Pediatrics
Fellows
3rd 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.
1st Year
Mariana Colussi-Pelaez, MD
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Medical School: University College Cork, Ireland
Residency: UMass Baystate Springfield, MA
Why I chose UCLA: I really liked the collegiality, ability to create an individualized schedule based on your career goals and a plethora of scholarly opportunities
Research Interest: Diabetes, Obesity, and Secondary effects of oncology treatment
Non-research Interest: Coffee, walking by the beach, spending time with friends and family, traveling, paint by number, napping
Allison Yu, MD
Hometown: Bay Area, California
Medical School: University of California, Davis School of Medicine
Residency: Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Why I chose UCLA: I chose UCLA for its wealth of resources within a large institution as well as the range of patient populations between the main hospital and the satellite sites. I wanted a program that combined flexibility and strong clinical training.
Research Interest: I am interested in obesity medicine, thyroid disease, and medical education. I enjoy working with residents and improving educational experiences.
Non-research Interest: Since moving to the west side, I have enjoyed "running" on the beach, gazing longingly at pastries, discovering bike lanes, and sharing family dinners with friends.