Current Residents
Year 3
Undergraduate school: Mississippi College
Medical school: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Where are you from?
Ellsville, Mississippi
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
The people. Everyone is so welcoming here!
Research/Special Interests:
Sports medicine
Favorite pediatric moment:
Having a family specifically ask to come back to see me for their next well-child appointment! So rewarding to feel like you made a connection with a family, and you get to watch their child grow.
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my family and shotgun shooting.
Undergraduate School: Florida Atlantic University
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Where are you from?
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I chose KU Wichita Pediatrics because it was my favorite interview experience. Everyone I talked with was so engaging and I felt like they were really trying to get to know me as a person versus checking boxes on a list.
Research/Special Interests
My special interest is in outpatient pediatrics. I enjoy the time getting to build relationships with patients and their families.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include things outdoors like kayaking, fishing and walking nature trails with my wife.
Undergraduate School: Lebanese American University
Medical School: LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine
Where are you from?
Lebanon
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I love how dedicated the program is to provide its residents with abundant educational opportunities in addition to exciting wellness activities. The size of the program gives me ample opportunities to get one-on-one training from all specialists and have lots of hands-on while working in a safe and friendly environment. KU Wichita is couple-match friendly, and my partner and I are enjoying our respective programs!
Research/Special Interests
Pulmonology, gastroenterology and neonatology
Favorite pediatric moment:
A 9-month-old giving me the cutest hug and not letting go during the entire encounter.
What are your hobbies?
Yoga, ballet, biking and traveling
Undergraduate School: Doane University
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I had the privilege of completing my medical school training with KU as a 2 and 2 student. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the faculty and residents from KU Pediatrics. Seeing how close the residents were not only with the other residents but also being comfortable to go to the faculty whenever they needed really stood out to me. KU Wichita Pediatrics has increased their focus on resident wellness and that's something I find incredibly important in programs.
Research/Special Interests
Adolescent and mental health
Favorite pediatric moment:
There are so many to choose from, but the one that sticks out to mind to me is a patient that I was able to connect with during my sub-I of my fourth year of medical school. She was on our floor for about a week pending transfer and I was able to go in to talk with her every day. She opened up to me about different aspects of her life that were much harder for her to talk about and I felt honored that she trusted me enough in a short period of time to be open. She is a patient I will always remember.
What are your hobbies?
Video editing in my free time, going on walks, listening to Taylor Swift all day everyday, and exploring new coffee shops with friends.
Undergraduate School: Northwestern University
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I chose KU Wichita because I was looking for a small, close-knit community program that emphasized resident education while also fostering a supportive work environment that aligned with my future goals.
Research/Special Interests
Child neurology
Favorite pediatric moment:
My favorite pediatric moment was when I cared for a 5-year-old girl who was admitted for pneumonia. She required incentive spirometry to improve her lung function. She and I blew bubbles together every four hours. By the time she was ready for discharge, she said she was going to miss me and blowing bubbles together.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include dance, cooking and traveling.
Year 2
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I was so impressed during my interview at how warm and welcoming everyone was. I liked the X+Y schedule and the opportunity to work directly with attendings function like a fellow on subspecialty rotations like NICU.
Research/Special Interests:
Neonatology
What are your hobbies?
Playing board games, reading, playing disc golf and walking my dog, Wilma.
Favorite part of Wichita
All the coffee shops!
Favorite Pediatric Moment
One of my postoperative patients was nervous to tell me she was in pain because she thought she would have to get surgery again if she were in pain (she was not at risk to go back to the OR). I pinky promised her that I was only asking so I could help her feel better, and she told me the truth. I was able to put in a better pain regimen for her, and her pain improved significantly, all because of a pinky promise.
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I liked how friendly everyone was and how much support there is.
Research/Special Interests:
Emergency Medicine
What are your hobbies?
Crossfit
Favorite Pediatric Moment
As I was leaving the hospital one day, a mom screamed across the parking lot, "THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF MY BABY"
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
The main reason I chose KU Wichita Pediatrics is because during the entire interview process, the community seemed extremely supportive and the faculty seemed really invested in our interests as individuals and helping us to grow into amazing pediatricians.
Research/Special Interests:
Developmental pediatrics, mental and behavioral health, and public health
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy playing guitar, watching movies, listening to music and spending time with friends and family.
Favorite part of Wichita
I like the relaxed pace of life. I also enjoy exploring new places and spending time with my co-residents.
Favorite Pediatric Moment
Seeing the treatment begin to work in a patient that we have been taking care of for a month and the optimism that comes along with that. Then being able to discharge that patient as they continue their recovery and live out their lives.
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I chose KU Wichita Pediatrics because of the amazing, tight-knit family feeling this program has. The faculty are always available and willing to help, teach and mentor. I really appreciate the support and encouragement I receive from faculty and staff alike.
Research/Special Interests:
Outpatient pediatrics and preventative medicine
What are your hobbies:
Singing, reading, baking Crumbl copycat cookies
Favorite part of Wichita:
My favorite part about Wichita is all the family friendly places around town! The zoo, Botanica, Tanganyika, Exploration Place and YMCA are all incredible places to spend time with family.
Favorite Pediatric Moment:
In medical school I had the honor participating in my school’s preventive health program that provided free, in-school health screenings for elementary-aged children in the greatest need, including urban core and low-income families from under-resourced neighborhoods.
Year 1
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
The staff was super friendly, I felt like I would be treated as a person rather than a resource. Overall, I had a positive feeling that this would be a place that both myself and my family would thrive.
Research/Special Interests:
Hematology/Oncology
What are your hobbies?
Anything outdoors, spending time with my family, and definitely eating!
Favorite part of Wichita:
Tacos TJ 664 along with all the fun places to take the family!
Favorite pediatric moment:
Honestly every moment with the kiddos, they truly are the best!
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I experienced as a sub-intern an extremely friendly and supportive working environment that makes you feel part of a larger team and family. Despite being completely new to the country, let alone the program, I was given the same respect and attention that local KUMC students would get (if not more!) That is such an important feature for IMGs who are anxious about potential new surroundings. Also (seriously) the availability of food and drinks is a perk not many programs can offer and makes such a huge difference; one less thing to worry about.
Research/Special Interests:
This is something I will work to improve on. I am hoping to begin new research projects and to come across some interesting case reports! I hear the program is great in providing opportunities to attend nationwide conferences to broaden one's network.
What are your hobbies?
- Gym: Great offer at YMCA if you're at Wesley! Let the steam out after your long (but enjoyable) shifts.
- Soccer: The World Cup is coming to KC in Summer 2026! Bucket-list goals.
- Pickleball: Used to be paddle but you'll learn pickleball here in Wichita.
- Foodie: Loads of different restaurants to try. Texas Road House has the best bread I have ever tasted. I also have a habit of ranking the best burgers I've eaten (worldwide), and Belmont's smash burger wins it.
*Disclaimer: Not advertising*
Favorite pediatric moment:
From Lebanon: My name being remembered a day later by a 5-year-old female I had admitted for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Mom was particularly complimentary of my interaction with her kid, too. To have my name remembered by a child who I interacted with for only a few minutes while she was in extreme pain was reassuring of the mark I can leave on patients.
From Wesley: Having the morning attending agree with my suggestion of a pneumonia diagnosis in a 7-year-old male patient who had been admitted the night earlier for a supposed asthma attack and was only placed on asthma protocol. To be the main decision maker behind my patient requiring antibiotics gave me a sense of fulfilment and encouragement that I am influencing patients' lives for the better.
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I was looking for a small program without fellows in a location that would be supportive of my family. I also felt a strong sense of community during my interview that made me feel right at home.
Favorite pediatric moment:
I love how kids will say the funniest and/or most endearing things despite how sick they may be. Sometimes they cannot help but put a smile on your face.
What are your hobbies?
Going to the gym, listening to music and sleeping
Favorite part of Wichita:
There is always something to do in the community from farmers markets and festivals to sporting events. It is almost impossible to be bored!
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
Warm and family-like feeling I felt during interviews. Smaller program brings more focus on each resident.
Research/Special Interests:
Interested in neonatal/perinatal medicine
Favorite pediatric moment:
The moment when a baby calms down directly when you hold them in your arms.
What are your hobbies?
Singing, baking, gym
Favorite part of Wichita:
Big heart city in a small sized one
Why did you choose KU Wichita Pediatrics?
I chose KU Wichita Pediatrics because of the comforting, family-like feel I experienced during the interview. I was looking for a smaller program that would help me not miss home so much, and this truly feels like a home away from home. The supportive and accommodating nature of everyone here, from attendings to residents, has made that clear. With exposure to a wide variety of subspecialties and patient cases from a large catchment area, this program is the perfect fit for me to grow into an excellent pediatrician while feeling supported along the way.
Research/Special Interests:
Hematology/Oncology, Endocrinology, Neonatology and Critical Care
Favorite pediatric moment:
One of the most touching moments was when an 11-month-old hugged me tightly, not wanting to let go, right before her discharge. Later, her mum sent me an emotional thank-you note, sharing how safe she felt knowing her baby was in my care. It truly touched my heart, and I was so moved that I shed a tear. Moments like these remind me why I chose this path—making a real difference in the lives of little ones and their families!
What are your hobbies?
Baking, dancing (especially salsa), planning/hosting events, playing games, trying out new food and restaurants, volunteering, Disney and traveling.
Favorite part of Wichita:
There are so many beautiful restaurants, Ninza Sushi, Feng Cha, Texas Roadhouse, Home Grown!! I also enjoyed exploring the zoo. I'm definitely looking forward to going to more restaurants and exploring beautiful sights.