Current Residents

Resident Spotlights:

BRETT MURAMOTO | PGY-1
Primary Care

Tulane School of Medicine

Hello! I’m Brett. I was born in Sacramento, raised in Seattle, and, until medical school, had spent my entire life on the West Coast. I then traded the Pacific for four unforgettable years in New Orleans at Tulane, where I was lucky enough to meet my amazing couples match partner, Olivia French, who is now a UCLA Pediatrics resident. When we applied to residency, we were looking for a program that would bring us closer to our families while also pushing us to grow both intellectually and professionally. UCLA quickly became our gold standard because of its diverse resident class, academic rigor, supportive faculty, socially diverse and medically complex patient population, and truly exceptional residents. Matching here honestly felt like the best-case scenario. Being back near family and old friends, enjoying the Southern California sunshine, and living so close to Disneyland certainly didn't hurt either. One thing that really stuck with me from interview day was the kindness I experienced from both the faculty and residents. I had come down with a pretty brutal case of the flu and could barely string together a coherent sentence, but everyone was incredibly gracious and understanding. During the resident breakout session, people spoke so openly and honestly about their experiences that it made the culture here feel genuine and welcoming. They reminded me that behind all the medicine are people who genuinely care about one another. Since starting residency, I've been in constant awe of my co-interns and upper levels—their knowledge, composure, and willingness to teach are inspiring. I'm excited to keep learning from them and, one day, pay that generosity forward to future interns. Outside the hospital, you'll usually find me playing basketball, working out, trying new fitness classes with Olivia, or spending time with friends and family. I can't wait to meet you all soon!

JULIA DAVIS-PORADA | PGY-1
PSTP

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Hi! I grew up in Connecticut and went to high school in New Hampshire before moving to New York City for undergrad at Columbia, where I studied biochemistry and worked in a lab studying dysregulated alternative splicing in ALS. After graduating, I spent two years at the Hospital for Special Surgery researching systemic lupus erythematosus, an experience that deepened my interest in immunology and pushed me toward a physician-scientist path. I returned to Columbia for my MD-PhD, where my dissertation focused on anti-viral and vaccine-induced immune memory in human tissues. I was drawn to UCLA's STAR program for its well-established yet still-growing research community, and I was especially inspired by the caliber of investigators here, from senior faculty to rising stars, along with the program's genuine institutional investment in physician-scientist training. UCLA's strength in immunology felt like the natural next step for expanding my work in human tissue immunology to better understand autoimmune disease. Just as important to me was finding a program with a fast-paced, high-volume clinical environment and a culture of teaching and mutual support, both of which were obvious from my very first conversations with current residents and faculty. I'm planning to pursue a rheumatology fellowship and develop a research program studying inflammatory and fibrotic pathways in tissues in patients with autoimmune diseases. Outside the hospital, you'll find me at the pool or the beach, taking a ballet class, wandering through an art gallery, or watching tennis with my husband. My co-residents have already been so welcoming, showing me around the city and driving me to clinic as I work up the courage to learn how to drive.

SANDRA KONG | PGY-1
Catagorical

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Hi everyone! I've called many places in the US home, from Dallas to Palo Alto to Baltimore, but returning to my birth city, Los Angeles, for residency feels like a full circle moment. I studied biomedical informatics and human rights at Stanford and moved cross-country to Johns Hopkins for medical school. Along the way, I've led health policy/advocacy groups, researched the heart-brain axis in heart failure and stroke, and spent a gap year as a public health analyst with the Dallas County Health and Human Services. These experiences nurtured my passion for using informatics and health systems innovation to improve cardiovascular care at a patient and population level. When applying for residency programs, I was looking for rigorous clinical training, exposure to diverse patient populations and practice settings, and opportunities to grow as a physician interested in improving health systems. UCLA stood out for all those reasons, but what ultimately made it feel like the right program for me was the genuine camaraderie among residents and faculty both in and out of the hospital. I'm incredibly excited to learn alongside my co-residents and grow together into compassionate physician leaders! Outside of the hospital, you can find me rock climbing, dancing bachata on the beach, or munching on the sweetest fruits at farmer's markets.

MICHELLE NGUYEN  |  PGY-2
Categorical

University of California San Francisco School of Medicine

Hello! I’m Michelle (she/hers), and I was born and raised in SoCal! I've spent my entire life in California, attending UCLA for undergrad and then moving north to complete medical school at UCSF. I couldn’t be happier to be back in SoCal for residency. When applying to residency programs, I hoped to find a place that would help me grow into the physician and person I aspire to be: someone who is kind, thoughtful, inquisitive, and deeply committed to both patients and colleagues. UCLA stood out to me for its academic rigor, supportive faculty, socially diverse and medically complex patient population, and truly exceptional residents. I felt it was the ideal environment to continue my training. Being close to family and the beach was the cherry on top! What especially resonated with me on interview day, and has proven true throughout my intern year, is how genuinely supportive the residents are toward one another. I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such smart, compassionate, and collaborative colleagues who always support each other. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy cooking with friends, spending time with family, visiting local farmers’ markets, and relaxing at happy hour with my co-residents. I’m so excited to meet all of you!

JARROD MOORE  |  PGY-2
Categorical

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Hello! My name is Jarrod Moore, and I’m originally from North Carolina. I moved to Boston for college and remained there to pursue an MD/PhD at the Boston University School of Medicine, where my research focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I primarily trained in a systems biology lab, collaborating closely with tissue engineers to better understand this complex disease. This work was particularly meaningful to me, as it allowed me to bridge biochemical and molecular research with human tissue, providing hands-on experience as a physician-scientist. I was drawn to UCLA for its culture of teaching, collaboration, and well-being. The program’s strong commitment to both scientific discovery and high-quality patient care aligns closely with my own values and approach to medicine. I’m thrilled to be training in an environment where I can learn from supportive mentors and colleagues who share a passion for excellence in both clinical practice and research. Earlier this year, I drove across the country with my fiancée, our cat, and a collection of plants—an experience that helped me appreciate both the adventure of relocating and the small comforts that make a new place feel like home. Since arriving in Los Angeles, I’ve enjoyed cultivating a variety of plants, including tropical fruit trees. I also enjoy playing sports, and the year-round sunshine has given me the chance to stay active and explore new hobbies like beach volleyball. My co-interns have already made me feel incredibly welcome, and I look forward to growing and learning alongside them over the next three years.

MONICA RAISS  |  PGY-2
Primary Care Track

Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

Hello! I am delighted to be writing this from my hometown of Los Angeles. I have fond childhood memories of visiting the UCLA campus to watch tennis at the local Mercedes-Benz Cup, so it feels surreal to now be training here as a physician. After graduating from high school, I moved to New York to attend Vassar College, where I first developed an interest in breast cancer. I remained in New York to conduct breast oncology research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—an experience that solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. I subsequently completed a postbaccalaureate program at Columbia University and earned my medical degree from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. As a medical student, I found that being a non-traditional student gave me the perspective and space to thoughtfully engage in oncology research and take on leadership roles, including serving as a leader of our student-run free clinic. When applying to residency, I sought a program that would reflect my longstanding commitment to health equity while offering exceptional clinical training in a supportive environment. UCLA has exceeded my expectations. I am continually inspired by the compassionate, driven community of residents and faculty. As a member of the Primary Care Track, I receive comprehensive training in both inpatient and ambulatory medicine. My continuity clinic sites at UCLA Santa Monica and UCLA Olive View offer me the unique opportunity to practice in both tertiary and county healthcare settings. Outside of medicine, I enjoy music (I often have The Lot Radio playing in the evenings), reading, and spending time at the beach.

JOSHUA RIVERA  |  PGY-2
Med-Peds

University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Hello! My name is Josh and I grew up in Pacifica, a quiet coastal town just outside of San Francisco and was raised by my mother, an immigrant from the Philippines, who instilled in me the importance of compassion and care for others—values that continue to shape my approach to medicine. I stayed close to home to attend UC Berkeley, where I majored in biology and minored in disability studies. As a pre-med student, I developed a strong passion in caring for individuals with chronic illnesses and those from underserved communities. Seeking to broaden my perspective, I moved to Los Angeles to attend the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. At UCLA, I refined my medical mission: to combine clinical excellence, research, and a nuanced understanding of social context in my practice. I was drawn to med-peds for its unique ability to provide longitudinal, comprehensive care for patients with complex, chronic conditions across the lifespan. Throughout medical school, I had the privilege of working closely with the internal medicine, pediatrics, and med-peds faculty and residents, gaining a firsthand look at the program’s outstanding training and mentorship. Experiences ranging from clinical work in culturally diverse settings to community outreach and medical education solidified my desire to continue my training here. The program’s strong foundation in leadership, skill development, and its supportive, down-to-earth culture made the decision clear. Outside of medicine, Los Angeles has become a second home. I’ve enjoyed exploring its breathtaking landscapes, diverse food scene, and vibrant nightlife—made even more meaningful by the incredible friendships I’ve formed along the way. There’s truly little more I could have asked for in a residency program.

ENAT AREGA  |  PGY-3
Categorical

University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Selam! My name is Enat Arega. As a fellow nomad, I have had the privilege of calling multiple places “home,” including Ethiopia, Oregon, New Hampshire, Washington, and now Los Angeles, where I completed medical school at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Prior to that, I attended Dartmouth College for my undergraduate and graduate studies in Quantitative Epidemiology. I am thrilled to continue my training at UCLA’s Internal Medicine Program, and it is such an honor to be surrounded by faculty/residents who lead with compassion and humility, strive for clinical excellence, and are leaders in medical education and research. These were the folks who inspired me to choose internal medicine during my medical school years, and I feel so lucky to continue to train under their mentorship and leadership. Over the next 3 years, I look forward to growing as a physician with my co-residents and hope to help recreate the supportive environment that I had as a medical student. My professional interests include cardio-oncology, medical education, community engagement, and clinical research. In my free time, you can catch me coffee shop hopping/exercising/watching soccer highlights/visiting the endless ethnic neighborhoods in LA/or overanalyzing an artwork at a museum with friends and phenomenal co-residents.

ANDREW RONEY  |  PGY-3
Categorical

University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Hi! My name is Andrew. I grew up in central Illinois in small rural community. I then moved to Boston to pursue my undergraduate studies at Harvard University. After school I spent two years in New York City. Having lived in the Midwest and the East Coast I had hoped to trial the West Coast and was fortunate enough to gain acceptance to UCLA for medical school. For residency, I was looking for a strong academic program, a diverse patient population to care for, and talented faculty to learn from. Additionally, I wanted to be a part of a culture of residents and faculty that are supportive and truly love medicine. UCLA is full of residents and attending physicians who are passionate about learning, and being nerds about medicine, but are also relaxed, easy going and supportive. For me, the rigorous but intrinsically motivated culture of learning is why I feel so fortunate to have matched at UCLA. I am confident that I will receive world class training and enjoy the ride along the way. In LA, my wife and I love taking our two dogs on hikes around Laurel Canyon. I look forward to meeting you and showing you a few of my favorite hiking spots.

IVIE (QUEEN) EGIEBOR  |  PGY-3
IM-PM

University of California Riverside School of Medicine

Hello! I'm a first-generation Nigerian American, born and raised in the Inland Empire. My academic journey includes earning a Doctorate in Public Health with a focus on health policy and leadership from Loma Linda University, and completing my medical education at the University of California, Riverside. My passions lie at the intersection of medicine and public health, resulting in my interest in the combined Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine program at UCLA. As a physician, I aim to leverage my expertise in public health to deliver preventive and holistic care, improve health equity, and build healthy communities at the state and national level. I chose UCLA for its diverse training opportunities, access to exceptional mentors, and its environment of excellence where I can grow both personally and professionally. I'm particularly interested in collaborating with the UCLA Health Sickle Cell Disease Program to address healthcare disparities that disproportionately impact patients with Sickle Cell Disease. As an Internist, I aspire to leverage my research expertise to advance the understanding and management of health conditions that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, such as Sickle Cell Disease. Outside of medicine, I find joy in singing with my church choir, cherishing moments with loved ones, and exploring new restaurants. Feel free to ask me any questions!

QICONG SHENG  |  PGY-3
Categorical - Couples Match

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Hi! My name is Qicong and I was born and raised in Hangzhou, a city in southeastern China. I came to the US when I was 16, finished high school in Virginia, and went to Northwestern University in Illinois for undergrad. I then moved to Baltimore for medical school at Johns Hopkins, where I met Emma. Having lived in many parts of the US, I have always wanted to try out the West Coast. During our couples match process, Emma and I were looking for a program with robust training and a supportive culture in a city where we would thrive. After our interviews, UCLA became the obvious choice. Serving diverse patient populations across UCLA’s different training sites, I know this program will prepare me well to become a clinically competent internal medicine physician. I plan to pursue a fellowship in cardiology, and the ample scholarly opportunities and strong mentorship here give me confidence in my preparation for the fellowship. It doesn’t hurt that within our work environment here, everyone is so happy, perhaps because the beach is just a 15-minute drive away after a day at work. In our spare time, Emma and I have been enjoying the beautiful nature in and near LA, and the city’s amazing food options. As first-timers in LA, Emma and I feel this was the right move. One of our favorite memories during the residency interview trail was hearing Dr. Skinner’s own couples match story to LA and having never left since - perhaps we will do the same!

EMMA ZENG  |  PGY-3
Categorical - Couples Match

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Hey everyone! I grew up In New Jersey before spending 10 years in Baltimore attending Johns Hopkins for both my undergrad and medical school (where I eventually met my partner, Qicong!). Both Qicong and I love traveling and exploring new places, and we were curious to see what life on the west coast might be like. During our interview season, it became clear that UCLA could be that place where we find our new community. As a couple in the match, it was important we found a program that was well-rounded and excelled in multiple areas of clinical and academic medicine to further both of our individual career goals. Above all, with UCLA’s wonderfully supportive and encouraging culture, along with its location in a fun and vibrant city, it has truly exceeded our expectations for the perfect balance of quality of work and of life. In the hospital, you’ll see me practicing my teaching skills and trying as many electives as possible to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Outside the hospital, you can find me enjoying LA’s incredible EDM scene, eating my way through Sawtelle, and spending time in the city’s breathtaking nature. Qicong and I are looking forward to exploring all that LA has to offer during our aligned +1 weekends and vacations!