Radiology Residency

44

Faculty With Academic Appointments

45

Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2023

4

Active Clinical Trials

About the Residency

The Diagnostic Radiology Residency program provides a supportive and rigorous environment for you to learn from an organization that is Leading Medicine. Houston Methodist is a large, diverse system that is continually growing. It currently consists of seven hospitals, seven freestanding emergency centers and two free standing outpatient imaging centers. Our dedicated radiologists and staff will provide continuous support with world-class training and research opportunities.

Program Highlights

We currently offer 5 spots for residents in Diagnostic Radiology each year. Our Diagnostic Radiology program is a four-year program and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Each class of residents has the option of choosing the ESIR pathway (2 slots per year) at the end of their second year.
We have a high quantity and quality of volume. Our department reads approximately 1.5 million studies per year. The quality of volume is enhanced by the Houston Methodist Hospital system and our robust rotation sites.
Rotation sites include Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, Memorial Hermann, and many more. Houston Methodist Hospital is currently ranked #1 in the state of TEXAS and #15 in the nation by US News & World Report. Texas Children’s is an internationally recognized full-care pediatric hospital and is currently ranked #4 in the nation by US News & World Report. Memorial Hermann is one of the largest-volume Level 1 trauma centers in the nation.
Houston Methodist is the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo®, as well as other athletic teams and performance organizations.
We have early exposure to advanced imaging modalities.
Houston Methodist is a large multi-organ transplant center (including heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, and more)
We gain exposure to imaging of many advanced and innovative treatments in cancer, orthopedics, neuro, and more.
Residents train alongside successful academic and private radiologists from one of the best private radiology groups in the country, Houston Radiology Associates.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality clinical training residency program in diagnostic radiology and to train leaders in medical imaging and interpretation by promoting excellence, innovation, leadership and advances in imaging research and education, through training and mentoring.

Our Team

Message from the Chair

Welcome to Houston Methodist Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program

Our Residency Program provides trainees with tremendous exposure to cutting-edge technologies, a range of cases, interdisciplinary conferences, and degrees of flexibility for individualized program structure to allow for personalized training. This program is buoyed by approximately 100 radiologists who are all fellowship subspecialty trained working in focused specialty practice divisions. Our Radiology Department is a major pillar of support for our healthcare system clinical care excellence, research and training. Our faculty are dedicated educators committed to making our residents the best trained in the country. We strive to ensure our Residents experience advanced training and technologies with our commitment to future-proof our graduates by preparing them to manage a career in a rapidly evolving and technically sophisticated radiology practice.

We are a proud healthcare system that provides among the broadest access to tertiary specialty healthcare throughout Houston and the surrounding region. In 2022 Houston Methodist was nationally ranked 15th in the US News and World Report and we have been ranked #1 in Texas for the past decade. Our budget for support of our research mission exceeds 100 million dollars and we have a world-class Research Institute Translational Imaging Center, which supports research with several core facilities, including advanced computational imaging and AI, MRI, PET, molecular theranostics, pre-clinical imaging and with a cyclotron and GMP-certified radiochemistry and radiopharmacy lab. These are all factors that help to continue to support and evolve the quality and experience of the education we provide.

Diego Martin, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Chair, Department of Radiology

Diego R. Martin, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Chair, Department of Radiology
Professor of Radiology, Academic Institute
Full Clinical Member, Research Institute
M.D. Anderson Foundation Distinguished Chair in Molecular Imaging, Houston Methodist

Jett Brady, MD
Chairman, Houston Radiology Associated
Houston Methodist

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Elliott Friedman, MD

ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Nakul Gupta, MD

Radiolgy Group Photo

Message from the Director

Thank you for your interest in our residency program. The Houston Methodist Radiology Residency is designed to graduate expert radiologists with extensive and diverse clinical and procedural expertise, and who are leaders in patient advocacy and quality driven care.

Houston Methodist Hospital is a top-tiered, world class hospital, ranked #1 in Texas and #15 in the nation by US News and World Report. We are located within the Texas Medical Center, the largest life sciences destination in the world. Our department has state of the art imaging equipment, and with more than 80 board-certified faculty on staff and more than 1.3 million studies interpreted annually, our trainees are exposed to a high volume of studies and diverse range of pathologies. We supplement our curriculum with emergency radiology rotations at Memorial Hermann Hospital, one of the busiest level 1 trauma centers in the country and pediatrics rotations at Texas Children’s Hospital, ranked the #2 pediatric hospital in the US.

As program director, my goal is to make sure our trainees are provided with the necessary clinical and educational resources and mentoring to become successful radiologists and future leaders in the field. For residents interested in research, tremendous opportunities exist through the Houston Methodist Research Institute and Translational Imaging Center, including a 7 Tesla MRI scanner. Feedback from our residents is encouraged and used to continuously update all aspects of our program.

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the US, and the many opportunities outside of work provide for an enjoyable work-life balance. Houston is home to major professional sports teams, dynamic performing arts organizations, excellent museums, an innovative and diverse culinary scene, and home to NASA and the rodeo, among other attributes. Please explore our website and connect with us on Twitter (@HmRadiology). Feel free to contact our program coordinator, Sheori Sinegal at sasinegal@houstonmethodist.org with any questions. We look forward to talking to you!

Elliott Friedman, MD

SUB-SPECIALTY HEADS

Abdominal (GI/GU David Katz, MD
Breast Imaging Luz Venta, MD
Cardiothoracic John W. Nance. Jr., MD
Musculoskeletal Michael Trakhtenbroit, MD
Neuroradiology Steve Fung, MD
Nuclear Medicine Stephen Chiang, MD
Pediatric Radiology Nadia Mahmood, MD (Texas Children's Hospital)
Vascular & Interventional Roberto Galuppo-Monticelli, MD
Ultrasonography Yaseen Oweis, MD

Our Radiologists

PHYSICS PROGRAM

Edwin Giles, MS, Director
Sharon Glaze, MS, Sr. Imaging Physicist
Armen Kocharian, PhD, Sr. Imaging Physicist
Bahadir Ozus, PhD, Sr. Imaging Physicist
Vijay Rana, PhD, Sr. Imaging Physicist
Pankaj Patel, PhD, Sr. Imaging Physicist
Hope Alvarez, MS, Health Physicist II
Landon Aziz, MS, Health Physicist
Yngli Duan, MS, Health Physicist
Pamela Mager, BA, RT(R)(CT), Manager IT Systems

ADMINISTRATION

Sheori Sinegal, Project Manager
Lien Nguyen, Executive Secretary Radiology

Eligibility and Application

Application Process

Houston Methodist participants in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). All PGY2 positions are offered through the NRMP.
Applications must be processes through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Paper applications are not accepted.
- Note: In ERAS and NRMP, we are listed under the name The Methodist Hospital (Houston)
"Pre-Match" positions are not offered.
All applications are carefully reviewed. Selected applicants are notified electronically, via ERAS, to interview.
Please limit inquiries regarding application status.

Houston Methodist is committed to improving the health of our patients, employees, and communities around us. As a health care provider, it’s our responsibility to promote a healthier environment for our employees.

Responsibility

Drug and Tobacco Screening- Job seekers will be tested for nicotine and drug usage during the post-offer physical. If a job seeker tests positive for nicotine use, including nicotine gum and patches, the offer will be rescinded, and individuals will be given the opportunity to participate in a free Houston Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program. Job seekers wishing to reapply after testing positive for nicotine may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was rescinded. If the job seeker tests positive for drug use, the offer will be rescinded. Job seekers wishing to reapply after the drug screening is positive may do so one year after the date the initial offer was rescinded.
Background Check - Prior to employment start date, job seekers must complete a criminal background check.

Application Requirements

All applications must include the following:

Complete a common ERAS application form.
A dean's letter and at least two (2) other letters of recommendation. Preferably, one of the letter should be from the chair of the Department of Radiology. All letters of recommendation should be current or within the last two years.
Official medical school transcript.
Personal statement.

Additional Requirements for International Medical Graduates (IMG):

Must be ECFMG-certified (except Fifth Pathway graduates)
Must submit USMLE Step 2 (CK/CS) results by application deadline (December 1)
Must submit an official English translation for all application materials
J-1 Visas are offered

Our Residents

Mimi Phan Haghshenas, MD - PGY5

Undergraduate School: University of Houston, BS
Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, MD
Interest/Hobbies: I enjoy practicing yoga, going to farmer’s markets, and exploring local parks with my husband and kids. We also love going to the museums and trying out all the restaurants that Houston has to offer!
What I like the most about our residency: Houston Methodist has the BEST things to offer for radiology training. We are rated the #1 hospital in Texas for past decade and read over 1.3 million studies a year. We have an amazing research institute with a 7T MRI. We do our pediatric rotation at the top pediatric hospital Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) and our trauma rotation at one of the busiest hospitals in the country Memorial Hermann. On top of that, we have a beautiful gym with yoga classes and a hospital daycare!

Sasha Kurumety, MD - PGY5

Undergraduate School: Northwestern University Evanston, BA
Medical School: Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine, MD
Interest/Hobbies: Rotary International, tennis, yoga, charity runs, baking
What I like the most about our residency: Supportive faculty, large volume of cases, resident camaraderie and overall a great place to work!

Omar Yusufzai, MD - PGY5

Undergraduate School: University of Southern California Los Angeles, BA
Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, MD
Interest/Hobbies: Home renovation, guitar, international travel, golf and basketball

Wajahat Dawood, MD - PGY4

Undergraduate School: University of Houston, BS
Graduate School: University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth, MS
Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, MD
Interest/Hobbies: I enjoy picking up home improvement projects around the house and my greatest achievement has been building a pergola in our backyard with the help of my brother. I have always been drawn to music and was inspired by my best friend who is a musical prodigy, and so I taught myself how to play the piano through the help of online videos. I love spending time with my wife, family, and of course our 3 cats at home! We prioritize having dinner together and often have some memorable game nights.

Jawad Khan, MD - PGY4

Undergraduate School: University of Texas at Dallas, BS
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, MD
Interest/Hobbies: I enjoy programming and avidly use JavaScript/Python for both research and phone apps. I also enjoy building computers. I began in college and have loved to see my creations come to life.

James Pham, MD - PGY4

Undergraduate School: Stanford University Stanford, BS
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, MD
Interest/Hobbies: Triathlon - train and compete in Ironman distance triathlons; Cycling - amateur racer training to compete in local criterium and road races; Golf - YouTube-taught, recreational golfer; Piano - competitive pianist through 2012, winning top honors at several Texas statewide competitions; Puzzle Enthusiast - enjoy participating in competitive and recreational puzzle hunts and escape rooms.

Roman Sukhovershin - PGY4

Graduate School: Research Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Novosibirsk, PhD
Medical School: Altai State Medical University Russian Federation, MD
Interest/Hobbies: Spending time with my family (preferably outdoors), traveling, reading.

Atif Ali, MD - PGY3

Undergraduate School: University of Houston, Texas, BS
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, MD
Interest/Hobbies: Fitness, mixed martial arts, stock trading, PC gaming, piano, hiking
What I like the most about our residency: High case volume, excellent and supportive faculty with strong backgrounds, one-on-one in person checkout twice per day, resident-focused program with good work-life balance, shared resident reading room, smaller class size.

Tailer Artis, MD - PGY3

Undergraduate School: University of Nevada Reno
Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Interest / Hobbies: Walking my dogs, hiking, baking, watching TV series, traveling and spending time with family.
What I like the most about our residency: The supportive faculty, large volume of interesting cases and amazing coresidents.

Daniel Bao, MD - PGY3

Undergraduate School: University of Houston
Graduate School: N/A Or UTMB School of Public Health and Population Sciences MD/MPH
Medical School: John Sealy School of Medicine
Interest/Hobbies: Calisthenics, fishing, DIY electronics/keyboards, musical instruments, exploring state/national parks
What I like the most about our residency: Great faculty-resident ratio with emphasis on teaching services. Camaraderie in the resident reading room. On site gym. Exceptional work-life balance.

Brendan D'Souza, MD - PGY3

Undergraduate School: Texas A&M University, BS
Graduate School: Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine, M. Eng
Medical School: Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine, MD
Interest/Hobbies: I love being outdoors and running, which keeps me refreshed. Traveling and scuba diving allow me to explore new places and underwater worlds. At home, I enjoy baking, experimenting with recipes, and playing board games with friends.
What I like the most about our residency: Our program offers exceptional training with exposure to advanced technology and a diverse range of cases. We have incredible faculty and a supportive environment across the entire hospital. Living in Houston means access to a vibrant city with great food and culture.

Tommy Pan, MD - PGY3

Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine
Interest/Hobbies: Attending music festivals, rooting for the Eagles/Sixers, watching movies, playing pickleball, exploring new restaurants and traveling.
What I like the most about our residency: What I like most about our program is being able to train at a world-class hospital with a premier private radiology group. Our program has the perfect blend of attendings who are passionate about teaching and successful in private practice. Also, I enjoy the experience of living in Houston and working in the Texas Medical Center.

Emiliano Garza Frias, MD - PGY-2

Medical School: Tecnologico de Monterrey - Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico.
Interest and Hobbies: Nature and architecture photography, BBQing, watching soccer, playing badminton.
What I like most about our residency: Great faculty-to-resident ratio, high case volume and pathology diversity, supportive faculty with multi-institutional backgrounds, being part of an extensive healthcare system, and support for academic and research activities.

Junaid Kalair, MD - PGY-2

Undergraduate School: The University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: McGovern Medical School
Interest and Hobbies: Weightlifting, motorcycle riding, car restoration, automation scripting, and watch collecting
What I like most about our residency: High-volume exposure, direct attending feedback, private-practice efficiency, and a culture that rewards initiative

Kinsey Lano, MD - PGY-2

Undergraduate School: Baylor University
Medical School: UT Houston McGovern Medical School
Interest and Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, playing with my cat- Mouse, tennis, pickleball, listening to live music/attending concerts, trying new Houston restaurants, and walking in Memorial Park/enjoying nature!
What I like most about our residency: Our intelligent and involved attendings, my collaborative and friendly co-residents, the diverse case load, and working at a top-tier hospital system.

Presley Mackey, MD - PGY-2

Undergraduate School: The University of Texas at Austin, BSA
Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine
Interests/Hobbies: Piano, baking, coffee
What I like most about our residency: camaraderie among residents, shared resident reading room, volume and diversity of cases, supportive faculty

Mostafa Shehata, MD - PGY-2

Undergraduate School: University of Alexandria
Medical School: University of Alexandria
Interest and Hobbies: Sports, Outdoors, Travel, Foodie, Socializing, Mentoring
What I like most about our residency: Medium-sized, teaching-oriented program with strong resident camaraderie. The program is deeply committed to resident education, providing all the resources we need, exceptional support for leadership and research, and an excellent work-life balance at one of the best hospitals in the nation. Faculty from top institutions offer diverse perspectives.

Akash Kakkilaya, MD - Incoming Resident

Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine–Dallas
Interest/Hobbies: Passionate about college and NFL football, with a love for fantasy football. Enjoys video games—especially Call of Duty and RPGs like Borderlands—along with reading action-adventure novels and health policy articles (JAMA, RadiologyBusiness, Medscape). Fitness enthusiast who lifts weights and is currently training for a 5K run.

Alejandra Esparza Young, MD - Incoming Resident

Undergraduate: Stanford University
Medical School: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long SOM
Interest/Hobbies: Relieves stress through weekly Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes, practicing sparring and new techniques. Music is a lifelong passion—she grew up playing Beatles songs on piano and now plays on her electric keyboard, with hopes of owning a baby grand piano one day

Lindsey Ellen Bishop, MD - Incoming Resident

Undergraduate: Texas Tech University-Lubbock
Medical School: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Interest/Hobbies: Enjoys baking, playing piano, tennis, movies, reading, visiting bookstores, and painting ceramics. Loves building aquariums for her betta fish and spending time with friends and family. Currently exploring new cooking skills and recently prepared several Mediterranean dishes.

Lorece Alexandra Harris, MD - Incoming Resident

Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Interest/Hobbies: Avid rock climber (“pebble wrestling”) currently climbing V7 routes. Lifelong swimmer since age four. Loves reading and completed 200 books during medical school—always open to new recommendations. Proud cat parent to Blue, her companion since 2019.

Nikita Nunes Espat, MD - Incoming Resident

Undergraduate: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Graduate: Columbia University in the City of New York
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest/Hobbies: Enjoys playing and watching tennis, following World Cup soccer, weightlifting, yoga, and cooking. Passionate about wheel-thrown ceramics, collecting handmade pottery, attending live techno music shows, and reading history.

Curriculum

Rotation	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Total
Cardiothoracic	8	4	8	0	20 weeks
Abdominal Imaging (GI/GU)	12	8	4	4	28 weeks
Musculoskeletal	8	4	4	0	16 weeks
Breast Imaging	4	4	4	4	16 weeks
Nuclear Radiology	4	4	4	4	16 weeks
Neuroradiology	8	4	4	0	16 weeks
Pediatric Radiology	0	4	4	4	12 weeks
Vascular/Interventional Radiology	0	8	4	0	12 weeks
Emergency Radiology (if separate)	0	0	8	0	8 weeks
Ultrasound	8	4	0	0	12 weeks
Pathology/AFIP	0	4	0	0	4 weeks
Elective time (if not included above)	0	0	0	28	28 weeks
Vacation	4	4	4	4	16 weeks
Other (General)	0	8	4	8	20 weeks
Total (in weeks)	56	56	56	56	224