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 |
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 |
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 |