Meet Our Residents

Muhammad Ali, MD

I was born and spent my early life in Pakistan. I am the youngest of three older sisters. During medical school, working as a student leader across the country helped me understand the challenges students face during their early years. My journey into psychiatry is driven by a commitment to uplifting others. My interest in child and adolescent psychiatry has brought me to Midland, where I am really enjoying my time. I am dedicated to creating a safe environment for my patients. Outside of medicine, my interests are horseback riding, playing chess, going on long drives, and making friends across different cultures.

Muhammad Arish, MD

I grew up in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and pursued my medical education at Rawalpindi Medical University. From an early stage in my training, I was fascinated by the complexities of the human mind, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and the profound role they play in shaping our identities. I have always been highly attuned to emotions and naturally drawn to understanding the deeper dynamics of interpersonal relationships, which has helped me better appreciate my patients' emotional experiences.

In today's fast-paced digital world, people often function like machines, overlooking the fact that we are fundamentally emotional beings, and the emotional aspect needs to be taken care of. I believe that there is no harm in feeling stressed, anxious, low, or less productive sometimes. Rather, these are very natural aspects of human experience and actually provide an opportunity for reflection, growth, and greater self-awareness.

I have long disagreed with common phrases such as "don't take stress," as they imply that emotional distress is a matter of choice. In reality, no one consciously chooses inner turmoil. Rather, individuals may develop maladaptive thought patterns and ineffective coping mechanisms that make navigating emotional challenges increasingly difficult. Psychiatry offers a unique opportunity to help individuals understand and reshape these patterns, empowering them to achieve healthier emotional lives.

I view Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center as an excellent environment to serve a diverse community, refine my clinical skills, and grow into a compassionate and competent psychiatrist. Outside of medicine, I find fulfillment in physical exercise, running, hiking, socializing, and contemplating a wide range of subjects in search of deeper meaning.

Tanveer Dabria, MD

Hello! My name is Tanveer, and my friends and family call me Tanu. I am the middle child of my family and grew up in Punjab, India, where I completed my MBBS. I later moved to Assam to pursue my three-year MD training in Psychiatry at a government medical college. After completing my training, I worked as a psychiatrist, primarily caring for patients with substance use disorders.

Interestingly, Psychiatry was not a specialty I had planned on pursuing from the beginning. It was initially a gut feeling that drew me toward the field, but my Indian residency training and subsequent clinical experience in India confirmed that I had found the right path. I really like working with patients having substance use disorders as many patients with SUD’s have co-occurring psychiatric conditions, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help them recover and reintegrate into society.

There are many things I love about Texas Tech Permian Basin, but what stands out the most is its warm and supportive environment. From my interview day until now, I have consistently felt welcomed and supported. I am excited to learn how mental health conditions present across diverse patient populations and more about cross cultural Psychiatry. I am confident that the training at Permian Basin will further refine my clinical judgment, and broaden my perspective as a Psychiatrist!

Todd Greer, MD

My name is Todd Greer (He/Him/His/Él) and I was born and raised on a farm in rural Iowa. My journey to medicine took me to many different places like Colorado, Alaska, Spain, and Washington DC where I obtained a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health. Each place allowed me to explore my interests in psychology, health, and specific health challenges that marginalized communities face within and outside of the United States. 

I initially completed a Bachelor's program in Psychology and Spanish but was unsatisfied with the scope of these fields and shifted my course to include premedicine and medical training while living in Washington DC. This period of time broadened my exposure to marginalized and diverse communities and their specific needs within medicine. While studying medicine, I rediscovered my love for psychology and chose to pursue additional training in psychiatry with interests in medically complex patient care, interventional psychiatry, and medical education. 

I am extremely excited to join the Midland/Odessa community as a psychiatry resident and to learn its specific needs within the mental health field. Outside of medicine, I enjoy working with my hands (construction, embroidery, etc.), animals, outdoor activities, and learning new things! I hope I can continue to grow into a more well-rounded physician and community member while in the Permian Basin.

Monika Singh, MD

I was born and raised in India, where I earned my medical degree before moving to Canada over a decade ago. My career has spanned clinical practice, psychiatry research, and patient care across India, Canada, and the United States. My research has focused on dementia and substance use disorders, and I have contributed to several psychiatry publications. My passion for understanding the human mind and improving mental health outcomes led me to pursue psychiatry, complemented by clinical experience in psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the management of a wide range of psychiatric conditions.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, and exploring new cultures. I am excited to join the Psychiatry Residency Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin and look forward to serving the community while continuing to grow as a compassionate, evidence-based psychiatrist.

Dr. Sangeet

My name is Sangeet, and I am from Pakistan. I graduated from Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, and completed my (internship) at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), one of Pakistan's leading tertiary care hospital. I subsequently completed my residency training in Psychiatry at JPMC, where I gained extensive clinical experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and consultation-liaison settings.

Throughout my training, I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based psychiatric practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and compassionate, patient-centered care. I have experience managing a wide range of mental health conditions while working closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, individualized treatment. My clinical interests include general child and adult psychiatry, community mental health, consultation-liaison psychiatry, medical education, and promoting early identification and intervention for mental health disorders.
Beyond clinical practice, I am passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental illness through public education, advocacy, and increased awareness. I believe that accessible, evidence-based mental health care plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. I remain committed to lifelong learning, professional development, research, and teaching, with the goal of continually enhancing my clinical skills and contributing to the advancement of psychiatric care.

My long-term aspiration is to provide high-quality, compassionate psychiatric services while contributing to research, education, and the development of mental health systems that improve access to care and promote the well being of individuals living with mental health conditions.

Richard Zhu, MD

I was raised in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and completed medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. I am excited to continue my training in West Texas and serve the communities of the Permian Basin. As a resident, I hope to grow into a compassionate and dependable psychiatrist for my patients and community. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking, exploring new places, playing the cello, journaling, and chess.

Sahar Ashraf, MD

My passion for Child and Adolescent psychiatry has brought me to Midland, where I have had great experience serving West Texas families. I was born and spent my early life in Pakistan. Coming to Texas and working in mental health with patients from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds has enabled me to understand their unique mental health needs. My experience as a mother helps me understand the emotional burden on the families of our young patients and the fragility of young minds. I have a particular interest in substance use, eating disorders, and trauma-related behavior disorders in children and adolescents, and I plan to further my training in these areas. My fellowship program has provided me with training in unique mental health disorders in children and adolescent populations, keeping me updated on the most novel approaches through didactics and journal clubs. Other than my professional life, coming from a diverse cultural country, I like to explore different cultures and travel to various places. I enjoy different cuisines and also love cooking. In my free time, Sufi music and quotes from Rumi are the food for my soul.

Sampada Badgaiyan, MD

I was born and raised in India, where I earned my medical degree from Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi. During my time as a junior resident in psychiatry at my alma mater, I developed a strong interest in understanding the human mind and the complexities of mental health disorders. My curiosity about the neurobiological aspects of these conditions particularly neurotransmitter imbalances led me to research roles in neuroimaging labs at the University at Buffalo and later at the University of Minnesota.

In addition, I also worked as a community outreach physician in India, caring for the elderly. This experience gave me meaningful insight into the differences between healthy aging and conditions like late-life depression, dementia, and anxiety. More importantly, it taught me the value of listening closely, being present, and showing patience especially when working with vulnerable populations.

I feel truly grateful to be part of the Texas Tech Permian Basin Psychiatry family. As a future resident in the program, I aspire to grow into a compassionate and approachable psychiatrist someone patients can trust and feel safe with. My goal is to build strong therapeutic alliances that support meaningful healing and better mental health outcomes.

Outside of medicine, I find joy in spending time with my kids, cooking, reading, and going for long walks. These moments keep me grounded and remind me why I chose this path to care for others with sincerity, curiosity, and commitment.

Obinna Chukwuma, MD

My name is Obinna Chukwuma Victor, and I am from Nigeria, where I have spent a significant part of my life, including my medical education at the University of Nigeria Medical School. During my time there, I was fortunate to take on leadership roles that allowed me to organize community mental health outreach initiatives aimed at dispelling misconceptions and reducing the stigma surrounding mental healthcare in my country.

My passion for travel and gaining multicultural experiences led me to the UK, and I am now living in the United States, where I have gained a wealth of clinical, educational, and cultural experience. I am excited to begin my Psychiatry Residency Training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. This opportunity will allow me to demonstrate my dedication to providing medical and mental healthcare, particularly to underserved communities.

I cherish spending time with my young and beautiful family, as well as my friends. I love cooking, especially my Nigerian delicacies, and I am currently exploring cuisines from different parts of the world. Additionally, I enjoy traveling and listening to music.

Ekene Ezeokoli, MD

My family came to the U.S from Nigeria when I was 7, before eventually moving to Michigan. I have a strong interest in neurorehabilitation, both psychiatrically and neurologically. Improving quality of life after acute stressors and medical incidents is key. Outside medicine, I enjoy reading, weightlifting, and of course spending time with family and friends. I hope to back to playing basketball and soccer during residency.

Aneesha Haryal, MD

I was born in Canada and completed medical school in India before moving to the U.S. a few years ago. This journey across continents has shaped the way I connect with people and understand the many cultural and personal factors that influence mental health.

I've always been fascinated by the resilience of the human mind and the deeply personal stories that emerge in every patient encounter. My path in medicine has been driven by a desire to create a safe and respectful space for individuals navigating mental health disorders. I believe that being human means learning every day , from our experiences, our mistakes, and most importantly, from each other. Every patient teaches me something new about resilience, vulnerability, and what it means to show up with purpose. It's a privilege to be part of that exchange.

Training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center gives me the opportunity to care for individuals from diverse backgrounds while learning from a team that values advocacy, clinical excellence, and empathy. Outside of work, I find joy in traveling, nature photography, and wandering through local farmers markets. I believe in finding happiness in the little things , whether it's a good cup of coffee, a quiet sunset, or spending time with friends and family.

Alireza Mirghiasi, MD

I was born and raised in Fars, Iran. My interest in psychiatry began during medical school and deepened after working with psychiatric patients in Iran. Studying and practicing psychiatry helped me discover how meaningful it is for me to understand and provide care for people affected by psychiatric conditions. I am particularly interested in exploring brain function, psychopathologies, and behavioral sciences. Outside of medicine, I enjoy painting, hiking, and spending time in nature. I feel grateful to be part of the psychiatry residency program at TTUHSC Permian Basin, where I can continue learning and growing with a supportive and inspiring team.

Mohammad Sarker, MD

I am an international Medical Graduate with an MD degree from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. After graduation, I served as a physician in underserved areas of Bangladesh. I practiced family medicine in my office practice, nursing home for many years in New York. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as a physician in New York, visiting door-to-door in different communities, and delivering food, and medicine through local community programs. I also actively participated in lecture series to provide appropriate education about COVID-19 through a professional organization called Bangladesh Medical Association of North America (BMANA). I felt intensely the helplessness of people during COVID-19 era and the internalization of the devastating effects of COVID in our society, in the context of stress, unemployment, and trauma during the time had a huge influence on the genesis of interest in psychiatry.  I like to do charity work using BMANA, AMA and other community organizations as standing platforms. I achieved pediatric GI training, awarded certificate in overseas from international program. 

Recently I graduated in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship from TTUHSC.EDU. TTUHSC - Psychiatry residency & Fellowship program has interesting diversity in terms of populations and program curriculums. I love the structure and the missions of the program. I want to utilize my experience of family medicine, pediatric & psychiatry knowledge together to help this community. I want to become a compassionate psychiatrist, prioritizing patient advocacy, research, and clinical teaching in the Midland community in West Texas – Permian Basin. I usually spend my free time with my family members, and friends, watching movies, listening to music, driving in the countryside, traveling, reading books, newspapers, indoor and outdoor games, swimming, social work etc. Feel free to contact me if you or your loved one need any help.

Vighnesh Nair, MD

I was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and then made my way to West Texas for medical school. I am excited to continue working in West Texas for residency, because I grew to love the patient population we would get from Texas and other neighboring states that had to travel so far to receive medical care. As a resident, I aspire to be the best physician for my patients and a reliable resource for my community. Outside of the hospital I enjoy cooking, 3D printing, hosting board game nights, and being outdoors with my dog Basil. 

Suraiya Silvi, M.D

I was born and raised in Bangladesh where I graduated from Sylhet Osmani Medical College. Since my graduation, I have worked in multiple clinical settings with diverse patient populations and gained a wide range of experience. My passion for seeking better and complete care for someone who can make a difference in their own life has driven me toward the field of Psychiatry. A quest for knowing more about a person's inner self has aided me in moving forward in this unique field of medicine.  
In the TTUHSC Permian Basin Psychiatry residency program, I aspire to become a compassionate Psychiatrist with the most comprehensive training. I am also interested in being involved in community outreach, providing care for the underserved, and spreading awareness to eliminate bias and stigmas in mental health care. I believe in the importance of doing meaningful work and also making good memories with near and dear ones. In my free time, I like to watch movies, TV series, listen to music, do yoga, cook, explore new places, and spend time in nature and with friends and family. 

Riley Junell, MD

I am a native Texan and I graduated medical school from TTUHSC.  I have lived in Lubbock, Amarillo and now Midland/Odessa. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the patient population here.  In my free time I like reading outside of academics when I am able as well as watching TV.  I enjoy connecting with people and I hope I can make some new friends here in the Permian Basin during my time with TTUHSC Psychiatry.

Mark Evans, MD

I was born and raised on the Texas-Mexican border in Laredo, TX. However, I spent time in San Antonio, TX working as a nurse and completing my medical education prior to moving to West Texas to pursue a residency in psychiatry. I have over 12 years of experience working as a psychiatric nurse and consider inpatient psychiatry my primary interests.  I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my psychiatry residency training here at TTUHSC at the Permian Basin. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, taking my dog out on walks, true- crime, and traveling.

Sendhil Raj Karmegam, MD

I graduated medical school from PSGIMS&R, Coimbatore, India. I started practicing in a rural health center, where I understood that the importance of mental health is often ignored and stigmatized. The process of rendering mental health services kindled a curiosity about the human mind and body. I completed Psychiatry residency at the same medical university in India, with an aim to create awareness and deliver accessible mental health services to people in need. A global training at TTUHSC is an opportunity for me to understand the bio-psycho-social factors in the community and I look forward to pursue my interest in Mood disorders research. I enjoy playing chess and cricket with friends. My curiosity in astrophysics keeps me in awe with new discoveries emerging every day and ponder about life.

Nadeem Mian, MD

I was born and raised in Pakistan. Growing up, I had a strong desire to pursue a career in medicine, driven by a deep seated passion for helping others. This led me on an incredible journey to the Philippines, where I embarked on my medical education. I had a deep fascination with the human mind and a desire to understand the complexities of human behavior. This passion led me to pursue a career in medicine with a specific focus on psychiatry.
I had an exceptional opportunity to be a part of psychiatry training in Washington state. Working closely with mentors, I witnessed the transformative impact they had on their patients' lives. I was captivated by the ability of psychiatrists to help individuals struggling with mental health conditions find hope, healing and a path towards recovery.
There were several compelling reasons behind my decision to choose Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Permian Basin for my residency training. Firstly, Texas Tech has a renowned psychiatry department with faculty members who are experts in their field. Psychiatry program here has a comprehensive curriculum and diverse clinical experiences that promise to provide me with a strong foundation in psychiatry. Furthermore, its commitment to research and innovation aligned perfectly with my own aspirations to contribute to the advancement of psychiatric knowledge and treatment modalities. My future goals are to pursue a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry and possibly addiction psychiatry.  

I enjoy watching movies, reading books, playing supports and spending time with family and friends.

Travis Pham, MD