Fellows

Ruchika Bhatnagar

 Background

Ruchika grew up in the Midwest before her family settled in the Philadelphia area. She completed her undergraduate studies in Philadelphia, where she competed nationally on her university's Bollywood dance team. She subsequently earned a Master of Public Health in Healthcare Policy and Management, during which she cultivated a strong interest in quality improvement and advancing healthcare systems for vulnerable patient populations.

She attended medical school at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she led initiatives to strengthen patient education resources at her school's free clinic and broaden access to STI screening. She then completed her Internal Medicine residency at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, during which she conducted research in sarcoidosis and spearheaded quality improvement initiatives aimed at advancing patient care and optimizing healthcare delivery.

She is thrilled to continue her training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at UC San Diego.

Outside of medicine, Ruchika enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Education

• 2012-2016: B.S. - Drexel University
• 2016-2018: MPH- Emory University
• 2018-2022: M.D. Howard University College of Medicine
• 2022-2025: Internal Medicine Residency: NYU Grossman School of Medicine
• 2025-2026: Academic Hospitalist, University of Pennsylvania

Research Interests

• Sarcoidosis/ILD
• Critical Care
• QI
• Health Disparities

Charlotte Ellberg

cellberg@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Charlotte grew up in Ventura, California, and earned her undergraduate degree with honors in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at the University of California, Davis, where she also competed as a Division I soccer player. Before medical school, she worked as a Laboratory Manager on an NIH R01-funded study evaluating sleep and stress physiology in Mexican American mothers while also teaching Anatomy as a Laboratory Instructor.

She remained in Northern California to attend California Northstate University College of Medicine, where she served as class president, worked as a peer tutor, and participated on several curriculum committees, fostering her early passion for medical education. She then returned to Southern California to complete her Internal Medicine residency at UC San Diego, where she also served as Chief Medical Resident. During residency and her chief year, she was actively involved in medical education including the POCUS curriculum, Integrative Medicine Pathway, and Women in Medicine Program.

Charlotte's academic interests center on improving outcomes for critically ill patients and their families. Her research has focused on ICU delirium, caregiver outcomes, and health equity. Outside of medicine, Charlotte enjoys bodysurfing, spending time with friends and family (including her family dog Louie!) and exploring the San Diego food scene.

Education

• 2011–2015: B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis
• 2018–2022: M.D., California Northstate University College of Medicine
• 2022–2025: Internal Medicine Residency, University of California San Diego
• 2025–2026: Chief Medical Resident, Internal Medicine, University of California San Diego

Research Interests

• Delirium and Caregiver Outcomes
• Medical Education
• POCUS
• Health Disparities
• Drug-induced pneumonitis

Steven Garden

sgarden@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Steven is originally from Northern Virginia and attended the University of Notre Dame, where he studied Biology, Sociology, and Ancient Greek. As an undergraduate, he completed research projects on genetic partitioning of vector-borne diseases and medical care models in Ancient Greece. He returned to the East Coast for medical school at Brown University and subsequently moved across the country to complete an Emergency Medicine residency at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, WA. During residency, he worked with colleagues to design the program's academic curriculum, and in his final year was elected Chief Resident of Academics. He developed interests in providing ICU-level care within the emergency department and resource-limited settings. Outside of medicine, Steven enjoys fly-fishing, skiing, and patiently waiting for the Notre Dame football team to win a national championship.

Education

• 2014-2018: BS, University of Notre Dame
• 2019-2023: MD, Brown University
• 2023-2026: Emergency Medicine Residency: Madigan Army Medical Center

Research Interests

• Critical Care in the deployed military environment
• ECMO, critical care in the emergency department

Bryan Gregory

brgregory@health.ucsd.edu

Background

 Bryan was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up, tennis was an important part of his life, leading him to attend Juniata College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Biology and competed at the collegiate level. Afterwards, he attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) through the Health Professions Scholarship Program with the United States Air Force. During his time at PCOM, Bryan was a baritone member of the school's a cappella group, aptly named the "Pulmonics." He then completed Internal Medicine residency training at Rutgers Health, where he developed a strong interest in critical care ultrasonography/echocardiography and Interventional Pulmonology. Bryan aspires to be a clinician-educator upon completing his training at UC San Diego. His research interests include septic shock, mechanical ventilation, and non-invasive ventilation.

Education

• 2012-2016: B.S. Biology, Juniata College
• 2018-2022: D.O., Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• 2022-2023: T.R.I., Inspira Vineland Medical Center
• 2023-2026: Internal Medicine Residency, Rutgers Health

Research Interests

• Ventilation Mechanics
• Septic Shock
• Point of Care Ultrasound
• Bronchoscopy

Tonela Qyli

tqyli@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Tonela grew up in Korçë, Albania, and moved to the Midwest during middle school. She went on to study Biochemistry and Spanish at the University of Michigan, where she conducted basic science research on mitochondrial metabolism in breast cancer — an experience working alongside physician-scientists that inspired her to pursue medicine. She completed medical school and Internal Medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by an additional year as Chief Resident, during which she deepened her interests in medical education and returned to research.

She is excited to continue her training at UC San Diego. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew, watching reality TV, attending workout classes, exploring new restaurants, and spending time at the beach.

Education

• 2014-2018: B.S. Biochemistry and Spanish, University of Michigan
• 2018-2022: M.D., University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
• 2022-2025: Internal Medicine Residency, University of Wisconsin
• 2025-2026: Internal Medicine Chief Resident, University of Wisconsin

Research Interests

• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Sepsis
• ARDS
• Medical Education

Reice Robinson

Background

 Reice grew up in Hampton, GA. She completed her undergraduate education at Mercer University in Macon, GA, and then attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., for medical school, where she developed an interest in health advocacy and graduated Cum Laude. She moved to San Diego to complete her Internal Medicine residency at UC San Diego and looks forward to continuing her training in San Diego for fellowship.

Her research interests include artificial stone silicosis and lung transplant outcomes. During residency, she was recognized at the UC San Diego Resident Research Symposium for her work and presented her research at Internal Medicine Grand Rounds.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys beach yoga and taking her dog for walks along the Bay.

Education

• 2015-2019: Mercer University, BS and BA
• 2019-2023: Georgetown University School of Medicine, MD
• 2023-2026: UC San Diego Internal Medicine Residency

Research Interests

• Lung Transplantation
• Artificial Stone Silicosis
• Health Advocacy

Savannah Sutherland

s1sutherland@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Savannah grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, as a competitive swimmer, and earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from Westminster College in Pennsylvania, where she competed on the varsity swim team. As an undergraduate, her research focused on identifying the gut microbiome of Nile tilapia. During college, she also joined the ocean rescue team in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, working as a beach lifeguard during summers — an experience that sparked her initial interest in critical care and the management of acutely ill patients.

Savannah attended the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) with the United States Air Force, where she tutored first-year students in Molecular Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, during which she became an ACLS instructor, led efforts to redesign the program's Code Blue curriculum, and conducted pulmonology research that resulted in several poster presentations at CHEST — solidifying her commitment to Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

Savannah is excited to continue her training at UC San Diego as a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellow. Outside of medicine, she enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, playing with her cats, and traveling with her husband and mother.

 Education

• 2015-2019: B.S. Biology, Westminster College, PA
• 2019-2023: D.O., Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
• 2023-2026: Residency in Internal Medicine, Keesler Air Force Base

Research Interests

• Interventional Pulmonology
• Advanced Bronchoscopy
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
• Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease

Michael Wright

miw109@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Mike was born and raised in Colorado, where he stayed for undergraduate, studying Chemistry at the University of Colorado. He completed his medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his Internal Medicine residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where his research focused on timely definitive management of malignant pleural effusion. Following residency, he was selected as Chief Resident, pursuing his interests in medical education and procedural curriculum development. He is excited to continue his Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine training at UC San Diego. Outside of medicine, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, Goose, along with cooking and exploring new restaurants.

 Education

• 2013-2016: BS, Chemistry, University of Colorado
• 2018-2022: MD, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
• 2022-2025: Internal Medicine Residency, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
• 2025-2026: Internal Medicine Chief Resident, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Research Interests

• Pleural Disease
• Malignant Pleural Effusion
• Interventional Pulmonology

Daniel Youmans

Background

Dan is a San Diego native, born and raised in Ocean Beach, who left home to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in Chemical Biology. During his undergraduate studies, he discovered a passion for research while investigating telomerase under the mentorship of Kathleen Collins, PhD. This interest led him to the University of Colorado's combined MD/PhD program in Denver, where he trained in the laboratory of Thomas Cech, PhD. His doctoral research helped uncover how the epigenetic regulator Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) controls gene expression in stem cells. He was awarded a competitive F30 fellowship from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society during medical school.

Following graduation, Dan returned to his hometown to complete his Internal Medicine residency at UC San Diego, and he looks forward to continuing his training as a fellow in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and the Physician-Scientist Training Program. His research interests center on the genetic regulation of immune cells in the lung and the mechanisms underlying pulmonary inflammation and disease. Outside of medicine, Dan enjoys surfing with his wife and spending time outdoors and at the beach with their daughter.

 Education

• 2012: B.S. Chemical Biology - University of California, Berkeley
• 2021: Ph.D. Biochemistry - University of Colorado, Boulder
• 2023: M.D. - University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus
• 2026: Internal Medicine residency - University of California San Diego

Research Interests

• Lung Immunology
• Genetic regulation of Development and Disease
• Host–Pathogen Interactions

Matthew Chan

 Background

Matt grew up in Sacramento, California. He earned his undergraduate degree in bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where he designed a vital signs monitoring device for low resource settings. Subsequently, Matt moved south to pursue his medical degree at the University of California Irvine. While there, he developed interests in point-of-care ultrasound and simulation-based learning. He then moved further south for residency at UC San Diego and became involved in studying the influence of healthcare disparities in post-arrest outcomes. He is thrilled to be staying in San Diego for fellowship. In his free time, Matt enjoys running, hiking, pickleball, beach volleyball, and exploring San Diego's food scene.

Education

• 2013-2017: B.S. in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley
• 2018-2022: M.D., University of California, Irvine
• 2022-2025: Internal Medicine Residency, UC San Diego

Research Interests

• Medical Device Design
• POC Ultrasound
• ICU Outcomes
• Artificial Intelligence

Emily Kruse

emkruse@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Emily grew up in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad. There, she majored in Science-Business and minored in Poverty Studies, the latter achieved through immersive experiences at disenfranchised healthcare systems both in the U.S. and abroad. During medical school at the University of Minnesota, Emily helped individuals experiencing incarceration navigate their transitions back into the community and assisted Minnesotans in accessing opioid harm reduction resources through the Dr. Pete Dehnel Public Health Advocacy Fellowship. As a member of the Program in Health Disparities Research, she investigated inequities in medical training opportunities for ethnic and gender minorities. Emily moved out east for residency and completed her combined internal medicine and pediatrics (Med/Peds) training at Brown University. Her research and scholarly presentations focused on transitions of care for pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension. As part of the Clinician Educator Track, Emily designed a comprehensive guide for trainees regarding best practices for caring for hospitalized patients experiencing incarceration. She is overjoyed to continue her training at UCSD's PCCM program, especially given her special interests in pulmonary vascular disease and sunny weather. In her free time, Emily enjoys exploring coastal towns, running, relaxing on the beach, and doing her best to grow houseplants

Education

• 2012 – 2016: BS, University of Notre Dame
• 2017-2021: M.D., University of Minnesota Medical School
• 2021 – 2024: Internal Med/Peds Residency: Brown University

Research Interests

• Health Equity
• Pulmonary Vascular Disease
• Mechanical Circulatory Support

Romir Maheshwary

rmaheshwary@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Romir Maheshwary is originally from Cupertino, California. He earned his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from UCLA, graduating summa cum laude. He completed his medical degree at UC Davis School of Medicine and his residency in Internal Medicine at UC San Diego.

Throughout his medical training, Romir has aspired to advance medical education. At UC Davis, he led curriculum development efforts during the transition to virtual learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He created a physical exam curriculum to better prepare students for clinical practice. During his residency, he participated in the "Resident as Clinical Educator" program at UC San Diego, where he delivered teaching conferences and helped develop a ventilator management curriculum.

Romir's clinical and research interests include sepsis, with a focus on how the social determinants of health influence hospital readmission and mortality in vulnerable populations admitted with sepsis. He also has a strong interest in pulmonary vascular medicine.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking with his dog, reading about ancient history, and traveling with his family.

Education

• 2013-2017: B.S. in Neuroscience at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
• 2018-2022: M.D., University of California Davis, Davis, CA
• 2022-2025: Internal Medicine Residency, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA

Research Interests

• Sepsis
• Social Determinants of Health
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Extracorporeal Life Support

Jennifer Mansour

jdmansour@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Jennifer was born in San Jose, California, and grew up in Haymarket, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia for her undergraduate studies in biology, and subsequently completed a Masters of Health Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. She worked for two years running clinical trials in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at Johns Hopkins University before attending Tulane University School of Medicine for medical school. There she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society and received the American Medical Women's Association Glasgow-Rubin Achievement Citation. Her research at Tulane focused on Scleroderma-associated pulmonary hypertension.

Jennifer then went to UCLA for her internal medicine residency where she participated in quality improvement research in delirium and became a health equity and advocacy scholar. She also received awards in medical student teaching and mentorship.

Jennifer is very excited to be in San Diego for fellowship, and she enjoys the beautiful beaches, parks, and excellent food.

Education

• 2012-2016 BA Biology, University of Virginia
• 2016-2017 MHS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
• 2018-2022 MD Tulane University School of Medicine
• 2022-2025 Internal Medicine Residency University of California Los Angeles

Research Interests

• ICU Delirium
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Social Determinants of Health
• Health Equity

Mason Montano

m2montano@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Dr. Mason Montano was born in Southern California and moved to Las Vegas, NV, to complete his primary education and earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at UNLV. He worked as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit for approximately six years, which prompted him to pursue a medical degree. He completed his medical education at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Montano then completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT.

He has further career interests in Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, with a specific focus on interventional pulmonology.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Montano enjoys cooking, reading, movies, and exercising through weightlifting, yoga, bicycling, and tennis.

Education

• 2012: B.S. Nursing, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• 2013-2016: Post-Baccalaureate, B.S., Biology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• 2018 - 2022: M.D., Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• 2022-2025: Internal Medicine Residency, Yale New Haven Hospital

Research Interests

• Interventional pulmonology
• Sepsis/Shock
• Cardiac arrest resuscitation

Elizabeth Young

evyoung@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Libby grew up in Yakima, Washington, and earned her BS in Biology from Gonzaga University (Go Zags!). She then completed a master’s degree in Space Physiology and Health at King’s College London, conducting research on post-spaceflight rehabilitation, ambulation in extraterrestrial environments, and neurologic effects of heavy ion radiation at institutions including the European Space Agency and Austrian Space Forum. She returned home to the US to attend medical school at the University of Washington, where she also researched telemedicine delivery of reproductive healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She completed her Internal Medicine residency at UC San Diego, where she developed an interest in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Her research focused on high altitude pulmonary physiology and sleep-disordered breathing, earning recognition at the UCSD Resident Research Symposium and an invitation to present at Internal Medicine Grand Rounds. She also completed the Global Health track, including clinical time in Tijuana, Mexico.

Libby is thrilled to continue her training at UCSD, and is eager to continue her work in high altitude physiology and global health.

Education

• 2011-2015: B.S. Biology, Gonzaga University
• 2016-2016: M.Sc. Space Physiology and Health, King's College London
• 2018-2022: M.D., University of Washington
• 2022-2025: Internal Medicine Residency, UC San Diego

Research Interests

• Aerospace and High-Altitude Physiology
• Hypoxia and Control of Breathing
• Sleep, Critical Care in Resource-Limited Settings

Christina Cheng

chc167@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Christina, a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!), earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biosciences. During this time, she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She subsequently pursued her medical degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Following graduation, she relocated to the South for her Internal Medicine Residency program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Following completion of her residency, Christina was selected as Chief Resident at UAB where she focused her interest in medical education on ICU curriculum development. In this role, she helped design the MICU Intern Bootcamp and piloted the creation of an Ultrasound-Guided PIV course for residents.

Christina is thrilled to continue her medical journey at UC San Diego and is particularly passionate about continuing to pursue opportunities for medical education during her fellowship. Beyond her professional pursuits, she maintains an active lifestyle, enjoying running marathons, and spin classes, and exploring San Diego's vibrant neighborhoods and restaurants with her partner and their dog, Moose. The beautiful San Diego weather provides a welcome setting for her outdoor activities.

Education

• 2012-2016: B.S. Chemical Biosciences, University of Oklahoma
• 2016-2020: M.D., University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
• 2020-2023: Internal Medicine Residency, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• 2023-2024: Internal Medicine Chief Resident, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Research Interests

• Pulmonary Hypertension
• End-of-Life Care
• Delirium in the ICU

Rahul Gomez

rag016@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Rahul was born in Muscat, Oman, and migrated through Singapore and India, before settling in his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He completed his undergraduate studies in Kinesiology and Chemistry at the University of Miami and graduated a year early before moving to Pomona, California to complete his medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. Rahul's medical training then took him to sunny San Diego, where he completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital. During his time there, he engaged in clinical research spanning multiple pulmonary topics, including COVID-19, supportive oxygen devices, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and lung transplant. Additionally, his scholarly endeavors lent opportunities to author and publish a manuscript, as well as a book chapter on the implication of pulmonary diseases on the development and treatment of headaches.

As a resident, Rahul assisted with the implementation of the first Pulmonary Embolism Response Team at Scripps Mercy Hospital, and in that role, became a sub-investigator in the national PERT consortium registry. He served as a sub-investigator on two clinical trials in biologic agents for COPD and severe asthma (AERIFY and NIMBLE Trials, respectively). Upon completion of his Internal Medicine Residency, he was awarded the M. W. Stratford Family Outstanding Internal Medicine Resident of the Year Award, and the Outstanding Internal Medicine Resident in Critical Care of the Year Award. He elected to extend his time at Scripps Mercy, serving as Chief Medical Resident. During this year he continued to be involved with clinical research in asthma and machine learning, as well as quality improvement projects, the most notable of which was creating a protocol to more safely administer vasoactive agents peripherally in the ICU.

In his free time, Rahul loves to spend time with his wife, son, and puppy in America's Finest City: San Diego. He also enjoys weight lifting, running, and playing soccer, and is an avid fan of all Minnesota professional sports teams, especially the Minnesota Vikings.

Education

• 2011-2014: B.S. Kinesiology and Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
• 2016-2020: D.O. Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pomona, CA
• 2020-2023: Internal Medicine Residency, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA
• 2023-2024: Chief Medical Resident, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA

Research Interests

• Interstitial lung disease
• Lung transplant
• Pulmonary embolism/pulmonary vascular disease
• Asthma

James Jurica

jjurica@health.ucsd.edu

Background

James was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He attended The University of St. Thomas for his undergraduate studies and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. After college, James pursued his medical education at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he discovered an interest in improving healthcare quality and fostering innovation. This newfound passion led him to enroll in the MD/MBA dual degree program through Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business. Through this program, James gained valuable experience working as a clinical strategist for a medical startup and managing projects for a consulting firm focused on supporting medical innovation.  Following medical school, James moved to Denver, Colorado, to complete his internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado. Initially drawn to oncology during the first two years of residency, James focused on lung cancer research before ultimately discovering his true passion for pulmonary and critical care medicine. His current research interests include clinical and outcomes research in pulmonary vascular disease. He also hopes to use his medical knowledge and his business experience to work on quality and process improvement initiatives in the ICU and outpatient settings. Outside of his professional pursuits, James enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, along with playing the piano and spending time with friends and family.

Education

• 2012 - 2016: B.S. Biochemistry, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX
• 2016 - 2021: M.D. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
• 2019 - 2021: M.B.A. Rice University Jones School of Business, Houston, TX
• 2021 - 2024: Internal Medicine Residency University of Colorado, Denver, CO

Research Interests

• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Pulmonary Vascular Disease
• Quality and Process Improvement

Emily Mitchell

Background

Emily's journey to pulmonology began in the Midwest, where she grew up near Detroit. Seeking a warmer climate and pursuing her passion for science, she relocated to Florida to complete a Bachelor's degree in Biology. Drawn to the vibrant life sciences community, she then moved to San Diego and gained valuable experience working at a biotechnology company.  However, her desire to serve others led her to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at Michigan State University, a return to colder weather for a higher calling.

Her background as a collegiate swimmer sparked an early interest in pulmonary health, particularly the impact of chlorine byproducts on athletes' lungs.  This interest blossomed during medical school, leading to research on the effects of chlorine exposure on respiratory function.  Emily's commitment to pulmonology continued at the University of Virginia, where she focused her research on COVID-19 biomarkers.  Further demonstrating her dedication to the field, she completed a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering during her residency, honing her skills in medical device design.

Now, Emily is embarking on an exciting new chapter at UC San Diego.  This not only allows her to pursue her research interests in lung health and medical technology but also ensures she never has to endure another harsh winter.  The proximity to the ocean adds another layer of joy, as she envisions teaching her daughter the art of surfing in the future

Education

• 2013–2015: B.S. Biology, University of West Florida
• 2017-2021: M.D., Michigan State University
• 2022-2023: M.S. Clinical Research, University of Virginia
• 2021 – 2024: Internal Medicine Residency, University of Virginia

Research Interests

• Lung Biomarkers 
• Medical device design 
• Interventional Pulmonology 

Thaidan Pham

thp005@health.ucsd.edu

Background

Thaidan (pronounced “tie”-“dan”) grew up in San Jose, CA. Her undergraduate education at UCLA fostered a love for Southern California's weather, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science and a minor in Asian American Studies. Thaidan subsequently pursued her medical degree at Tulane University in New Orleans. There, she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society and received the American Medical Women's Association Glasgow-Rubin Achievement Citation. Notably, her research during medical school focused on the link between metabolic syndrome and COVID-19 outcomes. Thaidan returned to her beloved Southern California weather (and In-n-Out burgers) for internal medicine residency at UC San Diego and is ecstatic to stay for pulmonary and critical care fellowship. Her research during residency focused on in-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes. Outside of work, Thaidan enjoys cooking, baking, making ice cream, eating around San Diego, and traveling.

Education

• 2012-2016: B.S. Physiological Science and minor in Asian American Studies, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
• 2017-2021: M.D., Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
• 2021-2024: Internal Medicine Residency, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA

Research Interests

• In-hospital cardiac arrest
• Resuscitation
• Women in medicine

Arianna Rodriguez

Background

Arianna hails from Aurora, Illinois. She graduated with the Highest Distinction in Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Following her undergraduate studies, she remained at UIC to complete her medical degree. During medical school, she actively participated in the Urban Medicine Program, enriching her education with an extended curriculum and a longitudinal community rotation project.

She went on to pursue her residency in Internal Medicine at UC San Diego. Her dedication to quality and safety was recognized through her selection as one of the Internal Medicine Chief Residents.  She is thrilled to continue her training at this esteemed institution. While her primary focus is patient care, Arianna finds a healthy balance by pursuing various interests outside of the hospital. These include running, paddle boarding, yoga, exploring new hobbies, unwinding with captivating television shows, and discovering local breweries alongside her husband.

Education

• 2011-2015: BS in Biological Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
• 2016-2020: M.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
• 2020 – 2023: Internal Medicine Residency, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
• 2023-224: Chief Medical Resident, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA

Research Interests

• Quality Improvement
• Lung Cancer Screening
• Interventional pulmonary
• Sepsis
• Social Determinants of Health 

Hannah Robertson

hrobertson@health.ucsd.edu

Biography

Hannah was born in Cambridge, United Kingdom and was raised in San Diego. She earned her undergraduate degree in neuroscience at Pomona College, where she also swam and played water polo on their varsity teams. After college, Hannah spent a year in Greensboro, Alabama participating in a community health fellowship program called Project Horseshoe Farm. She then moved to Boston to pursue her medical degree from Tufts University and stayed in Boston to complete her internal medicine residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). In residency, Hannah was awarded the Elmer-Hinton award for for outstanding physician-patient relations. At BIDMC, she also explored her interest in pulmonary vascular disease by studying advanced CT imaging techniques in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and by contributing to the medical education podcast, COREIM, as an episode producer. Outside of the hospital she enjoys swimming, beach days, cooking, and traveling. During fellowship at UC San Diego she continued to delve into pulmonary vascular disease as a physician-scientist. She is continuing as a T32 post-doctoral scholar to investigate the molecular drivers of the female survival advantage in PAH.

Education

• 2011-2015: B.A. Neuroscience, Pomona College,
• 2016-2020: M.D., Tufts University School of Medicine
• 2020-2023: Internal Medicine Residency, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• 2023–2026: PCCM Fellowship, UC San Diego

Research Interests

• Pulmonary vascular disease
• Right ventricular function
• Metabolomics
• Advanced imaging tools

Erin Roberts

Biography

Erin grew up in Templeton on the California Central Coast and moved to the Bay Area for her undergraduate studies in Public Health and Global Poverty at UC Berkeley, where she was a Phi Beta Kappa honor society member. She then attended the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, where she received a Dean's Certificate of Distinction in Social Justice. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at UC San Diego, where she furthered her passion for teaching as a member of the Residents as Clinician Educators track and was recognized with the Medicine 401 Excellence in Teaching Award. She subsequently served as an Internal Medicine Chief Resident, during which she was awarded the Medicine 401 Humanism in Medicine Award as an attending physician.

Erin completed her fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at UC San Diego, where she discovered her passion for Interventional Pulmonology, and is excited to continue as the IP Fellow this year. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her husband Evan, going to the beach, hiking, and exploring new San Diego restaurants

 Education

• 2011-2015: B.A. Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
• 2015-2019: M.D., University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine
• 2019-2022: Internal Medicine Residency, UC San Diego
• 2022-2023: Internal Medicine Chief Resident, UC San Diego
• 2024-2026: PCCM Fellowship, UC San Diego

Research Interests

• Lung Cancer Diagnosis and treatment
• Pleural Disease
• Critical care airways and ventilator management
• Medical education