Transplant ID

Meet the Team

TID faculty members Pryce Gaynor, Joanna Schaenman, Ashrit Multani, and Eugene Beaird
TID faculty members Pryce Gaynor, Joanna Schaenman, Ashrit Multani, and Eugene Beaird

Department and Faculty

Joanna M. Schaenman, MD, PhD
Joanna M. Schaenman, MD, PhD
Director of Advanced Clinical Training Program in Transplant ID
Omer E. Beaird, MD
Omer E. Beaird, MD
Infectious Diseases
Avatar
Pryce T. Gaynor, MD
Infectious Diseases
Avatar
Seema Arun Mehta Steinke, MD, MS
Infectious Diseases
Ashrit Multani, MBBS
Ashrit Multani, MBBS
Infectious Diseases
Lauren K. Yanagimoto-Ogawa, DO, MSPH
Lauren K. Yanagimoto-Ogawa, DO, MSPH
Infectious Diseases

Current fellow

Chelsea Morinishi, MD, MPH 

Chelsea Morinishi, MD, MPH

Hometown: South San Francisco 
General ID Fellowship: UCLA 
Residency: California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 

I was eager to continue my post-graduate training in Transplant Infectious Diseases at UCLA because of the ample opportunities for discovery and learning in this unique area of ID; from the emphasis on clinical research projects to exploring the nuances of diagnostics and management with the TID faculty. I am actively encouraged to question the cognitive approach to challenging cases, which has been intellectually stimulating. The quality of mentorship in research and professional development is also unlike anything I've experienced before. The opportunity for such broad exposure to all solid organ types and hematopoietic stem cell patients has helped me to define my clinical interests. Not to mention, Foodie Fridays are a fun way for us to bond over a common love for food and our wonderful city!

Testimonial from a past fellow

“I was drawn to UCLA because of the work ethics and camaraderie of the transplant ID team. The faculty and the past fellows are very supportive and provide remarkable mentorship to the incoming fellow. In addition, UCLA caters infinite opportunities and resources to their fellows. As a fellow, I am able to participate in didactic teaching lectures and conferences to enhance our knowledge in the field.

I like TID because I am inclined to   assist in the care of immunocompromised patients whether it’s diagnosis, treatment, pathophysiology or creating awareness. TID is a unique and challenging field, but it offers infinite opportunities for growth and learning. 

I am not a native of LA, but I immediately fell in love with the city because of the beautiful valley sunsets, numerous beaches, and places to hike. I like doing outdoor activities and the city offers numerous places to soak in the local culture. I live very close to major shopping centers, restaurants, grocery stores. I am also at a drivable distance to many major cities in California and neighboring states.”

Past fellows

  • Lauren Ogawa, Clinical Instructor in Transplant ID at UCLA
  • Avneet Kaur, Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, City of Hope
  • Pryce Gaynor, Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
  • Deepa Nanayakkara, Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, City of Hope
  • Sandy Chang

    Sandy Y. Chang, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Infectious Disease at Loma Linda University. Dr. Chang specializes in immunocompromised hosts, including solid organ transplant, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, autoimmune disease on immunosuppression, and other malignancy on chemotherapy. Her research interest lies in the use of molecular testing as a diagnostic tool for infections, and health disparities in minority transplant patients.