Abhinav Golla, MD
Dr. Golla was at Stanford for his undergraduate and medical school education. Starting with Eagle Scout, Abhinav has excelled at the highest levels. He is a gifted scientist who took an extra year of training to learn advanced research and statistical techniques. His research on intraocular lens tilt won awards at ASCRS, and his work in OCT of corneal transplant resulted in new protocols at the eye bank. He has received multiple prestigious scholarships. He is also a talented and dedicated teacher who has taught and mentored students at the undergraduate and graduate level. In spite of the extensive time commitments of his academic work, he has found time to volunteer in multiple community activities. In his spare time, Abhinav enjoys hiking and backpacking in the wilderness. He is currently completing his internship at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Terry Hsieh, MD
Dr. Hsieh did his undergraduate degree at UCLA, finishing with highest honors before completing the MD/PhD program at Boston University. His research focuses on immune response and molecular biology as it relates to neuroprotection. He completed his PhD thesis in 3 years, and carried that energy and efficiency onto the wards, where he established a reputation as a brilliant diagnostician and dedicated physician who is diligent in taking care of his patients. Despite his heavy academic commitments, he made time for public service, showing leadership in medical school government mentoring underrepresented minority students. In his spare time, Terry enjoys basketball and cooking. He is currently completing his internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Yoon Lee, MD
Dr. Lee was an undergraduate at Northwestern and attended medical school at Johns Hopkins. Her academic career is dotted with honors and scholarships. Yoon’s research focuses on pediatric ophthalmology: her biomedical engineering background has enabled her to develop and test new diagnostic devices. Her research mentors comment on her creativity and innovative problem solving, as well as her energy and drive. She is posed to make significant scientific advances in the field. As a clinician she is known for outstanding, dedicated patient care, and particularly enjoys working with children. Yoon is a talented singer, performing in acapella groups, and a regular participant of hot yoga. She is currently completing her internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Justin Park, MD
Dr. Park was at Cornell for his bachelor’s degree in biology, and completed medical school at Northwestern. His innovative research with our alumnus Amani Fawzi, on retinal structure, won accolades when it was presented at ARVO. Justin also has a passion for leadership, and served as the president of Student Physicians for Social Responsibility. It is no surprise that he did well on the wards, establishing a reputation as an energetic, dedicated physician with great diagnostic skills. He is also an athlete, captaining a division title winning tennis team, a league championship winning soccer team, and achieving a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is currently completing his internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Andres Parra, MD
Dr. Parra completed his undergraduate studies at University of Washington St Louis, and attended medical school at Baylor. He performed at the highest level in medical school, earning accolades from his professors, who describes him as an intelligent, hard-working, upbeat, and mature student who functioned like a resident, even as a medical student. Andres found time to volunteer extensively in community health clinics, and took the leadership role in mentoring younger medical students. He presented his research in keratoconus at the ACRS symposium in Los Angeles. In his spare time, Andres choreographs and dances hip-hop, and practices yoga. He is currently completing his internship at John Peter Smith Hospital.
Ravin Sajnani, MD
Dr. Sajnani attended the University of Miami through undergraduate and medical school. His academic work was at the highest level, earning him full-tuition scholarships. His talent extends beyond academic pursuits; he was captain of a competitive Indian folk dance team, and a member of the acapella choir. His research in lipid transport across the anterior chamber has resulted in a publication and ARVO presentation. He is known in Miami as a compassionate physician, good communicator, and dedicated team member who always goes the extra mile for his patients. Ravin's hobbies include computer coding, reading, and hiking. He is currently completing his internship at Memorial Regional Hospital in Florida.
Lynn Shi, MD
Dr Shi finished her undergraduate degree Cum Laude at Harvard before completing medical school at Columbia University. She has a passion for public service, and has worked with the underserved community throughout college and medical school. Among her many research projects, her work in glaucoma research has been lauded as particularly original, and has been presented at ARVO. On the wards, her professors commented on her ability to work hard, her diligence and compassion for patients. She uses her knowledge of retinal and optic nerve imaging to make difficult diagnoses. Lynn’s hobbies include traveling, cooking, running and swimming. She is currently completing her internship at Bassett Medical Center.
Claire Smith, MD
Dr. Smith was an undergraduate at University of Michigan, finished a Master of fine arts in writing at University of Texas Austin, and attended medical school at the University of Chicago. Befitting her background as a writer, her public service has included programs for literary outreach, teaching writing and reading, and work as a public school teacher. Her interest in communication led to her research in Patient Experiences during Awake Surgical Procedures, a novel and relevant project that has resulted in multiple papers and presentations. She has a reputation as an articulate, mature, and dedicated physician. In her spare time, she reads and writes poetry. She is currently completing her internship at MacNeal Hospital..
Michael daSilva, MD
Dr. daSilva completed undergraduate and medical training at the University of Nebraska. Michael finished his internship at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. His academic performance was at the highest level, garnering merit-based scholarships throughout his education as well as election to AOA. His publications highlight his work on uveitis management. While excelling academically, he found time to participate in the free clinic and to harvest corneas for the eye bank. On the wards he has a reputation as a dedicated hard worker who "goes the mile" for every patient. In his spare time, he enjoys attending musical performances; in Los Angeles he will find that much easier than his other hobby, fly fishing.
Eliot Dow, MD, PhD
Dr. Dow fnished his undergraduate degree in biology at Ohio State, and then went on to finish a PhD in Neuroscience at The Rockefeller University. He stayed in New York for medical school at Weill Cornell and completed his internship at Presence St. Francis Medical Center. His award-winning doctoral research developed a new technique for mapping the innervation of sensory receptor cells. In addition to his scientific success, Eliot has shown expertise as an entrepreneur, founding and running a software company, and leading the Cornell Business in Medicine Club. His professors commented not just on his academic prowess but also his sense of humor, compassion and professionalism. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, guitar, bouldering, and biking.
Nicholas Iafe, MD
Dr. Iafe finished his undergraduate degree at Stanford before he joined us at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He completed his internship at Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles. Nicholas was already well known to our faculty; his research with Dr. David Sarraf, MD has resulted in multiple well regarded publications and presentations. He has also been active in global health, showing leadership throughout undergraduate and medical school, including a grant-supported project involving AIDS prevention in Peru. In his clinical rotations, Nick established a reputation as a compassionate and dedicated physician, and a team player highly regarded by staff, faculty, and peers. Nick's hobbies include art--he draws and does photography--and outdoor activities including running, hiking, and biking.
Jaffer Kattan, MD
Dr. Kattan finished his undergraduate degree in biology at Berkeley and his medical training at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Jaffer completed his internship at Olive View – UCLA Medical Center. He worked with Dr. Anthony Aldave, MD on a Dean's Leadership in Health and Science Scholarship, and with our Pediatric Ophthalmology service, resulting in multiple publications including a first author paper in AJO. He also has a consistent record of significant volunteer work, including active work in multiple free clinics and the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic. On the wards he is known for his dedication, professionalism and consideration for colleagues. Jaffer is a highly competitive soccer player, competing in the national championship, and he also enjoys technology including computer software.
Anh Pham, MD, PhD
Dr. Pham was brought by her parents to the United States from Vietnam, and was immediately placed on a trajectory of impressive academic and scientific achievement. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, attended medical school at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, and obtained her Ph.D. in biology at Cal Tech. Anh finished her internship at Huntington Memorial Hospital. She has glowing recommendations from our very own faculty in the Doheny Eye Institute, who comment on her intellectual stamina and creativity, as well as her dedication and compassion as a physician. Dr. Pham aims to become a leading physician-scientist in ophthalmology, studying gene therapy, antibody engineering, and mitochondrial dynamics.
Ernest Puckett, MD
Dr. Puckett finished his undergraduate degree in bioengineering before completing medical school at UT Austin. Ernest completed his internship at Olive View – UCLA Medical Center. His academic career was characterized by performance at the highest level, with multiple clinical honors; he is known as an ethical, hardworking, and accomplished physician. He has written multiple papers and chapters, and his preceptors commented on his curiosity and passion for research. He was involved in community service throughout college and medical school, such as teaching eye exams to underclassmen. He is fast not only academically but on the track as well: Ernest qualified for Regional Championships and the USA Triathlon.
Austin Woolley, MD
Dr. Woolley completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University and finished medical school at Case Western Reserve. Austin went on and completed his internship at MetroHealth in Cleveland. His academic record is remarkable, performing at the top of his class throughout undergraduate and medical training. His clinical professors have raved about his patient interaction skills, intelligence, and energy. Austin has shown leadership, versatility, and tenacity in multiple extracurricular activities starting with Eagle Scout and most recently, heading a project to build a bicycle track to improve the local Cleveland community. His ability to see projects through has also helped him amass an impressive portfolio of publications, including a highly cited paper on Body Dysmorphic Disorder. He is also a championship ski racer.
Andrea Yonge, MD
Dr. Yonge finished her undergraduate studies at Cornell, and completed medical school at Johns Hopkins. Andrea completed her internship at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West. Her research career began with neuroscience research in Alzheimer's disease; her new focus is on public health, resulting in multiple publications related to preventing falls in glaucoma patients. Her advisers at Hopkins commended her on her remarkable abilities in the lab, where she received many clinical Honors, showing enthusiasm, dedication, teamwork, and sophisticated clinical reasoning. She demonstrated leadership in teaching and coaching medical students in the Student Preceptor Program. While performing at a stellar level academically, Andrea finds time to indulge in competitive rock climbing and dancing.
Judd Cahoon, MD, PhD
Dr. Cahoon was an undergraduate at University of Utah, honoring in Exercise and Sports Science, and completed his MD and PhD degree at University of Utah School of Medicine. Judd stayed in Utah and finished his internship at Intermountain Medical Center. His research interest in diabetic retinopathy has resulted in developing a novel therapy for the disease in mice. Judd has published multiple scientific papers and presented at national meetings for which he has been recipient of prestigious awards. He has been praised for his surgical skills, and he has been entrusted to insert IOL’s and place conjunctival sutures. Judd’s professors have commented on his warm and engaging personality and his great sense of humor. He is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. Judd played rugby during high school and college, and during his spare time he enjoys playing the guitar and traveling with his wife and two children..
Tamara Lenis, MD, PhD
Dr. Lenis completed her undergraduate studies at Columbia University in New York, and attended medical school at the Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, where she was a top student working with noted ocular geneticist Dr. Elias Traboulsi. Tamara went on to finish her internship at Olive View – UCLA Medical Center. She did a visiting student elective at Columbia with EyeSTAR alumnus Steven Tsang, MD, PhD. Along the way, Tamara also obtained a M.S. degree in clinical research at Case Western Reserve and published multiple research papers in ophthalmology. Rounding out her activities, she pursues the arts, including drawing, sculpting, and painting.
Cameron Pole, MD
Dr. Pole was an undergraduate at University of Florida, completed medical school at University of Miami, and finished his internship at Olive View – UCLA Medical Center. While being a stellar medical student Cameron found time to participate in multiple research projects, investigating suitable lectins for isolating neuron soma and dendrites. His mentor has praised him as a gifted writer, and he is the first author on numerous papers as well as a book chapter on corneal pluripotent stem cells. Throughout the pre-clinical years and clinical rotations Cameron performed at the highest level, achieving the highest marks in his classes. His preceptors at Miami commented not only on his intellect, but also on his sociability, humility, and his altruistic nature. In his spare time Cameron enjoys playing tennis, weight-lifting, and playing the piano and electric guitar.
David Stark, MD, PhD
Dr. Stark graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University, and completed medical school and his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Louisiana State University. David went on and finished his internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During his school years in New Orleans, Dr. Stark also became a versatile electric guitarist. His doctoral advisor was Nicholas G. Bazan, M.D., Ph.D., with whom Dr. Stark has published his work in top neuroscience journals. Dr. Stark joined the EyeSTAR Program’s post-doctoral fellowship track in 2014, applying advanced research in neuroscience to clinical problems in ophthalmology as a physician-scientist.
Sandip Suresh, MD
Dr. Suresh graduated from University of Wisconsin and completed medical school at University of Minnesota. Sandip finished his internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. His research interest in ocular complications of inflammatory bowel diseases and intra-ocular biopsies in the management of uveal melanomas has resulted in multiple publications, many of which feature Sandip himself as the first author. He is a passionate teacher, involved in teaching students in various levels throughout his career. His teachers comment not only on his intelligence, thoroughness, organization, and devotion to details, but also on his kind personality and superb bedside manner. Sandip is an avid runner and enjoys biking, however his most favorite hobby is ultimate frisbee.
Qing Wang, MD, PhD
Dr. Wang obtained her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University. She then moved to the Big Apple (Columbia University), where she obtained her Ph.D. in neurobiology and behavior, and was an outstanding medical student with top-notch Board scores and glowing reviews for hard work, professionalism and upbeat attitude on the wards. During this time, she worked with our own EyeSTAR alumnus, Professor Stephen H. Tsang, M.D., Ph.D., and extensively in the laboratory of Dr. Carol Mason. Qing also completed her internship at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. In her spare time, Quing converses in both Mandarin and Spanish, has run the New York City marathon and New York City triathlon, and is a ballroom dancer. She also acts in modern and Shakespearean productions.
Madeline Yung, MD
Dr. Yung is a Bruin through and through, finishing her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at UCLA, and completing medical school at David Geffen. Madeline stayed in Los Angeles and finished her internship at Olive View – UCLA Medical Center. Throughout her years at UCLA she had been at top of her class, earning the prestigious Regents scholarship, graduating summa cum laude, and excelling through her clinical rotations with 6 distinction letters. Madeline is an accomplished researcher: she worked in microbiology as an undergraduate student, and her work with Drs. Levinson and Sarraf has resulted in multiple publications and presentations at national meetings. Many of us have had the opportunity to observe her intelligence, outstanding clinical skills, remarkable work ethic, and warm personality. Madeline is an avid runner, and in her spare time she enjoys hiking and reading.
Adrian Au, MD
Dr, Au was an undergraduate at USC and completed medical school at Case Western Reserve University. He finished his internship at Olive View – UCLA Medical Center. Adrian aspires to be a physician scientist, and his passion for scientific research is evident from the number of his publications and presentations in national meetings. As a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow Adrian excelled in both clinical and bench research at Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cole Eye Institute, where he most notably studied molecular mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa. His professors described Adrian as a self-motivated, competitive, extremely hardworking individual who performed at the level of an intern during his clinical rotation as a third year medical student. Adrian is an avid soccer fan, and in his spare time he enjoys biking, hiking, and playing the violin.
Sarah Cheng, MD
Dr. Cheng completed her undergraduate and medical training at Stanford University. She has worked with highly regarded research mentors at Stanford and at the NEI, resulting in multiple publications including a paper in Nature. She is an inquisitive and resourceful scientist who has independently developed innovative approaches to her research. She combines her passion and skill in research with outstanding talent for patient care. Sarah's clinical preceptors commented on her calm confidence, compassionate bedside demeanor, advanced technical ability, and humility. Sarah has the drive, intelligence, and stamina to be a highly successful physician scientist. She is also a ranked figure skater, and her baking recipes have been published and used commercially.
Erika Ellis, MD
Dr. Ellis was an undergraduate at the University of Arkansas. She took time out from her electrical engineering curriculum to pursue her interests in ballroom dancing and theatrical costuming, but with an international flair as she worked briefly as an Irish scribe in Limerick. While a medical student at the University of California, San Diego, she took two years out for serious research as a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator studying retinal ganglion cell projections to the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate nucleus. Not content with this research experience, Dr. Ellis completed a master’s degree in Vision Science at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. It is therefore unsurprising that Dr. Ellis has entered the Stein Eye Institute EyeSTAR program to obtain her Ph.D. while pursuing her ultimate dream to become an ophthalmic physician-scientist researching vision restoration and neuroprotection.
Michel Sun, MD, PhD
Dr. Sun finished her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University and completed her combined MD and PhD degree at Washington University in St. Louis. She finished her internship at Loma Linda Medical Center. Michel’s research interest is in immunology, and she has studied cowpox immunoevasion protein and its role in modulating host defense. Most recently Michel has become involved in studying rheumatologic management of anterior uveitis. She has found time to participate in community outreach programs, educating undergraduate students about AIDS, and facilitating distribution of eyeglasses to underserved communities. Academically she has excelled at all levels, and earned honors during her pre- clinical years as well as during her clinical rotation on the wards. Michel is a competitive archer and an accomplished artist.
Cory Hoeferlin, MD
Dr. Hoeferlin was an undergraduate at Dartmouth College and completed medical school at Emory University.?Cory took a non-traditional route to medical school, with stops initially as a Scientist at RPS/Iris Environmental and then a Contract Environmental Data Analyst at Google.?Upon arrival at Emory, Cory had been active in many leadership positions involving underserved communities.?Cory’s research has combined his interest in economics and quality, focusing on the economic implications of emergent ophthalmology consultation for orbital wall fractures.?Additionally, Cory is the recipient of numerous academic accolades and scholarships. In his free time, Cory enjoys urban farming, kayaking, and tacos.?He is currently completing his internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
