Pediatrics

Fellows

4th Year (Research)

Bassem Shoucri MD, PhD

Hometown: Los Angeles

Medical School: University of California, Irvine

Residency: UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital – Accelerated Research Pathway

Why I chose UCLA: First, having been a resident at UCLA I knew that the clinical training would be excellent. Both the endocrine faculty and the diverse patient populations served at our two training sites (UCLA and Millers Children’s) make UCLA an ideal place to learn how to practice endocrinology. Second, the Department of Pediatrics and the School of Medicine includes a rich community of physician-scientists with ample opportunities to collaborate and find mentors and near-peers across specialties. There is also significant institutional support for fellows interested in academic careers – this includes the STAR program, which I have participated and provides mentoring and didactics for physician-scientist trainees. Finally, UCLA is a formidable biomedical research hub that brings in hundreds of millions of NIH dollars annually. The hospital, clinics, labs, and undergraduate campus are in close proximity, which encourages collaboration and allows physician-scientists to fulfill clinical and research obligations in the same day.

Research interests: I am interested in the genetic, environmental, and developmental origins of obesity and type 2 diabetes. As a research fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Tontonoz, I am studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of healthy adipose tissue expansion to prevent diabetes.

Research support: My postdoctoral research has been supported by the William F. Friedman Endowed Fellowship from the Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute as well as the Pediatric Scientist Development Program from the Association of Medical School Department Chairs and the NICHD.

Non-research interests: When I’m not at work, I can be found at the beach or park with my wife and two daughters.

2nd Year

Marcos Estrada Rodriguez, MD

Hometown: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Medical School: Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil

Residency: BronxCare Health System, New York

Why I chose UCLA: After deciding to spend three more years focusing on a specialty, I really wanted to be a part of a big institution with many available resources for my professional development and top-notch healthcare professionals to learn from. Not to mention, I am trading the cold winter of New York for sunny L.A.

Research Interest: I am interested in calcium metabolism and mineral bone disease.

Non-research Interest: Running, soccer, trying different cuisines, dog walking.

Carmen Plaza Mejias, MD

Hometown: Puerto Rico

Medical School/Residency: University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus

Why I chose UCLA: I chose UCLA for its strong clinical training, supportive mentorship, and flexibility for individualized fellowship pathways. The program’s collaborative culture and diverse patient population provide an ideal environment to grow as a Med-Peds–trained physician and to pursue my goal of becoming a combined pediatric endocrinologist.

Research Interest: My interests focus on disorders of glucose metabolism and obesity, with an emphasis on translational research that improves clinical decision-making and continuity of care across the pediatric–adult transition, particularly in minority populations, including the Latino community, and in preventive care strategies.

Non-research Interest: I am passionate about medical education and mentorship. Outside of medicine, I prioritize spending time with family and friends, and I enjoy traveling, playing volleyball, dancing, and staying active—whether at the gym, running, Pilates, yoga, or hiking—along with exploring new places, food, and experiences.