PGY-4

Parisa Davoodi, M.D., PhD.

Chief Resident

Undergraduate: University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Science Center, School of Medicine

I grew up in Iran and finished high school over there before moving to India where I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies. After immigrating to United States, I completed perquisite courses for medical school from “Tarrant County College” in Fort Worth, Texas and “University of Texas” at Arlington. I attended medical school at “Texas Tech University Health Science Center, School of Medicine” in Lubbock, Texas. I like Pathology because I enjoy working with the microscope and like the diagnostic aspect of the field. I find looking at the cells and learning all the pathologies absolutely fascinating and I also appreciate the significance of this field in patient care and management. Apart from medicine related activities, I also enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, cycling and spending time with my family.

What you like about Harbor: The diverse patient population of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center allows for greater exposure and experience during residency. I also enjoy working in the community setting and living in LA.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Surgical pathology, Cytopathology, Hematopathology

Julie Kim, D.O.

Chief Resident

Undergraduate: UCLA

Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Something about yourself:  I was born and raised in Southern California. Then I moved east for medical school.  My research in graduate school focused on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.  Fun fact: our home was featured on Flip or Flop on HGTV!

Why are you interested in Pathology?  I completed a Pathology elective and found a specialty where I can integrate my clinical and basic science research background with medicine while making a significant impact on patients’ lives.  I enjoy studying the pathophysiology of diseases, examining pathological changes under the microscope, and learning and using new techniques to determine a definitive diagnosis.

Your hobbies?  Currently my hobbies center around my toddler son, which involve playing with cars and trains, reading, singing, and dancing.  On my own time I enjoy playing golf, binging on reality TV home remodel shows, and karaoke.

What you like about Harbor:  My co-residents!  There is a genuine sense of camaraderie among the residents.  I am also grateful to be serving the patient population in the South Bay.  Harbor-UCLA is close to home, family and friends, and as an added bonus it is a short drive to the beach and conveniently located near great restaurants.

Areas of Interest in Pathology:  Surgical Pathology, Hematopathology, GI Pathology, Dermatopathology

Sara Salehiazar, M.D.

Chief Resident

Medical school: Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Iran

Something about yourself: I was born and raised in Iran, and I graduated from medical school in Iran.  After medical school I practiced medicine in an underserved area, which was an excellent experience for me!  Then I moved to the United States to pursue pathology as my specialty.  During my free time, I like to spend time with my family and friends, explore different restaurants, draw and paint, play board games, and jog.

Why are you interested in pathology: My first interaction with pathology was during ground rounds and tumor boards in medical school.  Pathology interacts with other fields and it is not limited to only one field.  During my final year of medical school, I started to read “The Emperor of all maladies” which was an important factor for my interest in pathology.  Also, the correlation of medical science and clinical science in pathology makes it a pure field of medicine!  Pathologists are involved in every stage of patient care, from screening, diagnosing, treatment, and follow-up!  Finally, pathologists see patients under the microscope, which I believe is a positive ability!!

Why Harbor-UCLA: After my interview with the faculty and residents I was sure that Harbor-UCLA is the place I wanted to complete my residency.  Harbor-UCLA fosters a friendly and professional atmosphere.  The faculty are supportive and charming, and the program has a remarkable education with many years of experience.  Harbor- UCLA serves a very diverse patient population providing plenty of challenging and unique cases to learn from during residency.  Also, Harbor-UCLA is close to my family and friends and it is close to beautiful beaches with fantastic weather!

Area of interest in pathology: Surgical Pathology, Breast/GYN Pathology

Dalton Wise, M.D.

Chief Resident

Medical School:   Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico

Something about yourself:  I am originally from Little Rock, Arkansas.  I enjoy language and learning about different cultures.  After high school, I was awarded a Rotary scholarship and did a 1-year exchange in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.  After my year in Bolivia was over, I wanted to continue to use the Spanish I had learned in some way, so I enrolled in medical school in Monterrey, Mexico.

Why are you interested in Pathology? I like pathology because it is a crucial part of the way so many other medical specialties function.  Pathology provides so many branches of medicine the ability to accurately diagnose their patients, which allows them to choose the best treatment.

Your hobbies? Rock climbing, music.

What you like about Harbor:  Everyone I interviewed was very nice, and the weather is amazing here.   The hospital has a wide variety of cases that will help me develop into the pathologist I want to be.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: I am open and ready to learn about all areas of pathology.

PGY-3

David Fernandez-Hazoury, MD

Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana (Dominican Republic)

Something about yourself: Greetings! I am a US-IMG, raised in Orlando, FL. Shortly after graduating high school, I joined a combined undergraduate and medical school program in my mother’s home country, Dominican Republic. I went to medical school with the intention of becoming a pathologist, and it is truly a dream that I am closer to accomplishing my objective.

I like science, and I am very passionate about using knowledge to lessen the suffering of people. After learning of pathology in elementary school and looking through a microscope for the first time, I decided I wanted my job to be looking through microscopes to decipher microscopic findings. Although I deeply enjoy clinical medicine and the satisfaction of patient interaction, I am content that as a pathologist I play a crucial role in multi-specialty approach to patient care.

Why are you interested in Pathology? I am intensely curious about how disease develops and affects the body, and I am keen to develop skills to accurately and timely diagnose patients to improve patient outcome. Pathology allows me to investigate disease and disease mechanisms on a cellular level, and this is what I find most fascinating.

Your hobbies? I like to be outside, fish, run, go to the gym, and hang out with family and friends.

What you like about Harbor: Without doubt, Harbor was the friendliest and most competent program that interviewed me. I am humbled and privileged to have been selected for residency here at Harbor-UCLA. The attendings are experts in their field and they are dedicated educators. The atmosphere of our program inspires excellence and comradery.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: I am interested in surgical pathology and forensics.

Manuel Enrique Lores Gonzalez, MD

Undergraduate: Apostol Santiago Jesuits School, Vigo, Spain.

Medical School: Universidad de Valladolid, Spain

Who are you/Something about yourself:

My name is Enrique, I am an International Medical Graduate from Spain. After my graduation, I decided to pursue a career in the United States and I moved to Chicago where I joined a Nephrology Research lab at Northwestern University Feinberg School Of Medicine. The main focus of my research is the Renin-Angiotensin System and its enzymatic cascade. Most of my work deals with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2, an enzyme with many pathophysiologic and therapeutic implications that has been recently recognized as the main functional receptor for the Severe Acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2.  After my research, it was time to apply to the field that I am most passionate about, and I am very happy and excited now that I joined Harbor-UCLA for my pathology residency.

Why are you interested in Pathology? My passion for pathology dates back to the 2-year Anatomic Pathology degree I earned before enrolling in medical school. I was very attracted to the idea of being able to see/diagnose disease with your eyes. I love the fact that in Pathology you are continuously exposed to science while also playing a critical role in patient care.

Your hobbies? I love sports, especially soccer, but I enjoy practicing almost any sport. I also love cooking and traveling the world, especially if the destination has a beach to swim and relax on.

What you like about Harbor: There are many remarkable aspects that make Harbor-UCLA a unique place to do your pathology residency. First, is the diversity of cases that you get exposed to as a resident. Second, the atmosphere is very supportive and the program is very well-structured,  progressively providing you with all the necessary tools to become an independent and well-rounded pathologist. Also, I believe that there is nothing more rewarding as a physician than helping underserved populations. Its location in the beautiful area of Southern California is unbeatable.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Gastrointestinal Pathology, Renal Pathology, Forensics.

Joshua Lee, MD

Undergraduate: UCLA

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University

Something about yourself 

I was born and raised in southern California. My interest in pathology began when I took a pathology elective in medical school.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

I really like the diagnostic aspects of medicine. Being able to give patients the answers to their illnesses is really gratifying for me.

Your hobbies?

Swimming, basketball, traveling

What you like about Harbor:

I really like the collegial atmosphere and complex pathology cases that Harbor has to offer.

Areas of Interest in Pathology:

Currently open to all fields in pathology

Komeil Mirzaei, MD

Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Something about yourself: I hail from Iran, where I was born and raised. I completed my medical education in Iran and pursued further training in general surgery through a postgraduate program. After working as a surgeon for two years, I decided to immigrate to the United States. My residency and practice experiences guided me towards the field of pathology, which I found to be truly fascinating. Consequently, I have chosen this incredible field for my next chapter in life.

Why are you interested in Pathology? During my time as a medical student, I developed a keen interest in trauma/critical care, which led me to choose a general surgery residency. Throughout my training, I encountered several patients who passed away without clear clinical explanations, highlighting the crucial role of postmortem examinations in determining the cause of death. Additionally, while working alongside pathologists during oncologic surgeries, I observed the significance of obtaining clear margins during the procedures. Each time, I would bring my specimens to the frozen room, where I closely collaborated with the pathologists, gaining a deeper understanding of their assessment techniques. These experiences deeply impacted me and ignited my passion for pathology.

Your hobbies? I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family, engaging in activities such as watching soccer, staying updated with the latest news, and listening to music.

What you like about Harbor: When considering a program, several factors hold significance. Firstly, a friendly atmosphere is crucial, followed by having a supportive faculty. Additionally, the presence of a diverse range of cases and a high volume of specimens is highly desirable. I was fortunate to discover that all of these factors were present at Harbor-UCLA. Furthermore, the program’s location, coupled with the pleasant weather in the area, served as an additional incentive for me.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Surgical Pathology, Molecular Pathology, GI pathology

PGY-2

Chika Iguh, MD

Undergraduate: The University of Texas at Austin

Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine

Something about yourself:

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and I am of Nigerian descent. I have been interested in the study of science and disease since middle school, and this curiosity led me to study Microbiology and Infectious Disease in college, to consider medicine as a career towards the end of undergraduate school at UT Austin, and to ultimately decide upon it at the beginning of my masters program at Columbia University.  I am so thankful for this journey — a challenging one — and I am excited for what is to come in the near future, especially in the field of pathology.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

I was first exposed to the field of Pathology in graduate school, where I was fortunate to engage in cancer biomarker research in a clinical pathology lab. I knew for sure I wanted to pursue this field after rotating in several anatomic and clinical pathology electives while in medical school. I was particularly attracted to how pure this field is as it relates to the study of disease in addition to how well it integrates with virtually all fields of medicine. Pathology is the foundation of medicine!

Your hobbies?

My favorite hobbies are topline songwriting (creating vocal melodies and harmonies to lay on top of instrumentals) and singing. I’ve also taken up hiking since moving to LA.

What you like about Harbor:

I love the diversity, the social atmosphere, and the departmental and GME support. The weather here is perfect; it encourages me to actually go outside and exercise. I also love knowing that I’m serving a very large diverse and medically-underserved population; this is something that was very important to me when ranking residency programs. Considering all of this among many others, Harbor-UCLA was ideal, and I look forward to the rest of my residency here!

Areas of Interest in Pathology:

Currently I’m interested in general surgical pathology, GI pathology, and cytopathology; but I’m keeping an open mind as a new resident, as interests may evolve with more exposure.

Jesse Wolfsohn, MD

Undergraduate: Queen’s University (Kingston, Canada)

Medical School: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Beersheba, Israel)

Something about yourself: I grew up with dachshunds.

Who are you?: I am a Canadian who went on an adventure of a lifetime while studying medicine in Israel. In my free time, I like to explore new places, and spend time with friends and family.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

I want to make critical diagnostic decisions that improve patient care and health. Furthermore, it’s a fascinating field that allows one to fully appreciate how different pathologies develop and progress. I enjoy being able to connect what I see in gross specimens with what I see under the microscope.

Your hobbies?: Travel, trying new foods, and keeping up with current events.

What you like about Harbor: The faculty, staff, and residents are very supportive and strive to make the best residency experience. In addition, the diversity and breadth of interesting cases provides outstanding training.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: GU pathology, surgical pathology, cytopathology.

Amani Minja, MD

Medical School: CHINA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Something about yourself: I am originally from Tanzania, a country in East Africa. My home town Arusha, Tanzania which is close to Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Serengeti National Park among others has given me an appreciation for nature and wildlife. I was always interested in Medicine and after high school, I was fortunate to be awarded a scholarship to pursue my medical education in China, hence I am fluent in Mandarin. I also completed post graduate training in China and immigrated to the United States with my family in 2016.

Why are you interested in Pathology? I have always found the study of disease to be captivating and intellectually stimulating. The more I immerse into pathology the more I become fascinated with morphology, architectural details, the microscope and really how pathology pieces everything together to render an accurate diagnosis which ultimately impacts patient care.

Your hobbies? Playing soccer, listening to country music, spending time with my family

What you like about Harbor: Training here gives me the opportunity to provide care to a diverse patient population including the underserved population. This brings a great sense of joy and satisfaction. The interview experience was a memorable one and the goals of the program align with my interests.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: I am open to learning everything there is to pathology, however, I have special interests in Molecular Pathology, Surgical pathology, and Pediatric Pathology.

AKUDO “MERCY” AKARAONYE, MD

Undergraduate: University of Calabar, Nigeria

Medical School: University of Calabar, Nigeria

Something about yourself:

My home town is Mbaise, a well-known hamlet in Imo State, Nigeria. She is known for her diverse musical talent, one -of-a-kind cuisine, and creative heritage. I earned my undergrade and medical degree from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. I spent my entire life there until moving to the United States to join my spouse after we married few years ago. My curiosity, inquisitive mentality and desire for detail originally drove me to research early in my career when I worked at variety of clinical and pharmaceutical settings. My desire to help humanity has led me to participate in and pioneer various humanitarian projects and volunteer opportunities particularly in youth empowerment and initiating health equity for underprivileged and marginalized populations. Curiosity, joy and sense of satisfaction are the three most essential motivators that drive me to search out possibilities to provide explanations to numerous baseless claims of unknown medical disorders that are regularly met in medicine. Throughout my sojourn as a clinician, I have always been unsure whether I am capable of achieving my career and personal ambitions as well as aspirations as a Physician. Finding Pathology locked the fit dilemma; an analogy likened to the enzyme and substrate key hypothesis.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

I am about to create an animation of me the day I jumped into Pathology sans a life jacket! If you’re inviting me to deliver a brief (10 mins) case presentation, please note that I must first always begin from the etiology through pathogenesis before providing the pathologic diagnosis. I’m obsessed with chronology and details. After spent many years looking for a good career fit, partly owing to lack of earlier orientation and exposure in Pathology, I discovered Pathology. This is the only career fit that could allow me use science and emerging technology in conjunction with my creativity, curiosity to solve numerous medical puzzles while achieving family goals and professional satisfaction.

Hobbies

I found happiness and pleasure in a variety of activities, including spending time with family and friends. In my kitchen, I enjoy being creative with local spices and preparing delicious meals which I like to enjoy with family and friends. Nigerian-style pastries and rolls intrigued me. Growing green vegetable garden all year round is pleasurable to me. When I find it difficult to read it, I make efforts to teach it; this culture has made teaching one on my favorite activities.

What do you appreciate about Harbor?

I’m still dazed, attempting to wake from sleep and questioning reality. I’ve seen at Harbor- UCLA a unique curriculum truthfully focused on resident well-being and education. Faculty that are truly committed and passionate about resident education, success, and accomplishments. Leadership that is pure, unbiased, and dependable. What else constitutes an ideal well-structured residency training program? Before beginning my journey to Harbor, I was drawn to it because of its location in California, coverage of multiethnic and diverse population in Los Angeles, and close proximity to my family. However, now that I’ve arrived, I’m astounded by the quality of training and life residents enjoy here.

Areas of Interest in Pathology

I am still shopping around. I know I have got some returns in my cart. However, my final buy would be determined after I have meticulously shopped around.

PGY-1

Iqra Bakhsh, MD

Undergraduate:

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Medical School:

St. George’s university, School of Medicine

Something about yourself: Who are you?

I have lived in California for over 14 years and am thrilled to be pursuing my pathology residency at Harbor-UCLA. Pathology has always been my passion due to its investigative nature and essential role in healthcare. Originally from Pakistan, I moved to California at the age of 14. For my undergraduate studies, I attended Crafton Hills College and earned 6 associate degrees in Chemistry, Biology with a Microbiology emphasis, Anatomy and Physiology, Mathematics, Physics, and Multiple Sciences. Afterward, I attended UCLA, majoring in Physiological Sciences, and later pursued graduate and medical education at St. George’s University, where I earned a Master’s in Public Health in Preventative Medicine and a Doctorate in Medicine. During my undergraduate years at UCLA, I also worked in a microbiology lab, focusing on bacteria, parasites, and fungi. My family resides in Riverside County, just a 70-minute drive from Harbor-UCLA which makes this residency at Harbor-UCLA notably meaningful and practical for me.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

During my undergraduate studies, my two-year tenure in a microbiology lab sparked a keen interest in laboratory sciences and research. Concurrently, my involvement in UCLA’s cadaver lab intensified my curiosity in forensic pathology and autopsies. The realm of laboratory medicine allowed me to investigate diseases at macroscopic, histological, cellular, and genetic levels, which deeply captivated my academic pursuits. During medical school, I developed a strong affinity for histology and the pathophysiology of diseases, dedicating my fourth-year electives predominantly to pathology rotations. Pathology uniquely integrates fundamental medical and clinical sciences, elucidating intricate cellular changes beyond superficial observation. Pathologists assume a pivotal role in patient care, shaping crucial aspects of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment monitoring.

Your hobbies?

Spending time with family, Watching Web series, doing Calligraphy, and Baking

What you like about Harbor:

I’m grateful for Harbor-UCLA’s proximity to my family and the wonderful California climate, both of which enhance my residency experience. The supportive environment with fellow residents and attendings offers valuable learning opportunities that I deeply appreciate. Additionally, the chance to serve a diverse, medically underserved population was a key factor in choosing Harbor-UCLA for my residency. These factors, alongside others, make Harbor-UCLA an ideal match for me, and I eagerly look forward to advancing my career here. Specifically, I’m drawn to Harbor’s pathology program for its resident-led, didactic structure, which promotes independent learning and strengthens diagnostic skills. Areas of Interest in Pathology: Surgical pathology, dermatopathology, GYN pathology but I am open to anything at this stage and would like to explore more.

Tanin Zadeh, DO

Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine

Medical School: College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Something about yourself: Born in Vienna, Austria

Who are you? Tanin Zadeh

Why are you interested in Pathology? I like anatomy, chemistry, puzzles, and working in the lab

Your hobbies? Hiking, skiing, music festivals

What you like about Harbor: Location + staff

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Blood bank vs. Forensics

Brandi Hull, DO

Undergraduate: California State University Monterey Bay

Medical School: Touro University Nevada College of Medicine

Something about yourself: I was born in Toronto, Canada, but I grew up in Southern California. I played soccer and golf until college, and then ran cross country during my undergraduate years. I met my fiancé at bartending school after completing my undergrad. I hold a master’s degree in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, as well as Medical Health Sciences. Following medical school, I began my career in surgery before transitioning to pathology.

Why are you interested in Pathology? Pathology plays a crucial role in diagnosing diseases accurately, which directly impacts patient care and treatment decisions. It is extremely rewarding knowing our work directly contributes to improving patient outcomes and treatment plans.

Your hobbies? My hobbies include circuit training work out classes, spending time with friends, my fiancé and our 2 cats (Basil and Binx), playing video games and watching scary movies!

What you like about Harbor: I appreciate Harbor for the strong sense of community and camaraderie it fosters. The people are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their knowledge. From the moment I arrived, I immediately felt at home.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Dermatopathology, Surgical Pathology

Tianjiao (Tina) Jin, MD

Undergraduate: Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University

Medical School: Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University; Peking Union Medical College

Something about yourself:

My name is Tianjiao (Tina) Jin. Originally from China, I graduated from Shanghai Medical College and completed my post-graduate training at Peking Union Medical College. I relocated to the US with my family and served as a preliminary surgery resident at Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York before joining the UCLA Harbor Pathology Residency Program.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

Pathology appeals to me because I enjoy the meticulous work pathologists do—examining slides under microscopy, using stains for differential diagnoses, and making critical diagnostic decisions that guide patient care.

Your hobbies?

Outside of medicine, I find joy in hiking, reading, gardening, and cooking.

What you like about Harbor:

I chose Harbor for its robust pathology training program and the supportive environment it offers. Torrance is also an ideal place to live—a welcoming, family-friendly community.

Areas of Interest in Pathology:

While I haven’t yet settled on a subspecialty, I am considering surgical pathology, GI pathology, dermatopathology, blood bank, or cytopathology. I look forward to exploring these options further during my rotations.