Our chief residents – Drs. Awad Hirpara, Jeff Kim, and Libby Wang – wanted to learn more about Dr. Dahan, one of our first-year residents, and asked him these questions:
Where are you from and where did you attend college and medical school?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I attended UC Berkeley for college, and majored in psychology. I always knew I wanted to go to medical school, but it was important for me to pursue interests outside of the typical premed science courses. I moved back to Los Angeles after college and did clinical research in TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) and cardiac stem cell trials. I moved to Miami for medical school and attended Florida International University.
What made you decide to pursue anesthesiology training at UCLA?
During my sub-internship at UCLA, it became clear to me that joining this department was like joining a close-knit family. Both the residents and faculty were people I would be excited to spend time with and learn from over the next four years. I was also able to see their exposure to complex cases, and I knew that UCLA was a place where I would be pushed to be the best physician and anesthesiologist possible.
What do you like to do in your free time in LA?
LA is home for me, so I try and see friends and family as much as possible when I am not at work. You can usually find me on a beautiful hiking trail or on the hunt for a great meal. The LA food scene is unparalleled, and the options are endless.
What plans do you have for life after residency?
While I am not sure where life will take me after residency, right now I am interested in both regional and OB anesthesia.
