Current Housestaff

Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Undergraduate: Barnard College of Columbia University
Hobbies: Travel, movies, food. Paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking.
Why LAC+USC: The people, the patients, the place
Plans after residency: TBD

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Hobbies: Tennis, basketball, soccer, boogie boarding, Disneyland, traveling, video games
Why LAC+USC: I chose LAC+USC for several reasons. To sum it up, it was the people – from the people in the program to the workers to the patient population. USC was one of the only programs where I really got a gut feeling that I belonged here. Everyone seemed to have such big hearts here. Everyone is so committed to our patient population, and that really seemed to permeate throughout the entire program. Working with this population is special for me and I always desired to work with this sort of underserved population. It affords so many opportunities to get involved and help out beyond just medicine. I felt that there was true community engagement here and that was very compelling. I also like the size of the program here. It’s not so big that you get lost in the crowd but still has exposure to a ton of different pathology. Although there are many other reasons and factors, let’s just say being in LA and the excellent board pass rate didn’t hurt either.
Plans after residency: I’m pretty sure I want to do general pediatrics. I am still undecided if that will be in the inpatient hospitalist role or the outpatient role as I really love both.

Pruthul Patel
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Undergraduate: UCSD
Hobbies: hiking, reading, puzzles
Why LAC+USC: The patients and the people
Plans after residency: thinking academic med+peds, but undecided thus far.

Jaclyn Vargas
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate: University of San Francisco
Hobbies: Baking, hiking, painting
Why LAC+USC: I went here for medical school. I loved the residents, staff, attendings and of course the patients. I wanted to keep working with the underserved and this was the place to continue working with people who share that passion. 
Plans after residency: Ask me in 2 years? Academic, transitional care of chronic diseases? 

Hometown: Sunnyvale, CA
Undergraduate: Occidental College
Hobbies: Hiking, cooking, yoga, reading, netflix, travel
Why LAC+USC: Medium-sized with warm & supportive atmosphere, patient population, and location
Plans after residency: preventative medicine/primary care 🙂

Hometown: Newcastle, WA
Undergraduate: Washington State University
Hobbies: Talking to my dogs in a silly voice, cooking, tennis, reading books about social and economic justice, learning Spanish
Why LAC+USC: I’m proud to work and train in a medical center that does meaningful work where access by the community is a core part of its mission.
Plans after residency: Fellowship or wherever the currents of residency take me

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee
Hobbies: playing sports (soccer, basketball, tennis), watching sports, running, yoga-ing, hiking, skiing, live music, learning to surf?
Why LAC+USC: commitment to the underserved
Plans after residency: I wanna be Dr. Heger?

Hometown: Exton, PA
Undergraduate: Pennsylvania State University
Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends, watching comedy, painting, cooking
Why LAC+USC: The first thing I noticed when I interviewed here was how people cared so much about their patients– they felt it was their privilege to serve an underserved population. People here are also very supportive and are truly there for each another.
Plans after residency: Fellowship

Hometown: San Jose, CA
Undergraduate: UCLA
Hobbies: eating, constantly yelping the next place to eat at, attending concerts and music festivals, board games, watching and playing sports, especially college and NBA basketball
Why LAC+USC: Opportunity to provide care to an underserved patient population in one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world.
Plans after residency: not sure yet

Hometown: Bucaramanga, Colombia
Undergraduate: U of Utah
Hobbies: eat out and explore new restaurants, then do crossfit to burn the calories. I also like to watch really fit people exercise really fast.
Why LAC+USC: the people! My dream job is to work with and help provide high quality care to immigrants and underserved populations and here is where that happens. Also the faculty and staff are very supportive, approachable, and caring.
Plans after residency: No idea – I’m hoping to figure it out soon.

Hometown: Anaheim
Undergraduate: San Diego State University
Hobbies: piano, basketball, spending time with friends and family
Why LAC+USC: I chose this program because of the excellent clinical training, teaching, residents, and because I wanted to work somewhere committed to meeting both the medical as well as psychosocial needs of our patients.
Plans after residency: not sure yet

Hometown: Redlands, Ca
Undergraduate: UC Irvine Hobbies: Reading and Yoga
WhyLAC+USC: Great resident team 🙂
Plans after residency: Not sure

Hometown: Breckenridge, CO
Undergraduate: American University
Hobbies: reading by the pool, yoga, happy hour, being outside.
Why LAC+USC: I love that the entire community at LAC+USC is so mission-driven. I wanted to train with other people who are dedicated to providing excellent care for under-resourced communities.
Plans after residency: Community pediatrics

Hometown: Benicia, CA
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Hobbies: hiking, traveling, skiing, hugging
Why LAC+USC: LAC+USC inspired me by the way they advocate and support their patients. I wanted to be at an institution that was passionate about serving the underserved.
Plans after residency: Possibly fellowship in child abuse

Hometown: Pomona, CA
Undergraduate: Williams College
Hobbies: Cooking, Exploring farmer’s markets, Running
Why LAC+USC: I wanted to work with Spanish-speaking patients and underserved communities.
Plans after residency: To be a Pediatrician!

Hometown: Lockport, NY
Undergraduate: Northeastern University
Hobbies: Rock climbing, cooking, making ice cream, movies, sleeping
Why LAC+USC: I really felt at home during my interview here. My initial impression was that everyone was really supportive here, which resonated with me. I also wanted to work with a diverse patient population. Also living in LA.
Plans after residency: Undecided.

Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Undergraduate: Cornell University
Hobbies: reading, watching baseball, bingeing podcasts, exploring new places with family and friends
Why LAC + USC: The patients. I wanted to work for an urban underserved community and LAC is one of the largest public safety net hospitals in California. I wanted to come home to California and serve.
Plans after residency: Critical Care Fellowship

Hometown: Daly City, CA
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Hobbies: Trying new restaurants (huge foodie), exploring new places, cooking, hanging out with my husband
Why LAC+USC: I like that everyone at the program is passionate about serving the underserved population and that all the residents and faculty treat each other like family. Being from California, it is nice to be back home and be near family. 
Plans after residency: General pediatrics

Hometown: Cotati, CA
Undergraduate: San Francisco State University
Hobbies: Travel, making short videos, and quality time with my pup
Why LAC+USC: This program was crystal clear that their purpose is to serve the community and provide care for kids that need it most. Also I’m very excited to be back in California!
Plans after residency: Possible endocrine fellowship or general pediatrics. I’m trying to keep my mind open.

Hometown: Riverside, CA
Undergraduate: UC Riverside
Hobbies: Surfing, Scuba Diving, Baseball (Go Dodgers!), Archery, Running, Drums, Hiking, Motorcycles, Art, Comic Books, and Fishing!
Why LAC+USC: The patient population here, how much every team member advocates and works for patients with limited resources, the absolute dedication everyone has for each of their patients, and being able to train in an incredible city like LA while so close to the beach! 
Plans after residency: Still deciding, but currently debating between outpatient Pediatrics or pursuing fellowship!

Hometown: Sylmar, CA
Undergraduate: UCLA
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, church, mentoring, listening to music, exploring new ice cream flavors, traveling, and board games.
Why LAC+USC: I’ve always wanted to dedicate my life to working in an underserved area and providing care to those who need it the most. LAC+USC embodies such values and a mission I’m most committed to.
Plans after residency: Primary Care

Hometown: Olympia, WA
Undergraduate: Whitworth University 
Hobbies: Yoga, Singing, Camping/Hiking 
Why LAC+USC: I chose LAC + USC because of the patient population served here. I also observed how deeply committed the faculty and residents are to advocating for their patients and families and I felt excited to be a part of that.
Plans after residency: Outpatient medicine with an emphasis in sexual health/advocacy but considering infectious disease and child abuse specialties. 

Hometown: Seattle, WA
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Hobbies: Drawing, reading, going on walks, hanging out with my wife!
Why LAC + USC: it was very important for me to find a program/hospital that serves its community and underserved population, AND it was equally important for me to find a group of residents & staff that share my passion in medicine. LAC was the only program that met both criteria. Also, I FREAKING LOVE LA! There is literally a million things to do, and there’s a little something for everyone.
Plans after residency: community medicine/outpatient pediatrics

Hometown: LA (San Fernando Valley)
Undergraduate: UCSD
Hobbies: I love hanging out with friends and family, reading, cooking, having bursts of “artistic” moments (pretending to know how to paint). I also love traveling to new places and eating at those new places. Once upon a time, I loved volunteering, I hope to get back to it someday!
Why LAC+USC: I did a sub-I during my 4th year and absolutely LOVED working with the residents. I had such a blast and learned/saw a variety of interesting cases. The leadership and faculty at USC are very patient centered and education centered, both of which I wanted to find in a residency program. Finally, it’s very close to home so it was a bonus that I’d be coming home to my family and friends!
Plans after residency: Fellowship, currently thinking Neonatology. 

Hometown: Makakilo, HI
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
Hobbies: Longboarding and freestyle rapping; I’m bad at both but still love it.
Why LAC+USC: The faculty and residents! Every day of my sub-internship at LAC+USC, I saw this group truly fight for their patients, always going the extra mile. It was their passion and resilience that stood out, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this team!
Plans after residency: PICU, pulmonology, or hospitalist

Hometown: Born and raised in the Greater Los Angeles area (Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks)
Undergraduate: UCLA
Hobbies: Music (Drums), Sports (Basketball, Football, Golf, still learning to surf), Cinema (I enjoy watching all movies at any time of the day), FOOD!
Why LAC+USC: At LAC+USC, physicians do more than just care for their patients. They create connections, form relationships, and most of all, advocate for their patients. Advocacy is of the utmost importance for patient care, especially with the population that presents at LAC+USC. It is the perfect place for me to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to care for all patients. 
Plans after residency: Considering fellowship, but also would like to work with primary care. 

Fernanda Delgado:
Hometown: Pico Rivera, CA
Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego
Post-Bac: University of California, San Francisco/ San Francisco State University
Hobbies: Cheesy jokes and making faces, cooking, sunsets in the mountains and on the coast, spending time with my family 
Why LAC+USC: Being from the area, I wanted to return to a program that offered excellent training, a wealth of patients, and a wonderful balance of academia and service. LAC+USC Medicine-Pediatrics is the perfect combination of camaraderie and support that comes with co-residents who are invested in the communities they serve. 
Plans after residency: Primary Care/Transitional Care

Alexis Gordon:
Hometown: Santa Paula, CA 
Undergraduate: Cornell University 
Hobbies: yoga, working out, cooking, molecular gastronomy when there’s time! And of course, enjoying food and drink with family and friends 
Why LAC+USC: The patients- they are simply an amazing and dynamic group of people who have so much to teach us. 
Plans after residency: NHSC Scholarship – working in underserved areas of California 

Rebekah Harding:
Hometown: Anchorage, AK and Chicago, IL
Undergraduate: Huntington University
Hobbies: Reading novels, running, biking, and recently, my husband and I have gotten into coffee! 
Why LAC+USC: I loved that the program and the hospital’s focus was universally on serving the underserved and I felt it aligned with my interests right away. When I visited I pretty instantly felt the like-mindedness of those I met and knew the experience of being a resident at LAC+USC would provide an invaluable medical education.
Plans after residency: Unsure, most likely primary care! 

Sara Ptasnik:
Hometown: Denver, CO
Undergraduate: USC
Hobbies: skiing, hiking, art, reading, yoga, ping pong, hacky sack
Why LAC+USC: great people and supportive learning environment, commitment to taking care of the underserved
Plans after residency: unsure, possibly combined med/peds hospitalist

Minoo Sarkarati:
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Hobbies: Running, gamelan
Why LAC+USC: It is the best place to serve the people, and learn great medicine!  I love my patients here.
Plans after residency: Teaching, General Med-Peds, and public health/policy work. 

Jena Sussex:
Hometown: San Clemente, CA
Undergrad: USC
Hobbies: Surfing, vegetarian cooking, yoga and exercise classes, hanging out with friends and family
Why LAC+USC: The patients! More than once in medical school I met a patient who had been turned away from an outside hospital for lack of insurance, and came for care at LAC+USC. To see a patient that needs medical attention, and be able to tell them that you will take care of them regardless of insurance, citizenship, or socio-economic background is an incredible opportunity. I knew I didn’t want to practice anywhere else. 
Plans after residency: Still deciding 🙂 Interested in infectious disease and critical care!

Hometown: Ramona (San Diego), California
Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego
Hobbies: running, hiking, laying under trees, knitting, eating yellow peaches, spending time with my family, and trying to keep my basil plant alive.
Why LAC+USC: I wanted to be part of a diverse community. I also admire the physicians that work here are they wholeheartedly invest their energy and time to give back to a very underserved community. I wanted to work along side physicians which will help shape the type of physician I want to become.
Plans after residency: Own a little farm where I can have 2 goats, 3 chickens, 2 dogs, and a huge rose garden. I would like to remain at a teaching hospital ideally practicing both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. I’m not entirely sure about the exact plans but I am open to the endless possibilities.

Hometown: Greenwood, Mississippi
Undergraduate: University of Mississippi
Hobbies: going to museums and zoos, eating out, hiking
Why LAC+USC: Loved the community feeling, underserved population, and diverse pathology
Plans after residency: Infectious disease fellowship

Hometown: Yardley, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate: University of Colorado, Boulder
Hobbies: Playing and writing music, cooking food and going to concerts with my other half, camping out with a great view of the stars, and traveling and meeting new people.
Why LAC+USC: I have always believed healthcare is a human right and have wanted to provide care for all, regardless of citizenship, language, or economic background. Working at LA County helps me to do that. When I met the Med+Peds residents and faculty here during a 4th year Med+Peds rotation, I saw how devoted and humble everyone was. It truly felt like the right place to be.
Plans after residency: Undetermined as of now, but interested in global health fellowships, practicing internationally and working to build healthcare systems in developing countries, academic medicine and teaching.

Hometown: Saratoga, CA
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Hobbies: Coffee, food, spending time with friends and family, playing violin
Why LAC+USC: Being able to work with inspiring and dedicated faculty and residents that share a common vision of advocating for the patients who most desperately need medical care
Plans after residency: TBD, possibly transitional care, possibly med+peds hospitalist

Hometown: Corona, CA
Undergraduate: USC
Hobbies: Writing, traveling, hiking, binge watching Top Chef, exploring new places in LA
Why LAC+USC: Having trained at USC for medical school, I instantly fell in love with the patient population and the hospital’s capacity to enact positive change in the lives of some of the most impoverished people in LA. The ethos of the institution of treating whomever walks through the door, regardless of their socioeconomic status or where they come from is the epitome of what healthcare should be.
Plans after residency: Continuing global health work at Wema Children’s Center in Kenya, Primary Care Med+Peds or Med+Peds Endocrine

Hometown: Redlands, CA AKA "Dead" lands
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley Grad School: Loma Linda University (MPH) Med School: University of Arizona-Tucson
Hobbies: Travelling, hiking, biking, volunteering, playing board games, playing basketball, annoying my Husky Zuzu aka The Zooz
Why LAC+USC: the privilege of working with an amazing and humbling patient population, dedicated and inspiring residents/faculty/program leadership who want to make a difference, community outreach opportunities, close to family
Plans after residency: Jail/prison doctor for juvenile and adult inmates. I also hope to open a clinic in the community for those being released from jails/prisons who need primary care and to be involved in advocacy/health policy.

Hometown: Walnut, CA
Undergraduate: USC
Hobbies: Cooking and checking out new restaurants, reading (anything by David Mitchell), and going for a run
Why LAC+USC: The inspiring residents and staff here committed to providing socially conscious care to our patient population!
Plans after residency: Med-Peds hospitalist

Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Undergraduate: Swarthmore College
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Hobbies: finding the best local bites, yelling at my TV because a Philadelphia sports team is blowing it again, napping whenever possible, looking for volleyball or basketball games to embarrass myself in, trying to find the prime spot to place my first settlement in Settlers of Catan
Why LAC + USC: I found people that I love practicing the type of medicine that I love with a population that I love – it was a no brainer. LA is cool too, I guess…ain’t no Philly though
Plans after Residency: something that will keep me engaged with medical education + service to the community + medicine + pediatrics

Hometown: Irvine, CA
Undergraduate: Pennsylvania State University
Hobbies: Yoga, ice cream, hiking, going to the beach, Yelp-ing, catspotting, petting other people’s dogs
Why LAC+USC: I love the patient population and the culture of service here. No one says no to going the extra mile for a patient; everyone is committed to providing the best care for the underserved, and its amazing being with people who share the same passion.
Plans after residency: Not sure yet, but I like the idea of being a Med+Peds hospitalist while having my own continuity clinic. If I end up specializing, I’d probably go for Endocrinology.

Hometown: Carson, CA 
Undergraduate: Stanford University 
Hobbies: Playing guitar, journaling/writing songs, jogging 
Why LAC+USC: I wanted to be a part of a community where both faculty and residents value the mission of working with marginalized populations. I truly admire my co-residents and am excited to be challenged to grow with them over the next few years. 
Plans after residency: I have interests in public health, heart disease, and homelessness, so I may pursue a career in primary care or cardiology. 

Hometown: Richmond, California
Undergraduate: Stanford University
Hobbies: Tennis, playing ukulele and piano, exploring restaurants, seeing live music. 
Why LAC+USC: I loved my rotations in medical school at the county hospitals and wanted an experience where I can serve. I wanted to be in an environment where we’re both building medical skills as well as the special skills it takes to care for socially complex patients. Los Angeles is a diverse, urban city, the type of place I wanted to be for my professional and social life. I’m also a California native and wanted to stay!
Plans after residency: I want to practice as a Med+Peds hospitalist combined with global health, but am keeping an open mind to primary care and subspecialties.