Meet Our Residents

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
The most interesting fact about you is: I never learned how to ride a bicycle. Don’t ask why, don’t laugh at me. Also, learned English by listening to hip-hop and rap music.
I chose PM&R because: after I watched patients make progress after SCIs or reclaim their independence after strokes, it instantly clicked—this is why I wanted to go into medicine.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: a soccer ball named Wilson to kick but also befriend, a big bottle of Taco Bell’s Diablo sauce to keep bugs away but also marinade fish, and a Moka pot for some fire-top espresso because I think I am cool.
My dream job would be: a decent mix of clinical medicine and healthcare consulting. I want to help change my patients’ lives, but I also want to have a say in changing the future of medicine.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: David Goggins scream “Who’s gonna carry the boats?!” so I can push myself to get through the day. Also, Afrobeats, RnB, UK Drill, ASMR rain sounds —all together sometimes.

Hometown: Birjand, Iran
Medical School: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran
The most interesting fact about you is: I’m learning different dance styles!
I chose PM&R because: In PM&R treatment goes beyond the body; It’s not about a right sided hemiparesis; it’s about a grandmother’s wish to play with her grandkids again. It’s not just loosening a spastic arm; it’s about the joy of lifting a spoon to taste a dessert made by a mother.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me:  In dance classes or somewhere window shopping!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have:  A flask, tea bags, chocolate and a satellite phone to call for help before I start talking to coconuts and naming them!
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: meeting fellow residents and learning how to provide the best possible care for patients.
My dream job would be Volunteering at a zoo!
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Persian dance mix! Always cheers me up!

Hometown: Alexandria, Louisiana
Medical School: VCOM Louisiana
The most interesting fact about me is: I've seen 106 artists/bands in concert (134 total performances if you count the ones I've seen more than once)
I chose PM&R because: I like that PM&R combines facets from multiple specialties (orthopedics, neurology, internal medicine, etc.) to provide a well-rounded training experience & knowledge base. I also love the opportunity to work both inpatient and outpatient and perform many different procedures!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: Bug spray and a solar-powered Kindle
My dream job would be: Within PM&R, an EMG clinic with a little bit of inpatient rehab. Outside of medicine, I'd love to be a Peloton instructor!
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Giggly Squad podcast, an audiobook on Libby, MGK, twenty one pilots, or Tate McRae

Hometown: Memphis, TN
Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I used to genuinely believe I was going to play in the WNBA, my knees however had other plans.
I chose PM&R because: I enjoy journeying with patients through difficult times. As a physiatrist we get to be involved in people getting better and that is something I am ever grateful for. Additionally, I really enjoy the combination of anatomy and neuroscience and our unique approach to medical problems.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: A fire starter, at least that's what I learned from watching survival shows.
My dream job would be: World renowned author
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Something from YouTube, a long form TikTok video or one of my many playlists (que jazz, hip-hop, R and B, pop, soft rock, etc).

Hometown: Austin, TX
Degree: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is:  I am a certified personal trainer, registered yoga teacher, and Pilates instructor
I chose PM&R because: inpatient and outpatient opportunities, hands-on procedures while establishing meaningful relationships, and a diverse population but overall, the population is very underserved, with tons of opportunities for research and growth.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: At the gym or at the pool 
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: My husband and our pets because I truly couldn’t live without them
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: knowing that the dream I’ve dreamt for so long is finally my reality! 
My dream job would be: a part-time outpatient, part-time inpatient, and part-time yoga teacher. I also would love to participate in global health work, especially in Central and South America. 
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Odesza, Rufus du Sol, Coldplay, The Killers - alternative, EDM, and rap are my go-to! 

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Degree: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I love all things DIY and painting!
I chose PM&R because: I love being able to help patients improve their quality of life and support them in their healing journey!
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Hanging out with my friends and family!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: A hammock, a book, and lots of good food!
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: Learning everyday from many different providers and being able to incorporate it all in my own practice.
My dream job would be: A medical director in a pediatric rehabilitation unit.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Michael Bublé, Thomas Rhett, and Adele

Hometown: Takoma Park, MD
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: During college, I spent a year and a half working as an amateur makeup artist. I collaborated with photographers on headshots, artistic photoshoots, and even a photography class held on a cruise.
I chose PM&R because: I wanted to be in a specialty that focused on helping patients regain their abilities and access the resources and equipment needed to improve their quality of life and engage in the daily or leisure activities they value. I wanted to partner with my patients throughout their recovery journey—from inpatient to outpatient care—while using my resourcefulness and problem-solving skills to support their progress.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: My Sodastream! I love creating my own sparkling drinks with various juices and added flavors. It tastes delicious, and I feel like I am a mixologist.
My dream job would be: A dream job would allow me to travel the world, immerse myself in different cultures, and attend music festivals full-time. While that may not be entirely realistic, I hope to achieve a version of it by pursuing a career as a physiatrist—one that provides the flexibility and time off to enjoy these incredible experiences.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Electronic dance music! Some of my favorite artists include Armin Van Burren, Nora En Pure, and Kaskade. I also enjoy EDM radio shows such as A State Trance, Group Therapy, and Purified.

Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
The most interesting fact about you is: The most traveling I have done in my entire life is in 2025, traveling to Guatemala, Japan and Greece.
I chose PM&R because: I find fulfillment and joy in working side-by-side with patients in their journey in restoring function and improving their quality of life.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: staying active and working out, playing soccer, and video games. I am also trying to get into golf!
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: My fishing rod and a filet knife
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: having the opportunity to continue my journey in medicine and advancing my career as a future physiatrist
My dream job would be: Being a professional soccer player, I was a goalkeeper.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: R&B, Morgan Wallen, & EDM

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Medical School: Arkansas College of Health Sciences, Fort Smith
The most interesting fact about me is: I placed first in the national collegiate Taekwondo tournament, NCTA 2017. "Texas, fight!"
I chose PM&R because: I enjoy working with the large, multidisciplinary team often seen in rehab care. Some of the best, and most caring, teams I've worked with in my entire educational journey were through PM&R. Having a team like this really allows me to have the in-depth, supportive care that I love providing for my patients.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: My Steamdeck and a solar panel. I have to take care of my Stardew Valley farm and finish my sixth campaign of Baldur's Gate.
My dream job would be: PM&R and all other things aside. I sometimes daydream about being a martial arts instructor or volleyball coach. Still putting my MSK knowledge to good use!
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Mostly indie like Electric Guest, Glass Animals, The Greeting Committee, or the opening song of whatever anime I'm currently watching.

Hometown: Russellville, AR
Medical School: UAMS
The most interesting fact about me is: I added “mom” to my resume during intern year, because why settle for just one full time job?
I chose PM&R because: There is something powerful and deeply rewarding about meeting patients who are at some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments in their lives and then helping guide them through recovery. Witnessing the human capacity for resilience is a truly testament to the role of interdisciplinary care in helping patients gain back function and independence. It’s truly an honor and privilege to be a part of their journey.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: It would be nice if the island happened to have an all inclusive resort on it
My dream job would be: Luxury Resort Critic
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: No genre is marked safe from my playlist. If you hand me the aux, you never know what you’re going to get.

Hometown:  Pomona, CA
Degree:  Touro University Nevada 
The most interesting fact about me is: I love to travel and so far have been to at least 23ish countries. 
I chose PM&R because: I love the positive impact the specialty can have on someone's life beyond medicine. 
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: eating something yummy
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: my trusty pan, cooking utensils, and e-reader
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: celebrating and encouraging my patient's progress no matter how big or small!
My dream job would be: back up dancer or Cirque du Soleil performer 
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: anything I can groove to

Hometown: De Queen, Arkansas
Medical School: UAMS
The most interesting fact about me is:  I used to be certified in nuclear medicine technology before medical school.
I chose PM&R because: PM&R is a field of medicine in which you get to see a tangible difference in patient outcomes.  I love watching patients improve physically over time and regain their functionality.  Every patient I work with has a unique story that inspires me in a different way.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: snoozing till noon, playing my Nintendo Switch, playing online games with friends, dancing around my apartment, crying over a TV show, crying over a book, crying for no reason at all, or writing a fantasy novel that I’ll never finish.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: sunscreen, unlimited Twitter access, and a means to play the entire Taylor Swift discography.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: getting to teach medical students cool things.  I’ve always wanted to be the cool resident!
My dream job would be: a best-selling author.  Move over, Stephen King!
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: popular music (Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Doja Cat), dance pop (Calvin Harris, Kygo, Matoma), indie pop (Lana Del Rey, Lorde), alternative pop/rock (Imagine Dragons, Twenty One Pilots, Of Monsters and Men), or lo-fi if I’m trying to be semi-productive.  I also frequently listen to fantasy ambient music when I'm feeling particularly adventurous.

Hometown: Da Nang, Vietnam
Degree: Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
The most interesting fact about me is: I spent hours outdoor in subzero weather fixing my car or shoveling snow. I don't mind unpleasant external factors as long as I do what I love.
I chose PM&R because: I appreciate the importance of functionality in improving the quality of life. I want to help patients successfully return to their daily life after hospitalization. I also enjoy accompanying patients along their life journeys and addressing their needs.
On my days off, you're most likely to find me: Outdoors or in my kitchen. I would turn into a "zombie" if I stay in bed too long.
If I were stranded on an island, I would HAVE to have: Machete, water container, and my wife.
The most rewarding thing about being a resident is: I am learning by practicing and being responsible for my decision. More importantly, I know that I am going to have immense support from my attendings and colleagues.
My dream job would be: A well-rounded physiatrist who has achieved work-life balance.
If you see my earbuds in, I'm probably listening to: Hans Zimmer's scores, Vpop, The Carpenters, etc.