University of texas southwestern medical center internal medicine residency

Meet our Residents

Class Of 2025

Hassan Allahrakha, DO
Home State: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist, Cardiology, GI
Hobbies: Basketball, traveling, cars, sports, foodie
Why Methodist Dallas: Hybrid (academic + community) training environment in a diverse city, collaborative and collegial learning atmosphere, and exposure to vast amount of pathology. Being in Dallas surrounded by good food and friendly people is a major plus.

Chamine Robince, DO
Home State: Florida
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Cooking, dancing, trying new food spots, and hanging out with friends.
Why Methodist Dallas: I was excited to move to a new city like Dallas and Methodist seemed like a great balance between academic and community program. I really enjoyed getting to know the people and the program during my interview as well.

Kathan Trivedi, MD
Home State: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso
Career Interests: Gastroenterology/Hospital Medicine
Hobbies: Playing basketball/football/tennis, cooking, traveling, watching NBA/NFL, photography Why Methodist Dallas: One of my favorite interviews. The faculty, residents, and staff were all very amicable. From the various research opportunities to attending physicians who are dedicated to teaching, the program offers a variety of benefits and guidance for residents and their future goals. The program provides a great learning environment and a wonderful blend of community and academic medicine. As a Dallas native, I cannot think of a better city to be in with the growing, diverse population, a plethora of food options, and the greatest sports teams ever! (Go Mavs and Cowboys!

Amy Zheng, DO
Home State: Texas
Undergraduate: Texas A&M University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist, Primary Care
Hobbies: Tennis, walking on trails, trying new restaurants
Why Methodist Dallas: Having rotated here since I was a medical student, I've always been amazed by the quality of patient care, mentorship, and education at Methodist. This, combined with my love for Dallas as a city, made Methodist the clear choice for my continuing education.

Anup Kotadia, MD
Home State: Illinois
Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Career Interests: Critical Care, Medical Device Development
Hobbies: Photography, Latin Dancing, Weightlifting, Astronomy, Hiking/Camping
Why Methodist Dallas: Training in a large urban area like Dallas allows exposure to diverse patient pathology and provides access to numerous activities and culture when not at the hospital. I like that the program emphasizes learning both procedures and medicine. Having just two core hospitals to rotate through allows one to be more familiar with the hospital staff and systems, allowing you to work better with them.

William Giesing, M.D.
Home State: Illinois
Undergraduate: Saint Louis University
Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Career Interests: Interventional Cardiology
Hobbies: Golf, working out, attending various sports games, evenings out with my wife and friends
Why Methodist Dallas: During the interview day, despite being virtual, I was really able to detect the unusually high sense of camaraderie amongst the residents across all years of training. In addition, I could envision Methodist Health System being the place in which my career develops over the next several years. I am confident that the patient population, multitude of pathologies, and the teaching physicians will all allow me to progress in my medical knowledge and patient care skills.

David Graham, DO
Home State: North Dakota
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Midwestern University - Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Gastroenterology
Hobbies: Cooking, home improvement, trying new restaurants
Why Methodist Dallas: The faculty and residents are welcoming and friendly. The program offers research opportunities and the experience of treating a diverse patient population. I look forward to exploring the entertainment options Dallas has to offer.

Sylvia Riad, MD
Home State: Houston, Texas
Undergraduate: University of Houston
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
Career Interests: Primary care, Allergy/Immunology, rheumatology
Hobbies: Swimming, dancing, listening to music
Why Methodist Dallas: I chose Methodist Dallas because everyone from the residency program was very friendly and it felt like home.

Alla Albonijim, DO
Home State: Michigan
Undergraduate: Wayne State University
Medical School: MSUCOM
Career Interests: Heme/Onc
Hobbies: Drawing, working out, reading, and biking
Why Methodist Dallas: Methodist Dallas stood out to me on my interview trail, I found myself comparing most programs to this one. I felt so welcomed, and honestly could see myself thriving here. I wanted to be a part of a community-based program but also focused on academics as well. I have family in Dallas, and I definitely see myself starting my own family/life here.

Syed Hamaad Rahman, DO
Home State: Florida
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Kansas City University
Career Interests: Gastroenterology
Hobbies: Traveling, watching sports (college football, MMA, NBA), trying new foods, board games, and spending time with family and friends
Why Methodist Dallas: I chose Methodist Dallas because of the hybrid academic/community training experience and its long/well-established track record of excellence in training. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming on my interview day, from residents to faculty: Additionally, DFW is an amazing urban location with a diverse population, all kinds of foods, and a perfect location to raise a family.

Shivani Desai, DO
Home State: Texas
Undergraduate: Trinity University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospital medicine, Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies: Cooking, traveling, nature photography, going on walks, chasing sunsets, trying new foods, watching movies, sleeping
Why Methodist Dallas: I chose Methodist Dallas because of its hybrid community/ academic learning environment, smaller class size, excellent teaching faculty, friendly residents and the general sense of belonging I felt on interview day!

Dillon Drab MD
Home State: TX
Undergraduate: Texas A&M
Medical School: Texas Tech
Career Interests: Cardiology or gastroenterology
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, camping, and watching sports
Why Methodist Dallas: I chose Methodist Dallas for its program size, research opportunities, and collaborative environment. Methodist has a great mix of academic and community medicine and it was clear during my interview that the program views residents as assets. Additionally, Dallas has a lot to offer as a major city with lots of restaurants, concerts, and major events.

Madeeha Javed, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist, Infectious Disease
Hobbies: Traveling, Cooking, Movie nights, Game nights, Volleyball, Coffee-connoisseur
Why Methodist Dallas: I ranked Methodist Dallas as my #1 program because of the supportive learning environment, diverse pathology and patient population, and camaraderie amongst co-residents. My husband and I also wanted to stay in Dallas to be closer to family.

CLASS OF 2024

Kristopher Aten, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Texas A&M
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Interventional Cardiology
Hobbies: Craft cocktails, fly fishing, hanging out at the dog park with my wife and our dog Shiner
Why Methodist Dallas: Methodist Dallas is a program with a long history of success. I was immediately drawn to the friendly atmosphere of the residents and leadership and I was confident I would be trained as a unique individual. Methodist also offers ample research opportunities and academic rigor that is rare for a community-based program.

Ariella Azimi, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Texas Christian University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Cardiology, GI
Hobbies: Cooking, traveling, running, hiking, chess, stand-up comedy, throwing surprise parties, hosting events, tv shows and movie nights
Why Methodist Dallas: I had a great experience rotating at Dallas Methodist. The program provides excellent training in a supportive learning environment filled with dedicated faculty and friendly residents. You also have the added benefit of living in Dallas, a major metroplex with a diverse population, delicious food, tons of activities, and a fun nightlife.

George Cao, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Career Interests: Hospital Administration
Hobbies: Investing, home improvement, cooking, cars
Methodist Dallas: Choosing Methodist Dallas was an easy decision for me and my wife. Firstly, the city itself boasts diversity, prosperity, and opportunity. For a new family and pair of interns, this is the perfect place to excel. Secondly, the most unique aspect of the program was its people. The resident team was intelligent, personable, and genuinely happy with their program. The director and faculty were fully supportive of my career interests through offerings of personalized opportunities. The hospital spares no expense or detail for its physicians as it views us as an investment for the future of medicine. This is a great city and an even better program.

Nathan DeRon, Jr., DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology, GI
Hobbies: Sports, traveling, live music, reading fantasy novels, and trying new restaurants
Why Methodist Dallas: Diverse pathology in a supportive learning environment, access to research opportunities, and positive collaboration between other residents and teaching faculty

Francis Fischer, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Tyler
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist and Critical Care
Hobbies: Playing tennis, hiking and eating good food
Why Methodist Dallas: Because of their reputation for teaching medical trainees and the positive interactions I had with both residents and faculty. Also, Dallas is a great city to be in.

Sina Hedayatpour, DO
Home State: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Houston
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic medicine- Georgia campus
Career Interests: Pulmonary/Critical Care
Hobbies: Hiking, Scuba, piano, gym
Why Methodist Dallas: It is a reputable program and I like living in the DFW area.

Bhavik Hirapara, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Gastroenterology/Hospital Medicine
Hobbies: Fiction/fantasy novels, video games, outdoor activities, tech
Why Methodist Dallas: Great mix of a community program with academic medicine, excellent camaraderie between residents, and smaller program with dedicated teaching attendings

Kyle Madison, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Texas A&M University
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Basketball, pickleball, ping-pong, board games, reading
Why Methodist Dallas: I chose Methodist Dallas because of the blend of academic and community program elements. Additionally, being in a large city allows great exposure to pathology you would not see elsewhere. My wife and I are also both from DFW and wanted to be closer to family.

Kinnari Modi, DO
Home state: New Jersey
Undergraduate: Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: GI, Cardiology
Hobbies: Yoga, hiking, sketching
Why Methodist Dallas: Hybrid training program with excellent faculty and a community environment

Ibrahim Musri, MD
Home state: Florida
Undergraduate: Rollins College
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Primary Care
Hobbies: Soccer, piano, cooking
Why Methodist Dallas: Hybrid academic/community hospital, emphasis on resident wellness, faculty mentorship, diverse and underserved patient population, opportunities for research, leisure in downtown Dallas and metro area, beautiful weather.

Divya Naik, DO
Home state: Ohio
Undergraduate: Rice University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine, Global Health, Outpatient Medicine
Hobbies: Live music, trying new restaurants, Marvel movies
Why Methodist Dallas: Offers a mix of community and academic learning environments, located in Dallas

Olivia Ortiz, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Texas A&M
Medical School: McGovern Medical School
Career Interests: Primary Care
Hobbies: Getting coffee and chatting with friends, movie nights/marathons, game nights, watching Netflix, dancing
Why Methodist Dallas: I chose Methodist Dallas because it is a more intimate program with a small class size, so I would be personally known, and my learning cared for. I loved that they have full-time faculty dedicated to our learning, a wonderful patient population and hospital, and I enjoyed that we also go to the VA and do ambulatory at the Golden Cross clinic! The free lunch is a nice touch as well.

Elsy Rivera, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Houston-Downtown
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Nephrology
Hobbies: Learning languages, gardening, interior design
Why Methodist Dallas: My husband and I chose Methodist Dallas for several reasons including future career prospects, faculty interest in resident wellbeing, and research and teaching opportunities. Methodist Dallas is a hybrid academic university-based program in a community setting with a diverse and underserved patient population. Additionally, the program director invests in our success and actively builds working relationships with the academic community for research. Most importantly, when asking the residents about their experiences, they were sincere and happy to be here.

Hywel Soney, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology, Hospitalist
Hobbies: Cooking, basketball, listening to podcasts, and fried chicken
Why Methodist Dallas: Great sense of camaraderie among residents and a reputation for having an excellent teaching environment

CLASS OF 2023

Mujahed Abualfoul, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Arlington
Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Career Interests: Clinician administrator, undifferentiated specialist
Hobbies: Flying, stargazing, soccer, video games, technology gadgets
Why Methodist Dallas: As a rotating medical student, I could not help but notice the camaraderie among resident and the supportive faculty and staff which lead me to rank Methodist as my #1 choice for residency. If you are looking for a residency program that takes care of you so you can take care of your patients, then look no further.

Neilay Dedhia, DO
Home state: Delaware
Undergraduate: Wake Forest University
Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Career Interests: Hospitalist, Gastroenterology
Hobbies: Golf, tennis, hiking, and ski/snowboarding
Why Methodist Dallas: I chose Methodist Dallas because the residents I met on interview day were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to get along with, and I felt like I would fit in well. The faculty I interviewed with, and now have had the pleasure of working with, are excellent teachers and physicians. The culture of learning and teaching is entrenched in the program and the faculty demonstrate a commitment to that culture.

Spencer Glenn, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of North Texas
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Career Interests: Tropical and Travel Medicine
Hobbies: Video games, working out, football, movies
Methodist Dallas: Global health opportunities in Guatemala and faculty seemed approachable and enthusiastic about teaching

Lawrence Hoang, MD
Home state: Tennessee
Undergraduate: University of Miami
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Career Interests: Cardiology, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Nephrology
Hobbies: Lifting weights, cooking, reading fantasy
Why Methodist Dallas: Smaller program allowing more direct interaction with faculty; you are closer with your co-residents. Dallas is a cool place to live.

Michael Kim, DO
Home state: California
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Workout, Netflix, movies, food
Why Methodist Dallas: People, overall camaraderie between residents

Dylan Lopez, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Baylor University
Medical School: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Career Interests: GI/Hepatology, Pulmonology/Critical Care
Hobbies: Drumming, avid film viewer, sleeping
Why Methodist Dallas: I like the mix of community and academic training, especially when in a metroplex city. I felt like I got the best of both worlds here with unique pathology plus the residents here were really friendly to me.

Sherman Nong, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Houston Baptist University
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies: Reading books
Why Methodist Dallas: Good program

Akash Patel, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Football (Go Cowboys!), basketball, hiking, traveling, movies, taking naps
Why Methodist Dallas: I ranked Methodist Dallas as my #1 program because of the quality of training, location, supportive faculty, and amazing residents.

Kelvin Soewono, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist, Gastroenterology
Hobbies: Tennis, soccer, video games, hanging out with friends
Why Methodist Dallas: The program is supportive to the residents and the people are very nice.

Michael Vu, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Career Interests: Clinical Reasoning, Hospital Medicine, Critical Care
Hobbies: Cooking, powerlifting, and trying new restaurants & coffee shops. Full time ice cream enthusiast!
Why Methodist Dallas: Residents and attendings are friendly and easy to work with. The culture is very supportive and positive. There is great exposure to all kinds of pathology and acuity. Dallas is an amazing city to live in with a lot of diversity, great food scene, and something for every hobby.

Lucas Wang, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies: Ultimate frisbee, cooking, sports, running
Why Methodist Dallas: The Methodist program focuses on caring about people whether they be patients or healthcare workers. This is a breath of fresh air and creates an environment where one can focus on learning and training to be the best physician they can be. The hospital system is placed closest to the people in Dallas that need it the most. Each day provides new learning opportunities that help us grow as future physicians.

Brandon Wu, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Houston
Medical School: Midwestern University - Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Shooting sports, playing guitar/piano, and trying new restaurants
Why Methodist Dallas: Liked the people, liked the program, liked the city. Also, it’s in Texas (best state)!