Residents

Anastasia LaBeaud MD, MPH 

Dr. LaBeaud, like most Anastasias, was made in Russia. A string of book-worthy events brought her to New Orleans, LA. While in NOLA she graduated from Xavier University with a BS in biology in between catching Mardi Gras beads and collecting antique hand grenades. Her undergraduate involvement in physical chemistry research scored her an internship position at a government agency in Grenoble, France. She almost did not come back from the land of croissants, cheese and wine, but French as a third language was too confusing. Upon return to New Orleans, she attended medical school earning both an MD and an MPH in community behavioral health. Things that helped her stay sane during schooling: fishing with the coolest son in the galaxy, baking desserts, collecting orchids and succulents, playing with cordless power tools.

Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: I remember as if it was yesterday – Dr. Levine's (our program director) genuine enthusiasm and excitement for creating a new residency program. I felt an instantaneous connection (it is THE place) and knew I could fit right in. Program highlighted commitment to the well-being of its residents and dedication to well-rounded training – almost too good to be true! But now being a part of Baycare family, I have no doubt – it is both good and true. I am not a paid actor.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? It's a tie between "always wash out your oatmeal bowl immediately after finishing it", and "don't take yourself too seriously."

What's your theme song? "Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony – laugh, dance and live your life.

Baseeruddin Qazi, DO

Dr. Qazi was born in New Brunswick, NJ and moved to Tampa, FL in middle school with his family. He attended the University of South Florida and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science. Before medical school he worked with Project Downtown Tampa, a homeless advocacy organization. In his free time, he enjoys movies, video games, sports, and spending time with family.

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: After living in Tampa for many years and completing undergraduate shadowing and three medical school rotations with BayCare, I was eager for the opportunity to serve my community, through BayCare, as a psychiatry resident. After much encouragement from mentors who work for BayCare and positive interactions with the residency program, I am happy to say that I will complete the next phase of my training with BayCare.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? “Never make a big decision when your emotions are running high.”

What's your theme song? “The Battle” from the movie Gladiator

Dawn Westin, MD

Dr. Westin was born in New Jersey and resided there until she moved to the Savannah, Georgia area in 2000. She finished an undergraduate degree in English and Professional Communications before switching course and enrolling in medical school. Anyone who spends more than a few minutes around her is bound to hear about her nieces and nephews, whom she adores, and then about her loves of theme parks and shoes, probably in that order. She is passionate about social equity and advocacy.

Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: I was drawn to the idea of being at a program where resident wellness, psychotherapy, and teaching would be emphasized. As a rollercoaster fanatic who, despite being from New Jersey, has grown quite cold-intolerant over the years, the Tampa Bay area was also pretty hard to beat.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Be the change you wish to see.

What's your theme song? "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood/Whitney Houston and Kygo

Elizabeth Ogunrinde, MD, PhD

Dr. Ogunrinde was born in Lagos, Nigeria and immigrated to the US at the age of seven with her family. She completed her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Florida State University before moving to South Carolina where she completed a dual degree as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program at MUSC.

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for its reputation of excellence in behavioral health, and for the opportunity to be part of establishing a legacy of compassionate physicians dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of the local community and beyond.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Lift as you climb.

What's your theme song? “Make Your Own Kind of Music” by Cass Elliot

James Tuttle, MD

Dr. Tuttle is from Denver, Colorado. He lived for a period in Houston, Texas and then attended The American University of Paris and studied neuroscience and philosophy. He lived for a few years in Guatemala working for a small clinic and then moved back to Colorado to attend medical school. He enjoys calligraphy, scuba diving, dry humor, and writing in the third person.

Medical Program: University of Colorado School of Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: I was searching for a psychiatry residency that offered a psychotherapy track. Many programs offered these tracks that allow residents to have gradual exposure to psychotherapy as early as the 2nd year of residency. BayCare starts psychotherapy training during the first month of residency. Plus, our Program Director is a Menninger graduate. I wanted opportunities for longitudinal patient care and BayCare offers residents the opportunity to follow patients as early as the second half of year one. I was excited to be a part of a new residency with the opportunity to help shape the future of the program alongside like-minded faculty who are working to change the nature of how psychiatry is practiced. My chameleon and I were struggling with the low ambient humidity in my home state of Colorado.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? To learn something from everyone that I meet.

What's your theme song? Pays Imaginaire by Polo & Pan and the Lion King Soundtrack

Maria Mathewson, MD

Dr. Mathewson was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Her father is Canadian, and her mother is from Puerto Rico so she grew up speaking both Spanish and English. She did her undergraduate and graduate studies in Puerto Rico as well.

Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine

Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of its great reputation, the opportunity to help in developing and growing a new psychiatry residency program and the program’s dedication to training future psychiatrists in a way that focuses on wellness. Also, my family now lives in Spring Hill, FL and Baycare allowed me the opportunity to be close to them while training to become a psychiatrist.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? “Let go of things you can't change, focus on things you can.”

Theme song: The Climb by Miley Cyrus. I find the lyrics to this song inspirational.