Dr. Ciarolla's Pathway:
Where were you born and raised? What is your favorite part of your hometown?
I was born and raised in Palos Verdes, CA, just south of Los Angeles. My parents moved to Palos Verdes for its sense of community and its emphasis on family. I was lucky enough to be the product of its school system which has incredible teachers and is known to help students prepare for college and reach their goals. Having this small community within close proximity to Los Angeles also allowed us easy access to the many resources and diversity of the city. I remember going on school field trips and family outings to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, California Science Center, Getty Museum, and Olvera Street. I can easily credit my love of learning and my work ethic to my parents and this upbringing, both of which would pay dividends throughout my future. I ultimately attended the United States Naval Academy for college and served in the Navy before finally transitioning to medicine.
What inspired you to choose neurology as your specialty, and how did UCLA’s program align with your goals?
Because I came from a nontraditional background, I actually had no prior exposure to neuroscience before medical school, so I never thought I would pursue neurology. The more I learned about it, the more I loved it. As a field, neurology tends to encourage a logical approach, thoroughness, and a love for details, all of which appealed to me.
Neurologists on the whole also have a natural curiosity since so much is still unknown about the brain. At UCLA, I found a diverse community of people who all valued similar things. On my interview day, I could tell that residents and faculty alike shared a love of teaching, learning, and discovering, and I was excited to be able to join a community of like-minded individuals!
What is an influential moment you’ve experienced as a trainee? How has this motivated you in your residency?
As I was starting my fourth year in medical school, I completed a rotation in our neurosciences intensive care unit that ultimately stuck with me. During that rotation, we were consulted for a patient who had experienced a cardiac arrest and unfortunately as a result was brain dead. I went with the fellow for his discussions with the family, and we got to know them and their story with the patient. I witnessed their grief, how they processed that moment, and how our team shared that moment with them. While emotionally heavy, I learned a lot from this experience. For me, a huge part of our job as physicians is to walk this journey with our patients and their families through what may be a defining moment in their life story – whether it be the loss of a family member or a disease that changes the way they can interact with the world. As providers, we have the privilege and responsibility to be a part of and provide support during those moments.
What are some of the most valuable skills or knowledge areas that you feel you have developed during your time at UCLA?
Right now everything seems valuable! As a PGY-2 I am just starting my training in neurology, and so most valuable thing I am learning is a strong foundation of knowledge that I can continue to build on. More than that, however, I am learning to stay humble. Every now and then we will have a case with an unexpected turn that stumps even some of the senior faculty. The example that I’m seeing from faculty and senior residents is an eagerness to reach out to colleagues who always willing to help, and to dive into scientific literature to find the answer.
What advice would you give to someone interested in neurology?
Most people outside of neurology are surprised to learn that it is an incredibly broad field. I really think neurology has something for everyone and can fit a diverse array of interests. Explore them! Our residency program is geared toward giving us a similar broad exposure to allow us to explore how we can make a career in neurology best fit us.
What is a professional goal that you are working towards now?
Because I am just beginning my training in neurology, I am aiming to learn and absorb as much knowledge as I can from my peers and my incredible faculty. Regardless of the subspecialty I choose, I know that UCLA will give me a solid foundational knowledge as a physician and will prepare me well for the next phase in my career.
How do you spend your time outside of work? What is your favorite hobby?
I get the most joy out of being active and being with friends and family. You can usually find me in the gym, at the beach (or ideally on a sailboat), or sampling LA's best cuisine with my coresidents.