Fellows

Hometown: Los Angeles

Medical School: University of California, Irvine

Residency: UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital – Accelerated Research Pathway

Why I chose UCLA: First, having been a resident at UCLA I knew that the clinical training would be excellent. Both the endocrine faculty and the diverse patient populations served at our two training sites (UCLA and Millers Children’s) make UCLA an ideal place to learn how to practice endocrinology. Second, the Department of Pediatrics and the School of Medicine includes a rich community of physician-scientists with ample opportunities to collaborate and find mentors and near-peers across specialties. There is also significant institutional support for fellows interested in academic careers – this includes the STAR program, which I have participated and provides mentoring and didactics for physician-scientist trainees. Finally, UCLA is a formidable biomedical research hub that brings in hundreds of millions of NIH dollars annually. The hospital, clinics, labs, and undergraduate campus are in close proximity, which encourages collaboration and allows physician-scientists to fulfill clinical and research obligations in the same day. 

Research interests: I am interested in the genetic, environmental, and developmental origins of obesity and type 2 diabetes. As a research fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Tontonoz, I am studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of healthy adipose tissue expansion to prevent diabetes. 

Research support: My postdoctoral research has been supported by the William F. Friedman Endowed Fellowship from the Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute as well as the Pediatric Scientist Development Program from the Association of Medical School Department Chairs and the NICHD. 

Non-research interests: When I’m not at work, I can be found at the beach or park with my wife and two daughters. 

Hometown: Yerevan, Armenia 

Medical School: Yerevan State Medical University 

Residency: Tucson Medical Center

Why I Chose UCLA: During my residency, I completed an endocrine rotation at UCLA and was impressed by the faculty. They seemed highly focused on education and the well-being of their fellows.

Research Interests: I am interested in exploring the relationship between music therapy and diabetes management.

Non-Research Interests: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. 

Hometown: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Medical School: Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil

Residency: BronxCare Health System, New York

Why I chose UCLA: After deciding to spend three more years focusing on a specialty, I really wanted to be a part of a big institution with many available resources for my professional development and top-notch healthcare professionals to learn from. Not to mention, I am trading the cold winter of New York for sunny L.A.

Research Interest: I am interested in calcium metabolism and mineral bone disease.  

Non-research Interest: Running, soccer, trying different cuisines, dog walking.