Cintya beltran, MD
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Talpa de Allende/ Indio , Mexico
Undergrad: College of the Desert and University of California San Diego
Medical School: University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
Why LAGMC/USC?: I have always dreamt of a place where everyone is welcome with open arms, regardless of race, language or literally anything and after doing an away at LA General I knew this was the place for me from day 1. Everyone I met had a heart of gold and CARED so much about their patients. It was really hard to picture my life without being a part of a team that was able to provide exceptional care to such a diverse community.
Plans for after residency: MedPeds hospitalist, with street medicine on my days off or maybe addition medicine or gender affirming care
zain Khalifeh, MD
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Los Angeles
Undergrad: UCLA
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Why LAGMC/USC?: The mission-driven community at LA General was the highlight of my medical school training. Every off-site rotation made me miss LAGMC even more. I couldn’t imagine a more supportive professional community and a more deserving patient population.
Plans after residency: I am still figuring out who I want to be when I grow up! Some days, I’m toying with the idea of adult congenital cardiology. Other days, I imagine myself as a pediatric intensivist who picks up medicine ward shifts. I’m excited to pave my path over the next 4 years!
Nick Polanco, MD
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergrad: Florida State University
Masters: Tulane University
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
Why LAGMC/USC?: Community was very important to me, both the service in the community of patients serve and the strength of community within the residency program. From the start, LAG/USC felt like home and it was clear I wanted to be at a program with likeminded individuals who strive to provide excellent care for underserved folks. I also have a special interest in serving minority Spanish speaking populations and wanted a program that reflect this in their patient population.
Plans after residency: I would like to possibly pursue fellowship in Cardiology, either adult or pediatric, and pursue a career in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Nyah rodman, MD
Pronouns: she/they
Hometown: Lakewood, California
Undergrad: California State University, Fullerton
Medical School: University of California, San Diego
Why LAGMC/USC?: I wanted to train in an environment that prioritizes providing care for underserved communities, as I wanted my training to reflect my future practice. Health equity and social justice is something I’ve always valued and advocated for- and once I met the Med-Peds squad during interview season, I knew this was the place for me!
Plans for after residency: Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Cardiology, or Pediatric Hospitalist Fellowship. Or perhaps Med-Peds Primary Care. The sky’s the limit!
Niko victoria, MD
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Undergrad: Loyola Marymount University
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Why LAGMC/USC?: The community and people in and out of the hospital.
Plans for after residency: Not sure yet