Who we are
Who we are
Maggie Aucoin, MD
(2023-2026)"I remember feeing very comfortable with my interview; everyone was warm and welcoming. I knew that the Texas Medical Center would be an incredible place to train due to the complexity and volume of patients. I wanted to be exposed to everything during fellowship to be as prepared as possible when entering the workforce as an attending physician. UT Houston did not disappoint! We have a booming census in our Memorial Hermann NICU and due to the UT Fetal Center are able to take care of some of the most complex and sick babies! I have no doubt when I complete this fellowship, I will feel very prepared as an attending NICU Physician."
Samarchitha Magal, MD
(2023-2026)"I wanted to train somewhere I would be exposed to a wide variety of clinical pathology and patient populations. I was drawn to this program because we work in two different NICUs, an academic level IV unit and a level III unit in our county hospital, allowing us to truly experience and learn the differences practice methods between the two. We also have a very busy Fetal Intervention Center with UT Houston, which exposes us to many rare syndromes that end up feeling routine because of how often we see and care for these patients. Overall, I feel the fellowship program here at UT Houston will give me a well-rounded education and prepare me to practice confidently no matter where I go."
Caitlin Stoll, DO
(2023-2026)"I really wanted to go to a new environment with a large and diverse group of patients for fellowship in order to be prepared for anything I might see out in practice. As someone who had never been to Texas before, it seemed like a great major city with a ton to learn from, I also had an attending in residency who finished up fellowship at UT and had a great experience."
Hometown: DeBary, FLPediatric Residency: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SCNicola Harris, DO
(2024-2027)"Houston is a great place to train and to live! Our clinical sites, CMHH and LBJ, offer a well-rounded experience to prepare for a career anywhere. And as a resident I saw the collaborative culture of the unit, so I knew I wanted to stay for fellowship!"
Lakshmi Panjini, MD
(2024-2027)"The things that I loved about UT Houston were the size of the program, the diverse pathologies and patient populations, the people, and the location. I knew I wanted to train at a large program and be exposed to the wide breadth of the field and work with families of all backgrounds. After talking with former UT trainees and people on my interview day, I felt the collaborative nature of the program and how happy people were to work at UT Houston- several of the people I spoke with have stayed here for many, many years!"
"Also, we love Houston- the food, the people, and the heat! We are thankful to stay here as I complete my training".
Larissa Petzey Salazar, MD
(2024-2027)"Looking into NICU fellowship programs it was important for me to train in a strong academic program that would allow me exposure to both rare and common neonatal pathologies, as well as different practice settings and patient population, which UT Houston provides through MHH and LBJ Hospital. Also, coming from a tight knit residency program I was looking for the same type of welcoming environment to continue my training. During my interview day, I was left impressed by the camaraderie and family feeling between fellows and how supportive the faculty is towards their trainees here at UT Houston".
Meena Vegesna, MD
(2024-2027)"UT Houston was my first choice for fellowship because it was clear I was going to get the best possible training here. The patients and pathology are so diverse. I also love that we get exposure to both a large level IV academic center and associated level III unit in a community hospital setting."
Kaia Amoah, MD
(2025-2028)"Why I Chose UT Health: My mentor connected with a few faculty members prior to applying to UT Houston and I could not help but recognize how warm they were and how they took time out of their own professional and personal lives to mentor me and pour into me regarding my research interests and career goals. I wanted to train at a program with faculty like this that provided a safe space to learn and grow. I also wanted to train at a program with high volume, and medically complex cases so that I would be prepared to become a great neonatologist. My interview day only solidified the impression that was already made."
Shachi Daru, MD
(2025-2028)"When I decided on neonatology, I knew that I wanted to train at a place that had high volume with high acuity and complexity, was well-versed in research, and provided care to an underserved population, yet still had a family feel. On top of that, I was looking for a place that emphasized wellness, leadership, and celebrated everyone's successes. During my interview at UT Houston, everyone was so welcoming and warm, and they definitely highlighted the importance of wellness. I also loved the idea of being able to train at one of the top 10 largest NICUs in the nation as well as exposure to a level 3 that serves a more underserved population where we can really get a feel of the almost-attending role. Now, as a fresh new fellow, I can already say that those feelings and factors I liked hold true. I am excited for my 3 years here!".
Chizorbam Diribe, MD
(2025-2028)" I chose the UT Health NPM Fellowship Program because I’m originally from Houston and wanted to return home to be closer to my family while receiving exceptional training. Being based in the Texas Medical Center offers exposure to a diverse, high-acuity patient population and a wide range of complex cases, which I know will help shape me into a well-rounded and versatile neonatologist. After valuable experiences in the DMV, I’m excited to continue growing and gain even more transformative experiences in a setting that will prepare me to confidently step into the role of a NICU attending. Plus, being back in Houston means I get to enjoy the incredible food scene that always has a new place to explore—definitely a fun bonus! ".
Gabriella Giambanco, MD
(2025-2028)" When I began exploring fellowship programs, UT Houston immediately stood out — not just for the impressive clinical volume and case complexity, but because one of my mentors, an exceptional neonatologist whom I deeply admire, completed her fellowship here. She spoke so highly of her experience and the preparation it provided, and I knew I wanted that same level of training.
From the moment I interviewed, I felt genuinely welcomed. The faculty and fellows created a warm, collaborative environment that made it easy to envision myself growing here. Even in just my first few call shifts, I’ve already seen how comprehensive and meaningful the training is. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and confident that this program will shape me into a thoughtful, skilled, and well-prepared neonatologist."
Hometown: Phoenix, AZPediatric Residency: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center