Current Residents
Christian Pollema, MD
Psychiatry Chief Resident, 2023-2027
University of South Dakota
Why UNMC? Born and raised in the Midwest, I couldn't be happier to be continuing my training at UNMC. I frequently visited Omaha while growing up, and I am proud to now be able to call this city home. I was drawn to UNMC by the leadership's emphasis on wellness and professional development in their learners. Now that I'm here, I can attest to the program's commitment to ensuring residents are afforded ample opportunities to explore the many facets of psychiatry. It is evident that despite being a newer program, our faculty strives to ensure residents are offered all of the experiences necessary to achieve their career goals. All of the faculty and residents have been so welcoming, supportive, and genuinely fun to be around. I am extremely grateful to be a part of this community and can't wait to see what the next four years hold!
Keisha England, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2023-2027
University of Kansas
Why UNMC? I chose UNMC because of the department's dedication to the wellness of their residents. The administration is adamant about us using all our vacation time and making sure we have time to take care of ourselves. Residency is hard but having the department behind you advocating for your well-being is so valuable. The people here really care about me as a person and truly want me to be successful in my field. The support is exactly what I need in my first year and I am thankful to have matched here.
Monica Nava Frenier, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2023-2027
University of Illinois, Chicago
Why UNMC? I knew this program prioritized resident wellness just as much as providing a rigorous and engaging curriculum for Psychiatry residents. Additionally, Omaha is a great place to serve the underserved, especially those of Latinx descent, which is a passion of mine. Lastly, I chose UNMC because it is close to home and being close to family is very important to me.
Claire Stavenga, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2023-2027
American University of the Caribbean
Why UNMC? I chose UNMC Psychiatry because of the program's commitment to resident wellness and professional mentorship.
Brittany Bamberg, MD
Junior Chief Resident, 2024-2028
University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Why UNMC? I graduated from medical school in South Dakota, and I was looking for a program with a similar smaller feel. I feel like at UNMC I can learn well in a comfortable environment
Jacob Dines, DO
Psychiatry resident, 2024-2028
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why UNMC? I chose UNMC because it felt like family from the start. During my interview, I was welcomed warmly, and I could see the leadership and residents were happy and enthusiastic about the program. The leadership genuinely cares about our well-being and growth, both professionally and personally, and they're committed to improving the program by considering all viewpoints and continuously seeking feedback. After moving around the country with the military for the last decade, it's great to be back in the Midwest. Omaha's affordable, has amazing food, and has a down-to-earth vibe.
Brett Jesse, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2024-2028
University of Nebraska
Why UNMC? I chose UNMC for the people. Having gone to medical school here I got to know many faculty and leaders, all of whom are passionate, intelligent, personable, and caring. The program emphasizes and facilitates mentorship and professional development, ensuring residents are connected, well-rounded, and prepared to enter independent practice as psychiatrists. UNMC is a program that values residents, continually supporting our growth, happiness, and goals.
Tony Le, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2024-2028
University of Nebraska
Why UNMC? I chose UNMC due to the great faculty who place an importance on mentorship with a commitment to career development. I went to medical school here and saw how faculty and leadership placed an emphasis on making sure residents are trained well but still have opportunities to pursue the things that are important to them professionally and personally. Residents are treated as colleagues and not as work horses, and our input and feedback are valued. We are a growing program.
Jacob Moore, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2024-2028
University of Nebraska
Why UNMC? I’m so excited to join this program. There’s a need for mental health care doctors here, and I’m happy to fill it.
Sadie Keesler, MD
Resident, 2025-2028
Creighton University
Why UNMC? As a medical student, I trained at the other medical school in town. Now, I’m excited to be a resident at UNMC. I get to meet a whole new department, and meet new faculty members. I will be able to rotate at new sites in the area, which will really broaden my understanding of how best serve this community. I really want to stay in Omaha and practice here in the future.
Andrew Leavitt, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2025-2029
UNMC
Why UNMC? I went to medical school at UNMC, and I saw the fantastic care that the psychiatrists and other doctors gave to patients. Also, seeing, firsthand, how much they prioritize learning was a really, really big deal to me. UNMC is the perfect program for me.
Hannah Manoj, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2025-2029
UNMC
Why UNMC? There are a variety of experiences here at UNMC. The faculty are super accommodating and very helpful. They want to know what I'm interested in, and try to get to know me personally. I appreciate that.
Hitesh Rai, DO
Psychiatry resident, 2025-2029
Edwards Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why UNMC? I had a great experience on interview day. It really seemed like the faculty were very interested in how the residents think and what their concerns are. When I spoke with other residents they all said this program cares about wellness, and I want to be somewhere where the faculty cares about me and what I do.
Nikhil Rajulapati, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2025-2029
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic
Why UNMC? I noticed that this program makes a point to collaborate with other programs so you can get the best training. They bring people in for grand rounds, and residents can talk to them and learn from them. You can tell that training is important, and you can really learn a lot about how psychiatry works to make lives better.
Meena Sreedhara, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2025-2029
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Why UNMC? I remember on my interview day feeling like everyone was very kind, and very welcoming. Everyone asked if I needed anything or had any questions. This is also a program that not only helps people who live in metropolitan areas, but also people who live in rural areas. The goal is to make care accessible for all patients and fill a great need.
Julie Dahlke, MD
Resident, 2026-2030
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Why UNMC? The mentorship program at UNMC seemed very strong and that was important to me. I also liked all the exposure you get to the many subspecialities. Those two things really stood out for me.
Samantha DeLuca, DO
Psychiatry resident, 2026-2030
AT Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why UNMC? I really want to do community psychiatry, and I want to bring knowledge of several areas of psychiatry to that community. I don't want to be limited in knowledge. At UNMC, you will learn about interventional psychiatry, forensic psychiatry. You will experience so much.
Kennet Sorenson, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2026-2030
UNMC
Why UNMC? During my time at UNMC, I got along well with the faculty. I think they're all very good instructors as well as clinicians. I also really wanted to remain in the community. Omaha is a great place to live and train.
Lauren Weber, DO
Psychiatry resident, 2026-2030
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why UNMC? I knew it was a great program when I applied, and I thought that the individuals who interviewed me seemed very invested in me as an applicant. They already knew a lot about me. I think the program's strength is how friendly and invested the faculty are in their students.
Spencer Zaheri, MD
Psychiatry resident, 2026-2030
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport
Why UNMC? The faculty seemed to love working at UNMC and living in Omaha. That really pulled me in. Everyone said there was always something to do.