Meet our Residents
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.
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.
Asad Niazi, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Texas A&M University
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology
Hobbies: Working out, traveling, running, and cooking.
Why Methodist Dallas: The people and the genuine friendliness of everyone who works here; the
Hospital has a small-town personality with a large city infrastructure.
Here you get to see the best of both worlds.
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)!
CLASS OF 2022
Tyler Argyle, DO
Home state: Utah
Undergraduate: Southern Utah University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist/Outpatient
Hobbies: Call of Duty, taking my kids to every DFW park, biking
Why Methodist Dallas: Academic style community program, lots of one on one time with dedicated
teaching attendings
Kalyanim Avva, DO
Home state: North Carolina
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist/Outpatient
Hobbies: Baking, traveling and watching movies
Why Methodist Dallas: It’s a very supportive environment for training with lots of opportunities.
We are a close-knit group and all of the residents are like a big family.
David Braun, MD
Home state: New York
Undergraduate: New York University
Medical School: University of Queensland/Ochsner Medical School
Career Interests: Gastroenterology
Hobbies: Skiing, piano, swimming, classic novels
Why Methodist Dallas: Sense of community during interview season; research opportunities
Lynda Chowdhury, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Houston Baptist University
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Career Interests: Endocrinology and Space Medicine
Hobbies: Museums, perusing second-hand bookstores, spending time with co-residents
at local venues, star gazing at events hosted by astronomical societies,
and attending annual airshows in my hometown
Why Methodist Dallas: Both directors and co-residents alike enthusiastically support my pursuits
of these atypical career endeavors, and Methodist Dallas simply offers
the best blended features of traditional academic and community residency programs
Samantha Etienne, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas Rio Grande Valle
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology, Nephrology
Hobbies: Spending time with family friends, cooking, baking, and eating of course!
Why Methodist Dallas: Community + academic feel
Aaron Fischer, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas in Austin
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Enjoy keeping up with current events, outdoor activities and playing sports
with friends
Why Methodist Dallas: I really appreciated the warm and friendly environment created by the
attendings and hospital staff here at Methodist.
Adrese Kandahari, MD
Home state: Virginia
Undergraduate: George Washington University
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies: Soccer, football, basketball
Why Methodist Dallas: Felt at home on interview day
Hao Nguyen, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Houston
Medical School: Texas Tech Health Science Center School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Trying new restaurants, traveling, hiking, video games
Why Methodist Dallas: Faculty were very friendly and welcoming. They fostered an atmosphere
of cooperation and provided the resources to succeed. The residents were
similarly very easy to talk to and getting along with everyone felt natural.
Methodist felt like a good fit and I am very happy with coming here.
Nicholas Nguyen, DO
Home state: Louisiana
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Arlington
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests: Cardiology and Sports Medicine
Hobbies: Sports! I love playing basketball, bowling, and tennis to name a few.
I also enjoy hiking and cooking.
Why Methodist Dallas: Methodist sounded great on paper, but my interaction in person with the
faculty and residents sealed the deal. Everything felt genuine from the
start and honestly looking back, it was the best decision I could have
made for my education.
Victor Serrano, MD
Home state: Puerto Rico
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon
Medical School: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Career Interests: Nephrology
Hobbies: Trying to be fit, reading, exploring Dallas
Why Methodist Dallas: Great environment, great colleagues, all-around nice place
Adhish Singh, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Florida State University
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Career Interests: Gastroenterology, Hospital Medicine
Hobbies: Cooking, running, guitar, video games
Why Methodist Dallas: Love the sense of family and community within the hospital
Hojin Sun, MD
Home state: Illinois
Undergraduate: Northwestern University
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine-Chicago
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Hiking, Dungeons and Dragons, video games
Why Methodist Dallas: Very tight and personal group, lots of learning through seeing large number
of patients, a very good program for a future hospitalist
Yi Zhao, MD
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Undergraduate: University of California San Diego
Medical School: University of Queensland/Ochsner Medical SchooL
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies: Travel, food, jigsaw puzzles
Why Methodist Dallas: Relaxing, caring and supportive atmosphere of this program makes it attractive.
Located in Dallas is a plus.
Andrea Avellan, DO
Home country: Venezuela
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Career Interests: Hospitalist/Palliative Care
Hobbies: Being a mom, interior design, running
Why Methodist Dallas: Location
Edgar Blecker, Jr., MD
Home state: Florida
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Medical School: San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist/Outpatient Medicine
Hobbies: Basketball, breakfast food, movies
Why Methodist Dallas: Friendly atmosphere, good learning opportunities, great city
Victor Canela, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of North Texas
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Career Interests: Pulmonology/Critical Care
Hobbies: Travel, dog trainer, astronomy
Why Methodist Dallas: Familiar with the program since medical school rotations
Khanh Duong, MD
Hometown: Hue, Vietnam
Undergraduate: Hue University
Medical School: Hue Medical College
Career Interests: Hospitalist/Outpatient
Hobbies: Photography, filming, technology
Why Methodist Dallas: The best community program that you can find!
Mariam Goolam Mahomed, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Hofstra University
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Career Interests: Hospital Medicine
Hobbies: Reading, traveling
Why Methodist Dallas: I liked the feel of a smaller program and being able to know all my co-residents.
Staying in Dallas was also important to me.
Scott Hatcherson, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of North Texas
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Climbing, running, biking, painting, calligraphy, drawing, coin collecting,
travelling, learning languages, playing guitar, piano, and ukulele
Why Methodist Dallas: Methodist is great for learning and very friendly environment.
Colten Mabile, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Baylor University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Career Interests: Critical Care
Hobbies: Sports, video games
Why Methodist Dallas: I liked the size of the program. I’m from a small town and enjoy
the environment at Methodist where you know everyone.
Kuroush Nezafati, MD (Chief)
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Career Interests: Nephrology
Hobbies: Golf, weightlifting, biking
Why Methodist Dallas: The balanced training as a community program with a wide range of pathologies,
being positioned in the heart of Dallas, with key academic elements, provided
the perfect blend for robust curricula and training exposure. Methodist
Dallas is a stable environment to build autonomy as a clinician and yet
offers attention and matures their residents as they go through the program.
Brian Nguyen, MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Sewing, weightlifting, board games, tennis, table tennis, travel
Why Methodist Dallas: Smaller and more invested program for residents, DFW metroplex, family
also in DFW
Rosalyn Ortiz Manso, MD (Chief)
Home state: Puerto Rico
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico
Medical School: San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
Career Interests: Hospitalist and Hospital Administration
Hobbies: Watching movies/shows, cooking and having a nice glass of wine
Why Methodist Dallas: It’s friendly environment with diversity
Tyler Reed, DO
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Baylor University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Xbox, anime, eating Chipotle
Why Methodist Dallas: Great learning and being in my hometown
Chijioke Ukoha, Jr., MD
Home state: Texas
Undergraduate: Baylor University
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Career Interests: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Board games, movies, football, video games
Why Methodist Dallas: I love the community and the close relationships we are able to build here.