am the Medical Director of the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics clinic and Down syndrome clinic at Children's Health in Dallas. I chose a path in academic medicine because of my love for teaching and strong interest in resident education. I serve as the Developmental Behavioral Pediatric residency rotation-training director and mentor several medical students and residents with expressed interest in the field. During my fellowship training, and in the last several years, I mentored several residents and fellows about potential career paths, academic medicine versus private practice, parenting and family life during training, and navigating life with a new baby and young children. I had several mentors when I was building a family in residency and have enjoyed the opportunity to mentor others.

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Bonnie Bermas, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology Department
Rheumatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I completed my internal medicine training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and rheumatology training at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and the NIH. Initially envisioning a career in basic science, I switched courses and ended up in a career in academic clinical medicine. For two decades, I was part of the faculty at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where I had several administrative roles. I joined the faculty of the Division of Rheumatic Diseases at UTSW in 2017. I think that being a rheumatologist is the best job I could imagine. I love the long-term relationships I have with patients. I particularly enjoy working with patients as they make decisions about whether to be childfree or include parenting in their plans. Married to another academic physician, I understand the challenges of trying to blend career and family. While we did manage to raise three children, something had to give, and more often than not, we had "breakfast for dinner." I have enjoyed serving as a mentor for medical students, residents, and fellows both academically and as they navigate a work-life balance. My biggest career honor was when my former fellows and colleagues gave me the inaugural "Life Mentor" award.

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Sujata Bhushan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Wellness, Women’s topics

I'm an APD for the Internal Medicine residency program as well as a Colleges mentor for last few years. I really enjoy interacting with students and residents and getting to know them better, building relationships along the way. I am originally from India, underwent medical training there before moving to the U.S. in l994. I have been at the Dallas VA / UTSW for last 17 years. I enjoy teaching and learning from my residents and students. I enjoy being an APD and a Colleges mentor. I find it a very gratifying and enriching experience! Fun fact: I have a twin! I also love to travel and see new places!

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Mengchen Cao, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness

Teaching and working with medical students and residents is what motivates me to be in academic medicine. Besides small group and bedside clinical education, I enjoy mentoring learners who are interested in various aspects of EM. Other areas I can offer advice for are Wellness and Family/Children as a busy physician. I grew up in the North Texas area and love living in Dallas! Hobbies include traveling, cooking, reading, and trying new restaurants.

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Christina Chan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Neonatal & Perinatal Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Integration of academic practice into community care settings, Conflict resolution, Team building, Dual career academic physician families

I am the medical director of a neonatal intensive care unit in a community hospital where I focus on team building, conflict resolution, and integration of academic practice in a community setting. As a clinician-educator, I love to share why I chose neonatology, but also love mentoring those who will be our collaborators. Medicine is a team sport where the best patient outcomes occur when we have good compassionate doctors in all positions on the team. I am married and am walking the path of family, parenting, and partnering with another academic physician in balancing our individual and mutual goals. I am also Christian but appreciate how faith of many backgrounds informs medical practice. I am grateful to the people in my life who have mentored me in my career, many who were not neonatologists, and am happy to return that to the medical community. I love to cook (sometimes badly), read science fiction, watch YouTube videos on gardening, playing with my kids and walking our dog.

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Kelly Chin, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Specialty specific advice

I am a pulmonary and critical care physician with a subspecialty interest in pulmonary hypertension. I spend about 2/3 of my time on patient care; this involves spending time on an inpatient pulmonary service, pulmonary hypertension clinic, and occasional procedures. The remainder of my time is spent on clinical research and administrative tasks, including work on multicenter clinical trials, UTSW studies on pulmonary hypertension outcomes, and work as an associate editor. I had a somewhat circuitous route towards my current career, including 2 years as a hospitalist prior to fellowship, 2 years in pulmonary private practice prior to joining UT Southwestern, and later changing from a clinical track to the clinical scholar track a few years into my academic career. Happy to provide advice on specialty / subspecialty decisions, private practice vs. academics, and research vs. non-research pathways. On a personal note, I have two kids who arrived pretty early in my career; for fun, I enjoy riding my bike around area trails (white rock and such), and in the summer I try to spend as many weekends as I can at Lake Lavon skiing and tubing with friends.

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Adriane dela Cruz, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Psychiatry Department
Mood Disorders Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Medical education

I am an addiction psychiatrist, and I'm engaged in medical education (medical student, resident, and fellow), research, and clinical practice. My husband is a family medicine physician in community private practice (we met in medical school), and we have two children--one was born when I was a resident and one when I was a fellow. Our older son has a genetic syndrome, and I'm happy to talk about parenting both my typical child and my child with disabilities. We are also an interracial and interfaith family. I'm passionate about teaching evidence based medicine and about finding new ways to help learners engage with the literature. I've received funding from the UT Southwestern Academy of Teachers (SWAT) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) to develop educational materials/programs. I'm a graduate of the UT Southwestern LEAD faculty development program, and I have been recognized for outstanding mentorship in the psychiatry residency program.

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Elisabeth Golden, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neuro Muscular Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I am a clinician-educator neurologist with subspecialty focus in neuromuscular and autonomic disorders. I have done my entire training (med school and on) at UTSW and so have a lot of experience navigating the system as a trainee and while starting a family. I came into residency thinking I would become a private practice general neurologist, but found a passion for the discovery and education mission of academia. I have had some really special mentors who have walked this road before me and shared their experiences (the good, bad, and crazy!) and so I would love to pay this forward, particularly as a woman in medicine.

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Raksha Jain, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I serve as Medical Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis clinical and research program at UT Southwestern. I oversee an active laboratory where we have numerous clinical and translational studies largely addressing care and treatment of people with CF. My particular area of interest is in sex disparities and why women with CF have worse outcomes than men. We take a bench to bedside approach to this question and study the effects of estrogen on innate immunity and the impact of sex hormones on lung function and inflammation. I enjoy teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows and have led a number of our trainees in writing first author publications. I also serve on a number of national committees including a Women's Health Research Committee and CF national registry committee, which allows for lots of collaboration. I love blending my career with patient care, research and teaching and do my best to find a balance between work and family. I have 2 boys (ages 10 and 13) and spend most of my time outside of work watching them play basketball, baseball, guitar or going on Boy Scout campouts.

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Mili Khandheria, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Psychiatry Department
Pediatrics Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice

I graduated medical school with a joint MD/MBA degree in 2012, went on to do my psychiatry residency at UTMB Galveston, and then completed my fellowship in child psychiatry in 2017. I worked in the community for three years prior to returning to UT Southwestern as faculty and as the medical director of the newly formed Child Psychiatry Access Network program. I was very excited to come back to academic medicine and grow this new program. I would love to mentor someone interested in child psychiatry and on how to balance family and medicine during training. I am originally from Lubbock, TX where much of my family still resides. I have two sons and my husband is an ENT surgeon at Baylor. I love my peloton tread, eating/cooking (hence the need to work out), reading, and traveling (pre COVID 19). I would have loved a mentor throughout my training and am excited to be a part of this program!

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Karen Kowalske, M.D.
Professor
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, LGBTQ+ topics, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I have been at UT Southwestern for 30 years. I'm a professor and former department chair. I'm a lesbian with 2 children who are now 18 and 20. I spent the last 20 years doing activities with them. Now I enjoy outdoor activities, exercising and travel.

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Felicity Lenes-Voit, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department
Pediatric Otolaryngology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Dual professional marriages (though not dual-physician), Infertility treatment or fertility preservation while in training

I'm a surgical subspecialist who started my family as a resident and encountered significant difficulties with grief and "balancing" family and a demanding training program. I've undergone IVF, dealt with the diagnosis of cancer in and then loss of my mother, and miscarried much-wanted pregnancies as a trainee. Despite all of this, my program hired me as a Fellow and then as Faculty. I'm grateful to them and enjoy the opportunity to teach, provide support for our trainees, and treat complex patients for whom our Academic center provides needed access to healthcare. Happy to chat about career planning cognizant of your broader goals, potential challenges, and/or be a cheerleader in tough times. Residency is hard, and it's not the way the rest of your life will be.

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Swee-Ling Levea, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Nephrology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Ildiko Lingvay, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Population & Data Sciences Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I was born and raised in Romania, but my nationality is Hungarian. I moved to the U.S. after completing my medical school. All my major career choices were influenced by outstanding mentors, and therefore I owe it to the next generation to pay it forward and help them navigate the complex (and often overwhelming) world of medicine and clinical research. I am an endocrinologist and a clinical scientist. My area of interest is the pathophysiology and treatment of people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic complications (like cardiovascular disease, NASH, nephropathy, retinopathy, etc). I have mentored many medical students, residents and fellows, and we completed many research projects and manuscripts together. I have two teenage girls and I like to stay active outside of work. While alpine skiing is my passion, I enjoy any water sports, yoga, or gym workout. I love to travel and my goal is to visit at least a handful of countries on each continent.

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John Mansour, M.D.
Professor
Surgery Department
Surgical Oncology HPB Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am a husband of over 20 years and a father of three children ranging in age from grade school to college. I grew up in Ohio and have been educated and trained in Indiana, Wisconsin, and New York City. I am a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist specializing in GI cancers including pancreas cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and other similar problems. I am the Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Leader of the GI Cancer Disease Oriented Team at the Simmons Cancer Center. I am interested in helping learners and trainers develop a balanced, values-based, professional approach to a medical career.

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Carrie McAdams, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
McAdams Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Leadership training, Wellness, Women’s Topics, Cognitive neuroscience

I am a cognitive neuroscientist and a psychiatrist. I have been juggling multiple interests and roles throughout my life. I double-majored in college in biochemistry and behavioral science then completed an MD and PhD program. I came to UTSW for residency in psychiatry in 2006. I have built an NIH-funded research program examining the relationship between social perceptions, brain function, and body physiology. I believe physician scientists have a unique responsibility to take our clinical experiences to identify new areas of research. However, this path is not easy, and as such my career has been characterized by obtaining sponsorship and mentorship in unconventional ways. This has provided me with an extensive depth of knowledge about the challenges facing physician scientists in academic culture. Finally, I have both personal and professional expertise related to the unique challenges of being a woman in academic medicine, both as a mother of four, a female neuroscientist, and a psychiatrist specialized in women's mental health.

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Tamara McGregor, M.D.
Associate Professor
Family & Community Medicine and Internal Medicine Department
Family Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospice and Palliative care as a subspecialty

I am a family medicine physician from a small town in Texas and have a special love for the holistic care of patients and their families. I have specialized as well in Hospice and Palliative medicine having served as a hospice medical director and a palliative care consultant at UTSW university hospitals and Parkland as well. My love for teaching medical students and residents and fellows and others comes from the knowledge that while I can only take care of a finite number of patients, I can contribute to more compassionate care for many other patients by educating their doctors.

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Assistant Professor
Family & Community Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Wellness, Conflict in clinical practice, Academic medicine, Integrative Medicine

I was born and raised in India, and earned my medical degree at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz, Iran. I completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical Center and received advanced training in academic medicine through a fellowship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. I am Chief of the adult inpatient medicine service at Parkland Hospital. In addition to training in Family Medicine and Academic Medicine, I also have additional certification in integrative medicine.

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Vicki Moore, D.O.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Emergency Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Women’s topics

I am one of the general pediatrics providers in the pediatric emergency medicine division. I have two kids, one of whom I had while a resident and one while I was an attending. I would be interested in helping any trainee with questions about family, raising children as a physician (during and after training), and with women's issues and sexism in medicine.

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Rajiv Nijhawan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Dermatology Department
Surgical Dermatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am a Mohs surgeon in the Dept of Dermatology. I am originally from New Jersey, went to college and medical school at the University of Miami, and completed all of my training in New York City. I feel strongly that I would not be in my current position if it were not for my mentors, and thus teaching and mentoring others allows me to give back to our great field.

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Mary Elizabeth Paulk, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: LGBTQ+ topics, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Palliative care

I am a single mother (by choice) of twin girls, and have worked at UT Southwestern since 1996. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, went to Wellesley College, Emory Medicine School, and then moved to Dallas for my training in Internal Medicine. I was motivated to pursue a career in medicine by a desire to help mitigate disparities in healthcare, both by providing outstanding healthcare to underserved populations and investigating ways to overcome barriers to care for low-income populations. My area of specialization is Palliative Care, with a research focus on care of diverse and underserved populations. I am a lesbian, and actively involved with the UT Southwestern LGBT Business Resource Group. My hobbies include knitting, bird watching, reading, and hanging out with my girls. My interest in being a mentor is driven by a desire to ensure that everyone who joins our community feels at home, and finds the niche in which they can thrive.

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Ava Pierce, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics

I completed my undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, earned my medical degree at LSU School of Medicine at Shreveport, and completed an emergency medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine. I am the Associate Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Emergency Medicine here at UT Southwestern and an EM attending at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems. I am the Director of the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program and a faculty liaison for Housestaff Emerging Academy of Leaders (HEAL) program, which focuses on professional development and mentoring for residents and fellows who are underrepresented in medicine. I served as the President for the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM) in 2018-2019 and am currently a member-at-large on the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Board. I am committed to making innovative changes that will enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion and improve excellence in health care. My research interests include medical education, diversity and inclusion, and cardiac resuscitation. I enjoy music, dancing, traveling, and shopping. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors and enjoy helping others as they pursue their careers in medicine.

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Faisal Qureshi, M.D.
Associate Professor
Surgery Department
Pediatric Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Advanced degrees

I am an immigrant to the U.S. and have benefitted from the opportunities here. I have been a mentor to a diverse group of individuals in and out of medicine and have a different viewpoint than others. I believe the mentor-mentee relationship to be a partnership to improve the mentees’ career and enlighten the mentor. Here is a good webpage on the role of a mentor (https://thriveglobal.com/stories/the-role-of-a-mentor). I look forward to helping others reach their goals (https://utswmed.org/doctors/faisal-qureshi).

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Juan Marcos (Mark) Rendon, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I was born in the Dallas area and have always lived in Texas. I completed both medical school and residency here at UTSW/Parkland, so I am very familiar with our institution. I enjoy educating and mentoring learners at all levels. I'm active in the UTSW Medical School Academic Colleges, as well as work closely with residents in the Emergency Medicine residency program. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the personal and professional development of our students and housestaff. I am married, and my wife and I have a daughter. Wellness is very important to me, so I find that having hobbies outside of medicine is essential.

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Christiana Renner, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hospital Medicine at Parkland Hospital Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Medical education

My focus since my undergraduate years at Texas A&M University have been working with underserved communities, both in understanding and overcoming the effects of bias, both implicit and explicit, and in using education to advance the lives and careers of others. I began by studying both English Literature and Chemistry at Texas A&M University. After earning B.A. degrees in both, I began teaching ninth grade English in an inner city school in Houston, Texas. To advance my own education, I moved to New York to pursue a M.S. in publishing, concentrating on both book and electronic publishing at New York University, while working at Lippincott Williams &Wilkins. This catalyzed a latent interest in attending medical school. I returned to Texas after acceptance at UT Southwestern and developed a passion for working with the population of underserved patients at Parkland Hospital. I remained at UT Southwestern for residency training in Internal Medicine. I joined the faculty at UT Southwestern in 2011 and have continued to practice with the underserved population at Parkland Hospital. I have assisted with the growth of my division, serving in multiple leadership capacities in the group. I remain passionate about understanding the role that bias plays in medicine, including race, language, gender, substance use, and social situation, not only from the physician perspective, but also from the patient perspective. I am also passionate about education at both the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate level, including teaching faculty in medicine how to improve their teaching skills.

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Elliot Rinzler, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiology Department
Pediatric Radiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Military medicine, Ethics, Medical writing

I am a former flight surgeon with the U.S. Air Force, now trained as a radiologist with subspecialty training in pediatrics and interventional radiology. I work primarily at Children's Medical Center as a pediatric interventional radiologist. I'm involved in expanding the capabilities of our department in the areas of interventional oncology and palliative care.

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Rosechelle Ruggiero, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. I have been at UTSW for the past 15 years, which included my residency and fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care. I love academic medicine because I get to work with and shape trainees, and I love the collegiality that it offers as well. I am a single mother by choice to twins and can provide insight and guidance into the joys and tribulations of that path. I have always enjoyed mentoring - I completed the Mentoring Excellence program offered here and I am also one of the Internal Medicine APDs where I get to mentor in an informal way the residents I am assigned. As for hobbies, cooking, eating, wine, and running.

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John Rutherford, M.D.
Professor
Clinical Operations and Internal Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Patient experience/Clinical Operations

I am a Cardiologist, born and trained in New Zealand. I went to Brigham & Women's Hospital in 1976 to do cardiac physiology research for two years, and joined the Harvard Faculty in 1978, became Co-Director of the Coronary Care unit and later Co-Director of Clinical Cardiology. In 1988-89 I won the George Thorn Clinical Education award from the House staff. In 1993, I was recruited to UT Southwestern to lead Clinical Cardiology, and in 2001 was appointed VP of Clinical Operations at UT Southwestern. I am a Colleges Mentor. My clinical interests have been myocardial infarction, cardiovascular physiology and heart disease in pregnancy. My wife and daughter are both academic physicians. My administrative job is largely solving problems and advancing patient access and experience. I like cooking, playing golf and movies.

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Patricia Santiago-Muñoz, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics

I am the program director for our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. I have mentored several ob/gyn residents and MFM fellows throughout their years in training, and I participate in the UTSW mentoring programs for 1st year med students. I have completed the CS&E and LEAD programs on campus, and oversee a quarterly humanism in medicine program for our ob/gyn senior residents: we discuss everything from racism and sexism experienced as a woman in the workforce to sex trafficking to abortion. I have a strong passion for Women's Reproductive Rights. I am originally from Puerto Rico, I speak Spanish, and I'm the mom to two teenage girls. I think I do a pretty good job at maintaining work life balance, enjoying all the arts opportunities that Dallas has to offer. I live for academic medicine because I love teaching as well as learning from students and residents, and I enjoy all opportunities for mentoring, whether formal or informal, long or short term.

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Meghana Sathe, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics Department
Gastroenterology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I went to medical school in Miami, Florida and came to UTSW for Residency and Fellowship. I am an Associate Fellowship Director and co-Medical Director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. My interests are medical education and cystic fibrosis. I have combined my two passions and in the last 5 years begun to train GI fellows to have a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. My motivation in academic medicine is seeing my mentees grow and succeed. I enjoy sharing my passion with them. I also feel that it is important to learn how to balance a family life and work life, how to find happiness in your individual goals, and learn to measure successes that focus on your individual goals. I believe in working hard and giving it your best. My motivation comes from my 70-year-old mother who did two residencies in OB/GYN in India and then in the U.S. and practiced till this year when COVID forced her into retirement. Her passion for her career and her patients continues to motivate me every day.

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Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Negotiation, Job search

I specialize in Palliative Care at Clements University Hospital and Simmons Cancer Center. I earned my medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA and completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. My primary area of academic interest is providing and studying communication skill development and training for clinicians at all levels and am the Program Director for UT Southwestern's VitalTalk Advanced Communication Training Program. I have national certification as a VitalTalk faculty member, and teach the communications methodology across the country. I have mentored students and residents in curriculum development projects from design to analysis and manuscript development. I am married, with one son, and greatly value and strive for work-life balance. I have a 28ish year old horse who I've had for the better part of my lifetime (competed in three-day eventing) and is spoiled in retirement on "Comfort Care.”

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Lia Thomas, M.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I serve as an Associate Program Director for the Psychiatry Residency Program at UT Southwestern. My academic interests are in the transition between medical school and residency, advocacy, and resident workforce issues. I'm a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA, and received my medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I completed my psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern, and upon completion of my training, joined the VA North Texas Health Care System. I am the Medical Director of the outpatient Mental Health Trauma Services team, an interdisciplinary team focused on providing evidenced based care to Veterans with PTSD.

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Julie Trivedi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospital epidemiology, Coaching

Hi! I'm the medical director of infection prevention for the UTSW Health system and although that sounds intimidating, I too started as a medical trainee, albeit what feels like many years ago! The journey to where I am now took me through internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship followed by my first job as an ID attending at Hopkins. There were plenty of ups and downs, personal and professional, and through it all, I've been learning more about myself, what inspires me and what brings me joy. I've lived all throughout the Northeast and New England and recently transplanted to Dallas in 2017 as a single mom with a leadership role raising 2 girls in a complex world. If you want to talk, my door is open, whether it is about nothing in particular or about family life, children, medicine, mental health, hospital epidemiology, infectious diseases, cooking, or the intricacies of being a woman, much less one who is South Asian and in medicine. I want you to feel supported and to feel encouraged.

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Michael VanPelt, D.P.M.
Associate Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness

I am a DPM Foot and Ankle surgeon who has been faculty at UTSW for 13 years now. I was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I attended undergrad in Arkansas and Medical schooling in Chicago, IL. My residency training was at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Fellowship training occurred in Miami, FL. I was the first DPM in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery here at UTSW and African American male full time faculty. I have mentored several undergraduate students who have matriculated into medical school and teach/guide current residents in the Orthopaedic Surgery department. What motivates me in academic medicine is to provide a good representative of an academic DPM foot and ankle surgeon who can provide comprehensive care of the foot and ankle. Many MDs do not get experience to a well-trained DPM, so their perception is not always good regarding the scope of care that a DPM can provide. I like to change that perception while trainees are learning the basics to provide a good representation of the DPM physician. Hobbies are off road biking (mountain biking). I like mentoring because I like to see young people grow and improve their personal development.

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Rebecca Vigen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

I am a noninvasive cardiologist. I am originally from Louisiana and went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. I completed my residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease, both at UT Southwestern. I also completed a cardiovascular outcomes research fellowship and master's degree in clinical sciences at the University of Colorado and a master's degree in public administration at Syracuse University. My research interests include quality and outcomes research and value in health care. I am a proud mother of two young children.

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Debra Weinberger, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and Pediatrics Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics

I have a number of different career experiences. After residency, I completed a research fellowship overseas, and then I joined a small group practice. I also had a solo practice in general otolaryngology in a rural area. After that, I completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship and came to UT Southwestern. I have always wanted to pursue academics and enjoy teaching medical students, residents and fellows. I am an academic Colleges mentor for medical students and am involved in and faculty sponsor for different medical student groups. I enjoy working with underserved populations. I have initiated several multidisciplinary clinics for patients without medical insurance or access to specialty care. My interests include medical student and resident education, physician wellness, career advising and underserved populations.

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Dawn Wetzel, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Biochemistry Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Women’s topics

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Sarah Wingfield, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Geriatrics Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Naomi Winick, M.D.
Professor
Pediatrics Department
Hematology and Oncology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I came to UTSW, in 1985, after completing a pediatric internship and residency at Columbia, and a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, assuming I would stay in Dallas for a year, finish my fellowship in pediatric oncology, and return to "civilization"! That was many years, one husband (pediatric surgeon, UTSW), three children, a new grandson and an interesting career ago. I've been reasonably successful in pediatric oncology and am currently the Vice-Chair for the NCI's Pediatric Leukemia Lymphoma Steering Committee. I have been thrilled to mentor many within the Childrens Oncology Group and pediatric heme/onc fellows here at UT. Two of them, in particular, have become very well known for the work they started here. Now, in Seattle, one studies cardiotoxicity in the context of cancer therapy and, the other, now in Cincinnati, is establishing national quality metrics for hospice and palliative care. I was a mentor in the Colleges system at UT until 2018 but became a part-time faculty member, at that point, because I chose to pursue a Master's in Public Health. I'm happy to listen, share experiences, learn, and support.

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Andrew Zhang, M.D.
Associate Professor
Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

I was born and raised in China. I immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17. I went to a public high school in Southern California knowing very little English at the start. I watched TV to learn how to speak English--favorite TV show was Married with Children. I got into Claremont McKenna College and studied Chemistry and Biology. After making friends with some pre-med students and volunteering at a hospital, I decided to pursue medicine. I graduated 2nd in my class and went on to Stanford medical school. I loved anatomy. At first, I was fearful of a career in surgery due to perceived lifestyle, but I immediately fell in love after doing the surgery core rotation. Plastic surgery was especially appealing due to its problem-solving nature. I got into Stanford plastic surgery residency and added on one more year of hand surgery fellowship. I married my friend and classmate just before residency. We had our two daughters during residency. I did not sleep much for 7 years. I came to Texas as soon as I could. I was faculty at UTMB for 5 years, had a blast, and really enjoyed teaching residents. I was recruited to UTSW in 2016 and became PD of plastic surgery residency. I did a lot of growing personally and professionally in the past few years. I look forward to what the future holds.

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Leadership Training

Kareem AbdelFattah, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General & Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Careers in education

I am a South Florida transplant to Texas, graduating from the University of Florida (undergrad) and then the University of South Florida for medical school, before the Match brought me to UT-Southwestern. My clinical practice is focused in Burns, Trauma, and Acute Care Surgery, and I am married to a physician practicing MFM in Ft. Worth (also a UTSW residency/fellowship grad). We have two young children, and balancing our busy careers with family life is a unique challenge that we love to share about. I also have the privilege of serving as the Program Director for the General Surgery program. My research interests are focused on improving the clinical learning environment and improving the systems by which we train medical students and residents. My learning curve as faculty as far as developing a career in Education is where I can help a young physician who might know that this is the career path they wish to pursue.

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Marconi Abreu, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Job searching, J1 waiver

I am originally from Brazil. I completed my residence at University of Connecticut where I also served as a chief resident. I did a J-1 waiver job in Massachusetts as a private practice internist. I came to UTSW to pursue a fellowship in endocrinology, where I stayed as faculty after I completed my training. I have mentored several medical students, residents and fellows. My love to teach drove me into academics. I help those who struggle the most to adapt to a new environment and those having issues during their training. I also help my fellows regularly with job seeking tips. I love to see my mentees' growth during their training. My hobbies include stock market and playing guitar.

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Ashley Agan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department
Adult Otolaryngology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

I am from a small town in North Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. A love for human anatomy and physiology led me to a career in medicine. I am an Otolaryngologist, and I love working in an academic medical center. I get to take care of patients but also teach residents and medical students. Lifelong learning is a goal that I try to instill in every teaching interaction that I have. To develop a love of learning is to set oneself up for a successful future. Curiosity also allows us to have more meaningful interactions with our patients and our colleagues. Human interaction is what separates us from artificial intelligence, and it is important that we, as physicians, maintain the ability to connect with our patients. In addition to teaching and patient care, I am medical director of otolaryngology satellite clinics and graduated with an MBA in 2020. In my free time, I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

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Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Pediatric Hospitalists Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Medical education

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Bethany Agusala, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Lifestyle and preventive medicine

I am a general internist who specializes in lifestyle medicine, preventing and treating chronic disease through evidence-based recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep and reduction of harmful substances. My passion is to share this knowledge with patients and to ensure this is a core part of medical training. In my time at UTSW, I have also served as a mentor to trainees and peers promoting careers in primary care. Originally from Michigan, I'm a transplant to Texas. My husband and I are both physicians with two small kids so I have experience balancing family life and career. In my precious spare time, I like to cook, hike and do yoga.

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Venkatesh Aiyagari, M.D.
Professor
Neurological Surgery and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neuro Critical Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Negotiating visa issues for FMGs from India

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Chiaka Akarichi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics, Burn surgery, General surgery, Surgical critical care

I am a black, female surgeon of Nigerian descent. I completed general surgery training, followed by acute and reconstructive burn surgery fellowship and surgical critical care training. I am married and have a daughter. I am more than happy to serve as a mentor to any trainee who can or wishes to identify with any of the attributes that I have mentioned. I would love to assist any current trainee in their quest for self-exploration while in the midst of the rigors of training.

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Adam Alder, M.D.
Associate Professor
Surgery Department
Pediatric Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice

I've been at UTSW since 2002. I've been a resident, fellow and staff here. I worked before and under work hour restrictions. I'm excited about the future of training and education in Surgery. It is critical to me to assist trainees and future leaders with the skills and tools needed for success.

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Bonnie Bermas, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology Department
Rheumatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I completed my internal medicine training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and rheumatology training at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and the NIH. Initially envisioning a career in basic science, I switched courses and ended up in a career in academic clinical medicine. For two decades, I was part of the faculty at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where I had several administrative roles. I joined the faculty of the Division of Rheumatic Diseases at UTSW in 2017. I think that being a rheumatologist is the best job I could imagine. I love the long-term relationships I have with patients. I particularly enjoy working with patients as they make decisions about whether to be childfree or include parenting in their plans. Married to another academic physician, I understand the challenges of trying to blend career and family. While we did manage to raise three children, something had to give, and more often than not, we had "breakfast for dinner." I have enjoyed serving as a mentor for medical students, residents, and fellows both academically and as they navigate a work-life balance. My biggest career honor was when my former fellows and colleagues gave me the inaugural "Life Mentor" award.

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Rachel Bonnema, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Developing an academic career, Medical education

I am an associate division chief of general internal medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of South Dakota and completed my internal medicine residency in the Women's Health Track at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where I also completed a General Internal Medicine fellowship with a concentration in Women's Health and received a master's degree in medical education. It was during my time in residency and fellowship where I found my path in academic medicine as a clinician educator. My academic interests include women's health and communication skills, often working with interdisciplinary partners on projects. I have developed a keen interest in professional development for students, residents, and faculty and have been involved in educational leadership including 8 years as an associate program director for residency. I enjoy travelling, reading, cycling, and listening to podcasts while walking my dog.

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Christina Chan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Neonatal & Perinatal Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Integration of academic practice into community care settings, Conflict resolution, Team building, Dual career academic physician families

I am the medical director of a neonatal intensive care unit in a community hospital where I focus on team building, conflict resolution, and integration of academic practice in a community setting. As a clinician-educator, I love to share why I chose neonatology, but also love mentoring those who will be our collaborators. Medicine is a team sport where the best patient outcomes occur when we have good compassionate doctors in all positions on the team. I am married and am walking the path of family, parenting, and partnering with another academic physician in balancing our individual and mutual goals. I am also Christian but appreciate how faith of many backgrounds informs medical practice. I am grateful to the people in my life who have mentored me in my career, many who were not neonatologists, and am happy to return that to the medical community. I love to cook (sometimes badly), read science fiction, watch YouTube videos on gardening, playing with my kids and walking our dog.

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Leah Cohen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Clinical expert

One of the many reasons I strived to become a Clinical Educator was my love of teaching. My mentors during medical school, residency, and fellowship helped shape my path and clinical interests into a full-fledged career in Pulmonary and Critical Care and a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. Currently, I have had the opportunity to mentor residents who are interested in Pulmonary and Critical care as well as CF with case reports and retrospective reviews that have led to poster presentations at national conferences and publications. On a personal note, I am a Jewish woman who grew up in Houston, Texas. I grew up with a very close family who loves sports, especially the teams from Houston. I trained at UT San Antonio for Medical school, Vanderbilt University for residency, and Emory University for fellowship.

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M. Brett Cooper, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Developmental Behavior Division

Other Mentoring Topics: LGBTQ+ topics, Religion in medicine, Medical education

I believe that mentoring is essential in medicine. Finding your career fit in medicine can be daunting and a mentor can make that process easier. I was able to successfully mentor a pediatric resident to match into the adolescent medicine fellowship of his choice. As an openly gay physician, I also have experience on helping trainees with how to be LGBTQ in medicine. I have pursued a Master's in Education and am passionate about medical education. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and exploring craft beers.

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Daniel (Mark) Courtney, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I have been in academic emergency medicine for 20 years. However, I’ve only been one year at UTSW. I came here to help augment scholarship in the Department of Emergency Medicine as the Executive Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs. I am a Past President of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the largest group of academic faculty, fellows and over 3000 residents in emergency medicine in the world. I am sensitive to the challenges and opportunities our specialty is experiencing now, and will continue to encounter in the future. I aim to help in particular those students and residents looking for opportunity beyond simple ED shifts, to contribute creatively to emergency/on-demand care in the decades ahead.

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Fred Grinnell, Ph.D.
Professor
Cell Biology Department
Grinnell Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Religion in medicine, Ethical issues in the practice of medicine

I have been on the UT Southwestern faculty since 1972. Continuously funded by NIH from 1973-2014 doing research on cell-extracellular matrix interactions, clinical studies on chronic wounds, and training both dermatology and surgery fellows as well as cell biology graduate students. During this time much of my work also concerned philosophy of science and biomedical ethics. These latter topics, along with science education, have become the current focus of my teaching and research as described at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/grinnell/

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Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Legislative advocacy

I am a Board Certified Neuropsychologist at Children's Medical Center Dallas (CMCD). I have extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment of medically complex children and adolescents. I serve as Research Director for the CMCD Neuropsychology Service. I head an active research lab investigating genetic and intrapersonal factors influencing neurocognitive outcomes in medically complex children, adolescents, and young adults, with a particular focus on pediatric oncology and rare brain diseases. I serve as a research mentor for students in the Clinical Psychology graduate program at UTSW and the Pediatric Oncology Fellowship Program at CMCD. I can offer a variety of opportunities for research involvement to interested interns, residents, and fellows. I served as President of the Texas Psychological Association in 2019. I am currently an elected Board member for the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences. I have been a faculty mentor for the National Academy of Neuropsychology for several years. I would be happy to mentor interns, residents, and fellows in the development of leadership skills. Outside of work, I (a Dallas native) enjoy traveling, baking, horseback riding, and throwing endless tennis balls for my rescue Lab/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. My younger brother, Dr. Steve Spurgin, is currently a cardiology fellow at Children's.

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Raksha Jain, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I serve as Medical Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis clinical and research program at UT Southwestern. I oversee an active laboratory where we have numerous clinical and translational studies largely addressing care and treatment of people with CF. My particular area of interest is in sex disparities and why women with CF have worse outcomes than men. We take a bench to bedside approach to this question and study the effects of estrogen on innate immunity and the impact of sex hormones on lung function and inflammation. I enjoy teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows and have led a number of our trainees in writing first author publications. I also serve on a number of national committees including a Women's Health Research Committee and CF national registry committee, which allows for lots of collaboration. I love blending my career with patient care, research and teaching and do my best to find a balance between work and family. I have 2 boys (ages 10 and 13) and spend most of my time outside of work watching them play basketball, baseball, guitar or going on Boy Scout campouts.

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Nancy Kelly, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor
Pediatrics Department
General Pediatrics Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Education, Curriculum development, Immunizations delivery, Advocacy, Community partnerships

I have been a general pediatrician for 30 years. I always knew I wanted to be in academia because I love the combination of patient care, teaching and research. I could not decide on just one sub-specialty, so I got an MPH and did an Academic General Pediatric fellowship. Main areas of interest: resident education in community pediatrics and advocacy, building community partnerships, increasing immunizations delivery, medical student curriculum development, health education in the community, injury prevention, and primary care. Current Mentoring: Seldin Colleges mentor to medical students and mentor for pediatric residents' scholarly projects in advocacy.

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Karen Kowalske, M.D.
Professor
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, LGBTQ+ topics, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I have been at UT Southwestern for 30 years. I'm a professor and former department chair. I'm a lesbian with 2 children who are now 18 and 20. I spent the last 20 years doing activities with them. Now I enjoy outdoor activities, exercising and travel.

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Ildiko Lingvay, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Population & Data Sciences Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I was born and raised in Romania, but my nationality is Hungarian. I moved to the U.S. after completing my medical school. All my major career choices were influenced by outstanding mentors, and therefore I owe it to the next generation to pay it forward and help them navigate the complex (and often overwhelming) world of medicine and clinical research. I am an endocrinologist and a clinical scientist. My area of interest is the pathophysiology and treatment of people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic complications (like cardiovascular disease, NASH, nephropathy, retinopathy, etc). I have mentored many medical students, residents and fellows, and we completed many research projects and manuscripts together. I have two teenage girls and I like to stay active outside of work. While alpine skiing is my passion, I enjoy any water sports, yoga, or gym workout. I love to travel and my goal is to visit at least a handful of countries on each continent.

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John (Jay) Lohrey, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department and Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Hematology and Oncology Division

I am a 56-year-old male, married with three post-college children. I was in private practice for 20 years and then came to UTSW to be medical director in oncology at Ft. Worth. I achieved an MBA here in the UTSW program, and it was very helpful in networking at UTSW. I enjoy coaching and helping people solve their own business/practice problems. I am not a basic sciences researcher, and I would not be the best mentor for someone wanting to excel in the academic research world. I would be good, I hope, for someone who wants to enjoy taking care of patients, dealing with relationships and maintaining a balanced life with emphasis on spiritual, physical and making the most of every day, and being the physician they possibly can be.

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John Mansour, M.D.
Professor
Surgery Department
Surgical Oncology HPB Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am a husband of over 20 years and a father of three children ranging in age from grade school to college. I grew up in Ohio and have been educated and trained in Indiana, Wisconsin, and New York City. I am a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist specializing in GI cancers including pancreas cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and other similar problems. I am the Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Leader of the GI Cancer Disease Oriented Team at the Simmons Cancer Center. I am interested in helping learners and trainers develop a balanced, values-based, professional approach to a medical career.

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Carrie McAdams, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
McAdams Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Wellness, Women’s Topics, Cognitive neuroscience

I am a cognitive neuroscientist and a psychiatrist. I have been juggling multiple interests and roles throughout my life. I double-majored in college in biochemistry and behavioral science then completed an MD and PhD program. I came to UTSW for residency in psychiatry in 2006. I have built an NIH-funded research program examining the relationship between social perceptions, brain function, and body physiology. I believe physician scientists have a unique responsibility to take our clinical experiences to identify new areas of research. However, this path is not easy, and as such my career has been characterized by obtaining sponsorship and mentorship in unconventional ways. This has provided me with an extensive depth of knowledge about the challenges facing physician scientists in academic culture. Finally, I have both personal and professional expertise related to the unique challenges of being a woman in academic medicine, both as a mother of four, a female neuroscientist, and a psychiatrist specialized in women's mental health.

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Rajiv Nijhawan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Dermatology Department
Surgical Dermatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am a Mohs surgeon in the Dept of Dermatology. I am originally from New Jersey, went to college and medical school at the University of Miami, and completed all of my training in New York City. I feel strongly that I would not be in my current position if it were not for my mentors, and thus teaching and mentoring others allows me to give back to our great field.

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Padraig O'Suilleabhain, M.D.
Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Movement Disorders Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, MD-MBA degrees, Developing clinical research portfolio

After medical school in Ireland I immigrated to the U.S. I have been on faculty at UTSW as a neurologist since residency. In recent years, through the colleges program, I have appreciated the opportunity to have longitudinal relationship with medical students. I would like to be of service to others, to pass the torch forward, for renewal of this caring profession. My career awareness is limited to academic neurology in UTSW, but this includes 20+ years of medical practice, training, clinical research, and administration. I acquired some practice in coaching and leadership through an MBA program. If I can be of help, I welcome the opportunity!

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Ava Pierce, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics

I completed my undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, earned my medical degree at LSU School of Medicine at Shreveport, and completed an emergency medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine. I am the Associate Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Emergency Medicine here at UT Southwestern and an EM attending at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems. I am the Director of the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program and a faculty liaison for Housestaff Emerging Academy of Leaders (HEAL) program, which focuses on professional development and mentoring for residents and fellows who are underrepresented in medicine. I served as the President for the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM) in 2018-2019 and am currently a member-at-large on the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Board. I am committed to making innovative changes that will enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion and improve excellence in health care. My research interests include medical education, diversity and inclusion, and cardiac resuscitation. I enjoy music, dancing, traveling, and shopping. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors and enjoy helping others as they pursue their careers in medicine.

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Bonnie Prokesch, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Facing failures

I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and a career in medicine did not come easy. I applied to 18 medical schools as a senior in college only to receive 19 rejection letters because one school sent me two rejections. I took a year off and retook the MCATs and ultimately went to medical school. After that, while I matched for residency at my top choice, I did not match for fellowship and had to scramble. All of these experiences have made me the human and physician that I am today. I do not take for granted the privilege of caring for patients and teaching trainees. I was in private practice for a couple of years and then returned to academic medicine after realizing it was a better fit for me. In addition, I believe that we all need to feel safe and secure in who we are such that we can give our patients the best care - but this is fostered in a safe environment with a mentor who is open and honest and shows vulnerability. I am currently a colleges mentor in the medical school and have mentored many residents and fellows (men and women from all walks of life) in my tenure at UTSW.

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Faisal Qureshi, M.D.
Associate Professor
Surgery Department
Pediatric Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Advanced degrees

I am an immigrant to the U.S. and have benefitted from the opportunities here. I have been a mentor to a diverse group of individuals in and out of medicine and have a different viewpoint than others. I believe the mentor-mentee relationship to be a partnership to improve the mentees’ career and enlighten the mentor. Here is a good webpage on the role of a mentor (https://thriveglobal.com/stories/the-role-of-a-mentor). I look forward to helping others reach their goals (https://utswmed.org/doctors/faisal-qureshi).

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Humair Rana, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology & Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I was born and raised in Texas and have lived here most of my life. I stayed in academic medicine because I found I had a passion for teaching and it allowed me to explore other areas of interest including administration and research. I have held several leadership roles and serve as a mentor on multiple levels of life from high school to fellowship. I believe you should be passionate about what you do but your job should also complement your life. Wellness is something that should be cultivated early in life and I find this through personal pursuits. I read avidly and have taken courses in business and finance. I also enjoy sports and my family.

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Elliot Rinzler, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiology Department
Pediatric Radiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Military medicine, Ethics, Medical writing

I am a former flight surgeon with the U.S. Air Force, now trained as a radiologist with subspecialty training in pediatrics and interventional radiology. I work primarily at Children's Medical Center as a pediatric interventional radiologist. I'm involved in expanding the capabilities of our department in the areas of interventional oncology and palliative care.

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John Rutherford, M.D.
Professor
Clinical Operations and Internal Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Patient experience/Clinical Operations

I am a Cardiologist, born and trained in New Zealand. I went to Brigham & Women's Hospital in 1976 to do cardiac physiology research for two years, and joined the Harvard Faculty in 1978, became Co-Director of the Coronary Care unit and later Co-Director of Clinical Cardiology. In 1988-89 I won the George Thorn Clinical Education award from the House staff. In 1993, I was recruited to UT Southwestern to lead Clinical Cardiology, and in 2001 was appointed VP of Clinical Operations at UT Southwestern. I am a Colleges Mentor. My clinical interests have been myocardial infarction, cardiovascular physiology and heart disease in pregnancy. My wife and daughter are both academic physicians. My administrative job is largely solving problems and advancing patient access and experience. I like cooking, playing golf and movies.

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Tonia Sabo, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Pain Management, and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Patricia Santiago-Muñoz, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics

I am the program director for our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. I have mentored several ob/gyn residents and MFM fellows throughout their years in training, and I participate in the UTSW mentoring programs for 1st year med students. I have completed the CS&E and LEAD programs on campus, and oversee a quarterly humanism in medicine program for our ob/gyn senior residents: we discuss everything from racism and sexism experienced as a woman in the workforce to sex trafficking to abortion. I have a strong passion for Women's Reproductive Rights. I am originally from Puerto Rico, I speak Spanish, and I'm the mom to two teenage girls. I think I do a pretty good job at maintaining work life balance, enjoying all the arts opportunities that Dallas has to offer. I live for academic medicine because I love teaching as well as learning from students and residents, and I enjoy all opportunities for mentoring, whether formal or informal, long or short term.

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Meghana Sathe, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics Department
Gastroenterology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I went to medical school in Miami, Florida and came to UTSW for Residency and Fellowship. I am an Associate Fellowship Director and co-Medical Director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. My interests are medical education and cystic fibrosis. I have combined my two passions and in the last 5 years begun to train GI fellows to have a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. My motivation in academic medicine is seeing my mentees grow and succeed. I enjoy sharing my passion with them. I also feel that it is important to learn how to balance a family life and work life, how to find happiness in your individual goals, and learn to measure successes that focus on your individual goals. I believe in working hard and giving it your best. My motivation comes from my 70-year-old mother who did two residencies in OB/GYN in India and then in the U.S. and practiced till this year when COVID forced her into retirement. Her passion for her career and her patients continues to motivate me every day.

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Nainesh Shah, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hospital Medicine at Parkland Hospital Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Medical informatics

I grew up in the Dallas area, went to college in St. Louis, med school in San Antonio, and trained in Houston. I started at UTSW in 2014 and have been practicing at Parkland as a hospitalist. I am also involved in our division leadership team and am a deputy medical informatics officer at Parkland.

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Pranavi Sreeramoju, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Healthcare delivery improvement, Healthcare epidemiology

My mentoring philosophy is based on healthy mentor-mentee relationships and nudging and coaching and providing resources to help a mentee towards learning, growth and making sound choices. Most of the choices I have helped mentees make are professional in nature, but some mentees have also felt comfortable sounding out personal dilemmas with me, which I was glad to help out with. I am trained in infectious diseases and epidemiology, and I have an executive MBA in healthcare organizational leadership. I have mentored high school students, medical and graduate students, residents and fellows as well as junior faculty. I also believe in the power of lateral mentoring of peers, and I have been a proud recipient of the same. I love reading, traveling, and blogging. My favorite forms of exercise are walking and yoga. I grew up and went to medical school in South India, and came to the US when I was 26 years old. I am a Hindu, but I love learning about all religions, and recently got interested in the role of spirituality in medicine. It's probably sufficient to say that I have many diverse interests and would love to mentor trainees in a topic of their choice.

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Julie Trivedi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospital epidemiology, Coaching

Hi! I'm the medical director of infection prevention for the UTSW Health system and although that sounds intimidating, I too started as a medical trainee, albeit what feels like many years ago! The journey to where I am now took me through internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship followed by my first job as an ID attending at Hopkins. There were plenty of ups and downs, personal and professional, and through it all, I've been learning more about myself, what inspires me and what brings me joy. I've lived all throughout the Northeast and New England and recently transplanted to Dallas in 2017 as a single mom with a leadership role raising 2 girls in a complex world. If you want to talk, my door is open, whether it is about nothing in particular or about family life, children, medicine, mental health, hospital epidemiology, infectious diseases, cooking, or the intricacies of being a woman, much less one who is South Asian and in medicine. I want you to feel supported and to feel encouraged.

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Michael VanPelt, D.P.M.
Associate Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness

I am a DPM Foot and Ankle surgeon who has been faculty at UTSW for 13 years now. I was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I attended undergrad in Arkansas and Medical schooling in Chicago, IL. My residency training was at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Fellowship training occurred in Miami, FL. I was the first DPM in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery here at UTSW and African American male full time faculty. I have mentored several undergraduate students who have matriculated into medical school and teach/guide current residents in the Orthopaedic Surgery department. What motivates me in academic medicine is to provide a good representative of an academic DPM foot and ankle surgeon who can provide comprehensive care of the foot and ankle. Many MDs do not get experience to a well-trained DPM, so their perception is not always good regarding the scope of care that a DPM can provide. I like to change that perception while trainees are learning the basics to provide a good representation of the DPM physician. Hobbies are off road biking (mountain biking). I like mentoring because I like to see young people grow and improve their personal development.

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Larissa Velez, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Graduate medical education, Finding your niche

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My residency in emergency medicine was also at the University of Puerto Rico. I arrived at UTSW in 1999 for a fellowship in medical toxicology. I have always been interested in medical education, so I worked my way to eventually become the emergency medicine program director. Last year, I took over as Associate Dean for GME. I am married to another UTSW EM faculty member and have teenager twin boys.

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Rebecca Vigen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

I am a noninvasive cardiologist. I am originally from Louisiana and went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. I completed my residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease, both at UT Southwestern. I also completed a cardiovascular outcomes research fellowship and master's degree in clinical sciences at the University of Colorado and a master's degree in public administration at Syracuse University. My research interests include quality and outcomes research and value in health care. I am a proud mother of two young children.

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Dustin Williams, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: LGBTQ+ topics, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I grew up and was raised on a farm in a small town in central Texas. I always knew I wanted to practice Emergency Medicine since my freshman year in high school. I have always had a passion for service and teaching, and EM ties the two nicely together. I followed my sister, the first in my family to attend college, to Texas A&M where I completed my Biomedical Science degree at Texas A&M. I continued my training at UT-Health San Antonio for medical school and then continued to residency at Indiana University. I currently serve as the Program Director for our Emergency Medicine residency training program.

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Vlad Zaha, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

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Andrew Zhang, M.D.
Associate Professor
Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice

I was born and raised in China. I immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17. I went to a public high school in Southern California knowing very little English at the start. I watched TV to learn how to speak English--favorite TV show was Married with Children. I got into Claremont McKenna College and studied Chemistry and Biology. After making friends with some pre-med students and volunteering at a hospital, I decided to pursue medicine. I graduated 2nd in my class and went on to Stanford medical school. I loved anatomy. At first, I was fearful of a career in surgery due to perceived lifestyle, but I immediately fell in love after doing the surgery core rotation. Plastic surgery was especially appealing due to its problem-solving nature. I got into Stanford plastic surgery residency and added on one more year of hand surgery fellowship. I married my friend and classmate just before residency. We had our two daughters during residency. I did not sleep much for 7 years. I came to Texas as soon as I could. I was faculty at UTMB for 5 years, had a blast, and really enjoyed teaching residents. I was recruited to UTSW in 2016 and became PD of plastic surgery residency. I did a lot of growing personally and professionally in the past few years. I look forward to what the future holds.

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LGBTQ+ Topics

M. Brett Cooper, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Developmental Behavior Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Medical education

I believe that mentoring is essential in medicine. Finding your career fit in medicine can be daunting and a mentor can make that process easier. I was able to successfully mentor a pediatric resident to match into the adolescent medicine fellowship of his choice. As an openly gay physician, I also have experience on helping trainees with how to be LGBTQ in medicine. I have pursued a Master's in Education and am passionate about medical education. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and exploring craft beers.

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Karen Kowalske, M.D.
Professor
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I have been at UT Southwestern for 30 years. I'm a professor and former department chair. I'm a lesbian with 2 children who are now 18 and 20. I spent the last 20 years doing activities with them. Now I enjoy outdoor activities, exercising and travel.

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Shawn McClintock, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
McClintock Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career

I am a clinical neuropsychologist in the Department of Psychiatry. My research interests center around neurocognitive function, mood disorders, and antidepressant neuromodulation intervention development. I have and continue to mentor students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty members. I believe mentoring is integral to career development and take great pride in mentoring.

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Mary Elizabeth Paulk, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Palliative care

I am a single mother (by choice) of twin girls, and have worked at UT Southwestern since 1996. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, went to Wellesley College, Emory Medicine School, and then moved to Dallas for my training in Internal Medicine. I was motivated to pursue a career in medicine by a desire to help mitigate disparities in healthcare, both by providing outstanding healthcare to underserved populations and investigating ways to overcome barriers to care for low-income populations. My area of specialization is Palliative Care, with a research focus on care of diverse and underserved populations. I am a lesbian, and actively involved with the UT Southwestern LGBT Business Resource Group. My hobbies include knitting, bird watching, reading, and hanging out with my girls. My interest in being a mentor is driven by a desire to ensure that everyone who joins our community feels at home, and finds the niche in which they can thrive.

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Kyaw Soe, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Academic teaching

I was born and raised in Myanmar, a Southeast Asia country. I have the diverse cultural background and understand the importance of nurturing the diversity in academic environment. I have been deeply involved in medical education and mentoring of medical students, residents and fellows since 2011 while I was at the Ohio State University. My area of clinical and research interest are male hypogonadism and transgender care. I am currently conducting the clinical trials in the field of testosterone and lipid medications and investigator initiated research project related to transgender at Dallas VA. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and working with housestaff closely and has always looking forwards to such opportunities. Current and past chief residents can vouch for my passion.

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Dustin Williams, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I grew up and was raised on a farm in a small town in central Texas. I always knew I wanted to practice Emergency Medicine since my freshman year in high school. I have always had a passion for service and teaching, and EM ties the two nicely together. I followed my sister, the first in my family to attend college, to Texas A&M where I completed my Biomedical Science degree at Texas A&M. I continued my training at UT-Health San Antonio for medical school and then continued to residency at Indiana University. I currently serve as the Program Director for our Emergency Medicine residency training program.

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Patient Care in the Era of COVID-19

Anik Amin, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
General Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Improving quality and cost-effectiveness in healthcare

I graduated from the BCM-Rice MD/MBA program in Houston, TX in 2011. I then went out of state for adult neurology residency (Rush in Chicago) and EEG-epilepsy fellowship (UW in Seattle). After 8 years of exploring Chicagoland and the Pacific NW with my wife, we moved back to Dallas. I enjoy working at UTSW since it is such a dynamic place with various opportunities in clinical medicine, research, leadership, and teaching. I like to dabble in a variety of things. I spend most of my clinical time on the general neurology inpatient services at PHHS and CUH. I also do some stroke service, Parkland Epilepsy clinic, and general neurology clinic. Beyond clinical neurology, I have interests in quality improvement, cost-effectiveness research, finding innovative ways to improve the quality/cost ('value') of our healthcare system to both individual patients and populations. Before COVID-19, I loved trying out new restaurants and playing basketball. Now I am starting to do more running/biking, singing with my toddler, and even baking.

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Rachel Bonnema, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Developing an academic career, Medical education

I am an associate division chief of general internal medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of South Dakota and completed my internal medicine residency in the Women's Health Track at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where I also completed a General Internal Medicine fellowship with a concentration in Women's Health and received a master's degree in medical education. It was during my time in residency and fellowship where I found my path in academic medicine as a clinician educator. My academic interests include women's health and communication skills, often working with interdisciplinary partners on projects. I have developed a keen interest in professional development for students, residents, and faculty and have been involved in educational leadership including 8 years as an associate program director for residency. I enjoy travelling, reading, cycling, and listening to podcasts while walking my dog.

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Christina Chan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Neonatal & Perinatal Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Integration of academic practice into community care settings, Conflict resolution, Team building, Dual career academic physician families

I am the medical director of a neonatal intensive care unit in a community hospital where I focus on team building, conflict resolution, and integration of academic practice in a community setting. As a clinician-educator, I love to share why I chose neonatology, but also love mentoring those who will be our collaborators. Medicine is a team sport where the best patient outcomes occur when we have good compassionate doctors in all positions on the team. I am married and am walking the path of family, parenting, and partnering with another academic physician in balancing our individual and mutual goals. I am also Christian but appreciate how faith of many backgrounds informs medical practice. I am grateful to the people in my life who have mentored me in my career, many who were not neonatologists, and am happy to return that to the medical community. I love to cook (sometimes badly), read science fiction, watch YouTube videos on gardening, playing with my kids and walking our dog.

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Sreekanth (Sree) Cheruku, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology & Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career

I am a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and intensive care physician at the Clements Hospital CVICU. My research projects currently include a randomized trial evaluating the impact of ambulation in cardiac surgery patients, a retrospective study evaluating the impact of regional anesthesia techniques on minithoracotomy aortic/mitral valve replacement patients and a multi-center registry of COVID-19 patients. I am looking for long-term (1 year at least) mentees interested in research in the following areas: 1. Outcomes after cardiac, thoracic and major vascular surgery, 2. Outcomes after solid organ transplant surgery, and 3. Outcomes after COVID-19 disease.

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Leah Cohen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Clinical expert

One of the many reasons I strived to become a Clinical Educator was my love of teaching. My mentors during medical school, residency, and fellowship helped shape my path and clinical interests into a full-fledged career in Pulmonary and Critical Care and a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. Currently, I have had the opportunity to mentor residents who are interested in Pulmonary and Critical care as well as CF with case reports and retrospective reviews that have led to poster presentations at national conferences and publications. On a personal note, I am a Jewish woman who grew up in Houston, Texas. I grew up with a very close family who loves sports, especially the teams from Houston. I trained at UT San Antonio for Medical school, Vanderbilt University for residency, and Emory University for fellowship.

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Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Emergency Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I am from Ann Arbor, MI and graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine located in Detroit, MI. I did my pediatric residency and pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas/Children's Medical Center of Dallas. During my third year of fellowship, I served as a chief fellow. Research Interests: Sepsis, Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction Mentor Interests: Anyone interested in Pediatric Emergency Medicine!

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Anita Hegde, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hospital Medicine at Parkland Hospital Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Patient safety

I grew up in Kansas City, trained in Boston and moved to Texas because I felt a special connection with Parkland. I have special interests in patient safety and in working with underserved populations, particularly Spanish speaking patients. As a hospital medicine physician at Parkland, I practice acute care medicine, teach residents and students on the wards, and participate in quality improvement projects.

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Raksha Jain, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s Topics

I serve as Medical Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis clinical and research program at UT Southwestern. I oversee an active laboratory where we have numerous clinical and translational studies largely addressing care and treatment of people with CF. My particular area of interest is in sex disparities and why women with CF have worse outcomes than men. We take a bench to bedside approach to this question and study the effects of estrogen on innate immunity and the impact of sex hormones on lung function and inflammation. I enjoy teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows and have led a number of our trainees in writing first author publications. I also serve on a number of national committees including a Women's Health Research Committee and CF national registry committee, which allows for lots of collaboration. I love blending my career with patient care, research and teaching and do my best to find a balance between work and family. I have 2 boys (ages 10 and 13) and spend most of my time outside of work watching them play basketball, baseball, guitar or going on Boy Scout campouts.

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Rajiv Nijhawan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Dermatology Department
Surgical Dermatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am a Mohs surgeon in the Dept of Dermatology. I am originally from New Jersey, went to college and medical school at the University of Miami, and completed all of my training in New York City. I feel strongly that I would not be in my current position if it were not for my mentors, and thus teaching and mentoring others allows me to give back to our great field.

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Caroline Park, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics, Education, Simulation, Trauma

I am an acute care and trauma surgeon in the Division of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma. My interests are in surgical education, simulation in trauma and introduction of new technologies as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors or spinning on my bike!

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Mary Elizabeth Paulk, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, LGBTQ+ topics, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Palliative care

I am a single mother (by choice) of twin girls, and have worked at UT Southwestern since 1996. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, went to Wellesley College, Emory Medicine School, and then moved to Dallas for my training in Internal Medicine. I was motivated to pursue a career in medicine by a desire to help mitigate disparities in healthcare, both by providing outstanding healthcare to underserved populations and investigating ways to overcome barriers to care for low-income populations. My area of specialization is Palliative Care, with a research focus on care of diverse and underserved populations. I am a lesbian, and actively involved with the UT Southwestern LGBT Business Resource Group. My hobbies include knitting, bird watching, reading, and hanging out with my girls. My interest in being a mentor is driven by a desire to ensure that everyone who joins our community feels at home, and finds the niche in which they can thrive.

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Ava Pierce, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics

I completed my undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, earned my medical degree at LSU School of Medicine at Shreveport, and completed an emergency medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine. I am the Associate Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Emergency Medicine here at UT Southwestern and an EM attending at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems. I am the Director of the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program and a faculty liaison for Housestaff Emerging Academy of Leaders (HEAL) program, which focuses on professional development and mentoring for residents and fellows who are underrepresented in medicine. I served as the President for the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM) in 2018-2019 and am currently a member-at-large on the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Board. I am committed to making innovative changes that will enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion and improve excellence in health care. My research interests include medical education, diversity and inclusion, and cardiac resuscitation. I enjoy music, dancing, traveling, and shopping. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors and enjoy helping others as they pursue their careers in medicine.

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Bonnie Prokesch, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Facing failures

I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and a career in medicine did not come easy. I applied to 18 medical schools as a senior in college only to receive 19 rejection letters because one school sent me two rejections. I took a year off and retook the MCATs and ultimately went to medical school. After that, while I matched for residency at my top choice, I did not match for fellowship and had to scramble. All of these experiences have made me the human and physician that I am today. I do not take for granted the privilege of caring for patients and teaching trainees. I was in private practice for a couple of years and then returned to academic medicine after realizing it was a better fit for me. In addition, I believe that we all need to feel safe and secure in who we are such that we can give our patients the best care - but this is fostered in a safe environment with a mentor who is open and honest and shows vulnerability. I am currently a colleges mentor in the medical school and have mentored many residents and fellows (men and women from all walks of life) in my tenure at UTSW.

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Robert Rash, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice

I graduated from UTSW residency in EM. My interests are in clinical operations, leadership, and EM department flow.

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Juan Marcos (Mark) Rendon, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I was born in the Dallas area and have always lived in Texas. I completed both medical school and residency here at UTSW/Parkland, so I am very familiar with our institution. I enjoy educating and mentoring learners at all levels. I'm active in the UTSW Medical School Academic Colleges, as well as work closely with residents in the Emergency Medicine residency program. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the personal and professional development of our students and housestaff. I am married, and my wife and I have a daughter. Wellness is very important to me, so I find that having hobbies outside of medicine is essential.

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Patricia Santiago-Muñoz, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics

I am the program director for our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. I have mentored several ob/gyn residents and MFM fellows throughout their years in training, and I participate in the UTSW mentoring programs for 1st year med students. I have completed the CS&E and LEAD programs on campus, and oversee a quarterly humanism in medicine program for our ob/gyn senior residents: we discuss everything from racism and sexism experienced as a woman in the workforce to sex trafficking to abortion. I have a strong passion for Women's Reproductive Rights. I am originally from Puerto Rico, I speak Spanish, and I'm the mom to two teenage girls. I think I do a pretty good job at maintaining work life balance, enjoying all the arts opportunities that Dallas has to offer. I live for academic medicine because I love teaching as well as learning from students and residents, and I enjoy all opportunities for mentoring, whether formal or informal, long or short term.

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Nainesh Shah, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hospital Medicine at Parkland Hospital Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Medical informatics

I grew up in the Dallas area, went to college in St. Louis, med school in San Antonio, and trained in Houston. I started at UTSW in 2014 and have been practicing at Parkland as a hospitalist. I am also involved in our division leadership team and am a deputy medical informatics officer at Parkland.

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Pranavi Sreeramoju, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Healthcare delivery improvement, Healthcare epidemiology

My mentoring philosophy is based on healthy mentor-mentee relationships and nudging and coaching and providing resources to help a mentee towards learning, growth and making sound choices. Most of the choices I have helped mentees make are professional in nature, but some mentees have also felt comfortable sounding out personal dilemmas with me, which I was glad to help out with. I am trained in infectious diseases and epidemiology, and I have an executive MBA in healthcare organizational leadership. I have mentored high school students, medical and graduate students, residents and fellows as well as junior faculty. I also believe in the power of lateral mentoring of peers, and I have been a proud recipient of the same. I love reading, traveling, and blogging. My favorite forms of exercise are walking and yoga. I grew up and went to medical school in South India, and came to the US when I was 26 years old. I am a Hindu, but I love learning about all religions, and recently got interested in the role of spirituality in medicine. It's probably sufficient to say that I have many diverse interests and would love to mentor trainees in a topic of their choice.

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Larissa Velez, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Graduate medical education, Finding your niche

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My residency in emergency medicine was also at the University of Puerto Rico. I arrived at UTSW in 1999 for a fellowship in medical toxicology. I have always been interested in medical education, so I worked my way to eventually become the emergency medicine program director. Last year, I took over as Associate Dean for GME. I am married to another UTSW EM faculty member and have teenager twin boys.

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Rebecca Vigen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

I am a noninvasive cardiologist. I am originally from Louisiana and went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. I completed my residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease, both at UT Southwestern. I also completed a cardiovascular outcomes research fellowship and master's degree in clinical sciences at the University of Colorado and a master's degree in public administration at Syracuse University. My research interests include quality and outcomes research and value in health care. I am a proud mother of two young children.

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Dawn Wetzel, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Biochemistry Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Women’s topics

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Dustin Williams, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, LGBTQ+ topics, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I grew up and was raised on a farm in a small town in central Texas. I always knew I wanted to practice Emergency Medicine since my freshman year in high school. I have always had a passion for service and teaching, and EM ties the two nicely together. I followed my sister, the first in my family to attend college, to Texas A&M where I completed my Biomedical Science degree at Texas A&M. I continued my training at UT-Health San Antonio for medical school and then continued to residency at Indiana University. I currently serve as the Program Director for our Emergency Medicine residency training program.

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Yijun (Mike) Yang, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I'm from Oklahoma and trained in Philadelphia for residency. I went straight through college/med school/residency to being an attending. I'm in academics because as a resident, I thought working with attendings I liked was the best part of the job, and I wanted that relationship to form the basis for my career. Outside of work, I'm usually sitting at home playing video games or cooking.

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Religion in Medicine

Christina Chan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Neonatal & Perinatal Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Integration of academic practice into community care settings, Conflict resolution, Team building, Dual career academic physician families

I am the medical director of a neonatal intensive care unit in a community hospital where I focus on team building, conflict resolution, and integration of academic practice in a community setting. As a clinician-educator, I love to share why I chose neonatology, but also love mentoring those who will be our collaborators. Medicine is a team sport where the best patient outcomes occur when we have good compassionate doctors in all positions on the team. I am married and am walking the path of family, parenting, and partnering with another academic physician in balancing our individual and mutual goals. I am also Christian but appreciate how faith of many backgrounds informs medical practice. I am grateful to the people in my life who have mentored me in my career, many who were not neonatologists, and am happy to return that to the medical community. I love to cook (sometimes badly), read science fiction, watch YouTube videos on gardening, playing with my kids and walking our dog.

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Leah Cohen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Clinical expert

One of the many reasons I strived to become a Clinical Educator was my love of teaching. My mentors during medical school, residency, and fellowship helped shape my path and clinical interests into a full-fledged career in Pulmonary and Critical Care and a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. Currently, I have had the opportunity to mentor residents who are interested in Pulmonary and Critical care as well as CF with case reports and retrospective reviews that have led to poster presentations at national conferences and publications. On a personal note, I am a Jewish woman who grew up in Houston, Texas. I grew up with a very close family who loves sports, especially the teams from Houston. I trained at UT San Antonio for Medical school, Vanderbilt University for residency, and Emory University for fellowship.

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M. Brett Cooper, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Developmental Behavior Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, LGBTQ+ topics, Medical education

I believe that mentoring is essential in medicine. Finding your career fit in medicine can be daunting and a mentor can make that process easier. I was able to successfully mentor a pediatric resident to match into the adolescent medicine fellowship of his choice. As an openly gay physician, I also have experience on helping trainees with how to be LGBTQ in medicine. I have pursued a Master's in Education and am passionate about medical education. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and exploring craft beers.

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Elisabeth Golden, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neuro Muscular Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I am a clinician-educator neurologist with subspecialty focus in neuromuscular and autonomic disorders. I have done my entire training (med school and on) at UTSW and so have a lot of experience navigating the system as a trainee and while starting a family. I came into residency thinking I would become a private practice general neurologist, but found a passion for the discovery and education mission of academia. I have had some really special mentors who have walked this road before me and shared their experiences (the good, bad, and crazy!) and so I would love to pay this forward, particularly as a woman in medicine.

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Fred Grinnell, Ph.D.
Professor
Cell Biology Department
Grinnell Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Leadership training, Ethical issues in the practice of medicine

I have been on the UT Southwestern faculty since 1972. Continuously funded by NIH from 1973-2014 doing research on cell-extracellular matrix interactions, clinical studies on chronic wounds, and training both dermatology and surgery fellows as well as cell biology graduate students. During this time much of my work also concerned philosophy of science and biomedical ethics. These latter topics, along with science education, have become the current focus of my teaching and research as described at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/grinnell/

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John Mansour, M.D.
Professor
Surgery Department
Surgical Oncology HPB Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am a husband of over 20 years and a father of three children ranging in age from grade school to college. I grew up in Ohio and have been educated and trained in Indiana, Wisconsin, and New York City. I am a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist specializing in GI cancers including pancreas cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and other similar problems. I am the Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Leader of the GI Cancer Disease Oriented Team at the Simmons Cancer Center. I am interested in helping learners and trainers develop a balanced, values-based, professional approach to a medical career.

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Ejike (Nicholas) Okoro, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Personal finance

I currently focus on liver transplantation and obstetric anesthesiology in addition to general anesthesiology. I also serve as an associate program director for the department's residency program. I have participated in formal and informal mentorship programs throughout my education and training, and I am excited about this opportunity. Outside of medicine, I love to travel and run. One is easier to do than the other is during the pandemic. I am a practicing Catholic. I would love to share my insights about religion in medicine, wellness, diversity, personal finance or any other topic.

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Padraig O'Suilleabhain, M.D.
Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Movement Disorders Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, MD-MBA degrees, Developing clinical research portfolio

After medical school in Ireland I immigrated to the U.S. I have been on faculty at UTSW as a neurologist since residency. In recent years, through the colleges program, I have appreciated the opportunity to have longitudinal relationship with medical students. I would like to be of service to others, to pass the torch forward, for renewal of this caring profession. My career awareness is limited to academic neurology in UTSW, but this includes 20+ years of medical practice, training, clinical research, and administration. I acquired some practice in coaching and leadership through an MBA program. If I can be of help, I welcome the opportunity!

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Faisal Qureshi, M.D.
Associate Professor
Surgery Department
Pediatric Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Advanced degrees

I am an immigrant to the U.S. and have benefitted from the opportunities here. I have been a mentor to a diverse group of individuals in and out of medicine and have a different viewpoint than others. I believe the mentor-mentee relationship to be a partnership to improve the mentees’ career and enlighten the mentor. Here is a good webpage on the role of a mentor (https://thriveglobal.com/stories/the-role-of-a-mentor). I look forward to helping others reach their goals (https://utswmed.org/doctors/faisal-qureshi).

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Christiana Renner, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hospital Medicine at Parkland Hospital Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Medical education

My focus since my undergraduate years at Texas A&M University have been working with underserved communities, both in understanding and overcoming the effects of bias, both implicit and explicit, and in using education to advance the lives and careers of others. I began by studying both English Literature and Chemistry at Texas A&M University. After earning B.A. degrees in both, I began teaching ninth grade English in an inner city school in Houston, Texas. To advance my own education, I moved to New York to pursue a M.S. in publishing, concentrating on both book and electronic publishing at New York University, while working at Lippincott Williams &Wilkins. This catalyzed a latent interest in attending medical school. I returned to Texas after acceptance at UT Southwestern and developed a passion for working with the population of underserved patients at Parkland Hospital. I remained at UT Southwestern for residency training in Internal Medicine. I joined the faculty at UT Southwestern in 2011 and have continued to practice with the underserved population at Parkland Hospital. I have assisted with the growth of my division, serving in multiple leadership capacities in the group. I remain passionate about understanding the role that bias plays in medicine, including race, language, gender, substance use, and social situation, not only from the physician perspective, but also from the patient perspective. I am also passionate about education at both the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate level, including teaching faculty in medicine how to improve their teaching skills.

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Rosechelle Ruggiero, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. I have been at UTSW for the past 15 years, which included my residency and fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care. I love academic medicine because I get to work with and shape trainees, and I love the collegiality that it offers as well. I am a single mother by choice to twins and can provide insight and guidance into the joys and tribulations of that path. I have always enjoyed mentoring - I completed the Mentoring Excellence program offered here and I am also one of the Internal Medicine APDs where I get to mentor in an informal way the residents I am assigned. As for hobbies, cooking, eating, wine, and running.

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Patricia Santiago-Muñoz, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women's topics

I am the program director for our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. I have mentored several ob/gyn residents and MFM fellows throughout their years in training, and I participate in the UTSW mentoring programs for 1st year med students. I have completed the CS&E and LEAD programs on campus, and oversee a quarterly humanism in medicine program for our ob/gyn senior residents: we discuss everything from racism and sexism experienced as a woman in the workforce to sex trafficking to abortion. I have a strong passion for Women's Reproductive Rights. I am originally from Puerto Rico, I speak Spanish, and I'm the mom to two teenage girls. I think I do a pretty good job at maintaining work life balance, enjoying all the arts opportunities that Dallas has to offer. I live for academic medicine because I love teaching as well as learning from students and residents, and I enjoy all opportunities for mentoring, whether formal or informal, long or short term.

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Pranavi Sreeramoju, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Healthcare delivery improvement, Healthcare epidemiology

My mentoring philosophy is based on healthy mentor-mentee relationships and nudging and coaching and providing resources to help a mentee towards learning, growth and making sound choices. Most of the choices I have helped mentees make are professional in nature, but some mentees have also felt comfortable sounding out personal dilemmas with me, which I was glad to help out with. I am trained in infectious diseases and epidemiology, and I have an executive MBA in healthcare organizational leadership. I have mentored high school students, medical and graduate students, residents and fellows as well as junior faculty. I also believe in the power of lateral mentoring of peers, and I have been a proud recipient of the same. I love reading, traveling, and blogging. My favorite forms of exercise are walking and yoga. I grew up and went to medical school in South India, and came to the US when I was 26 years old. I am a Hindu, but I love learning about all religions, and recently got interested in the role of spirituality in medicine. It's probably sufficient to say that I have many diverse interests and would love to mentor trainees in a topic of their choice.

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Julie Trivedi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, Leadership training, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospital epidemiology, Coaching

Hi! I'm the medical director of infection prevention for the UTSW Health system and although that sounds intimidating, I too started as a medical trainee, albeit what feels like many years ago! The journey to where I am now took me through internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship followed by my first job as an ID attending at Hopkins. There were plenty of ups and downs, personal and professional, and through it all, I've been learning more about myself, what inspires me and what brings me joy. I've lived all throughout the Northeast and New England and recently transplanted to Dallas in 2017 as a single mom with a leadership role raising 2 girls in a complex world. If you want to talk, my door is open, whether it is about nothing in particular or about family life, children, medicine, mental health, hospital epidemiology, infectious diseases, cooking, or the intricacies of being a woman, much less one who is South Asian and in medicine. I want you to feel supported and to feel encouraged.

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Michael VanPelt, D.P.M.
Associate Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness

I am a DPM Foot and Ankle surgeon who has been faculty at UTSW for 13 years now. I was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I attended undergrad in Arkansas and Medical schooling in Chicago, IL. My residency training was at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Fellowship training occurred in Miami, FL. I was the first DPM in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery here at UTSW and African American male full time faculty. I have mentored several undergraduate students who have matriculated into medical school and teach/guide current residents in the Orthopaedic Surgery department. What motivates me in academic medicine is to provide a good representative of an academic DPM foot and ankle surgeon who can provide comprehensive care of the foot and ankle. Many MDs do not get experience to a well-trained DPM, so their perception is not always good regarding the scope of care that a DPM can provide. I like to change that perception while trainees are learning the basics to provide a good representation of the DPM physician. Hobbies are off road biking (mountain biking). I like mentoring because I like to see young people grow and improve their personal development.

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Debra Weinberger, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and Pediatrics Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness, Women’s topics

I have a number of different career experiences. After residency, I completed a research fellowship overseas, and then I joined a small group practice. I also had a solo practice in general otolaryngology in a rural area. After that, I completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship and came to UT Southwestern. I have always wanted to pursue academics and enjoy teaching medical students, residents and fellows. I am an academic Colleges mentor for medical students and am involved in and faculty sponsor for different medical student groups. I enjoy working with underserved populations. I have initiated several multidisciplinary clinics for patients without medical insurance or access to specialty care. My interests include medical student and resident education, physician wellness, career advising and underserved populations.

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Single-Parenting as a Physician

Biral Patel, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

Medical education is testing throughout the process. It certainly is valuable to obtain guidance that can hopefully circumvent obstacles that may come across your path. I've spent a significant amount of time in private practice prior to transitioning into an academic practice. The interaction with trainees and to truly impact medicine moving forward is personally very gratifying for me. Wellness, diversity, parenting, and overall positivity are just a few of the topics I feel I have a pretty strong command on that I can hopefully share with future trainees.

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Mary Elizabeth Paulk, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, LGBTQ+ topics, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Palliative care

I am a single mother (by choice) of twin girls, and have worked at UT Southwestern since 1996. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, went to Wellesley College, Emory Medicine School, and then moved to Dallas for my training in Internal Medicine. I was motivated to pursue a career in medicine by a desire to help mitigate disparities in healthcare, both by providing outstanding healthcare to underserved populations and investigating ways to overcome barriers to care for low-income populations. My area of specialization is Palliative Care, with a research focus on care of diverse and underserved populations. I am a lesbian, and actively involved with the UT Southwestern LGBT Business Resource Group. My hobbies include knitting, bird watching, reading, and hanging out with my girls. My interest in being a mentor is driven by a desire to ensure that everyone who joins our community feels at home, and finds the niche in which they can thrive.

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Rosechelle Ruggiero, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. I have been at UTSW for the past 15 years, which included my residency and fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care. I love academic medicine because I get to work with and shape trainees, and I love the collegiality that it offers as well. I am a single mother by choice to twins and can provide insight and guidance into the joys and tribulations of that path. I have always enjoyed mentoring - I completed the Mentoring Excellence program offered here and I am also one of the Internal Medicine APDs where I get to mentor in an informal way the residents I am assigned. As for hobbies, cooking, eating, wine, and running.

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Tonia Sabo, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Pain Management, and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics

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Julie Trivedi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospital epidemiology, Coaching

Hi! I'm the medical director of infection prevention for the UTSW Health system and although that sounds intimidating, I too started as a medical trainee, albeit what feels like many years ago! The journey to where I am now took me through internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship followed by my first job as an ID attending at Hopkins. There were plenty of ups and downs, personal and professional, and through it all, I've been learning more about myself, what inspires me and what brings me joy. I've lived all throughout the Northeast and New England and recently transplanted to Dallas in 2017 as a single mom with a leadership role raising 2 girls in a complex world. If you want to talk, my door is open, whether it is about nothing in particular or about family life, children, medicine, mental health, hospital epidemiology, infectious diseases, cooking, or the intricacies of being a woman, much less one who is South Asian and in medicine. I want you to feel supported and to feel encouraged.

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Michael VanPelt, D.P.M.
Associate Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Wellness

I am a DPM Foot and Ankle surgeon who has been faculty at UTSW for 13 years now. I was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I attended undergrad in Arkansas and Medical schooling in Chicago, IL. My residency training was at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Fellowship training occurred in Miami, FL. I was the first DPM in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery here at UTSW and African American male full time faculty. I have mentored several undergraduate students who have matriculated into medical school and teach/guide current residents in the Orthopaedic Surgery department. What motivates me in academic medicine is to provide a good representative of an academic DPM foot and ankle surgeon who can provide comprehensive care of the foot and ankle. Many MDs do not get experience to a well-trained DPM, so their perception is not always good regarding the scope of care that a DPM can provide. I like to change that perception while trainees are learning the basics to provide a good representation of the DPM physician. Hobbies are off road biking (mountain biking). I like mentoring because I like to see young people grow and improve their personal development.

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Debra Weinberger, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and Pediatrics Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Wellness, Women’s topics

I have a number of different career experiences. After residency, I completed a research fellowship overseas, and then I joined a small group practice. I also had a solo practice in general otolaryngology in a rural area. After that, I completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship and came to UT Southwestern. I have always wanted to pursue academics and enjoy teaching medical students, residents and fellows. I am an academic Colleges mentor for medical students and am involved in and faculty sponsor for different medical student groups. I enjoy working with underserved populations. I have initiated several multidisciplinary clinics for patients without medical insurance or access to specialty care. My interests include medical student and resident education, physician wellness, career advising and underserved populations.

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Wellness

Marconi Abreu, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Job searching, J1 waiver

I am originally from Brazil. I completed my residence at University of Connecticut where I also served as a chief resident. I did a J-1 waiver job in Massachusetts as a private practice internist. I came to UTSW to pursue a fellowship in endocrinology, where I stayed as faculty after I completed my training. I have mentored several medical students, residents and fellows. My love to teach drove me into academics. I help those who struggle the most to adapt to a new environment and those having issues during their training. I also help my fellows regularly with job seeking tips. I love to see my mentees' growth during their training. My hobbies include stock market and playing guitar.

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Ashley Agan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department
Adult Otolaryngology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I am from a small town in North Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. A love for human anatomy and physiology led me to a career in medicine. I am an Otolaryngologist, and I love working in an academic medical center. I get to take care of patients but also teach residents and medical students. Lifelong learning is a goal that I try to instill in every teaching interaction that I have. To develop a love of learning is to set oneself up for a successful future. Curiosity also allows us to have more meaningful interactions with our patients and our colleagues. Human interaction is what separates us from artificial intelligence, and it is important that we, as physicians, maintain the ability to connect with our patients. In addition to teaching and patient care, I am medical director of otolaryngology satellite clinics and graduated with an MBA in 2020. In my free time, I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

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Bethany Agusala, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Lifestyle and preventive medicine

I am a general internist who specializes in lifestyle medicine, preventing and treating chronic disease through evidence-based recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep and reduction of harmful substances. My passion is to share this knowledge with patients and to ensure this is a core part of medical training. In my time at UTSW, I have also served as a mentor to trainees and peers promoting careers in primary care. Originally from Michigan, I'm a transplant to Texas. My husband and I are both physicians with two small kids so I have experience balancing family life and career. In my precious spare time, I like to cook, hike and do yoga.

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Anik Amin, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
General Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Improving quality and cost-effectiveness in healthcare

I graduated from the BCM-Rice MD/MBA program in Houston, TX in 2011. I then went out of state for adult neurology residency (Rush in Chicago) and EEG-epilepsy fellowship (UW in Seattle). After 8 years of exploring Chicagoland and the Pacific NW with my wife, we moved back to Dallas. I enjoy working at UTSW since it is such a dynamic place with various opportunities in clinical medicine, research, leadership, and teaching. I like to dabble in a variety of things. I spend most of my clinical time on the general neurology inpatient services at PHHS and CUH. I also do some stroke service, Parkland Epilepsy clinic, and general neurology clinic. Beyond clinical neurology, I have interests in quality improvement, cost-effectiveness research, finding innovative ways to improve the quality/cost ('value') of our healthcare system to both individual patients and populations. Before COVID-19, I loved trying out new restaurants and playing basketball. Now I am starting to do more running/biking, singing with my toddler, and even baking.

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Tolulope (Tolu) Bakare, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Urology Department
Adult Urology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics, Surgery, Urology

As a black female urologist, I've had my share of challenges and victories. I would be happy to help mentor others as they navigate the surgical world or the world of medicine in general.

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Sujata Bhushan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Women’s topics

I'm an APD for the Internal Medicine residency program as well as a Colleges mentor for last few years. I really enjoy interacting with students and residents and getting to know them better, building relationships along the way. I am originally from India, underwent medical training there before moving to the U.S. in l994. I have been at the Dallas VA / UTSW for last 17 years. I enjoy teaching and learning from my residents and students. I enjoy being an APD and a Colleges mentor. I find it a very gratifying and enriching experience! Fun fact: I have a twin! I also love to travel and see new places!

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Rachel Bonnema, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Developing an academic career, Medical education

I am an associate division chief of general internal medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of South Dakota and completed my internal medicine residency in the Women's Health Track at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where I also completed a General Internal Medicine fellowship with a concentration in Women's Health and received a master's degree in medical education. It was during my time in residency and fellowship where I found my path in academic medicine as a clinician educator. My academic interests include women's health and communication skills, often working with interdisciplinary partners on projects. I have developed a keen interest in professional development for students, residents, and faculty and have been involved in educational leadership including 8 years as an associate program director for residency. I enjoy travelling, reading, cycling, and listening to podcasts while walking my dog.

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Lianne Cagnazzi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I am originally from New York. I completed my Internal Medicine residency training in Chapel Hill at UNC in 2019 and joined the UTSW Division of General Internal Medicine as a faculty member. My academic interests and experience include undergraduate and graduate medical education. I am a primary care physician because I value the opportunity to know patients and their families over time and throughout a wide variety of medical and life experiences. My practice emphasizes evidence-based care tailored to the individual patient. I'm passionate about general internal medicine (GIM) and would be thrilled to share my experiences with a mentee that is considering GIM. In addition to being a physician, I'm also a dog mom, home cook, and gardener.

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Mengchen Cao, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice

Teaching and working with medical students and residents is what motivates me to be in academic medicine. Besides small group and bedside clinical education, I enjoy mentoring learners who are interested in various aspects of EM. Other areas I can offer advice for are Wellness and Family/Children as a busy physician. I grew up in the North Texas area and love living in Dallas! Hobbies include traveling, cooking, reading, and trying new restaurants.

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Daniel (Mark) Courtney, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

I have been in academic emergency medicine for 20 years. However, I’ve only been one year at UTSW. I came here to help augment scholarship in the Department of Emergency Medicine as the Executive Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs. I am a Past President of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the largest group of academic faculty, fellows and over 3000 residents in emergency medicine in the world. I am sensitive to the challenges and opportunities our specialty is experiencing now, and will continue to encounter in the future. I aim to help in particular those students and residents looking for opportunity beyond simple ED shifts, to contribute creatively to emergency/on-demand care in the decades ahead.

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Adriane dela Cruz, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Psychiatry Department
Mood Disorders Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Medical education

I am an addiction psychiatrist, and I'm engaged in medical education (medical student, resident, and fellow), research, and clinical practice. My husband is a family medicine physician in community private practice (we met in medical school), and we have two children--one was born when I was a resident and one when I was a fellow. Our older son has a genetic syndrome, and I'm happy to talk about parenting both my typical child and my child with disabilities. We are also an interracial and interfaith family. I'm passionate about teaching evidence based medicine and about finding new ways to help learners engage with the literature. I've received funding from the UT Southwestern Academy of Teachers (SWAT) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) to develop educational materials/programs. I'm a graduate of the UT Southwestern LEAD faculty development program, and I have been recognized for outstanding mentorship in the psychiatry residency program.

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Shivani Desai, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Medical education, Graduate medical education

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Clarice Grimes, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Women’s topics

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas Woman's University and a Doctorate of Medicine Degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine. I completed my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. After completion of my residency, I earned a Master's in Public Health from the University of Texas at Houston School of Public Health. In 2000, I joined the UT Southwestern Medical Center faculty. Currently, I serve as a staff physician at Parkland Health & Hospital System and its affiliated university hospitals. Active in medical education, I have served as a mentor and advisor for several programs: the Doctor of Nurse Practice Program, International Medical Education Capstone Project Program, Student National Medical Association Organization, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty Advisor to fourth-year medical students, and Resident Education Advisor in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. For eleven years, I have been a mentor in the Academic Colleges. I am a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Olivia Hoffman, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Critical Care Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Quality improvement, Experience as chief resident and chief fellow

I joined the UTSW pediatric critical care faculty in August 2019, and I spend my clinical time in the CVICU and PICU at Children's Medical Center. I attended medical school at UCLA, completed my pediatric residency and a chief year at University of Colorado, Denver, and my pediatric critical care fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital, spending my last year as a chief fellow. I am developing an academic niche in quality improvement and implementation science. I enjoy mentoring and teaching at the bedside, and more formally - currently I am developing our division's journal club experience and a QI curriculum for our fellows. I am happy to be a resource to help trainee's grow during the challenges of graduate medical education.

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Randall Hughes, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hematology and Oncology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice

I have spent my life and career in Texas. I have a varied background that allows me to offer insight into the choices made in terms of a career. For instance, life style, priorities, values, maybe gaining some wisdom by observing patients, and I have practiced both academic and private medicine. As an oncologist, I interact with patients who are acutely aware of the uncertainties that we all face. I enjoy listening and teaching. I like being around the best because it makes me better, and that's one reason I came back to UTSW.

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Felicity Lenes-Voit, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department
Pediatric Otolaryngology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Dual professional marriages (though not dual-physician), Infertility treatment or fertility preservation while in training

I'm a surgical subspecialist who started my family as a resident and encountered significant difficulties with grief and "balancing" family and a demanding training program. I've undergone IVF, dealt with the diagnosis of cancer in and then loss of my mother, and miscarried much-wanted pregnancies as a trainee. Despite all of this, my program hired me as a Fellow and then as Faculty. I'm grateful to them and enjoy the opportunity to teach, provide support for our trainees, and treat complex patients for whom our Academic center provides needed access to healthcare. Happy to chat about career planning cognizant of your broader goals, potential challenges, and/or be a cheerleader in tough times. Residency is hard, and it's not the way the rest of your life will be.

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Swee-Ling Levea, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Nephrology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

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Michelle Machie, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, African-American experience, Imposter syndrome

I am a first generation Nigerian American woman who went to UT Austin for undergraduate education. I was a leader in the Black Health Professions Organization at UT at a time when the faculty were not supportive of our goals. We were told that the projects we wanted to complete were likely to fail. I will never forget that. We went on to create a statewide symposium that remains successful to this today. I want to make sure every person choosing medicine has the support they need to be confident in their choices. I chose Academic medicine in Neonatal Neurology because I felt a special connection to the patient population and wanted to focus all of my energy and research attention on these patients and families. I am the only Black faculty in the Division of Pediatric Neurology at UTSW. I want to help minorities and women find success in Academics and to never feel intimidated in their field. I am getting married and hope to start a family soon. As far as hobbies, I am a vocalist and sing in The Women's choir of Dallas, and a travel and wine enthusiast as well!

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John Mansour, M.D.
Professor
Surgery Department
Surgical Oncology HPB Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice

I am a husband of over 20 years and a father of three children ranging in age from grade school to college. I grew up in Ohio and have been educated and trained in Indiana, Wisconsin, and New York City. I am a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist specializing in GI cancers including pancreas cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and other similar problems. I am the Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Leader of the GI Cancer Disease Oriented Team at the Simmons Cancer Center. I am interested in helping learners and trainers develop a balanced, values-based, professional approach to a medical career.

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Carrie McAdams, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
McAdams Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Women’s Topics, Cognitive neuroscience

I am a cognitive neuroscientist and a psychiatrist. I have been juggling multiple interests and roles throughout my life. I double-majored in college in biochemistry and behavioral science then completed an MD and PhD program. I came to UTSW for residency in psychiatry in 2006. I have built an NIH-funded research program examining the relationship between social perceptions, brain function, and body physiology. I believe physician scientists have a unique responsibility to take our clinical experiences to identify new areas of research. However, this path is not easy, and as such my career has been characterized by obtaining sponsorship and mentorship in unconventional ways. This has provided me with an extensive depth of knowledge about the challenges facing physician scientists in academic culture. Finally, I have both personal and professional expertise related to the unique challenges of being a woman in academic medicine, both as a mother of four, a female neuroscientist, and a psychiatrist specialized in women's mental health.

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Tamara McGregor, M.D.
Associate Professor
Family & Community Medicine and Internal Medicine Department
Family Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Women’s topics, Hospice and Palliative care as a subspecialty

I am a family medicine physician from a small town in Texas and have a special love for the holistic care of patients and their families. I have specialized as well in Hospice and Palliative medicine having served as a hospice medical director and a palliative care consultant at UTSW university hospitals and Parkland as well. My love for teaching medical students and residents and fellows and others comes from the knowledge that while I can only take care of a finite number of patients, I can contribute to more compassionate care for many other patients by educating their doctors.

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Assistant Professor
Family & Community Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Conflict in clinical practice, Academic medicine, Integrative Medicine

I was born and raised in India, and earned my medical degree at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz, Iran. I completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical Center and received advanced training in academic medicine through a fellowship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. I am Chief of the adult inpatient medicine service at Parkland Hospital. In addition to training in Family Medicine and Academic Medicine, I also have additional certification in integrative medicine.

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Rajiv Nijhawan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Dermatology Department
Surgical Dermatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice

I am a Mohs surgeon in the Dept of Dermatology. I am originally from New Jersey, went to college and medical school at the University of Miami, and completed all of my training in New York City. I feel strongly that I would not be in my current position if it were not for my mentors, and thus teaching and mentoring others allows me to give back to our great field.

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Ejike (Nicholas) Okoro, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Personal finance

I currently focus on liver transplantation and obstetric anesthesiology in addition to general anesthesiology. I also serve as an associate program director for the department's residency program. I have participated in formal and informal mentorship programs throughout my education and training, and I am excited about this opportunity. Outside of medicine, I love to travel and run. One is easier to do than the other is during the pandemic. I am a practicing Catholic. I would love to share my insights about religion in medicine, wellness, diversity, personal finance or any other topic.

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Padraig O'Suilleabhain, M.D.
Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Movement Disorders Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, MD-MBA degrees, Developing clinical research portfolio

After medical school in Ireland I immigrated to the U.S. I have been on faculty at UTSW as a neurologist since residency. In recent years, through the colleges program, I have appreciated the opportunity to have longitudinal relationship with medical students. I would like to be of service to others, to pass the torch forward, for renewal of this caring profession. My career awareness is limited to academic neurology in UTSW, but this includes 20+ years of medical practice, training, clinical research, and administration. I acquired some practice in coaching and leadership through an MBA program. If I can be of help, I welcome the opportunity!

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Caroline Park, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics, Education, Simulation, Trauma

I am an acute care and trauma surgeon in the Division of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma. My interests are in surgical education, simulation in trauma and introduction of new technologies as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors or spinning on my bike!

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Biral Patel, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice

Medical education is testing throughout the process. It certainly is valuable to obtain guidance that can hopefully circumvent obstacles that may come across your path. I've spent a significant amount of time in private practice prior to transitioning into an academic practice. The interaction with trainees and to truly impact medicine moving forward is personally very gratifying for me. Wellness, diversity, parenting, and overall positivity are just a few of the topics I feel I have a pretty strong command on that I can hopefully share with future trainees.

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Humair Rana, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Anesthesiology & Pain Management Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

I was born and raised in Texas and have lived here most of my life. I stayed in academic medicine because I found I had a passion for teaching and it allowed me to explore other areas of interest including administration and research. I have held several leadership roles and serve as a mentor on multiple levels of life from high school to fellowship. I believe you should be passionate about what you do but your job should also complement your life. Wellness is something that should be cultivated early in life and I find this through personal pursuits. I read avidly and have taken courses in business and finance. I also enjoy sports and my family.

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Juan Marcos (Mark) Rendon, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice

I was born in the Dallas area and have always lived in Texas. I completed both medical school and residency here at UTSW/Parkland, so I am very familiar with our institution. I enjoy educating and mentoring learners at all levels. I'm active in the UTSW Medical School Academic Colleges, as well as work closely with residents in the Emergency Medicine residency program. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the personal and professional development of our students and housestaff. I am married, and my wife and I have a daughter. Wellness is very important to me, so I find that having hobbies outside of medicine is essential.

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John Rutherford, M.D.
Professor
Clinical Operations and Internal Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Patient experience/Clinical Operations

I am a cardiologist, born and trained in New Zealand. I went to Brigham & Women's Hospital in 1976 to do cardiac physiology research for two years, and joined the Harvard Faculty in 1978, became Co-Director of the Coronary Care unit and later Co-Director of Clinical Cardiology. In 1988-89 I won the George Thorn Clinical Education award from the House staff. In 1993, I was recruited to UT Southwestern to lead Clinical Cardiology, and in 2001 was appointed VP of Clinical Operations at UT Southwestern. I am a Colleges Mentor. My clinical interests have been myocardial infarction, cardiovascular physiology and heart disease in pregnancy. My wife and daughter are both academic physicians. My administrative job is largely solving problems and advancing patient access and experience. I like cooking, playing golf and movies.

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Tonia Sabo, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Pain Management, and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

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Patricia Santiago-Muñoz, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women's topics

I am the program director for our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. I have mentored several ob/gyn residents and MFM fellows throughout their years in training, and I participate in the UTSW mentoring programs for 1st year med students. I have completed the CS&E and LEAD programs on campus, and oversee a quarterly humanism in medicine program for our ob/gyn senior residents: we discuss everything from racism and sexism experienced as a woman in the workforce to sex trafficking to abortion. I have a strong passion for Women's Reproductive Rights. I am originally from Puerto Rico, I speak Spanish, and I'm the mom to two teenage girls. I think I do a pretty good job at maintaining work life balance, enjoying all the arts opportunities that Dallas has to offer. I live for academic medicine because I love teaching as well as learning from students and residents, and I enjoy all opportunities for mentoring, whether formal or informal, long or short term.

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Pranavi Sreeramoju, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Healthcare delivery improvement, Healthcare epidemiology

My mentoring philosophy is based on healthy mentor-mentee relationships and nudging and coaching and providing resources to help a mentee towards learning, growth and making sound choices. Most of the choices I have helped mentees make are professional in nature, but some mentees have also felt comfortable sounding out personal dilemmas with me, which I was glad to help out with. I am trained in infectious diseases and epidemiology, and I have an executive MBA in healthcare organizational leadership. I have mentored high school students, medical and graduate students, residents and fellows as well as junior faculty. I also believe in the power of lateral mentoring of peers, and I have been a proud recipient of the same. I love reading, traveling, and blogging. My favorite forms of exercise are walking and yoga. I grew up and went to medical school in South India, and came to the US when I was 26 years old. I am a Hindu, but I love learning about all religions, and recently got interested in the role of spirituality in medicine. It's probably sufficient to say that I have many diverse interests and would love to mentor trainees in a topic of their choice.

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Julie Trivedi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Hospital epidemiology, Coaching

Hi! I'm the medical director of infection prevention for the UTSW Health system and although that sounds intimidating, I too started as a medical trainee, albeit what feels like many years ago! The journey to where I am now took me through internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship followed by my first job as an ID attending at Hopkins. There were plenty of ups and downs, personal and professional, and through it all, I've been learning more about myself, what inspires me and what brings me joy. I've lived all throughout the Northeast and New England and recently transplanted to Dallas in 2017 as a single mom with a leadership role raising 2 girls in a complex world. If you want to talk, my door is open, whether it is about nothing in particular or about family life, children, medicine, mental health, hospital epidemiology, infectious diseases, cooking, or the intricacies of being a woman, much less one who is South Asian and in medicine. I want you to feel supported and to feel encouraged.

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Michael VanPelt, D.P.M.
Associate Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician

I am a DPM Foot and Ankle surgeon who has been faculty at UTSW for 13 years now. I was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I attended undergrad in Arkansas and Medical schooling in Chicago, IL. My residency training was at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Fellowship training occurred in Miami, FL. I was the first DPM in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery here at UTSW and African American male full time faculty. I have mentored several undergraduate students who have matriculated into medical school and teach/guide current residents in the Orthopaedic Surgery department. What motivates me in academic medicine is to provide a good representative of an academic DPM foot and ankle surgeon who can provide comprehensive care of the foot and ankle. Many MDs do not get experience to a well-trained DPM, so their perception is not always good regarding the scope of care that a DPM can provide. I like to change that perception while trainees are learning the basics to provide a good representation of the DPM physician. Hobbies are off road biking (mountain biking). I like mentoring because I like to see young people grow and improve their personal development.

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Larissa Velez, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics, Graduate medical education, Finding your niche

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My residency in emergency medicine was also at the University of Puerto Rico. I arrived at UTSW in 1999 for a fellowship in medical toxicology. I have always been interested in medical education, so I worked my way to eventually become the emergency medicine program director. Last year, I took over as Associate Dean for GME. I am married to another UTSW EM faculty member and have teenager twin boys.

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Rebecca Vigen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I am a noninvasive cardiologist. I am originally from Louisiana and went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. I completed my residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease, both at UT Southwestern. I also completed a cardiovascular outcomes research fellowship and master's degree in clinical sciences at the University of Colorado and a master's degree in public administration at Syracuse University. My research interests include quality and outcomes research and value in health care. I am a proud mother of two young children.

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Debra Weinberger, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and Pediatrics Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Women’s topics

I have a number of different career experiences. After residency, I completed a research fellowship overseas, and then I joined a small group practice. I also had a solo practice in general otolaryngology in a rural area. After that, I completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship and came to UT Southwestern. I have always wanted to pursue academics and enjoy teaching medical students, residents and fellows. I am an academic Colleges mentor for medical students and am involved in and faculty sponsor for different medical student groups. I enjoy working with underserved populations. I have initiated several multidisciplinary clinics for patients without medical insurance or access to specialty care. My interests include medical student and resident education, physician wellness, career advising and underserved populations.

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Dustin Williams, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: LGBTQ+ topics, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice

I grew up and was raised on a farm in a small town in central Texas. I always knew I wanted to practice Emergency Medicine since my freshman year in high school. I have always had a passion for service and teaching, and EM ties the two nicely together. I followed my sister, the first in my family to attend college, to Texas A&M where I completed my Biomedical Science degree at Texas A&M. I continued my training at UT-Health San Antonio for medical school and then continued to residency at Indiana University. I currently serve as the Program Director for our Emergency Medicine residency training program.

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Sarah Wingfield, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Geriatrics Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

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Yijun (Mike) Yang, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice

I'm from Oklahoma and trained in Philadelphia for residency. I went straight through college/med school/residency to being an attending. I'm in academics because as a resident, I thought working with attendings I liked was the best part of the job, and I wanted that relationship to form the basis for my career. Outside of work, I'm usually sitting at home playing video games or cooking.

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Women's Topics

Ashley Agan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department
Adult Otolaryngology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am from a small town in North Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. A love for human anatomy and physiology led me to a career in medicine. I am an Otolaryngologist, and I love working in an academic medical center. I get to take care of patients but also teach residents and medical students. Lifelong learning is a goal that I try to instill in every teaching interaction that I have. To develop a love of learning is to set oneself up for a successful future. Curiosity also allows us to have more meaningful interactions with our patients and our colleagues. Human interaction is what separates us from artificial intelligence, and it is important that we, as physicians, maintain the ability to connect with our patients. In addition to teaching and patient care, I am medical director of otolaryngology satellite clinics and graduated with an MBA in 2020. In my free time, I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

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Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Pediatric Hospitalists Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Medical education

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Bethany Agusala, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Lifestyle and preventive medicine

I am a general internist who specializes in lifestyle medicine, preventing and treating chronic disease through evidence-based recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep and reduction of harmful substances. My passion is to share this knowledge with patients and to ensure this is a core part of medical training. In my time at UTSW, I have also served as a mentor to trainees and peers promoting careers in primary care. Originally from Michigan, I'm a transplant to Texas. My husband and I are both physicians with two small kids so I have experience balancing family life and career. In my precious spare time, I like to cook, hike and do yoga.

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Chiaka Akarichi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Burn surgery, General surgery, Surgical critical care

I am a black, female surgeon of Nigerian descent. I completed general surgery training, followed by acute and reconstructive burn surgery fellowship and surgical critical care training. I am married and have a daughter. I am more than happy to serve as a mentor to any trainee who can or wishes to identify with any of the attributes that I have mentioned. I would love to assist any current trainee in their quest for self-exploration while in the midst of the rigors of training.

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Tolulope (Tolu) Bakare, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Urology Department
Adult Urology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Surgery, Urology

As a black female urologist, I've had my share of challenges and victories. I would be happy to help mentor others as they navigate the surgical world or the world of medicine in general.

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Sari Bar, D.O.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Developmental Behavior Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice

I received my medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and continued my pediatric residency and fellowship training at Northwell Health Cohen Children's Medical Center in New York. Originally from Ft. Worth, I moved back to my native state of Texas and accepted a position at UT Southwestern in 2017. I am the Medical Director of the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics clinic and Down syndrome clinic at Children's Health in Dallas. I chose a path in academic medicine because of my love for teaching and strong interest in resident education. I serve as the Developmental Behavioral Pediatric residency rotation-training director and mentor several medical students and residents with expressed interest in the field. During my fellowship training, and in the last several years, I mentored several residents and fellows about potential career paths, academic medicine versus private practice, parenting and family life during training, and navigating life with a new baby and young children. I had several mentors when I was building a family in residency and have enjoyed the opportunity to mentor others.

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Bonnie Bermas, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology Department
Rheumatology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

I completed my internal medicine training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and rheumatology training at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and the NIH. Initially envisioning a career in basic science, I switched courses and ended up in a career in academic clinical medicine. For two decades, I was part of the faculty at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where I had several administrative roles. I joined the faculty of the Division of Rheumatic Diseases at UTSW in 2017. I think that being a rheumatologist is the best job I could imagine. I love the long-term relationships I have with patients. I particularly enjoy working with patients as they make decisions about whether to be childfree or include parenting in their plans. Married to another academic physician, I understand the challenges of trying to blend career and family. While we did manage to raise three children, something had to give, and more often than not, we had "breakfast for dinner." I have enjoyed serving as a mentor for medical students, residents, and fellows both academically and as they navigate a work-life balance. My biggest career honor was when my former fellows and colleagues gave me the inaugural "Life Mentor" award.

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Priya Bhaskar, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Critical Care Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice

I work primarily in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care unit. My primary training background is Pediatric Critical Care. Although I am a naturalized U.S. citizen, I grew up in India, completed Medical school, and then moved to the U.S. with my husband. Due to my background, I think I can relate very well with trainees who grew up in one country and moved to the U.S. due to various personal reasons. I also practice in a very specified area, so I strongly feel I can mentor trainees who are interested in either Pediatric Intensive Care or Cardiac Intensive Care.

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Sujata Bhushan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Wellness

I'm an APD for the Internal Medicine residency program as well as a Colleges mentor for last few years. I really enjoy interacting with students and residents and getting to know them better, building relationships along the way. I am originally from India, underwent medical training there before moving to the U.S. in l994. I have been at the Dallas VA / UTSW for last 17 years. I enjoy teaching and learning from my residents and students. I enjoy being an APD and a Colleges mentor. I find it a very gratifying and enriching experience! Fun fact: I have a twin! I also love to travel and see new places!

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Rachel Bonnema, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Developing an academic career, Medical education

I am an associate division chief of general internal medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of South Dakota and completed my internal medicine residency in the Women's Health Track at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where I also completed a General Internal Medicine fellowship with a concentration in Women's Health and received a master's degree in medical education. It was during my time in residency and fellowship where I found my path in academic medicine as a clinician educator. My academic interests include women's health and communication skills, often working with interdisciplinary partners on projects. I have developed a keen interest in professional development for students, residents, and faculty and have been involved in educational leadership including 8 years as an associate program director for residency. I enjoy travelling, reading, cycling, and listening to podcasts while walking my dog.

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Lianne Cagnazzi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am originally from New York. I completed my Internal Medicine residency training in Chapel Hill at UNC in 2019 and joined the UTSW Division of General Internal Medicine as a faculty member. My academic interests and experience include undergraduate and graduate medical education. I am a primary care physician because I value the opportunity to know patients and their families over time and throughout a wide variety of medical and life experiences. My practice emphasizes evidence-based care tailored to the individual patient. I'm passionate about general internal medicine (GIM) and would be thrilled to share my experiences with a mentee that is considering GIM. In addition to being a physician, I'm also a dog mom, home cook, and gardener.

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Christina Chan, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Neonatal & Perinatal Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Integration of academic practice into community care settings, Conflict resolution, Team building, Dual career academic physician families

I am the medical director of a neonatal intensive care unit in a community hospital where I focus on team building, conflict resolution, and integration of academic practice in a community setting. As a clinician-educator, I love to share why I chose neonatology, but also love mentoring those who will be our collaborators. Medicine is a team sport where the best patient outcomes occur when we have good compassionate doctors in all positions on the team. I am married and am walking the path of family, parenting, and partnering with another academic physician in balancing our individual and mutual goals. I am also Christian but appreciate how faith of many backgrounds informs medical practice. I am grateful to the people in my life who have mentored me in my career, many who were not neonatologists, and am happy to return that to the medical community. I love to cook (sometimes badly), read science fiction, watch YouTube videos on gardening, playing with my kids and walking our dog.

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Leah Cohen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Clinical expert

One of the many reasons I strived to become a Clinical Educator was my love of teaching. My mentors during medical school, residency, and fellowship helped shape my path and clinical interests into a full-fledged career in Pulmonary and Critical Care and a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. Currently, I have had the opportunity to mentor residents who are interested in Pulmonary and Critical care as well as CF with case reports and retrospective reviews that have led to poster presentations at national conferences and publications. On a personal note, I am a Jewish woman who grew up in Houston, Texas. I grew up with a very close family who loves sports, especially the teams from Houston. I trained at UT San Antonio for Medical school, Vanderbilt University for residency, and Emory University for fellowship.

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Maralice Conacci-Sorrell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Cell Biology Department
Conacci-Sorrell Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance

I have scientific interest in nutrient utilization and biomass production in cancer cells. I am a Latin female immigrant, mother of two, and the first person in my family to attend to complete elementary education. I was born and raised in Brazil and lived trough numerous social and economic crises. Importantly, I was the only caregiver for my mother and my daughter who developed cancer. My mother passed away and my daughter is well. These experiences taught me strategies on how to balance life, prioritize my work, maintain a balanced head, and persist. I have mentored female and minority students and postdocs informally for the past 4 years on how to deal with difficult situations, how to effectively communicate and understand other cultures, and on how to balance family and a demanding career.

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Adriane dela Cruz, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Psychiatry Department
Mood Disorders Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Medical education

I am an addiction psychiatrist, and I'm engaged in medical education (medical student, resident, and fellow), research, and clinical practice. My husband is a family medicine physician in community private practice (we met in medical school), and we have two children--one was born when I was a resident and one when I was a fellow. Our older son has a genetic syndrome, and I'm happy to talk about parenting both my typical child and my child with disabilities. We are also an interracial and interfaith family. I'm passionate about teaching evidence based medicine and about finding new ways to help learners engage with the literature. I've received funding from the UT Southwestern Academy of Teachers (SWAT) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) to develop educational materials/programs. I'm a graduate of the UT Southwestern LEAD faculty development program, and I have been recognized for outstanding mentorship in the psychiatry residency program.

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Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Emergency Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice

I am from Ann Arbor, MI and graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine located in Detroit, MI. I did my pediatric residency and pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas/Children's Medical Center of Dallas. During my third year of fellowship, I served as a chief fellow. Research Interests: Sepsis, Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction Mentor Interests: Anyone interested in Pediatric Emergency Medicine!

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Basak Dogan, M.D.
Associate Professor
Radiology Department
Breast Imaging Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Specialty specific advice

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Elisabeth Golden, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neuro Muscular Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Women’s topics

I am a clinician-educator neurologist with subspecialty focus in neuromuscular and autonomic disorders. I have done my entire training (med school and on) at UTSW and so have a lot of experience navigating the system as a trainee and while starting a family. I came into residency thinking I would become a private practice general neurologist, but found a passion for the discovery and education mission of academia. I have had some really special mentors who have walked this road before me and shared their experiences (the good, bad, and crazy!) and so I would love to pay this forward, particularly as a woman in medicine.

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Clarice Grimes, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Wellness

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas Woman's University and a Doctorate of Medicine Degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine. I completed my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. After completion of my residency, I earned a Master's in Public Health from the University of Texas at Houston School of Public Health. In 2000, I joined the UT Southwestern Medical Center faculty. Currently, I serve as a staff physician at Parkland Health & Hospital System and its affiliated university hospitals. Active in medical education, I have served as a mentor and advisor for several programs: the Doctor of Nurse Practice Program, International Medical Education Capstone Project Program, Student National Medical Association Organization, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty Advisor to fourth-year medical students, and Resident Education Advisor in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. For eleven years, I have been a mentor in the Academic Colleges. I am a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Olivia Hoffman, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Critical Care Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Quality improvement, Experience as chief resident and chief fellow

I joined the UTSW pediatric critical care faculty in August 2019, and I spend my clinical time in the CVICU and PICU at Children's Medical Center. I attended medical school at UCLA, completed my pediatric residency and a chief year at University of Colorado, Denver, and my pediatric critical care fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital, spending my last year as a chief fellow. I am developing an academic niche in quality improvement and implementation science. I enjoy mentoring and teaching at the bedside, and more formally - currently I am developing our division's journal club experience and a QI curriculum for our fellows. I am happy to be a resource to help trainee's grow during the challenges of graduate medical education.

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Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice, Legislative advocacy

I am a Board Certified Neuropsychologist at Children's Medical Center Dallas (CMCD). I have extensive experience in neuropsychological assessment of medically complex children and adolescents. I serve as Research Director for the CMCD Neuropsychology Service. I head an active research lab investigating genetic and intrapersonal factors influencing neurocognitive outcomes in medically complex children, adolescents, and young adults, with a particular focus on pediatric oncology and rare brain diseases. I serve as a research mentor for students in the Clinical Psychology graduate program at UTSW and the Pediatric Oncology Fellowship Program at CMCD. I can offer a variety of opportunities for research involvement to interested interns, residents, and fellows. I served as President of the Texas Psychological Association in 2019. I am currently an elected Board member for the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences. I have been a faculty mentor for the National Academy of Neuropsychology for several years. I would be happy to mentor interns, residents, and fellows in the development of leadership skills. Outside of work, I (a Dallas native) enjoy traveling, baking, horseback riding, and throwing endless tennis balls for my rescue Lab/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. My younger brother, Dr. Steve Spurgin, is currently a cardiology fellow at Children's.

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Raksha Jain, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice

I serve as Medical Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis clinical and research program at UT Southwestern. I oversee an active laboratory where we have numerous clinical and translational studies largely addressing care and treatment of people with CF. My particular area of interest is in sex disparities and why women with CF have worse outcomes than men. We take a bench to bedside approach to this question and study the effects of estrogen on innate immunity and the impact of sex hormones on lung function and inflammation. I enjoy teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows and have led a number of our trainees in writing first author publications. I also serve on a number of national committees including a Women's Health Research Committee and CF national registry committee, which allows for lots of collaboration. I love blending my career with patient care, research and teaching and do my best to find a balance between work and family. I have 2 boys (ages 10 and 13) and spend most of my time outside of work watching them play basketball, baseball, guitar or going on Boy Scout campouts.

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Karen Kowalske, M.D.
Professor
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, LGBTQ+ topics, Specialty specific advice

I have been at UT Southwestern for 30 years. I'm a professor and former department chair. I'm a lesbian with 2 children who are now 18 and 20. I spent the last 20 years doing activities with them. Now I enjoy outdoor activities, exercising and travel.

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Felicity Lenes-Voit, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Department
Pediatric Otolaryngology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Dual professional marriages (though not dual-physician), Infertility treatment or fertility preservation while in training

I'm a surgical subspecialist who started my family as a resident and encountered significant difficulties with grief and "balancing" family and a demanding training program. I've undergone IVF, dealt with the diagnosis of cancer in and then loss of my mother, and miscarried much-wanted pregnancies as a trainee. Despite all of this, my program hired me as a Fellow and then as Faculty. I'm grateful to them and enjoy the opportunity to teach, provide support for our trainees, and treat complex patients for whom our Academic center provides needed access to healthcare. Happy to chat about career planning cognizant of your broader goals, potential challenges, and/or be a cheerleader in tough times. Residency is hard, and it's not the way the rest of your life will be.

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Swee-Ling Levea, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Nephrology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

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Ildiko Lingvay, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine and Population & Data Sciences Department
Endocrinology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

I was born and raised in Romania, but my nationality is Hungarian. I moved to the U.S. after completing my medical school. All my major career choices were influenced by outstanding mentors, and therefore I owe it to the next generation to pay it forward and help them navigate the complex (and often overwhelming) world of medicine and clinical research. I am an endocrinologist and a clinical scientist. My area of interest is the pathophysiology and treatment of people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic complications (like cardiovascular disease, NASH, nephropathy, retinopathy, etc). I have mentored many medical students, residents and fellows, and we completed many research projects and manuscripts together. I have two teenage girls and I like to stay active outside of work. While alpine skiing is my passion, I enjoy any water sports, yoga, or gym workout. I love to travel and my goal is to visit at least a handful of countries on each continent.

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Michelle Machie, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, African-American experience, Imposter syndrome

I am a first generation Nigerian American woman who went to UT Austin for undergraduate education. I was a leader in the Black Health Professions Organization at UT at a time when the faculty were not supportive of our goals. We were told that the projects we wanted to complete were likely to fail. I will never forget that. We went on to create a statewide symposium that remains successful to this today. I want to make sure every person choosing medicine has the support they need to be confident in their choices. I chose Academic medicine in Neonatal Neurology because I felt a special connection to the patient population and wanted to focus all of my energy and research attention on these patients and families. I am the only Black faculty in the Division of Pediatric Neurology at UTSW. I want to help minorities and women find success in Academics and to never feel intimidated in their field. I am getting married and hope to start a family soon. As far as hobbies, I am a vocalist and sing in The Women's choir of Dallas, and a travel and wine enthusiast as well!

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Carrie McAdams, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department
McAdams Lab Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Wellness, Cognitive neuroscience

I am a cognitive neuroscientist and a psychiatrist. I have been juggling multiple interests and roles throughout my life. I double-majored in college in biochemistry and behavioral science then completed an MD and PhD program. I came to UTSW for residency in psychiatry in 2006. I have built an NIH-funded research program examining the relationship between social perceptions, brain function, and body physiology. I believe physician scientists have a unique responsibility to take our clinical experiences to identify new areas of research. However, this path is not easy, and as such my career has been characterized by obtaining sponsorship and mentorship in unconventional ways. This has provided me with an extensive depth of knowledge about the challenges facing physician scientists in academic culture. Finally, I have both personal and professional expertise related to the unique challenges of being a woman in academic medicine, both as a mother of four, a female neuroscientist, and a psychiatrist specialized in women's mental health.

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Tamara McGregor, M.D.
Associate Professor
Family & Community Medicine and Internal Medicine Department
Family Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Hospice and Palliative care as a subspecialty

I am a family medicine physician from a small town in Texas and have a special love for the holistic care of patients and their families. I have specialized as well in Hospice and Palliative medicine having served as a hospice medical director and a palliative care consultant at UTSW university hospitals and Parkland as well. My love for teaching medical students and residents and fellows and others comes from the knowledge that while I can only take care of a finite number of patients, I can contribute to more compassionate care for many other patients by educating their doctors.

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Vicki Moore, D.O.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics Department
Emergency Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician

I am one of the general pediatrics providers in the pediatric emergency medicine division. I have two kids, one of whom I had while a resident and one while I was an attending. I would be interested in helping any trainee with questions about family, raising children as a physician (during and after training), and with women's issues and sexism in medicine.

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Caroline Park, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Surgery Department
General and Acute Care Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Education, Simulation, Trauma

I am an acute care and trauma surgeon in the Division of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma. My interests are in surgical education, simulation in trauma and introduction of new technologies as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors or spinning on my bike!

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Mary Elizabeth Paulk, M.D.
Professor
Internal Medicine Department
General Internal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, LGBTQ+ topics, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Single-parenting as a physician, Women’s topics, Palliative care

I am a single mother (by choice) of twin girls, and have worked at UT Southwestern since 1996. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, went to Wellesley College, Emory Medicine School, and then moved to Dallas for my training in Internal Medicine. I was motivated to pursue a career in medicine by a desire to help mitigate disparities in healthcare, both by providing outstanding healthcare to underserved populations and investigating ways to overcome barriers to care for low-income populations. My area of specialization is Palliative Care, with a research focus on care of diverse and underserved populations. I am a lesbian, and actively involved with the UT Southwestern LGBT Business Resource Group. My hobbies include knitting, bird watching, reading, and hanging out with my girls. My interest in being a mentor is driven by a desire to ensure that everyone who joins our community feels at home, and finds the niche in which they can thrive.

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Ava Pierce, M.D.
Associate Professor
Emergency Medicine Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice

I completed my undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, earned my medical degree at LSU School of Medicine at Shreveport, and completed an emergency medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine. I am the Associate Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Emergency Medicine here at UT Southwestern and an EM attending at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems. I am the Director of the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program and a faculty liaison for Housestaff Emerging Academy of Leaders (HEAL) program, which focuses on professional development and mentoring for residents and fellows who are underrepresented in medicine. I served as the President for the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM) in 2018-2019 and am currently a member-at-large on the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Board. I am committed to making innovative changes that will enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion and improve excellence in health care. My research interests include medical education, diversity and inclusion, and cardiac resuscitation. I enjoy music, dancing, traveling, and shopping. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors and enjoy helping others as they pursue their careers in medicine.

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Bonnie Prokesch, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Facing failures

I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and a career in medicine did not come easy. I applied to 18 medical schools as a senior in college only to receive 19 rejection letters because one school sent me two rejections. I took a year off and retook the MCATs and ultimately went to medical school. After that, while I matched for residency at my top choice, I did not match for fellowship and had to scramble. All of these experiences have made me the human and physician that I am today. I do not take for granted the privilege of caring for patients and teaching trainees. I was in private practice for a couple of years and then returned to academic medicine after realizing it was a better fit for me. In addition, I believe that we all need to feel safe and secure in who we are such that we can give our patients the best care - but this is fostered in a safe environment with a mentor who is open and honest and shows vulnerability. I am currently a colleges mentor in the medical school and have mentored many residents and fellows (men and women from all walks of life) in my tenure at UTSW.

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Christiana Renner, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Hospital Medicine at Parkland Hospital Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Medical education

My focus since my undergraduate years at Texas A&M University have been working with underserved communities, both in understanding and overcoming the effects of bias, both implicit and explicit, and in using education to advance the lives and careers of others. I began by studying both English Literature and Chemistry at Texas A&M University. After earning B.A. degrees in both, I began teaching ninth grade English in an inner city school in Houston, Texas. To advance my own education, I moved to New York to pursue a M.S. in publishing, concentrating on both book and electronic publishing at New York University, while working at Lippincott Williams &Wilkins. This catalyzed a latent interest in attending medical school. I returned to Texas after acceptance at UT Southwestern and developed a passion for working with the population of underserved patients at Parkland Hospital. I remained at UT Southwestern for residency training in Internal Medicine. I joined the faculty at UT Southwestern in 2011 and have continued to practice with the underserved population at Parkland Hospital. I have assisted with the growth of my division, serving in multiple leadership capacities in the group. I remain passionate about understanding the role that bias plays in medicine, including race, language, gender, substance use, and social situation, not only from the physician perspective, but also from the patient perspective. I am also passionate about education at both the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate level, including teaching faculty in medicine how to improve their teaching skills.

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Rosechelle Ruggiero, M.D.
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Pulmonary Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. I have been at UTSW for the past 15 years, which included my residency and fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care. I love academic medicine because I get to work with and shape trainees, and I love the collegiality that it offers as well. I am a single mother by choice to twins and can provide insight and guidance into the joys and tribulations of that path. I have always enjoyed mentoring - I completed the Mentoring Excellence program offered here and I am also one of the Internal Medicine APDs where I get to mentor in an informal way the residents I am assigned. As for hobbies, cooking, eating, wine, and running.

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Tonia Sabo, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics, Anesthesiology & Pain Management, and Neurology & Neurotherapeutics Department
Neurology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Leadership training, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

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Patricia Santiago-Muñoz, M.D.
Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Religion in medicine, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am the program director for our Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship. I have mentored several ob/gyn residents and MFM fellows throughout their years in training, and I participate in the UTSW mentoring programs for 1st year med students. I have completed the CS&E and LEAD programs on campus, and oversee a quarterly humanism in medicine program for our ob/gyn senior residents: we discuss everything from racism and sexism experienced as a woman in the workforce to sex trafficking to abortion. I have a strong passion for Women's Reproductive Rights. I am originally from Puerto Rico, I speak Spanish, and I'm the mom to two teenage girls. I think I do a pretty good job at maintaining work life balance, enjoying all the arts opportunities that Dallas has to offer. I live for academic medicine because I love teaching as well as learning from students and residents, and I enjoy all opportunities for mentoring, whether formal or informal, long or short term.

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Meghana Sathe, M.D.
Associate Professor
Pediatrics Department
Gastroenterology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Specialty specific advice

I went to medical school in Miami, Florida and came to UTSW for Residency and Fellowship. I am an Associate Fellowship Director and co-Medical Director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. My interests are medical education and cystic fibrosis. I have combined my two passions and in the last 5 years begun to train GI fellows to have a focus in Cystic Fibrosis. My motivation in academic medicine is seeing my mentees grow and succeed. I enjoy sharing my passion with them. I also feel that it is important to learn how to balance a family life and work life, how to find happiness in your individual goals, and learn to measure successes that focus on your individual goals. I believe in working hard and giving it your best. My motivation comes from my 70-year-old mother who did two residencies in OB/GYN in India and then in the U.S. and practiced till this year when COVID forced her into retirement. Her passion for her career and her patients continues to motivate me every day.

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Megan Sorich, D.O.
Assistant Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Department
Adult Orthopaedic Surgery Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Specialty specific advice

I was born and raised in Chicago. I traveled all over the country (St. Louis, Washington State, New Jersey, Minnesota, etc.) for my 11 years of medical education, and I am thrilled to be here at UTSW. I am an Orthopedic Surgeon who is passionate about taking care of the older adults with broken bones and musculoskeletal injuries. I enjoy mentoring because I did not have an easy time through medical education and training, and I enjoy inspiring others - if I got through it so can you! In my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, playing/watching sports, attempting to dance and glass blowing.

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Lia Thomas, M.D.
Associate Professor
Psychiatry Department

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice

I serve as an Associate Program Director for the Psychiatry Residency Program at UT Southwestern. My academic interests are in the transition between medical school and residency, advocacy, and resident workforce issues. I'm a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA, and received my medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I completed my psychiatry residency at UT Southwestern, and upon completion of my training, joined the VA North Texas Health Care System. I am the Medical Director of the outpatient Mental Health Trauma Services team, an interdisciplinary team focused on providing evidenced based care to Veterans with PTSD.

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Julie Trivedi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and childcare as a physician, Leadership training, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Hospital epidemiology, Coaching

Hi! I'm the medical director of infection prevention for the UTSW Health system and although that sounds intimidating, I too started as a medical trainee, albeit what feels like many years ago! The journey to where I am now took me through internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship followed by my first job as an ID attending at Hopkins. There were plenty of ups and downs, personal and professional, and through it all, I've been learning more about myself, what inspires me and what brings me joy. I've lived all throughout the Northeast and New England and recently transplanted to Dallas in 2017 as a single mom with a leadership role raising 2 girls in a complex world. If you want to talk, my door is open, whether it is about nothing in particular or about family life, children, medicine, mental health, hospital epidemiology, infectious diseases, cooking, or the intricacies of being a woman, much less one who is South Asian and in medicine. I want you to feel supported and to feel encouraged.

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Larissa Velez, M.D.
Professor
Emergency Medicine Department
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education

Other Mentoring Topics: Diversity guidance, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness, Graduate medical education, Finding your niche

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My residency in emergency medicine was also at the University of Puerto Rico. I arrived at UTSW in 1999 for a fellowship in medical toxicology. I have always been interested in medical education, so I worked my way to eventually become the emergency medicine program director. Last year, I took over as Associate Dean for GME. I am married to another UTSW EM faculty member and have teenager twin boys.

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Rebecca Vigen, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Cardiology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Leadership training, Patient care in the era of COVID-19, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

I am a noninvasive cardiologist. I am originally from Louisiana and went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. I completed my residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease, both at UT Southwestern. I also completed a cardiovascular outcomes research fellowship and master's degree in clinical sciences at the University of Colorado and a master's degree in public administration at Syracuse University. My research interests include quality and outcomes research and value in health care. I am a proud mother of two young children.

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Debra Weinberger, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and Pediatrics Department
Pediatric Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Religion in medicine, Single-parenting as a physician, Wellness

I have a number of different career experiences. After residency, I completed a research fellowship overseas, and then I joined a small group practice. I also had a solo practice in general otolaryngology in a rural area. After that, I completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship and came to UT Southwestern. I have always wanted to pursue academics and enjoy teaching medical students, residents and fellows. I am an academic Colleges mentor for medical students and am involved in and faculty sponsor for different medical student groups. I enjoy working with underserved populations. I have initiated several multidisciplinary clinics for patients without medical insurance or access to specialty care. My interests include medical student and resident education, physician wellness, career advising and underserved populations.

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Dawn Wetzel, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Pediatrics and Biochemistry Department
Infectious Diseases Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Diversity guidance, Family and child care as a physician, Patient care in the era of COVID-19

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Sarah Wingfield, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Geriatrics Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice, Wellness

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Naomi Winick, M.D.
Professor
Pediatrics Department
Hematology and Oncology Division

Other Mentoring Topics: Developing a research career, Family and child care as a physician, Specialty specific advice

I came to UTSW, in 1985, after completing a pediatric internship and residency at Columbia, and a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, assuming I would stay in Dallas for a year, finish my fellowship in pediatric oncology and return to "civilization"! That was many years, one husband (pediatric surgeon, UTSW), three children, a new grandson, and an interesting career ago. I've been reasonably successful in pediatric oncology and am currently the Vice-Chair for the NCI's Pediatric Leukemia Lymphoma Steering Committee. I have been thrilled to mentor many within the Childrens Oncology Group and pediatric heme/onc fellows here at UT. Two of them, in particular, have become very well known for the work they started here. Now, in Seattle, one studies cardiotoxicity in the context of cancer therapy and, the other, now in Cincinnati, is establishing national quality metrics for hospice and palliative care. I was a mentor in the Colleges system at UT until 2018 but became a part-time faculty member, at that point, because I chose to pursue a Masters in Public Health. I'm happy to listen, share experiences, learn and support.

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