June 2025
We know how important it is to meet your new team. Our fellows want to share their personal experiences with you!
Vaishali A. Harne MD
2022-2025Email: Vaishali.A.Harne@uth.tmc.edu
Medical School: Lady Hardinge Medical College
Residency: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Favorite part of your fellowship experience:
My favorite thing about the fellowship is the people! My co-fellows are amazing, supportive, and fun to work with! All the Attendings are very approachable, knowledgeable and easy to work with!
Ana F. Alvarez, MD
2022-2025Email: Ana.B.FadhelAlvarez@uth.tmc.edu
Medical School: Universidad Central del Caribe
Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Favorite part of your fellowship experience:
My favorite thing about fellowship is how supportive we all are for one another. The genuine happiness among the team is what initially drew me towards Pediatric GI during my residency rotation, and now, I feel incredibly proud to be a part of this team.
Melissa N. Munroe, MD (PGY 6)
2023-2026Email: Melissa.N.Munroe@uth.tmc.edu
Medical School: University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences
Residency: Memorial Healthcare System
Favorite part of your fellowship experience:
My favorite things about our Pedi GI program are the amazing combination of supportive cofellows, brilliant and personable attendings, and outstanding clinical and research opportunities. Every day, I feel fortunate to work alongside colleagues who are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also genuinely collaborative and encouraging. Our attendings are true experts in their fields, yet always approachable and invested in our growth.
The fellowship offers exposure to a wide range of pathology, which I feel constantly challenges and sharpens my clinical acumen. On top of that, the bench research opportunities and mentorship are excellent, allowing me to explore meaningful questions that interest me and which have the potential to serve the field and community.
Living in Houston has also been a huge plus—it's a vibrant, diverse city with incredible food, culture, and community. Overall, it's a wonderful environment for both personal and professional growth, and I couldn’t ask for a better place to train.
Nhat Hoang, MD (PGY 6)
2023-2026Email: Nhat.K.Hoang@uth.tmc.edu
Medical School: University of Texas Branch School of Medicine
Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Favorite part of your fellowship experience:
I am so grateful to be a part of this fellowship program. Everyone from the faculty and fellows to the clinic and endoscopy staff helps to foster a joyful and collaborative working environment. I've been able to build genuine relationships here, and I feel supported, encouraged, and inspired every day.
Rida N. Sherwani, MD (PGY 5)
2024-2027Email: Rida.N.Sherwani@uth.tmc.edu
Medical School: Dow Medical College
Residency: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Favorite part of your fellowship experience:
My favorite part of the fellowship experience has been how supportive everyone has been - my amazing co-fellows, attendings, the clinic staff, the admin team and our brilliant GI lab team. People are not only invested in our educational learning but personal well-being and growth as well!
Emmanuel L. Andres Avelino, MD (PGY 5)
2024-2027Email: Emmanuel.Luis.A.Avelino@uth.tmc.edu
Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Favorite part of your fellowship experience:
My favorite part of fellowship so far are the people. I chose UTHealth Houston Pediatric GI because of the collegial, warm culture and utmost value on mentorship, faculty, and individualized learning. The GI faculty, clinical support ancillary staff, and fellows truly value your personal and professional development as well as your well-being. I could not have asked for a better group of individuals to share this journey with.
Deepa M. Thomas, MD (PGY 4)
2025-2028Email: Deepa.M.Thomas@uth.tmc.edu
Medical School: A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
Residency: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Aliya Z. Sharif, MD (PGY 4)
2025-2028Email: Aliya.Z.Sharif@uth.tmc.edu
Medical School: University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio
Residency: University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio
"My training at UT Physician was an extraordinary journey. It offered an amazing educational environment and the opportunity to work alongside truly remarkable mentors and colleagues. This enriching experience has profoundly equipped me to create a well-defined plan for my future career.
Baraa Alrazzak, MD
2014 - 2017"The fellowship at UT Houston provides the ideal environment for outstanding clinical training and robust opportunities for impactful research. Exposure to complex pathology and challenging clinical scenarios ensures a comprehensive training experience. The expert faculty are committed to teaching and mentorship, encouraging a collegial atmosphere and camaraderie among colleagues."
Rohit Josyabhatla, MD
2019 - 2020"My experience at UT Houston has been exceptional. I've gained extensive knowledge in pediatric gastroenterology with exposure to both common and rare cases and ample procedural practice. Collaboration with the adult gastroenterology team enabled me to do an advanced procedure elective. I published research findings before graduation, thanks to fantastic mentors. The program supported my goals, including enhancing my teaching skills through the 'Physician Education Certificate Program' and presenting at national conferences like NASPGHAN, the AAP, and DDW. The team is friendly, collaborative, and supportive. We enjoyed potlucks, discovering new restaurants, and caring for each other's well-being. Thanks to my mentors and their support, I am heading to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for an advanced fellowship in NeuroGastroenterology and Motility."
Erini G. Kostandy, MD
2021 - 2024