Our Residents
PGY 1
Where are you from?
Karachi, Pakistan
What do you like to do for fun?
My newfound love of collecting vinyl records, along with doom-scrolling R107 enthusiast Facebook groups in search of a 1980s SL 560 that doesn’t seem like it comes with the ghost of Karl Benz himself, keeps me entertained. Also, spending a nice breezy evening listening to some cover bands at the bar next door is also a staple on my bi-weekly agenda.
What is your favorite food?
Biryani! No explanation needed. If you know, you know.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
It’s where the mountains meet the lakes. Either around Bear Lake in Colorado, or Attabad Lake in Hunza, Pakistan.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
When I am not in the gym, I am a “couch potato.”
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My lovely wife, Ashina.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
A program is only as good as the people who make it. I feel this place harbors genuine, smart, and inquisitive minds knitted together as one big community, creating an environment where learning and support go hand in hand. I consider myself fortunate to be a part of this psych-residency family.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
What I love most about Wichita is its balance of big-city amenities with small-town warmth - where you can find great food, culture, and parks, but still run into your friends at the grocery store!
Where are you from?
Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
What do you like to do for fun?
I love meeting new people and hearing their stories, it energizes me. I am happiest when I am traveling, exploring new places and soaking in different cultures. I also have a passion for reading and understanding different faiths and religions which developing during Covid time.
Zumba and dancing is something I never say no to.
What is your favorite food?
Turkish/Mediterranean.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Istanbul. Always and Forever.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
I would say a tomato - full of life, effortlessly mingling with any recipe, and always bringing a burst of energy wherever I go.
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
If I were to sit upon a weathered bench in the hush of the wood, beneath cathedral branches whispering their green psalms, I would wish for a companion who could meet my heart in all its seasons. Perhaps, first, my husband, the Love of my Life, the keeper of shared laughter, of secret glances across crowded rooms. With him beside me, the world grows softer, like the hush of twilight when day has no need to prove itself. We would speak little, because love often blooms in quiet, and the murmur of the leaves would say enough.
Yet I am not only a wife. I am a mother—my days are strewn with crumbs of tenderness, with small hands that tug at the edges of my hours. Motherhood has filled me with wonder, but also a longing that goes unnamed— a desire to remember who I was before my name became everyone else’s comfort.
So perhaps—if the bench were wide enough— I would choose to sit beside my own reflection: the woman I used to be, and the woman I am becoming. We would watch the dappled sun play across our faces, and I would ask her the questions I never have time to ask— Who are you when no one is calling your name? What stirs your spirit when the house is still? Where does your heart wander when no one needs it? And if no one else came to sit with me, I would not mind. For there is a rare grace in solitude, a quiet reclaiming of the self. In that green silence, I could exhale the weight of all my roles, and simply belong to the wood, to the wind, to myself.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I chose KUSM-W because of its supportive and welcoming culture. From the start, I felt like I belonged. I believe I thrive best in a place where I feel respected and included, and this program offers exactly that. I’m confident I can rely on my colleagues here, both professionally and personally, which is essential for my growth as a physician.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
The short answer to this is the "People"
Where are you from?
São Paulo, Brazil
What do you like to do for fun?
I love going out with friends, attending music festivals, playing volleyball, going to the beach, and watching movies with my family.
What is your favorite food?
I can never say no to French fries, sushi, and Brazilian rice and beans.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Ilhabela, Brazil
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Broccoli
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My fiancée.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
Everyone was welcoming and kind, and the residents seemed genuinely happy on interview day. To me, it's important to train in a place where people feel supported and content.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
I love that there are many restaurants and that the people are kind.
Where are you from?
Garden Plain, KS. Home of the Owls.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to spend time with my wife and daughter. I also enjoy golfing, exercise, reading, and game nights with family and friends.
What is your favorite food?
Any and all breakfast foods.
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere I’m with family and friends.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
An onion with many layers.
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
Jesus Christ
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I grew up around the Wichita area, my family lives here, my wife's family lives here, and it’s where we both consider home. After 8 years in school living in Emporia, Missouri, and Arizona it's a dream come true to be able to come home.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
The growth it has been experiencing and the people who live here.
Where are you from?
Sabetha, Kansas
What do you like to do for fun?
Going to happy hour with friends, vintage shopping, watching reality TV, playing pickleball.
What is your favorite food?
Hamburger
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Basically anywhere they shoot White Lotus.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Carrot (cause the red hair?)
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My two cats.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I've seen residents feel super confident in their practice upon graduation, and the support amongst residents and faculty is unmatched.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
I think the food scene is really impressive considering Wichita's size. The light traffic is also a huge plus.
Where are you from?
Topeka, Kansas
What do you like to do for fun?
Spend time with my family! Fishing and hunting with my dad, son and nephew, shopping and antiquing with my wife, battling my wife, son and nephew for stars and coins in Mario Party, or playing with my two dogs!
What is your favorite food?
Tacos or sushi!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
The happiest place on earth – Disney!
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
A cucumber, because they turn into pickles and I love pickles!
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
My wife!
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
I was born and raised in Kansas, thus it makes me proud to continue my training here!
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
So much opportunity and potential!
Where are you from?
Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
What do you like to do for fun?
I love discovering new places to eat, going for runs, hiking in nature, and spending time with friends and family.
What is your favorite food?
Seafood!
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I am in good company, even my backyard feels like a destination.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
They say you are what you eat, so I would probably be a broccoli.
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
No question, my spouse.
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
KUSM-W offers strong academic training, close mentorship from dedicated faculty, in a collaborative environment. I also appreciated the smaller class size, which allows for more meaningful connections and one-on-one learning. After living in Sao Paulo, I was ready for a city with a more relaxed pace, and Wichita felt like the perfect fit.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
Everything is close by so there is no stress about traffic or parking. It has great amenities for everyday living and, most importantly, amazing people who are always welcoming and kind.
PGY2
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!
PGY3
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?
I was born in Poland but lived in Colorado for most of my life.
What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, paddleboarding and just about anything outdoors.
Who is your hero and why?
Gordon Ramsay – he’s a great chef, a great teacher, and truly passionate about his work. Also, his signature Beef Wellington is probably the best dish I've ever had.
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
I love how walkable the city is - it makes it really easy to explore and find new places!
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 .-->
PGY4
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?
Kathmandu, Nepal
What do you like to do for fun?
I love singing, playing guitar and songwriting. I also love writing and performing spoken word poetry.
What is your favorite food?
It changes all the time, but currently I’m enjoying Thai cuisine
If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Bali. I had an amazing time when I visited before, and it’s one of those places that keeps calling me back.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Potato. Adaptable, low-maintenance, and reliable.
If you could sit on a bench in a beautiful woods, who would you want sitting next to you?
Harry Styles. I mean, why not?
Why did you choose KUSM-W?
The residency community here is unmatched, and everyone is so supportive!
What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
Slow-paced life, minimal traffic, and the people.
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!)