OUR FELLOWS
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. 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 choose my current training program because everyone interacts as if it is a close knit family and I appreciate the laid back work environment were 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 is 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.
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 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 amount 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.
ALUMNI
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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Dr. Vicki Masson
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Medical School: American University of Antigua School of Medicine St. Johns, Antigua
Residency: University of Toledo Pediatric Residency
Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist Stony Brook Children’s Hospital
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Why UCI/MCH: I chose a pulmonary fellowship at Miller Children’s Hospital for its clinical strengths. After experiencing what other programs had to offer, I was attracted to the wide scope of clinical training that is offered and the amount of time that we get with patients whether that be on the inpatient or outpatient side. We get experience with a wide range of pulmonary testing, many of which are not commonly performed at other centers and as a fellow, we are fully responsible for the accuracy of their dictated reports. Our clinicians also come from a wide range of pulmonary niches and contribute a very complete education to the fellows, considering the wide range of clinical pathologies that we see. Additionally, fellows at our program take a large roll in the teaching of residents and medical students, which allows Fellows to hone our skills as clinical teachers.
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Dr. Nandini Kataria
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Medical School: St. George’s University of Grenada, West Indies
Residency: University of Minnesota Pediatric Residency
Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist Children’s Hospital of Minnesota and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
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Why UCI/MCH: After residency, I worked as Pediatric hospitalist in rural Minnesota. Although I enjoyed the work immensely, I always knew that I wanted to subspecialize. The pulmonary fellowship at Miller Children’s provides outstanding clinical and procedural experiences through its diverse group of Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma and Allergy patients. I have found good mentorship and have been given the opportunity to pursue all my interests.
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Dr. James Brock
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Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: University of California, San Francisco-Fresno Pediatric Residency
Current Position: Colorado Children's Hospital, Denver
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Why UCI/MCH: The UC-Irvine & Miller Children's Hospital pediatric pulmonology program is an ideal fellowship balanced evenly between clinical, academic, scholarly, research and quality improvement. This program and sites has allowed us to serve alongside so many passionate, incredible health providers for the betterment of our unique and under-served community!
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Dr. Irina Dralyuk
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Medical School: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Residency: The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston Pediatric Residency
Current Position: Cedars - Sinai Medical Center, Pediatric Pulmonary
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Why UCI/MCH: I decided to pursue my fellowship training at Miller Children's because of the diversity and complexity of pulmonary patients who are under our care both in the acute inpatient setting, as well as in the chronic/regular follow up
clinic. The large Cystic Fibrosis center was also of interest to me, as I wanted a program with a strong CF focus. I found Long Beach to be a wonderful fit for me culturally and socially, and knew I wanted to stay here the day I set foot on the Queen Mary.
Dr. Bich-Trang Hoa
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Nhan Hoa Clinic, Garden Grove, CA
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist. Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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Dr. Khanh Lai
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Dr. Sheena Maharaj
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Sutter Health, Sacramento, CA
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Dr. Leila Yoonessi
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Private Practice, Long Beach, CA
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Dr. Jen Jen Chen
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Miller Children’s Hospital, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, UC Irvine School of Medicine
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Dr. Sophia Williams
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ
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Dr. John Moua
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Central California faculty medical group, Fresno, CA
Dr. Paul Do
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Central California faculty medical group, Fresno, CA
Dr. Elizabeth Gendy-Shaker
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Beaver Medical Group, Redlands, CA
Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonary Disease/Cystic Fibrosis, Medical Director, Pediatric PFT Lab. Assistant Clinical Professor, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Dr. Cyrus Shahriary
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Dr. Alladdin Abosaida
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Blank Children’s Hospital, Des Moines, IA
Dr. Inderpal Randhawa
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Current Position: Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Associate,Professor of Medicine ,UCLA School of Medicine ,Program Director, Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship, Director, Gallegos Food Allergy Center, Associate Director, Pediatric Pulmonary Services
Director, The Translational Pulmonary & Immunology Research Center, Pulmonary, Clinical Immunology & Allergy, Miller Children’s Hospital-Long Beach Memorial
Dr. Yazan Said
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Global Outreach
Dr. Mariam Ischander
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Current Position: Pediatric Pulmonologist, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA
Dr. Rohan Thompson
Dr. Raminder Sufi
Dr. Pornchai Tirakitsoontorn
Dr. Luis Torero
Dr. Chuanpit Moser
Dr. Rujipat Samransamruajki
Dr. Anchalee Yuengsrigul
Dr. Lauro Roberto
Dr. Luis Franchi
Dr. Mehrdad Jalili
Dr. Beny Rub
Dr. Hillel Janai
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