First Year Fellows

Gilmar Costa, M.D.

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Saint Martin
Residency: University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, Kansas

Where are you from?
Born in Brazil, moved to the US at 17 years old and lived initially in Massachusetts, but the majority of the time in Rhode Island.

Why did you choose KU Wichita CAP Fellowship?
Because of the strong leadership that established a culture fostering noticeable fellow satisfaction with the training, it was clear that the program welcomed feedback and was committed to continuous improvement.

Research/Special Interests
Outpatient care

What do you like to do for fun?
Outside of my role as a dad to two teenage kids, I enjoy remodeling our house, drawing on my background as a former contractor. I also began running about a year and a half ago and am currently training for a half marathon, with the goal of completing a full marathon next year.

Who is your hero and why?
My wife is my hero. She sacrificed a job she loved in Rhode Island to move with me abroad so I could pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. During my first year of medical school, she endured the hardship of being evacuated by military plane after a Category 5 hurricane devastated the island where we lived. Through it all, she remained my greatest source of strength. She is everything I aspire to be, brilliant, selfless, compassionate, and always ready to help others without expecting anything in return.

Favorite thing about Wichita?
Having lived near Boston, Providence, and in Miami, where commuting close to an hour each way was common, I’ve come to appreciate the lack of traffic and ease of getting around in Wichita. The friendliness of the people and significantly lower cost of living are also wonderful bonuses.

Laura Dandridge, D.O.

Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Residency: University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita in Wichita, Kansas

Where are you from?
Originally Southern California, then Kansas City

Why did you choose KU Wichita CAP Fellowship?
I was fortunate to work with the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship faculty during my residency at KU Wichita. The mentorship I received from Dr. Karlsson, Dr. Ciccolari Micaldi, and the rest of the faculty during this time, made it clear that this is a program where Fellows are genuinely supported, guided, and empowered to grow into the best Psychiatrists they can be. I was especially drawn to the program's welcoming, collaborative culture and KU's strong commitment to addressing the critical need for more Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists (both regionally and nationally). The program embraces new ideas and adapts to the evolving landscape of medicine, healthcare, and medical training.

Research/Special Interests
Teens and college mental health. Early childhood.

What do you like to do for fun?
Spend time with my family and pets, traveling, watching movies/series (Netflix, anything Bravo), exercising, and trying to find the best ice cream any place I visit.

Who is your hero and why?
My parents and older sister. They have and continue to push me, guide me, and laugh with me through all of the ups and downs in life. They consistently demonstrate how to be strong, independent, and resilient, while being a kind person no matter what.

Favorite thing about Wichita?
Cost of living is great, especially in training. No traffic! Everybody is so kind. And, based on my extensive personal research, the ice cream is pretty good!

Second Year Fellows

Nisha Brunson, D.O.

Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee

Where are you from?
Lynchburg, Virginia

Why did you choose KU Wichita CAP Fellowship?
I felt so welcomed when I came here for my interview at KU-Wichita. I was impressed with how close-knit the faculty, staff, and fellows were--it felt like a big family! I knew that if I came to this program, I would be welcomed with open arms, as well as receive a well-rounded learning experience that would equip me to be a confident Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. My husband's family also lives in Wichita, which is a big plus!

Research/Special Interests
College mental health, teen and transition-age youth mental health

What do you like to do for fun?
Go for walks, travel, shop, cook, go to the gym, spend time with family

Who is your hero and why?
My Dad! He worked so hard for our family through the ups and downs, and he encouraged me to be the best I could be. He is one of my biggest supporters!

Favorite thing about Wichita?
The friendly people!

Brittni Plato, M.D.

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Residency: University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita in Wichita, Kansas

Where are you from?
Green Bay, Wisconsin (Go Pack Go!)

Why did you choose KU Wichita CAP Fellowship?
I have been interested in child psychiatry since before I start medical school, so I was so excited to learn when I got to KU-Wichita as a resident that a CAP Fellowship was already in the works. I reached out to our PD (Dr Karlsson) in my 1st year of residency for guidance and mentorship, and I have been set on joining this program ever since! The education and training experience is second only to the support we receive from our faculty and admin (both professionally and personally).

Research/Special Interests
Neurodevelopmental disorders (especially ADHD), early childhood psychiatry, school-based health, and so many more.

What do you like to do for fun?
Escape room and murder mystery games, video games, painting, cross-stitching, audiobooks... and just living life with my husband (and childhood sweetheart), our husky Ghost, our orange cat Pippin, and our soon-to-be-born daughter Zelda.

Who is your hero and why?
JRR Tolkien, David Attenborough, Nelson Mandela, and both of my Grandmas.

Favorite thing about Wichita?
Small hometown vibes and pace of life (plus minimal traffic), with all the amenities of a big city