Dr. Karra's Pathway:
Where were you born and raised? What is your favorite part of your hometown?
I was born in Takoma Park, and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. My favorite part of my hometown was the proximity to my extended family! I was lucky enough to live within five minutes of my maternal grandparents as well as several sets of cousins, and every celebration as a child was filled with many joyous moments spent among loved ones. It was also fortuitous to grow up in an area close to the vibrant energy of the nation’s capital, with several inspiring nearby research institutions and a strong sports presence!
What inspired you to choose neurology as your specialty, and how did UCLA’s program align with your goals?
I was initially inspired to choose neurology as my specialty due to my passion for neuroscience research. I had the opportunity to work in a neuroscience research laboratory as an undergraduate student and spent three years researching different factors that help affect neurogenesis - the process by which new nervous system cells are produced in the brain. While training as a medical student, I thrived on my neurology rotations and was eager to adapt the stepwise process of scientific reasoning to the localization and clinical thinking often required for investigating neurologic disease. UCLA’s neurology residency offered the ideal combination of a strong foundational neurology training program with a large department and many esteemed faculty members to learn from, as well as the opportunity and support to pursue my research interests and ideas for innovation.
What is an influential moment you’ve experienced as a trainee? How has this motivated you in your residency?
Later in my training, one of my immediate family members developed a devastating neurologic illness. I delved deeper into the available literature and current work to help guide my family and developed a deep-seated and profound interest in understanding the basis of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). My experiences as a caregiver and family member on the other end of the proverbial “bedside” have inspired me to continually work towards improving the patient journey as well as increasing access to care and have provided an invaluable perspective throughout my residency training.
What are some of the most valuable skills or knowledge areas that you feel you have developed during your time at UCLA?
Alongside gaining a firm understanding in the basics of evaluating neurologic disease, being at UCLA has offered me the unique opportunity to work with and serve patients from many different paths of life. The challenges faced by patients seen at a tertiary care center such as Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood can often vary from those experienced by the veterans we serve at the West Los Angeles and Sepulveda Veterans Administration Medical Centers, or the patients we see at our community affiliate hospital Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. Training in how to truly practice the art of medicine involves not only evaluating and diagnosing a patient, but also anticipating their needs and the barriers in receiving care and providing continuity of that care. Training at multiple different sites has offered a window into understanding and connecting with these patients. Additional aspects of our training program that have resonated with me include the chance to develop intangible skills such as leadership qualities while leading diverse teams and services, to practice public speaking and grant writing, and to receive instruction in tools for processing traumatic events to prevent clinician burnout.
What advice would you give to someone interested in neurology?
If you are interested in neurology, I congratulate you on choosing to further study the organ that makes possible our ability to not just live, but also to be aware of our experiences as human beings! Our field welcomes students and scientific thinkers of all inclinations, whether you are interested in a more procedural path as a neurointerventionalist, in the rapidly progressing molecular profiling and targeted therapies in neuro-oncology, or in the comprehensive neurologic exam and longitudinal care central to neuromuscular disease (just to name a few!) – there are specialties and areas for trainees with varied interests to flourish. I would encourage you to remain inspired by the hard work of innumerable clinicians and researchers in our field, the many new technologies and therapies that are now emerging, and to continue to work towards providing the things we can share with all patients, no matter what their disease… kindness, support and hope.
What is a professional goal that you are working towards now?
The professional goal that is nearest on the horizon for me is completing my neurology residency! As a current fourth year resident, my goal is to fully utilize this final year of residency training, learning from faculty and peers and incorporating as many experiences as I can to take forward with me in my upcoming career in neuromuscular disease. I am also pursuing projects in my specific areas of interest such as studying the neurogenetics of patients with ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and investigating characteristics of disease as well as healthcare utilization and outcomes of ALS patients from diverse populations. Additionally, one of my most fulfilling and important endeavors has been to support my co-residents and future neurology residents in our program by leading wellness initiatives and projects (with the kind support of our leadership and faculty), such as our newly implemented resident-led peer support program: “Coffee with a Colleague”.
How do you spend your time outside of work? What is your favorite hobby?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our aussiedoodle, basking in the near constant sunshine while on hikes and walks, exploring the grandeur of the many nearby national parks (my favorites thus far have been Yosemite and Mount Rainier!), and hunting down the best pizza spot in West Los Angeles (the jury is still out on that one). I also enjoy crafting and run my own nonprofit candle company.