The largest group of psychiatry interns has started their training in the department.
On July 1, 2025, Sadie Keesler, MD; Andrew Leavitt, MD; Hannah Manoj, MD; Hitesh Rai, DO; Nikhil Rajulapati, MD; and Meena Sreedhara, MD, became the newest members of the UNMC Department of Psychiatry Residency Program.
The residency program currently has a program-high 21 doctors.
Dr. Leavitt and Dr. Manoj stayed on campus after graduating from the UNMC College of Medicine last spring. Both said they wanted to stay in Omaha.
“I went to medical school at UNMC, and I saw the fantastic care that the psychiatrists and other doctors gave to patients,” Dr. Leavitt said. “Also, seeing firsthand how much they prioritize learning was a really, really big deal to me.”
Dr. Manoj said she was excited to remain at UNMC because there are a variety of clinical training possibilities on campus.
“The faculty is super accommodating and very helpful,” said Dr. Manoj. “They want to know what I’m interested in and try to get to know me personally. I appreciate that.”
Dr. Keesler graduated from Creighton School of Medicine and said she’s happy to stay in Omaha but also gets to learn from new faculty members.
“I get to meet a whole new department, and meet new faculty members,” Dr. Keesler said. “I will be able to rotate at new sites in the area, which will really broaden my understanding of how best to serve this community. I really want to stay in Omaha and practice here in the future.”
Dr. Rai said the department’s focus on resident wellness led him to apply to UNMC.
“It really seemed like the faculty were very interested in how the residents think and what their concerns are,” Dr. Rai said. “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.”
Dr. Rajulapati said he applied to the UNMC Department of Psychiatry because the department not only has a strong group of faculty members but also brings in other speakers for Grand Rounds.
Dr. Sreedhara said she knew UNMC was the right place for her after interviewing with members of the Department of Psychiatry.
“Everyone asked if I needed anything or had any questions,” Dr. Sreedhara said. “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.”