Rheumatology

Fellows

STAR Fellows

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Ashkan F. Ara, MD, MPH

Seventh-Year STAR Fellow

(Rheumatology + PhD in Health Policy and Management/Pharmacoeconomics)

Education:

Medical School: Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Internal Medicine Residency: University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA

About Me:

I often joke that I wear many hats—doctor, researcher, triathlete, Kamado grill master—but the ones I'm most proud of are "world's luckiest husband" and “world’s happiest brand-new dad" (if we're not counting my two fluffy fur babies). Hailing from Iran, I hit the jackpot by landing in Los Angeles—the ultimate home away from home for Iranians :)

When I'm not diving into the intricate world of medicine and research, you'll find me cherishing moments with my family, firing up my Kamado grill (because, let's be real, everything tastes better grilled), prepping for my next triathlon, or falling down the Twitter (X?!) rabbit hole!

Professionally, my heart beats for a medley of passions: neuro-rheumatology, machine learning, decision science, pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacoequity.

Why UCLA?

UCLA beckoned me with its unique career development offered through the STAR program. But that's not all; UCLA Rheumatology provides the ultimate training ground with a diverse program and an exceptional case mix across four distinct settings. Top it off with nationally-recognized mentors, and you've got a winning combo.

Plus, let's not overlook the irresistible perks that come with proximity to UCLA's main campus, the unbeatable SoCal weather, and, of course, the local gem affectionately known as "Tehrangeles" or "Persian Square." I mean, what's not to love?

IGNITE-MSCR Fellows

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Alana Haussman, MD

Third-Year IGNITE-MSCR Fellow

Education:

Medical School: California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA
Internal Medicine Residency: University of Colorado, Denver, CO

About Me:

My name is Alana and I grew up in Napa, California. I stayed in Northern California at Berkeley for undergrad followed by California Northstate for med school and explored the mountains surrounding Denver at the University of Colorado for residency. I now live in Santa Monica with my husband and our stunning dog. I love to play tennis, ski, see live music, and eat great food.

Why UCLA?

I chose UCLA because of the warmth of the faculty, and opportunities for mentorship. I also considered the excellent clinical training via diversity of training sites, specialty care clinics, dedicated didactics, and high patient volumes. It didn’t hurt that this fellowship exists in city with endless activities, incredible food, and near-perfect weather.

Clinical/Research Interests:

I have a specific interest in the intersection between rheumatology and pulmonary medicine and am excited about clinic research. At UCLA I already have an amazing mentor who is helping me lay the groundwork for a research career in this area.

David kellner smiling while wearing a suit with dark hair and glasses.

David Kellner, MD

Third-Year IGNITE-MSCR Fellow

Education:

Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angles, CA
Internal Medicine Residency: University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angles, CA

About Me:

I am originally from Charleston, SC but moved to Manhattan for middle/high school (quite a change), then finally came out to California for medical school and haven't left. I majored in ecology and evolutionary biology in college, and worked in a genetics lab in NYC for two years before medical school.

Why UCLA?

I went here for medical school and residency, and am now staying for fellowship, so clearly there's something I like about this place! It's really the people - there's a wonderful culture of collegiality and support here. For the fellowship program in particular, I love the variety of clinical experiences we get by going to Reagan, Santa Monica, the VA, and Harbor.

Clinical/Research Interests:

Medical education, MSK ultrasound, still open to all specialties within rheumatology

Hobbies:

I love to run, hike in the Sierras, and travel/read/relax when I have time!

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Malika Ibrahim, MBBS, MRCP

Second-Year IGNITE-MSCR Fellow

Education:

Medical School: University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Sudan
Postgraduate Training: North West of England School, UK
Internal Medicine Residency: Howard University, Washington, D.C.

About Me:

I grew up in Saudi Arabia, and went to Medical school in Sudan. Prior to my residency training in Washington DC. I had completed residency training in the United Kingdom where I initially discovered my interest and passion for Rheumatology and its complex disease spectrums. Living in four different continents over the last several years has given me an appreciation of the diversity within medical training and clinical practice, and grew my love for travel and discovering new places! My husband and I live in West LA, with our sweet 11-month-old son.

Why UCLA?

UCLA's diversity within its campus and individual programs represents a place where I can nurture my curiosity and hone my skills in an inclusive and warm environment. What also drew me to this program is the great amount of mentorship within the Rheumatology department, with access to a diverse patient populations and pathology within several different clinical sites and locations.

Clinical/Research Interests:

I am interested in CTDs including Lupus and Scleroderma, as well as MSK Ultrasound and Medical Education.

Hobbies:

Traveling, enjoying new recipes, and spending time with family!

Second Year Fellows

Jenice Cheah, MD

Education:

Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Internal Medicine Residency: University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

About Me:

I was born in Malaysia but moved to the Bay Area in California during middle school. I pursued my undergraduate studies at UC Davis where I became involved with a Filipino clinic dedicated to serving World War II veterans and that catapulted my interest in medicine.

I went on to earn my medical degree from Johns Hopkins University, where I discovered my love for rheumatology as a MS2. Though I greatly enjoyed my time in Baltimore, I ultimately wanted to return closer to home. I came to UCLA for residency, where I found not only outstanding training but also a supportive and inspiring community. I'm grateful to have stayed on and continue my journey in rheumatology here.

Why UCLA?

During residency at UCLA, I got to know the faculty and fellows and was struck by the quality of teaching and the supportive culture. The faculty consistently made time to teach and mentor, and I felt genuinely welcomed as part of the community.

I love that the fellowship includes rotations at multiple sites and offers exposure to a wide range of disease. The mix of amazing generalists and subspecialty experts makes for a strong and well-rounded training. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that the sun is always shining in LA. Staying for fellowship was an easy decision!

Clinical/Research Interests:

General rheumatology, medical education.

Hobbies:

Cooking, finding delicious matcha in LA, karaoke in KTown, pilates, traveling and enjoying the coastal cities in CA, spending time with my family, friends, and co-fellows.

Emily He, MD

Education:

Medical School: Rush University Medical College, Chicago, IL
Internal Medicine Residency: Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA

About Me:

I grew up in Cerritos, CA and always had a close bond with my grandparents. During college, I watched my grandparents struggle to navigate the healthcare system, facing barriers in language and access—an experience that galvanized my commitment to pursue medicine and provide compassionate, equitable care to all patients. During medical school in Chicago, I deepened my passion for addressing healthcare disparities. In residency, I met mentors who shaped my path and supported my dream of becoming a Rheumatologist. My experiences, family, and mentors—whose wisdom and kindness have left a lasting impact on me—inspires the empathy and dedication I aim to bring to all of my patients.

Why UCLA?

I was drawn to UCLA by its esteemed faculty, diverse patient population, comprehensive clinical training, and—most importantly—the sense of collegiality that continues to make this program a special place for me. I feel privileged and grateful to learn from our faculty. I have become dear friends with my co-fellows and sharing this journey with them has made this experience deeply rewarding.

Clinical/Research Interests:

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, General Rheumatology, Healthcare Disparities

Hobbies:

I enjoy spending time with loved ones, trying new foods at local restaurants, exploring different coffee shops, roaming the farmers market, and checking out nearby golf driving ranges. Desserts and sweet treats are my weakness! I love to explore all the nooks of LA: from the hikes, local beaches, and various museums.

Byung Ji, MD

Education:

Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Internal Medicine Residency: University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

About Me:

I was born in South Korea, but I spent most of my childhood in Baltimore County, Maryland. I went to college in Houston, Texas and spent three years in the area as a high school science teacher and varsity soccer coach. I was fortunate to attend medical school also in Houston because it allowed me to stay close to my former students and attend their high school graduations. I now live in Santa Monica with my wife and our two goofy dogs.

Why UCLA?

I was initially drawn to UCLA by the breadth of clinical settings and diversity of training opportunities. During my interview day, I quickly picked up on the warmth and camaraderie among the faculty and the fellows. It has been a huge privilege to work with and to be mentored by the department’s attendings, many of whom are renowned experts in their respective specialties. My co-fellows have all been such wonderful colleagues and friends. The warmth of the people (and the weather) reaffirms my decision to train at UCLA on a daily basis!

Clinical/Research Interests:

Medical education, general rheumatology, cardiovascular health and outcomes in RA/SLE.

Hobbies:

Coffee, cooking, watching/playing soccer, building computers.

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Joel Wright, MBBS

Education:

Medical School: University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mona, Jamaica
Postgraduate Training: University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mona, Jamaica
Chief Residency: Hackensack University Medical Center/Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood, NJ

About Me:

I was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica, where I completed medical school and worked clinically for a few years before moving to the US to pursue residency and fellowship. I have wanted to be a rheumatologist since my teenage years after being captivated by a television documentary detailing a case of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. This passion was further enabled by working in Jamaica, which faces a high prevalence and mortality of autoimmune diseases. I am ecstatic to have this decade-long dream of being a rheumatologist fulfilled, that I may someday be a part of the workforce back home educating on, diagnosing, and treating rheumatologic disorders.

Why UCLA?

Recognizing that rheumatologic disorders are rare, I wanted to be trained at a large institution that would keep me busy with a high volume of complex patients of varying demographics. I wanted to be in a program possessing a large faculty with varying areas of subspecialty expertise. Honing research skills and having the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research are also crucial to me. UCLA fulfilled all of the above criteria and more! Without exaggeration, I am genuinely invigorated daily by the fervor of those around me for teaching, acquiring knowledge, and doing their best by the patient to answer difficult clinical questions.

Clinical/Research Interests:

I am fascinated by neurologic and dermatologic manifestations of rheumatic diseases. I have a particular interest in understanding the inflammatory myopathies.

Hobbies:

I enjoy laughing and making others laugh. Music is dear to my heart; I play the cello and saxophone in my spare time, and I love to watch orchestras play my favorite pieces live. Nature is my sanctuary; I often go for a run, hike, or simply relax by the beach.

First Year Fellows

Janelle Castellino, MD

Education:

Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV
Internal Medicine Residency: Rush University, Chicago, IL

About Me:

I’m originally from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area in Pennsylvania. I earned my PharmD in Ohio, went to medical school in Las Vegas, and completed residency in Chicago. I’ve always loved animals and currently have three dogs—Cooper, Ollie, and Milo—who keep life entertaining. During medical school, I visited Los Angeles often and knew it was where I wanted to be. My husband Craig and I are so happy to be here now! I love being outside year-round—running, hiking, paddleboarding, or just hanging out at the beach with the dogs!

Why UCLA?

I was looking for a program that would push me to grow clinically while also being a place where I’d feel supported. UCLA stood out as a rigorous training environment with incredible clinical and academic opportunities, but what really drew me in was how genuinely kind and welcoming everyone was. It felt like the kind of place where I could learn a lot and enjoy the journey along the way.

Clinical/Research Interests:

So far I’ve been drawn to the overlap with pulmonary and cardiac involvement. I’ve really enjoyed working on research in ILD related to sarcoidosis and vasculitis. I also love teaching and hope to stay involved in medical education and mentorship throughout my career.

Hobbies:

I love being outside—running, hiking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing at the beach. I’ve run a handful of marathons and hope to do the LA or Big Bear Marathon one day (still trying to convince my husband to do another one with me!). I also enjoy traveling and exploring new food spots around the city.

Anna Diep, MD

Education:

Medical School: University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
Internal Medicine Residency: St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach, CA

About Me:

I was born in the city of San Gabriel, home of the best Asian food you'll find on the west coast. I guess I loved my Southern California roots so much because I never ended up leaving. Instead, I hopped around different cities including Los Angeles, Irvine, and Long Beach.

Why UCLA?

UCLA's rheumatology program has the best balance between clinical training and research experience. I instantly felt welcomed by the warm personalities I met on interview day. I am confident that after my training, I will emerge as a strong, well-equipped clinician who can practice in any setting.

Clinical/Research Interests:

I am particularly interested in the utilization of ultrasound to diagnose different rheumatology conditions.

Hobbies:

On the weekends, you'll find me exploring new restaurants/cafes, baking desserts, reading on my Kindle, and taking leisurely strolls with my golden-doodle.

Diana Tran, MD

Education:

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
Internal Medicine Residency: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

About Me:

I was born and raised in southern California and thrive in the sunshine. On a cold and rainy day, you can find me sourcing my heat from a bowl of hot and spicy noodles.

Why UCLA?

Top notch clinical training for both general and subspecialty rheumatology and a robust POCUS curriculum.

Clinical/Research Interests:

Transitional care in rheumatology, general rheumatology.

Hobbies:

Trying out new activities (recipes, workouts, crafts), board games, reading.

Divya Vundamati, MD

Education:

Medical School: University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
Internal Medicine Residency: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

About Me:

I grew up in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota and moved to Kansas City for undergrad/medical school. I then completed my residency in Madison, WI where I especially enjoyed caring for patients with rheumatic diseases. Having lived in the Midwest my whole life, I’m excited for the opportunity to experience life on the West Coast and explore all that Los Angeles has to offer. I also have extended family in Southern India, whom I cherish visiting each year.

Why UCLA?

The faculty and fellows were incredibly warm and welcoming during my interview day which stood out to me during interview season. The program's multiple training sites, specialty clinics, and diverse patient population provide excellent opportunities for comprehensive clinical training.

Clinical/Research Interests:

I am interested in Lupus, dermatologic manifestations of rheumatic disease, and medical education.

Hobbies:

Travelling, reading, and spending time outdoors!

Anna Way, MD

Education:

Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Internal Medicine Residency: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO

About Me:

I am originally from metro Detroit. I fell in love with New Orleans during a service trip and chose to attend Tulane University for undergrad and medical school. After earning my undergraduate degree, I worked in a lab at Wayne State and then volunteered with Americorps in Chicago. That is where I met my amazing husband, Justin. We have since explored New Orleans and Denver together. We are now excited to be moving to Justin’s home time of Los Angelos with our beautiful cat, Boba.

Why UCLA?

The vibes! I loved my interview day at UCLA and felt like the faculty was incredibly welcoming. As someone with many interests in rheumatology, I feel like this program gives me so much space to explore. The variety of clinical settings provides exposure to a wide range of disease presentations and diverse patient populations. The weather, food, proximity to the beach and having family nearby are great additional benefits to living in LA.

Clinical/Research interests:

I find many areas of rheumatology fascinating! I am especially interested in the intersection of rheumatology with health equity, women’s health, and geriatrics. I have previously participated in spondylarthritis and IBD research. I cannot wait to explore all the clinical and educational opportunities at UCLA.

Hobbies:

Cooking and trying new restaurants, live music, animals (mostly my cat Boba and my in-laws’ dog Matcha), reality tv (bravo!), Pilates, hiking, and travel.