OUR FELLOWS

Dr. Eduardo Acosta
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Medical School: St. George's University, West Indies, Granada
Residency: Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL
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Why UCI/MCH: I arrived at Miller Children’s in a bit of an unconventional way; I initially applied to PEM but did not match. While looking at unfilled positions (hoping that a PEM spot would open up), I started to consider other options and pulmonology was the only other subspecialty that interested me. Shortly thereafter, I received an invitation from Dr. Randhawa to interview with him for a position in pediatric pulmonology at Miller Children’s. During that 30-minute interview, Dr. Randhawa explained the program and was excited at the opportunities the program offered. I eagerly accepted the position and since then I haven’t looked back.
From day one of fellowship, I felt like I was welcomed into a family; all of the members of the fellowship are supportive both inside and outside of the hospital. In addition, the variety of pathology and the number of procedures fellows are exposed to keeps fellowship interesting and motivates you to continue learning.
It also doesn’t hurt that the fellowship is located in Southern California, with easy access to all the hobbies you can think of, amazing food, and easy travel to keep you entertained when you’re not working. I’m happy to have been offered and accepted to the pediatric pulmonology fellowship program at Miller Children’s and will be eternally grateful to everyone here for welcoming me into their family and helping me become the best doctor I can be.

Dr. Dhakshita Peddisetty
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Medical School: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Kurnool Medical School, India
Residency: Pediatric Residency at - University of South Alabama
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Why UCI/MCH: After finishing my residency, I knew I wanted to be close to my family during my three years of fellowship training and that hugely factored into choosing my current option. I am very glad I chose my current training program because everyone interacts as if it is a close-knit family, and I appreciate the laid-back work environment where your attendings are fully supportive, guide you, and at the same time give you the needed autonomy. It creates a thriving environment for asking questions and learning actively which is a huge plus. Some of my favorite things to do in Long Beach are to enjoy the beaches, try out different cuisine foods, and challenge myself to hike. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, and my life is colorful with a good work-life balance.
ALUMNI

Dr. Joseph Stathos
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Medical School: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville, KY
Residency: Pediatrics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
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Why UCI/MCH: I chose the Pulmonary Fellowship at UCI/MCH for several reasons, but a few come to mind. My interview cycle was virtual due to COVID, but the staff and faculty worked hard to make sure that I felt welcome and appreciated. During my time talking with my soon-to-be co-fellows, it was clear that they were receiving an excellent education from a variety of outstanding attendings. It was also apparent that the research potential with the program is abundant, and having room to grow in fertile ground is what every fellow should look for. Finally, Dr. Randhawa and Dr. Nussbaum demonstrated not only a commitment to my education, but to what I wanted my career to be. No other program had this all-around package.

Dr. Nastasia Nianiaris
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Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Residency: Pediatrics: BronxCare Health System
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Why UCI/MCH:I chose a Pediatric Pulmonary fellowship at Miller Children's Hospital because I'm pursuing a career in medicine that provides hands-on elements with strong intellectual and problem-solving components. With a fully equipped pulmonary lab and exposure to diverse and rare pathologies, this fellowship promises just that experience. Additionally, the program leadership is strong, supportive, and motivating. My attendings are quickly becoming mentors, constantly asking what I want from my career and tailoring the learning experience to encourage refining my strengths and developing strategies to progress my weaknesses. It's very clear that fellows function as an integral and respected part of the team. I look forward to meeting all my patients, fostering trusting personal and professional relationships, and immersing myself in all the learning opportunities, cultural experiences, and Southern California sunshine this position has to offer. May I grow to become the mentors I've met here, and the best possible Pediatric Pulmonologist.

Dr. Yaron Fireizen
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Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Residency: Flushing Hospital Medical Center, NY
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Why UCI/MCH: I chose pulmonary fellowship program at Miller Children’s Hospital because of its extensive and diverse exposure to a wide verity of pulmonary related conditions - from the most basic to the most complex. The level of mentorship provided to the fellow is like no other; from clinical to research there is ample support and encouragement to purse my interests.
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Dr. Dibanni Vasquez
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Medical School: The University of Iberoamerican University, Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic
Residency: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center Pediatric Residency,
Bronx, New York
Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist Miller Child
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Why UCI/MCH: I chose UCI\MCH because I wanted to be involved in all aspects of the care continuum, create long-term relationships with patients and physicians, help the undeserved, be involved with community health programs and be alongside fellows with diverse interests, backgrounds, and career goals.
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