HumAnes of UCLA: Soroush Kazemi, MD, CA-1 Resident Physician

Where are you from? What brought you to LA?
I was born in Tehran, Iran, but my parents and I moved to Holland when I was 2, and then to LA when I was 7. They left behind their family and everything they knew in search of a better life for my sister and me, and I owe all of life’s blessings to their sacrifice.

What's your favorite thing about LA? Least favorite?
Favorite thing? The diverse culture and unmatched food scene. Least favorite? The 405.

Tell us about your ideal post-call day.
Hit the gym, grab a breakfast burrito from Sobuneh, play 18 holes of golf with my buddies at Rancho Park, and end the night with football on my couch and Louisiana Rub wings from Wingstop. YUM.

Are you a sports fan? Who are your favorite teams?
Diehard Lakers, Rams, and Dodgers fan. You can only imagine my excitement when I matched at UCLA for residency so I can watch my favorite teams play in their historic stadiums. That reminds me... Let's go Dodgers! WORLD CHAMPS BABY!
 

How long have you been snowboarding? Any favorite places to go or snowboarding trips planned this season?
My parents used to take me to Big Bear as a kid, but I found myself going less and less as I grew older. Fortunately, when I went to med school at UC Davis, I lived close to Lake Tahoe and got hooked all over again. I bought the Ikon Pass this year with some of my co-residents, so I'll be making some trips to Mammoth and Big Bear this winter!

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
My dog Rufus, my PS5, and my golf clubs. You would have to drag me off that island—why would I ever come back?

Any good shows or movies you've recently watched that you'd recommend?
I'll say this once, Curb Your Enthusiasm is the greatest show of all time. Larry David is my spirit animal.

What's been the most surprising part of anesthesiology so far? 
I would say that the connections I’ve been able to build with patients has been the most surprising part of anesthesiology. Having the opportunity to guide them through some of their most vulnerable, scary, and anxiety-provoking moments has been a huge privilege and more rewarding than I anticipated.