Current Pathology Residents
Fourth-Year Residents
Brooke Anliker, MD
anliker@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean (AUC)
Hometown: Carol Stream, Illinois
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Regina Tirbeni, MD
tirbeni@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: UTMB Galveston
Hometown: Grand Prairie, Texas
1. Why Pathology?: I was drawn to pathology because it is a broad field of medicine that requires knowledge of all organ systems down to a microscopic level. I like that there are many areas that you can choose from to subspecialize in. It leaves a lot of possibilities in terms of a career and even a lot of flexibility.
2. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: I chose UT Health San Antonio’s pathology program because of its warm and welcoming environment. I could tell that they really encourage and believe in their residents. I also like how well-structured the residency program is.
3. What do you like about living in San Antonio?: I like the history and culture of San Antonio. There is so much to do. It’s a very exciting and fun place to be.
Third -Year Residents
Carlos Bouchot, MD
bouchotc@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso
Hometown: Laredo, Texas
Why Pathology?: I was attracted to the diversity of the field, the working environments, and the lifestyle.
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.
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
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.
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.
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, MPH
thompsonr3@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of Incarnate Word Osteopathic School of Medicine
Hometown: Austin, Texas
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.
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.
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.
Second – Year Residents
Vy Vu, MD
vuv3@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: UT Health San Antonio – Long SOM, Texas
Hometown: Grand Prairie, Texas
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.
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.
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.
Idahlia Bland, DO
blandi@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Why Pathology?: I chose pathology because I am fascinated by physiology and I love being able to see what’s occurring within a patient under the microscope. I also love the intersection between clinical medicine and the cutting-edge technology of laboratory medicine and the collaborative relationship between pathologists and other clinicians.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: The UT Health training location is a major hub for patient care, academics, and research, and is located in a major medical center serving dozens of surrounding counties. The variety in patient population and countless opportunities made selecting UT Health San Antonio for training an easy choice!
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: San Antonio is a city rich in culture and history with countless things to do. From outdoor activities to museums and multiple shopping districts, and of course the food!
Rui Liang, MD
liangr@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Wuhan University School of Medicine, China
Hometown: Taiyuan, China
Why Pathology?: Pathology draws me in because it combines visual artistry with disease diagnosis. The intricate cellular structures and patterns fascinate me, allowing me to understand diseases at a deeper level. My research background solidifies my passion for pathology, and I love how pathology bridges biomedical research and clinical practice.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: I chose UT Health San Antonio because of its approachable faculty and friendly training environment. The balanced AP and CP curriculum ensures comprehensive learning and development. Additionally, the strong sense of community among co-residents and the supportive staff creates an encouraging atmosphere that enhances both personal and professional growth.
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: I appreciate living in San Antonio because of its affordable living costs, which make it easier to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, less traffic compared to other major cities makes commuting more manageable. San Antonio is also a perfect place for families, offering a welcoming environment and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Vasudha Rudraraju, MD
rudraraju@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Why Pathology?: I chose pathology because I enjoy understanding diseases at the cellular level and working through the details to come to a diagnosis.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: The pathology program at UT Health San Antonio has amazing faculty who are truly dedicated to teach residents. The program also has a well-balanced AP/CP curriculum and offers exposure to a diverse range of cases, including many that are unique. Overall, the learning environment is excellent.
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: San Antonio has something for everyone. Whether it’s culture, outdoor activities, diverse food, or a friendly community, you’ll find it all here. Plus, there isn’t as much traffic like other cities, which I love.
Kayla Smith, MD
smithk17@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: UT Health San Antonio – Long SOM, Texas
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Why Pathology?: Throughout medical school, I noticed that I was more interested in diagnosing diseases rather than treating them, and I was more interested in understanding the disease process in general. From there, I decided to shadow and do a few rotations in pathology, and I found the process of integrating information on slides with the patient’s clinical picture to come up with a diagnosis to be such a rewarding experience.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: I went to medical school here and was fortunate enough to rotate through here as well. Everyone was so kind and willing to teach, and I was able to learn so much during my short time here. I knew that, as a resident at this institution, I would gain so much knowledge and leave this program being a very competent pathologist. On top of that, both the residents and faculty are incredibly supportive, and everyone has an open door policy that makes you feel very comfortable asking questions.
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: I like that it’s a big city with a small town-feel. There’s plenty of things to do here, but it doesn’t feel as stressful and crowded as a big city. There’s also a wide variety of things to do. Whether you have kids or not, you’re sure something here that you’ll love to do.
Daniel Wheeler, DO
wheelerd@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana Campus
Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana
Why Pathology?: I was drawn to pathology by the wonders of the microscopic world. I find histology fascinating but also enjoy clinical chemistry. I enjoy being part of a team and how pathology allows me to help patients by doing something I love. Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: I was drawn to the program’s very balanced AP/CP curriculum and the variety of fellowships available. When visiting on a cytology rotation, I was impressed by the quality of instruction and the warm and welcoming atmosphere. With the high case volume and excellent instruction, I knew I would be well-prepared as a physician in the future.
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: I enjoy the warm weather and variety of things to do in San Antonio. Living in the medical center means I’m only a short walk from the hospital. The people are friendly, the city is safe, and there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants and fun activities.
First – Year Residents
Tanner Foster, DO
fostert2@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Why Pathology?: I’ve always had an interest in the “why” and “how” in the world around me. I was drawn to Pathology even before Medical School because of its visual patterns and my experience shadowing the field. I love that it requires a deep knowledge of medicine on a cellular level. Microscopes open up a world that we can’t see with our own eyes, and I find that fascinating to see and satisfying to understand.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: UT Health San Antonio stood out because of its wonderful faculty and residents who were very welcoming and supportive! There is a fantastic balance of both AP/CP and great fellowship opportunities. What do you like about living in San Antonio?: San Antonio is a large city, but it is laid out very conveniently. I haven’t had to drive more than 10 minutes to reach anything I needed! It also has a very rich culture, and it is full of activities to do with family or friends!
Lisa Nunez, DO
nunezl1@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Why Pathology?: My interest in pathology stems from a deep fascination with the investigative and diagnostic core of medicine. Before medical school, I was involved in several research opportunities that exposed me to the field of pathology and sparked my appreciation for its scientific depth and clinical relevance. Throughout medical school, I found that my strongest subject was histology, and I developed a genuine interest in understanding the pathophysiological processes of disease at the cellular level. I’ve always enjoyed piecing together a puzzle, and pathology allows me to do just that—acting as an investigator who synthesizes clinical information with morphologic and molecular findings to uncover the truth behind a disease process. The cells don’t lie; and while there can be some vagueness or interpretive nuance in pathology, there’s also the opportunity to provide a solid, definitive diagnosis that can directly impact patient care. I find the intellectual rigor, continual learning, and evolving technology in this field especially rewarding, and I’m excited by the role pathology plays at the very heart of modern medicine.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: I chose UT Health San Antonio because of its strong commitment to academic excellence, collaborative culture, and reputation for producing well-rounded pathologists. The faculty’s dedication to teaching, research opportunities, and emphasis on resident education stood out to me during my interactions with the program. I also appreciate the diverse case volume and supportive environment that encourages growth, curiosity, and clinical confidence. Additionally, due to the unique and special patient population in San Antonio, there is a valuable opportunity to encounter rare and complex cases that enhance diagnostic experience and broaden clinical exposure. UT Health San Antonio offers a setting where I feel I can thrive both professionally and personally.
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: Living in San Antonio has been a rewarding experience. The city offers a rich cultural heritage, a warm and welcoming community, and a cost of living that allows for a high quality of life. I especially enjoy the many tourist attractions, which make it easy to explore and experience something new on a regular basis. As a big foodie, I’ve found San Antonio to be a culinary gem—the food here is amazing, with a wide variety of cultural cuisines that reflect the city’s diversity. There’s true Southern hospitality here, and the people are genuinely friendly, which has made settling in feel effortless. I also appreciate the convenience of living in a midsize city—traffic is manageable, and it usually takes only about 20 minutes to get just about anywhere. The combination of delicious food, cultural richness, friendly people, and everyday convenience makes San Antonio a place where I truly feel at home.
Kayla Pineda, MD
pinedak1@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara
Hometown: Laredo, Texas
Why Pathology?: I went to medical school to become a pathologist because I could not see myself doing anything else. I am fascinated by anatomy from a microscopic perspective. In addition, there is something artful about the process of visualizing cellular structures under the microscope. Of course, I was always fascinated by shows like CSI from a younger age and that probably started the process of wanting to become a pathologist. However, the more I learned about pathology the more determined I was to be one.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: UT Health San Antonio was my first choice because the program is well-rounded, organized, and structure in a way that allows for excellent learning opportunities. I also got the sense that the residents were happy to be a part of the program and that weighed as much as the program curriculum in my decision-making process. Overall, the program, residents, and staff foster an optimal learning and working environment.
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: After visiting bigger cities, I realized that San Antonio is a big city with a small-town vibe and that is exactly where I want to be. I also want to stay close to my family in Laredo and be able to visit them any time I can. I should mention that the food here is amazing, there is a great variety of restaurants and there is a lot to explore.
Berkeley Sheppard, DO
sheppardb@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Southern Utah
Hometown: Mckinney, Texas
Why Pathology?: My interest in pathology began with a histology course I took in undergrad, where I became fascinated by how microscopic structures reflect a greater function. In medical school, that curiosity evolved into a constant desire to understand the “why” and “how” behind disease processes. I found myself drawn to the detailed thinking and pattern recognition that pathology demands. As someone who also thoroughly enjoys art, I grew to appreciate the visual beauty of pathology and how a single slide can tell an intricate story. I’m drawn to the way pathology blends analytical reasoning with visual interpretation and how that combination plays such a vital role in guiding patient care.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: I’m happy to be at UTHSA because of the opportunity to gain a well-rounded AP/CP education. There are plenty of opportunities to further your education in didactics and with research. The faculty are all so helpful and eager to teach and adjust their teachings to my individual needs. Additionally, the friendships I have made with my co-residents are unmatched.
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: San Antonio is such a beautiful part of Texas where the city does an amazing job preserving the nature and beauty of the area. There are plenty of nature trails and hikes to explore. The food is spectacular and there is so much to do downtown. Also, the cost of living is hard to beat. Lastly, the people here are incredibly kind and easy to make friends with. Overall, San Antonio is a great place to live, and I am so grateful to be here for residency.
Sarah Waszyn, MD
waszyn@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Why Pathology?: Pathology is the best field of medicine! We get to learn new things every day, peer into a different world, and find answers other physicians don’t have. We’re on the cutting edge of technology, and our scope is arguably broader than most other fields. We run the hospital behind the scenes! I love how visual it is and how we get to make a huge impact on so many patients’ lives. Meanwhile, it allows time for teaching, research, advocacy, and a work-life balance. Choosing pathology was the best decision I’ve ever made!
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: There were many things I liked about UT Health San Antonio, including but not limited to the research infrastructure, the size of the program, the surgical pathology schedule, the broad CP exposure, free parking, the facilities, a single campus, and teaching opportunities. If I’m being honest, though, I had really good vibes at the interview from both the attendings and the residents and followed that intuition. I have yet to regret it!
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: People here are genuinely SO KIND. Everyone volunteers information about themselves and it’s so easy to talk to strangers and make new friends! I have yet to have a bad meal in this city because the food is so good. I am genuinely in awe by how many trees are in San Antonio. The riverwalk is SO BEAUTIFUL and there is so much to do in the city. Overall, it is such an insanely underrated city!
Yu Zhang, MD
zhangy17@uthscsa.edu
Medical School: Hebei North University
Hometown: Shijiazhuang, China
Why Pathology?: During my third year of medical school, I became deeply fascinated by the root causes of disease. I recognized pathology as a broad and intellectually stimulating specialty that plays a central, often pivotal, role in patient care. Pathologists collaborate closely with other physicians to provide accurate and timely diagnoses, which are critical for effective treatment decisions. I firmly believe this diagnostic foundation is one of the most important aspects of the healthcare system. As the saying goes, “To halt the boiling water, it’s wiser to eliminate the fuel.” That’s exactly why I love pathology—it empowers me to understand and address disease at its source.
Why did you choose UT Health San Antonio?: I chose UT Health San Antonio because of its exceptionally supportive and collegial environment. The program provides well-rounded and robust training in both Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, effectively preparing residents for diverse career paths. Most importantly, from faculty to staff, everyone I’ve encountered is genuinely kind, helpful, and encouraging. It truly feels like a community that values both professional excellence and personal well-being.
What do you like about living in San Antonio?: San Antonio offers an affordable cost of living. We particularly enjoy the benefit of spacious backyards, allowing us to cultivate beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables—a pursuit that brings a profound sense of peace and joy. Furthermore, as the seventh-largest city in the U.S., San Antonio presents significant opportunities, effectively blending the advantages of a major metropolitan area with the warmth of a close-knit community. Our family is genuinely thriving and enjoying life here.