Alexandra Antonioli

Why UTSW Psychiatry?

One of the most important things I looked for when choosing a residency program was a program that could provide a strong clinical education in addition to cutting-edge research opportunities and an excellent and comprehensive research training environment. I am happy to say that I found both in the UTSW psychiatry residency program and and as a member and current PGY4 Co-Chief of the Research Track. I have felt supported and encouraged from the very first day at UTSW, and I especially liked the size of our residency classes and the diversity we have in our program.

In addition to receiving comprehensive clinical training (which includes rotations in a county hospital, working at the VA, first-hand experience working in a major US psychiatric emergency department, and working with clinics serving people experiencing homelessness in the surrounding area), we have had tremendous training opportunities in psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavior therapy. Taken together, these experiences have prepared me to start my career as a psychiatrist and clinician researcher. Furthermore, as a member of the TRAIN program, I have been able to embark on a research project that will screen patients with first episode psychosis for potential underlying autoimmune components to their illness. Drawing on my graduate school background and interest in the complement system and understanding autoimmunity, I have been able to continue and further my research interests in the field of psychiatry. 

Career Goals

I am interested in screening patients with early onset or first episode psychosis for possible underlying autoimmune components to their illness. I would like to continue my career as a physician scientist working to understand how the immune system may play a role in mental illness in order to provide better care and improve the lives of my patients. 

Education

  School Major Degrees Earned
Undergraduate Yale University Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry B.S.
Graduate University of Colorado Medical Scientist Training Program M.D., Ph.D.

Follow Me for a Week

  Morning Afternoon Evening
Monday

Early Psychosis Clinic with Dr. Ivleva

Same

Trivia Night with other residents 

Tuesday

Peloton workout
Finish any notes from Monday
See my virtual psychotherapy patients

Class rep meeting, didactics

Free time; attend an Anthropology and Psychiatry Seminar Series if available 

Wednesday

Addiction Clinic with Dr. Wakhlu at UTSW

Addiction Clinic with Dr. Marambage at Parkland POPC

Finish notes and check in-basket messages; Peloton workout

Thursday

See CBT and psychotherapy patients virtually

Supervision for therapy and protected research time
Weekly meeting with my research mentor

Swimming/Tennis/Movies with Friends occasionally

Friday

Protected research time; Neurology rounds with Dr. Vernino if possible; continued work on an IRB protocol, designing of experiments 

Same

US Masters Swimming (Pegasus Swim Team) at SMU, time with family

Saturday

Virtual A.2.2 French Lessons through the Alliance Français of Dallas

Complete Therapy Patient Notes from the week if not already finished 

Prepare for didactics

Sunday

Swim practice

Relax, clean, meal-prep and prepare for the week.
Work on hobbies, including restoring an antique car

Video chat with family