Current Pathology Residents

Fourth-Year Residents

Moyosore Awobajo, MD Co-Chief
awobajo@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of Malta Medical School, 2017
Graduate School: (MSc, Human Molecular Genetics) Imperial College London, 2011
Undergraduate School:  University of Leicester, 2010
Hometown: London: United Kingdom

1. “Why Pathology”  I love the idea of being the doctor’s doctor. The field of pathology covers all aspects of medicine and the diagnosis provided by a pathologist ultimately plays a very important role in patient care.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? The pathology program at UT Health San Antonio is a robust program with a well balanced AP/CP curriculum and excellent faculty who are passionate about teaching.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? San Antonio is a warm city with a great sense of community and friendly welcoming folks!

Olivia Fisher, MD, MPH Co-Chief
Fishero1@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, OK, 2019
Undergraduate School: University of Pittsburg, KS, 2013
Hometown: Claremore: Oklahoma

1.  “Why Pathology”: I decided on pathology because not only did I enjoy using a microscope on a day-to-day basis but I also found taking a specimen all the way to forming a diagnosis intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: I chose the UTHSCSA program because it is a great size, the faculty are invested in the residents, and there is a good case variety. The residents are also helpful and friendly.
3. What do you like about living in San Antonio? I love San Antonio! It has the amenities of a large city but doesn’t feel like one and the weather is great!

Ayush Srivastava, MD
srivastavaa@uthscsa.edu
Medical School:  Manipal College of Medical Sciences
Hometown:  Lucknow, India

1.  “Why Pathology”:  I’m drawn to Pathology as it allows me to study organs and tissues and delve deeper into the importance of tissue examination for better clinical outcomes.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?  UT Health San Antonio offers a diverse patient population, friendly community, and high training quality. I’m excited to continue my training here and look forward to the opportunity.
3. What do you like about living in San Antonio?  San Antonio is a diverse and friendly city with rich heritage and history.

 

Shasta Theodore, MD
jonestheodor@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of Texas at Houston McGovern Medical School, 2020
Undergraduate School:  University of Houston, 1998
Hometown: Conroe, TX

1. “Why Pathology”:  I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to see disease at the most basic level and to   work with a wide range of healthcare professionals.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? The residents and faculty were so welcoming – as if they already knew us.
3. What do you like about living in San Antonio? It is a fun-filled big city with a small town feel. I am especially glad to be here during COVID because both the city and medical school leadership are committed to care for its constituents.

 

Camille Trinidad, MD
TrinidadC1@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of the East RMMC College of Medicine, Philippines, 2014
Undergraduate School: University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing (BSN, RN), 2010
Hometown: Metro Manila, Philippines

1. “Why Pathology”: I liked studying the disease process when I was in nursing school and because of that, I got into med school. I love the work behind clinical diagnoses and the different roles of a pathologist.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? The balanced curriculum for AP and CP; collegial environment; and the fellowships they have.
3. What do you like about living in San Antonio? San Antonio is a beautiful city, family-friendly, diverse, and affordable compared to other major US cities. I absolutely loved visiting this city before, and I am grateful to move here for residency!

 

Third -Year Residents

Taryn Cazzolli, MD
cazzolli@uthscsa.edu
Medical School:  Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Hometown: Tully, NY

1. “Why Pathology”:  I was initially drawn to histology from a course I took as an undergraduate. From that interest, I applied to medical school with the intent to pursue a career in Pathology. I love the process of combining medical knowledge with visualization of the disease morphology on a cellular level.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? I chose the UT Health San Antonio program because of the excellent faculty, the positive endorsements from the current residents, the balanced AP and CP curriculum, and the case variety.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? San Antonio is an affordable city with a wide variety of things to do. I enjoy the outdoor activities available in the surrounding parks and downtown on the River Walk. The food is great with many restaurants to choose from.  The AT&T stadium often hosts cultural and sporting events, concerts, and the annual rodeo. Also, no winter weather to contend with!

 

Thelma Dangana, MD
dangana@uthscsa.edu
Medical School:  China Medical University, China
Hometown: Port Harcourt, Nigeria

1. “Why Pathology”: Exploring the gross picture of a disease and piecing this puzzle with the histological and molecular features to come to a final diagnosis is very satisfying. It also allows the opportunity to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams in probing complicated cases and my duty in advocating quality patient care in the area of diagnostics.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? UTHSCSA provides a balanced AP/CP curriculum and case load in a fitting training environment. It offers a wide range of resources and opportunities to support my future endeavors.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? The look of a large metropolitan city, but the feel of a friendly mid-sized town, and of course shorter winters!

 

Ricardo de la Cruz, MD
delacruzr4@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Facultad de Cientas Medicas de Gramma, Cuba
Hometown: Bayamo, Cuba

1. “Why Pathology”:     Throughout my clinical rotations in school, I found myself more and more attracted by the pathophysiology of diseases and the important role pathology plays in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of the patients. It is absolutely unique in that it is in conjunction with many other specialties in medicine. Being able to solve diagnostic mysteries in the service of patients and their families makes this career truly my passion.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?   At UT Health San Antonio, we have not only an impressive case volume with a mix of the ordinary and extraordinary, but also faculty members with open doors. Our faculty enjoy sharing their knowledge and taking the time to teach, as do our senior residents. I was also drawn in by how happy the residents seemed, and how they all seemed to get along well.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? San Antonio is a city rich in history, something I always enjoyed reading. It offers big-city amenities and multiple attractions coupled with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. It is very affordable and the perfect place for my family to live!

 

Second -Year Residents

Brooke Anliker, MD
anliker@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: 
American University of the Caribbean (AUC)
Hometown: 
Carol Stream, Illinois

1. “Why Pathology”:  I chose pathology because of my love for diagnostics, the laboratory, and finding a definitive answer. The lab is the backbone for providing clinicians with the necessary information to make an accurate diagnosis. Too often, I have encountered providers content treating symptoms without knowing the source of the issue. In pathology, we consistently go back to the root and identify the origin of disease. Not only is it fulfilling to find the correct diagnosis, but this field allows us to inform clinicians of the pertinent information needed to guide them to the most effective treatment.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?
Before medical school, I worked as an MLS (medical lab scientist), so much of my familiarity with this field is in clinical pathology. Therefore, when looking for a program, I desired one with a robust clinical pathology education equivalent to anatomic pathology. Throughout the interview, I realized UTHSCA offers just that. Not only is Dr. Greebon (Program Director) a blood banker, but the current residents attested to the strength and balance of their AP and CP education.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? 
 Before starting residency, I had never been to San Antonio. Since being here, I have realized this community is robust with diversity and culture. San Antonio has an easily accessible downtown area with a beautiful river walk (with great food). San Antonio is spread out enough to where it doesn’t feel like an overcrowded large city. I am originally from the midwest, so I look forward to the warmer winters here. Also, living costs are cheaper than in many other major cities. One of my favorite parts of living here is the people; everyone is extremely kind and hospitable.

Andrea Barraza Aguilar, MD
barrazaaguil@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina
Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico

1. “Why Pathology”: Pathology is a specialty that can brings something different daily and is exciting to learn. Also, pathologists have one of the most critical roles in patient care, so I love the idea of helping physicians from a wide variety of specialties take care of their patients.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? You have many opportunities to learn because of the vast volume of cases and their variety. Also, the faculty is outstanding and committed to teaching.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? San Antonio is a diverse and friendly city. You can find everything you need without the difficulties of a crowded city, and it has many things to do in your free time.

Jenie Hwang, MD
hwangj1@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of Ulsan, College of Medicine
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

1. “Why Pathology”: I always had passion for understanding pathophysiology of diseases and art of the diagnosis. Also, the proximity to the science, especially up-to-date fields including bioinformatics drew me to Pathology.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? I chose the UTHSCSA program because I loved the welcoming and genuine atmosphere at the virtual open house. And the positive endorsements from the current residents, well-organized rotation and appropriate workload were big plus.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? It is a big city with a small-town vibe. I am especially glad to be here because it’s still an affordable city with welcoming folks.

Onyinye Okonkwo, MD
okonkwo@uthscsa.edu
Medical School:  University of Nigeria
Hometown:  Enugu, Nigeria

1. “Why Pathology”:   I love the full circle touch and degree of certainty it brings to medicine. It ties things up nicely and presents medicine as a well wrapped up package. I also love the opportunity for visual learning and how it positions me as a bridge builder between the foundation clinical sciences and the practice of medicine.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?  The ambience and enabling environment for learning was a great selling point. Also faculty with diverse experiences and residents that truly look out for one another.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio?  I’m still getting to know San Antonio but I love the experience so far. It’s a good balance between big city and small town life and I am just glad to be here.

First -Year Residents

Carlos Bouchot, MD
bouchotc@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso
Undergraduate School: UT Austin, Texas
Hometown: Laredo, Texas

1.  Why Pathology? I was attracted to the diversity of the field, the working environments, and the lifestyle.
2.  Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? I really liked the residents that I interacted with, as well as the campus itself, the growing medical center, and how varied the learning opportunities are.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? What I like about living in San Antonio is, of course, the culture and food, the big-city-small-town feel, as well as all the benefits of living in the state of Texas.

Melissa Garcia Patino, MD
garciapatino@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Universidad CES escuela de Medicina-Colombia
Hometown: Medellin, Colombia

1.  Why Pathology? Because is an area where things are always different and exciting.
I have always been curious about what is happening at a deeper level, beyond just the symptoms and treatment of a disease, and I am drawn to subjects where we explored the “why?” and “how?” rather than just the “what?”
Being a pathologist allows us to explore beyond what is seen with the naked eye, It involves solving a puzzle to help patients and form a complete picture of what is happening.
2.  Why did you choose UT Health, San Antonio? I chose UT Health San Antonio because I could see the human quality that everyone in the program has, from my rotations to the interview they made me feel very welcome. Also, because it is a big program, very academic, with a lot of variety of cases and possibilities to learn.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? Since I first visited San Antonio and had the opportunity to live there for a while, I realized that it is an incredible city. It is big but at the same time it feels cozy and small, the living costs are not so high, and the people are very friendly. There are all kinds of activities you can do in your free time. Also, there are people from all over the world living here and that gives you the possibility to meet and learn a lot from all of them.

Rebecca Thompson, DO
thompsonr3@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of Incarnate Word Osteopathic School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Texas A & M University
Hometown: Austin, TX

1.  Why Pathology? I enjoy piecing together a patient’s diagnostic picture by combining the visualization of disease processes at the cellular level with insights gained from the clinical history.
2.  Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? This program gives residents great exposure to interesting cases with the support of a welcoming and knowledgeable faculty. I appreciate that there is a good balance between AP and CP in all years of the program.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? I love the variety of experiences available in San Antonio and the surrounding area. I also love having a strong local support network of family and friends.

Vy Vu, MD
vuv3@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: UT Health San Antonio – Long SOM, Texas
Undergraduate School: UT Arlington
Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX

1.  Why Pathology? Pathophysiology has always been my motivating factor for entering medicine, it’s interesting how these principles can accumulate into what we see and experience as disease and what’s even more amazing is that we can detect it at such precise levels. I love how pathology plays an important role in diagnostics and how involved it is to the discovery of new information and technologies. Ultimately, the pathology rotations sold me. The opportunity to look at the slides at the scope and come up with my own diagnoses, and the prospect of learning something new daily is exciting. It’s a bonus how awesome the people are, and I’m inspired every day to see the dedication to their craft.
2.  Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio? I had the opportunity to do the pathology rotations here and interact with the faculty, staff, and residents. From this experience, the relaxed, friendly, and collaborative culture of the program really drew me in, and I enjoyed the variety of cases and the balanced curriculum.
3.  What do you like about living in San Antonio? San Antonio is an affordable city, and it doesn’t feel too crowded. The weather is nice and perfect for gardening. There is also an abundant amount of outdoor activities available, such as the many parks that comprise the Greenway encircling the city, the Pearl, the River Walk, and many others.