Critical Care Medicine Fellow Profiles
Our 2020-2021 Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine Fellow Physicians:
Krisztina Escallier, MD
Hometown: Ventura, CA
Undergraduate: UCSB, BS Biological Sciences
Medical School: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Residency: Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Fellowship: Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Why I chose UCLA: The people! Of course, the ability to pursue world-class training close to home was a major factor, but getting to go to work every day with supportive, smart, and fun colleagues has been invaluable.
Dr. Krisztina Escallier is on our combined Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship track. She has completed her Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship year and is now with us for a second year for her Critical Care Medicine Fellowship training. When not in the ICU or the OR, she enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and beach days with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Kasey Grewe, MD
Hometown: Portland, OR
Undergraduate: Pomona College, BA Chemistry
Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeon
Residency: Anesthesiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University
Why I chose UCLA: Because of the case complexity and high transplant volume, UCLA is one of the few institutions in the country with both excellent ICU and cardiac anesthesia programs. The attendings I met on my interview day were engaged and dynamic. I sensed a good culture and fast paced learning environment.
Dr. Kasey Grewe is on our combined Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship track. She is currently with us for her first fellowship year of Critical Care Medicine, which will be followed by a year of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology in 2021. Some of Dr. Grewe’s favorite hobbies include cooking, cycling, and surfing.
Melanie Kusonruksa, MD
Hometown: South Pasadena, CA
Undergraduate: UCLA, BS Physiological Science and minor in Business Accounting
Medical School: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine, UCI School of Medicine; Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Why I chose UCLA: I chose to stay at UCLA for the amazing teaching faculty, our robust CTICU, and an incredible ICU support staff
Dr. Melanie Kusonruksa is proud to be a lifelong Bruin. She first came to UCLA for her undergraduate studies, returned to UCLA for residency after completing her Internal Medicine residency at UCI, and decided to remain at UCLA to pursue her Critical Care Medicine fellowship.
James Madrian, MD
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University, BS Zoology
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Residency: Anesthesiology, University of Iowa
Recent Employment: Providence Spokane Anesthesia Group
Why I chose UCLA: I chose UCLA for 2 reasons: 1) The extensive CTICU experience throughout the fellowship and 2) everyone I met on interview day was so friendly and welcoming and very proud of their institution and program.
Dr. James Madrian has been practicing as a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist for the past 10 years in Spokane, Washington. He joined us here at UCLA for a year of fellowship with the plan to eventually return to his Anesthesiology group in Spokane and join their group of intensivists caring for cardiothoracic surgical patients in the ICU. His personal interests include road and mountain biking, snowboarding, fly fishing, and landscaping.