Resident Spotlight
Our residents come from diverse backgrounds and interests. They were drawn to training in pathology and the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pathology & Immunology for many interesting reasons. Read a sampling of spotlight profiles from our residents.
Jennifer Awuku, M.D.
What is your favorite memory from residency?
I have so many lovely memories to choose from but I'd say my favorite so far has been my surgical pathology rotations at the Ben Taub Hospital. I enjoyed having my co-residents and fellows around during that rotation. I also appreciated how eager the senior residents were always ready to help when I had questions. The giraffe breaks are also unmatched elsewhere.
Why did you choose pathology?
I've always been drawn to the diagnostic aspects of medicine. I really enjoyed reading about the pathogenesis of diseases in medical school and my pathology rotation solidified that interest. Pathology offers me opportunities to give patients a definitive diagnosis of their ailments regardless of how minute or complicated it is.
What drew you to the BCM Department of Pathology & Immunology?
There are many things to love about the BCM Pathology Department. I wanted to train at the Texas Medical Center where I knew I was going to receive a robust training while rotating through different hospitals. I wanted a place that had the diversity and volume of cases to prepare me to become a well-rounded pathologist and Baylor offered me all of that.
What’s your favorite thing and/or spot in Houston?
My favorite place in Houston is the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. It's such a breathtaking monument and still puts me in awe every time I go there.
What is one new thing you started in residency that you hadn’t done before?
Since moving to my new place Houston, I've been very involved in interior designing. I love to explore my creativity by rearranging my living space and trying new wall art.
What is your favorite tumor histology and why?
Schwannomas! After doing my first unknown presentation on schwannomas, I've come to admire the beauty of the Antoni A and B areas. Still looking forward to the day where I find a Verocay body.
Kimberly Hein, M.D.
What is your favorite memory from residency?
I loved our spring social where we had fun getting together and playing little games and just chatting outside of work. It was a great to be able to chat with my coworkers and see some of their pets! I got to find out fun facts about my fellow residents and just relax with them.
Why did you choose pathology?
I have been interested in pathology for a while. Originally I was going to pursue Forensic Science, and I was convinced to shadow a Pathologist before I chose my undergraduate degree. I followed a county hospital pathologist around and got to see all the parts of the lab and I was HOOKED. It had all the mixed parts from the crime scene investigation shows I was interested from Micro to chemistry lab tests to slides and grossing and I could help people get healthier.
What drew you to the BCM Department of Pathology & Immunology?
The residents drew me in. I was looking for a program where the residents hung out with each other after work, did activities together. On my interview day I saw that the residents truly did enjoy working together and I wanted to be part of that environment!
I also loved the variety of sites and fellowship opportunities Baylor had, which was the cherry on top!
What’s your favorite thing and/or spot in Houston?
I love the Arboretum. I just find wandering around it so relaxing. I love the care they put into the gardens and even in the middle of summer I find walking around it refreshing and calming.
What is one new thing you started in residency that you hadn’t done before?
I started going out to restaurants and local hangouts. I went to high school in Houston, but back then I would never go out to eat. Now I enjoy hanging out at places with fellow residents and trying new restaurants that they recommend!
What type of cell would you be and why?
I would like to be a monocyte. They are little shape shifters that are everywhere, but keep on changing their name based on where they are. They also love eating everything!
What is your favorite tumor histology and why?
Its a Hemepath basic, but I love Hodkins lymphoma. It has so many different variant that you never know what you will find and I love searching for those little owl eyes staring back at me or trying to find popcorn cells!
Cagla Yasa Benkli, M.D.
What is your favorite memory from residency?
I am going to share two of my favorites with you, among many. Pre-pandemic times, our program’s leadership offered a lovely dinner for all the residents and their families and for the faculty in one of Houston’s vibrant restaurants. I enjoyed that get-together a lot and missed those opportunities during the long pandemic year! Another favorite was my teaching experiences through the Immunologic & Pathologic Basis of Disease course for our first-year medical students. I enjoyed tremendously interacting with them, and hopefully I sparked an interest in them for our vast discipline of pathology and laboratory medicine.
Why did you choose pathology?
I genuinely enjoyed the diagnostic challenges of the patient care during my medical education. I love the fact that pathology had all the puzzles’ pieces, with morphology and genomics alongside the clinical data. I also love the various morphological patterns in which human biology manifests. I treasure looking at them and solving them. With each diagnostic challenge overcome, I cherish helping a patient.
What drew you to the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pathology & Immunology?
I was looking for a program that harbored good case volume and case variability, as well as a structured and well-established curriculum within a learner-friendly environment. A supportive, collegial resident group was the key. BCM fulfilled all the criteria. I was also fascinated by the Texas Medical Center, its large patient variety and state-of-the-art patient care practices. Being part of such an outstanding healthcare community was one of the motivators!
What’s your favorite thing and/or spot in Houston?
I am in love with Houston’s public green spaces. One of my recent favorites is Museum of Fine Arts- Houston’s Sculpture garden. It is a community green space surrounded by art, with its red table & chairs among sculptures. It is perfect for an afternoon coffee from the museum’s café and people watching. It is a peaceful little gem!
What is one new thing you started in residency that you hadn’t done before?
I started indoor cycling and I am building-up for the outdoors! I tried various indoor classes and loved them! Soon, I will be purchasing a new bike, I am looking forward to cycle around my neighborhood.
What type of cell would you be and why?
Red blood cell, while flowing gracefully and peacefully, carrying the oxygen to every single possible corner, and helping out as much as it can.
Life in Houston
Houston, the nation's fourth largest and most diverse city, offers all the benefits of a big city at a significantly lower cost of living than other major cities.