Brittany Woody, DO (PGY-1; Psychiatry), is one of our new psychiatry residents! Originally from West Palm Beach in South Florida, she is excited to now call Baltimore home for the next four years. Medicine has been a lifelong calling, sparked by a passion for science and a desire to help others. During medical school, Dr. Woody discovered a passion for getting to know patients on a personal level: “I enjoy psychiatry because of the opportunity it gives me to build deep and meaningful connections with patients,” Brittany explains.

Here at MedStar Health, she has found the supportive GME culture and wellness resources to be invaluable. One tool that stands out is the free coaching program, which provided guidance during challenging cases and reinforced the importance of leaning on available support. Looking to the future of medicine, Dr. Woody hopes to see healthcare become more affordable and accessible nationwide, particularly in rural communities where they’ve witnessed firsthand the consequences of limited coverage. She also hopes to see a continued shift toward reducing the stigma around mental health.

As part of the inaugural psychiatry residency class, Dr. Woody sees a unique opportunity to help shape the program for future residents. Without senior residents to look to, their class has leaned on other programs, like internal medicine, for guidance, while also working closely together to support one another. The four residents have already grown close, gathering for picnics, dinners, and even a discussion night centered around mental health themes in the TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. They look forward to the impact this new program will have on the community, particularly in helping to attract more psychiatrists to Baltimore to meet a growing need.

Outside of work, Dr. Woody has a creative hobby that many colleagues have already benefited from: crocheting. She’s made everything from medicine-themed plushies, like a red blood cell for a hematologist, to thoughtful gifts for friends. When not crocheting, Brittany can usually be found exploring Baltimore’s coffee shops in search of the best almond croissant!