Vision
To work and thrive in a culture of inclusion that enables faculty and trainees to care and advocate for a diverse community of patients and families.
Mission
The Pediatric Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Committee is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion and an appreciation for diversity. We support residents, fellows, and faculty members across all areas of diversity including, but not limited to, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and socioeconomic status. Our goal is to expand cultural awareness and sensitivity, as well as to enrich the services we provide to the increasingly diverse populations at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
Core Values
Innovation/Education: Enhance our learning environment by promoting diversity among trainees and faculty in order to contribute to the success of graduates who will provide care to a diverse patient population.
Recruitment: Facilitate recruitment, retention, professional excellence, and overall well-being among medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty.
Community: Strengthen mentoring programs for residents, fellows, and faculty to enhance professional growth and academic success in teaching, research, and patient care. Maintain an active alumni network.
Social Responsibility: Maintain a commitment to the surrounding community by addressing barriers to care for children while empowering and advocating for patients and their families to improve health.
Compassion: Work with patients, families, and colleagues in a compassionate and empathetic environment. Treat all with respect and dignity.
Communication: Create strong communication pathways among students, residents, fellows, faculty, alumni, and the community.
Subcommittees & Projects
Member Support Subcommittee
- Facilitates mentoring and community-building among residents, fellows, and faculty.
- Helps create a safe space for dialogue and reflection.
- Hosts D&I listening sessions.
Recruitment Subcommittee
- Creates opportunities for prospective applicants to connect with current residents and faculty.
- Organizes our one-to-one applicant outreach program, whereby applicants may opt in to be contacted by one of our members.
- Hosts CHLA D&I Applicant Dinners and Socials and pre-interview season D&I Committee “Meet & Greet.”
Education Subcommittee
- Reviews and provides input on the residency curriculum to ensure there is integration of and emphasis on topics related to diversity, health equity, structural competency, and inclusion.
- Implemented a new set of guidelines/framework for lecturers to center their talks on issues of race, poverty, and inequity.
- Members of this subcommittee created CHLA’s Anti-Racism Toolkit in partnership with CHLA’s Racial Equity Task Force.
- Members of this subcommittee also sit on CHLA’s ACGME Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Subgroup.
MedEd Pipeline Subcommittee
- Strengthens the relationship between Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and undergraduate medical education organizations including the Student National Medical Association, Latino Medical Student Association, and MedLambda.
- Identifies avenues to connect with local pre-medical students.
- Sponsors residents to attend national conferences, including LMSA National and SNMA AMEC.
- Home of the Diversity & Inclusion Mentoring Program, which is a CHLA resident-led pipeline program that provides mentorship and early exposure to pediatrics and academic medicine for students who identify as underrepresented in medicine.
Advocacy & Outreach Subcommittee
- Engages the D&I Committee in community partnership, organization and outreach.
- Facilitates partnership with existing bodies, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, to enable leadership in developing policy opinions.
- Creates voting guides and coordinates gift card drives for patients who screen positive for food insecurity.
Fellows Subcommittee
- Fosters a supportive environment for fellows of the D&I Committee to connect.
- Goal of increasing fellow participation and retention.
Prospective Applicants
Join us for our pre-interview season D&I Committee Meet & Greet!
We will be hosting multiple D&I Committee Applicant Dinners & Socials during the fall/winter interview season.
Contact us to be connected with a resident, fellow, or faculty member of the D&I Committee.
D&I Committee Members
Click here to view the Program and Faculty Brochure (PDF).
Residents
PGY-3
Camille Davis
About me: Born and raised in Riverside, California, and then spent 10 years on the East Coast before coming back to California for residency. I am first-generation American with both parents hailing from the Caribbean. I am also the first physician in my family. When not in the hospital or at home playing Animal Crossing, I love exploring L.A. and the surrounding area. There is so much to do and to see!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Advocacy for children from underrepresented groups in STEM and medicine - strengthening the pipeline to these fields and getting children excited about science; advocating for children and adolescents with LGBTQ+ identities as they navigate the health care system
Favorite thing about CHLA: The diverse patient population!
Sebastián Gualy
About me: I am a second-generation Mexican/Colombian American and the first in my family to enter medicine. Started in Houston, Texas, where I served as a translator in a community clinic serving undocumented and underinsured families. I found my way to Philly for medical school and am now excited to spend the next three years in Los Angeles. I love talking about primary care, adolescent medicine, and immigrant and refugee health. Outside of medicine, I love hiking and exploring with my wife and dog, game nights, and trying new recipes!
Pronouns: He/Him/El
Undergraduate School: Southwestern University
Medical School: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: immigrant and refugee health; advocacy; URM recruitment to mirror the community we serve
Favorite thing about CHLA: Our patients! It's incredibly special being able to serve a large Spanish-speaking immigrant community with the benefits of a large academic medical center.
Saloni Hegde
About me: I was born and raised in Southern California where I completed my education through undergrad. After taking a several-year detour to Ohio for medical school, I am absolutely thrilled to be back and at CHLA! I feel incredibly grateful to be working with the patients and populations that we serve within L.A.. I love cooking and baking, discovering new types of foods and restaurants, finding secret stairs around L.A., and binging a quality season of "Survivor!"
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: UCLA
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: health literacy and equity; mentorship; medical education centered around addressing the needs of our patient populations
Favorite thing about CHLA: Our amazing patients and my incredibly lovely co-residents!
John Carlo Pasco
About me: As a kid, I was only allowed to watch two hours of TV per day, which means I got really good at waiting until everyone was asleep to watch way more than two hours of TV per day. Over the years, I've probably watched over 10,000 hours of television, which is a terrifying number to behold. In those 10,000 hours, however, I've probably seen my ethnicity and my family's culture mentioned—let alone represented—for maybe a total of one hour. Maybe. Diversity to me is sharing and celebrating a diversity of stories in which people can see themselves—stories that they can identify with and in doing so feel empowered to tell their own stories so they don't have to wait 10,000 hours to feel seen.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Undergraduate School: Stanford University
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: narrative medicine; cultural humility; diversity within medical education; sharing and encouraging stories from those who do not often get to tell them
Favorite thing about CHLA: Obviously the people are amazing, but I have been eating tacos for dinner on average every four days and I am all about it.
Elizabeth Rinaldi
About me: I'm a native Southern Californian and am overjoyed to be here at CHLA taking care of our wonderful patients and families. In my free time, I enjoy playing board games with friends, cooking with my husband and taking care of my balcony garden.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Biola University
Medical School: UCLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: helping families of children with developmental delays and special needs access appropriate resources; advocacy within the school system
Favorite thing about CHLA: The location close to my family and friends, my awesome co-residents and the amazing families we get to see and learn from every day
Geena Zhou
About me: I grew up in San Diego and have lived in the Bay Area for a number of years after high school, so I am a Californian at heart, and I have a soft spot for Los Angeles, which is where I completed my undergraduate schooling. I am excited to be here at CHLA for my pediatric residency training. When I'm not in the hospital, I love to spend time with friends, going out to eat sushi, boba, and other great food, and exercising.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: UCLA
Medical School: UCSF
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: Increasing diversity and representation in medicine at all levels
Favorite thing about CHLA: CHLA is such a beautiful hospital, and all of the staff are so nice!
PGY-2
Jackie Antoun
About Me: I was raised by a large, loud, loving immigrant Egyptian community in sunny San Diego, California. As a fairly introverted child, my mom decided to put me on a stage to overcome my shy nature and I have loved dancing ever since. I stayed in Southern California for college and attended UCLA where I discovered by passion for working with underserved populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness and foster children. My love of working with children and disadvantaged communities continued throughout medical school and only further confirmed that pediatrics is the perfect fit for me! I am so happy to back home in Southern California and contribute to CHLA's mission to care for the underserved children of Los Angeles. Outside of medicine, I continue to love to dance and move my body in any way I can through yoga, Pilates and nice long walks. I love exploring ~aesthetic~ coffee shops and trying new restaurants in LA with my partner and with friends as a self-proclaimed foodie. Whenever I can, I drive down to San Diego to spend time with my Shih Tzu puppy, Potato.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: UCLA
Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: ACEs research and mitigation, people experiencing homelessness, foster children
Favorite Thing About CHLA: The people! I am constantly inspired and encouraged my colleagues who I love hanging out with both inside and outside of the hospital.
Jamie Atienza
About Me: I am a born and raised Angeleno. I grew up specifically in the San Fernando Valley and Koreatown. I spent most of my childhood eating my way through Los Angeles, going to Dodger games, and attending as many events that this beautifully diverse city has to offer. I popped on over to the east coast to Philadelphia for undergrad and was back in Irvine in SoCal for med school. When I am not working or in the hospital, I love to try new foods (one of my favorite things in the world is to discover a new taste I have never encountered before), binging tv/watching movies, anything involved with coffee, playing basketball, and having long life talks with friends in a nice outdoor patio or rooftop.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: University of California, Irvine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Increasing representation in medicine, mentorship, addressing disparities in health care access
Favorite Thing About CHLA: The kids and families we serve most definitely are at the heart of this program and this hospital. It is inspiring to see that everyone who works here truly puts the patients first and that the standard is going above and beyond for the them. It is such a privilege to learn from and care for this very special and diverse population. I also love my co-residents and we already have built so much respect and trust with each other as colleagues and friends.
Aurriel Fenison
About Me: I grew up majority of my life in southern California (because its the best!) but I really enjoy traveling and learning more about different cultures. It is on my bucket list to go to every continent — well maybe not Antarctica — and so far I'm halfway there. I enjoy binging Netflix/Hulu and am always looking for good shows or movies when I am not at work. One of my greatest accomplishments was finishing the first season of "Westworld" in 8 hours straight. Aside from being a couch potato, I enjoy working out and hiking. Lately I have also been getting into Pilates so I really enjoy going to different locations around LA.
Undergraduate: American University
Medical School: Loma Linda University
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Recruitment and education are my areas of interest. I know how instrumental representation was for me along my journey and would like to continue that.
Favorite Thing About CHLA: I love how incredibly nice and supportive everyone here is. They truly give a family vibe and are dedicated to help us succeed and be the best pediatricians possible. Also having a Coffee Bean onsite doesn't hurt either. I live in Koreatown and I love all the different restaurants they have. I love how it is basically 15-20 minutes from everything — West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills. I really enjoy hiking and they have amazing hiking locations with beautiful views.
Anna Grandis
About Me: I spent most of my life on the East Coast before coming to California for medical school, and now I can never leave. I love the diversity of nature and incredible diversity of life here. I hope to continue hearing the many different stories of the people who make up the community of LA, and learning how to uplift those stories. Outside of the hospital, I like going to dinner parties, admiring other people's gardens, greeting dogs I see on the street, and live music.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Brandeis University
Medical School: UCSF
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Narrative medicine, school-based health, engagement with the local community, health literacy, adolescent/youth empowerment
Favorite Thing About CHLA: The incredible families who trust us with their care, the amazing residents, and the breakfast burritos
Zachary Rane
About Me: I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and spent a few years working as an ER scribe and hospice volunteer before moving to California for medical school. My mother and my grandparents are teachers, and they instilled the value of mentorship in me when I was growing up. In medical school, I enjoyed participating in outreach efforts with local middle schools to encourage their students to pursue a career in medicine. I also appreciated the opportunity to mentor new medical students. When I'm not in the hospital, I enjoy reading, playing the piano/guitar, watching movies, and spending time with my partner and her 2 cats.
Pronouns: He/Him
Undergraduate School: University of Michigan
Medical School: University of California, San Diego
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Healthcare equity, mentorship, increasing diversity in medicine
Favorite Thing About CHLA: My colleagues, working with our patients and their families
Emelio Woodstock
About Me: I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY (Uptown!) to two Jamaican immigrant parents. My younger sister and I were heavily shaped by our rich Jamaican cultural upbringing. Starting in high school, I fostered a passion for mentoring youth from similar underserved backgrounds as myself, and have been inseparable from children ever since! I attended Syracuse University (Go Orange!) in the very frigid upstate New York, where I volunteered with and led many mentorship organizations, and became a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I also took the opportunity learn Spanish while studying abroad in Spain (my favorite city in the world is Barcelona), and completing medical internships in Argentina and Peru. After graduating from undergrad, I stayed behind in the city of Syracuse, NY and worked as a 2nd grade Math and ELA teaching assistant by day and an EMT on nights/weekends. I completed a post-bacc. Master's program at Stony Brook University and went on to attend their medical school. In my spare time, I like weight-lifting, digital photography, playing the piano, watching a Knicks' game, trying new restaurants (food has my heart), and cooking the Jamaican dishes I grew up eating. I'm naturally an introvert, so I enjoy my fair share of Netflix and Chill by myself to unwind after a long day.
Pronouns: He/Him
Undergraduate School: Syracuse University
Medical School: Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: I'm interested in mentorship and advocacy/outreach.
Favorite Thing About CHLA: My co-residents!
Allison Yu
About Me: I'm a Bay Area native coming to LA for the first time. Catch me hiking in Griffith Park, buying too many books, and eating every kind of cuisine.
Pronouns: They/Them
Undergraduate School: Rice University
Medical School: UC Davis
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Representation in medicine
Favorite Thing About CHLA: The people, the view of the hills, the watermelon from the cafeteria, the hallway of art on the second floor, and the Rodney Vons combination.
Fellows
Kevin Basiago - Hospital Medicine Fellow
Pronouns: He/Him
Undergraduate School: Loyola Marymount University
Medical School: Western University - College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Residency Program: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Christopher Chu - Gastroenterology Fellow
About Me: I am a second-generation Chinese-American born and raised in Chicago, I miss having seasons and good pizza. I used to enjoy racquet sports until I completely tore my ACL.
Pronouns: He/His/Him
Undergraduate School: Oberlin College
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine
Residency Program: Children's Hospital of Orange County
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Mentorship and recruitment, improving patient/family medical knowledge and literacy, LGBTQIA; immigrant advocacy
Favorite Thing About CHLA: The people! From all the co-workers to the patients and families themselves!
Aditi Dasgupta - Endocrinology Fellow
Pronouns: She/Her
Anna Egan – Hospital Medicine Fellow
About me: I enjoy hiking, cooking and doing whatever silly dances or voices it takes to make my daughter belly laugh.
Undergraduate School: Harvard University
Medical School: UC Irvine
Residency: Cornell University
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Looking for everyday opportunities to advocate for my patients in the hospital; working to create a more accepting, inclusive and diverse work environment; supporting women and mothers in medicine
Favorite thing about CHLA: The faculty mentorship and the opportunity to care for the underserved.
Marianela Gomez Rincon – Adolescent Medicine Fellow
About me: I was born and raised in Mexico and moved to the U.S. to complete my residency in pediatrics at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, New York. My areas of interest within Adolescent Medicine are gender-diverse youth and mental health. In my free time I enjoy opera, the beach and lettering.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Medical school: Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: I have experience working with patients in rural areas of Mexico as well as immigrants and other underserved populations in the Bronx, which along with personal experiences as a member of an ethnic group that is underrepresented in the field of medicine, has sparked my interest in promoting equity and access to health care, education and career advancement for all.
Favorite thing about CHLA: The culture of inclusion and striving to provide the best care to patients.
Ola Kassis – Nephrology Fellow
About me: I was born and raised in Israel. I love hiking with my dog, Krav Maga and cross-stitching.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Medical Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem
Medical School: Bruce and Ruth Rapapport, Technion, Haifa, Israel
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: While growing up and completing my medical training in Israel, I witnessed the needs of children living in active conflict regions such as Gaza and Syria. I was constantly inspired by their passion and perseverance despite being surrounded by cruelty. I ultimately aspire to take my training and combine it with my passion for helping those in communities ravaged by war.
Favorite thing about CHLA: Dog Therapy!
Laquanda Knowlin - Surgical Simulation Fellow
Pronouns: She
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina-Upstate
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Health disparities in the pediatric population, cultural competency, and mentorship
Favorite Thing About CHLA: Diverse patient population
Nisha Kumar
Pronouns: She/Her
Undergraduate School: Rutgers
Medical School: New York Medical College
Residency Program: Boston University Medical Center
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Gender, race, sexuality diversity and inclusion
Hannah Lively-Endicott – Critical Care Fellow
About Me: I'm a SoCal native and 2nd year critical care fellow. My academic interests are in injury prevention and public safety. I'm a hiking, weight lifting, and cooking hobbyist. I have an adorable dog named Frank and I am secretly always hoping you'll ask to see photos.
Pronouns: She/Her
Undergraduate School: UC Davis
Medical School: University of Queensland
Residency: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Community safety, equitable healthcare access, addressing medical bias
Favorite thing about CHLA: Getting to work with people who are passionate about improving the lives of children both inside and outside of the hospital
Natalia Sidhu
About Me: Born and raised in El Paso, TX on the US-Mexico border as a first generation American, I have had a longstanding passion for working with and for diverse populations. Through my residency training, I acted as a URiM recruitment committee director, held an inaugural position on the Diversity Advisory Committee, and engaged in scholarly work to improve race conscious medicine. Currently, I am part of CHLA's Cultural Humility & Equitable Care Council and strive to model advocacy and promote equity for all patients in my clinical practice as a hospital medicine fellow.
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Undergraduate School: University of British Columbia
Medical School: Texas Tech University HSC Foster School of Medicine
Residency Program: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Recruitment and retention of URiM, cultural humility & equitable care, immigrant & border health
Favorite Thing About CHLA: My favorite thing about CHLA is the institution's appreciation of and celebration for the diversity of the patients, staff, and faculty.
Yuding Wang - Urology Fellow
About Me: Second year urology fellow from Canada with interest in medical education and educational equality and diversity
Pronouns: He/Him
Undergraduate School: Queens University
Medical School: University of Western Ontario Schulich School of Medicine
Residency Program: McMaster University
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Educational equality and diversity for learners of all levels
Favorite Thing About CHLA: Everything about it, but really the depth of the people involved in the care of children
Belina Yi - Rheumatology Fellow
About Me: Born and raised in South Korea, lived all over the United States, now in Los Angeles! Love traveling, thriller movies, and marine animals (especially orcas).
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Touro University in California
Residency Program: University of New Mexico
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Socioeconomic disparities
Favorite Thing About CHLA: Nursing staff, support staff, and of course, my co-fellows and attendings... AND weekly dog therapy is the best!
Faculty
Ashaunta Anderson – General Pediatrics Faculty
About me: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, outpatient general pediatrician whose research focuses on racial socialization (how children learn about race in the world) and quality of care in sickle cell disease
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Stanford University
Medical School: Harvard Medical School
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: Health disparities research
Favorite thing about CHLA: Opportunities to make a difference
Tanya Arora – Hospice and Palliative Medicine Faculty
About me: Attending in Palliative Care and professor at USC Keck School of Medicine Global Medicine Program
Pronouns: She/Her
Undergraduate School: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: USC Keck School of Medicine
Residency: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Cultural humility; medical education; centering clinical care around the lived experiences of patients and families
Favorite thing about CHLA: The people that choose to work here are united in a purpose to provide the best care possible to patients. We are dedicated, committed and caring.
Irma Breakfield - Psychotherapist
About Me: I am the newest therapist on the EAP team.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Committees, providing resources and services
Favorite Thing About CHLA: Building community
Michael Bryant – Hospital Medicine Faculty, Division Chief of Hospital Medicine
About Me: Love sports, food, travel and art.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Undergraduate School: West Point; University of California, Davis
Medical School: University of Cincinnati School of Medicine
Residency Program: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Increasing URiM representation in medicine at all levels.
Favorite thing about CHLA: The people (patients, families, colleagues)
Karen Camero – General Pediatrics Faculty
About me: I was born here in L.A. but moved to Venezuela when I was 12 because that’s where my family is originally from. There, I completed junior high, high school and medical school. Unfortunately, the country is going through a terrible economic and social crisis, so I decided to come back for my residency. I feel very fortunate to have been exposed to both cultures.
Undergraduate School/Medical School: University of Carabobo Faculty of Health Sciences
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Hispanic women in medicine; working with patients and families of Limited English Proficiency.
Favorite thing about CHLA: My co-residents, the surrounding area (especially McConnell’s Ice Cream) and our diverse and complex patient population.
Patty Castillo – General Pediatrics Faculty
Role: General Pediatrics Faculty
About me: I am an LA/San Gabriel Valley native. I love to travel, explore the L.A. food scene, dance and read. I am a general pediatrician and my clinical niche is pediatric obesity prevention and management.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: University of San Francisco
Medical School: Loyola Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Health equity among vulnerable populations; improving pipeline programs; advocacy
Favorite thing about CHLA: My colleagues and our patients!
Bianca Edison – Orthopedic Faculty; Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopedic Center Sports Medicine and Concussion Program; Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
About me: I love spending time with my family, athletics and cooking. My academic interests include injury prevention, nutrition and care of female athletes.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Harvard College
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: mentorship
Favorite thing about CHLA: The patients and families and the faculty.
Cynthia Enriquez – Chief Resident
About me: I was born and raised in Riverside, CA, and have been lucky to stay in Southern California for all of my education. Love this place too much to leave! After graduating college, I took two years off to do research and complete a post-baccalaureate program before starting medical school. I am so excited to be living in L.A. I love the vast diversity of people and cultures. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, checking out new food spots and bars, everything sports, movies and a good game night!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: UC San Diego
Medical School: UC Irvine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Being the first in my family to graduate college and now a Doctora, I am really passionate about mentorship and increasing diversity in medicine especially with Latinx recruitment efforts.
Favorite things about CHLA: The patient population we serve and my amazing co-residents! At CHLA I am inspired and challenged every day and supported to become the best physician advocate for our patients.
Kevin Fang – General Pediatrics Faculty, Associate Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program
About me: I am one of the Assistant Program Directors for the Pediatric Residency and a general pediatrician in our AltaMed clinic. Prior to medical school, I taught high school biology through Teach for America, which led to my interests in community advocacy and school health. After completing an internship and residency at CHLA, I did a fellowship in community medicine through Kaiser Permanente. I am currently working on projects at the intersection of primary education and child health, focused on addressing social determinants of health. Outside of work, you can find me watching more reality television than is healthy for one human being or trying to learn new songs on my keyboard—sometimes simultaneously.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Undergraduate School: Duke University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: school health; immigration
Favorite thing about CHLA: We are the only top Children’s Hospital that is also a safety net hospital. The people I work with are pretty cool, too.
Mayuri Ganupuru – Hospital Medicine Faculty
About me: I love really good comedy and Lifetime movies. Just kidding. They’re the same thing.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: University of Georgia
Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: equity and, within that, criminal justice reform
Favorite thing about CHLA: Its payer mix—more than 70% Medi-Cal—makes CHLA a gem among children’s hospitals.
Kameelah Gateau – Neonatology Faculty
About me: I am quickly on the path to becoming a CHLA lifer and I love it! I've now lived in Los Angeles for five years after relocating for my residency and have fallen in love with this city and its cultural richness and diversity! After completing residency and chief residency at CHLA, I took a year off to work as a NICU Hospitalist. I am currently a first year perinatal-neonatal fellow at LAC+USC/CHLA and aspire to spend my professional career identifying the associated/causal factors leading to the significantly poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes in the African American community. When I'm not at the hospital, you can find me outside as much as I can camping, hiking, brunching or simply enjoying the beautiful California sunshine.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: University of California Irvine
Medical School: University of California San Diego School of Medicine
Residency: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: recruiting, supporting and maintaining physicians from diverse backgrounds at a hospital, local and national level; generating policy aimed at ensuring our patients have the basic safety nets available to ensure health and lobbying at the state and local level
Favorite thing about CHLA: The patient population along with my colleagues and their dedication to advocacy in providing that diverse population with what they need to attain and maintain a healthy life.
Yvonne Gutierrez – General Pediatrics Faculty
About me: I love reading, refinishing furniture and exercising in my spare time.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Stanford University
Medical School: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: care of Latinx children with special health care needs in Los Angeles
Favorite thing about CHLA: Our patients, doctors, nurses and staff.
Adriana Hernandez – Hospital Medicine Faculty, Associate Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program
About me: Originally from St. Louis, Missouri. I love cooking everything that Bon Appetit tells me to, yoga, and I am currently working on hiking my way through our National Parks!
Undergraduate School: Tulane University
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: equitable health care for our large immigrant population
Favorite thing about CHLA: The people! I came here for residency and never left!
Joyce Javier – General Pediatrics Faculty
About Me: I am a general pediatrician and public health scientist whose research over the past 18 years has focused on addressing health disparities among minority immigrant populations. I completed my residency and general academic pediatrics fellowship at Stanford University. I enjoy swimming and crochet.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: UCLA
Medical School: UC Irvine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: implementing evidence-based interventions in community settings in order to promote the emotional well-being of youth; using community-based participatory research to prevent teen suicide and depression among Filipino youth; increasing the diversity of the academic workforce
Favorite thing about CHLA: The colleagues and trainees I work with!
Kelsey Johnson – Hospital Medicine Attending
About me: I was born and raised in Germany until 16 years old when I moved to California. I first came to Los Angeles for undergrad and fell in love with the diversity and culture that exists here, which is one reason I decided to stay for undergrad, medical school, CHLA residency, and now as an attending in the Division of Hospital Medicine. In my free time, I love going on walks with my dog, going to local farmers markets, and live music.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: UCLA
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Residency Program: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities in medicine, mentorship, equity in health care.
Favorite thing about CHLA: Hands down the people, including the patients, residents, and co-workers!
Alana Ju – Hospital Medicine Faculty
About me: Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, I came to CHLA for my residency and stayed for chief residency and now Hospital Medicine fellowship.
Undergraduate School: Harvard University
Medical School: UCSF
Residency: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: understanding disparities in care for families with limited English proficiency
Favorite thing about CHLA: I love the community of smart, passionate physicians who work here and the wonderful patients and families we have the privilege to serve.
Joshua Kallman – Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Faculty
About me: Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, Texas. I love running, hiking, going to beaches, trying new food and watching movies!
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Undergraduate School: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine.
Residency: Emory University Pediatrics Residency Training Program; Fellowship: CHLA Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Working with patients from underserved areas to identify effective ways in which schools and communities can implement trauma-informed care for children that have been exposed to trauma or other adverse childhood events; exploring the complex developmental and behavioral needs of immigrant children and children who have been detained at the border; very passionate about diversity and inclusion in all domains and political advocacy efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
Favorite thing about CHLA: The people!
Gauri Kolhatkar – General Pediatrics Faculty
About me: I’m a twice-immigrant and speak four languages. Each of my nuclear family members was born on a different continent.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Stanford University
Medical School: Northwestern University
Residency Program: CHLA; Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship: Harbor-UCLA; Health Services Research Fellowship: UCLA Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program; Contemplative Medicine Fellowship: New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Mentorship/professional development; health equity and longitudinal care partnership for children and families with child welfare system involvement; mindfulness and compassion meditation as practices in service of the cultivation of internal awareness (including of biases) and of action toward collective well-being.
Favorite thing about CHLA: The community of people; the culture of learning; the centering of children.
Sean Kow – General Pediatrics Attending
About me: I am originally from California, went to undergrad and medical school in Texas, and now am back in California to serve the patient population here. I am Taiwanese American, enjoy cooking and hiking, and have an amazing boyfriend.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Undergraduate School: Rice University
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: LGBTQ+, health equity, cultural competency
Favorite thing about CHLA: The patients!
Jennifer Lau, MD - Anesthesiology Faculty
About Me: Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology, Program Director of the Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, Co-director of DEI in the Dept. of ACCM, Chair of the GMEC DEI Subcommittee
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: UC Berkeley (Go Bears!)
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
Residency Program: Massachusetts General Hospital
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Medical education, gender equity, mentorship
Favorite Thing About CHLA: The wonderful colleagues and trainees who care for our amazing patient population.
Fasha Liley, MD - General Pediatrics Faculty, D&I Committee Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: UCLA
Medical School: UCLA
Residency Program: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: Health care equity, training the next generation to know about and embrace diversity so that individuals are seen and not just race; changing academic culture to support and promote URM's.
Favorite thing about CHLA: The community here is like no other.
Gabriela Moriel – Emergency Medicine Faculty
About me: I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My only time away from L.A. was five years spent in the Midwest for college and my master’s in Global Health. Los Angeles is home for me in so many ways, especially because I get to serve the children of this beautifully diverse city. I am in the Global Health Impact track and I’m especially interested in working in Latin America. I love trail running, ice cream, happy hour and anything outdoors!
Undergraduate School: University of Notre Dame
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Residency: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: recruiting more Latinos into medicine and pediatrics; serving Spanish-speaking families; mentorship of medical and college students
Favorite thing about CHLA: My co-residents!
Sheela Rao – General Pediatrics Faculty
About me: I work on teaching and delivering trauma-informed care
Pronouns: She/Her
Undergraduate School: University of California Irvine
Medical School: Harvard Medical School
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: Addressing health inequities in the QI sphere
Favorite thing about CHLA: The people
Jennifer Raymond, MD, MCR – Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism; Clinical Diabetes Director
About me: I grew up on a farm in Kansas, and I went to college knowing I wanted to focus on caring for others. I wanted a path that combined behavioral health, continuity of care, working in a team, and advocacy, which led me to pediatric diabetes. I study behavioral interventions and clinical models, predominately in adolescents and young adults. I came to CHLA to specifically focus on advocacy and developing interventions for those who need us to be our absolute best. I am impressed, inspired and humbled by our patients, families and colleagues on a daily basis. When not at CHLA, I enjoy being outside, running trails, spending time with my family and being a mama—there is no better teacher than a 6-year-old!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Kansas State University
Medical School: University of Kansas
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: Equity in health care, representation within health care, and advocacy for changes in policies impacting underrepresented and lower SES children and families
Favorite thing about CHLA: The people! Our team members are all here because they, too, want to make a difference and care for those who need us to be our absolute best. It is incredible to be surrounded by people who share your passion for caring for all. And of course, the patients and families are unmatched!
Maria Santos – Hospital Medicine Attending
About me: I was born in Venezuela and mostly grew up in Houston surrounded by the Hispanic culture. I then moved away for college to the Midwest where I found how truly unique my culture was to me. I came to L.A. to be surrounded by that Hispanic culture again and this time, I hope to give back to the underserved people that grew up just like me. I love running, working out, cooking and lounging on the So Cal beaches every free minute I get.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: The Ohio State University...GO BUCKS!
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Advocating for families with limited English proficiency; women in medicine.
Jessica Sheth Bhutada - Hematology Oncology Faculty
About me: I was born in California but grew up in Kansas and am happy to be back in L.A. When I’m not working, I love long walks on the beach at sunset, hiking, exploring new restaurants and traveling!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Medical School: University of Kansas
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: health disparities in adolescents and young adults with cancer; adverse childhood experiences and fostering resiliency and post-traumatic growth; working towards building a more diverse and inclusive work environment
Favorite thing about CHLA: The exposure to a very diverse patient population and the general community.
Jasmine Smith – Hospital Medicine Faculty, Co-Chair of the Racial Equity Task Force
About me: I am a Southern California native and practice as a med-peds hospitalist. My non-clinical interests include entrepreneurship, financial literacy, classic fashion and vegetarian/vegan cuisine.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Stanford University
Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Recruitment and retention; mentorship; financial literacy
Favorite thing about Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: CHLA is an institution that prides itself on embracing and providing excellent care for all our patients. Compassionate, excellent and holistic care is the culture and expectation.
Hanna Song - CDEIO
About Me: chla.org/hanna-song-phd
Pronouns: She/Her
Education: PhD and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA, a master’s in Education Policy, Organizations, and Leadership Studies from Stanford University, and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interests: Assessment and evaluation; workforce and education; training
Favorite Thing About CHLA: Our mission and people!
Michelle Thompson – General Pediatrics Faculty, Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program
About me: I am a CHLA "lifer" who enjoys reading, music and shopping. I love to laugh! My academic area of focus is medical education.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: University of Virginia (UVA)
Medical School: UVA
Residency: CHLA
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Interest: Mentorship and promoting diversity and inclusion in academic medicine
Favorite thing about CHLA: The people (especially the patients and families we serve) and the mission. Learning from and with the residents and faculty every day.