Fellows
IGNITE-MSCR Fellows
Malika Ibrahim, MBBS, MRCP
Third-Year IGNITE-MSCR Fellow
Education:
- Medical School: University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Sudan
- Postgraduate Training: North West of England School, UK
- Internal Medicine Residency: Howard University, Washington, D.C.
About Me:
I grew up in Saudi Arabia, and went to Medical school in Sudan. Prior to my residency training in Washington, D.C., I had completed residency training in the United Kingdom where I initially discovered my interest and passion for Rheumatology and its complex disease spectrums. Living in four different continents over the last several years has given me an appreciation of the diversity within medical training and clinical practice, and grew my love for travel and discovering new places! My husband and I live in West LA, with our sweet 11-month-old son.
Why UCLA?
UCLA's diversity within its campus and individual programs represents a place where I can nurture my curiosity and hone my skills in an inclusive and warm environment. What also drew me to this program is the great amount of mentorship within the Rheumatology department, with access to a diverse patient populations and pathology within several different clinical sites and locations.
Clinical/Research Interests:
I am interested in CTDs including Lupus and Scleroderma, as well as MSK Ultrasound and Medical Education.
Hobbies:
Traveling, enjoying new recipes, and spending time with family!
Second Year Fellows
Janelle Castellino, MD
Education:
- Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV
- Internal Medicine Residency: Rush University, Chicago, IL
About Me:
I’m originally from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area in Pennsylvania. I earned my PharmD in Ohio, went to medical school in Las Vegas, and completed residency in Chicago. I’ve always loved animals and currently have three dogs—Cooper, Ollie, and Milo—who keep life entertaining. During medical school, I visited Los Angeles often and knew it was where I wanted to be. My husband Craig and I are so happy to be here now! I love being outside year-round—running, hiking, paddleboarding, or just hanging out at the beach with the dogs!
Why UCLA?
I was looking for a program that would push me to grow clinically while also being a place where I’d feel supported. UCLA stood out as a rigorous training environment with incredible clinical and academic opportunities, but what really drew me in was how genuinely kind and welcoming everyone was. It felt like the kind of place where I could learn a lot and enjoy the journey along the way.
Clinical/Research Interests:
So far I’ve been drawn to the overlap with pulmonary and cardiac involvement. I’ve really enjoyed working on research in ILD related to sarcoidosis and vasculitis. I also love teaching and hope to stay involved in medical education and mentorship throughout my career.
Hobbies:
I love being outside—running, hiking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing at the beach. I’ve run a handful of marathons and hope to do the LA or Big Bear Marathon one day (still trying to convince my husband to do another one with me!). I also enjoy traveling and exploring new food spots around the city.
Anna Diep, MD
Education:
- Medical School: University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
- Internal Medicine Residency: St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach, CA
About Me:
I was born in the city of San Gabriel, home of the best Asian food you'll find on the west coast. I guess I loved my Southern California roots so much because I never ended up leaving. Instead, I hopped around different cities including Los Angeles, Irvine, and Long Beach.
Why UCLA?
UCLA's rheumatology program has the best balance between clinical training and research experience. I instantly felt welcomed by the warm personalities I met on interview day. I am confident that after my training, I will emerge as a strong, well-equipped clinician who can practice in any setting.
Clinical/Research Interests:
I am particularly interested in the utilization of ultrasound to diagnose different rheumatology conditions.
Hobbies:
On the weekends, you'll find me exploring new restaurants/cafes, baking desserts, reading on my Kindle, and taking leisurely strolls with my golden-doodle.
Diana Tran, MD
Education:
- Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
- Internal Medicine Residency: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
About Me:
I was born and raised in southern California and thrive in the sunshine. On a cold and rainy day, you can find me sourcing my heat from a bowl of hot and spicy noodles.
Why UCLA?
Top notch clinical training for both general and subspecialty rheumatology and a robust POCUS curriculum.
Clinical/Research Interests:
Transitional care in rheumatology, general rheumatology.
Hobbies:
Trying out new activities (recipes, workouts, crafts), board games, reading.
Divya Vundamati, MD
Education:
- Medical School: University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
- Internal Medicine Residency: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
About Me:
I grew up in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota and moved to Kansas City for undergrad/medical school. I then completed my residency in Madison, WI where I especially enjoyed caring for patients with rheumatic diseases. Having lived in the Midwest my whole life, I’m excited for the opportunity to experience life on the West Coast and explore all that Los Angeles has to offer. I also have extended family in Southern India, whom I cherish visiting each year.
Why UCLA?
The faculty and fellows were incredibly warm and welcoming during my interview day which stood out to me during interview season. The program's multiple training sites, specialty clinics, and diverse patient population provide excellent opportunities for comprehensive clinical training.
Clinical/Research Interests:
I am interested in Lupus, dermatologic manifestations of rheumatic disease, and medical education.
Hobbies:
Travelling, reading, and spending time outdoors!
Anna Way, MD
Education:
- Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
- Internal Medicine Residency: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
About Me:
Why UCLA?
Clinical/Research Interests:
Hobbies:
First Year Fellows
Sanjita Gowda, MD
Education:
- Medical School: UCI
- Internal Medicine Residency: Cedars-Sinai
About Me:
I grew up in Riverside, California, and have been fortunate to experience many different parts of Southern California throughout my education and training. I was first drawn to rheumatology during a two-week medical school rotation, where I encountered a wide range of diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis to vasculitis and lupus nephritis. My interest continued to grow during residency, where fellows and attendings helped nurture my curiosity and served as wonderful mentors. I love the investigative nature of the specialty and the opportunity to care for patients with complex conditions while making a meaningful impact on their quality of life.
Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my fiancé, family, and friends, exploring the numerous restaurants and f
Why UCLA?
Having been a UCLA undergraduate, I was always drawn to the university's culture of innovation, curiosity, and collaboration. When choosing a rheumatology fellowship, I wanted the opportunity to train across different health systems and care for diverse patient populations, and UCLA's multiple clinical sites offered exactly that. I was also excited by the program's strong musculoskeletal ultrasound curriculum and the opportunity to develop those skills throughout fellowship. Lastly, the great weather and sunshine are major bonuses!
Clinical/Research Interests:
I am interested in medical education and recently completed UCLA's Medical Education Fellowship Program and look forward to incorporating those teaching and curriculum development skills into my fellowship training. I also am interested in ultrasound and am looking forward to building skills in musculoskeletal ultrasound. From a research perspective, one of my interests is in systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease- associated interstitial lung disease (SARD-ILD).
Hobbies:
I enjoy playing tennis, hiking, and cooking meals with friends and family. My family has always loved visiting national parks, and I've been fortunate to explore 20 so far. I'm looking forward to adding many more to the list!
Sergio Maldonado-Chaar, MD
Education:
- Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences
- Internal Medicine Residency: University of Miami
About Me:
Why UCLA?
Clinical/Research Interests:
Hobbies:
Erin Sternhagen, MD
Education:
- Medical School: University of South Dakota
- Internal Medicine Residency: University of Iowa
About Me:
I grew up in a small town in rural South Dakota. During high school, my grandmother was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, and it took her months to get a diagnosis due to the critical shortage of rheumatologists and other healthcare providers in the Midwest. Her experience was part of what drew me to medical school, and I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career in rheumatology. I love that rheumatology allows you to look at the patient as a whole person rather than a single organ system, and I find meaning in taking the time to listen closely and find a diagnosis for patients who may have been dismissed or misdiagnosed in the past.
Why UCLA?
I knew I wanted to come to UCLA after my interview. The faculty were warm and welcoming, despite running world-class research programs and clinical trials. I also loved how happy the fellows seemed and how UCLA prioritizes each fellow’s individual interests rather than pigeon-holing them into a specific area. Lastly, I appreciated that UCLA offers exposure to a wide range of patient populations — community hospital, large academic center, the VA, and more.
Clinical/Research Interests:
I’m interested in immune-related adverse events, derm-rheum, and autoinflammatory syndromes. I also love teaching and medical education.
Hobbies:
I love hiking, going for runs on the beach boardwalk, and exploring California’s gorgeous national parks. I also enjoy reading and hosting friends and family for game nights and dinner parties.
Cori Sutton, MD
Education:
- Medical School: University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI
- Internal Medicine Residency: University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA
About Me:
I am originally from Kaneohe, Oahu, and completed my undergraduate and medical school training in Hawaii before relocating to Orange County for residency. Although Hawaii will always be home, I have grown to love Southern California for its diverse food options, temperate weather, and beautiful sunsets. When I'm not at work, you can catch me trying new restaurants and boba shops or traveling with my fiance — we have been to 13 countries so far and are excited to keep growing the list!
Why UCLA?
As my long-term goal has always been to return to Hawaii, I sought a Rheumatology fellowship that would provide both rigorous clinical training and exposure to innovative research that I could bring back to my home community. UCLA stood out for its breadth of pathology, diverse patient population, and emphasis on academic excellence. During my interview, I was drawn to the welcoming environment provided by the faculty and fellows, which I think is a testament to the program's collaborative and supportive culture.
Clinical/Research Interests:
MSK ultrasound, medical education, SLE.
Hobbies:
Reading, trying new restaurants, hiking, pickleball, binging sitcoms, traveling.
Abigail Weiland, MD
Education:
- Medical School: Northwestern University
- Internal Medicine Residency: Northwestern University
About Me:
I am originally from the beautiful state of Colorado. Growing up, I was a certified "horse girl," and I initially planned on a career as an equine veterinarian before I decided to pursue human medicine. I have lived in Chicago for the last seven years for medical school and residency, where I met my husband, Harlin. We now have a mini goldendoodle named Mumford. We are so excited for our next adventure in Los Angeles, and Mumford is ready to become a beach dog!
Why UCLA?
UCLA has everything I was looking for in a fellowship program and more! The faculty and fellows exuded a feeling of collaboration and kindness on my interview day. The program offers numerous opportunities to work with esteemed faculty caring for a diverse patient population in a large urban setting. As I explore my varied interests in rheumatology, I know UCLA will have the support that I need to achieve my career goals.
Clinical/Research Interests:
Some of my interests are general rheumatology, medical education, and women's health.
Hobbies:
Traveling, reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my puppy.