Current Residents
PGY 1
Where are you from?
Olathe, Kansas
What do you like to do for fun?
I love trying new restaurants/happy hours, watching the Chiefs, playing games with friends and cuddling with my furbabies (I have 2 dogs).
What is your favorite food?
I am always down to go get sushi or tacos.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I just went to Aruba on my honeymoon and I would do anything to go back! I also really want to visit the Almafi Coast.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
A cutecumber :)
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My husband
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
When I had my interview at KUSM-W, I was immediately impressed by the friendliness of the residents and faculty. Within the brief 48 hours I spent here, I felt a profound sense of community. The curriculum at KUSM-W also stood out to me, and I particularly appreciated the opportunity to work in community hospitals while having the resources of a university program. I am confident that KUSM-W is the ideal program to train me into the best Psychiatrist I can become.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
My favorite thing about Wichita is the food scene. There are many restaurants with cool aesthetics and great menus that I have enjoyed eating at. I have a long list of places I still want to try, and I can’t wait to visit each one. I am also looking forward to kayaking on the lake.
Where are you from?
Richardson, Texas. However, I was born and grew up in Canada.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love spending time outdoors. I especially enjoy hiking, swimming, playing basketball, and meditating outside. I always appreciate a quiet day with a good book and spending time with my family. I like playing video games, watching anime and psychological horror/thriller movies, and playing board games. That is a long list already, but I am still trying to find new hobbies!
What is your favorite food?
The correct answer is whatever my mom has made. She never uses recipes, so I never know what I am going to get.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
It is hard to choose just one place. There are so many places I want to visit. Rather than "where," I think as long as I have good company any place can feel extremely special and exciting.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Broccoli. I like that it looks like a small tree.
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
Can I choose my future or past self? I think it would be really interesting to talk to myself at a different stage of my life and see the ways I have changed over time.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
The KUSM-W program provides a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to medical care. The small class sizes make it feasible to get one-on-one time to learn from attendings and from upperclassmen. I felt that this program would leave me more than equipped as a competent physician upon completion of residency. Aside from the academic aspects of the program, I was truly impressed by the people. The other residents, and everyone within the program, were exceptionally kind and supportive. It is the kind of environment where everyone around you is trying to make sure you succeed and actively helps you toward that end.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
The people are very friendly and welcoming. The city is affordable to live in. You get to enjoy a lot of the conveniences of a large city, with the slower pace and low traffic of a smaller one.
Where are you from?
My parents live up in Lincoln, Nebraska, but I also grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and State College, Pennsylvania!
What do you like to do for fun?
Most weekends, I love reading mysteries and thrillers (please share any recommendations!) and hanging out with my cat, husband and friends. I also love gardening, hiking, or really any time spent outdoors.
What is your favorite food?
I love Thai food, breakfast potatoes, and my mom's butternut squash soup!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I'd really like to go to Greece - warm weather, beautiful beaches, and incredible history.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
I think I'd be a pea in a pod, because I'm happiest with other people around!
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My mom, my husband, and my cat, Toast:)
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I love that we get to help so many sick people that really need it, and really liked that the residents genuinely enjoy each others company, even outside of work. It doesn't hurt that the work-life balance is great!
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
People here are unfailingly nice and will go out of their way to help you and make conversation! Yes, even at Walmart.
Where are you from?
I am from Quito, Ecuador
What do you like to do for fun?
I love trying new activities. I like traveling, outdoor activities, playing sports, playing board games, baking, spending time with family and friends, reading a good book, listening to music, building legos, and trivia. I have more things that I like to do than time to do them.
What is your favorite food?
Crème Brûlée
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Wherever I can create new memories with my husband and baby. We love animals, so a Safari in Africa is on our bucket list.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
An artichoke
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My grandma, who passed away 10 years ago. We were very close and I would like to tell her that I did become a doctor and everything that has happened in these years. I would love her to meet my husband and baby.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I liked the curriculum and opportunities offered by the program, including Child Psychiatry fellowship; and having a smaller class was very appealing as well. During my resident social, interview, and second look, I felt I would love to work with everyone in the program! I had been in Wichita before and everyone I met here was super nice and kind.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
There is no traffic, low cost of living, delicious food, and BEAUTIFUL skies!
PGY2
Where are you from?
Cedar Falls, Iowa. Though I was born in Sacramento, California
What do you like to do for fun?
Pickleball, watching way too much baseball, trying to teach my cat tricks, and dungeons and dragons
What is your favorite food?
It'd be easier to list what isn't my favorite food
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Greece is on my bucket list, so I'd ideally do a tour of all the islands and Athens
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Onion, because I have layers????
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
Maybe not a someone, but my previous dog
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
It was important for me to be closer to home after doing school out east. Wichita is much closer than Pennsylvania. My brother also lives here, so it was important for me to have a support system outside of the school
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
There is a surprising number of good restaurants! There are so many different kinds of cuisine
Where are you from?
Kansas City mostly
What do you like to do for fun?
Watch the chiefs, play cards, play catan with the fam, fix stuff around the house
What is your favorite food?
Vanilla milkshake
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
North shore of Oahu, my wife and I jumped off Waimea Rock when we got married there.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
French fries ;)
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My wife, 4 kids, 3 hermit crabs and 2 dogs (minus the cat)
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
The restaurants/capita and lack of traffic
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
The small town feel, great schools and the ability to own a good home and raise my family while going through residency
Where are you from?
Kathmandu, Nepal
What do you like to do for fun?
I have tons of hobbies and not enough time. Some of my favorite hobbies include talking to people, learning new things, watching series, movies, and standup comedy, listening to music and podcasts, playing sports (soccer and basketball mostly), hiking, and more.
What is your favorite food?
Momo- little balls of spicy wonder with lots of salsa.
Who is your hero and why?
My parents and my sister; I never needed to look outside my family for inspiration. They helped me get to this position where I am content with my place in life. I’ve left the 4th spot for a dubious-looking alien/sage willing to give me superpowers. So, if you’re reading this......
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Reunion Island. It’s probably the most beautiful place I’ve had the pleasant opportunity to google and add to my bucket list.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Couch potato.
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
Someone who likes random deep conversation.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I was confident that the learning opportunities of the program were as good as the people here.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
So far, the people here.
Where are you from?
I am from Kathmandu, Nepal which is a small and beautiful country in the foothills of the Himalayas.
What do you like to do for fun?
Spending quality time with my family, playing soccer are few of the things that I like to do during my free time.
What is your favorite food?
We call it " Khasi ko Pakuwa" in Nepal, which is goat meat cooked in low heat for a few hours on a big brass pot.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
My hometown, Kathmandu(KTM)
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
The people are very friendly and helpful. The city itself is peaceful, quiet and has its own pace which gives you a state of calmness ,and at ease when you are done with your days' work , and on your way home .-->
PGY3
Where are you from?
I am from a town named Shwepyithar which is located in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
What do you like to do for fun?
The most joyful moments for me are when I truly and deeply connect with others and myself. So, I like to spend time connecting with people, i.e., myself, my family, friends, patients, colleagues, classmates, and sometimes maybe strangers. And I love traveling, hiking, reading a good book with a cup of coffee or lying on the lawn in the park, watching a great movie or drama series, riding a bicycle, playing badminton, visiting libraries and museums, sitting in a sauna, whirlpool bath, writing a journal and poems, meditating, yoga, listening to podcasts and talks on emotional management.
What is your favorite food?
Coffee
Who is your hero and why?
My dad, because he is the wisest and the most caring man I have ever known. I admire him for his wisdom, compassion, relentless striving, and ability to manage his emotions healthily in every situation.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
HOME - just being with my family
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
The one with whom I can be myself, entirely trust, and who loves nature and (most importantly LOL) me.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
Because there was a sense of welcome, support, and care that I felt and that the program could offer me the skills and opportunities required to grow in my professional life, the idea of having a relaxed pace of living while having access to good education for my younger siblings in the future
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
The fact that life is easy here (slow pace, productive workplaces, low cost of living, great food, no traffic, easy accessibility) and the locals are genuine, kind, happy, and always willing to help.
Where are you from?
Hays, Kansas
What do you like to do for fun?
I love being outdoors (running, biking, and hiking), cooking, crafting (art and other projects), and reading.
What is your favorite food?
I love all foods! Trying out new restaurants in Wichita is one of my favorite hobbies, and I own over 15 cookbooks of different cultures because I love cooking new foods.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Probably France, but rural
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Onion
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My sister, Sarah!
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I chose KU Wichita because of its diversity in faculty and residents, unsurpassed training locations, and smaller class size which means more focused training.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
The food, diversity, low traffic, access to outdoor recreation, and the people (everyone is so nice here!)
PGY4
Where are you from?
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy reading, playing chess and making puns.
What is your favorite food?
Cinnamon bread. Nothing else comes close.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Beets me.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
Everyone I spoke with on my interview day seemed like someone who I would enjoy working with. I also was familiar with Wichita and knew I would like living in the area.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
It’s easy to get around and the cost of living is low.
Where are you from?
Nestled between a small section of the Annamite range and an unassuming coastline in Vietnam, Quy Nhon is a mere dot somewhere southern on the map of the S-shaped country.
What do you like to do for fun?
Daydreaming. Pondering life. Wandering in nature. Stargazing. Going to coffee shops to read, reveling in ethereal music and daydreaming some more.
What is your favorite food?
Caramel macchiato. For all seasons.
Who is your hero and why?
Long ago, I read “The Story of My Life” by Helen Keller. I vaguely recall admiring her a great deal. Both deaf and blind, she overcame insurmountable odds to become a successful author, activist and educator.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Venice. Gondola ride. Gondoliers serenading.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Onion. Layers of the unconscious veiled (not) so cunningly. And when peeled and cooked, onion is tender and subtly sweet. Tasty on its own and enhances the flavor of just about any dish.
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
Van Gogh. I would love to watch the artist paint and immortalize the beautiful scenery on his canvas.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
The program provides a well-rounded clinical education, plenty of support, excellent faculty, senior residents and colleagues. KU Wichita Psychiatry, very aptly so, might pave the road for your Middle Way (Midway is nickname of Kansas). Personally, I would like to think we chose each other, which makes it feel like ... kismet.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
FOOD!
Fireworks show on Fourth of July at Riverfront Stadium with my classmates.
Old Town, quivering with delight between the past and future, allowing you to stay in the present, savoring the moment.
Oodles of lakes snuggled by vast green meadows making for a serene landscape.
Dandelion parachutes afloat in the midafternoon air.
Where are you from?
Arkansas City, Kansas
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy kayaking, playing tennis, drawing and playing with my puppy!
What is your favorite food?
Pasta
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Somewhere on a beach
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Sweet potato
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My boyfriend
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I love being close to home. I thoroughly enjoyed living here the past few years and am excited to further serve the community!
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
Family is nearby and the Keeper of the Plains Riverwalk.