Meet the chiefs: Leading with culture, community and collaboration

As the academic year kicks off and we welcome our newest class of interns, leadership takes center stage. This year, the University of Louisville psychiatry residency program is proud to introduce our 2026–2027 chief residents: Jaqueline “Jaqie” Young and Tanya Nagpal. Step inside for a quick Q&A to learn how these two PGY-4 leaders are working to protect our program's uniquely collaborative culture, advocate for their peers and make the most of life in Louisville.

Why culture comes first

For both Young and Nagpal, being chosen as chief residents is an honor rooted in a shared mission: protecting the incredibly supportive environment that drew them to the program in the first place.

"Our goal as PGY-4 residents, and particularly as chiefs, is to ensure things are continually improving for the residents that join after us," said Young. "That means advocating for residents, listening to feedback and making thoughtful changes while preserving the sense of community that makes our program special."

Nagpal echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that well-being and excellent clinical training go hand-in-hand.

"Residency is demanding, and having colleagues who support each other, celebrate successes and help each other through challenges makes a tremendous difference... Protecting the culture means not only maintaining a supportive community, but also advocating for the educational opportunities and clinical experiences that allow residents to grow," said Nagpal.

How leaders are made: Autonomy and collaboration

Moving from a closely supervised intern to a confident, independent PGY-4 decision-maker doesn't happen overnight. Both chiefs credit the program's unique approach to "graduated autonomy" — specifically highlighting their transformative time in Emergency Psychiatric Services (EPS).

During overnight shifts at EPS, senior residents run the service physically on their own, though faculty guidance is always just a phone call away.

• Learning by doing: "To learn medicine, you must treat patients. And to learn it well, you need to treat a lot of them," said Young. "This rotation pushes us and forms us into good psychiatrists...This is the rotation where you begin to form the type of leader and physician you want to be."
• A culture of safety: "That experience was invaluable in helping me build confidence in my clinical judgment," said Nagpal. "At the same time, support is always available...asking questions is encouraged rather than viewed as a weakness."

This training is backed by a highly collaborative relationship with attending faculty. Rather than a rigid hierarchy, residents are treated as valued colleagues whose clinical decisions and diverse perspectives are respected and heard.

Favorite traditions: From bar crawls to the "Haloperiball"

A strong culture is built on strong traditions. When asked about the events that define the program's tight-knit bond, both chiefs pointed to moments of connection outside the hospital walls.

• Orientation week socials: For Young, the final week of June, just before the busy July 1st start date, is magical. "Every night our social chairs have a range of events... I remember my first event, which was our annual bar crawl, and how nervous I was. It laid the groundwork for friendships that will last far beyond the four years of residency."
• The "Haloperiball": For Nagpal, the annual spring formal is a definitive highlight. "It's a chance for residents to get dressed up, enjoy good food and drinks and spend time together outside of the hospital. This year, we even invited faculty to join us!"

Off the clock in Louisville

When they aren't leading the residency program or caring for patients, both chief residents take full advantage of Louisville's vibrant local scene.

Welcome to your new roles, Dr. Young and Dr. Nagpal! Our residency program is in incredible hands.