Meet the Fellows

Xinjiang Cai, MD, PhD

Track: STAR Fellow
Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Bronx) Program
Medical School: Hunan Medical University

I was born and raised in Hunan, China. Hunan means "south of the lake" in Chinese, and it is located near the Dongting Lake, a flood basin for the longest river in China, the Yangtze. Hunan is also the birth place of dragon boat racing, which dates back more than 2,500 years. The Hunanese love rivers, and my first name literally means "new river" in Chinese. There are many reasons why I chose to come to UCLA for cardiology fellowship. UCLA has a comprehensive and superb clinical curriculum, diverse patient population, amazing fellows, and a strong supportive environment from the division leadership, faculty and staff. I also immediately fell in love with the STAR Program at the annual STAR symposium, which concurred during the fellowship interview. As someone who is interested in translational research, my favorite part of training has been the STAR program, which provides protected research time. After busy clinical rotations, I enjoy attending seminars, meeting with scientists, discussing projects with lab members and co-fellows, and designing and performing bench experiments. When I'm not working, I enjoy visiting the Santa Monica beaches and going to San Gabriel for authentic Chinese food.

Ashley Stein-Merlob, MD

Track: STAR Fellow
Residency: UCSF Medical Center
Medical School: Harvard Medical School

I was born and raised in Irvine, but I lived on the East Coast for almost a decade before returning to warm, sunny California for training. I came to UCLA because I wanted to pursue multidisciplinary research that takes advantage of the broad range of strengths of the university in biology, mathematics and engineering, while also ensuring high quality clinical cardiology training. The STAR program has provided the time and resources for me to pursue these interests through a PhD program with research in computational modeling of heart failure. Training at UCLA has been a great experience with a very supportive environment. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, photography, and spending time with my dog and husband.

Nicholas Brownell, MD

Chief Fellow

Track: STAR Fellow
Residency: University of Texas Southwestern
Medical School: Emory University

I was born in London, and on average, have moved every three years. I've lived in San Francisco, Tokyo, Singapore, Chicago, Ojai, Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta and Dallas. I chose UCLA for cardiology fellowship because of the strong clinical training, the supportive leadership, and the broad exposure to patients and pathology across three hospitals. In particular, I care deeply about working within the county system, where I can care for underserved populations; working at Olive View has been the highlight of my training. Otherwise, my favorite part of fellowship, without a doubt, has been working with my phenomenal co-fellows. When I get a free moment, my favorite activity is exploring the many hiking trails around LA with my wife and my UCLA family.

Omid Amidi, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Medical School: SUNY Downstate

Being at UCLA for my cardiology fellowship training has been an absolute thrill. Working with amazing attendings in the cath lab, leading rounds in the CCU with stellar residents, and learning from world-class experts have been the three biggest highlights of the program for me. When I'm not at the hospital, you can find me at the Getty, the Santa Monica Pier, or exploring the many restaurants of LA (Persian food should be at the top of anyone’s list)!

Christopher Berg, MD

Chief Fellow

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Kristin Boulier, MD

Track: STAR Fellow
Residency: Stanford
Medical School: University of Virginia

Celso Diaz, MD

Chief Fellow

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Northwestern
Medical School: UCSF

Elizabeth Hutchins, MD

Track: STAR Fellow
Residency: Harbor-UCLA
Medical School: Columbia

I grew up in Santa Barbara and then moved to NYC for 10 years where I did both undergrad and medical school. For residency, it was back to Southern California at Harbor UCLA. I am so happy to be part of the UCLA Bruin family now as a fellow. We have such a great community and the academic environment is excellent. In my spare time I love to be outside, play tennis and squash, and enjoy west LA!

Lua Jafari, MD

Chief Fellow

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Northwestern
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine

I grew up and completed most of my education/training in the Midwest. I was drawn to UCLA for the well-rounded clinical and research opportunities here. The ability to train at three distinct sites, each with unique patient populations and healthcare delivery systems, provides a well-balanced, rigorous curriculum in cardiac diseases. However, the best part of fellowship so far has been the people. My co-fellows, the faculty, and the program leadership have all been so positive and supportive from day one, with a steadfast commitment to our education and well-being. When not working, I’ve had a blast exploring LA with my husband and Boston terrier. I enjoy going on hikes and devouring the delicious and diverse food across the city!

Srikanth Krishnan, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: University of California Irvine

UCLA has been the perfect fit for me for fellowship. I get to train in one of the best programs in the country while being close to family and I get to be in one of the coolest cities in the world. In my spare time I go for walks on the beach with my wife and son. 

Deepak Ravi, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Buddy Reed, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Vanderbilt
Medical School: George Washington University

Interests: Cooking, swimming, dancing, working out, camping, reading

Career goals: General Cardiology 

Marwah Shahid, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Baylor
Medical School: Georgetown University

Though being a cardiology fellow during this pandemic has brought an unexpected set of clinical challenges, it has also helped me realize how grateful I am to train at UCLA. I am indebted to the UCLA Cardiology Fellowship Program for constantly focusing on my training and growth as a fellow through protected research time, daily didactics and a house mentorship program. Being able to not only explore but also integrate my passion of biodesign into my practice as a cardiologist has been an opportunity I would not be able to find outside of UCLA.

Not only have my co-fellows been dependable in the clinical setting, they have become my best friends. From discussing complex ECMO cases over lunch to playing spikeball at the beach, I really have found a cohort of colleagues who I know will be lifelong friends.

Akintunde Akinkuolie, MBBS, MPH

Track: STAR Fellow
Residency: Massachusetts General
Medical School: University of Ibadan - College of Medicine

I come from Ondo city which is on the west of Nigeria and known for cocoa export. My clinical trek began in a neighboring city at the University of Ibadan where I developed my interest in cardiology. Exploring the drivers of the contrasting outcomes of patients who start out with the same disease process ignited my pursuit of academic medicine. After graduate school on the east coast, I embarked on research with the purpose of translating emerging mechanistic paradigms in lipoprotein biology and inflammation into patient care. This experience also strengthened my passion for bedside oriented research which led me to Massachusetts General Hospital for residency. The UCLA Cardiology interview convinced me that here I will develop into a thoroughly well-rounded clinical cardiologist and convinced me that I will not lack the excitement that comes with learning the intricacies of managing acute and stable cardiac conditions. In addition, the STAR program is the best platform for me to advance my research interest in Bioinformatics in relation to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. My day-to-day clinical growth, immersion in purposeful mentorship, and unbridled interactions with all my attendings, have all been fulfilling. The scope of resources available for my development to become a clinician-scientist has truly been unmatched. Complementing these is the vibrant social scene in West Los Angeles that includes cultural diversity, beautiful beaches accessible all year round, and truly the best street tacos. Without a doubt, my favorite aspect thus far is the friendships that I have formed not only within my fellowship class, but also within the entire program. There is always a friend to discuss a clinical case, share life experiences, or explore town together.

Adrian Castillo, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Stanford
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

I’m a life-long Californian and grew up in the suburbs just outside of Los Angeles. After medical school at UCLA I went to Stanford for residency, but when it came time for cardiology fellowship I knew coming back to UCLA was the perfect match for me. This program has it all: an outstanding, supportive faculty; our incredibly diverse patient population; four unique training sites; and, most importantly, the absolute best co-fellows. Even just a month into fellowship I’ve been blown away at how amazing the Bruin Hearts family is. Outside of work, my wife and I are having a blast raising our infant son and two dogs and you will often find me surfing, exploring LA’s incredible food scene, or looking for the next great board game.

Neha Chandra, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: UC San Diego

I am a California native and have lived in the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles for my training. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to stay at UCLA for cardiology fellowship. UCLA offers a rigorous and diverse clinical training experience under the mentorship of passionate and supportive faculty and co-fellows. Within cardiology, I am interested in advanced heart failure/transplant cardiology and supporting women in cardiology. Outside of work, you can find me picnicking in Palisades Park, going on walks in Brentwood with my husband, or obsessing over my next Peloton class.

Sthuthi David, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: University of Virginia
Medical School: University of Rochester

I was born in Chennai, India and moved to Boston when I was eight years old. I spent most of my life on the east coast and when applying for cardiology fellowship, I cast a wide net and applied to programs all over the country. UCLA stood out of the pack instantly and had everything I was looking for and more. The faculty here are leaders in their respective fields and are committed to fellow education. The training is comprehensive, and through the four-hospital system, we treat a wide array of cardiac pathology and take care of a diverse patient population. I can’t say enough good things about my co-fellows; I learn so much from them and the camaraderie between us is truly unmatched. I love Los Angeles because there is something here for everyone. Outside of the hospital, you can find me taking part of various outdoor fitness classes, spending time at the beach, and indulging in Korean BBQ.   

Samuel Jackson, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

I grew up on the east coast in Ipswich, Massachusetts before moving to Napa, California when I was 10 years old. I attended UC Davis and remain a proud Aggie to this day. I went to medical school at UCLA and continued there for residency and now fellowship! In fellowship, I'm excited to further develop my interests in medical education and Cardio-Oncology. I'm thrilled to be training at UCLA, and have loved so many aspects of my experience so far. The supportive nature of my senior fellows and attendings, outstanding opportunities for research and curricular innovation, and the tremendous breadth of pathology that we see at our different training sites have made for a fantastic start to fellowship. Outside of the hospital, you can find me exploring the expansive city of Los Angeles, hiking, or trying out a new recipe at home. 

Golsa Joodi, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Yale University
Medical School: Tehran University

Sami Natour, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: University of Virginia

I was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia and lived most of my life in the mid-Atlantic until coming to UCLA for residency. For me, the decision to stay at UCLA for fellowship was an easy one: outstanding clinical training across very different patient populations, some of the most supportive and dedicated clinician educators you will ever meet, and of course brilliant co-fellows whom I am lucky to call colleagues. Outside of work you can find me struggling to keep up with the Pacemakers (UCLA IM residency running club) and eating my way through LA’s almost endless restaurant scene.

Soniya Rabadia, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: UC San Diego

I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but have made my way down the coast to complete my training in San Diego and Los Angeles. I am thankful to continue my training within the UCLA family. That's the thing, it truly feels like a family. The camaraderie and culture amongst the residents, fellows and faculty is unmatched. UCLA really is the full package: diverse patient population, rigorous clinical training, enthusiastic and supportive faculty, and obviously the best co-fellows one could ever ask for. I am interested in medical education and promoting women in cardiology. Outside of work, you can find me drinking boba, hiking along LA's numerous trails, or eating the best donuts in town.

Warren Tai, MD

Track: STAR Fellow
Residency: Vanderbilt
Medical School: University at Buffalo

Patrick Zakka, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Emory University
Medical School: American University of Beirut

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and moved to Lebanon at the age of 10. I completed medical school at the American University of Beirut, after which I spent two years there doing basic and clinical research in cardiac electrophysiology. I then moved to Atlanta to complete my residency in internal medicine and a chief resident year at Emory University, and am now thrilled to have moved back home to Los Angeles to a program I had always wanted to train at: UCLA. The cultural diversity, and both the clinical and research opportunities are big reasons as to why I pursued cardiology here. The diversity of training (VA, Olive View, Ronald Reagan, etc) also helps build a well-rounded cardiologist. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and supporting my Lakers. 

Isaac Dreyfus, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Columbia University
Medical School: Albert Einstein

I was born and raised on the east coast where I completed medical school and residency. Although I have no connection to the West Coast or Los Angeles, my interview day at UCLA made it clear that this was the place I wanted to be for my cardiology training. The camaraderie amongst the fellows and faculty, commitment to fellow education, and breadth of clinical and research training were evident, and all have been borne out in my day-to-day experience.  My wife and I have loved exploring Los Angeles, and I love training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (moderately poorly) and playing tennis (poorly)

Michael Jiang, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Northwestern University
Medical School: UC San Diego

I was born in Chicago and moved to the Bay Area when I was six years old. I attended UCSD for medical school, after which I moved to Chicago to complete my residency and chief resident year at Northwestern University. I'm now thrilled to return to serve the patients of my home state for fellowship. UCLA truly stood out to me for the diversity of its clinical training, the robust research infrastructure, and the incredibly supportive faculty and co-fellows - all while getting the opportunity to be close to family and enjoying a world-class city like LA! Outside of work, you can find me exploring the city's food scene, going on hikes, and enjoying the beach.

Armando Martinez, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UC San Diego
Medical School: UC San Diego

A little about myself: I have lived all over California from San Diego to Sacramento and several places in-between. I went to USC for undergrad and loved every second of it. After undergrad I moved back to Fresno worked as an MA for a cardiologist while applying to med school. I then went down to San Diego for medical school and residency. Now I am back in LA and excited about all the city has to offer.

Francisco Medrano, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Universidad de San Carlos

Daniel O'Brien, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: USC

I am a California native and grew up in Granite Bay, a suburb in the Sacramento area. I moved to Los Angeles to start my undergraduate education at UCLA, and have been in the Los Angeles area for all of my medical training. As a resident at UCLA, I was able to see first-hand how well trained our cardiology fellows are. The UCLA cardiology fellowship provides exposure to a wide variety of health systems and patient populations between our three main clinical sites, leaving fellows prepared for any future career path. In addition, there is a strong culture of medical education with opportunities to teach interns, residents and medical students. I am excited to train with such an amazing group of co-fellows and work closely with such supportive faculty mentors. Outside of the hospital, you can find me playing golf, attending local concerts, and supporting all of my favorite professional sports teams.

Kevin O'Fee, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Washington University
Medical School: Saint Louis University

It feels wonderful to be back in SoCal and to have the opportunity to train at UCLA (one of my first medical experiences was as a volunteer at RRMC!). All the faculty and fellows are approachable, kind, and passionate about always doing best by their patients. I feel fortunate to be able to care for Angelenos at multiple hospitals across the city and to do so alongside an excellent and fun group of co-fellows. Every day I find myself learning so much and I am confident by the end of training UCLA will have prepared me to be an excellent cardiologist! 

Varayini Pankayatselvan, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical School: University of New Mexico

I was born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico and completed medical school at University of New Mexico School of Medicine. For residency, I ventured out to Boston at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. I am thankful to be at UCLA cardiology for many reasons, including its world-class training, incredible people, and great weather so I can play tennis year-round.

Robert Pedicini, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: UCLA
Medical School: Tufts University

I grew up in Boston, MA and completed all of my education, including medical school, in Massachusetts. I had never been to LA before, but I was so impressed with UCLA during my residency interviews that I decided to roll the dice and move across the country despite not knowing anyone here. The education I received during my residency at UCLA was amazing, but the main reason I wanted to stay for fellowship was the amazing colleagues and friends I get to work with every day. Outside of work you can find me exploring LA's amazing food scene, hiking, or at a music show. 

Aleesha Shaik, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Mount Sinai
Medical School: Drexel University

I grew up in New Jersey and completed all of my education and training thus far on the East Coast. When applying for cardiology fellowship, I was looking for a program with strong clinical training, an emphasis on equitable care, and leaders in preventative cardiology. I have found all of these and so much more here at UCLA. Through the four sites that we rotate through, we care for a very diverse patient population and encounter a wide variety of pathology, which is essential for training. Despite working in different hospitals, the camaraderie between all the faculty is unparalleled and sets the tone for one of the most collegial and friendly training programs I have ever seen. I have also been able to pursue my passion for health policy and public health during fellowship with the support of our program leadership. While I will always love Broadway, crab cakes, and the New England fall foliage, sunny California and the best co-fellows I could've asked for have stolen my heart. 

Daniel Yazdi, MD

Track: Clinical Fellow
Residency: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Medical School: UCLA

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and had my undergraduate, graduate, and medical training at UCLA before moving to Boston for internal medicine residency and San Francisco to help lead a cardiovascular-based digital health start-up. I chose UCLA because of the incredible camaraderie among the fellows and attendings, the diverse clinical training, being close to family and friends, and the amazing LA weather. Outside of the hospital, my wife and I explore the LA food scene, enjoy all the day-cations southern california has to offer, and spend quality time with family and friends.