https://www.uscneonatology.com/home daily 1.0 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/99e5cfc0-0f45-4cb7-a8d6-ae40a3e323d4/CHOC+Day+2024.jpg Home - ABOUT Find out more about our fellowship program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599424929073-8VP5AR6TKQ0LLRY3D135/smallest+baby+5.jpg Home - JOIN US Learn more about the application process. https://www.uscneonatology.com/applying daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://www.uscneonatology.com/interview-day daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://www.uscneonatology.com/curriculum daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://www.uscneonatology.com/outpatient-clinics daily 0.75 2024-08-28 https://www.uscneonatology.com/benefits-and-salary daily 0.75 2025-08-13 https://www.uscneonatology.com/overview daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://www.uscneonatology.com/classof2023 daily 0.75 2024-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599364778648-B7L8VMXIW92G11CMQYGR/Danny%2BCho.jpg Class of 2023 - Daniel Cho, MD Hometown: Irvine, CA Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC Residency: UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital Hobbies: LA Dodgers, The Office reruns, video games, and changing my son’s diapers Why LAC+USC: I chose this fellowship program because I thought it would provide the best clinical training. I had a good ‘gut feeling’ on interview day and felt welcomed by all the faculty and fellows I met. Job after Fellowship: CHOC Fun Fact: Recently became a new dad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599365187601-VGFO7Y9A1U3UM301JVHH/Abigail%2BLeathe.jpg Class of 2023 - Abigail Leathe, MD Hometown: Eliot, ME Undergraduate: Middlebury College Medical School: Tulane University Residency: NYP Columbia Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, reading Why LAC+USC: Research opportunities, diversity of clinical training sites, ability to train in a high acuity setting Job after Fellowship: Private practice in Sacramento Fun Fact: I love animals and like to volunteer at animal shelters and as a foster mom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599363168846-USGNGLJTPYSDO1PE3O8P/Eskandar-Afshari%2C+Fatima%2C+DO.png Class of 2023 - Fatima Eskandar-Afshari, DO, MA Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences - College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) Residency: Loyola University Chicago Hobbies: floral design, calligraphy, hiking/working out/cycling, traveling, spending time with family and friends Why LAC+USC: LAC+USC is the largest program in Southern California with great education and exposure to various clinical settings and a diverse patient population. Great experience on my interview day and enjoyed meeting all my co-fellows. We are a big family! Job after Fellowship: Stanford University Fun Fact: I worked as an art gallery director/manager after college for a year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599363782947-IUN4BPTZYO6N1G7OHCAX/Manas+Tetarbe.jpg Class of 2023 - Manas Tetarbe, DO Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI Undergraduate: University of Michigan Medical School: Kansas City University Residency: Saint Louis University Hobbies: Watching/playing sports, traveling, hiking, exploring different cuisines Why LAC+USC: I really enjoyed my interview day! While speaking with the attendings and fellows, it was very evident that the training environment at LAC+USC was built on a foundation of teamwork and collaboration. In addition, the ability to rotate through sites that include all the way from Level 4 surgical referral centers to more community-based NICUs was perfect to obtain a comprehensive education no matter what my future outlook ends up being. Job after Fellowship: Memorial Care Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach Fun Fact: I absolutely love airplanes, so much so that if I had not gone into medicine, I would have probably become a pilot. I still plan on learning how to fly in the future! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599365014588-41R8TVAEEVLKKSKE1NAV/Attachment-1.jpg Class of 2023 - Juan Horacio Velasquez, MD Hometown: Coatepeque, Guatemala Undergraduate: Colegio Suizo Americano, Guatemala Medical School: Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala Residency: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY Hobbies: I enjoy playing tennis, soccer, watching sports. Why LAC+USC: I took into account multiple factors while creating my fellowship rank-list and ultimately deciding for LAC+USC. 1. During my interview day, I appreciated the friendliness and collaboration amongst the NICU team. 2. The faculty is very committed to practicing evidence-based medicine, optimizing patient outcomes, and teaching the next generation of neonatologists. 3. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is state-of-the-art level IV NICU that provides care to a high volume of patients with various pathologies and diverse populations. Furthermore, fellows also cover two full level III NICUs (LAC+USC Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital), exposed to complex cases and the bread and butter of Neonatology; we also have the opportunity to perform multiple medical procedures. 4. On a more personal note, my wife and I are pleased to live in Los Angeles; we love the city, the weather, it feels like home, and its closer to our home countries. Jobs after Fellowship: Mississippi Fun Fact: I like everything related to aviation. I learned how to fly small airplanes, and now I truly enjoyed doing it every time I have the opportunity when visiting Guatemala. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599363393578-P3FRGIY25QTOAA0L7YBF/Sheema+Gaffar%2C+MD.jpeg Class of 2023 - Sheema Gaffar, MD Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Undergraduate: UC Berkeley Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School Residency: Eastern Virginia Medical School Why LAC+USC: big fellowship program that offers a wide variety of clinical and research experiences Job after Fellowship: CHLA Fun Fact: I was a math teacher in Compton before going to medical school! https://www.uscneonatology.com/classof2022 daily 0.75 2024-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599367012441-EI9HXEHN22BLR03GWBH1/Molly%2BProf%2BPhoto.jpg Class of 2022 - Molly Easterlin, MD, MS Hometown: Pasadena, CA Undergraduate: Cornell University Medical School: UCSD Residency: UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital Hobbies: sports, hiking, going to the farmer’s market, spending time with family and friends, playing with my dog Why LAC+USC: Great clinical training, located in the great city of Los Angeles, with exposure to different types of NICUs, and wonderful co-fellows and faculty Jobs after Fellowship: CHLA Fun Fact: I climbed the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States during my first year of fellowship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599618055512-473HT2PAD6IM52QD24SW/20200908_190530.jpg Class of 2022 - Bryan Furr, DO Hometown: Castle Rock, CO Undergraduate: University of Colorado Medical School: Rock Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency: University of Tennessee Health Science Center Hobbies: Anything outdoors and sporty - football, snowboarding, attempting to surf, wakeboarding, every beach sport ever Why LAC+USC: Loved the national standing and reputation of the program, the vast amount of career options I would have following graduation, a larger fellowship program than most, and the opportunity to work with the myth and legend that is Dr. Ram Jobs after Fellowship: Private practice in Texas Fun Fact: In making fun of Jess for the fun fact she chose, I learned that pandas can ingest tens of kilograms of Bamboo a day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599365499975-JXN7L6IWXMEOV5AHVD4V/GoleNaz+Adeli+Kohbodi%2C+M.D..png Class of 2022 - Golenaz Kohbodi, MD Hometown: I’m from Tehran, Iran where I grew up. Undergraduate: UCLA Cybernetics Medical School: St. George’s University Residency: NYU Winthrop Hospital Hobbies: Swimming, Traveling, Eating ice-cream Why LAC+USC: The team here functions like a family, Lots of bread and butter NICU cases to learn from and come out feeling like a competent NICU attending, Amazing teachers, Lots of code OBs, complicated deliveries, and underrepresented mothers and babies who need our help, Love ECMO and all the surgical cases and complex cases at CHLA, True hands on functional Echo program pretty unique to our program Jobs after Fellowship: Hemodynamics fellowship at CHOC and now Loma Linda University Attending Fun Fact: I did a year of surgery before switching to peds! I was always goingn to be a pediatrics doctor, now instead of cutting more I think more ;) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599366920145-93OEPES6X72N4LJ16OB3/Kameelah%2BGateau.jpg Class of 2022 - Kameelah Gateau, MD Hometown: Murrieta, CA Undergraduate: UC Irvine Medical School: UC San Diego Residency: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Hobbies: Creative writing, being outside, listening to my favorite podcasts Why LAC+USC: Unique opportunity to train at the top institutions in the field with the top neonatologist in the field while having exposure to all level NICU’s and practice settings Job after Fellowship: CHLA Fun Fact: I have accidentally and inadvertently moonlit as a fashion model since high school https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599366963826-M5YLAPZ62YMJZRM1QC5P/Jessica.jpg Class of 2022 - Jessica Keel, MD Hometown: Nashville, TN Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania Medical School: East Tennessee State University Residency: Children’s National Medical Center Hobbies: Eating and sleeping—essential activities of life :) Why LAC+USC: For its breadth of clinical experience, strong educational curriculum, and supportive peers and mentors Job after Fellowship: Kaiser Panorama City Fun Fact: Hmm… bell peppers always start out green then change color as they mature! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599365523486-ZRERJMJ6YFGQ9GYM6TQ3/image-asset.jpeg Class of 2022 - Avani Vachhani, MD Hometown: Rancho Mirage, CA Undergraduate: UCLA (Go Bruins!) Medical School: Jefferson Medical College Residency: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Hobbies: I love baking! Cookies, brownies, cakes, you name it! I’ve also recently gotten into making my own ice cream. My favorite flavor I’ve made so far is coffee with dark chocolate chunks and fresh strawberry. I also love traveling (was actually supposed to go to Croatia before COVID ruined all of our plans). My favorite places so far have been Thailand and New Zealand. Why LAC+USC: I felt the 3 NICUs we rotate at gave a good balance of acuity and experience. CHLA was my home for residency so I knew I wanted to learn from the higher acuity babies. LAC+USC and Good Sam provide a great delivery experience and the bred/butter NICU we need to learn as clinicians. Job after Fellowship: CHOC Fun Fact: I went white water rafting in class 5 rapids in the Shotover River in New Zealand and fell out in the midst of the rapids. It felt very scary at the time because all I could see was white water around me. The guides were wearing GoPros and got the whole thing on video! https://www.uscneonatology.com/classof2021 daily 0.75 2024-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599367198155-NT4RJTSBK8YPKZJRZ4MR/image-asset.jpeg Class of 2021 - Millie Chang, MD Hometown: Lima, Peru Undergraduate: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Medical School: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Residency: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Hobbies: Traveling (not recently…thanks Corona!), swimming, arts and crafts Why LAC+USC: Big size program, able to be flexible with scheduling. My co-fellows are not only my co-workers but also my beloved family away from home. I also wanted to stay in Los Angeles and continue with my multicultural experience. Job after Fellowship: CHOC Fun Fact: I speak fluent Spanish but look Chinese which throws a lot of people off (never judge a book by its cover!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599368548260-CZJZ77GSLCIHJRAU29HW/Thea%2BTagliaferro%252C%2BMD.jpg Class of 2021 - Thea Tagliaferro, MD Hometown: Italy Undergraduate: Medical School: University of Padua, Italy Residency: University of Miami Hobbies: Hiking, cooking, watching movies on my couch Why LAC+USC: Excellent clinical training, great research opportunities, best cofellows Job after Fellowship: Memorial Care Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach Fun Fact: I make the best pasta west of Venice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599368455087-M9B0CIMKK78CAZ0ZU7GE/image-asset.jpeg Class of 2021 - Jaclyn Kappico, MD, MS Hometown: Westlake Village, CA Undergraduate: Cal Poly-SLO Medical School: Chicago Medical School Residency: UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital Hobbies: Cooking, Reading, Travel Why LAC+USC: I absolutely loved all the people I met on my interview day. We are truly one big family and everyone is very supportive of helping me achieve my goals. Job after Fellowship: Mednax - Huntington Hospital Fun Fact: I’m on the hunt for the best brunch spot in LA! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599368498875-0N6BD0J9M553CQHU3B9L/Shannon%2BLiu.jpg Class of 2021 - Shannon Liu, MD, MS Hometown: Danville, CA Undergraduate: University of California, Davis - Go Ags! Medical School: Chicago Medical School Residency: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Hobbies: Downtown Abbey. Walking my invisible dog with my husband. Baking. Cooking. Reformer Pilates. Why LAC+USC: I was looking for a fellowship program that would provide me with a variety of training experiences (tertiary referral center <CHLA>, delivery center and county environmental <LAC>, and community NICU <PIH Good Samaritan>). I wanted a training experience that showed me the zebra pathologies and bread and butter premies. I wanted to see the crazy during training to prepare myself to be an attending after fellowship. LA location was an added plus! Job after Fellowship: Kaiser Northern California Fun Fact: I don’t know…I like Everything But the Bagel on my avocado toast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599368573655-JPBZHT4DAND4E4H4LA1M/Carolina%2BZenobi%252C%2BMD.jpg Class of 2021 - Carolina Zenobi, MD Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina Undergraduate: Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) Medical School: Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) Residency: Elmhurst Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai - New York, NY Hobbies: Photography Why LAC+USC: best program in CA, with a wide variety of patients and great co fellows Job after Fellowship: Mednax - Huntington Hospital Fun Fact: once a week I HAVE to use a tool and fix something at home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599368522943-WBE5DL87VBK9A4GQTR5Z/image-asset.jpeg Class of 2021 - Avideh Rashed, MD Hometown: Potomac, Maryland Undergraduate: University of San Diego Medical School: Ross University Residency: SUNY Upstate Medical University Hobbies: Hking, Vinyasa Yoga, Traveling, Hanging out with my dog Little Bear Why LAC+USC: Great clinical training and mentorship in a great location Plans after Fellowship: Academic Neonatologist Fun Fact: I adopted my dog during my first year of fellowship https://www.uscneonatology.com/lag-medical-center-1 daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/dc010434-2aa2-4aac-abe6-4c0982bb26fb/Faculty+with+Bella.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599354812776-0BSFVEULDRS9VHSK5HAZ/GSH.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599371223716-7ZRVZ69I003RYZTHCQSL/LAC+Bedside+Surgery.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599354746476-QDOP3A1KIMXI6HKNEX7U/GSH+Helipad.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/6e388689-c05f-4c80-8389-25b3f228c9a0/HMuniraman.JPG LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER - Hemananda Muniraman, MBBS, MRCPH Medical School: J.J.M. Medical Callege, Davangere, India Residency: The Children’s Hospital at SUNY Downstate Pediatric Residency Program Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Positions Since Residency/Fellowship: Attending Neonatologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Phoenix Children’s Hospital at Phoenix Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Creighton University School of Medicine and University of Arizona, Phoenix Campus Medical Director of Small Baby Program, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix Description of Current Position: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Director of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Hemodynamics, USC/LAG Medical Center Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA National Committees: Board of Medical Advisors, American Association for Respiratory Care Research Interests: - Respiratory support in preterm infants, point of care lung ultrasound, currently leading a multicenter study on lung ultrasound in preterm infants with respiratory distress - clinicaltrials ID: NCT0592507 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599027870612-VS1CPUBZXSUI18ZBQXG3/Sardesai.png LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER - Smeeta Sardesai, MD, MS Ed, FAAP Medical School: Goa Medical College, University of Bombay, India Residency: Pediatrics, Martin Luther King, Jr/Drew Medical Center Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Masters in Medical Education: Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Positions Since Residency: Staff Neonatologist, Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Medical Director, San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, San Gabriel, CA Courtesy Staff, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Attending staff, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Staff Neonatologist, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Associate Director of Neonatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Medical Director, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Chair Department of Pediatrics, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Description of Current Position: Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Program Director of USC/LAG Medical Center Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA Service Chief of Neonatology, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370216376-JGB1AAD0TPVMRIGTNY00/thumbnail__DSC0844.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER - Fiona Wertheimer, DO Medical School: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency: Pediatrics, University of Florida-Jacksonville Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Positions Since Residency: Chief Resident in Pediatrics, University of Florida-Jacksonville Attending Neonatologist, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Description of Current Position: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine Director of Newborn Nursery, Los Angeles, General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370354163-SNMHGIMAW8IYOE2BW5GO/Yeh%252C%2BAmy%2B3.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER - Amy Yeh, MD, MPH Medical School: Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI Residency: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Positions Since Residency: NICCU Hospitalist, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Chief Fellow, USC/LAC+USC Medical Center Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Description of Current Position: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Associate Program Director of USC/LAG Medical Center Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA Director of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Education, USC/LAG Medical Center Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370055043-2MPWOXAMIMFU1UP50HK7/Dr.%2BCayabyab.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER - Rowena Cayabyab, MD, MPH Medical School: University of Santo Tomas Manila, Philippines Residency: Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Positions since Residency: Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital Associate Medical Director, NICU, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital Description of Current Position: Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Director of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Research, USC/LAG Medical Center Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Research Interests: Epidemiology and Outcomes research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370389658-0H7N12D7UNTC6G78YZAJ/Dr.%2BBarton.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER - Lorayne Barton, MD, MPH Medical School: UC Irvine Residency: Pediarics, LAC+USC Medical Center Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center Positions Since Residency: Fellow in Health Administration Maternal & Child Health and Health Promotion, Loma Linda University Description of Current Position: Associate Professor, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Neonatal Database Administration Attending Neonatologist, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Neonatal Quality Improvement Program Lead Physician https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370106326-0JHGPG4TEZQQ7XSN07PC/Dr.%2BDurand.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER - Manuel Durand, MD Medical School: San Marcos University Medical School, Lima, Peru Residency: Pediatrics, University of Texas at San Antonio Fellowship: Pediatric Pulmonology, McGill University, Montreal Children’s Hospital Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: McGill University, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, Canada University of Manitoba, Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada University California San Francisco/Children’s Hospital, Cardiovascular Research Institute Positions Since Residency/Fellowship: Director, USC Neonatology Fellowship Program 1990-2002 Attending Neonatologist, Arcadia Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, CA Attending Neonatologist, San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, San Gabriel, CA ECMO Research Program, Huntington Hospital, Pasadena, CA Director, Clinical Pulmonary Research/Pulmonary Function Courtesy Staff, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Description of Current Position: Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Attending Neonatologist and Director of BPD Clinic, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Research Interests: - Developmental pulmonary physiology/ pulmonary function in infants with acute and chronic lung disease (BPD) - Respiratory mechanics and long-term outcome in preterm infants treated with antenatal steroids/postnatal corticosteroids - In-utero smoke, vitamin C and newborn pulmonary function - Episodes of hypoxemia in preterm infants - Follow-up of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599029518095-OWXXCLSDEPV6YWEISXRA/thumbnail__DSC0843.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/17f3b5be-1ca9-457f-9be6-fab2ae72fe8f/IMG_1388+%281%29.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599029321691-YTKGZ15AOT0YM82WVMNG/Dr.+Minoo.png LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370426402-NPCZZBP5OC663YC7BPU4/Changgong%2BLi%252C%2BPhD.jpg LOS ANGELES GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER https://www.uscneonatology.com/childrens-hospital-los-angeles daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://www.uscneonatology.com/alumni-1 daily 0.75 2024-08-28 https://www.uscneonatology.com/take-action daily 0.75 2020-08-25 https://www.uscneonatology.com/welcome-new-applicants daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599419881515-DZCEUNSN1T5UYF181YWI/Yeh%2C+Amy+3.jpg WELCOME NEW APPLICANTS Amy Yeh, MD, MPH Director of Fellowship Education Associate Program Director https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1598939221338-RFTQHL32IL3J8NW0ABYE/Sardesai.png WELCOME NEW APPLICANTS Smeeta Sardesai, MD Program Director https://www.uscneonatology.com/fellowship-overview daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://www.uscneonatology.com/basic-science-research-program daily 0.75 2023-07-19 https://www.uscneonatology.com/developmental-cardiovascular-research-program daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599577880547-3195CPGJXEE0ACXCIAZR/IMG_8468.jpg DEVELOPMENTAL CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH PROGRAM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599577862964-QLXI6PV6WAU0HF1H7768/IMG_8465.jpg DEVELOPMENTAL CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH PROGRAM https://www.uscneonatology.com/point-of-care-echocardiography-in-the-neonate daily 0.75 2023-07-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370928388-GT4VS54B6ZFDJMSV3TD3/Class.jpg POINT OF CARE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370928740-82KMS4Y7WCA5R6UU9CO1/IMG_6629.jpg POINT OF CARE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370928972-GYHLYDIQ9ZWPLDUZVL7P/IMG_6631.jpg POINT OF CARE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370928971-Q2P5UFEYUMER36O1H6R0/IMG_6634.jpg POINT OF CARE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATE https://www.uscneonatology.com/biostatistics-course daily 0.75 2024-08-28 https://www.uscneonatology.com/lacusc-medical-center-nicu daily 0.75 2020-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599354766667-JGE1HNVUVAPMZG90S9G1/GSH+rounds.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599354746476-QDOP3A1KIMXI6HKNEX7U/GSH+Helipad.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599371223716-7ZRVZ69I003RYZTHCQSL/LAC+Bedside+Surgery.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599354812776-0BSFVEULDRS9VHSK5HAZ/GSH.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370354163-SNMHGIMAW8IYOE2BW5GO/Yeh%252C%2BAmy%2B3.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU - Amy Yeh, MD, MPH Medical School: Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI Residency: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Positions Since Residency: NICCU Hospitalist, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Chief Fellow, USC/LAC+USC Medical Center Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA Description of Current Position: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Attending Neonatologist, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Director of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Education, USC/LAC+USC Medical Center Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370106326-0JHGPG4TEZQQ7XSN07PC/Dr.%2BDurand.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU - Manuel Durand, MD Medical School: San Marcos University Medical School, Lima, Peru Residency: Pediatrics, University of Texas at San Antonio Fellowship: Pediatric Pulmonology, McGill University, Montreal Children’s Hospital Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: McGill University, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, Canada University of Manitoba, Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada University California San Francisco/Children’s Hospital, Cardiovascular Research Institute Positions Since Residency/Fellowship: Director, USC Neonatology Fellowship Program 1990-2002 Attending Neonatologist, Arcadia Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, CA Attending Neonatologist, San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, San Gabriel, CA ECMO Research Program, Huntington Hospital, Pasadena, CA Description of Current Position: Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Director, Clinical Pulmonary Research/Pulmonary Function Courtesy Staff, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Attending Neonatologist, LAC+USC Medical Center and BPD clinic Research Interests: - Developmental pulmonary physiology/ pulmonary function in infants with acute and chronic lung disease (BPD) - Respiratory mechanics and long-term outcome in preterm infants treated with antenatal steroids/postnatal corticosteroids - In-utero smoke, vitamin C and newborn pulmonary function - Episodes of hypoxemia in preterm infants - Follow-up of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370216376-JGB1AAD0TPVMRIGTNY00/thumbnail__DSC0844.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU - Fiona Wertheimer, DO Medical School: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency: Pediatrics, University of Florida-Jacksonville Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Positions Since Residency: Chief Resident in Pediatrics, University of Florida-Jacksonville Description of Current Position: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine Attending Neonatologist, LAC+USC Medical Center and PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599369979579-CUY2YDZZ4IGYAIENJ7HR/Manoj%2BBiniwale%252C%2BMD.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU - Manoj Biniwale, MD Medical School: B J Medical College, Pune, India Residency: Pediatrics, Boston Combined Residency Program (Boston Children's Hospital and Boston Medical Center), Boston, MA Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA Yale University, New Haven, CT Positions Since Residency: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY Description of Current Position: Associate Professor of Pediatrics at USC Keck School of Medicine Attending Neonatologist at LAC+USC Medical Center and PIH HealthGood Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Director of Neonatal Resuscitation and Simulation Program at LAC+USC Medical Center Research Interests: Neonatal clinical trials, surfactant therapy, neonatal resuscitation and simulation, noninvasive ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599027870612-VS1CPUBZXSUI18ZBQXG3/Sardesai.png LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU - Smeeta Sardesai, MD Medical School: Goa Medical College, University of Bombay, India Residency: Pediatrics, Martin Luther King, Jr/Drew Medical Center Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Masters in Medical Education: Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Positions Since Residency: Staff Neonatologist, Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Medical Director, San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, San Gabriel, CA Courtesy Staff, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Attending staff, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Staff Neonatologist, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Description of Current Position: Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Associate Director of Neonatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Medical Director, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Chair Department of Pediatrics, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370055043-2MPWOXAMIMFU1UP50HK7/Dr.%2BCayabyab.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU - Rowena Cayabyab, MD, MPH Medical School: University of Santo Tomas Manila, Philippines Residency: Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Positions since Residency: Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine Description of Current Position: Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine Attending Neonatologist, LAC+USC Medical Center and PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital Associate Medical Director, NICU, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital Research Interests: Epidemiology and Outcomes research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370389658-0H7N12D7UNTC6G78YZAJ/Dr.%2BBarton.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU - Lorayne Barton, MD, MPH Medical School: UC Irvine Residency: Pediarics, LAC+USC Medical Center Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center Positions Since Residency: Fellow in Health Administration Maternal & Child Health and Health Promotion, Loma Linda University Description of Current Position: Associate Professor, Keck School of Medicine Neonatal database administration Attending Neonatologist, LAC+USC Medical Center Neonatal Quality Improvement Program lead physician https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599197291546-G9KATPSW3ARZ1RCX7CEI/20200826_124255.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU - Rangasamy Ramanathan, MBBS, MD Medical School: Stanley Medical School, Chennai, India Residency in India: Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India Residency in USA: Lincoln Medical Center, NY Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Positions since Fellowship: Research Fellow, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, CA Director, High Risk Infant Follow-up Program, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Assistant Professor and Co-Director, NICU, Olive View Medical Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA Chief Medical Officer, Pediatric Critical Care Management Group, CHLA Interim Division Chief, USC Division of Neonatology, CHLA & LAC+USC Medical Center Associate Division Chief, Division of Neonatal Medicine, LAC+USC Medical Center & CHLA Senior Associate Division Chief, Division of Neonatal Medicine, LAC/USC Medical Center & CHLA Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Good Samaritan Hospital, LA, CA Attending Neonatologist, Good Samaritan Hospital, LA, CA Attending Neonatologist, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, LA, CA Attending Neonatologist, San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, LA, CA Attending Neonatologist, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, LA, CA Attending Neonatologist, Providence Tarzana Medical Center, Tarzana, CA Description of Current Position: Professor and Chief, Division of Neonatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Chief, Neonatology Section, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital Program Director, NPM Fellowship Director, NICU and Neonatal Respiratory Therapy Services Attending Neonatologist, LAC+USC Medical Center, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital and CHLA Research Interests: Surfactant Rx for RDS/ARDS; Noninvasive Ventilation, Monitoring of Oxygenation in PT and Term neonates, Free-radical mediated disorders in Neonates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599197360373-DNL34E53NB9PXX1833V7/Dr.+Siassi.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599029518095-OWXXCLSDEPV6YWEISXRA/thumbnail__DSC0843.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370426402-NPCZZBP5OC663YC7BPU4/Changgong%2BLi%252C%2BPhD.jpg LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599029321691-YTKGZ15AOT0YM82WVMNG/Dr.+Minoo.png LAC+USC MEDICAL CENTER NICU https://www.uscneonatology.com/childrens-hospital-los-angeles-niccu daily 0.75 2020-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429510683-PYYRXEU7DN7DCR8SP5WZ/CHLA-Ashwini-Lashmanan-255x255.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Ashwini Lakshmanan, MD, MPH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429157434-NGJLXVYCMD6TY8Q0M74O/CHLA-Elmer-David-2.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Elmer David, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599443076327-FGX66ZE4BVEE21M5DTIW/GARINGO%2C+ARLENE.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Arlene Garingo, MD, MPH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599430072540-D5K7UA6CP7TD0DAUWNHZ/CHLA-Tai-Wei-Wu+2_cropped%2C+web+2.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Tai-Wei Wu, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599428659558-3IHYXNMY6F84RCCEVP0Z/CHLA-Steven-Chin-MD-MSc.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Steven Chin, MD, MSc https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429293600-6GBCW84QB1B1YV8230SI/GANSTER%2C+ANNA.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Anna Ganster, MD, MAcM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599428452090-3QX5CI0DRK1JSA6DXASM/P-Friedlich-MD-Prof-Picture-2014.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Philippe Friedlich, MD, MSEpi, MBA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429434617-68S7AW5MH25CV2AH05HY/CHLA-Narayan-Prabhu-Iyer.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Narayan Iyer, MBBS, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599430009228-N1A9LCBTLIV79LF1WQFV/passport+photo+-+sarah+volz+%281%29.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Sarah Volz, DO, MS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429574970-R9CCKXW9RW9SN6PT9QG9/nair_srikumar_08_01_2014.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Srikumar Nair, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429905487-DRZYWKRC1OFO4CCB2FTR/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Kshama Shah, MD, MPH, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429835157-8NBJ491GMWWUM5HW9IMS/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Vinisha Singhi, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429219211-GWXUS5FPPJTJIFN4SQLG/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Bridget DiPrisco, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599428903593-ZZB1R15YH3C7T7LE1J3K/CHLA-Puneet-Kumar-Arora-1.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Puneet Arora, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599430228959-4LRCE96TI2Q5WMM2WSHF/CHLA-Matthew-Borzage+1+web2.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Matthew Borzage, PhD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599428991475-P5J39GRWFANDJ1Q2GNGA/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Claire Baldauf, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429731053-7VX45KNZPDZS8J7D2TBO/CHLA-Shahab-Noori+3_Cropped.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Shahab Noori, MD, MS, CBTI https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599428542970-53FVX3C5UJ00BVB8W0O0/Rachel-Chapman.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Rachel Chapman, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429665770-CTAR9WU5ZOSR03YY393A/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Jennifer Shepherd, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599430129470-VFI0VNOAZXSIPIOYEZKM/Yieh.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES NICCU Leah Yieh, MD, MPH https://www.uscneonatology.com/classof2025 daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/f79525b9-8f1e-4fda-9411-12ef0fb78de4/IMG-7648.jpg Class of 2025 - Shivani Patel, DO Hometown: Chino Hills, CA Undergraduate: Pitzer College (Claremont Colleges) Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences Residency: Loma Linda Children's Hospital Hobbies: Healthy baking, spending time with family and friends Why LAC+USC: Experience of rotating at different NICUs allows for more comprehensive training and adaptability. I also appreciate the focus on hemodynamics and balance between service and research all 3 years. Job after Fellowship: Neonatologist at Kaiser South Bay Fun Fact: I'm a triplet :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/653e80f7-5377-4ed2-8484-3c31c5501db9/20190614_Piyaway+Arichai_036+-+Copy.jpg Class of 2025 - Piyawat Arachai, MD Hometown: Boston, MA Undergraduate: Brandeis University Medical School: Harvard Medical School Residency: Children's National Hospital Washington, DC Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and my daughter. Visiting national parks and collecting park stamps. Why LAC+USC: This is the only program where you can get a comprehensive neonatal echocardiography training during fellowship along with exposure to a wide variety of neonatology practices from Level IV academic center to public and private settings. Plans after Fellowship: Cardiology Fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Fun Fact: I lived on a remote island for 2 years before starting medical school to volunteer at a hospital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/a6cc3ca6-5b09-4c1a-a674-fc44719aca81/IMG_4171.jpg Class of 2025 - Gabriella Lorrusso Vivas, MD Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela Undergraduate: NA Medical School: Universidad de Carabobo, Venezuela (we don't have undergraduate - it's 6 years of Med School) Residency: UM/JMH Holtz Children's Hospital (Miami, FL) Hobbies: I workout a lot. I'm currently training for the Malibu triathlon in October w/ CHLA and also two half marathons I'm running in January. I also love to travel and do outdoor activities! Why LAC+USC: I was looking for a program that could provide me with the most up to date training I could have. The POCUS curriculum is incredible! We also get the opportunity to train at 4 different hospitals/ settings which can definitely give you the confidence that you need once you're out of fellowship. You truly will be able to work literally in any type of environment you may end up in. The research opportunities are also very broad, and you have plenty of mentors ready to support you on your interests. Another great aspect about our program is the diversity among the members of our program and the patient population that we work with. Furthermore, the family-like and supportive environment is something that really stood out during interviews. And last but not least, living in California, and particularly LA was very attractive for me. Life outside of fellowship is also important! There are endless options for literally anything that you want to do here, whether it is going out for dinner, hiking, going to the beach, skling, concerts, etc. It is really hard to pick one aspect of the program that is my favorite among all! What I can say though, is that l'm very lucky to be part of this program and it is even better than everything I imagined it would be! Job after Fellowship: Neonatologist in Miami, Florida Fun Fact: I drink hot chocolate every single morning. I don't like coffee at all! (my awesome co-fellows and current/past roomies Vic and Erin can verify this haha!). Die-hard Swiftie. Participated briefly in the Miss Carabobo (selects the rep. in my state for Miss Venezuela) but dropped out because it would have interfered with Med School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/8956ee2a-8708-41e1-a149-ee63b3180f6c/IMG_3100.jpg Class of 2025 - Karla Ortiz, MD Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine Residency: NYU Langone- Long Island Hobbies: Basketball, trying new restaurants (huge foodie over here), traveling Why LAC+USC: There are numerous reasons why I chose LAC+USC. I was looking for a fellowship program that would not only offer me a breadth of clinical experience but also one that has vast hands on experience in POCUS and functional ECHOs. The location is a cherry on top as there are so many things to do in LA. Job after Fellowship: Neonatologist at Miller Children’s Long Beach Memorial Fun Fact: I am a furmom to my pup named Penny! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/9d3068f4-931a-4f5c-87c3-643e8972d081/IMG_9459.jpg Class of 2025 - Victoria Hamilton, MD Hometown: Toronto, ON, Canada Undergraduate: Wilfrid Laurier University Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine Residency: SUNY at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Hobbies: Hiking, brunch, enjoying quality time with friends and making Spotify playlists! Why LAC+USC: Diversity of Patients, Learning sites and you get to learn everything (ECMO, Functional ECHO and more!). There is so much to experience and so many great teachers from all different backgrounds! Plus the co-fellows are pretty cool too. Job after Fellowship: Faculty at Seattle Children’s Hospital Fun Fact: I’ve lived in four different countries thus far in m life, and plan to travel to so many more! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/fd12839a-0701-4b3e-b02c-280aad632086/foto+ERAS.jpg Class of 2025 - Ivonne Sierra-Strum, MD Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras CA Undergraduate: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Medical School: NA Residency: Oklahoma University Children's Hospital Hobbies: Baking, Hiking, traveling and cleaning up my 2 yo daughter's messes at the end of the day Why LAC+USC: I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview at LAC+USC and knew right away that this is where I wanted to be. This program has great opportunities for research and training in POCUS and neonatal hemodynamics, which is my main area of interest. I am also proud to be a part of a culture that values individual differences and promotes inclusion! The people I get to work with every day are truly amazing and inspiring. Plans after Fellowship: Cardiology Fellowship at CHLA Fun Fact: I'm a mom to a beautiful 2yo toddler (a walking tornado). I'm a bit of a homebody, my favorite thing is spending time with my family. I love the beach and scuba diving! https://www.uscneonatology.com/classof2024 daily 0.75 2024-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/4c2d677c-04b8-47cc-be20-554f1e135f59/011.jpg Class of 2024 - Megan Chang, MD Hometown: Katy, TX Undergraduate: Rice University Medical School: UT Southwestern Residency: University of Maryland Hobbies: Trying local restaurants, traveling, swimming, reading Why LAC+USC: Large, diverse fellowship program with a passion to help the underserved in Los Angeles. I also love the acuity and breadth we see at LAC+USC and CHLA, as well as the program’s unique emphasis on ultrasound. Job after Fellowship: Memorial Care Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach Fun Fact: I have a pet cat who loves eating vegetables (broccoli, lettuce, spinach - you name it!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/87af7419-1439-4f31-992d-b736ae3eacff/IMG_0001.JPG Class of 2024 - Jessica Yom, MD Hometown: Los Angeles Undergraduate: UC Irvine Medical School: St. George’s University Residency: Maimonides Medical Center Hobbies: Traveling, eating out, coffee Why LAC+USC: Well established, reputable, and large program; location, job opportunities after training Job after Fellowship: Loma Linda University Fun Fact: I love Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/9eb935f6-30c7-4755-b8dc-a3102dd4321b/image0.jpeg Class of 2024 - Jane Huang, DO Hometown: Kaohsiung, Taiwan Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences - COMP Residency: Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Hobbies: Read novels, eating, traveling, playing board games, playing volleyball Why LAC+USC: Wide variety of clinical experiences offered across all three NICU, strong education curriculum, and opportunity for ECMO experience Job after Fellowship: Loma Linda University Fun Fact: I am a big foodie. One time I drove 2 hours with my friends to just eat at this one particular restaurant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/955e88be-daf5-4a83-8e97-fc5e20e546e2/10903.jpg Class of 2024 - Rutuja Kibe, MD Hometown: Pune, India Undergraduate: Fergusson College, Pune, India Medical School: Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College Residency: University of Hawaii Pediatrics Program Hobbies: Sports, music, hiking Why LAC+USC: Varied and diverse patient population, a reputable program known for great training Job after Fellowship: University of Hawaii Fun Fact: I relate to dogs more than humans https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/55c41313-9c38-44bc-9ddf-0fd4e5bb1938/image_6487327.JPG Class of 2024 - Maria Martes Gomez, DO Hometown: Bucaramanga, Colombia Undergraduate: University of Utah Medical School: Andrew Taylor Still Kirksville Residency: LAC+USC Medical Center Hobbies: Hiking, crossfit/HIIT, dancing, watching reruns of The Office and Friends, petting my dog Fluffy Why LAC+USC: The patients and the dedication of the staff to always do the best for the entire community Job after Fellowship: Loma Linda University Fun Fact: I learned to swim as an adult but I’m still too afraid of the water to learn how to https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/22b87c69-4014-4116-8a26-261a8967c8db/unnamed.jpg Class of 2024 - Staecy Kim, MD Hometown: Fresno, CA Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego Medical School: University of Cincinnati Residency: Phoenix Children’s Hospital Hobbies: Dancing, hiking, working out, traveling, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, trying to keep succulents alive Why LAC+USC: I was looking for a program that had strong clinical training with exposure to everything—bread and butter, surgical, ECMO, etc. With experience in both a big referral center and a county hospital, I knew I would be prepared for any future jobs. The strong reputation of the program, location in SoCal, and big size of classes (more friends!) were also important. Job after Fellowship: Tarzana Medical Center Fun Fact: Rumor has it that my name was spelled this way by accident…it has yet to be confirmed. https://www.uscneonatology.com/pgy5 daily 0.75 2025-08-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/cde9eaec-fc47-4bca-8aa6-314b196764ed/62921423907__49A2C5EF-58E5-4141-8979-518999AA7841-fotor-bg-remover-20230712105832+%281%29.jpg PGY-5 - Max Mendoza, MD Hometown: Lipa City, Philippines Undergraduate: De La Salle Lipa Medical School: University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Residency: UCSF Fresno Hobbies: reading books, watching Kdramas, hanging out with family Why USC/LAG: It offers the diversity of learning I wanted for my training - from the different sites with varying NICU complexities, to the different bright and passionate people I get to work and learn alongside with, and to the mix of patient population we have the honor of serving! Big bonus too is its close to my US home! Plans after Fellowship: Work an attending job and finally give my mom the “return of investment” she so much deserves !! Fun Fact: My undergrad degree is BS Nursing. I’m also a registered nurse! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/ac7341c2-d388-4efb-ad24-f40a093fe157/IMG_7230.jpeg PGY-5 - Kat Winger, MD Hometown: Berkeley, CA Undergraduate: University of California, Davis Medical School: Touro University California Residency: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Hobbies: Being outside, reading, pretending to understand wine, harassing my co-fellows to hang out with me, residential and medical interior design Why USC/LAG: The people. I chose the program for the diversity of patients and the mentorship among attendings. Plans after Fellowship: I don’t know, but I’m excited. Fun Fact: I used to be competitive bowler and was nationally ranked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/7e0f9199-9bf1-41a5-bfdd-54c85291c227/IMG_6204.jpg PGY-5 - Patrick Zacharias, MD Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico Undergraduate: University of New Mexico Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine Residency: Loma Linda University Hobbies: Running, Basketball, Photography, however more recent exploring all the amazing food LA has to offer! Why USC/LAG: I was so excited about the 360 degree training experience created by rotating through the various training sites we have here. I’m also excited to dive into and develop POCUS and functional ECHO skills, through the incredible curriculum in place. My amazing co-fellows have been the icing on the cake :) Plans after Fellowship: I’m interested in working in a large academic NICU, where I can continue to build on all the skills I develop during my training here, and continue to work with learners. Fun Fact: Once upon a time I could run a mile in 4 minutes 2 seconds, 5k meters in 14 minutes 1 second and 10k meters in 29 minutes and 2 seconds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/c88cea7c-6797-45d6-b92e-9d2c74b4786e/IMG_6346.JPG PGY-5 - Courtney Tam, MD Hometown: Fremont, CA Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC Residency: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Hobbies: Reading mystery novels, baking, gardening, swimming Why USC/LAG: I am honored to return to USC for NICU fellowship as USC combines everything that I am seeking in a fellowship program - rigorous clinical training at high level NICUs, advanced hemodynamics education with intensive ECMO and echocardiography courses, robust support for my research and public service interests, and most importantly, a kind and supportive community of peers and mentors who prioritize patient care. Training at USC allows me the continued privilege of caring for the most vulnerable, underserved patient populations while furthering my education at a renowned academic institution. Plans after Fellowship: I hope to pursue a career that combines my interests in critical care medicine, patient advocacy, medical education, and research. Fun Fact: I was a competitive swimmer and my specialty event was the 100 yard backstroke! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/79ff312f-1f8d-48a3-a0e5-2026517fff3f/TP.jpg PGY-5 - Tanu Patel, MD Hometown: Fremont, CA Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley Medical School: University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine Residency: Thomas Jefferson University, Nemours Children’s Hospital of Delaware Hobbies: Running, yoga, pilates, reading, spending time with family and friends, trying out new hobbies Why USC/LAG: I loved rotating at LA General (a safety net hospital) as a medical student-it feels really rewarding to work at a hospital that serves families facing social and economic barriers to care. Our experiences there are balanced with the complexity seen at our Level IV NICU at CHLA. LA is also a lovely place to live once you get to know it! Plans after Fellowship: TBD :) Fun Fact: I love cop/detective TV shows - Castle is an all time favorite. https://www.uscneonatology.com/mclb daily 0.75 2023-07-20 https://www.uscneonatology.com/pgy6 daily 0.75 2025-08-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/d4862638-e222-47c7-8998-dda91f50e32a/Priyanka+Patel+Headshot+ERAS+Size.jpeg PGY-6 - Priyanka Patel, MD Hometown: Upland, CA Undergraduate: UC San Diego Medical School: UC San Diego Residency: UC San Diego-Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego Hobbies: Hiking, running, cooking Why USC/LAG: Dedicated teachers, exposure to ultrasound, and wide breadth of clinical experiences and research opportunities in multiple NICU settings Plans after Fellowship: TBD Fun Fact: The Antarctic blue wale is the largest animal on the planet and can reach up to 30 meters in length! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/dd93fd4b-fad7-4ba0-b51a-9aa3d5806c4f/8767E378-B9D0-4659-B61C-880912CE3212.jpg PGY-6 - Katie Tedesco, MD Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA (in my picture!) Undergraduate: Boston College Medical School: Albany Medical College Residency: USC/LAC+USC Medical Center Hobbies: Paddle boarding, hiking, reading, baking, hanging out with my dog Bailey Why USC/LAG: I fell in love with neonatology in the LAC+USC NICU, and am so lucky to be able to continue caring for the most vulnerable patients in LA’s primary safety-net hospital. I also love the exposure to multiple different types of NICUs, the research opportunities, and the commitment of the faculty to our education. Plans after Fellowship: I’m excited to explore what working in a community, level 3, and level 4 NICU looks like during my fellowship, and seeing which environment works best for me! Fun Fact: I am an advanced open water certified SCUBA diver! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/0f2ec45a-6170-423d-9e5e-aff38f0689a9/Screen+Shot+2023-07-24+at+2.24.06+PM.png PGY-6 - Natalie Smith, MD Hometown: Denver, CO Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Residency: Eastern Virginia Medical School Hobbies: Hiking, going to the beach, attempting to eat at a fraction of all the amazing restaurants in Los Angeles, visiting National Parks, skiing, visiting California vineyards Why USC/LAG: I really liked the commitment to underserved and vulnerable populations at LA General Hospital, which is highly evident in the culture from the administration to each individual employee. I also like the highly specialized care at CHLA. Most of all, I felt like all the fellows and attendings were very supportive of each other and part of a big family. Plans after Fellowship: Academic Neonatology Fun Fact: I was named Natalie because it means "born on Christmas," although I was born four days after (close enough!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/007a8e22-f0ba-422e-b880-2fb86ac2658b/956B788D-5C51-4BDD-BF02-EE38EA6445AA_1_105_c.jpeg PGY-6 - Erin Myers, MD Hometown: Clarksville, Tennessee Undergraduate: University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center Residency: University of California-Irvine/Children’s Hospital of Orange County Hobbies: Reading, Running, Scuba Diving, Skiing Why USC/LAG: I appreciate the focus on hemodynamics and ECMO, with not only clinical opportunities but a robust curriculum in these areas Plans after Fellowship: We shall see! I am open to a multitude of opportunities Fun Fact: In training I have been trying to read/listen to 15 books a year. So far I have been on a 3/3 streak! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/2f698aab-15d8-487f-9740-a518be97aa57/IMG_4408.jpeg PGY-6 - Surya Manickam, MD Hometown: Bellingham, MA Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Residency: New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of Columbia University Hobbies: Basketball, working out, swing dancing, podcasts, mediation, exploring everything LA Why USC/LAG: Opportunity to work at the primary safety net hospitals of LA, unique cardiac experience, ultrasound and Echo curriculum, opportunity to work at 4 different types of NICUs Plans after Fellowship: Would love to carry a focus in neonatal palliative care and parent mental health Fun Fact: For better or worse, I have the signature dance move known as “The Surya” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/c6322f8e-eac2-45b4-aff5-e9b362a81d56/image_6487327+%281%29.JPG PGY-6 - Jasmine Massoumi, DO Hometown: South Pasadena, CA Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego Medical School: Touro University California Residency: LAC+USC Medical Center Hobbies: hiking, drawing, playing with my pup lily, thrifting, trying new boba shops and eating froyo Why USC/LAG: I enjoyed my three-year residency at LAC+USC and wanted to continue training here for fellowship because of the diverse patient population and the passionate individuals who shared the mission of providing quality care to the underserved population of LA County. I also was drawn to the program's wide range of experiences at different sites and robust education, especially in hemodynamics and POCUS. Plans after Fellowship: Not sure yet, keeping an open mind! But I hope to continue to work with the underserved population of Southern California. Fun Fact: When I was 11 I memorized almost all ~300 dog breeds to convince my parents to get me a dog… it didn’t work. Fortunately I am now am the proud co-parent to a scruffy pup named Lily who provides the best post-call snuggles! https://www.uscneonatology.com/developmental-cardiovascular-research-program-1 daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599577880547-3195CPGJXEE0ACXCIAZR/IMG_8468.jpg DEVELOPMENTAL CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH PROGRAM (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599577862964-QLXI6PV6WAU0HF1H7768/IMG_8465.jpg DEVELOPMENTAL CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH PROGRAM (Copy) https://www.uscneonatology.com/point-of-care-echocardiography-in-the-neonate-1 daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370928388-GT4VS54B6ZFDJMSV3TD3/Class.jpg POINT OF CARE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATE (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370928740-82KMS4Y7WCA5R6UU9CO1/IMG_6629.jpg POINT OF CARE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATE (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370928972-GYHLYDIQ9ZWPLDUZVL7P/IMG_6631.jpg POINT OF CARE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATE (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599370928971-Q2P5UFEYUMER36O1H6R0/IMG_6634.jpg POINT OF CARE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATE (Copy) https://www.uscneonatology.com/childrens-hospital-los-angeles-1 daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/b85076b3-d8f7-41c8-8de9-90d8491a5ad6/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Meredith Dixon, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599430228959-4LRCE96TI2Q5WMM2WSHF/CHLA-Matthew-Borzage+1+web2.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Matthew Borzage, PhD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/eee3baac-4854-4f18-bdba-6f5292b16525/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Rebecca Martinez, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599430072540-D5K7UA6CP7TD0DAUWNHZ/CHLA-Tai-Wei-Wu+2_cropped%2C+web+2.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Tai-Wei Wu, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429905487-DRZYWKRC1OFO4CCB2FTR/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Jennifer Shepherd, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599428452090-3QX5CI0DRK1JSA6DXASM/P-Friedlich-MD-Prof-Picture-2014.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Philippe Friedlich, MD, MSEpi, MBA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/2ca39a0f-2329-45df-8529-0749d2d46c93/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Arkar Ye Hlaing, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/8a82bbea-e3fb-4f0c-927c-681e992801ef/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Bridget DiPrisco, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/42df4f78-d0ff-414b-b75b-10b4d872e9f7/Rachel-Chapman.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Rachel Chapman, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429574970-R9CCKXW9RW9SN6PT9QG9/nair_srikumar_08_01_2014.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Srikumar Nair, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/3826b8f9-c0ec-4641-b291-43481335551f/GANSTER%2C+ANNA.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Anna Ganster, MD, MAcM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429434617-68S7AW5MH25CV2AH05HY/CHLA-Narayan-Prabhu-Iyer.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Narayan Iyer, MBBS, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/e410b8e8-4997-4ba7-81e1-0d44998a7666/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Kameelah Gateau, MD, MS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429731053-7VX45KNZPDZS8J7D2TBO/CHLA-Shahab-Noori+3_Cropped.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Shahab Noori, MD, MS, CBTI https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/066518cb-df55-43fc-9329-ba84b98d4923/CHLA-Elmer-David-2.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Elmer David, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/1599429665770-CTAR9WU5ZOSR03YY393A/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Julie Thai, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/8d446777-e181-4293-a502-162b8dd96675/chla_profile.jpg CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES (Copy) Molly Easterlin, MD, MS https://www.uscneonatology.com/csmd daily 0.75 2025-08-11 https://www.uscneonatology.com/pgy4 daily 0.75 2025-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/ea7bc3cf-f8d7-4868-81e7-cb2471152488/IMG_4926.jpg PGY-4 - Sarah Westbrook, MD Hometown: Hemet, CA Undergraduate: Mills College Medical School: Creighton University SOM Residency: University of Iowa Hobbies: Gardening and hiking/backpacking Why USC/LAG: I was attracted by the curriculum on ECHO/hemodynamics and opportunities for fellows to get hands-on with ultrasound technology in the LAG NICU. I was also drawn tot he ECMO exposure provided at CHLA. Plans after Fellowship: Academic Neonatology Fun Fact: I spend 6 weeks in Namibia working to protect desert elephants for my undergraduate thesis project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/5b90a44a-c000-42e7-bf2a-4a4ccab08dae/86667A40-617C-4200-9F0C-A0F5592BA55F_1_102_o.jpeg PGY-4 - Tiffany Choe, DO Hometown: Beaverton, OR Undergraduate: Whitman College Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences Residency: University of Arizona Hobbies: Crocheting and collecting pig-themed items Why USC/LAG: I was drawn to the diverse patient population across the different hospitals and the open-minded, collaborative culture of the program. Plans after Fellowship: I hope to return to the Pacific Northwest but am open to exploring opportunities in Los Angeles. Fun Fact: I used to dragon boat on the Willamette River, where early mornings, synchronized paddling, and the steady beat of drums keep our team in perfect rhythm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/b9b14775-d3f4-4e16-9629-caa2da9e04f7/IMG_9811.jpg PGY-4 - Camille Hebert, MD, MPH, IBCLC Hometown: Van Alstyne, TX Undergraduate: Baylor University Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Residency: Finally escaped Texas and moved to the Big Apple! Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Kravis Children's Hospital Hobbies: Rock climbing, yoga, hiking, crochet, scuba diving Why USC/LAG: The most important thing to me when I was looking for a fellowship was a supportive family feel where I would be respected and valued both as a colleague and as a human, and I absolutely found that here. It was palpable during my interview how much everyone truly enjoyed each other. Plans after Fellowship: Be a neonatologist hehe. Further details TBD Fun Fact: Lived in Hawaii between residency and fellowship! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/d5e94a43-c513-4397-aa5c-f8785b3cd051/Mypic.jpg PGY-4 - Narin, Thanaputkaiporn, MD Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand Undergraduate: Khon Kaen, Thailand Medical School: Khon Kaen University Residency: Children’s Hospital of Michigan Hobbies: Hiking, singing, and playing the piano Why USC/LAGMC: I am drawn to USC/LAC’s NICU fellowship because of its diverse patient population, high-acuity cases, and strong commitment to serving under-resourced communities. The people here—both the attendings and the fellows—are incredibly supportive, inspiring, and dedicated to teaching, which creates an ideal environment for learning and growth. The program’s emphasis on hands-on training, multidisciplinary collaboration, and research aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a well-rounded neonatologist. Plans after Fellowship: Return to Thailand to help improve newborn care and develop sustainable NICU systems in underserved areas Fun Fact: I have traveled to Japan more than 10 times! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/5ce3ee61-6eed-45c4-ab7c-243a805afcbb/IMG_3893.jpeg PGY-4 - Rayna Tian, MD Hometown: Arcadia, CA Undergraduate: UCLA Medical School: Stony Brook University Residency: Children’s National Hobbies: Enjoying good food with friends and family, hanging out with my cat, playing video games, and attending concerts! Why USC/LAG: I love being exposed to the complex surgical pathologies at a large academic level IV while also getting to learn bread and butter neonatology at a level III NICU. Further, the faculty are all so warm and welcoming, and they all seem genuinely invested in helping us learn and become great neonatologists! Lastly, I really wanted to come back home to sunny LA being on the east coast for medical school and residency! Plans after Fellowship: Unsure Fun Fact: I am technically a near-professional pianist and can play any melody by ear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f442fce9673387d69906786/b0a36e40-e807-4d97-90ac-eef55bdff018/IMG_2176.jpeg PGY-4 - Gillian Saldanha, MD Hometown: Berkeley, CA Undergraduate: UCLA Medical School: Temple University Residency: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Hobbies: running, swimming, watercolor painting, playing the piano, going to museums Why USC/LAGMC: I loved working at a safety net hospital in residency and was drawn to the patient population we serve here in LA. I appreciate that we rotate through a variety of NICU settings, including a Level III and Level IV NICU. Everyone seemed very supportive and friendly during my interview day, which has turned out to be true! Plans after Fellowship: Still deciding Fun Fact: I own 2 bonsai trees (which have survived 1 year so far!)